Popenoe/Popnoe/Poppino

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The Diary

 2, May 12, 1768.  [Book begins. Sylvanus was manager of his Uncle Jonas' large estate at Sinking Spring, near Reading, PA.]  Uncle went to Carlisle on the 15^th, returned the 22^nd.  [Jonas also owned a large tract of land in Pennsborough and Allen Townships, near Carlisle]   23^rd:  Mr. Wigton 

10, March 5, 1769, uncle to Philadelphia.  [back on 12^th]. 

11, April 11, 1769.  Set off for Lakawack [Lackawaxen, above Blooming Grove now in Pike County, near Delaware River and NY border.  Pike Co was created in 1814 from Wayne Co.]  17^th: got to the forks at noon, felled tree for canoe.  19^th, finished the canoe.  26^th, cut logs for house, 27^th, laid the foundation of the house.

12, May 6^th, began to make shingles.  May 7^th, finished raising the house.  May 8^th, covered the house.  May 9^th, made garden and set out for home.  May 14^th, home.  May 31^st, went to Reading and set out for Blooming Grove. [14 days on road, via Bethlehem, Nazareth, Shohola.]

13, May 17^th finished raising the house.  20^th, 1quart rum for the house. 21^st, one ditto.  22^nd, went to orchard [Indian Orchard] and had 1 quart rum for the house.  23^rd, came home had one quart rum for the house.  [and so on.  Hopefully he had some helpers with whom he shared each quart.  Buying and selling liquor by the barrel occurs throughout the diaries as Sylvanus was at various times a shopkeeper and a tavern keeper]

16, September 6^th, John Seely came home [apparently still in new house in Blooming Grove.  Perhaps this was his uncle John.] 29^th, John and I went to Wallenpaupack. [a large lake in Wayne Co.]

17, Oct 5^th, Uncle Samuel came here.  Oct 10^th, Daddy and Joseph came here. Oct 19^th, met Uncle Jonas and Scull. [James Scull was the surveyor of these lands and perhaps a partner of Jonas in some of his land holdings.]

23, Apr 5, 1770.  Uncle Charles and Sayre came here.

30, Oct 19^th, Jenny [wife, Jane Williamson] was brought to bed with a son and it was still born. 

42, Feb 12 1772, got back to Morris Town. [He had moved to NJ by this time.  13^th, got home sold. [which home?] 

45, May 23d.  Stayed at home and Samuel Wigton [brother-in-law] agreed with Pooling to keep store for him.

49, Oct 13^th, went to court at Newark.  15^th, Court gave sentence against Jo Seely and David Ayers and they were fined £5:0:0 each.

            [There is a 6-year gap in the diary here, due to a lost book or books]

73, Jun 8^th 1778, Sold my place to Dr. [Peter] Smith[1] for £600 to be paid me in Nov.

74, Jun 21^st, Went to Morris Town and marched a Detachment to Join G. Dickeson.  Hear that the enemy are at Mt. Holley.  Rained.

Jun 22^nd the alarm signals was given about 12 this night.  Set off at 12 oclock to join my Detachment for to Round Brook and it begun to rain.  Got to Mill Stone and lay there all night

Jun 23d, Set off and got to Stoney Brook.

Jun 24^th, Joined G. Maxwell.  Sent to Trent Town for cartridge. Had almost a Total Eclipse of the Sun.  Marched to cross roads & from thence about 5 miles north east.  Stayed all night

Jun 25^th, the enemy left Allen Town, Hot weather, marched to Allen Town in the Evening

Jun 26^th, marched to Freehold & Stayed there all Night.  Took 13 prisoners

Jun 27^th, marched to a meeting house near English Town; our men suffered greatly with heat and drought. Was sent in the evening with 200 men to keep a guard at Mills and the enemy had a party there who had taken and killed a scouting party of our light Infantry but on our appearing they left the ground and we took possession and stayed all night

Jun 28^th, Recd orders to march down & attack the enemy on their rear to retard their march until the Continental Troop came up – I accordingly came up with their rear guard which consisted of horses. We attacked them and drove them back and they formed in a line across the plain west of the Court House at ½ after eight the enemy retreated and we all retreated into the meeting House and Genl.. Washington came up & formed on the Heights about the meeting house and there came on a pretty severe action in which the enemy Lost Col. Munkton & Col. Carhart & several officers of distinction and left about 200 dead on the ground.  Numbers died on both sides with heat; we lay at English Town all night.  [This was the Battle of Monmouth.]

Jun 29^th, Buried the Dead lay within one mile of English Town all Day

Jun 30^th, Marched to Cownoevers Mills, got discharge.  Came into the Pines, stayed all night

Jul 1^st 1778, Came to Quibble Town discharged the men, came home that night

77, Aug  5^th, 1778, got to Tarrytown.  Stayed with Capt. Freeman all night had difficulty getting over the ferry., 7^th, went to Q.M.G to see Maj. Huling. [He was married to Jonas' daughter Sarah.]

