Bloomer Genealogy

Address:

Robert  J Bloomer
4328 W 12000 South
Spring Lake, Utah  84651
801 465-3057
801 310-1437
RBloo17022@aol.com

Bloomer Family History Page Cortland County, NY

                                                               Sep 2014

Isaac and Ann (Barlow) Bloomer of Cortland County, New York

Since the 1880’s descendants of Robert Bloomer (1634-1713) have been aware of the Bloomers living in Cortland County, NY, and their possible family connection. Unlike this branch of the Bloomers, the Barlow family has a surprising amount of published information and lived many generations before the American Revolution in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The Bloomers lived just across the Connecticut state line in Westchester County, NY.  After the war several Barlow families migrated from Stanford to Up-State New York. Many Bloomers followed this same pattern of migration. 

According to an article published in an 1868 Cortland Gazetteer, Isaac B. Bloomer was born in Ulster County and migrated with his parents, Isaac and Ann (Barlow) Bloomer to Virgil Township in February of 1815.  Isaac Sr. according to the 1855 New York State Census was born in Dutchess County, New York.  Samuel Barlow (1748-1835), Ann’s father, migrated from Huntington Fairfield, Connecticut to Andres in Delaware County, New York about 1794. Samuel was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, and after approximately 30 years in Andres, on April 8^th 1822, sold his property to his sons James H. and George. He then spent his closing years in Cortland with his daughters and is interred in a Virgil Cemetery.

 On October 13, 1809 Isaac Bloomer purchased 120 acres of land in Virgil Township Lot 25 for the princely sum of  $1,150.00 dollars from a William Dall and Sophia Christiana Dall. Both men were then residents of Wawarsing Ulster, County.  James H. Barlow, Ann (Barlow) Bloomer’s brother, witnessed this Indenture. Both the Barlow history and “Smith’s History of Cortland” mention Delaware County as a previous home of Isaac Bloomer. 

Isaac and Ann (Barlow) Bloomer along with Isaac’s brother John N. Bloomer settled in the Virgil Township, and it is believed that Delaware County was only a temporary stop for Isaac Bloomer during his migration from Ulster to Cortland County.  However, James Harvey Barlow, one of Samuel’s sons, and other members of the Barlow family remained in Delaware County after Isaac left for Cortland.  Two of Samuel’s daughters migrated with their older sister to Virgil and are listed living there in 1850.

The parents of Isaac Bloomer (1783-1856) have not been determined, but they were certainly among the many Bloomers who suffered during the years of the American Revolution. Ann Barlow’s father, Samuel, who had been a resident of Fairfield, Connecticut during the war, migrated to Delaware County about 1790 and the Barlows have an extensive history in Fairfield.  Ann Barlow (1781-1868) was born at Fairfield according to the Barlow family History, and her father Samuel was a Second Sergeant serving three years during the Revolutionary War with Colonel Jeduthan Balwin’s Artillery Regiment. Samuel also worked on the fortification at West Point, and was a witness at the embezzling Court Martial against Captain Daniel Pendelton. Samuel contracted smallpox at Fishkill, New York during the war.

 Samuel, at 84 years old, filed a pension application on 12 Sep 1832 from Cortland and died in Virgil on the 31 March 1835. Phidema (Barlow) Hogoboom, a 1850 resident of Virgil and a daughter of Samuel, named her living siblings in the pension application: John Barlow, Ann Bloomer, Grace Burr, James Harvey Barlow, Phedina Hogoboom, Lucius Barlow, Theadotia Cornwell, Charles Barlow, and George S. Barlow were all named.  On 29^th of August, 1833 Ann (Barlow) Bloomer, as part of the pension file, testified of her father’s service during the war and how he had told her stories of the many hardships suffered during the war.   The pension application was signed “Ann Bloomer.”  (Theadotia migrated to San Francisco, Calif. before 1870. Phedina Hogoboom (1790-1854) married, had children and died in Virgil.  Grace (Barlow) Burr, age 75 in 1860, is listed in Cortland County in 1850 and 1860 census records.)

Samuel’s will is dated July 15^th, 1826 and was probated on 9 April 1836 from Andres, Delaware County. The will mentioned Samuel’s daughters and added two daughters not mentioned in the pension application: Mehetabel Lewis and Ester Sands.  A history of Delaware County mentioned that a Samuel Barlow settled in Andres in 1795. There is also an 1800 Delaware County will of a Joseph Barlow that named a son “Samuel.”  It appears from the same history of Delaware that the Burr family arrived soon after the Revolution and the Burr name is associated with the Barlow name on several Delaware land sales.  

Isaac Bloomer reported that he arrived in Virgil Township in February of 1814.  Isaac is listed in the 1820 census of Virgil with five children.  In the 1825 census his family was listed with a John Bloomer who had five males and two females in the family.  Within the next few years a William Bloomer also appeared.  It does appear that Samuel Barlow was listed in Delaware County in 1810 census and Ann (Barlow) Bloomer was not named in the 1809 Indenture of Issac and witnessed by her brother, James H. Barlow. 

In 1811 John Bloomer and Ann (Bailey) Bloomer, son of Arnold and Mary Scholfield (Bloomer) and nephew of James Scholfield, all of Mamaroneck Westchester County, NY purchased 600 acres in Lot 6 of Virgil Township.  The heirs of James Scholfield, received 200 acres of Military Tract in Cayuga County.  Lot 6 in the township of Virgil Cortland County was part of the Bounty Land awards for Revolutionary War service.  In 1816 John and Tamara (Chamberlin) Bloomer of Scipio, Cayuga County sold 50 acres in  “Lot 6” to a Thomas Richmond for three hundred dollars.  Samuel Trowbridge witnessed this Indenture.  (This is the same John Bloomer)    These lands were all based on the Revolutionary War service of James Scholfield, a brother of Mary (Scholfield) Bloomer. James had been killed at the Battle of Fort Montgomery. Initially James Scholfied’s heirs only received 200 acres in Cayuga County.  The 1869 Gazetteer recorded that a William Bloomer had 98 acres in “Lot 44.”  Samuel Mead Bloomer (1812-1890) recorded in the 1855 NYC census that he was born in Cortland. Samuel was a son of Arnold and Mary (Scholfield) Bloomer. Samuel also reported that he had lived in New York City since 1830. 

There is no known direct family connection between this John Bloomer, son of Arnold Bloomer, and Isaac. This could be just an interesting coincidence that both owned land in Virgil, or an unknown family connection could exist. However, John was the father of Dexter Chamberlin Bloomer who married Amelia Jenks of Homer, New York.

There is certainly no shortage of Isaac Bloomers in our Bloomer family.  And this was especially true for the generation born after the American Revolution. The war was a plague to the citizen living along the lower Hudson River.  Society, social originations and families were torn apart, and Westchester County possibly suffered the most devastation.  Both Rebels and Loyalists ravaged the County of Westchester robbing and stealing the necessities of life from the hapless families who remained during the long war.  

Elizabeth (Purdy) Bloomer wife of Captain Robert Bloomer, a resident of Rye, was forced to scrape flower from the millhouse floor to feed her 11 children.   After the war the Loyalists were expelled from New York, their lands confiscated, and new western lands offered to war veterans.  This offered a fresh start for many loyal Americans and war weary Bloomer refugees.   Part of Elizabeth’s family moved to Bergen County, New Jersey. Others of her large family migrated to Ulster County and were prominent members of the Marlborough.  After the war Elizabeth was awarded money from the sale of Loyalist land and followed a married daughter to Ulster County.

The wife of Isaac Bloomer Jr., was Hannah Trowbridge.  Hannah’s grandfather, Archibald Scott Trowbridge, was arrested by the British during the war.  After the war Hannah’s family migrated from Canada, to Connecticut and then up the Hudson settling in Cortland.  Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Ketchum) Bloomer left for Southwestern Virginia during the war. Some Westchester Bloomers fled to New Jersey during the war, others Bloomers moved up the Hudson to Ulster and Orange County, New York.

