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Note: According to Settlers of the Beekman Patent, Dutchess County, New York by Frank J.Doherty, Andrew Diver is listed as having 19 1/2 bushels of wheat on store on account for farm rents as of Jan. 3, 1772. Also listed is Martin Overocker, brother to Andrew's wife, Eve. Beekman Patent was one of the oldest patents. It was on the east side of the Hudson River south of Poughkeepsie and to the east of Fishkill and Hopewell. It covered an area from the ocean to New Jersey and north to about Kingston. According to land conveyances, Andrew lived or had property at Lot #7, at the Deep Hill. The 1790 census has Andrew Dever in Pittstown, Albany County. Pittstown has a population of 2,447. The listing shows two males over 16 years, four males under 16 and five females. In the same town is Michael Overacker, Jacob Doty and Peter Doty. (Peter Doty married Catherine Overacker, sister to Andrew's wife, Eve) All three families migrated to Michigan in the early 1800's. Also in Pittstown is a Jacob Stovar ( Stover being the family name of Michael Overacker's wife). Andrew appears in the census in 1800 in the town of Schaghticoke, New York. He is listed as being 45 years or older with a female 45 years or older, probably his wife. It also lists 2 males 16-26 years (1774-1784), 1 female 16-26 years (1774-1784) and 2 slaves. "Slavery was not outlawed in New York State until 1827. This indicates he had considerable property, and indeed was listed on a voter list for Lt. governor of the state in 1795- a further indication of property, as one had to own a certain amount to vote." from Christina Kelly, Historian Town of Schaghticoke.
Also in the same town are Michael and John Diver. I believe these are his sons, due to the difference in ages. These three are the only Divers( spelling of DIVER) in the entire state of New York. ( All other possible spellings were checked ) The 1790 census shows a Daniel and a John Diver both in Blandford, Mass. Both might be brothers to Andrew, nothing has been found to prove or disprove. According to Howard Frayer of Adrian family story has it that there were three brothers, one was a Tory, one was a Presbyterian minister and one was a cripple and could not fight in the revolution. He also has a slip of paper dated 9th June 1790 at Lansingburgh that reads: We the (unk word) having been acquainted with Andrew Diver for many years, and do recommend him as a person, who, during the late contest of Great Britain with her colonies, was a stauch friend to Government and afforded every assistance in his power to others who were so, and that during said contest had suffered several months imprisonment to his grat detrement, and loss. To whom it may concern fB Jacob Lansingh Cornelis Lansingh Jacob * Lansingy (difficult to make out)
(Lansingburgh was just north of Troy in Rensselaer County, NY) Howard also has papers that mention a Michael Diver and John and Mary Diver that predated the John Diver we knew of (born in Monroe). Since all three of those names appear in the same town at the same time and papers with those names are in the family today I have assumed the relationships considering age. To date I have no proof. Andrew Diver died July 5, 1809 and is buried in the Lutheran Church Cemetery, Melrose, NY. In 1810 census the town of Schaghticoke has an A. Diver 26-45 years (born 1765-1784) with 2 males under 10 and 1 female 26-45 (presume to be wife).There is also a D.Diver 26-45 years (born 1765-1784) with 2 males under 10, 1 male 16-26 and 1 female 26-45 years (presume to be wife). Due to the ages and the fact that both Michael and John did not have males old enough to be their sons I assume that A. & D. are sons of Andrew (born before 1755). A Catren Diver marries William Wolf Feb. 1, 1801 in the Dutch Reformed Church in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, New York. Only Andrew would have had a daughter old enough to be married in 1801. It is unknown where or exactly when Andrew was born. According to the inscription on his tombstone giving 75 yrs at time of death, he was born appx. 1734-1735. Believe the children of Andrew to be; John born 1760-1770 unk. location pos. Beekman Patent, Dutchess Co.NY Michael born Abt. 1766 unk. location pos. Beekman Patent, Dutchess Co.NY A.(Andrew?) born 1771 unk. location pos. Beekman Patent, Dutchess Co.NY D.(Daniel?) born Abt. 1771 unk. location pos. Beekman Patent, Dutchess Co.NY Catren born 1774-1784 unk. location pos. Beekman Patent, Dutchess Co.NY Elizabeth (?) named as heir in settlement of estate with husband Samuel Lawrence (pos daughter or grand-daughter? perhaps Michael's eldest daughter?)
Eve Overacker was the daughter of Michael Overacker and Anna Barbara Stover, daughter of Jacob and Eve Stover. She was christened in the Lutheran Church, NY-NY-NY Oct. 10, 1746. (Parents listed as Hans Michel Overacker and Anna Barbara) Michael Overacker was at Beekman Patent, Dutchess County, NY 1753-1770. It is probable that Andrew and Eve were married there and children born there also. Andrew and wife, Eve listed: Indenture of release dated 1 Dec. 1774, between Daniel VanAntwerp, Michael Overacker and Andrew Diver become seized of Lot #7, and neglected _____ e, called The Deep Hill Lot. Divided part of Lot #7 and neglected to ___ase each other... Two pieces part of Lot #7, 590 acres and 41 3/4 acres. (Beekman Patent) Deed conveyance dated 5 May 1792: Andrew listed as of Pittstown, Eve his wife. Note from Betty Fink ref: above deed conveyance; Andrew Diver and Michael Overacker , his father-in-law, owned land jointly in Schaghticoke-the deed was filed in Michael Overacker's name only. I am supposing, now, that the reason that they did not file documents with the deeds clerk was because Andrew could not have his name on property because of his Tory status. When Michael Overacker died, they still had not conveyed Andrew's share of the property to Andrew, and in settlement of Michael's estate, the jointly owned land was seized by the estate. Conclusions; It appears that Andrew Diver (Dever) may be of German (Palatine) descent. The area of Dutchess and Rensselaer counties in New York was settled early by Dutch and German people.
