Billopp Family
A HISTORY OF THOMAS AND ANNE BILLOPP FARMAR
Grafton Publishing
1908
Digital copy available at https://archive.org/details/historyofthomasa00lcbill
Colonel Chistopher 3 Billopp, the eldest son of Major Thomas Billopp,
was born in 1737, in the " Old Billopp House " on Bcntley Manor,
Staten Island. There was at that time a famous school at Perth Amboy, which opportunity he improved by acquiring, for that period, an excellent education. He took great interest in the political questions of the day,
and soon after he attained his majority he represented his county in
the New York Assembly, and took part in all the debates relating to the trouble with the Mother Country. From the very first he was a pronounced
Loyalist, and did all in his power to prevent an open rupture between
the Colonies and Great Britain, but when it came, there was not a
moment's hesitation on his part. His duty, as he saw it, was to support, defend, and aid, with all his power, with his mind, body, and estate,
that Crown which had been so liberal and generous to his family for
generations.
As soon as the war had really begun, he accepted a lieutenant colonel's
commission and commanded a corps of Loyalists raised on Staten
Island, and was from that time until the end of the war employed in
military duties. The Continentals were never in force on Staten Island, but they held that section of New Jersey for several years, and as they could watch his house from Perth Amboy, they were constantly on the alert to
catch the " Tory Colonel," and twice succeeded. On one of these occasions he was confined in the jail at Burlington. The patriot Commissary of Prisoners, Mr. Boudinot, in the warrant of commitment, directed that irons should be put on his hands and feet, that he should be chained to the floor of a close room, and that he should be fed on bread and water, which was done, it is said, in retaliation for the cruel
treatment of two Whig officers who had fallen into the hands of
the Royal troops.
In 1782 <wrong date?> Colonel Billopp was Superintendent of Police of Staten Island. His estate, Bentley Manor, and also the estate of his father-in-law, Benjamin Seaman, were confiscated by an act of the New York Legislature in the year 1776.
At the " Old Billopp House " Lord Howe, as Commissioner of the King,
met Franklin, John Adams and Edward Rutledge, a committee of the Continental Congress, in the hope of adusting difficulties and of inducing
the Colonies to return to their allegiance. Lord Howe, General Kniphausen, Colonel Simcoe and other officers of rank were frequent guests of Colonel Billopp at this old house.
September 11, 1776 John Adams, Massachusetts, Edward Rutledge,
South Carolina, Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania; Lord Richard Howe, Henry Strachey, his secretary.
After the war, Colonel Billopp, with all his family, except his two sons,
settled at St. John, New Brunswick, and for many years bore a part in the administration of affairs. He was a member of the House of Assembly, and of the Council, and on the death of Governor Smith, in 1823, he claimed the vacant position ; but as he was then nearly ninety years old, a younger man was chosen, and his competitor, the Honorable Ward Chapman, was sworn into office. He died at St. John,
March 28, 1827, aged ninety years. From Mr. Morris' " His- tory of Staten Island," page 147, is quoted: "The St. John Daily Telegraph, March 29, 1827 (some- thing of a prophetic name for a paper then), contained the following
notice:
Died, last evening, in the ninetieth year of his age,
the Hon. C. Billopp, a member of His Majesty's Council in
this Province. He was formerly of Staten Island, New
York, where he owned a very valuable property, but from which
he was driven by his firm and inflexible loyalty ; for his intrepid
zeal and indefatigable exertions in the Royal cause during
the American Rebellion, brought upon him the vengeance of
the MAJOR THOMAS BILLOPP 59 Revolutionary government
and placed him and his possessions in the proscribed list.
Since then he has resided in this Province, and was an active and
useful representative in its first House of Assembly; and during a long
life he has ever been distinguished for the strictest honor and integrity and
an undeviating independence of mind. His funeral will take place
from his late residence in King Street next Monday at two o'clock,
when the friends of the family are respectfully requested to attend.' "
From the same work is the following description of Colonel Billopp: "He was a very tall, rather slender, soldierly looking man when in his prime.
He was exceedingly proud, and his pride at times led him to the
verge of hauteur, yet he was kindhearted, not only to those whom he considered his equals, but to In- Blavee and to the poor people of
the Island. No one went from his door at the old Manor hungry.
It was his custom to gather the people of the Island once a year on
the lawn in front of his house and hold a harvest-home. He delighted
to talk to them and give advice for their welfare. He was very popular.
