History of the Town of Flatbush

nection, we must speak of four venerable trees, three of which are still in existence. These were English Lindens. One of them is now standing in front of Mrs. Catin's, another on the corner of Dr. Zabriskie's, and the third, on the opposite corner, in front of the house of Mr. Michael Neefus. These were planted very many years ago. The two last particularly, affording a fine shade, were often resorted to by the neighbors, in the summer season. Many a social pipe, and happy hour have been enjoyed under them. The fourth of these venerable trees, stood in front, of the house which was taken down to make room for the present dwelling of Judge John A. Lott. This tree was very large, and very highly prized. About the period of the American Revolution, a limb of this tree, from some cause, became broken, and Colonel Matthews, the Mayor of the City of New-York, who then lived on the premises, had it leaded up, and it grew again. But after a while it was split again by the wind. And he actually sent to New-York for riggers, who bound it up with ropes, and so preserved it. On one occasion the court of the county sat under this tree. It was in consequence of the large number of persons attending, who could not be accommodated in the court house.

The regulating of the side walks in the village was commenced about fifteen years ago, by M. Clarkson, Esq. At a very considerable expense he levelled and gravelled his walk, and put up a railing in front. Small pieces of railing before a few doors had been made previously, but none extended in front of the whole premises. The benefit and the beauty of this improvement were soon seen, and several others followed the example, so that now we have a regulated walk through the greater part of the village, and a railing or chain in many cases in addition.

Soon after the close of the war of the American Revolution several new houses were put up, some in the place of those that had been burnt, and some on the sites of other old dwellings, which were pulled down. Within the last few years, several beautiful and spacious dwellings have been erected, and nearly all the houses which were standing during the Revolutionary war are removed. We have not space to specify all these buildings, which combine the elegance and conveniences of modern improvement. David Johnson, Esq. erected the first, about fifteen years since, when he moved to the village, and put up the noble edifice in which he resides. Matthew Clarkson, Esq. a few years afterwards built the magnificent mansion which now adorns his property, and in which he lives. The old wretched building formerly owned by Mr. Van Courtlandt has been succeeded by the two beautiful houses now occupied by Mr. Prince and Mr. Crommelin. The very ancient house of Leffert Martense, has given place to the stately edifice of Judge G. L. Martense. Instead of the small uncouth dwelling which formerly stood upon the very edge of the road, we have the spacious house now inhabited by Mr. Seymour, with its Grecian front, and the comfortable dwelling in which Mr. St. John resides. The old brick structure belonging to the Stryker family, which but a few years ago, stood near the corner, venerable for its age, and bearing upon its front, the figures 1696, has been removed, to make room for the modest, but neat cottage of Mrs. Gertrude Stryker. The long gloomy looking, but time honored house of Barent Van Deventer, has given place to the commodious edifice of Judge John A. Lott. In the room of the unsightly and dilapidated hovel of Mr. Jacobus Van Deventer, with its large duck pond, and falling fences, we have Vernon