Two IGI entries are as follows: John Dyver christened 12 March 1775 at New Paltz, Ulster County, NY Father Daniel Dyver, Mother Margrieta Snies (Nies)
Daniel Dever born about 1744 of Reading, Hunterdon County, NJ Father Hendrick Dever, Mother Catherine
From Lin Van Buren veeb@globalnet.co.uk New York State Militia Colonel DeLancey Troop (New York City ? not sure) Pos Ulster county Captain Seely's Company, Enlistments/Muster Roll 1 May 1758 Andrew Diver, age 20, laborer "The where born column is left blank, but many on this list were born in England or Ireland." Note: Possibly this DeLancey is the same as Oliver DeLancey who raised and financed Loyalist troops in the New York City area during the Revolution. It is unknown at this time if there is any connection. From Betty Fink of Schenectady, NY Andrew was the second wealthiest man in Schaghticoke. Andrew is buried with his wife Eve in The Lutheran Church Cemetery at Melrose, Schaghticoke, Rensselaer Co., NY. The gravestones read; Andrew, In memory of Andrew Diver who died July 5, 1809 in the 75th year of his age, Eve, In memory of Eve consort of Andrew Diver who died Nov. 29, 1809 in the 65th yr. of her age. Other Diver graves in the same cemetery are; Michael, In memory of Michael Diver who died Mar. 29, 1813 In the 17th yr. of his age (believe it should be 47) Alexander A. son of Daniel and Abigall Diver died July 23, 1823 ae 3 yr. 1 mo. 4 da. Andrew, In memory of Andrew son of Daniel and Abigall Diver who was unfortunately killed Mar. 5, 1825 in the 25 th yr. of his age Clo--ma, dau of Daniel & Abigall Diver died April 30, 1811, ae ? mo.8 da. Daniel, In memory of Daniel 3rd son of Daniel & Abigall Diver who died Sept. 10, 1819 ae 9 weeks, 1 day Catren (Diver) and his band William Wolfe also buried in Melrose, per Betty Fink Betty Fink believes Daniel to be a son of Andrew and Eve Diver She states she is fairly certain that this branch of the family migrated along with the Overacker and Doty Failes about 1800 (to MI) Andrew and wife, Eve ( Lavist ) are named in deed conveyances for property in settlement of her father's estate, Michael Overacker. IGI entry shows Eva Overacker christened Oct. 10, 1746 in the Lutheran Church, NY-NY-NY. Lists father as Hans Michel Overacker, mother as Anna Barbara. Settlers of the Beekman Patent shows Andrew Diver there in 1772. ( Dutchess County, NY ) Source: Rensselaer County Surrogate Court. Wills, Letters of Administration. Roll # 216, Estate #13 Andrew Diver, Estate #14 Eve Diver Andrew Diver died intestate. Mentioned in the papers were Eve, his wife; William Wolfe and Catherine, his wife and Martin Overocker and Hannah his wife. Administrators: James Brookings (?) Martin Overocker and Jacob Yates. Roll #216, Estate #14, Eve Diver died intestate, with the same names and administrators. Source: Rensselaer County County Clerk. Deeds Book 5, page 345 This indenture made the 18th of January 1810 between Michael Diver, Daniel Diver, Andrew Diver, Martin Overocker and Hannah his wife, William Wolfe and Catherine his wife in the Town of Schaghticoke and Samuel Lawrence and Elizabeth his wife, and John Diver of Little York in the Province of Upper Canada..All heirs to the real estate of Andrew Diver, deceased. Book 5, page 349 This indenture made on the 18th day of January of 1810 between Michael Diver, Daniel Diver, Andrew Diver, Martin Overocker and Hannah his wife, William Wolf and Catherine his wife of the Town of Schaghticoke, John Diver of Little York in the Providence of Upper Canada, all heirs of the estate of Andrew Diver. Book 5, page 351 This indenture made on the 18th day of January of 1810 between Michael Diver, Daniel Diver, Andrew Diver, Maritn Overocker and Hannah is wife of Schaghticoke and John Diver, Samuel Lawrence and Elizabeth his wife of the Town of Little York, Province of Upper Canada, all heirs. Book 6 page 144 Mar 1, 1810 Between Michael Diver, Daniel Diver, Andrew Diver, William Wolf and Catherine his wife of Schaghticoke and John Diver, Samuel Lawrence and Elizabeth his wife of Upper Canada of the first part, and Martin Overocker and Hannah his wife of Schaghticoke of the second part. Transfers lands to Martin and Hannah. These deed conveyances were done in settlement of the estate of Andrew Diver. (Note the Province of Upper Canada circa 1810 is present day south-western Ontario. Possibly the "Upper" refereed to up the lakes?) From Christina Kelly, Historian Town of Schaghticoke: You wrote me about Divers. This area was FULL of Divers. I will send you Xeroxes of the obits of the most prominent recent Divers- who left money to found the public library, now Diver Library, in the village of Schaghticoke.