 Shortly after the war Gilbert Bloomer of Marlborough, Ulster County, NY who had been a “Marlborough Minuteman,” left for Lawrence County, Kentucky.  At least five Bloomer families migrated to up-state New York.  Abraham Bloomer (1771-1843) who was denied a pension, Benjamin D. Bloomer, John (1778-1835) and Ann (Bailey) Bloomer, Isaac Bloomer of Seneca County, and Joshua Bloomer of Seneca County. In 1794, Thomas Cornwell (1773-1853) of Long Island and his young wife Jemima Bloomer (1775-1823) of Dutchess County, New York left for Cayuga County. Thomas improved, cleared, sold land and moved on several times.  He spent his closing years in Springport, New York.  Daniel Bloomer (1773-1858) of Dutchess County migrated to Greene County, NY. In 1813 Daniel was elected Assessor of Hunter Township.  About 1830 he moved west to Huron County, Ohio.

 An educated guess as to the father of our Isaac Bloomer Sr. would be one of the two George Bloomers who is name in the records compiled by Virginia Hanford during the 1880s. George Uriah Bloomer was a resident of Dutchess, Orange, and later Sullivan Counties. He was born in 1754.   However, the Hanford records does not name an Isaac as a child of this George. 

These Bloomers were all of Isaac’s generation.  In 1836 Charles Arnold Bloomer (1818-1902), born in Cayuga County, was married in Wayne County.  Charles Arnold Bloomer was the brother of Dexter Chamberlin Bloomer and grandson of Arnold and Sarah (Scholefield) Bloomer of Mamaroneck Westchester County, New York. 

It did not take long after the American Revolution for western lands to open.  After Military Bounty Land was established, speculators purchased large tracts of land in Western New York from willing war veterans.  This land sold for as little as eight cents per acre to speculators, and was then resold for $1.25.  Isaac’s payment of over one thousand dollars was equal to 10,000 dollars in today’s money.

Up State New York and the Ohio was still an open wilderness. Travel remained difficult and dangerous into the mid 19^th Century.  Many veterans did not ever occupy their Bounty Land and sold their reward straight away to speculators.    By 1794 the New York State Legislators had opened the Great Genesee Road into the Mohawk Valley.  Soon towns spring up over night and the woods echoed with axmen chopping down trees throughout the Mohawk Valley. This early road was later known as the Mohawk Turnpike.  By 1796 tolls were being collected all along the turnpike between Albany and Utica, and later on to Buffalo.  In 1808 the Seneca Turnpike was completed. This was a 157-mile section between Utica and Canandaigua, New York. 

Further south was the Catskill Turnpike and other feeder roads that led west traversing Broome and Tompkins Counties.  During the summer months before 1800 500 wagons a day were passing through Albany loaded with migrants heading west.  During the winter month’s families would drag their meager possessions over frozen ground on sleds.  Thomas and Jemima (Bloomer) Crowell came driving a team of oxen.  By 1825 the turnpikes gave way to the Erie Canal.  The counties south of Canandaigua, Cayuga, Cortland, and Seneca and Wayne to the north were fertile farmland where many post Revolutionary New York families settled. 

 The Bloomers of Ulster County were primarily descendants of Captain Robert Bloomer (1725-1775) who died shortly after the Battle of White Plains.  Prior to the Revolution the Hart family had collected Bloomer genealogy and then again during the 1850s, Virginia (Bloomer) Hanford, a daughter of Isaac Bloomer (1762-1825) and Keturah Tucker of Ulster County, collected records of these Ulster Bloomers.  This Isaac, a son of Captain Robert, left an 1825 will and had a son named Isaac T. born in 1812.  The Isaac Bloomer (1798-1835) who married Mariah Ketchum of Seneca County, NY has an unknown pedigree.  The Isaac T. Bloomer of 1820 living in Ulster is son of Isaac and Keturah.

Isaac (1783-1856) and Ann (Barlow) Bloomer (1781-1868) settled on 100 acres of Track 25 in Virgil and left a clear record of their descendants. Isaac’s family appears in the 1880 research of Robert Anson Sherman Bloomer with complete birth dates of his seven children. These dates must have come from a family Bible and perhaps one day this Bible will be located.  It was recorded that Isaac and Ann had seven children and the Cortland 1855 census recorded his birth location as Dutchess County, NY. Isaac’s will named: Sally Ann (Bloomer) Colwell, Fanny (Bloomer) Tyler, Isaac B. Bloomer, and nephew, William Bloomer.  Isaac Sr. listed his son Issac’s entire family. Thomas J. Bloomer, in fact a grandson, was listed as a son of Isaac B. in the 1856 will.

Isaac B. Bloomer 1812 birth location is given as Ulster County and his father’s presence in Ulster in 1810 places Isaac Sr. there.  Smith’s History of Cortland also states Ulster County as the birth location of Isaac Jr.  There were seven Bloomer families living in Dutchess in 1790.  Benjamin, Daniel, Gilbert, Abraham, Abraham, William and Elisha. William was married to Charity Smith, Daniel and family migrated to Green County, NY.  One of the two Abraham’s migrated to Seneca County and the Bloomers were pushing west along the Hudson crossing into Sullivan, Broome, Greene and Chautauqua during these early years of 1800. However, it is cretin that Isaac’s roots are from Westchester County and he and his brother, John, are descendant of Robert Bloomer I.  (Both Abraham Bloomers served in the Rev War and left Dutchess, Co., NY. One Abraham migrated to Ohio, the other to Seneca County.)

Isaac (1782-1854) and Ann (Barlow) Bloomer.  Birth dates of their children were obtained from the 1880 collection of Robert Anson Sherman Bloomer, a resident of Wayne County, New York.  Robert combined his research with an Arthur Bloomer born in Fayette, Ohio and George Ellis Bloomer of Wabash, Indiana.  In addition to the R.A.S. Bloomer information, Isaac named the same children in his will.  There are also several mortgage entries in Virgil naming Bloomer descendants: In 1852 Isaac B., Ann, wife James Colwell, and later Francis Tyler was named. 

Children: Bloomer

  1. George                  b. 25 Oct 1809                                                                                  d. 27 Jan1823*

+2. Isaac B.                 b. 18 July 1812                  M. Hannah R. Trowbridge                  d. 1892

  3. Julia Ann               b. 26 May 1814

+4. Sally Ann              b. 25 Mar 1816               M. James Colwell                                 d. bef.  1854

  5. Charles                  b. 3 Mar 1818

  6. Ann                       b.  3 June 1819

 +7. Fanny                  b. 3 June 1819                  M. Richard C. Tyler                                   d.1892*

CONTACT ROBERT J BLOOMER

Address:

Robert  J Bloomer
4328 W 12000 South
Spring Lake, Utah  84651
801 465-3057
RBloo17022@aol.com

Robert is the author and publisher of "The Bloomer Family in America."  This book is still available and may be purchased by contacting Robert at the above address or by e-mail.

Jewish Bloomers?

                                                                                                                                                                      Nov 2010

Jewish Bloomers?

Recently several articles have appeared on various web pages alleging a Jewish origin or heritage of the Bloomer family. Two of these articles have made very specific references to particular individuals known to be descendants of Robert Bloomer of Rye, New York. These articles seem to center on a James Bloomer, a Loyalist, who allegedly returned to England shortly after the American Revolution.  One article mentioned John Bloomer son of John and Bethia Fowler and his marriage.  This is my direct line, and to date, I have not located any documentation on the complicated family connections alleged in this article. While any research is welcome, separating fact from fiction and documenting old records has been a major obstacle. The allegation that Bloomers were Crypto Jews is also lacking documentation. 