He was fond of dress and scrupulously neat n his attire. He Kept his
coach and liveried driver and foot- man. Passionately fond of horses,
his stable was filled with the finest bred animals in the land. He was
a magnificent rider and was very fond of the saddle. He was an
expert shot with the pistol, which once saved his life when attacked
by robbers.
Colonel Billopp was not a man to take advice unless it instantly
met his favor. He generally regarded his own opinion superior to
that of others, especially if theirs did not accord with his. " Life-long
friends pleaded with him to join the cause of independence at the commencement of the Revolution, but he chose to follow the fortunes
of Royalty. He was a good citizen, a noble man. his misfortune being
that he was on the losing side of a cause in which he had everything
at stake."
The following inscription is on his tomb:
" Sacred to the memory of the Honorable Christopher Billopp,
a member of His Majesty's Council in this Province, whose uncompromising Loyalty and distinguished exertions as a
Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Cause during the American
rebellion obliged him at the termination of that contest to
abandon without compensation, his hereditary property on
Staten Island and retire with his family o this colony, wherein he since resided at St. John, universally respected.
" He died on the 28th day of March, 1827, in the ninetieth
year of his age."
Colonel Billopp was twice married. His first wife was Frances Willett, by whom he had two sons,
Thomas and John Willett Billopp, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Katherine Billopp. Elizabeth married Mr. Robinson of St. John, New Brunswick, and had four children. The eldest, Frances
Robinson, married Doctor Bayard of St. John. The second daughter, Mary Robinson, married Major Short.
Sarah, Colonel Billopp's second daughter, married Henry Seaman of New York, and had four children
— Billopp, who married Miss Kortright; Jasper and Edmund, unmarried; and Frances, who married Mr. Townsend. The Colonel's third daughter, Katherine, died in infancy.
Colonel Billopp's second wife, Jane Seaman, daughter of Benjamin Seaman, of Staten Island, bore
him five daughters, and died in St. John, New Brunswick, in 1802, aged forty- eight years. Her daughters
were Katharine, who married Hon.John Black of Halifax, and left a son and daughter ; Jane, who married
Hon. William Black of St. John, and had three sons and three daughters; Louisa, who married John Wallace;
Mary, who married Archdeacon Willis, and left children, and Anne, who died unmarried.
In speaking of the descendants of the daughters of Colonel Christopher Billopp, Mr. Morris, in his " History of Staten Island," has the following: " The descendants of Colonel Christopher Billopp have passed on to the
fourth generation, and are now scattered throughout the Dominion of Canada and England. They are people of whom any community might well be proud. The four grandsons of Mary Billopp Willis are the Rev. Robert S. Willis of England, the Rev. Cuthbert Willis of Halifax, John Willis of Halifax, and William Chris- topher Willis of Glasgow, Scotland.
"
Late 16th Century
Barnard Billopp born in Coventry, England. Enlisted in Navy at 17 and died (??) as as a result of wounds incurred in a duel
Had 2 sons - James and Christopher (1)
16th Century
James saved life of Queen Elizabeth and accepted a Court appointment James has a son named Christopher (2) who was a merchant in London. Christopher was a governmental contractor under Charles the First. He married a lady belonging to the court circle.
1638
They had a son Christopher (3), born in London, who was educated to be a navalofficer by direction of King Charles the First. Many voyages taken while in the navy. He was wounded by Turkish
pirates. This is the Conference House Christopher Billopp.
Spring 1667
Christopher (of Christopher) sails on ship Bentley from England to Newfoundland and then down to New Netherlands. It is not known if on his own or per King Charle I.
1668
Duke of York (who becomes King in 1685) decides that any island in New York harbour hat can be circumvented in 24 hours will become part of New York. If not, New Jersey.Billopp circled Staten
Island in 23 hours. Duke of York presented Billopp with 1163 acres on SW tip of Staten Island. Billopp
called it Bentley Manor.
This action is under question since no record of Billopp coming to America prior to 1674.
1671
Made a lieutenant in the English navy - assigned to Portsmouth
1672
Assigned to ship Bristol
5-7-1873
Commander of Prudent Mary
2-3-1674
Commander of Rainbow
1674
After second surrender of New Amsterdam to England, Major Edmond, later Sir Edmond Andros,
was appointed Governor by James, Duke of York. He formed an army of 100 (first time army raised in England for service in America).