82, Jan 11^th, 1779.  Betsey [Elizabeth] Seely born at 3 oclock this morning and all things seem to go well.

84, Feb 25.  The enemy came over at E. Town and burnt the barracks….and took about 20 prisoners among which is David Little [married to Sylvanus' sister Deborah].  It is supposed their intent was to take the governor who lay that night at Capt. Randle's & I supped with him there.  I got down just after they got off.  Mar 2^nd, Sold my place for £1100 to George Everson.[2]

85, Mar 23^rd, went to the Torrey Vendue [an auction]…and after some time bought a place in Spank Town for £406 adjoining Quaker Meeting House.

86, Mar 30^th, went to the Vendue at Morristown bought Ski---s place.  Sold it again, bought Courtland's place, sold it again.  Apr 10^th, …went to Col. Smiths to attend Samuel's trial. [brother Samuel].  13^th, moved to the house opposite Capt. Day's.  Agreed with Benjamin Day to make fence.[3]

87, Apr 17^th, went to Spank Town in the morning, came back and attended to give evidence at a trial between John Poster the 4^th and my brother Samuel.  21^st, sold my house in Spank Town.

104, Apr 13^th 1780.  Set forward in the morning, stopped at Chester [Orange Co, NY] feel surprising heavy to pass the place where I first drew the breath of life.  Got to Aunt Sarah Reeders in the evening and stayed all night and have a happiness that is better felt than told.  14^th, went to Mr. Chapins[4] and found them in health except Mrs. Chapin who is unwell. Went from thence to New Windsor & so to Newburgh, saw Jacob Reeder there crossed over to the other side, came back to Chapins.  15^th, Went to New Windsor in the morning came back to Chapins which is about a mile this side of New Windsor, got an order on Mr. David Ward for some hides, came to Aunt Reeder's, dined there, found Peter Reeder at home.  Set off, came to Wm. Seely's, bought 3 bb of rum from him stayed all night.[5]

104, April 17^th set off and got home, found my family where I left them which I did not expect.  18^th, moved down to my house in Chatham but cannot feel happy here nor nowhere else as I know of.  My wife tells me she cannot feel happy but better satisfied than where we were.

105, May 2^nd, I went over to E. Town and took Capt. Isaac Seely's [son of Uncle Jonah] clothes down to go over with the Flag.  Sent them under the care of one Dr. Cooper who was going down with his family.

106, May 9^th 1780.  Went to Josh Wingit’s and find he has taken out 31 gals Rum and I fear I shall never get the iron he owes me as he has told me an untruth about it.  10^th.  Am very uneasy fearing I shall lose what Wingit owes me which is near £6,000 the loss of which will ruin me. 18^th.  Sent my brother Samuel to buy a mare from Capt. Howell [married to Sylvanus' daughter Eleanor] which he did for $3500 to be paid day after tomorrow.[a lot of inflation at that time]  27^th, went to Wingits and about 1500 of the Irons are ready.

107, June 7th 1780. Had an Alarm and the Enemy came out as far as Springfield Bridge [over the Rahway River]. The militia collected fast and joining [brigadier General William] Maxwels Brigade [of Morristown, Continental Army] stopt the Enemy and after sum Fire at long Shot the Enemy retired to a Breast Work they had threw up on an Advantagious Pice of Ground on this side [of] the Farm Meeting Hous. About 3 this Aftarnoon they set fire to about 30 Buildings one of which is the Meeting Hous. We have had about 15 Killed and 40 Wounded, among the latter my Brother Saml slightly. I had Orders and Marched my Regiment to Thompsons Mills whare we lay all Night."

107,  June 8^th1780. This morning about ½ after 12 [12:30 a.m.] the rear of the enemy left the ground. About 8 o’clock received orders to follow them and on ower [our] march receive[d] intelligence that the Enemy are going but when we got to Town [Elizabeth] find a guard in the Woods back to Decon Ogdens hous and at the forks of the Road. Aftar sum time here and being Joing by Lord Stirlings [William Alexander] Troopes he Orders us to Advance three colloms one on the Main Road (the Continental Troops) [under Brigadier Edward hand of Pennsylvania] Col[one]l Cortland [Phillips Cortland of Essex County, State Militia] on the Left Myself in the Centor. We Advanced and the Troop under my Command behavd Exceading well altho at a certain time one Platoon fell back a little but after being ordered to Com up cam up and stood thare ground well. We took about 20 Prisoners and Advance Through the Woods whare the enemy open upon us with a number of Field Pieces and finding they ware towe heavy for us Hand Ordered a Retreat which was performd in good Order. [This action took place between Elizabeth Town and the British landing – site of Elizabeth Point on the coast]. I had one Man Killed and Three wounded. After Retiring about a half a Mile we lay on ower Armes untill Evening and then Returned to the North End of Town and staid all night.

