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TABLE OF CONTENTSInventory |
Guide to the James Riker Collection
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Riker, James, 1822-1889 | |
| Title | James Riker Collection, | |
| Dates: | 1614-1859 | |
| Abstract: | Riker compiled his Memoria volumes primarily during the period of around 1845 to 1850. Most of his entries refer to the 17th and 18th century, with only occasional references to the early 1800s. | |
| Extent: | 4 rolls of microfilm | |
| Identification: | R-11 | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
James Riker (1822-1889) was a noted historian, genealogist and antiquarian. During his life he collected numerous notes and clippings, and made many transcripts and abstracts of official records, letters and similar data. His interest was in the early history of Manhattan (especially the village of Harlem) and Long Island (especially the town of Newtown and the County of Kings) as well as parts of Westchester County and Northern New Jersey.
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Scope and Content Note
Riker compiled his Memoria volumes primarily during the period of around 1845 to 1850. Most of his entries refer to the 17th and 18th century, with only occasional references to the early 1800s.
The Riker Family was related to numerous other families, so his interest in his genealogy led him perforce to study other families either directly related or perhaps having some special interest. Because of his Dutch background, he also did research into the Dutch Reformed Church. Therefore, in summation, researchers Interested in any of the above subjects, will find the Riker collection useful.
The Riker collection consists of microfilm only not original material. This microfilm was purchased from the New York Public Library which owns the original. The Queens Borough Public Library was interested in obtaining microfilm only of those portions which it felt had bearing on the history of Long Island, more specifically, on the town of Newtown. This reduced itself, then, largely to the filming of the volumes termed by Riker as "Memoria", a relatively small portion of the collection. These "memoria" were volumes, of the large notebook or scrapbook variety in which Riker entered his abstracts, extracts, notes and clippings. There are 17 such volumes, varying in size and contents. The larger ones have as many as about 350 to 400 pages, the smaller ones as few as 80 to 100 pages. Most Memoria are of the larger variety.
The collection is described in the New York Public Library's Card Index published by G.K. Hallin 1967 titled DICTIONARY CATALOG OF THE MANUSCRIPT DIVISION. The cards are found under the reference, Riker, James. Other cards may be found under New York City -Genealogy.
In order to describe the Memoria volumes, a bit further, the New York Public Library issued a List describing each and every volume. This list is appended to this Description Sheet. However, as a further refinement, we have another description of each memoria, and to pinpoint some of the entries we have indicated the page numbers in the volumes where these entries are to be found. It should be remembered that entries in the Memoria were not always done in a systematic way, and page citations are sometimes only approximate. So many entries were of a miscellaneous nature in certain Memoria volumes that it was not always possible to pinpoint all the subjects written about in that particular volume.
Nevertheless, the essentials have all been included.
MEMORIA VOLUME 1 Consist of extracts principally from the Town Records of Newtown consisting of one volume of court minutes and five volumes of other records. Riker comments that "The public records of Newtown now in the clerk's office begin in the year 1659 in which allusion is made to records of an earlier date but they are not now to be found." He then describes briefly the contents of 6 extant volumes of records covering 1659 to 1845, and copies out an Indian deed dated Apr 12, 1656, and other deeds, and then court records, and then some other deeds. Dates fluctuate back and forth. He then includes some abstracts of a miscellaneous nature. Some mention is made of "Church Affairs” including "Notes of Clergymen from Former New England Register”. He follows this with a list of Public Officers and some Inscriptions and dates from tombstones, and ends with a few pages of "Ages taken from depositories in the court records of Newtown and Family Registers taken from the records of same town."
Extracts of Deeds -Pages 1 to 184
Early Inhabitants of Maspeth-Pages 185 to 186
Town Votes, 1660-1843 -Pages 187 to 380
Church Affairs -Pages 381 to 410
Public Officers -Pages 411 to 556
Inscriptions and Dates from Tombstones in Newtown Town Cemetery -Pages 557 to 559
Ages -Pages 560 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 2 Extracts from Records of the Dutch Church of Newtown ca. 1730s -1770s followed by Biographical Notes mainly consisting of some birth and death notices or remarks regarding when particular individuals first arrived in Newtown or where they came from prior to arrival, and these are nearly all 17th century and most names are in alphabetical order. Riker then closes this volume with an outline chronology of Newtown giving brief statements regarding what transpired on certain days during period ca. 1614 to 1784 (a very few later).
