Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-03-10
EemIni,cence, Of the Van Nc,, Family,

"Reminiscences Of the Van Ness Family.
t. tile Editor Of the Free Press and Tines
The notice OF the death Of Mrs. Roosevelt,
/ in Paris, reminds me If how well knew
her fathers family when a boy. In the
earliest wears Of NY steamboating, GOV. Van
Ness was director in the steamboat COM
psny, and his family were entitled to the
hospitality. and best Of every thing on the
boats. Among all the passengers, none
were more appreciatlve Of attention and
civiiities than Mr. Van Ness and her
daughters Among the lady passengers,
Miss Cornelis appeared the best known,
ami received the most attention. In ls25.
GOV. Van Ness and his family won great
praise and reputation by the splendid re-
ception given to Gen. Lafayette at their
Mansion on the Hill. Their house was open
to all. with splendid hospitality in abun-
dance. That entertainment was considered
to have been the finest ever given in Bur
lingtJn.
Gov. Van Ness placed the steamboat;
PAunix at the disposal OF the committee to
carry Gen. lafayette and his party to
Whitehall. After the election Of Gen
Jackson. Mr. Van Ness and his family were
il their glory. Many inquired for their resi-
dence, and families came on the steamb boat
u see them. The steamboat would wait at
the landing, for strangers and citizens to
exchange courtesieS Miss Cornelia Van
Ness was at that time in the prime of her
popularity. Her name was on the lips Of
many who praised her for her grace and
dignity Of character. After Gov. Van Ness
was appointed Minister to Spain, parted
with that estimable family. on board the
steamboat Congress at Whitehall. when
Mrs. Van Ness and her daughter Cornelia
gave ne their best wishes for nv
success and continued prosperity; bat
! realized that my best friends were
going where their personal influence would
not assist me Any more. | did not see that
noble daughter Cnrnelia again till she re-
turned TO New York as Mrs. Roosevelt.
Then her first question was How are they |
all IN dear Burlington? When were you |
Roosevelt, for ! too was a wanderer and |
ielt that each OF Us had lef: our cherished |
home. At that time Mrs Roosevelt ex-
pressed desire 10 purchase the old home |
stead OF the Van Ness family at Kinder
HOOK and made many inquiries about the
property. | thought 1t a handsome
scheme Tor lady and hoped she would do
so. She told me it was her intention to
visit 'Lindenwald" with a view to buying
the place. once valuable TO her fathers
family. Her grandfather is buried there.
and her father was born there.
The Van Buren, family sold the property,
and Mrs. Roosevelt did not buy it. 1t was
well she did not, for the railroads have
changed the route of travel. and Linden
~ald' Is now lonesome and neglected
landmark. Mrs. Roosevelt spoke much o:
her father and his popular days in Burling-
ION: She gave me picture OF him which |
took with many thanks | have a venera-
uhuential friend | saw Mrs. Roosevelt at
4 large iair in New York she was one Of
he managers and had chair in the corner
II the large Dutcn Fireplace, with large
ap, and knitting in her hands. Her first
was Captain, when were you
q Burl ington?' | frequently met Mrs
Iooseyelt, and nothing gave her more pleas
ire than to talk OF events associated with .
er happy days in Burlington. !
The last time | saw Mrs. Roosevelt was at
4ratogs in 1874 She was afable and {
rlendly as ever, but no longer ruler of the ,
ishions. Thirty years ago, Mrs Roosevelt ,
sd the reputation OF being the most splen- f
idly dressed lady in Saratoga, and was
,ell known a. the accomplished daughter q
t Gov. Van Ness GIL =
Stockport, n. Y. Feb. 90, rs. a