108,  June 9^th 1780. Early this Morning Recd Orders to Return to Springfield which Don[e] and men Refreshed to the Farms [Connecticut Farms, which is current day Union]. Joined G. Maxwel and lay on ower Armes all Night …

109, June 12th.  Recd. Orders to meet G. Washington this afternoon at fore oclock and Recive Orders to leave 1500 Men and discarg the rest of the Militia - send a remnsterenc to the Assembelyi concerning the Militia. 

 June 23^rd1780. This day the enemy came out and burnt Springfield and returned about 3 Oclock P.M., Pursewed by ower People. The Enemies loss this day is thought to be Considerable. Owers is about 15 Killd and 40 Wounded. I got home about 10 at night.

125, Apr 5, 1781.  Jenny went to town with Deborah [Deborah was his sister, m to David Little.]  I went to Crowell's in the afternoon and I told Nancy that Samuel is trying to deceive her.[6]   11^th.  Hear that my brother Samuel is detained on the other side by the British.  Mrs. Seely went to Crowell's and I brought her home.

126, Apr 18^th.  I went to Jacob Minthorn's[7] and met my brother Sam and came back with him.

131, Jul 3rd, 1781. Jenny was delivered of a son about 20 minutes after 1 pm.  She had a severe time and the child's head was born 15 minutes before its body.  [This is his son George who later suffered from frequent fits--perhaps epilepsy.]

165, Dec 1^st, 1782.  This day Jenny and I went to Mr. Greary to see my brother Joshua married, but they were married just before we got there.  He married one Tabitha Camp.

191, Mar 11, 1784.  Lodged last night [E. Town] with Mr. Jonathan Morrell.  12^th, Sent a bbl sugar to Mr. Jonathan Morrell, a firkin butter to Abraham Morrill.[8]  

201, Nov 1^st, 1784.  This day at about 15 minutes after 2 my Father-in-Law [John Williamson] died, aged 76 years last Friday.  I sent to Justice Wood to enter me as security for David Little [Sylvanus' brother-in-law] in an action of Dr. Smiths'.  Mr. Thomas Morrell came here.

204, Dec 14^th, 1784.  Set off early this morning with Capt. Day for Newark and got to my brother Joshua's and found them all well.

211, Apr 20^th, 1785.  Got my conveyances from Daddy for my lands at Lackawaxen who had them in his hands ever since 1771.[9]  Brought them home and the receipts from Scull for money paid him for Surveying….I went to Granny Day's this morning and she is poorly. [Quite a few references to her.  Perhaps she was Stephen Day's. mother.]   21^st, My brothers Samuel and Joshua were here and agreed to pay their part of the expense of going to look after our land.

217, 13 Jul.  Mrs. Little settled with Col. Jacob Crane[10] on acct. of Little's estate and he is in debt £15.12.11 without reckoning "tin bin" for the church.  24^th, This morning my brother Christopher set off for home and my heart feels heavy to think how we are separated but God knows what is best.

220, 24 Jul.  Set off for Amboy with sister Little.  Stopped at Abraham Terrill's and fed and he agreed to meet my sister on Monday next at Justice Wade’s to settle an account. of the estate.  Stayed all night at Major Sayre’s.[11]  29^th, This morning Mrs. Seely and I set off for Aquackanonk [now Parsippany, about 5 miles north of Morristown], stopped at my brother Joshua's, got to my brother Samuel about 2 pm, found them all well.

227, 28 Oct 1785.  This evening I went to Capt. Bonnell’s[12] to give evidence between the Widow Little and Terrill….On the 24^th of August past I was at said. Terrill's with my sister and they had some talk of a note she had against Terrill in favor of the Little's Estate.

235, 13 Mar 1786.  "Granny Day departed this life about 12 o'clock at noon being about 80 years old.  15^th, I went to the burying of Granny and Mr. Elmer preached the sermon.[13]

242, 20 May 1786.  This morning I went down with my brother to his schooner that is building and she is very good.  Came back and dined and took my leave of them and set for home, stopped at the Half Moon tavern and talked with them about a room for a store and the woman promised to keep it for me for three weeks.  22^nd, I went to Mary Seely's with Maj. Brown and Foster Horton[14] to appraise the goods of Granny McDownal [McDonald?] deceased.

245, 29^th June.  About noon set off for Newark as a witness between the estate of David Little and Abraham Terrill…gave my evidence at 4pm, came to my sisters drank tea saw Amelia baby there.