Extracts from Records -Pages 1 to 62
Biographical Notices -Pages 63 to 332
Chronology -Pages 333 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 3 Copy of Book A of Newtown Records. Riker has written "I hereby certify that the within is a correct transcript (with the exceptions contained in the succeeding note) of the first volume of records in the Town Clerk's Office, Newtown, Long Island. Carefully compared with the original April 2, 1847 and indexed by me." Most of these records appear to be dated in the l660s. At the end are about twenty to thirty cut signatures or facsimiles of signatures of various individuals.
Book A -Pages 1 to 172
Signatures -Pages 173 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 4 Riker defines the records in this book as being "Transcript of an old Book of Records belonging to the Presbyterian Church of Newtown, Long Island, finished June 6th, 1846". The records herein are dated ca. 1717—1809. Someone in more recent times has added that "These records are more complete than those published in the Presbyterian Church Records … New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Collections, vol. VIII, New York 1928, P.2-83”.
MEMORIA VOLUME 5 Contains an “Index to Extracts from the Albany Records" This index really consists of a sentence or two regarding what particular type of information records contained. Then, apparently, certain longer abstracts or transcripts are made. Most entries refer to Newtown, a very few to other parts of Long Island. This is all in 17th century.
MEMORIA VOLUME 6 This volume begins with a Register of Marriages and Baptisms performed at the Associated Dutch Churches of Kings County. Also Lists of Church Members, all ca. 1677-1757. This is followed by a "Copy of the Old Register of the Dutch Church, Newtown" ca. 1730s-l830s. "A True Copy of the Register of Marriages by Jacob Schoonmaker at Jamaica and Long Island, 1803-1846. Riker continues with Extracts from the Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of Success (North Hempstead); Extracts from Reformed Dutch Church of Oyster Bay; Extracts from the Jamaica Register of Baptisms; Records from the Reformed Dutch Church of Harlingen, New Jersey; and Extracts from the Reformed Dutch Church at Tarrytown. All these dates are from the 17th and 18th century.
Register of Marriages and Pages 1 to 190
Baptisms Copy of Old Register Pages 191 to 242
Marriages performed by Rev. Pages 243 to 268
Schoonmaker Church at Success Pages 269 to 274
Church at Oyster Bay Pages 275 to 290
Jamaica Register Pages 291 to 296
Extracts Church at Harlingen Pages 297 to 302
Church at Tarrytown Pages 303 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 7 Abstracts of wills ca. 1680s to 1780s of people living in various parts of Long Island, New York State and New Jersey. This is followed by a volume labeled "Red Book", and this appears to be a listing of various births, marriages, and other vital information apparently of a number of families who resided in Queens County, All this information is genealogical in nature and is basically the 18th century.
Abstracts -Pages 1 to 220
Red Book -Pages 221 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 8 Riker begins this volume with what apparently is a dictionary of Dutch names and gives variant Dutch spellings of these first names. A number of pages written in Dutch apparently give some detail on the background of family names. Then follows an English section also giving background on some names, and the highlights of some family history. This is followed by "Extracts from Burk’s Landed Gentry”. Then miscellaneous notes primarily concerning the genealogy of a number of Dutch families, followed by copies of documents and letters loaned to Riker by a number of individuals, all of which refer to the genealogy of Dutch families.
Dictionary of Dutch names -Pages 1 to 64
English section Pages 65 to 86
Extracts from Burk’s Landed Gentry -Pages 87 to 102
Miscellaneous notes -Pages 103 to end
MEMOEIA VOLUME 9 Abstracts of papers relating to the title of certain land In Middleburgh, and extracts from the original register of persons admitted to freemanship in the city of New York between Sep 29, 1683 and June 13, 1775. This is followed by extracts from the U.S. Pension roll published by Order of Congress; landholders in Middleburgh as of Mar 16, 1662; freeholders of Newtown, Dec 4, 1666, and a Map ca. 1660 labeled "Part of Hubbard’s Map". Riker then follows with miscellaneous notes regarding various "Houses in Newtown”, and miscellaneous Newtown Records ca. 17th century. A printed list follows titled "List of the Estate of Newtown”, September, 1675 with a note stating that it was taken from volume 2 of Documentary History of New York. Riker then has what is apparently a list of the occupations of various 17th and 18th century individuals probably from the Newtown area. This is followed by miscellaneous genealogical letters and extracts from records; extracts from Rivington’s New York paper of Oct 25, 1770, followed by more miscellaneous matter and then some papers relating to the Rev. Morgan Jones, and ends with some more miscellanies.
