{"id":16859,"date":"2024-10-28T15:06:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T19:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/?p=16859"},"modified":"2024-10-29T16:44:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T20:44:59","slug":"samuel-fraunces-family-of-tavernkeers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/samuel-fraunces-family-of-tavernkeers\/","title":{"rendered":"Samuel Fraunces’ Family of Tavernkeepers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dalley, Simmons and Fraunces Siblings<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Genealogical records prove the connections between “America\u2019s Founding Hosts”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family operated several of the most important taverns and boarding houses in American history (hereinafter \u201cAmerica\u2019s Founding Taverns\u201d).[1]<\/a> Delegates to the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention were very familiar with Gifford Dalley\u2019s City Tavern and Miss Dalley\u2019s boarding house in Philadelphia. Fraunces\u2019 Tavern and Simmons\u2019 Tavern similarly played an important civic function in New York City. While historians have long recognized the significance of taverns during America\u2019s Revolutionary era, the family and business connections between these well-known taverns was not previously understood. In hindsight it is not surprising that the proprietors of these patriotic businesses were in fact an extended family of siblings \u2013 the Dalley, Fraunces, and Simmons families (hereinafter \u201cAmerica\u2019s Founding Hosts\u201d).[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

Thirsty tourists exploring southern Manhattan might find their way to Fraunces\u2019 Tavern, \u201cNew York\u2019s oldest and most historic bar and restaurant.\u201d[3]<\/a> The New York City landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the building has been rebuilt several times, the tavern\u2019s website describes the location as \u201cA tavern older than the country itself.\u201d The first floor restaurant and bar offer a wide selection of revolutionary era and modern fare. The building\u2019s upper floors contain the \u201conly museum in New York City that allows visitors to discover the American Revolutionary past in NYC\u2019s oldest standing structure.\u201d When exploring the museum\u2019s eight galleries, Samuel Fraunces\u2019 name is regularly mentioned in the exhibits. The museum also prominently features images, artwork and busts of famous members of the founding generation who frequented the tavern and its upstairs offices, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. Yet, the permanent exhibit contains only a single sentence mentioning Samuel Fraunces\u2019 wife, Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces. \u201cFraunces lived on the upper floors of the building with his second wife,[4]<\/a>Elizabeth Dalley, and their seven children.\u201d One would search in vain for any discussion of Elizabeth\u2019s siblings and her extended family of patriot entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

Samuel Fraunces and his wife Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces famously catered to the founding generation for decades in lower Manhattan. During the years when Congress resided in New York City, sister Catharine Dalley Simmons and her husband John Simmons hosted equally historic meetings at Simmons\u2019 Tavern on Wall Street. Brother Gifford Dalley operated Philadelphia\u2019s City Tavern, its Merchant\u2019s Coffee House, and Dalley\u2019s Hotel. A few blocks away members of Congress regularly boarded with sister Mary Dalley. Yet, the relationship between their New York and Philadelphia taverns and boarding houses has never previously been examined.<\/p>\n

In 1789 Samuel Fraunces became President George Washington\u2019s steward, charged with supervising the \u201cWhite House\u201d[5]<\/a> staff. When Samuel Fraunces was managing President Washington\u2019s household, it turns out that brother-in-law Gifford Dalley was providing hospitality and related services as the Doorkeeper for the House of Representatives. Gifford Dalley continued serving in this role during the First, Second and Third Congresses from 1789 to 1796. While both Samuel and Gifford were prominent members of the newly created federal government, scholars have not comprehensively explored the genealogical evidence that connects the Fraunces-Dalley-Simmons family. New research set forth below details the family relationships of America\u2019s Founding Hosts, who catered to the founding generation during key moments in American history.<\/p>\n

This blog post begins by summarizing the genealogical evidence connecting the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family. Rather than viewing their taverns as separate, isolated establishments, this blog post and a pending book argue that the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family formed an interconnected business network linking America\u2019s two largest cities. In addition to being connected by stagecoach lines between Philadelphia and New York, the founding generation was also connected to America\u2019s Founding Hosts by esteemed hospitality services, beloved family recipes and patriotic bonds of friendship forged during the Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n

It is reasonable to ask why haven\u2019t historians previously recognized the connections between Samuel Fraunces, Mary Dalley, Gifford Dalley, John Simmons and their spouses? Indeed, increasingly robust databases and family trees on Ancestry.com have already begun to make several of these connections.[6]<\/a> While there is no written correspondence between America\u2019s Founding Hosts the circumstantial evidence set forth below is overwhelming, even if incomplete. Indeed, one of the reasons for writing this book was to invite scholars and researchers to assist with this ongoing investigation detailed here. After analyzing the historic record, this blog post concludes with the following answer: the evidence connecting America\u2019s Founding Hosts was hiding in plain sight. With new technology and the digitization of archival records, the discoveries outlined below were inevitable.<\/p>\n

