Schermerhorn Family of America

[from pp. 27-54 of Schermerhorn Genealogy and Family Chronicles by Richard Schermerhorn, Jr. (New York: Tobias A. Wright, Publisher, 1914).]

The Schermerhorn family of America is a well known family, and since the first settlement of New York State, has been closely identified with its history and development. Originally identified with a few individual localities in the upper Hudson River district, the different branches of ihe family gradually scattered to various other communities throughout the state, and when the western tide of emigration set in, many of the family followed in its wake and sought new fields of enterprise in the far distant territories of the Middle West and West. As they were among the first to break the virgin soil of the East, so many of later generations helped form the earliest settlements of some of the now thickly built up western districts. At the present day the Schermerhorn family is scattered throughout the whole extent of the United States, as far south as Alabama, Louisiana and Mexico and as far west as California and Oregon. There have been in the past a few families who settled in Canada and perhaps their descendants still dwell there.

To speak of the family as a whole and to view their mental and physical characteristics from a common ground may seem more or less inconsequential, and an effort perhaps leading to no definiteness. But it is interesting to the author, at least, and he believes that there certainly are many of these characteristics common to the Schermerhorn family of early days which have found their way down through successive generations, and have been particularly emphasized in certain individuals. Willfulness and strength of purpose are most predominant in the family. The stern inflexibility of character which carried Jacob Janse successfully through so many trying situations, and led Ryer Schermerhorn and his descendants to fight strenuously for their rights through four generations, these indications of iron will, perseverance and sturdy courage are still recognized in many of the family living to-day and earlier generations have borne much evidence of the same characteristics. Other family heritages are those of generosity, hospitality and kindliness. In their relations to the community at large. while naturally of a friendly disposition, they have been generally content to live quietly among themselves, and though not of retiring nature, they have been reserved to the extreme. They have not sought public office to any large extent, their instinct appearing to be to avoid unusual publicity and conditions leading to conspicuous notice. But they are strongly opinionated and their reserve has its limitations where fighting for a principle is concerned. The physical characteristics of the Schermerhorns may be generalized only to a slight degree. In pioneer times, undoubtedly the lighthaired ones predominated, and it is quite likely they are in the majority to-day. Early tales describe them as particularly tall men and of powerful frames. For a Schermerhorn to be over six feet tall was not, by any means, unusual, and even to-day their stature is quite above the average. The Dutch cast of feature remains among those of the present time, and will undoubtedly so continue far into the future. Broad foreheads, large noses and kindly eyes have been the most distinctive. The expression of the eyes is probably the most consistent of all Schermerhorn characteristics. It is the expression of kindheartedness and friendliness, and it is particularly noticeable as common to most of the old Schermerhorn portraits, even in the cases of those as far separated in relationship as could be. These foregoing characteristics are judged by the author not from a few casual instances, but from the general impression he has received from his extended correspondence with many members of the family, from the many members of the family he has known and from the tales he has heard them tell.

The Schermerhorn family has perhaps been one of the most truly "Knickerbocker" of all, as the word "Knickerbocker" is interpreted. This may be easily noticed by examining the genealogical records and realizing how in many cases pure Dutch blood has for many generations been carried down in the family, in some cases even to the present day. Often it may be seen that intermarriages took place among Schermerhorn families, although very seldom where a closer relationship than that of second cousin was the case. But this indicates a strong regard for their own kind. "Being a Schermerhorn" has always carried with it a most serious sense of honor and self respect.

It may be interesting to consider the fact that even should the Schermerhorn family completely die out, still their name would be naturally preserved through their association with things in the past which have made this name a by-word. Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn is known to everyone who has ever visited there. The Schermerhorn Building in New York City, with entrances on Wall Street and Broadway is an old building and very well known. Schermerhorn Hall at Columbia University will remain indefinitely as a monument to William C. Schermerhorn, who was responsible for its erection. A very handsome apartment hotel in upper New York City also bears the name of "The Schermerhorn." In the up-state district, Schermerhorn Island still appears on the map, lying near Schodack. East Nassau was at one time named Schermerhorn in honor of John W. Schermerhorn, and a district in Hudson, now a part of the city, but once lying to the east of it, was called Schermerhorn's, on account of the large holdings of another John Schermerhorn in that district. In Schenectady Schermerhorn's Mills have been the familiar name for a certain district since the seventeenth century, and there is a Schermerhorn Road within the city limits named after the family. In Cortland, N. Y., there is a Schermerhorn School and a Schermerhorn Building, named after the Schermerhorn family who were at one time very prominent in the neighborhood. In other parts of the state and country the name is also found closely connected with objects and institutions which time will never efface.

As to the occupations of Schermerhorns, the majority, in the early generations, have been farmers, such being the case with most of the old families of America. The education of their children has evidently been their chief concern, and it may be truly said that the Schermerhorn family has been particularly well represented in schools and colleges. Many of them have in turn become teachers, and their influence in this connection has been felt in the far West as well as in the East. Many have become clergymen and their duties have called them to all parts of the country. Others have become lawyers and engineers, and in most cases they have occupied positions of importance in their respective professions. Their patriotism has always been ardent. From the time of the Indian Wars of the Colonial days to the more recent Spanish-American War, Schermerhorns have gone readily to the front and manfully done their share. They have served as private soldiers and also at the head of their commands. Many have bravely waved farewell to their families, never to return, and the dreaded Confederate prisons of the Civil War have claimed more than one Schermerhorn victim.

