Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-06-13


A parallel case cannot be found on the
western continent-where the present
owners of a homestead and farm can trace
his ancestors coeval with his estate
extending nearly two centuries and
quarterl
OF the personal characteristics of this
long line of ancestry I am comparatively
ignorant. I wish it were Otherwise
The first, the third and the seventh pro-
prietors, are the only ones of whom I
have noticed anything particularly i'm
portant, and ii is fair to suppose they
were superior men of their time.
1t appears Lion, the first proprietor,
was one Of the principal founders Of East
Hampton and Montauk, Il. He is said
to have been very friendly with the In
dians, and possessed their confidence to an
extraordinary degree. He was once in
strumental in restoring to Hyandaaeh, the
Chief Of the Montauks, his only daugh-
ter, whom the warlike Naragansetts had
captured on the night of her nuptials-
Staying her husband upon the spot. The
noble hearted Chief in Acknowledgement
presented his good friend with deed of
land now in the limits of Smithtown, L. I.
The deed of gift was dated July I4th,
1859.
On the death of Wgandamch, Lion
Gardiner and his son David acted as
guardians for Wyoncons5ons, then minor
at the request of the deceased father and
Chief.
Lion Gardiner expressed his opinion
very emphatically against the repeated
outrageous aggressions of the Whites up
on Indian rights and territory. He was
essentially an Indian rights man and ben
efactor, as abundant records fairly prove.
The great William Penn treated with the
Indians for the lands of large Province.
in l681-but here is an earlier, though
comparatively obscure example of doing
unto others as you would that they sho'd
do unto y ou, in the purchase of this Is
land of the Indians prior to 1859.
1 find John, the third proprietor, reign
ed "lord of the manor during the most
eventful period of the Islands history
At one time during the absence of this
proprietor, the notorious Pirate Kidd
visited the Island, and requested the mis-
tress of the mansion to roast him a pig.
She being afraid to refuse him, cooked it
very nice, and on his departure, he pre-
sented her with piece of gold and silk
cloth, which has been handed down to
this day-though very much diminished
in size. l examined this ancient relict
with considerable curiosity. The gold
threads in the fabric were as bright as
an half eagle fresh from the mint. 1t is
of Spanish manufacture. AT a subse-
quent period, Captain Kidd visited the
Island, and in the presence of the same
proprietor burieda quantity of Gold and
silver and precious stones-under the
most solemn injunctions of secrecy, max
ing its forfeiture the proprietor's life!
am told by the present proprietor that
many have sought the Island, and asked
permission 10 dig for Kidd's treasuresl
He says he always permits themto dig on
condition they give him half of the trea-
sure, and cover up the holes they make.
As yet not one of the gold hunters ever
found aohere the treasure is kept on the
Island.
The whole amount of gold buried was
eleven hundred and eleven ounces Troy
Weight. The silver is two thousand
three hundred and fifty three ounces.
Nearly thirty years after the removal
of Kidd's treasure q piratical vessel an
chored in GARDENERS Bay, and on the en-
suing night attacked the same proprie-
tors mansion, taking possession Of his
plate and other valuable property, and
wounding the proprietor himself. Every
attempt to capture the pirates proved
abortive.
John Lyon, the seventh proprietor,
appears to have been a gentleman Of
more than ordinary capacity and learn
ing, and Of superior practical knowledge,
as IS eyineed by the result Of his labors
now extant. Most ofthe records Of fam
ily history remain in his handwriting,
and his peculiar and tasteful improve
ments are visible in every artificial deco
ration on the Island.
Amid 50 much wherewith to interest
the antiquary / cannot make mention CT
everything.
Nature seems 70 have bestowed much
Of her beautiful handi#ork On the entire
construction Of this sea-girt plantation.
1t Is certainly a very charming locality.
but it needs much artificial establishment