(This turned out to be an Alexander Diver unknown relation at this time, probably a descendant). Apropos of that- the village of Schaghticoke is an incorporated village in the town of Schaghticoke. There is also a village historian, Richard Lohnes, Schaghticoke, N Y 12154, who may have information for you. The Lutheran Cemetery is in the section of town known as Melrose. It was begun about 1775 by immigrants who had come from the Palatine section of what is now Germany. The Overockers were part of that group, though I think they came from Holland. There is an absence of church records in town- except for the Dutch Reformed records and the Lutheran records after 1829. There are many Divers listed in the Lutheran Church and many buried in the Elmwood Cemetery- the major garden cemetery in town- begun in 1863 but with some older stones moved there. I don't have the records to tell which Divers were sons of which. In the 1800 census, there were Andrew- with 2 males from 17-26 yrs. old and 1 male 45 and up, and 1 female 17-26 and 1 female over 45; John with 1 male under 10, one 27-44 and 2 females under 10, 1 27-44; and Michael with 2 males under 10 1 27-44 and 2 females under 10, one 10-16, and 1 27-44. Oh, Andrew also had 2 slaves. Slavery wasn't outlawed in N.Y.S. until 1827. This indicates he had considerable property, and indeed was listed on a voter list for Lt. governor of the state in 1795- a further indication of property, as one had to own a certain amount to vote. Michael's 1813 will was probated in Rensselaer county- his executors included his wife Eve and Martin Overocker, and the extract also lists his eldest daughter Elizabeth. Except for sending you lists of all the Divers in the Elmwood Cemetery and the Lutheran church- that's all I have.
1790 United States Federal Census Name: Andrew Dever [Andrew Devey] Home in 1790 (City, County, State): Pitts Town, Albany, New York Free White Persons - Males - Under 16: 1 Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 3 Free White Persons - Females: 5 Number of Household Members: 9
1800 United States Federal Census
Name: Andrew Diver Home in 1800 (City, County, State): Scaghticoke, Rensselaer, New York Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2 Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1 Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1 Number of Slaves: 2 Number of Household Members Over 25: 2 Number of Household Members: 7
Source: NY State Library, DAR Cemetery, Church and Town Records, page 92 Burials at Elmwood Cemetery, Schaghticoke, NY Diver Monument: H.K. Diver born May 21, 1807 died Aug. 29, 1873 Mary Ann, wife of H.K. Diver died Mar 1, 1846 ae 40 yrs, 6 days Jennett, wife of H.K. Diver born May 29, 1813 (no date of death?) Daniel Diver died Apr 4. 1831 in his 60th year Abigail, wife of Daniel Diver died Apr 7, 1867 ae 77 yrs, 6 mos. Diver, Daniel P). son of H.K. & Mary Diver died Feb 7, 1835 ae 9 mos, 14 days Page 118: Bratt - Kewley monument: Sameul Bratt 1816-1893 Betsy Diver, his wife 1821-1894 Hester M. their daughter 1840-1846 Page 129: Diver monument: Jacob A. Diver born Nov 29, 1831 died June 23, 1878 Lorrain De. wife of Jacob A. Diver born Sept 24, 1835 died Jan 16, 1874 Lorrain June 16, 1860 - Nov 15, 1884 Page 142: Diver monument: Andrew Diver 1771-1847 Hannah Avery, his wife 1787-1876 Stephen C. Diver 1826-1896 Caroline Pecock, his wife 1841-1882 Same book next page after final Elmwood Cemetery page, Burial ground next to Elmwood Cemetery Diver Norman S., son of Rensselaer and Anna Diver died Apr 4, 1853 ae= 7 mo, 14 da Caroline, dau of Rensselaer and Anna Diver d. June 12, 1845 a= e 1yr,6mos, 9 da Rensselaer Diver no dates = ADDITIONAL FROM JIM OVERACKER Elizabeth Diver (died?) Feb 9, 1890 79 Y Husband Jacob Sipperley Emily J. Diver (died?) Jan 3, 1897 67y Husband Benjamin R. Welling Ida Diver 1862 - 1938 William L. Diver June 30, 1858 - Mar 14, 1911 Additional notes 4/8/97 Patrons of Modernization: The Economic Elite Of Rensselaer County, New York 1800-1860 Richard Joseph Miller Jr. '86 A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree with honors in American Studies Williams College, Williamstown, MA, Spring 1986 Title page and pages, 47, 172, 176 provided by Betty Fink page 47
fifteen most affluent individuals in the details of their backgrounds, occupations and wealth. (See Table 2:2.) Jacob and Matthias Vanderhyden and Levinus Lansing were men of established Dutch landed families who cultivated their land until its value as settlement property was realized. The major portion of their wealth and influence derives from their roles as