Thus from the first settlement of the New World, the Schermerhorns have borne their full burden in the development of this country. They have hewn down the massive trees, turning dense forests into peaceful meadow land and have contributed to the many industries subsequently arising. They have assisted in developing the commerce of the nation and have participated in the making and maintaining of this country's laws, serving in village, town, capital city and the Capitol of the country. They have been foremost in church work and noted for their influence in maintaining the high standards of the early religion. They have contributed generously to educational and charitable affairs, and more than a few institutions of such nature are inseparably connected with the Schermerhorn name. And also when their country called they have shed their blood in its cause.

Schermerhorn Soldiers of Early Colonial and Indian War Times

June 17, 1692

Cornelius Schermerhorn, on the roll of Major Peter Schuyler's Co.

1715

Cornelius Schermerhorn, member of Capt. Abr. Van Alstyne's Co. of Albany Co. Militia. Cornelius and Jacob Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Johs. Mingael's Co. of Albany City Militia. Jacob and Jan Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Johs. S. Glen's Co. of Schenectady Militia. Arent Schermerhorn, member of Capt. Harmen Van Slyck's Co. of Schenectady Militia. Lucas Schermerhorn, member of Col. Thos. Farmer's New Jersey Regt.

1755—

Cornelius Jacob Schermerhorn, 2nd Lieut. of a Schodack Co. of Rensselaerwyck Militia.

1767

Barent, Cornelius, Derrick, Daniel, Hendrick, Jacob, Jacob C., Jacob J., John, Lukas, Ryer and Samuel Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Joachim Staat's Co., Sir Wm. Johnson's Regt. Cornelius, Johannis, Roelif and William Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Jacob Hallenbeck's Co. (Greene Co.). Johannes and Ryer Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Gerrit Lansing's 2nd Schenectady Co. Freeman and Jacob Schermerhorn, members of Lieut. John Glen's Schenectady Troop of Light Horse. Aaron, Jacobus William, Jacobus, Lourens and Seyman Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Nich. Groot's Co. of Schenectady Militia. Abraham and Reyer A'n Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Andries Truex's Co. of Schenectady Militia. Cornelius, Jr., Jacob, John, John, Jr., and William Schermerhorn, members of Capt. Cornelius DuBois' Co. of Catskill Militia.

Jan. 5, 1758

William Schermerhorn commissioned 1st Lieut. of Schenectady Militia

Jan. 17, 1764

Jacobus Schermerhorn commissioned 1st Lieut. of Schenectady Militia.

1760-70 (?)

Jacob Schermerhorn commissioned Major of Light Horse to be formed in the Northern District.

Schermerhorn Soldiers of the Revolution

Commissioned Officers

Daniel Schermerhorn, 4th Albany Co. Regt.; Lieut. Oct. 20, 1775; Capt. Apr. 1, 1778. Freeman (Bernard) Schermerhorn; 2nd Albany Co. Regt. (Schenectady); Ensign, June 20, 1778. Jacob Schermerhorn, 2nd Albany Co. Regt. (Schenectady); Lieut. Col., Oct. 20, 1775. Jacob Schermerhorn; Albany Co. Exempts; Capt., 1779-80. Jacob Schermerhorn; 4th Albany Co. Regt.; 1st Lieut. Apr. 1, 1778. Jacob Schermerhorn; 5th Albany Co. Regt.; 1st Lieut., Oct. 20, 1775; 4th Albany Co. Regt.; 2nd Major, April 1, 1778; 1st Major, ————. Lucas Schermerhorn, 4th Albany Co. Regt.; Capt. Oct. 20, 1775.

Listed by Regiments

2nd Regt. Albany Co. Militia (Schenectady). Aaron, Andrew, Bartholomew, Garret, Henry J., Jacob, Jacob J., John, John J., Nicholas, Richard, Ryer, Maus and Simon Schermerhorn, privates; Jacob Schermerhorn, Captain; Freeman Schermerhorn, Ensign.

4th Regt. Albany Co. Militia (Lower Rensselaer Co.). Cornelius, Jacob, Jacob H., Jacob I., Jacob R., Philip and Samuel Schermerhorn, privates; John R. Schermerhorn, Sergeant.

6th Regt. Albany Co. Militia (Upper Rensselaer Co.). Jacob Schermerhorn, Private.

8th Regt. Albany Co. Militia (Columbia Co.). John, John, Jr., and William Schermerhorn, Privates.

11th Regt. Albany Co. Militia (Coxsackie). Cornelius and Jacob Schermerhorn, Privates.

Graham's Dutchess Co. Regt.. Cornelius Schermerhorn, Private.

Willett's Levies. John L. Schermerhorn, Private.

Third Line Regt., C. D. Wynkoop, Col. Jacob Schermerhorn, Private.

Claimants for Land Bounty Rights

2nd Regt. Albany Co. Militia. Abraham, Freeman, Garret, Jacobus, Maus, Reyer A. and William Schermerhorn.

4th Regt. Albany Co. Militia. Daniel, Jacob, Jacob J., John W., Philip, Reyer, Hendrick and Samuel Schermerhorn.

8th Regt. Albany Co. Militia. John J. Schermerhorn.

9th Regt. Albany Co. Militia. John Schermerhorn.

11th Regt. Albany Co. Militia. Cornelius, Hendrick, Jacob, John and Johannes Schermerhorn.

4th Regt. Dutchess Co. Militia. Robert Schermerhorn.

5th Regt. Dutchess Co. Militia. Cornelius Schermerhorn.

6th Regt. Dutchess Co. Militia. John Schermerhorn.

Pension Roll, 1833-34

Garret, John I., Lawrence and Bartholomew Schermerhorn, all of Schenectady County.