7-2-1674
Major Andros commissioned as a Captain and Billopp as a lieutenant
1674
Shortly after his arrival in New York Billopp receives a patent for 1165 acres on west end of Staten Island, Soon after receives another 2000 acres. Named Bentley Manor after a ship he picked
up to navigate around the island.
When was Billopp married to 1st wife - daughter of Major Farmer?? 2 daughters Anne/mary
When were the daughters born
8-13-1677
Andros appoints Billopp to be Collector of Customs in Delaware River and Bay
8-14-1677
Andros appoints Billopp Commander of Delaware and Bay. Holds this for 2 years.
7-20-1680
Billopp returns to England
7-20-1680
Commander of Depthford Ketch
2nd half
Billopp back on Staten Island attending to several court cases. Also purchases 200
of 1681 acres of land "over against Amboye".
10-10-1685
Thomas Farmar , age 10,
landed at Philadelphia with his mother, Katherine, a widow of Jaspar Farmar, Jr. Also two daughters - Elizabeth and Katherine.
1685-1689
In this period Billopp maries Katherine Farmer, widow of Jaspar Farmar Jr. No children.
5-6-1687
Govenor Thomas Dongan (Andros successor) issues a patent for 1600 acres to Billopp
6-10-1687
Commissioned as surveyor of
highways for Staten Island
5-1-1689
Commander of Greenwich
12-31-1690
Captures conspirators
5-19-1692
Commander of Suffolk
12-6-1692
Commander of Ossory
5-23-1693
Commander of Victory
6-?-1693
Commander of London, the largest ship in the English navy
1693/1694
Court records show Billopp is on Staten Island
1700
Sailed to England on the Bentley and never heard of again. Thought to be at request of
King since a pension is assigned by the King.
1701
Unstated documents showing Billopp in England
1701
Thomas Farmar becomes sheriff of Philadelphia
1702
Katherine Farmar Billopp died.
8-22-1702
Gives power of attorney to daughters Mary and Anne (living in London) for Bentley Manor.
1704
Thomas Farmar resigns office of sheriff and goes to England to seek the hand of
Anne Billopp, step daughter of his mother Katherine.
1705
May have come back to Staten Island when daughters married.
Anne married Colonel Thomas Farmar. Had 12 children - 9 boys and 3 girls. Christopher(4)
was second boy but died in childhood.
Mary married Rev. Mr. Brooke
who was lost at sea en route to England in 1707
?
Mary remarried Rev. William Skinner of Perth Amboy. No children
1707
Jaspar Farmar, of Anne and Thomas Farmar, born at Bentley Manor
2-10-1710
Thomas Farmar signs document stating he is 36. Arrives in Phila in 1685 at age 10?
1711
Thomas Farmar Billop, the third son of Thomas and Anne and the heir of Bentley Manor,
is born.
1718
Christopher Billopp on Staten Island since he signed a letter to King George the First
Thomas Billopp married Eugenia who died at 23
1735 when Thomas Farmar (Billopp) married Sarah Leonard of New Jersey. 3 sons and 5 daughters.
Christopher (5) was the oldest son
4-25-1724
Christopher Billopp wrote will in Fleet Prison. Daughters were heirs but stipulated that
grandson Thomas Farmar, at age 21, would inherit the Manor provided he change his
name to Billopp
More detailed information in Farmar book.
1725
Mary Billopp Skinner (Christopher Billopp's daughter) died
1726
Captain Christopher Billopp dies in London
5-7-1728
Thomas Farmar signs letter to King George as Chief Justice of Western District of New
Jersey
3-22-1735
Thomas Billop's first wife, Eugenia Stelle, dies at age 23.
1735
Christopher Billopp, (6) the "Tory Colonel" born to third son of Anne and Thomas (Farmar) Billopp
Captured twice. Once thrown in prison in Burlington, New Jersey and chained to the floor.
Exchanged for a captain who had been on a prison ship.
Second time he was released by George Washinton at the solicitation of Lord Howe.
who was mother - maiden name
1740
Thomas Farmar Billopp and brother Robert form 103 man army.
10-5-1749
Thomas Billop will leaving
Bentley Manor to his oldest son Christopher
8-2-1750
Thomas Farmar Billopp died at the age of 39. All children with the exception of
Christopher reverted back to the Farmar name. Christopher retained Billopp.