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TABLE 2:2 Fifteen Wealthiest Men in Rensselaer County in 1800
Name Town RE PE Occupation
Jacob D. Vanderhyden Troy $21,120 $5,227 Farmer Levinus Lansing Troy 16,730 1,521 Farmer Jonathan Hoag Schodack 16,244 1,175 Merchant Daniel Cummins Greenbush 16,550 388 Farmer John J.Van Hagen Greenbush 13,980 670 Farmer Derick & Aaron Lane Troy 11,100 2,504 Merchants John J. Van Schaick Greenbush 12,805 344 Farmer George Tibbits Troy 8,310 4,765 Merchant ANDREW DIVER Schaghticoke 10,786 205 Farmer John Van Rensselaer Greenbush 8,750 2,106 Farmer Garret Staats Schodack 9,540 737 Farmer Matthias Vanderhyden Troy 10,000 110 Farmer Thomas Mather Troy 10,000 60 Craftsman Henry Cuyler Greenbush 5,400 4,390 Farmer Stephen Schuyler Troy 9,110 646 Farmer
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Patriarchs of the communities of Troy and Lansingburgh, respectively. Jonathan Hoag, however, was a merchant who had moved to Nassau Village in the town of Schodack in 1786 and opened a store in partnership with Moses Vail to supply the isolated farmers with needed ( end page )
page 172 Name Real Estate Personal Estate Douglas, Samuel 4,760 983 Eddy, Gilbert 4,100 718 Goes, Peter D. 4,300 420 Hewit, Elijah 3,851 222 Lanson, Thomas & Lebbes 4,200 254 Newcomb, Daniel 4,400 1,452 Nuchamb, Jeames 4,667 723 Potter, Amos 3,878 329 Pendergast, William 5,125 488 Sherman, Caleb 4,066 438 Slitt, Jeames 4,600 140 Snider, John 6,000 1,536 Snider, Chistopher 3,660 460 Thompson, Alexander 3,250 1,160 Vandercook, Simon 7,865 346 Van Name, William 4,862 159 Van Woert, John 3,260 945 Vule, Abraham C. 3,913 164
Schaghticoke
Brookins, James 5,147 166 DIVER, ANDREW 10,786 205 Fort, John J. 3,900 545 Knickerbacker, John Jun. 5,750 1,406 Lansingh, Jacob A. 5,620 732 Masters, Josiah 4,381 327 Overocker, Jacob 5,110 230 Van Derburgh, Winant 5,932 609 Van Vechten, John 4,704 557 Yates, Peter 4,700 1,096
Schodack
Beckman, Mrs. Hendricke 6,287 1,794 Brockway, Nathaniel 5,014 333 Goes, George 7,825 65 Hitchcock, Thomas 5,295 428 Hoag, Jonathan 16,244 1,175 Lansingh, John E. 5,006 1,199 Lansingh, Obadiah 4,550 732 McKnown, James 6,012 2,620 Schermerhorn, Cornelius 4,597 548 Schermerhorn, Daniel 4,385 657 Schermerhorn, Jacob C. 6,630 451 Staats, Garret 9,540 737 Staats, Joachim 8,610 963 Strong, John 4,115 130 Ten Eyck, Anthony 3,890 1,448 Van Buren, Moses 3,892 635
page 176
Name RE/PE Slaves
Goes, Peter D. $4300/420 4 Hewit, Elijah 3851/222 - Lanson, T. & L 4200/254 - Newcomb, Daniel 440/1452 6 Nuchamb, Jaemes 4667/723 1 Potter, Amos 3878/329 - Pendergast, William 5125/488 - Sherman, Caleb 4066/438 - Slitt, Jaemes 4600/140 - Snider, John 6000/1536 5 Snider, Christopher 3660/460 2 Thompson, Alexander 3250/1160 - Vandercook, Simon 7865/346 5 Van Name, William 4862/159 - Van Woert, John 3260/945 1 Vile, Abraham C. 3913/164 -
SCHAGHTICOKE
Brookins, James 5147/166 - DIVER, ANDREW 10,786/205 - Fort, John J. 3900/545 5 Knickerbacker, John 5750/1406 10 Lansingh, Jacob A. 5620/732 - Masters, Josiah 4381/327 1 Overocker, Jacob 5110/230 - Van Derburgh, W. 5932/609 1 Van Vechten, John 4704/557 8 Yates, Peter 4700/1096 7
SCHODACK
Beckman, Mrs. H. 6287/1794 14 Brockway, N. 5014/333 - Goes, George 7825/65 - Hitchcock, T. 5295/438 4 Hoag, Jonathan 16,244/1175 1 Lansingh, John 5006/119 5 Lansingh, Obadiah 4550/732 - McKnown, James 60112/2620 4 Schermerhorn, Cornelius, Jun. 4597/548 6 Schermerhorn, D. 4385/657 8 Schermerhorn, J.C. 6630/451 11 Staats, Garret 9540/737 8 Staats, Joachim 8610/963 5 Strong, John 4115/130 - Ten Eyck, Anthony 3890/1448 4 Van Buren, Moses 3892/635 7
end of page END OF ENTRY 4/8/97
About Rensselaer County
On February 7, 1791, that portion of Albany County east of the Hudson River became Rensselaer County, named in honor of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, the original patron. He himself never came to America yet he established here the feudal system of 17th century Europe, with it's land lease tenures and payment of rents. This system lasted for nearly two hundred years, when it was terminated by the Anti-Rent wars. Troy, the county seat, was incorporated as a city in 1816. It comprised the town of Troy and the old village of Troy within the town. Rensselaer County is bounded on the north by Washington Co., NY; on the east by Bennington Co., VT; on the south by Columbia Co., NY; and on the west by Albany and Saratoga Cos., NY.