There is no special interest other than historical facts concerning the Bloomers of America and any researcher should provide source information with their theories and conclusions.  While I have no specific information on the Bloomers before 1650 and their English heritage, many religious facts concerning the 17^th Century are recorded in textbooks. (Google “Bloomer/Barzillai Connection”). There are personal letters written in the early 20th Century by well placed NYC Bloomer stating their business interests would be best served with a jewish heritage.   

The given name James (Bloomer), which seems to be the link to England in these articles, was used sparingly during the first two few generations in America.  The first reference to a James Bloomer was on a 1772 mortgage of Gilbert Bloomer. A James Bloomer captained the sloop Diligence in 1800. Several James Bloomers lived in Ulster County, NY and one probated his will in 1817. In 1818 a James Bloomer “merchant” appeared as a member of the New York City volunteer fire department.  A James Bloomer received bounty land for service during the war of 1812.  During the early part of the 19^th Century a James Bloomer appears as a dock builder in Longworth NYC Directory. There are several long lists of American Loyalists and Loyalists whose property was confiscated during and after the American Revoluation. The names James Bloomer does not appear in any of these Revolutionary War lists.

During the 17^th Century Europe was aflame with religious upheavals. Spain in particular waged war with Western Europe as part of the Counter Reformation and expelled Jewish populations from Portugal as well as Spain. The Spanish Inquisition drove the Jews of Europe into hiding or exile. So, if there were “crypto Jews” in Western Europe it is not surprising that England became a shelter.  Religious tolerance during the Reformation and Counter Reformation was centered in Holland and England. It would seem that any person attempting to hide their religious identity during the 17^th Century would be extremely difficult to document.  However, this did happen and there were crypto Catholics as well as crypto Jewish groups in England.  [1]  

Since the Babylonia captivity Jewish people have tended to congregate in distinctive community groups. The tradition of establishing a Jewish Quarter in cities was practice throughout Europe as well as the New World. Thomas Dongan, governor of New York from 1683-1688 received a petition from the Jewish community to establish a Jewish cemetery and had specific instruction from King James to be tolerant toward all religious. What was the need to hide Jewish religious affiliations in America especially in tolerant New York?    

King James II, Instructions to Governor Thomas Dongan

1682Stokes 1:166

You shall permit all persons of what Religion soever quietly to inhabit within your Government without giving them any disturbance or disquiet whatsoever for or by reason of their differing Opinions in matters of Religion, Provided they give no disturbance to ye public peace, nor do molest or disquiet others in ye free Exercise of their Religion.

During 40 years of research I have not observed any connection to the Jewish religion by the Bloomers. From the first generation of Bloomers in American there is a strong association with the Presbyterian Church as active members. [2]  Early Bloomer colonial marriages are recorded in a variety of Christian churches and more than a dozen Bloomers were Christian ministers.  A reveling record was kept by, The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts for religious education in Rye.  Baird mentioned this record in his History of Rye and White Plains p. 172, however, Baird did not list the students by name. In 1913 records were compiled listing the first young student of Rye. In 1714 the Rye student had been enumerated and their proficiency at various religious tenants were mentioned.  The list of names included John Bloomer, Gilbert Bloomer, Joseph Bloomer, Jemina Bloomer, and a host of familiar family names of Rye. (Theal, Purdy, Merritt, Horton, Hight, and Kniffen) [3] Letters were quoted requesting Bibles and other religious books for the education of these Rye children.  This and other similar organizations were founded on Protestant  and Church of England tenants.

Joshua Bloomer, son of Gilbert Bloomer was a graduate of Kings College in 1758, returned to England to study for the ministry and was the Anglican Rector of Jamaica, Long Island during the American Revolution. The second marriage of William Bloomer to Sarah Sprague was found in 1815 Quaker records. William Bloomer (1808-1850), son of Jacob and Catherine Holmes was a Methodist minister.  The family records of Captain Robert Bloomer were recorded in a King James Bible printed in 1762 and other Bloomers recorded their family records in King James Bibles.  Anderson Bloomer, son of Monmouth Bloomer and Ann Gidney was a New York City Methodist.  Monmouth and Ann were married in Christ’s Church at Rye in 1791.  Reverend Hosea Ball, a Presbyterian preacher conducted a marriage in the home of Steven Bloomer in 1824. Steven was a resident of Monroe, New York. Reuben Holmes Bloomer was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1830 in Delaware and Orange Counties, New York.

Abraham Bloomer (1736-1822) was the first Bloomer to appear in Pennsylvania records and at various times his name was recorded as Blumer as well as Bloomer. Abraham was born in Germany and while in Europe he served a distinguished carrier in the service of various Western Europeans countries as a minister of the Reformed Church, came to American and continued his ministry.  Abraham spoke several languages and was an excellent scholar.  Despite his European success he immigrated to America in January of 1771 and spent his first months in New York City.  After, he moved on to Pennsylvania.  By 1778 he was living in Lehigh County and lived there the remainder of his days.  He was responsible for a large family and many of his descendants served in the military after the American Revolution. Other Pennsylvania Bloomers are credited with Irish descent.[4]  These Bloomers came to America with little money and left few civil records to trace their ancestry. They were primarily Catholic as were the crypto Jews of 17^th Century Europe.

There was a group of Bloomers from Maryland in the late 1600s, a group living in Barbados, and another from North Carolina with descendants living in Virginia in 1800. Their connection to Robert Bloomer is unknown.  

Stephen Bloomer Balch (1747-1833), born in Maryland, was a Presbyterian minister and educator in Georgetown. He was educated in New Jersey and served in the American Revolution.  He was ordained as a minister in 1779 and established the Georgetown Presbyterian Church in 1780.

  

 The Bloomers of Bergen County, New Jersey were Christians and associated with William Miller and his Millerite movement during the 1840s. Cemetery records reflect the same Christian affiliation for Bloomer family members in colonial New York.

If the authors of these articles could provide documentation, they might be taken more seriously. Without documentation the specific statements about individual relationships are difficult to accept. Proving relationships between people who retained the same name is difficult enough. An attempt to hide ones identity in Colonial America or discover that new identity three hundred years later seems almost impossible. 

Conclusion

The 15^th and 16^th Centuries were a difficult religious time for non-Catholics in Western Europe. Spain was using her New World wealth to form armies and navies to suppress the Protestant Reformation.  The Spanish Armada sailed toward England with the intent of suppressing the heretic Elizabeth I, and reestablishing the Catholic faith in England. America became a hope and dream for many religious groups. Thoughts of a land of tolerance and freedom has always attracted people to America. America became a melting pot for many ethic Europeans and many religions groups.

 Huguenots, Puritans, Catholics, Jews, Anglicans, and other Protestant religious flocked to American. The fact that one group intermarried with another should be no surprise; it makes America what it is, and what it has become. America has offered her hopes, dreams, and freedoms to everyone. What we are is what America has made us. Religious tolerance is offered to all, and America has opened her arms to everyone. It is to be sure that there is Jewish blood someplace in us all; just as there is Catholic, Huguenot, Protestant, and the other mix of American bloods. Whatever mixture has contributed to the descendants of Robert Bloomer (1655-1713), these Bloomers seem to have preserved a predominately Protestant heritage.

---

[1] Landes, David S. The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, W.W. Norton & Company New York, 1999, P. 135, 139,

[2] Baird, Charles W., Chronicle of a Border Town, History of Rye, Westchester County, New York, 1871, p. 327.

A Scapegoat in the New Wilderness: The Origins and Rise of ... - Google Books Result

by Frederic Cople Jaher - 1994 - Social Science - 339 pages       ... through denization (semi-naturalization) grants from the governor or the ... anomaly by rejecting a petition by Jews to extend this right to them. ...       books.google.com/books?isbn=0674790073...

_{[3]  The Support in Colonial New York by the Society for Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, by William Webb Kemp, 1913, pgs 128,131.  (Google Books)}

_{[4] History of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Roberts, Charles Rhoads, 1914, Vol II p. 118)}

Captain Robert Bloomer, Patriot or Loyalist?