Abstracts of papers relating to title Pages 1 to 34
Freemanship papers Pages 35 to 46
Extracts from U.S. Pension Roll Pages 47 to 62
Landholders in Middleburgh Pages 63 to 74
Freeholders of Newtown Pages 75 to 80
Map labeled "Part of Hubbard’s Map” Page 81
Houses in Newtown Pages 82 to 94
Miscellaneous Newtown Records Pages 95 to 116
Printed “List of the Estate of Newtowne” Pages 117 to 120
List of occupations Pages 121 to 132
Miscellaneous genealogical letters Pages 133 to 178
Rivington’s New York Paper Pages 179 to 183
Misc. matter Pages 184 to 188
Papers relating to Rev. Morgan Jones Pages 189 to 200
Misc. matter Pages 201 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 10 This volume begins with section titled "From Gleanings for New England History, Massachusetts Historical Collections, 3rd Series, 8th volume.” This is followed with extracts from Hazard’s State Papers; extracts from Letters in the Secretary's Office at Hartford; extracts from Lechford’s Plain-dealing republished in the 3rd Series of Massachusetts Historical Collections; extracts from New York Papers; extracts from Gaines New York Mercury and other papers; extracts from the Court of Sessions Minutes for the West Riding of Yorkshire in the County Clerk’s Office in Brooklyn; extracts from the History of Trinity Church, New York, by W. Berrian; and extracts of a letter from Col. Lewis Morris to apparently the Secretary of the New York Historical Society. Riker then follows these extracts with a copy of Joseph Moore’s Memorandum Book; a report to the Provincial Council concerning the common land of Newtown, dated l703; and Documents and facts from the Newtown Records respecting a dispute among the Inhabitants, 1704, and Records from Newtown’s "White Book of Records”. Following these are extracts from a volume of Court Minutes dated ca.1710s; and extracts from Valentine’s Corporation Manual for 1849. He follows with facts concerning the Rev. John H. Goetschius; some miscellaneous entries; and extracts from an orderly book dated ca. 1750s. It is continued with more extracts, this time from the New York Mercury, and a list of inhabitants of Newtown (basically head of families) and some similar lists, for the late 17th and early 18th century. Riker concludes with some miscellaneous entries and extracts; extracts from Sabine's American Loyalists; and then still more miscellaneous entries.
Gleanings from New England History –Pages 1 to 12
Extracts from Hazard –Pages 13 to 20
Extracts from Secretary's Office –Pages 21 to 28
Extracts from Lechford's Plain-dealing –Pages 29 to 45
Extracts from New York Papers –Pages 46 to 58
Extracts from New York Mercury –Pages 59 to 84
Extracts from Court of Session Minutes –Pages 85 to 126
Extracts from History of Trinity Church –Pages 127 to 150
Extracts from letter of Col. Morris –Pages 151 to 166
Joseph Moore's Memorandum book –Pages 167 to 188
Report to Provincial Council –Pages 189 to 191
Documents regarding dispute among inhabitants and Records from Newtown's "White Book" –Pages 192 to 209
Extracts from Court Minutes –Pages 210 to 214
Extracts from Valentine's Manual –Pages 215 to 222
Extracts concerning Rev. Goetschius –Pages 223 to 260
Miscellaneous entries –Pages 261 to 264
Extracts from Orderly Book Pages 265 to 276
Extracts from New York Mercury Pages 277 to 280
Inhabitants of Newtown Pages 281 to 298
Misc. entries and extracts Pages 299 to 326
Extracts from Sabine’s American Loyalists Pages 327 to 339
Miscellaneous entries Pages 340 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 11 Riker begins with some miscellaneous entries in "Old Book” which consist of copy of Elnathan Sears’ Letter; copy of Aunt Jenny’s Vanosdoll’s letter to Riker; and other letters all dealing generally with genealogy of the Riker family especially in regard to the Rev. War. Riker follows with an account of the late Brig. Gen. Philip Van Cortlandt of Cortlandt town, Westchester, and then with copies of newspaper cuttings borrowed from Mr. Onderdonk. He then concludes with other clips from other sources or newspapers which mainly deal with the Rev. War and prisons; and then some writing relating to the prison ship "Jersey”.