A Brief History of the Town of Schaghticoke
In 1668 Lewis Viele was the first person to attempt to settle in Old Schaghticoke. In 1675 King Charles II of Great Britain (Stuart) commissioned Governor Edmund Andros to New York to attempt to make peaceful relations with the warring Indian tribes, in hopes of land being settled and developed. In 1676 the Witenagemot council (Assemblage of the Wise) was called. It consisted of the Board of Indian Commissioners, headed by Governor Andros and his counselors, judges and divines, accompanied by the Militia of the King of England. They assembled near the confluence of the Tomhannac and Hoosic Rivers and planted the Witenagemot Oak. The famous Council Tree of Peace was planted, not only with a view of confirming the link of friendship between Kryn's "Praying Mohawks" of the Caughawag Village in Canada and Soquon's Hoosacs at Schaghticoke Village, but to strengthen the alliance of Fort Albany militia with the River Indian scouts, whose fugitive kindred were scattered throughout New England, New York and New France. It is the only "Vale of Peace" on the continent where the Witenagemot council has ever been assembled for the welfare of the Indians. This council paved the way for the eventual American success at the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolution. The white oak of the Schaghticokes lived until it was uprooted by the 1949 flood of the Hoosick River. Just a few yards from the Witenagemot meeting place was the Schaghticokes' Tawasentha (cemetery). The Mahicans believed in a renewal of life after death and held this burial place in high veneration. Even after the last Mahicans left this area in 1754, Queen Esther, a lineal descendent of Chief Soquon of the Hoosicks, made annual privileges with her warriors and maidens to Schaghticoke from St. Regis to their Vale of Peace. Here they danced by moonlight beneath the Witenagemot Oak and scattered sacrificial tokens in their burial ground west of the 1676 Council tree, said to be the only tree planted in North American for the welfare of the Indians. Due to the peace negotiated at the Council of 1676 this area was able to attract settlers so that in the 100 years interim between the Council and the American Revolution, this area grew in population until it was able to furnish and supply the 14th Regiment, consisting of eight companies and scouts. The regiment was raised by Col. John Knickerbocker. In 1698 a patent was granted to Hendick Van Rensselaer, which rights he sold to Albany in 1699. In 1707 the city of Albany secured from the Indians a tract of land 35 square miles for two blankets, two body coats, twenty-six shirts, two guns, twelve pounds of powder, thirty-six pounds of shot, eight gallons of wine and some gin.
From Settlers of Beekman Patent, Frank Dorerty The Diver family came to Beekman for a short period and then removed to Schaghticoke, Albany County, NY. The first notice we have of the family was when Andrew Diver, age 20, laborer was in a May 1, 1758 muster roll of Captian Ebenezer Seely Jun. Esq. under the command of Colonel DeLancey Esquire. (NYMR94) An Edward Diver, probably a brother, was noted as a deserter prior to June 29, 1761. He was described as aged 25 years, 5-10 tall with a brown complexion. He was of Capt. Gilchrest's Company. Another probable brother was the George Diver who was in several Colonial musters and described as age 25 in 1761 and born in Germany. The rent books have some information on Andries Diver's farm: "2 Oct. 1772. This day gave the above Hezekiah Collins Two new leases. One of them being for that farm formerly leased to John Palmer, lately in the possession of Andries Diver..." Andries Diver paid taxes in Beekman from 1768 through 1772 with an assessment of 2 pounds in June 1770. He left the Beekman area went to Schaghticoke where he was assessed on real property of 300 pounds in March 1779 in Schaghticoke District, Albany Co. He was between Michael Overocker and Jacob Thorn. The Albany Committee of Correspondence, at their meeting held 12 June 1777 resolved that Andries Diver (and a number of other men) were to be sent to the Fleet Prison at Kingston, "there to remain until discharged". On 18 Feb. 1778 the minutes reflect the following, "Andrew Diver who was permitted by the Sheriff of one of the Counties in the State of Connecticut to appear before this Board, appeared accordingly and requested to be admitted to Bail for his behavior. Threfore resolved That the said Andrew Diver be permitted to go at large on his entering into Bond with sufficient Surety for his appearance and future good behavior. Andrew Diver was one of a number of men to sign a petition in favor of David Dick 13 May 1778. Andreas Diver probably married Eva, daughter of Michael and Anna Barbara (Stover) Overacker. Eva was bapt. 20 March 1746 in the Clove. Adreas Diver and wife Eva were So. 15 March 1788 at Coeyman's Patent for a child of Michael Overacker (her brother) and his wife Catherine. They also Sp. 15 Oct. 1788 for a child of John Wolf and his wife Maria at Taconic.