1752
Anne (Capt. Billopp daughter and Thomas Farmar Billopp wife) died
1767
Thomas Billopp, oldest son of Colonel Thomas Farmar Billopp and Frances Willett,
born
when were Billopp and Willett married
1777
Thomas at age 10 works for
his father (Superintendent of Police, Staten Island) as a
clerk
1790
Thomas Billopp marries Abigail Moore, the yougest daughter of John Moore of Newtown,
Long Island. They had 6 children - one of which was Frances who married Rev. William
Edward Wyatt
1783-1784
Moved to New Brunswick, Canada - many political offices
1805
Thomas Farmar Billopp, youngest child of Thomas and Abigail Billopp born
He was educated by Rev. William E. Wyatt, his brother-in-law
7-21-1806
Captain Thomas Billopp captured and executed in Venezuela
1825
Thomas Farmar Billopp ordained as Episcopal priest by Bishop Kemp
Thomas Farmar Billopp was rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church (Queen Ann
Parish) in Maryland for 50 years.
3-23-1827
Christopher Billopp (6) died at age of 92 at St. John, New Brunswick, Canada
Said he was 90 years old but also said born in 1735
11-?-1832
Thomas Farmar Billopp married Katherine Risteau, daughter of Captain Christopher
Carnan. They had seven sons and three daughters
1834
Abigail Billopp died
1876
Thomas Farmar Billopp died
1892
Katherine Risteau Billopp died
Blue - History of Thomas and Anne Billopp Farmar - Charles Farmar Billopp - 1906
Purple - Old Buildings of New York City - 1907
Black - Conference House Revisited - Field Horne - 1990
Barnard Billopp born in Coventry, England. Enlisted in Navy at 17 and died (??) as as a result of wounds incurred in a duel
Had 2 sons - James and Christopher (1)
16th Century
James saved life of Queen Elizabeth and accepted a Court appointment James has a son named Christopher (2) who was a merchant in London. Christopher was a governmental contractor under Charles the First. He married a lady belonging to the court circle.
1638
They had a son Christopher (3), born in London, who was educated to be a navalofficer by direction of King Charles the First. Many voyages taken while in the navy. He was wounded by Turkish
pirates. This is the Conference House Christopher Billopp.
Spring 1667
Christopher (of Christopher) sails on ship Bentley from England to Newfoundland and then down to New Netherlands. It is not known if on his own or per King Charle I.
1668
Duke of York (who becomes King in 1685) decides that any island in New York harbour hat can be circumvented in 24 hours will become part of New York. If not, New Jersey.Billopp circled Staten
Island in 23 hours. Duke of York presented Billopp with 1163 acres on SW tip of Staten Island. Billopp
called it Bentley Manor.
This action is under question since no record of Billopp coming to America prior to 1674.
1671
Made a lieutenant in the English navy - assigned to Portsmouth
1672
Assigned to ship Bristol
5-7-1873
Commander of Prudent Mary
2-3-1674
Commander of Rainbow
1674
After second surrender of New Amsterdam to England, Major Edmond, later Sir Edmond Andros,
was appointed Governor by James, Duke of York. He formed an army of 100 (first time army raised in England for service in America).
7-2-1674
Major Andros commissioned as a Captain and Billopp as a lieutenant
1674
Shortly after his arrival in New York Billopp receives a patent for 1165 acres on west end of Staten Island, Soon after receives another 2000 acres. Named Bentley Manor after a ship he picked
up to navigate around the island.
When was Billopp married to 1st wife - daughter of Major Farmer?? 2 daughters Anne/mary
When were the daughters born
8-13-1677
Andros appoints Billopp to be Collector of Customs in Delaware River and Bay
8-14-1677
Andros appoints Billopp Commander of Delaware and Bay. Holds this for 2 years.
7-20-1680
Billopp returns to England
7-20-1680
Commander of Depthford Ketch
2nd half
Billopp back on Staten Island attending to several court cases. Also purchases 200
of 1681 acres of land "over against Amboye".
10-10-1685
Thomas Farmar , age 10,
landed at Philadelphia with his mother, Katherine, a widow of Jaspar Farmar, Jr. Also two daughters - Elizabeth and Katherine.
1685-1689
In this period Billopp maries Katherine Farmer, widow of Jaspar Farmar Jr. No children.
5-6-1687
Govenor Thomas Dongan (Andros successor) issues a patent for 1600 acres to Billopp
6-10-1687
Commissioned as surveyor of
highways for Staten Island
5-1-1689
Commander of Greenwich
12-31-1690
Captures conspirators
5-19-1692
Commander of Suffolk
12-6-1692
Commander of Ossory
5-23-1693
Commander of Victory
6-?-1693
Commander of London, the largest ship in the English navy
1693/1694
Court records show Billopp is on Staten Island
1700
Sailed to England on the Bentley and never heard of again. Thought to be at request of
King since a pension is assigned by the King.
