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Descendants of Thomas Vail

Generation No. 2

2. Samuel² Vail (Thomas¹) was born 1654 in Southampton, Long Island, New York, and died June 26, 1695 in Westchester, Westchester Co., New York. He married Elizabeth Hunt 1677 in Southampton, Long Island, New York. She was born 1657 in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and died November 03, 1747 in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

Notes for Samuel Vail:

Genealogical and Personal Memorial of Mercer County, New Jersey Vol 1

II) Samuel Vail, fourth son of Jeremiah Vail, married Elizabeth, who bore him the following children: Samuel, of whom
later; Martha, born January 27, 1681, married Edward Burling, died 1742; John, born 1685, married Martha F.
Randolph, died November 17, 1774; Daniel, born 1687, married Hannah Griffin, died October 4, 1747; Arthur, born
1691; Thomas, married Rachel F. Randolph, died March 16, 1717. After the death of Samuel Vail his widow removed
from Westchester, New York, to Woodbridge, New Jersey. She married (second) Mr. Gach; (third) John Griffin.

Soldier in King Philip's War, yeoman and freeholder of Westchester. m Elizabeth Hunt (their son, Rev. John Vail, was a
noted Quaker preacher and the ancestor of Alfred Vail, inventor of 1st telegraph key and alphabetical code, and of
Theodore N. Vail, pres. Western Union Tel. Co.);

Samuel (2) Vail was born 1654 and died 1691-1695. He married Elizabeth (Hunt?) who was born 1657; died 3rd 9th
mo., 1747, aged 91 years, and near 6 mos. (v. Extracts Vol. 8:23, Vail Papers; also Records of Rahway M. M.). Samuel
(2) Vail (1654-1691) was a soldier in King Philip's War, (v. Abr. Comp. Am. Geneal: p. 232), being 21 years old when
so engaged -- this war having been fought in 1675-1676. His marriage to Elizabeth took place when he was about 23
years old (1677). He died at 37 years of age (1691 or 1695) leaving his widow Elizabeth.

Samuel (2) Vail is the only one of his generation and in Westchester who had as wife one whose Christian name was
Elizabeth. We have already proven that Elizabeth in her will is the mother of John (3) Vail who in early youth removed
from Westchester. We will now give the records that prove the connection of Samuel (2) Vail with Elizabeth (---),
whose maiden name has not yet been definitely found. (Probably Hunt).

In the Westchester Co., N. Y. Records, Book A: 298 is found a deed of sale, dated 14 December, 1688, in which it
is stated "Samuel Vail of the County Town of Westchester, within the Dontinion of New England, yeoman, -- Know ye
that for and in consideration of a valuable sum of money in hand paid unto my father Thomas Vail, deceased, by
William Richardson of the same place, yeoman. "---" And the said Samuel Uail and Elizabeth his wife in consideration of
the aforesaid sum of money grants unto the said William Richardson land, 2 1/2 acres on Castle Hill Neck.
Signed Samuell Uaill
Elizabeth Uaill"

Again in the Westchester Records we find that Samuel (2) Vail was husband of the foregoing Elizabeth and also son
of Thomas Vail, as follows: 1689. "Samuel Vail of Westchester and his wife Elizabeth, deed land under contract of sale
by 'his father Thomas Vail, deceased,'" "of whom I am the Right heir," to William Richardson on Castle Hill Neck, 1695.
Samuel (2) Vail died before 26 June, 1695, leaving Elizabeth a widow on or before this date, for the Westchester
Records tell us that "Elizabeth Vail, widow of Samuel Vail, late deceased, quitclaims land to Thomas Hunt." The
foregoing three references amply prove the connection between Samuel (2) Vail and Elizabeth (---). Their son Samuel
(3) was born October, 1678; so we infer, in the absence of other data, that they were married about 1677; this would
make Elizabeth 20 years old at marriage. We know Elizabeth, wife of Samuel, was born 1657,
which brings us to an approximate date of birth of her husband.

Samuel (2) Vail was born about 1655-'57. Samuel (2) Vail purchased land in Westchester as early as 22 June,
1678, the year his son Samuel (3) was born, and probably began housekeeping a little before this time. The
Westchester Town Records show that he was possessed of several parcels of land in Westchester. He sells land "lately in
the possession of my father, Thomas Vail" to John Palmer, 22 January, 1678, (Westchester Town Rec. Vol. 1:57).

Again he deeds land to Walter Bebly in 1681, (Vol. 1:88). Again the following year, 1682, he deeds land to
Thomas Hunt, for Ł17-35, 1683. In the rating of the inhabitants of Westchester in 1683, Samuel (2) Vail had "3 acres
upland, 2 yearlings, 2 sheep," (v. Colonial Documents, N. Y., Vol. 13:574.)

