Local historians to discuss slavery in Orange County

Goshen — Author Ray Decker and Clifton Patrick, the Town of Chester historian, will present a short talk about the enslavement of Indians in Orange County following the monthly meeting of the Incorporated Orange County Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association on Friday, Dec. 15, in Goshen. In 1720, Daniel Crommelin sold his Gray Court farm, near the present Blooming Grove-Chester-Goshen boundary. Among the chattels listed in this indenture include three slaves identified by name and by race. This rare document is believed to be the sole surviving record of the enslavement of Native Americans in Orange County. The enslavement of Native Americans throughout the Dutch and English colonies was explored in an effort to acquire historical perspective essential to the understanding of the documented enslavement at Gray Court. A brief account of enslavement by the Dutch, by other Native Americans, and by the English is included in the presentation. This talk is free and open to the public and follows the society’s meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. in the community room of the Goshen Methodist Church, 115 Main St, Goshen, Participants should enter by the side door on Court Lane. The community room is one flight up and to the right. For more information call Clifton Patrick at 469-7645.