Connecting the Dalley siblings<\/em><\/p>\n

The story of America\u2019s Founding Taverns centers around the four Dalley siblings: Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces, Catharine Dalley Simmons, Gifford Dalley and Mary Dalley. It thus makes sense to begin by introducing their parents, Hendrick (Henry) Dalley[7]<\/a> and Sarah Gifford Dalley.[8]<\/a> Although not much is known about Henry Dalley or Sarah Gifford, proof of their marriage is well documented. Beginning in 1665, New Jersey brides and grooms were required to file a marriage bond with the governor, attesting that they had no lawful impediment to being joined in the holy bonds of matrimony.[9]<\/a> Fortunately, the New Jersey State Archives holds over 11,500 colonial marriage bonds, including the marriage bond for Henry Dalley and Sarah Gifford dated November 9, 1739.[10]<\/a> The marriage bond for the parents of America\u2019s Founding Hosts is signed by both Henry Dalley and John Gifford, Sarah\u2019s brother.<\/p>\n

Using this colonial marriage bond along with church records, wills, tavern advertisements, and published legal notices, it is possible to construct a fairly detailed family history. Moreover, in the 1950s an extensive, but unpublished genealogy was created for the Dalley-Dally family.[11]<\/a> Taken together, these primary and secondary sources demonstrate that the Dalley siblings were the proprietors of Fraunces\u2019 Tavern and Simmons\u2019 Tavern in New York City, along with the City Tavern, the Merchant\u2019s Coffee House and Dalley\u2019s Hotel in Philadelphia. While Mary Dalley\u2019s boarding house has largely been overlooked by historians, her Market Street location is arguably comparable to the Declaration House where Thomas Jefferson resided during the summer of 1776.[12]<\/a><\/p>\n

As indicated by the Dalley family tree pictured below, Henry and Sarah had at least five surviving children. Several inferences flow from this family tree. First, Henry Dalley passed away in 1756 at the relatively young age of forty. Shortly after Henry\u2019s death, two of the Dalley sisters (Elizabeth and Catharine) were married, likely prompted by the death of their father. Second, several names repeat across the generations in multiple branches of the family. For example, sister Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces named her daughters Elizabeth, Catharine, Sarah and Hannah. Likewise, sister Catharine Dalley Simmons named her children Sarah, Catharine, William \u201cG\u201d Simmons, and Stephen Gifford Simmons. Lastly, brother Gifford Dalley named his children Sarah, Mary, Catharine, Hannah and Gifford, Jr. These same names reoccur in subsequent generations and can also be found in prior generations of the family tree.[13]<\/a> Mary Dalley\u2019s will contains legacies, for example, to her sister Catharine Simmons and three nieces\/grand nieces also named Catharine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The close family connections between America\u2019s Founding Hosts is evident in the baptism records in which the siblings agreed to be godparents for their nieces, nephews and grandchildren. When Samuel Fraunces and Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces\u2019 daughter Hannah was baptized in October of 1784, Gifford and Hannah Dalley were listed as the sponsors\/godparents. In addition, baby Hannah Fraunces\u2019 older sister, Elizabeth Fraunces, was also named as a godparent.[14]<\/a> These baptism records provide clear evidence of the family relationship between Samuel Fraunces and Gifford Dalley. Similarly, when Samuel Fraunces\u2019 grandson was born, Gifford Dalley and his wife Hannah Dalley were sponsors\/godparents for little Andrew Gifford Fraunces, son of Andrew G. Fraunces.[15]<\/a> A year later, Andrew and Sarah Fraunces returned the favor, by agreeing to become the sponsors\/godparents for Gifford Dalley\u2019s daughter, Hannah Dalley, who was baptized in March of 1788.[16]<\/a><\/p>\n

