FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2018
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Vicki DiStefano and Matt Leonenko | (516) 869-7794
Town Unveils Historical Marker at Cemetery
Monfort Cemetery is final resting place of Revolutionary War patriots
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Council Member Dina De Giorgio unveiled a new historical marker at the Monfort Cemetery in Port Washington on Monday, May 21. The Town was awarded the historical marker by the William C. Pomeroy Foundation, following a grant application by Town Historian Howard Kroplick last year.
“Our Town is full of so much rich history and it is important to commemorate and preserve that history,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “Thank you to Town Historian Howard Kroplick for his diligent work in receiving this historical marker from the William C. Pomeroy Foundation. This marker will not only ensure that all residents and visitors know the importance of this site but also will preserve legacies of Revolutionary War patriots who signed the 1775 Declaration of Independence to separate this area from loyalist Hemptead. These local residents helped to shape our Town and our country.”
“The marker is a wonderful tribute and reminder of the many brave patriots from the American Revolution who lived in Port Washington and courageously fought to create our nation.” De Giorgio continued “I would like to thank the town historian Howard Kroplick for his tireless efforts to protect our local history because preserving our past is critical to improving our future.”
Town Historian Kroplick noted “The Monfort Cemetery is considered the most historically significant burying ground in our community. It is the final rest place of many of the earliest settlers on Long Island and their descendants. Among the prominent people buried here are town, state and county officials and four Revolutionary War patriots who signed a 1775 Declaration of Independence to separate from loyalist Hempstead. Among the notable interments are:
• Adrian Onderdonck (1726-1794), a signer of the 1775 Declaration of Independence from loyalist Hempstead. Onderdonck was the first town supervisor of North Hempstead (1784-1786).
• Thomas Dodge (1721-1789), a signer of the 1775 Declaration of Independence from loyalist Hempstead. Dodge was an officer in the American militia.
• Martin Schenck (1740-1793), a signer of the 1775 Declaration of Independence from loyalist Hempstead. He was Treasurer of Queens County (1786-1792).
• Hendrick Onderdonk (1724-1809), owner of the first paper mill in New York State and the Roslyn Grist Mill. He hosted President George Washington’s Roslyn visit in 1790.
• Andrew Onderdonck (1756-1797), a New York State Senator (1796-1797) who was elected over future Vice President Aaron Burr.
• Petrus (Peter) Onderdonk (1730-1793), a signer of the 1775 Declaration of Independence from loyalist Hempstead. He was an officer in American militia.
• Henry J. Onderdonk, Jr. (1804-1886) was an eminent 19th century Long Island historian.
• Andries Hegeman (1739 -1807) was a town official including Overseer of Roads.
The Monfort Cemetery was declared a Town landmark on July 23, 1985 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The Monfort Cemetery has 154 internments from 1737 to 1892 and includes many notable gravesites including members of the Onderdonk, Dodge, Hegeman, Rapelje and Schenck families.
For more information, please call 311 from within the Town, or (516) 869-6311 from outside the Town.
(Left to Right): Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Mary Lou Monfort, Jessica Anschutz, Pam Monfort, Town Historian Howard Kroplick, Martha Monfort Knowles, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Dina De Giorgio, Nancy Famiglietti and Susan Knowles Michaels.