The Tumultuous Story of Edward Whittaker

WHITTAKER: Yesterday's post related the story of Hannah Wakeman and her 2nd husband, Edward Whittaker. Today, I'll include the rest of Edward's story. It is best told through the Kingston Court records, which provide most of the details.

Edward Whittaker came to New Netherlands as a soldier in Captain Daniel Broadhead's Company in the Duke of York's Regiment in 1664, most likely the unit that secured New Netherlands for England. He was assigned to the garrison at Wiltwyck on the Esopus Kill. His rank is unknown, but Whittaker's influence was such that he received a grant of land from the governor when the garrison was disbanded in 1669.

Edward Whittaker was a man of ill-temper with a marked tendency toward violent behavior. This behavior was directed at local citizens, neighbors, and even his future bride. It is primarily through the Kingston Dutch Court Records that the story of Edward Whittaker and his wife, Hannah, unfolds.

On 6 Jan. 1665, as a soldier in Kingston, Whittaker broke up a dispute between Walran Dumont and Arien Gerritsen.

On 18 May 1666, Eduard Wittiger and Joris Porter vs. Matteu Blanchan: Plaintiffs demand compensation from defendant as his cattle had damaged their Indian corn last summer. Blanchan answered that he drove the cattle into the woods and could not keep an eye on them and the plaintiffs are supposed to keep their fences in good repair, and that Thomas Chambers' gate was open and his cattle followed those of Chambers. The plaintiffs warned the defendant 3 or 4 times that their fences were in poor condition and were unaware of lawws ordering fences to be kept in good condition and inspected. The court orders two "good men" to be selected to by the parties to settle the dispute.

Whittaker settled at Hussey's Hill. In November of 1667 he went to New York City and met Hannah Hackleton who had just been forced to leave the city. The Mayor's Court, on the 19th, ruled that Hannah must leave the city within eight days since she failed to produce a license to "dwele within this Towne." Whittaker hired Hannah as a servant. With her came daughter Anna. Thus began the tumultuous relationship between Edward and Hannah. Edward had apparently sold his Hussey's Hill land and moved to Kingston by 1669.

On 13 February. 1669, the Wildwyck court heard evidence regarding a fight that had broken out earlier the same day between Kit Davits and Edward Whittiker, an English soldier. Whittiker was invited by Jan the Brabanter [Jan Jansen Van Oosterhout] into the latter's house for a drink, and found there Kit Davits and Jan Jansen Van Amersfoort. In the course of conversation, according to the complaint of Edward Whittiker, "Cit Davits said that I had his land, whereupon I answered what should I do with your land? The Governor-general has given it to me. Thereupon Davits answered ' The General is a fool for having given it to you, and all of you [English soldiers] are nothing but beggars who have come over, and as soon as you put your foot upon the land to plow, it will cost you your life!' " And more other words passed.

Thereupon, according to the testimony of Jan Jansen Van Amersfoort, "Whittikar drew his sword and hit Cit Davits in the shoulder, whereupon Davits took a sword blade and said, 'If I would I could [sic] thrust you through the body, but I will not,' and threw the same down." According to additional testimony, Jan the Brabanter picked up the sword blade and said to Whittiker, "Get out of my house!" and pursued him into the street, whereupon Whittaker replied by throwing stones. Kit Davits himself was not present at the court session. No action was taken against Davits or Whittaker, possibly because both were judged equally at fault. [Court case copied by Marc B. Fried]

The land referred to in the Davits case was probably the 36 morgans [72 acres] on the west side of Esopus Kill, north of Kingston, granted by the Dutch to Davits and sold by him to his friend Jan Jansen Stoll. Stoll was captured and killed by Indians in 1659. The land was legally transferred to his widow in 1661. She remarried later that year. If Stoll had no children, the land may have been confiscated by the English and granted to Edward.

The tract was described as follows: About a league inland from the North [Hudson] River and on the west side of the Great [Esopus] Kill opposite Thomas Chambers; to the north was Madam Ebbingh, widow of the Hon. Johan DeHulter, and to the south Jurian Westphael. [Captain Thomas Chambers, DeHulter, Westphalen, Davits, and Stoll were the first settlers in the area, having moved there from Rennselaerswyck [Albany] in the early 1650s.]

