< Buchner

Chapter 59
Wycoff

Haviland >

In The War of the Revolution families were frequently divided by the bitterest hatred.  Many times did fathers recognize sons, or brothers in the opposing battle line. The Wycoff family, of Long Island, is an instance of this fratricidal division. One of the family, Major Hendrick Wycoff, was the trusted agent of Governor Clinton. On the British side Peter Wycoff fought as conscientiously and as bravely.

Immediately after the close of the war, this Peter Wycoff removed to the Niagara District, settling in Lincoln County, near St. Catherines. About 1797 he returned to Long Island for some business purpose, and on his way back it is supposed was murdered, for he was not heard of again. His widow and two sons, John and Peter, remained for some years at their home in Lincoln County.

After some time the widow married John Clendenning, a miller, and the family removed to Long Point, settling near Port Ryerse. Mr. Clendenning was engaged by Mr. Ryerse to manage his mill.

The two sons, John and Peter Wycoff, enlisted for the war of 1812. John was killed on the Niagara frontier, but Peter returned safely home. He was given 200 acres in Woodhouse on the 17th December, 1816, and lived on his farm until his death, in 1881.