These baptism records are consistent with and help substantiate a variety of other church records. At various times the Dalley, Simmons and Fraunces families were members of the same churches, New York\u2019s Trinity Church and Philadelphia\u2019s Christ Church. Indeed, church records further illustrate that during the Revolutionary War Mary Dalley rented pew number 56 at Christ Church, which was close to pew number 52, rented by the Simmons family.[17]<\/a> After the British evacuated New York City in November of 1783, members of the Simmons, Fraunces and Dalley families returned home and were members of Trinity Church in Manhattan.[18]<\/a> By contrast, Miss Dalley remained in Philadelphia where she would continue to live for decades operating her boarding house.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, \u201cMiss Dally\u201d is listed as a pew-holder at St. Peter\u2019s Church in Philadelphia in 1779.[19]<\/a> Yet, by 1782 Mary Dalley\u2019s name appears on the pew rental list at Christ Church. It is reasonable to infer that Mary may have changed churches to worship together with her New York relatives who were living in Philadelphia during the war. Of course, there are a variety of other reasons for why Mary may have changed churches, including the fact that Christ Church was closer to where she lived on Market Street.[20]<\/a> Regardless of the reason Mary relocated she remained at Christ Church where she is buried.[21]<\/a> Unfortunately, Mary\u2019s grave marker does not provide any details about her family but does confirm her age and date of death. According to her marker, Mary Dalley was \u201caged 60 years\u201d on June 22, 1811, which perfectly aligns with the additional records discussed below.[22]<\/a><\/p>\n

Another powerful source of evidence can be found in wills of the members of the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family. Mary Dalley\u2019s will is particularly insightful as she did not have children of her own. Mary is described in her will as a \u201csingle woman.\u201d She leaves her largest bequest \u201cto my sister Catharine Simmons.\u201d The will also identifies nine nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who are children and grandchildren of Mary\u2019s sister, Catharine Simmons, and her brother, Gifford Dalley.[23]<\/a> Mary leaves all residual property to her niece, Mary Murdock, Gifford Dalley\u2019s daughter. Further reinforcing family relationships between America\u2019s Founding Hosts, Mary Dalley\u2019s will appoints Gifford Dalley\u2019s son-in-law, William Murdock, as her executor.[24]<\/a> Mary describes William Murdock as her \u201cnephew and friend.\u201d[25]<\/a> The will was executed 4 May 1811 and was admitted to probate on 26 June 1811, consistent with the date of Mary\u2019s death on her grave marker.<\/p>\n

Mary Dalley is buried in the Christ Church graveyard in Philadelphia beside John B. Simmons, her grand-nephew.[26]<\/a> According to John\u2019s headstone, he passed away at the age of twenty-six on 11 April 1816. As neither Mary nor John had any children it made sense for them to be buried together. Thus, the placement of their two markers together in a corner of the graveyard is fully consistent with the family genealogy and Mary\u2019s will, which lists John as one of her beneficiaries. While Mary is buried in Philadelphia with John Simmons, other family members are buried in New York and Washington, D.C.[27]<\/a> In the year 1800 Congress relocated from Philadelphia to the newly constructed \u201cWashington City.\u201d[28]<\/a> As they did in 1790 when Congress moved from New York to Philadelphia, members of the Simmons-Dalley-Fraunces family relocated to Washington in the year 1800.<\/p>\n

Church and other records place the Simmons family, Gifford Dalley and Mary Dalley in Philadelphia during the war, after the British capture Manhattan. For example, Stephen Gifford Simmons was born in Philadelphia in 1780.[29]<\/a>By contrast, Samuel Fraunces spent most of the war in Manhattan, from where he provided intelligence to American forces and helped feed American prisoners of war.[30]<\/a> Admittedly, there do not appear to be any bequests by Mary Dalley or John Simmons to the Fraunces side of the family. One possible explanation is that the Fraunces descendants were already wealthy. Another possibility is that the family who lived in Philadelphia after the war was not as close in their retirement with the Fraunces side of the family who remained in New York.<\/p>\n

Connecting the Taverns and Family Businesses<\/em><\/p>\n

While it is clear that America\u2019s Founding Hosts were siblings, it is less clear how the Simmons-Dalley-Fraunces families entered into the tavern keeping business. The earliest evidence connecting a family member to the tavern keeping vocation can be traced back to February of 1755, when Samuel Fraunces\u2019 name first appears on the New-York City Roll of Freemen as an \u201cinnkeeper.\u201d[31]<\/a> Under its English colonial charters from 1675 to 1775 the City of New-York maintained an official \u201cRoll of Freemen,\u201d which listed the names and occupations of the free inhabitants of the city. Importantly, the roll identifies the year when a freeman first joined the list. As such, the Roll of Freemen constitutes an official directory of New York freemen and their occupations.[32]<\/a><\/p>\n