Edward first lived in the fortified village of Wiltwyck, established by Pieter Stuyvesant in 1661. The first settlers refused orders to build the fortification, but relinquished after the deaths of Stoll and others in 1659. The village [also known as Esopus] was renamed Kingston by the English in 1669. In 1671, Whittaker was among 15 inhabitants responsible for repairing the stockade. He repaired his allotted 15 rods and Jurian Westphall's 10 rods.

Prior to the incident with Davits, Whittaker had ventured to New York City back in 1667 and come in contact with a young woman named Hannah Hackleton. She had been warned by the New York Court to leave town or suffer the consequences [Hannah had not acquired the proper residency permit.] Whittaker decided to hire Hannah as a servant and take her and her daughter back to Kingston. Their relationship would prove tumultuous at best. Whittaker's violent temperament and Hannah's "adder-tongued" ways would lead to many difficulties over the years. It would also lead to marriage and two sons, James and Edward.

9 September 1669: The council at Esopus ordered the company of soldiers to be disbanded.

1670 [probably 9 July, but incident must have happened earlier in May based on case following.] Marretie Hansen vs Eduwardt Wittekar: Plaintiff complains that Eduward Wittikar beat her husband with a stick so that he is sick in bed. Defendant says that, having hired his horses, they drove them three times on a hot day around the village, on account whereof the horses may have been damaged. Defendant further says that, according to contract, the horses will have to be returned in the same condition as they were received, and claims damage for pain, doctor's fee and loss of time. The hon. court, having heard the cases of the parties, and having learned, in accordance with the produced testimony that Eduward Wittekar has assaulted on the Lord's streets the person of Jacob Jansen, and beaten him with a stick so that the person of Jacob Jansen has, on account of the same, been sick for some days, and neglected his work, therefore Eduward Wittekar is condemned in the damage for loss of time, pain, and also the doctor's fee, and further to expect the fine according to law and the officer's demand. The hon. court orders that immediately a pair of stocks be made. [Were these for Edward?]

5 April 1670, Edward Whittaker was the first soldier listed on the muster roll of the company at Marbletown. On the 6th Captain Pauling mustered the company and marched them to Marbletown for the purpose of drawing lots for land at the newly established community. Edward and five others did not with to draw for their 2½ acre lots, but did request their six months provisions.

On 31 May 1670, he was ordered to provide a replacement for Jansen at his job and to pay medical expenses.

On 10 May 1670: I the undersigned, Eduward Wittaker, declare having taken upon myself the condition of Robin Goulsberry, to pay Mr. Kip the amount of 380 guilders, to be paid in summer wheat, market price, as per condition, and discharge Pollus Poulussen and Jacob Jansen Van Etten as securities, this 10 May 1670.

4 June 1670: Hanna Hackelton appeared before the court to tell of affair with Edward. [see yesterday's post for the details] The hon. court orders Eduward Wittekar to take good care of Hanna Hackelton because he has brought her here, and has slept with her, and in the mean time will acquaint the governor with the case.

8 June 1670: Witteker agrees to exchange a cellar, lot and barn, plus 300 guilders, light money to be paid in grain, to Thoomas Hermansen for a house and lot besides a garden, outside the fort. Each shall "made a fence."

17 January 1671: The hon. Heer Beecqman vs Edward Wittekar: The hon. Heer Beecqman nomine Ex Officio says he and Michiel De Modt fought outside the gate, and demands the fine therefor in accordance with the laws.

Michiel DeModt says that Edward Wittekar challenged him upon the sword and came with a sword, and Michiel Modt also took a sword and went against him, and while they were engaged the hilt of his sword became detached, and three persons came separated them.