253, 27 Sep.  This morning Major Sayre and daughter set for home, having lodged here.  I got B. Bonnel Jr's horse and set off for Sussex [county seat of Sussex Co, now called Newtown].  28 Sep. This morning set off for Pochuck at 9 am and heard that Daddy was gone to Seely Sayre's. This place is on the side of the Drowned Lands and has a fine prospect of them.  I have come near to ten miles from where I lodged.  Seely Sayre took his horses and he went with me in pursuit of my Father and after following him within 9 miles of Goshen we found him scarcely able to ride by reason of his being unwell.  We then returned for Sayre's and Daddy set off for Hogelins.[15]

258, 4 Nov 1786.  Rec'd a letter from Brother Rutter, date 4^th Sep. 1786 which informs us they are in good health. [This was a brother of Jane Williamson].

262, 11 Jan, 1787.  My brother Joshua and his wife came to see me and dined with me.  This evening Jacob Minthorn gave a deed for the meadow I bought of him and a conveyance for the thirds of Philips piece.  I gave him a note for £10 to be paid the first of April next.

265, 9 Mar.  George Minthorn's mare was sold here by the Constable & Mr. Horton bought her and gave George 3 weeks to redeem her and I was security for her delivery or the money at the time if she did not die.  26^th, I went to E.Town and from thence to see my sister Deborah and she is very week and low.  Got home at dusk.  15^th April, Sunday, Mr. Morrell preached here

273, 15 Aug 1787.  This morning Jacob Minthorn informed me that he had cleared me of Bail and that his family had started for Redstone [south of Fort Pitt on the Monongahela River.]

274, 2 Sep.  This morning Corliss took his cows out of my pasture.  This evening my brothers Samuel and Joshua came up and Samuel Informs me he has bought Sahlors Falls.  4^th, This afternoon my brothers went home and Sophia went with them.  Daddy came home this evening.  [Sophia b 1776, was Sylvanus' dau.]  9^th, I am informed that my Sister Little departed this life about midnight last night.  10^th, My brothers Samuel, Joshua and Christopher came up about noon and in the afternoon we went and buried our sister.

275, 18 Sep.  My brother Samuel came here to go to Lackawaxen.[16]  20^th, This morning I borrowed of Mr. Corlis 18/, of Alley Foster 12/ & of Mr. Owen 12/.  And got ready and set off at 8 am for Lackawack.  22^nd, This morning at 6 I paid my reckoning 2/4 [Easton] and set forward, got to Mr. Brenker's where I fed and took breakfast, left a line for John Seely.  Proceeded to Col. Stroud's[17] dined and proceeded to where my uncle Samuel formerly lived and found his widow [Mary DeHaven] there and his youngest son Isaac supporting her with his labor[18] and she is in great difficulties which sinks my spirits and cause very melancholy reflections the more so as I have come by the former residence of my Father in Law….N.B. This day I met Abraham and Hanna two of my uncle Jonas' old Negroes on the road.[19]  Gave Hannah 1/ and left them.

276, 24^th Sep. Set off and got to the mouth of Lackawack at 11.  Swam my mare over the mouth of Lackawack and paid 1/.  Proceeded up the river 6 miles then left my mare and went on foot along the bank of the river with much difficulty about 4 miles where I got a canoe to take me over the Delaware and I proceeded up to Cochecton and in the evening Palmer came in from surveying, talked with him.  25^th, this morning by talking with Palmer I find Col. Crage [Craig] and Company have got warrants for my land and Palmer has begun to survey them but my warrants being oldest he promises not to survey them until I talk to Col. Crage about them after taking leave of cousin Charlotte[20] one of my Uncle Charles daughters that I found here where I have lodged all night.  26^th, Came for Blooming Grove, got there at 4, met my Father and Brother there.  28^th, This morning we set off to find the 1200 tracts.  We met a man who showed a piece of fine meadow but it was not ours.  We went to Middle Creek Falls and lodged.  29^th, after breakfast proceeded up Middle Creek and at 3 pm got on to the land, turned our horses out and walked over the land and find it to be very good.  30^th, This morning early we set off and took our course straight for Walenpaupack and after travelling through very rough woods we arrived at Paupack at 12.

276-7, 1 Oct.  Overtook a man at Blooming Grove that is going to Minisink [an earlier name for Milford, PA].  Stopped at Shahola, dined.  Came into Minisink at dusk put at Lallel Seely's who appeared very glad to see me.[21]  2^nd, This morning I went down early to see if either of the McCarty's had been out with John Seely surveying when he surveyed for me. Set out for home, Mr. Seely would take nothing from me.  Called at Capt. Chambers, came to Capt. James Bonnel's and after an hour's stay he came on with me for Sussex Court House.