SCHUYLER-COLFAX

The Schuyler-Colfax home, until recently, was one of the seven built in the country before 1700 still housing a member of the original family. The eighth generation member was Dr. Jane Colfax. Her brother, Dr. William Schuyler Colfax lived in Pompton Lakes at 33 Ramapo Avenue.

The house was built by Arent Schuyler, an enterprising developer. He was born in 1662. According to historian E. A, Smytz in "Tales of our Heritage", when Arent (Arent is Dutch for eagle) was born, his name was duly entered in the family Bible: "1662, the 25 June is born our fourth son named Arent Van Schuyler may the Lord God let him grow up in virtues to his salvation. Amen." Arent Schuyler learned to live with Indians. His mother taught: "Always treat the Indians as a brother, never deceive him in word or deed". The Indians regarded Arent with much respect -- a fact which helped him in his negotiations with the Lenape for a large tract of land.

The original property was purchased by Capt. Arent Schuyler and Major Anthony Brockholst from the Indians in 1695. The parcel totaling 5500 acres was purchased from the Indians for wampum and merchandise totaling 250 pounds. The land was divided into three portions which were subsequently subdivided during succeeding generations. Capt. Schuyler and Anthony Brockholst were the first settlers on what is now Hamburg Turnpike. From a will he made in 1706 it seems that Arent Schuyler was then living at Pompton.

The house passed to Arent's granddaughter, Hester, a beautiful and spirited young woman. In 1783 she married William Colfax, a young officer much liked by George Washington.

Washington visited the Colfaxes many times and served as a godfather to their first son named George Washington Colfax. The second son, Schuyler Washington Colfax died young, but his son named after him became vice-president of the United States under Ulysses S. Grant.

Hester's great-great granddaughter, Dr. Jane Colfax, moved into the home in the 1930s.