Claes Claesen says that Wittekar said the wife of Van der Coelen that he would kick her in her own house, whereupon Casper Cuyper said he would do the same to Edward Wittekar, and in this manner the Pole took part in the quarrel and said, "What is this fighting about?" and that Michiel Modt said he was an old soldier and not afraid. Thereupon Edward Wittekar fetched [haalde] his sword and challenged Michiel the Pole and went together before the door and began to fight. Then the button fell off the hilt, and they were immediately separated; which has been affirmed under oath by Claes Clasen, Casper Meeuwesen and Cornelia Woutersen.

Edward Wittekar says he had called him a tail [een staerdt.]

Dirck Keyser says that he was standing at Jan de Backer's door and saw Edward Wittekar go with a sword; thereupon the aforesaid Dirck said, "Ick moedt strucken raepen?" and went to Vander Coelen's house, and says not to know what had passed before that time. Then Edward Wittekar challenged the Pole and they engaged in a duel with a sword.

They were all questioned whether any one heard that Wittekar was called "a tail" or anything else? Answer, "No."

The hon. court orders Edward Wittekar to pay for his offence a fine of 60 guilders in behalf of the officer and Michiel Modt 24 guilders.

Monday, 23 October 1671: Anna Hackelton vs Edward Wittekar: Plaintiff complains that Wittikar maltreats her, beating and pushing her, often threatening to burn her, not withstanding she has faithfully served him for four years, and he intends to throw her and her child out of doors when the cold winter is approaching. Wittikar says having paid her 180 stivers for two years and during the balance of the time has suffered more losses by her than her service is worth, and that he has punished her for her evil tongue.

19 July 1672: Edward Wittikar accuses Adrian Gerritsen of the following proclamation: The Hollanders and the English had been fighting each other at sea and that the King of England could not get any others but poor people he presses, taking husbands from their wives and children, while the states of Holland gave the people money and beat the drum. How is it possible for such to stand against free people? When the King of England, and the English, what then they fight, they may fight shit. Wittikar responded that "The money, ships, and all can perish." Willem Montange said he did not hear Gerridt directly or indirectly speak of His Royal Majesty; Wallerund Dumon confirmed all Gerritsen said, but he was not sure about the "shit part" as he went outside several times and Gerritsen was drunk; Mr. Roelof says that Gerritsen said. "Did not the English get a licking?" Roelof replied that he knew nothing of it. Gerritsen said, "The English press and the Hollander pays money." He did not hear him speak against the King; Arendt the Wheelwright declared the same as Mr. Roelof. Gerritsen is ordered to give security for the purpose of having his case tried, or be arrested if he cannot do so. (Arendt the Wheelwright, who testified in this case, was  ancestor Arent Jansen Prall. Arent's great-grandson, Aaron Prall, married Edward Whittaker's great-granddaughter, Marytjen Whittaker in 1728.)
  October 1672: Whereas Eduward Wittkar has from time to time badly behaved against his wife, and she has made diverse complaints to the local court, as can generally be seen, he being on Oct. 26 at the house of Mr. George Hall, Mr. Hall spoke to Eduward Wittkar asking him why he treated his wife so badly, that he would ruin himself, whereupon Wittikar answered that he could do with his wife as he pleased, that nobody was to prescribe to him how to treat his wife, and thereupon George Hall said that some time or another he would kill her, and that the magistrates and officers would demand an account of her blood. Thereupon Wittikar answered that he cared nothing about magistrates or officers. And Mr. Hall what he did to the magistrates he did to the governor, and the Duke of York, and he answered, "I shall do what I please." Whereupon Mr. Hall asked him why he went armed, every evening. Thereupon Wittikar answered that he wanted to do so. "I shall tonight yet walk along the street with pistol and gun, and let anybody, if he dares, take them away." Thereupon he went home,and the same evening fired some shots.

18 February 1672-73: Whittaker admits to owing Tierck Classen 9 ankers of wine.

14 April 1673: Along with Thoomas Mattys, Whittaker purchased the farm Hendrick Hendricksen Van Wyen had bought from Maritje Hansen.

22 May 1673: NY Minutes 19 - The court recorded the account of a quarrel between Captain Pauling and Mr. Graveraat concerning a complaint of Captain Chambers against Edward Whittaker and his wife about a reputed witch. [The witch is not identified.]