RootsWeb Andrew Diver, the father of Anna, was a Loyalist. After the death of Andrew, Anna was the only one remaining here. The rest were already in Canada according to the deed transfer in settlement of Andrew's estate. I have a copy of that record if you would like a copy of it.
Have a good day Betty Fink
Tag Archives: Diver An Insight into the 18th Century: The Inventories of the Estate of Andrew and Eve Diver 2 Comments Posted by schaghticokehistory on April 12, 2013
Most people in Schaghticoke are familiar with the Diver Library, donated to the village by Alexander and Arvilla Diver around 1940. This post is about the Divers who lived in Schaghticoke about 1800, Andrew and Eve. Eve was born in the 1740’s in Dutchess County, part of a large family which had come to the New World from what is now Germany. Andrew Diver probably immigrated to the area from Great Britain as a young man. Andrew and Eve Overocker married about 1760 in Kingston and moved to the Schaghticoke/Pittstown border area just before the Revolution. Eve’s family moved as well. There are still Overockers in the area. By 1800, Andrew was one of the ten wealthiest men in town, as was Eve’s brother, Jacob Overocker. Andrew’s wealth of over $10,000 was primarily in real estate. He and Eve had seven children. Andrew died without a will in 1809, and Eve died just months later. They are buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at the junction of Melrose-Valley Falls Road and Northline Drive in Melrose. Since they died without wills, the estate of Andrew and Eve had to be inventoried and go through probate. One interesting insight gained in looking at the file is that neither Eve nor her eldest son Michael could write- both signed legal documents with an X. Andrew’s widow, Eve, was named administratrix of the estate, along with her brother Martin Overocker; Jacob Yates, son of the local Revolutionary War Colonel; and James Brookins, himself an officer in the Green Mountain Boys, and now a neighbor. John and Henry Grawberger, Jr., “two competent persons,” acted as appraisers. Settling the estate was certainly complicated by its size and by the death of Eve just a few months later. It was still not settled in September 1813, when Martin Overocker, who now had chief control of the affairs of the estate said he had a “bodily indisposition,” and was too weak to appear before the Surrogate. Apparently the heirs, the surviving children of Andrew and Eve: Andrew and Daniel Diver and Catherine Woolf, were finding that there wasn’t nearly as much cash to inherit as they thought. They charged that the estate administrators had received goods, chattels, and credits of their father in large amounts not accounted for. Martin explained that “A considerable part of the money that the heirs claim has been paid in the management of the estate and that he alone is competent to explain matters to the heirs,” but couldn’t, due to his illness. In other words, the money had been spent to keep the estate going, collect its debts, etc. over the years between Andrew’s death in 1809 and 1813. Two of the more interesting expenses of the administrators were gallons of rum, purchased for when the real estate was being divided, and quite a few trips to Canada, probably to collect money owed to Diver there. Both the 14-page inventory and the many pages listing the disposition of the items on the inventory, as well as a list of the creditors of and the debts due by the estate are included in the probate file, now located in the archives of the Rensselaer County Historical society in Troy. The inventory seems to have been done just as the appraisers walked around the property, the fields, outbuildings, and the house itself, not really organized. The Divers definitely had had a working farm, and Andrew died in the midst of summer, with crops in the field. The first page begins with many farm tools, from an ox chain to a new hand saw and four hay forks, but with “1 sword” in the middle of the list. The second page includes a woolen wheel, listed just before a cabbage knife, then “1 side of upper leather,” In the midst page 8, I found the most valuable item owned by the Divers, “1 Negro Wooman,” listed just after 9 Chairs worth $2.36, and an old ax, worth $.25. She was valued at $200. A second slave, also listed as a “Negro Woman,” was listed on page 5, and worth just $70. This jibes with the 1800 census, which indicates that Andrew Diver had two slaves. Another page of the probate file records the purchase of “a pair of shoes for the black girl” for $1.75 on August 9, 1809, just after Andrew’s death. It could be that the woman valued less was either young and untrained or too old to do much work. Cornelius Lansing bought the higher valued woman from the estate for $115 in February 1810. diver inventory
The inventory really illuminates the farming activity of the Divers. After the slaves, the next most valuable items were the animals and the crops, many still in the fields. Andrew had 6 swine, 1 beef cow, 1 3-year-old bull, 1 2-year-old bull, 1 2-year-old heifer, 1 1-year-old heifer, 3 milch (milk) cows, 44 sheep, 1 gelded horse, 1 young bay mare, 1 old bay mare, and 4 “calfs.” There was no poultry listed, but there were 2 bags of feathers, so I wonder if the chickens, ducks, and geese were not worth counting, or had been removed from the farm. I also wonder if the bulls were used as oxen, as there was lots of equipment for driving oxen and an ox cart listed. There were also several “slays.” The crops included 5 ½ bushels of sowing oats, 6 bushels of sowing buckwheat, half of that in the field, 48 bushels of sowing wheat within the field, and 2 bushels of sowing rye. I assume that these grains listed as within the field needed to be harvested. There were also $40 worth of corn and $7.50 of potatoes in the field, plus 6 stacks of hay in the north field and 2 in the west field. The equipment to manage the animals, and to plant, harvest, and process these products was on the inventory as well. For example, there was a fanning mill to separate wheat from chaff; 14 pounds of wool yarn, wool cards, and a wool wheel, and woad for dying fabric; a meat tub; various pieces of leather; and a grind stone. There were pointers to other farm products as well: a barrel of cabbage and a cabbage knife; a sack of dried apples and iron bound hogsheads in the cider house; a flax brake, used to process flax and a bag of tow yarn(tow is the waste of linen, used to make rope; an iron bound churn; soap kettles; “tryed” tallow, ready to be made into candles and finished candles; various pieces of wood of different types, for example “redwood;” and 4 pounds of beeswax plus a straw bee hive. The Divers could have been very self-sufficient, producing their own meat, grain, fibers for knitting and weaving, honey, and other food. There were 17 baskets on the inventory- they could have been homemade as well.
