En: Revolutionary War Era Royal Arch Mason Jewels
Revolutionary War Era Royal Arch Mason Jewels
Background Sketch of Abraham Hardenbergh
This background sketch is speculation and needs further research, especially into the location and history of Livingston Lodge No. 23, but given the strength of Masonry in old New York, his military and civil career, his social station, and family connections, he is certainly a strong possibility. There are several other men of that name in the family line/NY area, but none of appropriate date.
Abraham Hardenbergh, was born 5 September 1756 in Marbletown NY, son of Leonard and Rachel (Hoogteeling) Hardenbergh. He was a lieutenant during the Revolution and made important contributions as a cartographer. After the war he was appointed a surveyor by the Surveyor General of New York, Simeon DeWitt, for which services he was awarded 1200 acres. With Moses DeWitt, he was responsible for surveying Onondaga County. He was married to Jane Verick, sister of Robert Verick, an important New York City attorney who helped found Jersey City, New Jersey, and who became Speaker of the Assembly in 1788. Abraham died rather young in 1794 (his widow later married his boss, Simeon DeWitt), but enjoyed a full and well-connected career in his short life of only 38 years.