1686. He is a Freeholder of the Town of Westchester, having a Ł25. share, (v. Westch. Town Rec. Vol. 2:8), and
also he is allotted in the division of the land, 10 acres for every Ł25. share lot No. 31. which was "on the East side of
Brunkses River." (loc. cit.). Also on the same date, 3 May, 1687, and in the same manner he obtained lot No. 35.
"fronting on the sheep pasture."

His father Thomas died before 1689, for in that year he sold land on Castle Hill Neck to which he fell heir, to
William Richardson, and in 1690 deeds land to Thomas (2) Vail, Jr., of Eastchester, his (Samuel's) brother.

He (Samuel (2) Vail) died before June, 1695, leaving his widow Elizabeth and four children, viz: Samuel (3), b. 21
December, 1678, d. 26 June, 1733; Martha (3), b. 27 November, 1681; John (3), the Quaker Preacher, b. 1685; d. 17
November, 1774; and Thomas (3). The last recorded evidence of Samuel (2) Vail which a partial search reveals, is
found in the land record of Westchester Co., N. Y., and reads "Elizabeth Vail, widow of Samuel Vail late of Westchester,
quitclaims 26 June, 1695, land to Thomas Hunt."

Notes for Elizabeth Hunt:

Notes for Elizabeth Hunt:
Elizabeth married (2nd.) Thomas Gach (Gauge) of Westchester, N. Y., a ship builder, who owned a house and land in
Westchester.

Thomas Gach, Sr., and Elizabeth moved from West Chester, N. Y., to Woodbridge, N. J., about the year 1701. As her
3rd. husband, Elizabeth (Hunt, Vail, Gach) married John Griffith the 20 October, 1709. And it is as Elizabeth Griffith, of
Woodbridge, N. J., that she makes her last Will and Testament on the 21 June, 1739.

The Vail Papers (Vol. 18:44) quote from the Westchester Town Records, the "sale of a house and 8 acres of land
formerly owned by Thomas Gach, in Westchester" -- sold by Joseph Appleby to Samuel Vail (son of Elizabeth and
Samuel (2) Vail) 28 February, 1705-6. Thomas Gach and wife removed from Westchester, N. Y., to Woodbridge, N. J.,
about the year 1701. We infer this from a deed of sale of "a house and lot at Woodbridge, N. J., 14 April, 1701, sold
by Thomas Codrington and wife to Thomas Gauge, late of Westchester, N. Y., Shipwright." (v. N. J. Archives, 1st Ser.
Vol. 21: 140).

Thomas Guage died between the 28th March, 1703 and 23 April, 1703, dates of his will.

It states he lived in Woodbridge; was a ship carpenter; it names Elizabeth as Executor, son Thomas and apparently
other children, also names his "son-in-law, Thomas Veale" (v. N. J. Arch. 1st Ser. Vol. 23:182; also Middlesex Co.
Wills). His inventory amounted to 171-6-0, including half interest in a boat equal to 130.

Elizabeth had at least two Gach children, viz: Mary and Thomas. Mary Gach married William Bloodgood, 1727. (v.
Shotwell Family, p. 186; also Vail Papers, Vol. 16:13). Thomas Gach, mentioned in his mother's will, was an active
member of the Woodbridge M. M. until disowned for quarreling with his brother. He was clerk of the Town of
Woodbridge for many years, (v. Woodbridge and Vicinity, p. 71).

Elizabeth, the widow of Samuel (2) Vail and later the widow of Thomas Gach, of Woodbridge, married (3rd.) John
Griffith, 20 October, 1709. He was from Bucks Co., Penna., and brought a "Certificate of Clearness" from the
Middletown, M. M. Bucks Co., Penna. He became an active member of the Woodbridge Friends Meeting (v. Shotwell
Family, p. 188.) Elizabeth is believed to have had no children by this marriage, being at the time of marriage 52 years
of age.

She appears as Elizabeth Gach in the Woodbridge M. M. Records as early as 19 December, 1706. She took a lively
and consecrated part in all activities of the Friends Meeting. She supervised the care of the Meeting House and in other
ways looked to the comfort of the Society. Doubtless she was the most popular match-maker among these early
Quakers for we have counted not fewer than a half a dozen couples "presented to the Meeting," intending to marry. She
made legal provision for her children at the time of her third marriage and conducted her whole life as a loving parent
and a "Mother in Israel." She made her home with her son Thomas at one time, at another with her daughter, Mary
Bloodgood.

Her will was found among the papers of the estate of John (5) Vail of Littleton, N. J., a grand-son of John the
Quaker Preacher. It was found by Alfred Vail, and recorded among the Vail Papers. It is one of the documents which
proves Elizabeth Griffith to be the mother of John (3) Vail. Being thus important it is herewith annexed.