11 December 1673: Aerdt Otterspoor, Pound Master vs Edward Whittaker: Plaintiff claims he impounded nine of the defendants horses. Defendant claims only five of the horses and claims Thomas Mattys knows whose fence the horses went through. Def. to pay for the five horses and make claims against the owner of the fence causing damage.

12 December 1673: Jan Willemsen requests to be furnished with a copy of what took place between his wife and Hannah Hackleton which is permitted him. [No record of the content of this case has been uncovered.]

15 January 1673/4: Court orders Edward Whittaker to pay schout fines to which he has been condemned by the court of sessions.

During the mid-1670s, Edward, along with Thomas Chambers, George Hall, Henry Hendricksen, Wessel Ten Brook and Dirck Schepmoes, was a signer of the peace treaty that was renewed with the Indians every few years until the 1680s.

July 1675: Willem Trophagen vs Eduward Wittikar: Plaintiff says he cut palisades for Def., which Wittaker was to plow. Instead of plowing he beat him with a cane. Wittaker said that he sold the land to Trophagen for 300 scheppels of wheat and that he was to cut 1000 palisades, and Trophagen said he was to receive a plow from the Manhattans for the purpose of plowing his land, whereupon Whittaker said, "When I have time, I intend to assist you for two or three days at plowing." Parties ordered to prove their assertions.

1676: Whittaker was among the citizens who signed a petition to Governor Andros requesting a minister for the community.

1681: Edward Whittaker was one of the Englishmen who signed the Indian Treaty.

23 August 1682: At an Ordinary Court held at Kingston, Frederick Hussy, Edward Wittaker, Jan Waerd, Michael Dumont request permission to buy of the savages the land from the boundaries of Beekman's land and so on along the river till the 'Kleyne Esoopus.' "The hon. court grants their petition, subject to the hon. Heer governor's approval."

23 May 1685: Edward Whittaker had 200 acres of land surveyed along North-side of Esopus Kill.

1688: Edward Whittaker gained title to land near Saugerties.

1 September 1689: Edward Whittaker gave oath of allegiance when William & Mary took throne of England.
 The Van Kleek and Burhans Genealogies related some details on our subject. Edward Whitaker came from England with his brother. Both were dealers in livestock and both were lost at sea while returning to England on a visit. Edward was a soldier in the Duke of York's Regiment. The name of his wife was Hannah.

The Whitaker family is of English origin and was founded in this country by two brothers who came to America from England in early colonial times. One resided in Ulster County, N.Y. and had a large family. Both brothers were dealers in livestock and were lost at sea while returning to England on a visit.

On August 25, 1681, Roelof Swarthout purchased of Edward Whitaker three Negresses that Whitaker had bought of a New York merchant named Minieville. The price to be paid for the Negresses amounted to 430 Scheppels of wheat, 400 of which were to go to Minieville and 30 to have been Whitaker's profit.

Capt. Edward Whitaker, English soldier of Capt. Broadhead's Regt.- who died Jan. 1695- settled on his land at Hussey Hill. In a few years, sold estate and then settled in Esopus Valley. He rescued Hannah Wakeman Hacklton [sic.] and her year old child and took her home to be a servant. She had married Francis Hacklton at Hogs Head, New England. She was arrested, received a one-year prison sentence and was made to stand on the gallows steps [Hartford]. After he had rescued her, she lived with Whitaker. Later she complained to the court of mistreatment, stating that he beat her and threatened to burn both her and her child, Anna, and threw them out in the cold. He was ordered to "take good care of her, as he had slept with her." Later they married. Some people called her a witch. They had two sons: James and Edward. Her daughter, Anna Hacklton, married John Wood.

Edward Whittaker's will, written 3 September 1694, names "...my dear wife" Hanna Wittaker, to whom he left 1/3 of his estate; son James to whom he left 1/3 of his estate and a gray horse; son Edward, to whom he left 1/3 of his estate and a gray colt; and his wife's daughter's children, to whom he left 20 pounds.