The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1882-06-14
Curious History.

w NUN oNolRO w Whcy
though only twenty-five, had won re-
noun by his gallantry under Braddock,
visited New York, he was the guest of
Beverly Robinson, a young Virginian,
who had come hither a few years pre-
viously and married an heiress. The
latter Jane Phillipse) owned q manor
on the west side of the Hudson twenty
miles in extent. This, however, was but
half of the paternal estate. On the
east side Of the river was similar tract
belonging to the other sister-Mary
Phillipse. The last mentioned tract
contained the Phillipse manor house,
which is at present the City Hall of
Yonkers Mary Phillipse was at the
time above mentioned, living with her
sister, and was rendered, by wealth and
personal attractions, ono OF the leading
toasts of the day. Report says that
Washington offered his hand to the
heiress, but was refused, as she did not
care to bury herself on n Virginia planta-
lion. Another slitor, Capt. Morris, of
the British army, was more successful,
and having won an opulent bride, he
Immediately constructed mansion suit
able to his new position as lord OF the
manor. Yonkers was too far from the
city, and hence he selected the present
site. Carpenters were brought from
England and the building was erected
in slow and solid manner, its date of
completion being 1850. Tho lord of the
manor lived here in grand style until
the revolution, however, broke up their
establishment. When Washington was
expelled from New York he passed
several days in this vicinity, during
which the Morris House was headquar-
ters. His old flame had taken refuge
with some Tory families in the vicinity
and her husband NOW ColoneD was in
the British army. After the war both
went to England, where Mary Morris
died in 1920 at the age of four score.
She always felt deep interest in WASH
ington, and having lived to see her
former lover become the chief captain of
the age, she survived him twenty years,
but never mentioned his name without
admiration and almost emotion. Perhaps,
like Maud Muller, she sometimes said to
herself, at might have been"
After the revolution Tie entire manor
was confscated and the Morris property
was sold. Before this took place, how
ever, Washington visited the place in
company with some of his Cabinet, and
grand dinner was served by the tenant.
They were deeply Interested in the as
sociations of that fearful scene where
one disaster after another awaited the
patriotic army. The Morris estate after
ward had several owners, and was at last
purchased in 1910 by Stephen Jumel, o
retired French merchant, the price pait
being $4,000. He died in a few years
leaving his wife sole owner, and THU
woman has given She place notoriet,
far greater than its previous record
Madame Jumel was fascinating anC
beautiful in early lilo, but in later year
she displayed many vagaries, and as he
years were prolonged to ninety the.
we're marked by many of the weakness
of old age. She and her husband ha'
lived several years ~. Paris, where the
gathered many cmlosities which stil
adorn the ancient mansion. Visiting til
place recently, l passed through n
ancient gate and Followed the road
which leads from the turnpike, till
reached the portico which, as has bee
remarked, has gtand prospect. 0
entrance one is struck with the breadt
and dignity of the hall, which is rich j
relics, both of furniture and art. Anon
: the latter is fine portrait of Madam
t Jumel with her family, and also pictul
, of Aaron Burr, who became her secon
husband. Other works of art adorn i
walls, combining the past and the presel
in very interesting psuner.-New Yo'
. letter.