Description South Dutchess County expanded rapidly, growing from fewer than 50 families in 1740 to nearly 1, 400 in 1790.
Highlights of never before published material: Twelve-page synopsis of the history of the area, with eight illustrative maps.
The hardback edition has thicker paper than the paperback edition.
Twelve pages devoted to the history of the proprietors and settlers, including eight maps, serve to enhance the reader\'s understanding of the impact disputes, terrain, and landlords had on settlement.
The every-name index includes over 1500 surnames and over 5000 individuals who lived in the area from 1740-1790.
Each section is preceded by an explanation of the records.
Using surveys and deeds, the author created original maps locating pre-Revolution tenants of over 260 farm lots in four of the most populated original nine Philipse Patent Lots.
Tenant lists, farm lot maps, militia records, and the 1790 census, when used in conjunction with the tax lists, assist in identifying neighborhoods, migration groups, and families.
The author explains the organization and meaning of the lists and augments the text with suggested corrections for possible or apparent scribe errors, based upon a meticulous comparison of the lists from year to year.
Presenting all names in their original order, the lists correct deficiencies and omissions of previously published reports of taxables.
The complete extant tax lists include over 20, 000 entries from February 1740/1 through June 1779.
With over 200 pages devoted to never before published tax lists and farm lot maps, this volume brings together tax, tenant, militia, and census records of residents of the South (Southern) Precinct of Dutchess County, New York, and its successor Precincts and towns.
Some were long term tenants, while others resided a short time and moved on, going farther north into New York and Vermont.
The early residents included Dutch and French settlers and migrants from New England and Westchester County, New York.
Description South Dutchess County expanded rapidly, growing from fewer than 50 families in 1740 to nearly 1, 400 in 1790
