Scope and arrangement
The William G. Verplanck Genealogical Research papers consist primarily of the notes and correspondence generated by Verplanck in the course of tracing his family's lineage, as well as an assortment of collected family papers dating from 1760 to 1869. Genealogical research includes master charts tracing the ways in which the primary families are related, as well as notes on individual lines, including Verplanck, Beekman, Rogers, Guion, Grandin and other notable early New York families. The Family papers include 18th and 19th century documents collected by Verplanck including correspondence, accounts, and legal documents from the Verplanck, Hopkins, Gordon, Vought, and other related families. Notable in this series are handwritten copies of both Samuel Hopkins autobiography (1832) and a partial autobiography of James Gordon (circa 1810). Some photographs of both the Verplanck estate and environs and individuals are contained within this series.
The William G. Verplanck genealogical research papers are arranged in two series:
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This series includes correspondence with institutions and individuals related to Verplanck's genealogical research, as well as charts, notes, and clippings. The file on Col. James Gordon contains a transcript of Melinda Waller's account of the 1780 burning of Ballstown; her father, Col. Gordon, was taken by British and Native American forces. Transcripts of documents, including typed copies of the James Gordon and Samuel Hopkins autobiographies are included in this series. The original documents can be found in the family papers series.
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This series includes letters to James Anderson (1820-1830); accounts and settlement of the estate of Thomas Arden (1830s); correspondence to and from Col. James Gordon(1779-1810); Scott family correspondence (1817-1842); a genealogical table drawn up by Samuel Verplanck in 1760; Verplanck family correspondence to and from William, Phillip and others (1824-1869); Vought family correspondence, receipts and documents related to conveyance of property and financial transactions (1820-1860); and Waller family correspondence, which includes notes from Melinda Waller (1810-1822) and a business letter between Arthur Waller and James Gordon. Other documents include the handwritten autobiography of Samuel Hopkins (1832) and a partial autobiography of Col. James Gordon (circa 1810), which describes his emigration from Ireland, his attempts to become successful in the flax trade, and his time as a supplier with the army during the French and Indian war. There is also an addendum which describes his capture by British and Native American forces at Ballstown in 1780. Photographs contain pictures of both the Verplanck Estate (Plum Hill) and individuals, including a picture of Phillip Verplanck and his wife.