Miscellaneous entries –pages 1 to 2
Elnathan Sears’ Letter –pages 3 to 4
Aunt Jenny Vanosdoll’s Letter –pages 4 to 7
Other Letters dealing with genealogy –pages 8 to 16
Acct. Brig. Gen. Van Cortlandt –pages 17 to 84
Newspaper cuttings from Mr. Onderdonk –pages 85 to 102
Other newspaper clips Pages 103 to 123
Writings regarding prison ship "Jersey" Pages 124 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 12 Riker has some genealogical information of over 100 families. He has prepared an index to these families with a very few spellings may be off a letter or so because of some illegibility.
MEMORIA VOLUME 13 This volume begins with some miscellaneous items followed by three or four manuscript maps or sketches of Hellgate Neck. Property owners are named. Then there are notes of a genealogical nature concerning various families especially the Fish Family and the Lawrence Family. Then Riker provides a printed map showing the cities of New York and Brooklyn around 1847 and gives 17th century patents of various Long Island lands. This is followed by a printed map of Wallabout Bay as it appeared during the Revolutionary War period, and then a manuscript map, apparently of the lower portion of New Amsterdam (Manhattan) showing some land holders ca. mid 17th century. Riker concludes with some miscellaneous entries.
Miscellaneous items Pages 1 to 21
Manuscript maps of Hellgate Neck Pages 22 to 37
Genealogical notes concerning various families Pages 38 to 129
Map of cities of New York and; Brooklyn Page 130
Patents concerning Long Island lands Page 128 to 141
Map of Wallabout Bay Page 141
Manuscript Map of lower portion of Manhattan Page 142
Miscellaneous entries Page 144 to end
MEMORIA VOLUME 14 This is an extremely small volume of about 70 pages. Among the items in this small scrapbook are a broadside advertising a coach line between Flushing, Newtown and New York dated Oct 11, 1851 and found on page 56; some population figures of early Newtown found on page 58; and names of residents at Ravenswood found on page 65.
MEMORIA VOLUME 15 This scrapbook consists of newspaper cuttings relating to the old French War and the American Revolution within the State of New York. Some of these clips seem to have been taken from the New York Examiner which evidently reprinted letters from men of prominence in the Revolutionary War ca. the 1840s or 1850s. Other clips come from other newspapers of the 1850s which also were reprinting notes and letters pertinent to the Revolutionary War.
MEMORIA VOLUME 16 Another very small scrapbook pertaining to churches in Manhattan. Consists of newspaper clips as well as what appear to be cut outs from a book titled HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES OF REFORMED DUTCH CONGREGATIONS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE YEAR 1850.
MEMORIA VOLUME 17 Another very small volume which is composed of primarily names of inhabitants prior to 1695.
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Arrangement
We point out here that the Memoria volumes are found on the four rolls of microfilm as follows:
| Volumes 1 through 5 on Roll 1 (94 feet) | |
| Volumes 6 through 9 on Roll 2 (84 feet) | |
| Volumes 10 through 12 on Roll 3 (81 feet) | |
| Volumes 13 through 17 on Roll 4 (38 feet) |
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Creator of item, date of item (if known), identification of item, if a photograph its control number. The James Riker Collection, Archives at Queens Library, Queens Borough Public Library.
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Manuscripts are only available in the Archives at Queens Library, please call (718) 990-0770 for hours. Manuscript users will be required to complete the division's Manuscript Usage Form and deposit their photograph identification or Queens Borough Public Library card with a staff member. The identification will be returned to the user after she/he has returned the material. Manuscript users will deposit all their personal items behind the reference desk. Manuscript users must use the division's loose sheets of paper for note taking. To reiterate, no pen of any type is permitted. Paper and a pencil are available upon request. Manuscript users may be required to use special handling procedures depending on the conditions of the material.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
- Archives at Queens Library
- Queens Borough Public Library
- 89-11 Merrick Boulevard
- Jamaica, NY 11432
- Phone: (718) 990-0770.
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Access Points
Subject Names:
- Riker, James, 1822-1889
Subject Places:
- Newtown (Queens County, N.Y.)
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Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