                            Captain Robert Bloomer, Patriot or Loyalist?

Over the years, and especially during the 1920’s many applications were submitted for membership in the Daughters or Sons of the American Revolution (DAR or SAR) based on the Revolutionary War service of Captain Robert Bloomer of Rye, New York. All applications cited basically the same references and were accepted.  Recent applications based on Robert’s Revolutionary War service have been rejected. The documents discovered in Footnote 56 should put to rest any question concerning Captain Robert Bloomer's patriotism.

Many arguments can be made in the Captain’s defense. But, basic logic seems to be the most obvious. Present day Port Chester, New York is located near the historical cite of Saw Pit, or Sniffen’s Hill. Baird cites this as the location where the American forces encamped during October 1776 and at other times during the war.  After the war this same location was given the name or renamed Bloomer’s Hill. With the constant pillaging and great animosity for the British forces and Loyalists during the war in Westchester County, why would the American of Rye name or rename the hill after a loyalist or an alleged loyalist? [1]

According to the family Bible published long before the Revolution, Robert was born 18 December 1725, died 5 October 1776.  According to one tradition he was captured, and died as an American prisoner of war.  Another record stated that he died of “Camp Disorder.”

A 1920 DAR application quotes family tradition passed through the Carhartt family by an unnamed sister of Peter Carhartt.  Peter’s sister obtained the information from her grandmother Elizabeth Bloomer (1756-aft 1810) Ann (Bloomer) Carhartt was the daughter of Captain Robert Bloomer & Elizabeth (Purdy) Bloomer…  “ Elizabeth was left alone at the mill when Robert went with the militia.  And that when Hessians came they stole everything from her, even her silver, which she had hidden in the wall back of the children’s trundle bed.  When they left, all the food she had was bread made from the wheat that she could scrape up from the bolting cloths in the mill. Adding, Robert died of “camp disorder.” [2]  
Fifteen other applications have been submitted and approved based on generally the same references.  Robert’s service during the war and the applications submitted have never had a close examination or investigation conducted into their credibility. Family traditions and several documents cite dates before American Independence was actually declared.  Recently the National Society DAR reviewer implied that Robert Bloomer was a Loyalist and pointed to the POWs and confiscated property lists containing the name Robert Bloomer.  (This or these Robert Bloomers should be irrelevant if the death date in the 1767 family Bible for Captain Robert Bloomer is valid, and there is no reason to believe it is not.)  In addition a recent 1789 court action was discovered where Robert’s executors were awarded eighty pounds from the proceeds of one Joseph Merritt’s seized/confiscated property.

It is well documented by both Baird and Dawson that in August 1774 Robert Bloomer, John Thomas Jr., Zeno Carpenter, Ebenezer Haviland, and James Horton, were selected by their friends and fellow patriots to determine delegates to the First Congress held in Philadelphia.  These men then drafted a list of grievances against the British Parliament and demanded to be treated with equal representation. Such phrases as, unjust, most cruel, deprive, and unwarranted were sprinkled throughout their five point document.[3]  (Their demands were published in the New York Gazette and in the Weekly Mercury on 15 August 1774. This act alone would have assured committee members a trip to the British gallows and placed Robert with the most vocal American patriots.)

On the 3^rd of November 1774 Timothy Wetmore published a more moderate letter disapproving violence, but still condemning Parliament.[4] (Timothy was among the three witnesses on Robert’s 1776 Rye will and, being the son of the late rector of Rye, was a person of considerable town influence.)

When the First Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia they requested a quota of citizens to form local regiments. In 1775 the Westchester Militias were re-organized and deposed all officers of unsatisfactory or doubtful antecedents and staunch patriots were selected.[5] About May of 1775 Robert Bloomer was selected a Captain in the re-organized South Battalion of Westchester County Militia. This same information is confirmed by Dawson’s book.[6] Dawson also added that Daniel Horton and Miles Oakley (See Note), whose names had appeared on a loyalist petition, recanted their position and affirmed their patriotism. Both were appointed positions in Westchester County, and both Oakley and Daniel Horton were appointed 2^nd Lieutenants on May 8^th 1775 in the re-organized militia under command of “Captain Robert Bloomer.” In 1783 Innkeeper Miles Oakley appears among those whose New York property was confiscated.[7]  On October 19^th, 1775 Robert received his official commission as a Captain in the Second (Middle) Regiment in the Westchester County Militia under Colonel Thomas Thomas and Lt. Colonel Gilbert Budd Jr.[8]  (This is just a year before Robert’s death.)

However, the Rebels or Committee of Safety arrested a Robert Bloomer during the war and a Robert Bloomer appears on a list as a British prisoners of War.[9]  A Robert Bloomer also had his estate confiscated sometime during the conflict. [10]  Again this is all irrelevant if Robert’s death date of 5 October 1776 is accepted. 
Before the British arrived in New York City, and as early as 1774 long lists were being compiled and published of loyalist’s names. Rye published lists, but there are no Bloomer names on these pre-war rosters. [11]  There were also Commissioners of Conspiracies, Committees of Safety, Councils of Safety, as well as Committee of Provincial Congress appointed to apprehend Tories, Disaffected citizens, Non-Associates, and suspected Tories. Albany, Dutchess and Westchester Counties each had appointed commissioners.  Richard Hatfield was a member of these comities. The Commissioners of Forfeitures were divided into four districts: Eastern, Middle, Western, and Southern. [12] The records of the Southern District, which included Rye, seem to be very complete. 
There is a document dated 16 Aug 1776 requesting an increase in pay and allowances for American units at White Plains submitted by Lt. Zephaniah Miller and signed by others including Robert Bloomer Jr. [13]  (Since Robert’s signature is under Lt. Miller’s signature, and Robert is listed as a junior, it seems to indicate that this Robert Bloomer was of a junior rank, and most likely Captain Bloomer’s son.)
Sometime after Aug of 1776 this incident took place: “Robert Bloomer and Peter Sniffen were with Jonathan Loveberry and Nathan Holmes in the woods and Bloomer was to have had a dinner for the Cow-Boys; this Col. Thomas told Capt. Hunter was the Case on the giving Col. Sheldon his villainous Character and Thomas pretended he has Employed Bloomer and Abr’m Westmore as Emissaries; these two have been with the Enemy and Westmore now with the Enemy, and a Cow thief; all the Thomas Interceded for Bloomer and Sniffen’s discharge & ca.” [14]

This is an interesting, but somewhat cryptic non-geographical quote. However, Colonel John Thomas as well as Colonel Thomas Thomas (Colonel Thomas Thomas was Robert commanding officer) were both faithful, loyal Americans and John Thomas narrowly escaped death several times during the war. The British killed two young men in the John Thomas’ home at Rye while the Colonel escaped out a rear window. [15]  Colonel John’s father was dragged from the family home by the British, imprisoned in New York City and died.[16]  Why would either Thomas “intercede” for Bloomer and Sniffen’s discharge” if they had been guilty?  However, there is no question that a Robert Bloomer was a Loyalist.  If this had been Captain Robert Bloomer wouldn’t he have been arrested as a deserter or traitor?  In addition a law was passed early in the war for the removal of entire families of persons who had joined the enemy. The Commissioners of Conspiracies enforced the removal of wives from the state or they were to go behind the enemy lines within 20 days. (A John Thomas was one of five men selected with Robert Bloomer to represent Rye on July 6^th, 1774.) [17]

In addition Colonel Thomas had drafted a letter suggesting troops be reorganized into more effective units under his command. Colonel Drake of New Rochelle responded with a letter offering to resign his commission over the suggestion. Troops were also dissatisfied with the idea that they might be placed under command of officers not of their choosing. [18] The dislike for Thomas may have influenced the characterization of this August 1776 event.