1701
Unstated documents showing Billopp in England
1701
Thomas Farmar becomes sheriff of Philadelphia
1702
Katherine Farmar Billopp died.
8-22-1702
Gives power of attorney to daughters Mary and Anne (living in London) for Bentley Manor.
1704
Thomas Farmar resigns office of sheriff and goes to England to seek the hand of
Anne Billopp, step daughter of his mother Katherine.
1705
May have come back to Staten Island when daughters married.
Anne married Colonel Thomas Farmar. Had 12 children - 9 boys and 3 girls. Christopher(4)
was second boy but died in childhood.
Mary married Rev. Mr. Brooke
who was lost at sea en route to England in 1707
?
Mary remarried Rev. William Skinner of Perth Amboy. No children
1707
Jaspar Farmar, of Anne and Thomas Farmar, born at Bentley Manor
2-10-1710
Thomas Farmar signs document stating he is 36. Arrives in Phila in 1685 at age 10?
1711
Thomas Farmar Billop, the third son of Thomas and Anne and the heir of Bentley Manor,
is born.
1718
Christopher Billopp on Staten Island since he signed a letter to King George the First
Thomas Billopp married Eugenia who died at 23
1735 when Thomas Farmar (Billopp) married Sarah Leonard of New Jersey. 3 sons and 5 daughters.
Christopher (5) was the oldest son
4-25-1724
Christopher Billopp wrote will in Fleet Prison. Daughters were heirs but stipulated that
grandson Thomas Farmar, at age 21, would inherit the Manor provided he change his
name to Billopp
More detailed information in Farmar book.
1725
Mary Billopp Skinner (Christopher Billopp's daughter) died
1726
Captain Christopher Billopp dies in London
5-7-1728
Thomas Farmar signs letter to King George as Chief Justice of Western District of New
Jersey
3-22-1735
Thomas Billop's first wife, Eugenia Stelle, dies at age 23.
1735
Christopher Billopp, (6) the "Tory Colonel" born to third son of Anne and Thomas (Farmar) Billopp
Captured twice. Once thrown in prison in Burlington, New Jersey and chained to the floor.
Exchanged for a captain who had been on a prison ship.
Second time he was released by George Washinton at the solicitation of Lord Howe.
who was mother - maiden name
1740
Thomas Farmar Billopp and brother Robert form 103 man army.
10-5-1749
Thomas Billop will leaving
Bentley Manor to his oldest son Christopher
8-2-1750
Thomas Farmar Billopp died at the age of 39. All children with the exception of
Christopher reverted back to the Farmar name. Christopher retained Billopp.
1752
Anne (Capt. Billopp daughter and Thomas Farmar Billopp wife) died
1767
Thomas Billopp, oldest son of Colonel Thomas Farmar Billopp and Frances Willett,
born
when were Billopp and Willett married
1777
Thomas at age 10 works for
his father (Superintendent of Police, Staten Island) as a
clerk
1790
Thomas Billopp marries Abigail Moore, the yougest daughter of John Moore of Newtown,
Long Island. They had 6 children - one of which was Frances who married Rev. William
Edward Wyatt
1783-1784
Moved to New Brunswick, Canada - many political offices
1805
Thomas Farmar Billopp, youngest child of Thomas and Abigail Billopp born
He was educated by Rev. William E. Wyatt, his brother-in-law
7-21-1806
Captain Thomas Billopp captured and executed in Venezuela
1825
Thomas Farmar Billopp ordained as Episcopal priest by Bishop Kemp
Thomas Farmar Billopp was rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church (Queen Ann
Parish) in Maryland for 50 years.
3-23-1827
Christopher Billopp (6) died at age of 92 at St. John, New Brunswick, Canada
Said he was 90 years old but also said born in 1735
11-?-1832
Thomas Farmar Billopp married Katherine Risteau, daughter of Captain Christopher
Carnan. They had seven sons and three daughters
1834
Abigail Billopp died
1876
Thomas Farmar Billopp died
1892
Katherine Risteau Billopp died
Blue - History of Thomas and Anne Billopp Farmar - Charles Farmar Billopp - 1906
Purple - Old Buildings of New York City - 1907
Black - Conference House Revisited - Field Horne - 1990
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