Original Patent-Town Hall

The most significant artifact stored in Town Hall is the 1696 original patent of John Harrison’s purchase of land. Written on sheepskin and framed for preservation, this proudly hangs in the current Mayor’s Office after being discovered in archives deteriorating. How John Harrison acquired this land is one of Harrison’s most interesting stories. The transaction of Harrison’s 1695 purchase from an Indian Sachem was granted by King William III to John Harrison and four others; William Nicholas, Ebenezer Willams, David Jamison and Samuel Haight. This land was claimed to already be owned by John Budd and Peter Disbrow. New York Governor, Colonel Fletcher ordered the property to be surveyed and for any proof of ownership by Budd and Disbrow to be presented to Fletcher. This proof was never submitted, and the patent was granted in 1696. The full transcription can be found several places online and in print. [1]

[1] Baird, Charles Washington. Chronicle of a Border Town: History of Rye, Westchester County, New York, 1660-1870,... including Harrison and the White Plains till 1788. HARBOR HILL BOOKS, 1974.