When the British arrived in New York Harbor with one of the largest fleets ever assembled the American cause looked hopeless. The Loyalists cheered, many patriots vacillated, and many then openly supported the King, but only the most loyal patriots were selected as officers of the Westchester Militia. After the Battle of Long Island in August, and in early October of 1776 the Connecticut Militia was ordered to take up a position at Rye. On October 10^th they commented to General Washington that… “no reliance can be placed on the Westchester County Militia.  The officers, in many cases oppose the measures of Congress.” [19]  At this point even the new Congress could not agree on the best course of action. After the Battle of Long Island  (27 August 1776) John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Edward Rutledge met with Lord Howe on Staten Island to discuss a possible peace or reconciliation. [20] The American troops did not depart the Rye area until after February of 1777. [21]
The account that Robert was captured at the Battle of White Plains cannot be traced to a source and that fact that the battle was fought on 26 October 1776, 24 days after his recorded death, seems to rule out that battle. One account of the death of Brigadier General Nathanial Woodhull, a general of the New York Militia, even confused his death at the Battle of Long Island and stated he died at the Battle of Brooklyn. [22]  The source perhaps did not realize the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of Brooklyn were one-in-the-same.

After the Battle of Long Island the front moved to the area of Westchester County. The first skirmishes between Loyalists, Rebels and regular British forces took place in and around Rye. American troops took up positions on Bloomer’s Hill just above Saw-Pit and the entire area was often between opposing forces. As the British, in their red uniforms, and the Hessians in their blue advanced toward Rye, they were amazed at the prosperity and orderly farms and dwellings. The invaders rushed into the gardens and orchards to collect their fill of apples, peaches, melons, and then rushed into the homes to collect the spoils of war.[23]   There would be no clear advantage for Captain Robert to evacuate the American cause, if he was still living, when both sides had access to his property.

The Battle of Long Island was fought in August of 1776. Other battles in Westchester County resulted in Washington abandoning New York City. However, the New York Militia suffered heavy losses at Long Island and the lines then moved to Westchester County. (See Notes)
During the war complete official records were lacking, and two separate fires at the New York State Library in Albany, New York have taken their toll on existing Revolutionary War records. The first fire was in 1889 and the second in 1911.   However, there are several books written and compiled before these dates that are of great interest. 
A member of the New York militia, Lieutenant Robert Troup under command of Colonel Lasher, was captured at the Battle of Long Island about five miles west of Jamaica by a detachment of British troops at 3 AM on August 27, 1776. Lt. Troup, with other officers, was taken before the British generals, interrogated, and threatened with hanging. At 9 AM prisoners were taken to Bedford, and Trout along with 18 other officers was confined in a small tent for two nights and three days. Later that first morning Provost Marshall William Cunningham paraded prisoners, while British troops called them scoundrels, robbers and murders; a halter was displayed and prisoners were told they were going to be hung. (After the war Cunningham was accused of destroying his written records in an effort to cover his war crimes.)

From Bedford the prisoners were led to Flatbush and held for a week on short rations of biscuits and salt pork.  From Flatbush, Lt. Troup, now with 70 or 80 other officers, was put on board a scow that had transported cattle from England.  Lying off Gravesend and the Hook, Lt. Troup was secured below decks. Once onboard the Americans were given bedding infected with lice and other crawling vermin. Soap and fresh water were refused the prisoners and they were forced to drink and cook with filthy water left over from the transatlantic voyage. The cattle scow’s captain, in an effort of extortion, allowed friends and family of prisoners to provide money to purchase life’s necessities. The captain would then pocket a percentage of the cash.  Lieutenant Troup added that about one half the prisoners taken on Long Island died. [24] (Troup makes an important point of visitation and family contact during incarceration that seems to be a common British practice for extorting money from prisoners, families, or friends. Elizabeth Bloomer would have had the opportunity to learn of Captain Bloomer’s October 5^th death date during any such visit, but it is doubtful that he would have been given the privilege of completing a will.) 
General Woodhull was brought aboard the scow in a horribly mangled condition and related to Lt. Troup that he had surrendered to Capt Oliver DeLancey.  DeLancey had assured the General that he would be treated like a gentleman. General Woodhull delivered up his sword and was promptly hacked down by the brave Captain DeLancey.  Other American troops surrendering at Long Island were treated in like manner. 
The prisoners held by the Committees of Safety had strict regulations governing visitations: Prisoners could have no visitors without written permission. No letters or papers could be passed to a prisoner without written permission from the committee. [25]  To what extent these regulations were followed is another question?
After the war, a Robert Bloomer Jr. received Bounty Land Rights for service with the Albany County Militia[26]. And another Robert Bloomer received Bounty Land Rights for the Fourth Regiment of Westchester County Militia.  Both of theses Robert Bloomers were recorded in lists as  “Enlisted Men.”
On 21^st of July 1783 Robert T. Bloomer of Hempstead posted a reward of five dollars for a strayed or stolen young brown mare. [27] This Robert Bloomer has not been identified. But, in 1776 and well into the Revolution, Hempstead, Long Island was a center for British sympathizers, Loyalists, Tories, and cow-boys. In 1778 the British established an outpost at Hempstead that remained until the end of the war. They occupied the Presbyterian Church, using part as a guardhouse, ripped up the floors and used another section of the building as a ridding school for the 16^th and 17^th Light Horse. [28] Was Robert T. Bloomer a target for the many patriots returning home after the war, or the one confronted by Colonel Thomas?
Cornwallis surrendered at York Town in October of 1781.  However, the British remained in New York City until November 25^th, 1783. With the British departure the Loyalists expected retaliation for their misplaced allegiance.  Reverend Joshua Bloomer, son of Gilbert Bloomer of Rye, was surprised at the American attitude and commented that it was beyond his expectation. [29] How Joshua could have remained loyal is beyond understanding. The British built a platform for an orchestra beside Trinity Church, conducted concerts while funeral services were held, dug up headstones to accommodate and widen walkway. [30] Judge Thomas, who had been captured at his Rye home by Loyalists, died while imprisoned in NYC and was buried in the churchyard.  All this was being done while Loyalist farmers were being cheated out of their crops and cash. One British army clerk amassed over three million dollars in modern currency. [31]  Any complaint from farmers and their entire crop was taken. Would these events solidify anti-British sentiment?

Robert drafted his will on Sunday, 29 September 1776 just after the Battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights, which were fought on the 16^th. The will mentioned he was weak in body, but this may have been standard language. However, before the next Sunday Robert had expired.  Elizabeth (Purdy) Bloomer filed her husband’s will in New York City December 3^rd, 1783 just seven days after the British evacuated NYC.  It is believed that NYC had the first working probate courts after the war. And a review of other wills probated in NYC at the end of the war were also from surrounding jurisdictions.  During the entire course of the war the civil courts of the New York City area ceased to function. [32]
It seems obvious that Americans were turning to New York City for legal assistance because county courts were still unorganized and not functioning.  Wills from Orange County, Albany County, and Dutchess County are clustered together on pages near Robert’s will. [33] There is no specific mention made of the family mill in Robert’s will, but there was an inventory of property taken in 1783.  Joseph Wilson and William Brundage completed the inventory. Judge Thomas Fredwell, Esquire accepted it on January 14^th, 1784. This inventory could not be located. However, it does indicate that Captain Robert Bloomer maintained his estate though the war. Westchester County had records for probate taxes but had few entrees for 1783 and 1784.[34]  Grantor and Grantee records did not reveal any land transactions for Robert after 1731. [35] It remains uncertain what happened to his estate, but there was property after the war. 