Some of the items on the inventory were definitely purchased, however. There were many farm tools and household implements made of iron, from fire tongs to plows, which would have been made by blacksmiths. There were a number of hogsheads, probably made by a cooper. There was a tobacco box, whose contents would have been purchased. There were brass kettles and a copper tea kettle, plus 2 tin pails, 4 sugar boxes and 28 pounds of sugar, plus 1 bottle of spirits of turpentine, 14 pounds of bohea tea and several tea boxes, a pepper box, and 7 bushels of salt, valued at $1 per bushel. Salt would have been used to preserve food as well as for seasoning,
For what had been a large family, the Divers had little table ware, just 6 forks,6 knives, and 6 spoons of pewter, 14 “hard metal spoons,” 2 glass tumblers, one pint and one quart pewter mug, and a number of tea pots. There were several platters of earthenware, and one of pewter, plus a large earthenware bowl, and at least 6 other “boles.” I find 10 pewter plates on the inventory. None of the kitchenware was of silver. The only somewhat luxurious items I found were 5 “jappan” canisters, a looking glass, and a set of tea cups and saucers. Without any further description, it’s hard to know how fancy the tea cups and mirror were. Japanning is the treatment of either pottery or tinware with layers of heavy black laquer, heat-dried in between, so while the canisters would have been pretty, they were not made of valuable material.
Turning to the household furnishings, the Divers had a number of beds plus their mattresses and hangings, which were among the most valuable possessions of people at the time. There were lots of wool blankets and wool and linen sheets plus many pillows and pillow cases to go with the beds. There were chests of wood, and an “iron bound chest,” and my favorite item on the list, “1 rocking cradle with what is in it.” I trust that wasn’t a baby! Several tables were also on the list, unfortunately not further described. There were nine chairs and just one arm chair. There were no listings for benches or case pieces of furniture, like an armoire or a desk.
There were also a number of pieces of fabric on the inventory: 5 yards of woolen check, 1 ½ yards of flannel, 2 ½ yards of black silk, 2 ½ yards of striped cotton, 23 yards of calico. Only the wool could have been home made. Remembering Eve Diver’s wardrobe inventory, she had a number of garments of calico, plus a cloak and handkerchief of black silk. It certainly seems that lots of clothing and textile production went on in the house. The list also included a set of shoemaker’s tools.
Also on the list was Andrew Diver’s wardrobe. He had 5 pairs of trousers, 2 woolen and 3 “old;” 5 shirts, 2 linen, 1 muslin, and 2 woolen; 3 vests, one woolen and 2 “old;” 3 short coats (like suit jackets), 2 great coats(like an overcoat);and 1 “french” coat. I don’t know what that meant. Andrew had evidently made the transition from the breeches, buckled just below the knee, which men wore in the 18th century, to long trousers. The shirts probably would have been almost knee length and done double duty as night shirts. He also had 2 pairs of shoes and just one hat, plus 7 pairs of stockings and one pair leggings, 2 pairs of mittens, and one belt. He had 7 silk handkerchiefs, several black. There were also 2 “china shalls”, which must have been Eve’s. Andrew had 3 pairs of “specks”, presumably eyeglasses- which had a total value of only $.80. Besides the silk handkerchiefs, the only sign of conspicuous consumption was one pair of silver shoe buckles. And he would have needed some kind of buckles for his shoes in any case. This seems like a fairly modest wardrobe for a wealthy man.
