484. Case of George Cornwell, late of New Rochelle in the Province of New York
Claimnant - Sworn Saith:
He is a native of America. Was settled at New Rochelle in West Chester County at commencement of troubles, residing on his property.
At commencement of troubles was a
Magistrate & opposed all the measures of the Rebels.
At one of the town meetings opposed
the forming of first Committee. Acted as a Magistrate till
the troops came down under Rebel general. Then desisted to
act as a Magistrate. Remained till the British came. Was carried
before a Magistrate on account of his refusing to join Rebels.
Joined the British when they landed at Pells
Neck in October '76. Has been with the British
ever since. Signed no association,
but continued quiet. Being 50 years of age, he was exempt from obligation
to serve. Rebels made him muster as a workman just before British
landed.
After joining the British, got a Sloop &
was employed in supplying wood & forage to Barracks &
supplies to the British Ships.
Was possessed of 72 acres in New Rochelle with buildings, which he purchased.
Produces bargain & sale dated in 1766 from Andrew Bur-holt to Claimant of 30 acres in New Rochelle in consideration of £110 New York currency.
Sale dated 29 April 1766 from John Bachoit,
Sen., to Clairol. of 45 acres in New Rochelle in the
County of West Chester in consideration
of £500 New York currency.
Entered in the Records of County of West
Chester, Book G., page 665.
Entered : Barlow, Clk
Paid the consideration money laid out near £300 currency in repairs & buildings, improved the lands.
Was offered £1,000 currency in 1771, which he refused. Could have sold it for that sum. Produces affidavit from Isaac & David Bennet that this property was worth £1,000. They were neighbours to Claimnant. These 72 acres have been sold by Committee of Sequestration to one Warring.
Had a Lease of an Island called Hog Island. Lease is expired but Proprietor was bound to pay for improvements. Clairol. had purchased the lease in 1770. Had enjoyed the Lease & paid £15.10 for improvments. Values them at that sum now. Land was about 10 acres.
Produces New York Journal 20 May, 1784, containing advertisement for the sale of Estate of George Cornwell amongst them.
Claimnant lost several articles of personal
property taken by the British.
The words New Rochelle in the County of
West Chester & word Senior are wrote upon an
erasure in two places, is entered in the
Records of County of West Chester in Book G. Page 661.
Exd. by Thos. Barlow, Clerk