Robert and Gilbert Bloomer both owned mills at Rye.  There was no shortage of available mills (both fulling, and grist) and before the Revolution there were more than twenty in operation.  The first were gristmills and many are mentioned in Rye records.
Robert’s Mill was located at the falls on Blind Brook and was known in later years as Park’s Mill. Just when the mill changed names is not known.  Gilbert Bloomer’s Mill was on Beaver or Stony Swamp Brook and was referred to as Davenport’s Mill after 1805. [36] Justice Gilbert’s lands are well documented in Westchester mortgage records before and after the Revolution. [37]  After Gilbert’s death it was possible to trace the custody of his property as his wife Hannah disposed of it. [38] It was mentioned in old Bloomer records that Gilbert was driven out of Rye by the Cow-Boys during the war.  The fact that his 35-acre estate remained intact and was still in his name well after the Revolution adds to any statement regarding his Revolutionary War conviction.  It is interesting that Gilbert’s will was also probated in New York County in September 1784. [39]

There are no Bloomer names among Burleigh’s list of New York State Confiscations of Loyalists.[40]
Robert Bloomer as an American POW.  The list in James Robert’s book p. 238 seems to indicate prisoners in Massachusetts not prisoners from Westchester County, New York.  Robert’s noted that the New York Counties of Dutchess, Orange, and Westchester had the care of “nearly all” the British prisoners.[41] Why would a Robert Bloomer of Westchester County be sent to Massachusetts when NY POWs were being sent to nearby counties? It was not until 1777 that John Thomas jr. and Richard Hatfield were involved in sending suspected persons to various New York counties. On March 13, 1777 the Committee of Conspiracies sent a Robert Bloomer to Massachusetts. If this was the same Robert Bloomer who’s property was confiscated it does not appear that he was from Westchester County.  

Conclusions & Comments

The most troublesome issue has been the failure to resolve the disposition of Robert’s Rye estate. The 1779 Rye map was the last documented record that Bloomer’s Mill still maintained its name.
The DAR argument that Captain Robert Bloomer was the one who was confronted by Col. Thomas, the one who was arrested, and the one who’s property was confiscated, is very weak without being able to identify where and when these events took place; especially when there were six known Robert Bloomers in the Westchester area and Captain Bloomer was selected to his position in the re-organized Westchester Militia because he was a committed American Patriots. His October 5^th, 1776 death, which has strong validity, would eliminate him from any further historical events.

It is highly doubtful that Captain Robert Bloomer would have had the opportunity to complete a will, witnessed by friends, while either a British POW or an American POW. It is extremely unlikely that an accommodation of this magnitude would have been granted for any POW. Nor was Robert in Massachusetts in 1776. It just so happens that Richard Hatfield was the Westchester County Surrogate in 1783, and signed and probated Robert’s will. Richard was also a Commissioner of Conspiracies for Westchester County during the war. He was also involved in the disposition of loyalist estates in the southern district of New York after the war. [42] Richard would have been in a prime position to know the names of any disaffected persons.
     
It was with great interest that more than 1,200 pages of Westchester County deeds were reviewed for the years 1774 thru 1796 searching for the disposition of Robert Bloomer’s land. Deeds written before the Revolution often began with flowery superlatives of his gracious majesty King George III. Several of these pre-war deeds written just before and during the war seemed to be written with the intent of impressing and affirming a position of loyalty.  After 1775 most deeds omitted comments concerning the king’s majesty.  After the war reference to the number of years of American Independence was used as the salutation.
Many Rye deeds included descriptions of adjoining land, named their currant property owners and at times named the previous landowner who was sometimes deceased.  Blind Brook, Stony Brook, Hog-Pen-Ridge and Sawpit were described and used as common boundaries between properties. In 1790 a rock at the west end of Gilbert Bloomer’s milldam was described[43] Arnold Bloomer, John Bloomer, Reuben Bloomer, and Gilbert Bloomer were all mentioned in various deeds. Arnold was mentioned in 1776 just because he was the currant tenant of rented
land at Mamaroneck. In 1791 Daniel and Elizabeth (Bloomer) Carhart sold property to Silvanus Purdy in Harrison.[44] Assuming he was a Loyalist, in 1785 Gilbert Purdy was able to sell his Rye land from Nova Scotia. (Page 339.) [45]  Only one Westchester deed that referred to the confiscation of land by the Commissioner of Forfeiture of the Southern District of New York, which included Rye, was observed.
It remains troublesome that Robert Bloomer, his mill nor any land he owned was ever mentioned or used in any deed descriptions. Park’s Mill was not mentioned, however, today Park Lane identifies the location of this historic site.  An unsuccessful attempt was even made to trace the property from the Park family back to the Bloomers. However, a 1779 map of Rye still identified the mill at the lower end of Blind Brook as Bloomer’s Mill. [46] (Gilberts Bloomer’s Mill Pond, today is called Amringe’s Mill Pond, and is about 2.3 miles southwest of Bloomer’s Mill.  The distance between Bloomer Hill and Bloomer Mill is about 4 miles. )  It is uncertain to what degree land transactions were recorded, but it was noted that quit-claim-deeds were used and mentioned in the early land records of Westchester County.  In April of 1723 Robert Bloomer and Robert Bloomer Jr. filed an affidavit attesting to payment of quit-rent on land seized in the time of Governor Dongan. [47] (Dongan was provincial governor of New York from 1684 to 1688.)

After available evidence has been reviewed, the oldest record is Robert Bloomer’s Family Bible published in 1767. The numerous family entries, with many authenticated date, included the birth of Robert Bloomer as 18 Dec 1725, and his death as 5 October 1776 are very compelling evidence.
The short period between the dating of Robert’s will and Robert’s October 5^th death date, and his executors is a strong indication of what transpired the last few weeks of his life.  Robert’s will was signed on Sunday the 29^th day of September 1776 “in sound disposing mind and memory, but weak in body, in the presence of us who signed as witnesses thereto at the request and in the presence of the testator.” This statement seems to indicate a secure friendly location with friends and family, not among his fellow officers, or not on a British prison ship. The 29^th was a Sunday; by the next Saturday Robert would be dead. This does not seem to agree with a long debilitating internment that could induce camp disorder, but a swift severe case of dysentery.   During the six-day period, there were various battlefield skirmishes, but no serious actions with the British.  General Howe was maneuvering to outflank General Washington on Harlem Heights and the American troops were still in Robert Bloomer’s Rye front yard.

However, the constant exposure to unsanitary conditions by thousands of entrenched American troops, who used their earthwork as latrines, created an environment ideal for sickness of epidemic proportions. Dysentery or camp fever had become epidemic along with small pox and thousands were sick and dying.  At one point in August an estimated 10,000 American troops were sick. Many lie sick and filthy in Rye barns, sheds or under fences. Dysentery seems the logical explanation for Robert’s swift death. [48] The logical place for Robert to recover would be his Rye home.  He would have had access to his friends and Elizabeth would have easy access to information concerning her husband’s health.
The British claimed that 89 American officers were captured at the Battle of Long Island.[49] The battle was fought on 27 Aug 1776 with major support from New York Militia.  While at this point it cannot be proven that Captain Robert, if he was captured, was one of the 89 captured American officers, it does seem likely that he would have suffered the same fate as Lt. Robert Troup. Perhaps, even a fellow prisoner on the same scow, but being older was among the men who perished. The full truth may never be discovered, but evidence does seem to logically include Westchester units, and exclude Captain Bloomer from the list of Tory POWs or the Robert Bloomer who later had his property confiscated.
There were over 5,000 American POWs being held in the New York City area. Some prisoners on or in city facilities, others on British ships.  British ships were horrendous death traps, probably even worse than Lt. Troup described, and as many as 10 men per day died on each of the many prison ships anchored in New York Harbor. During September and October, prisoners below decks stripped necked attempting to escape the intense and oppressive heat. It served them well to get rid of their vermin. However, the sick too weak to disrobe were eaten alive by lice as dysentery robbed their bodies of its last ounce of will. To no avail, prisoners would swear and blaspheme; cried, prayed, while others raved with delirious visions.  All would be panting below deck air so foul that lamps would not burn. Dead bodies rotted in the foul dark air and lie undiscovered for days. After dark only one prisoner was allowed on deck at a time; this created retched sanitation conditions in the bilge water that was used as a night privy. Prisoner’s pleas to have the bilges pumped with fresh water were ignored. It is no wonder that a 51-year-old man would not last long in such conditions. [50]   In 1808 11,000 bodies were exhumed near Gravesend at the Wallabout and reburied in vaults at the New York Naval Yard.
It is apparently only safe to say that Robert Bloomer(s) supported both sides during the American Revolution.  It is also safe to say that there were at least six, perhaps seven, known Robert Bloomers living during the American conflict, and it is very difficult to separate several of them:

 1. Captain Robert Bloomer of Rye, 2. Robert Bloomer Jr., (This is probably the enlisted Robert Bloomer who also served in the Westchester County Militia, and perhaps the son of Captain Bloomer. His son, Robert, was born 14 Feb 1754.) 3. Robert Bloomer who served in the Albany County Militia, 4. Robert T. Bloomer of Hempstead, NY, 5. There is also a Robert Bloomer of Vermont with son’s Benjamin and William.  Benjamin was born in 1786 and was living in Chautauqua, N.Y. in 1850. (This Robert Bloomer of Vermont is believed to be the 1810 R. Bloomer in Otsego, NY.)  6. Robert Bloomer of North Salem, Westchester County. He was the son of William and Phoebe (Coles) Bloomer, born in 1748 and still living in 1820. The Robert Bloomer sent to Massachusetts, as a POW was certainly not Captain Bloomer.  
A short paragraph in Oran Bloomer’s record states: Reuben Bloomer, a Quaker, lived at Mamaroneck, Westchester Co. to nearly 100 years of age. He kept a fulling mill. Had 2 sons who about 50 years ago emigrate to Onondaga. Also had two daughters, one married Mr. Haight. Espoused the cause of the King during the Revolution.  Reuben’s four known children were born in the 1750’s. There must have been more. A Robert?
It seems obvious that American patriots living in Rye placed special trust, and confidence in Captain Robert Bloomer. Robert’s Westchester home and property was in the “neutral ground” during the first few months of the war.  It is clear that Robert had property after the war and his will was probated almost immediately after the British left New York.  Changing sides (deserting) would not protect his property from either side. 

If Colonel Thomas had confronted Captain Robert Bloomer supporting the enemy, it would have placed Captain Bloomer in a completely different category than a Tory. He would have been a traitor. Colonel Thomas would have been honor-bound as his commanding officer to arrest him.
Human nature being what it is, and the difficult situation between the Loyalists and Americans after the war, it seems unlikely that Elizabeth would present her husband’s will just days after the British evacuated New City if her husband was a Tory sympathizer or an American traitor. Even worse would to have been first in line to probate a will of a man who had deserted the American cause as a captain in the Westchester County militia. No!

It appears that Elizabeth was a still residing in Rye and wanted to claim her property as soon as possible under the new government. She seems to have had no hesitation in probating his will.  Many other New Yorkers were doing the same thing.  Gilbert Bloomer’s Rye will was probated in NYC in September of 1784.

An investigation into the relationship between the regular American forces and the county militias would be of interest.  After the first battles in New York the local militias were heavily criticized for their lack of valor. Everything that took place in NY emphasized the need for a regular standing army and the British took full advantage of the lack of experience of the militia units. The Hessians bayoneted surrendering American troops without mercy at the Battle of Long Island. [51] As a result of poor training, many militiamen lost their life during the first few months of the war. It was alleged that General Sullivan, a general in the Continental Army, was handled differently than General Woodhull a militia general. Sullivan was captured just 24 hours before Woodhull, but General Sullivan was exchanged while Woodhull was sent to a prison ship. [52]

Robert dated his will September 29^th, 1776. A succession of small battles and skirmishes were fought between the end of August and October, but most of the Rye militia was sent to Rye Neck on August 29^th to guard against a British landing and observe the movement of British ships on the Sound. It was not until October 12^th that the British, supported with 150 ships, landed 16 miles south of Rye Neck at Frog’s Neck.
Soldiers facing the uncertainty of the battlefield often drafted their last will and testaments; and the outcome of Long Island must have alerted Robert to the difficult times facing the Americans.  Robert must have been aware of the tactical situation of the American forces. Could this be a declaration of an uncertain future, the declaration of a loyal American captain facing a much superior force, or since Robert died just a few days after his will was written (5 October 1776) was he sick? Whichever, he seems to have closed the final chapter in his life and ended the eleventh hour and 55^th minute as an American Patriot.  

The tradition passed through the Carhartt family seems very detailed and the Hessian presence at Rye can be verified in Baird’s history.[53]  Elizabeth (Bloomer) Carhartt was married just before the Revolution and would have known of her mother’s plight and the death of her father. The events of war are always clouded, but more than once Captain Robert Bloomer was selected for his patriotism, and it does not seem likely that in the last few months of his life he would abandon his dedicated course or consistent commitment to American Independence.


Notes:
The New York County Surrogate Court conducted a search for Robert’s probate packet; however, beyond a transcribed copy of his will no other records were located. Because Robert’s will specifically mentioned an inventory, a second request was made and a “scan” was then completed of inventory from 1774-1786. The inventory was not located.  It was suggested that the packet might have been removed to the State Archives in Albany.

The Battle of Long Island was the first battle after the Declaration of Independence had been signed and fought on 22 August 1776. The majority of American troops were New York militiamen.  The militia took a beating and the British reported that 89 American officers were captured.  The Battle of White Plains was fought at the end of October after the death of Captain Bloomer. 

Cow-Boys and Skinners were lawless bands of opportunists who pillaged areas between the two opposing armies. Skinners professed loyalty to the American cause and the Cow-Boys professed loyalty to the British.  Both parties were only interested in personal gain.
Sniffen’s Hill and Bloomer’s Hill, about 4 miles from Bloomer Mill, were one in the same and just above Saw Pit.  The hill had a commanding view of the countryside and American troops were encamped there from early October of 1776 until the flowing spring.[54]

It is interesting that Fort Washington was just north of the George Washington Bridge and it is quite possible that the American troops escaped across the Hudson to New Jersey and landed near Bloomer’s Beach, just a few miles above Fort Lee.

Interesting reading concerning problems suffered by both sides is found in Philip Ranlet’s The New York Loyalists.  Reverend Joshua Bloomer, son of Gilbert Bloomer, was arrogant enough to remain in Queens after the war, and commented that most of his flock had departed with the fleeing loyalists. [55]
Rye had its New York City Market Boats.  At some point in their young life Elisha and Anderson, the youngest sons of Robert and 15 and 13 at the end of the war, must have had some exposure to boating in their early years. Both were Hudson River boatmen sailing from Bergen County Palisades after 1790.
Our friends at the DAR have implied that the American Revolution only began after the Declaration of Independence, and only those who served after that date are eligible candidates. I hope those who died at Lexington and Concord, at Bunker Hill, at Pearl Harbor, or in Viet Nam do not consider a full deceleration of war necessary for their recognition as American Patriots. The British considered the mere acceptance of a position with the Continental Congress a death warrant.  
Footnote number 13 has no date connected with it; other information on the page seems to be February of 1779.  However, these surnames are familiar in Rye history and Abraham Wetmore signed the Sept 4^th, 1774 loyalist declaration in Rye. A Joseph Wilson was also among the signatures of the declaration and a Joseph Wilson was an executor of Robert’s will. 
The Bloomer family Bible was in possession of John Lewis Bloomer (1848-1939) in 1930. John Lewis was the second-great grandson of Captain Robert and could trace the Bible to his grandfather John Linson Bloomer ((1798-1854.) John Lewis Bloomer and Howard Randolph collaborated in the 1930s to publish the Outline History of the Bloomer Family  (NYG&B.)