This account only begins to look this extensive inventory. There were a few items which I found surprising, including one knapsack and one umbrella. Knapsack is a word of 16th century German origin, and its use may reflect Eve’s German ancestry. I didn’t realize how old the term was. Umbrellas at the time were generally used to shade a lady’s fair skin, rather than to keep off rain, so that was probably Eve’s possession, and another small luxury. Andrew had one gun, not described more fully, as well as powder and shot for it. It would be surprising if he didn’t have a gun on what had been the frontier until recently. I am surprised that the Divers had no books, not even a Bible. Eve could not write, and perhaps couldn’t read either, but I would have expected at least a family Bible. Evidently there was no clock in the house, nor any pictures on the walls. There was a huge quantity of fabric and yarn, but no mention of needles for sewing or knitting. Of course the unknowns of this are the competence of the appraisers and the possibility that heirs could have removed items before the inventory was conducted. A Woman’s Belongings By Chris Kelly
Eve’s file inventories just her clothing. I wish the inventory had been conducted by a woman, who might have given more detail, but two men, John and Henry Graberger, Jr., made the list. This is an interesting view into a closet of a well-off farm wife of c. 1800. I have to think she had many more clothes than the average woman. Also, we think of rural women of the late 18th century making most of their clothes, but almost all of Eve’s clothing was made of silk or calico, both imported materials at the time. A few items were of linen, which could have been made in the U.S. but not in the Schaghticoke area at the time, and a few of wool, which could have been home-produced. In addition, Eve died as an elderly woman, so would have had many years to amass her wardrobe, and probably would have been relatively conservative in her dress. The list reflects 18th rather than 19th century fashion, very much what we would call “colonial costume.” Eve had two garments of silk, the most expensive material- a short gown and a skirt. A short gown would have been the top half of a dress connected to a short skirt, which would have to be worn over a long skirt. She had four other short gowns, material not specified, plus twelve calico short gowns. Eve also had two long gowns of calico. Calico was a printed cotton fabric, so we can imagine Eve dressed in a variety of patterns. She also had one loose gown made of wool, and one of “stuff”, which was also wool. Loose gowns, as the name implies, were not fitted to the body- good for pregnant and/or chunky ladies, or for more casual dress. And she had several skirts, one black, which would certainly have gone well under all those calico short gowns, and one calico. 18th century gowns with petticoats Women at the time wore a shift next to the skin- like a slip- and varying numbers of petticoats under the skirts of their gowns. Eve had three shifts of unspecified material and one shift of linen. She had eighteen petticoats of unspecified material, plus one of striped linen, one calico, one of wool, and one of “stuff.” One common undergarment not mentioned in the inventory is a corset, commonly worn over the shift but under the gown. I don’t know why Eve didn’t have one. Though they were becoming old-fashioned by 1810, the types of garments she wore would have called for one. shift Eve would have used a separate pocket, threaded on a cord and tied around her waist, to hold her daily necessities, much like a woman’s purse today. The pocket could either be very decorative and worn on top of her petticoats and gown, or plainer, and worn under those garments, accessible through slits. Eve had ten calico pockets, providing a wealth of daily choice as she dressed.
Women wore shawls instead of sweaters to add a layer of warmth, and mantels or cloaks instead of coats in cold weather. Eve had a variety of shawls, from one described as “needlework,” presumably embroidered; to one of “chintz”, another printed cotton; one of purple, and one just described as “new.” She did have a black coat, plus a scarlet cloak, and one of black silk, plus a mantel of calico. Eve also had a number of accessories. She had 21 handkerchiefs, mostly of muslin, but one of silk, and one black. Certainly some of those would have been large enough to be worn around the neck and tucked into the bodice of a dress, both for modesty and warmth. She also had 13 pairs of stockings, 2 knitted. She had just one pair of gloves, made of silk, plus two red ribbons. Women wore aprons both as decorations and as utilitarian garments. Eve had just two aprons, both checked. Perhaps one of the family slaves did most of the cooking. Given the wealth of the rest of her wardrobe, I find it surprising that the inventory lists just one pair of “old” shoes and one “old” bonnet. Women wore some sort of head covering all the time- usually a mob cap of some sort indoors with a bonnet put over it for going out, and the inventory also includes ten caps. And Eve had just three pieces of jewelry: a chain of beads, a chain of black beads, and a chain of gold beads. The gold beads had the second highest value of any item on the inventory: $7.00. The most valuable garment was the black silk cloak, worth $15. The scarlet cloak was worth $6.00. I would love to read some inventories of the clothing of other women who died around the same time as Eve- of different economic levels. My previous reading lead me to think that most women had few changes of clothing, where Eve had quite a few. Also, most of her clothes would have been made of purchased fabric, rather than the homespun we think of for colonial era garments. But it is odd that she had just the one pair of shoes and one bonnet- perhaps she had given away some of her clothing? And no earrings? Perhaps she had given away jewelry as well? This is just one more time when we wish we could talk to those long-deceased people face-to-face.
My conclusion is that these were hard working people who lived a very basic life. Andrew, even at age 74, had planted extensive crops of a number of kinds, and kept enough animals to supply meat and wool. Eve, at 64, was busy making cloth and clothes, preparing meals, and preserving the farm produce. They lived a life without frills. I find it thought-provoking to compare their belongings with my own and those of people around me.
Birth: unknown Death: Jul. 5, 1809
74 years. Husband of Eve Diver
Family links: Spouse: Eve Diver (____ - 1809)*
*Calculated relationship
Burial: Saint John's Lutheran Cemetery Schaghticoke Rensselaer County New York, USA
Created by: Janice Tefft Record added: Aug 11, 2014 Find A Grave Memorial# 134193030
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