John Simmons\u2019 name appears on the Roll of Freemen for the first time in 1761, six years after his brother-in-law, Samuel Fraunces. Gifford Dalley subsequently joined the roll in 1768.[33]<\/a> Interestingly, neither John Simmons nor Gifford Dalley joined the Roll of Freemen as tavern operators. John was listed as a mariner and Gifford was a tailor when they first joined the roll. As Samuel Fraunces appears to have been the first family member to obtain a tavern license, it is reasonable to infer that other family members and their spouses may have entered into the tavern business with the assistance of their brother-in-law, Samuel. Indeed, one can imagine that Samuel Fraunces may have trained John, Gifford and their wives, who may have worked for Samuel and Elizabeth Fraunces before opening their own taverns.[34]<\/a> With that said, Gifford Dalley and his sisters may have been familiar with retailing as their father, Henry Dalley, was a shopkeeper in New Jersey when he married Sarah Gifford in 1739.<\/p>\n

Historians have observed that tavern keepers frequently \u201crelied on family members for essential work of the household.\u201d[35]<\/a> Reliance on family by tavern owners, particularly for new and small scale-tavern operators, was not materially different than family farming, retailing, or an artisan learning a family trade. During his travels in 1799, Thomas Fairfax noted that in New England tavern keepers kept \u201cas few servants as possible\u201d and relied upon the \u201cdaughters of the family\u201d to make beds, set tables, and perform domestic services.[36]<\/a><\/p>\n

Academic studies examining taverns have determined that local magistrates commonly awarded tavern licenses to families with both financial and social stakes in the status quo. From the standpoint of local officials who wanted to encourage responsible tavern-keeping behavior, it may have made sense to favor families who had tavern keeping experience and could bear the financial risks of a precarious line of work.[37]<\/a> While licensing practices certainly varied by location[38]<\/a> and over time, scholars have documented the practice of magistrates requiring that applicants demonstrate adequate financial resources or that a respected member of the community could vouch for them.[39]<\/a> If this was the case in New York, it would not be surprising if Samuel Fraunces did so for his brothers-in-law, John Simmons and Gifford Dalley. Or perhaps Elizabeth Fraunces was the conduit for entry into the family business for her sister Catharine Dalley Simmons and brother Gifford Dalley?<\/p>\n

Yet another possibility is that the Dalley family may have learned about the tavern business through their maternal grandparents the Cregier family. Admittedly, not much is known about the parents of America\u2019s Founding Hosts, Henry Dalley and Sarah Gifford. Yet, Henry Dalley\u2019s mother was Elizabeth Cregier Dalley.[40]<\/a> While the record is far from clear, the Cregier family had deep roots in New Amsterdam prior to the British conquest of New York in 1664. For several generations members of the Cregier family operated successful taverns in Manhattan.[41]<\/a><\/p>\n

When Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor of New Netherland, surrendered to the British the terms of surrender guaranteed that the Dutch inhabitants would be entitled to \u201cpeaceably enjoy whatsoever God\u2019s blessing and their own honest industry have furnished them with and all other privileges\u201d enjoyed by English subjects.[42]<\/a> One of the specific terms of the articles of surrender was that the Dutch would be permitted to keep their \u201cpublick houses,\u201d i.e., taverns. Other generous terms of surrender included the promise that the Dutch could stay on their land and freely maintain their religious practices.[43]<\/a><\/p>\n

While we may never know the full story, it is clear that Samuel Fraunces entered the tavern business as early as 1755.[44]<\/a> Within fifteen years, John Simmons would be operating a tavern on Wall Street by 1770 under the sign of Peter Warren. By 1778, Gifford Dalley would be operating the City Tavern in Philadelphia. As is discussed in a pending book to be published by SUNY Press it is unlikely that Gifford would have been granted the lease to operate Philadelphia\u2019s City Tavern unless he had prior tavern operation experience.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most intriguing connection between the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family dates back to the early days of the Revolutionary War. In August of 1775, the HMS Asia<\/em> fired its cannons on southern Manhattan during the so-called \u201cRaid on the Battery.\u201d The skirmish between colonists and the 64-gun British warship is recognized as New York\u2019s first military engagement of the Revolutionary War.[45]<\/a> The hostilities erupted when patriots, including a young Alexander Hamilton, \u201cstole\u201d approximately two dozen cannons from the \u201cGrand Battey\u201d at the southern tip of Manhattan on August 23. The raid was pre-planned and officially authorized by the New York Provincial Congress on August 22.[46]<\/a> News of the pending raid leaked out to Captain George Vandeput of the HMS Asia<\/em>, who stationed troops near the battery in advance of the raid.<\/p>\n