Captain Bloomer’s seven sons have all been accounted for. They abandoned Rye for Marlborough in Ulster County and all produced large families that have been traced into the 21^st century. 
Miles Oakely: This name is completely absent from Charles Baird’s History of Rye. However, in the early deeds of Westchester County beginning about 1720 Miles Sr., Miles Oakley Jr., possibly Miles Oakley III and many others of this surname are mentioned many times. During the 1750 a Miles Oakley was the mayor of Westchester County.  The same was discovered with the number of descendants of Roger Barton and Mary Lounsberry. Elisha, Elijah, Noah, Enoch and several times wives of these men were mentioned. (Roger Barton and Robert Bloomer were involved in the 1666 dispute with the British authorities.)
The exact number of American soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Island is unknown, but estimates are that there were at least 10,000, mostly New York Militia reinforced from Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland. Perhaps, 1,407 Americans were wounded, captured, or missing, while 312 were killed. A British report claimed the captured of 89 American officers, including Colonel Samuel Miles, and 1,097 others. By the tie the British were landing near Rye over 5,000 Connecticut troops were sick and unfit or duty.
Out of 32,000 British and Germans (including 9,000 Hessians) on Long Island, they sustained a total loss of 377. Five British officers and 58 men were killed, while 13 officers and 275 men were wounded or went missing. Of the Hessians forces under Carl Von Donop, two were killed and three officers and 23 men were wounded. 

An request was made with the New York County Probate Court to conduct a search for letters of testamentary, letters of administration, and the estate inventory mentioned in Robert’s will. The court was unable to locate a probate packet, noted that only a transcription of the 1776 could be located, and they were unable to locate the original will. (This was the limit of their $90.00 research fee.)

The single most compelling factor to prove Captain Bloomer’s loyalty to the colonies and the state of New York occurred in 1794. [56]  Titled: An Act giving relief to certain persons having claims against forfeited estates and for other purposes therein mentioned. Here in, Robert Bloomer’s executors, Joseph Wilson and William Brundage, were awarded by the State of New York appropriate funding from the confiscated estate of Joseph Merritt.    

Other Sources

1. *American Archives: Documents of the American Revolution 1774-1776, Examination of Colonel Gilbert Budd

2. Kelby, William. A List of New York Loyalists or Adherence to the British Crown in the City of New York During the War of the Rebellion 1776-1783

3. *http-//www.scribd.com/do#185FF5

4. *New York State Comptroller’s Officer Revolutionary War Accounts and Claims

   *=On-Line

Along with the Whitby, Good Hope, Scorpion, Prince of Wales, Falmouth, Hunter, Stromboli and dozens of other prison ships, the New Jersey, stripped of her 64 guns, masts and sails, was a death sentence for as many 1,000 American prisoners who were crammed below her rotting decks.

---

[1] Baird, Charles W, Chronicle of a Border Town, History of Rye and White Plains. p. 247.

[2] DAR Application 314018, submitted 15 Mar 1939 by Anna Lucia Carhart Blanchard

[3] Bird, Charles W., History of Rye Harrison and White Plains, Westchester County, New York, pub 1886 p. 219

[4] Ibib., p. 221

[5] Shonnard, Frederic, History of Westchester County New York, 1900, p. 311

5 Dawson, Henry B., Westchester County, New York During the American Revolution, pub 1886, p.174 & 42

[7] Burleigh, H.C., New York State Confiscations of Loyalists,  pub. 1950 (LDS Call# 974.7 A1 #341) p. 16

[8] Fernow, Berthlod, Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New York State, Vol. XV, p. 304

[9] Roberts, James A., New York in the Revolution as Colony and State, Vol. II, 1901, p. 238

[10]  Ibid p. 253. 

[11] Dawson, Henry B., Westchester-County, New York During the American Revolution, pub 1886, p. 33, & 72.  Bird, Charles W., p. 220 & 221

[12] Yoshpe, Harry B., The Disposition of Loyalist Estates in the Southern District of the State of New York. Pub 1939, p. 260

[13] Ibid p. 174,

[14] Public Papers of George Clinton, Vol. VI, p. 630

[15] Baird, Charles W, Chronicle of a Border Town, History of Rye, Harrison, and White Plains. p. 256 & 211.

[16] Ibid p. 211

[17] Ibid p. 219

[18] Hufeland, Otto, Westchester County During the American Revolution. 1926, p. 79

[19] Baird, Charles W, Chronicle of a Border Town, History of Rye, Harrison, and White Plains. p. 234

[20] McCullough, David. John Adams, Simon & Schuster 2001, p. 154.

[21] Bird, Charles W. History of Rye Harrison and White Plains, p.244

[22] WHERE THE GENERAL WOODHULL DIED OF WOUNDS General Nathaniel WOODHULL, ... On May 20, 1916, The General Nathaniel WOODHULL Chapter, Daughters of the American ...  www.bklyn-genealogy-info.com/ Town/Rambles/DeSille12.html - 6k - Cached - Similar pages

[23] McCullough, David. John Adams, Simon & Schuster 2001, p. 158

[24] Onderdonk, Henry, Revolutionary Incidents of Suffolk and Kings County with an account of the Battle of Long Island and The British Prisons and          Prison Ships at New York, pub. 1849 New York, pages 39, 211

[25] Hufeland, Otto, Westchester County During the American Revolution. 1926, p. 236

[26] Roberts, James A, New York in the Revolution as Colony and State, Albany NY Press 1898, p.232 & 268.  

[27]  Onderdonk, Henry Jr., Revolutionary Incidents of Queens County, 1846 p. 202

[28] Ibid. “Hempstead”

[29] Ranlet, Philip, The New York Loyalists, p. 169

[30]  bid p. 82.

[31]  bid p. 80.

[32] Onderdonk, Henry, Revolutionary Incidents of Suffolk and Kings County with an account of the Battle of Long Island and The British Prisons and          Prison Ships at New York, pub. 1849 New York, p. 7

[33] LDS Film # 0866987 p. 238

[34] LDS Film 597819  (1775-1795)

[35] LDS Films 579023 & 579025.

[36] Baird, Charles, Chronicle of a Border town, History of Rye Westchester County, New York, Pub 1871 p. 160

[37] LDS Films 0581600, 0581599 p. 243, & 0581602 p. 591.

[38] LDS Film 562373 Liber L. p. 158

[39] LDS Film 0484023

[40] Burleigh, H.C., New York State Confiscations of Loyalists, pub 1950 (LDS Call# 974.7 A1 #341)

[41] Roberts, James A., New York in the Revolution as Colony and State ,Vol. II, p. 233

[42] Yoshpe, Harry B., The Disposition of Loyalist Estates in the Southern District of the State of New York. Pub 1939., pgs 229, 230

[43] LDS Film #56372 Book K page 347

[44] LDS Film 562373 Liber L. p. 45

[45] LDS Film #562372, pgs, 15, 53, 82, 102, 139, 339, 225, & 244.

[46] Baird, Charles, Chronicle of a Border town, History of Rye Westchester County, New York, Pub 1871 p. 256

[47] O’Callaghan, E.B., Calendar of New York Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers 1643-1803, 1987, p. 169

[48] McCallough, John, John Adams, Simon & Schuster 2001. p. 150, 151

[49] Wikipedia, Battle of Long Island

[50] Onderdonk, Henry, Revolutionary Incidents of Suffolk and Kings County with an account of the Battle of Long Island and The British Prisons and Prison Ships at New York, pub. 1849 New York, p. 228

[51] McCallough, John, John Adams, Simon & Schuster 2001. p. 152

[52] Onderdonk, Henry Jr., Revolutionary Incidents of Queens County, 1846 p. 39

[53] Baird, Chares W., p. 242

[54] Baird, Charles W., p. 246

[55] Ranlet, Philip, The New York Loyalists, p.69, 167

[56] Laws of the State of New York passed by the Sessions of Legislature Vol. III, page 500, printed in 1887, Albany, New York