Land Indenture,
May 10, 1748

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This deed, dated May 10, 1748, is one of Peekskill’s earliest known documents and provides for the transfer of 115 acres from Andrew Johnston of Perth Amboy, NJ, to Caleb Hall of Cortlandt, NY. Andrew Johnston, who in later deeds is identified with the name Johnson, was married to Catharine Van Cortlandt, daughter of Stephanus and Gertrude Van Cortlandt. His property is identified as Lot No. 9 on a map copied for Pierre Van Cortlandt in 1774. Only part of this lot was sold in this exchange, which is notable in that it was being sold to someone who was not a member of the Van Cortlandt family. In this document, we learn that Caleb Hall paid Johnston 115 pounds for the land. It is interesting to note the means by which boundaries of the lot were identified, with references to such natural landmarks as a “heap of stones” on the east side of Post Road and “Magrigarie’s Creek.” In 1750 Johnston would sell a part of Lot No. 8 to Caleb Hall, Joseph Travis and Pelatiah Haws for the purpose of establishing a religious meeting house, which was dedicated as St. Peter’s Church in 1767, a building which stands today.

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