Mary Bloodgood, mentioned ante, died 28 June, 1760, aged 59 years, 10 mo.; therefore born 28 August, 1700.
Consequently Elizabeth Vail married Thomas Gach before 1700, or about 1699 perhaps.

Elizabeth, wife of Samuel (2) Vail, is the connecting link between the Westchester, N. Y., Vails and a numerous
progeny, in Essex Co., N. J., primarily, but now widely extended in the United States and abroad. The maiden name of
Elizabeth has not been definitely found yet; but as she is so important in establishing the connection she demands
consideration. She was thrice married : (1st.) to Samuel (2) Vail about 1677, for her first child, Samuel (3), was born
21 December, 1678. That she was the wife and later the widow of Samuel Vail is assured beyond doubt in a land
record of Westchester which reads, "Elizabeth Uail quitclaims land to Thomas Hunt." (v. Vail Papers, Vol. 18: 44, No.
82). The full reading of this extract from the "Westchester Town Records," is, "Elizabeth Uail, widow of Samuel Vail late
of Westchester, quitclaims, etc." dated 6th June, 1695.

The last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Griffith of Woodbridge, N. J. :

Forasmuch as it is appointed for all people some day to die and the time when very uncertain, I, Elizabeth Griffith,
of Woodbridge, in the County of Middlesex and Province of East New Jersey, being weak in body, but of a sound,
disposing mind and memory and inclined to dispose of the estate that the Lord hath to bless me with, do make this,
my last will and testament in manner following: That is to say,

First of all, I desire to resign my soul to God Almighty who gave it me, whensoever it shall please Hlin to call for it;
and my body to the earth, to receive such decent burial as my executors hereinafter named shall think convenient; and
as touching my worldly estate, I give and bequeath the same as followeth, viz: First, I give and direct that my
daughter, Mary Bloodgood, the wife of William Bloodgood shall be fully paid for the trouble that I have been and shall
be to them.

Item, I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Gach all that remains in his hands (at the time of my decease) of
those goods that I have left with him when I came to live with my son in law, William Bloodgood.

Item, I give and bequeath to my son John Vail the sum of Ł10, which he has already got in his hands; my will
further is that all the meadows which my husband left me to divide at my discretion, shall be divided between my son
John Vail and my son Thomas Gach, that is to say that my son John Vail shall have all that my son Thomas Gach has
given him a quitclaim for, to be enjoyed by him, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Martha Burling, the wife of Edward Burling of New York and Mary
Bloodgood, the wife of William Bloodgood of Woodbridge all the remaining part of my estate to be equally divided
between them,.

Lastly, I nominate, constitute and appoint my two daughters, Martha Burling and Mary Bloodgood, executors of this
my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others and former wills by me at any time heretofore made, declaring
this and this only to be my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
19

21st day of the Fourth Month, commonly called June, in the Year of our Lord, 1739.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Elizabeth Griffith as her last will and testament in the presence of its
subscribers.
Elizabeth Griffith.
John Shotwell.
Thomas Pike.
Joseph Shotwell.

Whereas, my daughter, Martha, is dead, mentioned ln this will to be my executrix with my daughter Mary; now it is
my further will be put my son John Vail Executor in her room and place, giving my son, John all power and privilege
that my said daughter, Martha, had in the said will, relating thereunto being had may further appear. In testimony
hereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th 10th Mo., 1742. Elizabeth Griffith.
Witness: Abraham Shotwell."

Children of Samuel Vail and Elizabeth Hunt are:

+	10	i.		Arthur³ Vail, born 1681 in Westchester County, New York; died 1776 in Eastchester, New York.
	11	ii.		Daniel Vail. He married Hannah Griffing.

Notes for Daniel Vail:

Notes for Daniel Vail:

He married 10 October, 1717, Hannah Griffing (or Griffin), and they had 15 children. The earliest
word we have about Daniel (3) Vaill is that he was living at Southold, L. I. Of his 15 children only
five lived to grow up; this extreme mortality among the members of his family during their infancy
at Southold may have been the reason for Daniel's removal to Connecticut, where he became the
founder of the Connecticut Class of Vails.

12	iii.	Samuel Vail, born December 21, 1678 in Westchester Co., New York; died June 26, 1733 in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
13	iv.	Martha Vail, born November 27, 1681 in Westchester Co., New York; died December 17, 1742. She married Edward Burling.
14	v.	John J. Vail, born 1685; died November 27, 1774 in Rahway, New Jersey.
15	vi.	Sarah Vail, born 1687 in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
16	vii.	Thomas Vail, born 1695 in Westchester Co., New York; died 1722. He married Rachel FitzRandolph July 15, 1717 in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

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