During the inevitable confrontation, Vandeput claimed that the Americans opened fire with their muskets, killing one of his sailors. When the HMS Asia<\/em> returned fire, \u201cthe upper part of several houses\u201d in Manhattan were damaged.[47]<\/a>Newspaper accounts of the raid on the Battery specifically mention that an eighteen pound cannon ball was shot into the roof of \u201cSamuel Frauncis\u2019s\u201d house, near the corner of the Market Exchange.[48]<\/a> The Asia<\/em> is reported to have unloaded \u201ca heavy and smart fire of nine, eighteen, twenty-four pounders,\u201d along with an unspecified amount of grapeshot. Although only a few Americans were wounded in the exchange, \u201cit was disquieting to see women and children moving half naked at midnight\u201d as they evacuated their homes in the commotion.<\/p>\n

A week after the exchange of fire into New York harbor, on August 29, Samuel Fraunces\u2019 two brothers-in-law were granted leave to board the HSM Asia<\/em>. John Simmons and Gifford Dalley obtained specific authorization from the New York Provincial Congress to meet with the captain of the HMS<\/em> Asia<\/em>, George Vandeput.[49]<\/a> Although the reasons why Simmons and Dalley were authorized to board the Asia<\/em> are murky, it is likely that they were trusted members of the patriot community. The two brothers-in-law had no doubt known each other since at least 1758, when Catharine Dalley married John Simmons.[50]<\/a> Although Samuel Fraunces\u2019 tavern had been damaged by the British cannon fire, he was not selected to meet with Captain Vandeput. It can be inferred that due to his connections with the Sons of Liberty, it likely would not have been wise for Fraunces to voluntarily board the Asia<\/em>.[51]<\/a> The reasons why Gifford Dalley and John Simmons were selected by the New York Provincial Congress to meet with Captain Vandeput may never be known with certainty. Yet, the fact remains that the negotiations with Captain Vandeput in New York harbor in late August of 1775 connect America\u2019s Founding Hosts together in tantalizing ways during the same week that Fraunces\u2019 Tavern was damaged during the raid on the Battery.<\/p>\n

Years later, beginning in 1789, America\u2019s Founding Hosts can also be connected through their employment in the newly created Federal government. As will be discussed in the pending book, America\u2019s Founding Hosts<\/em>, to be published by SUNY Press, Samuel Fraunces served for many years as President George Washington\u2019s steward who oversaw the presidential household and kitchen. Gifford Dalley played a similar hospitality role as the Doorkeeper for the House of Representatives. More easily overlooked is the fact that John and Catharine Simmons\u2019 son, William Simmons, spent a career working across several administrations as the head accountant for the War Department.[52]<\/a> Similarly, Andrew G. Fraunces, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Fraunces, served as a principal clerk in Alexander Hamilton\u2019s Treasury Department from 1789 until 1793.[53]<\/a> Another Simmons son, Lieutenant Stephen Gifford Simmons, would be appointed paymaster of the Light Dragoons by Alexander Hamilton in October of 1799.[54]<\/a> It is logical to infer that the connections made between America\u2019s Founding Hosts and the founding generation during the early years of the republic led to their appointment into prominent positions in the federal government.<\/p>\n

Several factors potentially explain why historians have not previously identified the connections between America\u2019s Founding Hosts and their taverns\/boarding houses. First, the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family operated out of two separate cities, New York and Philadelphia. For this reason, only a wide-angle perspective would have made the connections which may have been overlooked by local histories\/historians. In the year 1790 when Congress departed New York for Philadelphia, several members of the family relocated. Family members relocated again in the year 1800 when Congress moved to Washington, D.C. A related reason which may also have concealed their identities was the disparate spellings of their surnames. At various times Samuel Fraunces\u2019 name was spelled as Francis, Frauncis and Frances. Similarly, the Dalley name has been spelled Dally, Dayly, Dailey, Daly, and Dolley among other alternate spellings, which arguably further concealed their identity. Potentially further confusing the historic record is the fact that Catharine Dalley Simmons\u2019 name was spelled as Catharine and Catherine.[55]<\/a><\/p>\n

Apart from their failure to remain rooted in one city under a shared name, it is likely that the lack of surviving male heirs was another reason contributing to historical amnesia involving the Simmons-Dalley-Fraunces family connections. As far as can be determined, Mary Dalley never married and never had any children. Tragically, Gifford Dalley\u2019s family was decimated by Yellow Fever in 1798. Gifford died of Yellow Fever in August. The following month two of his daughters, Catharine (\u201cKitty\u201d) Dalley and Sarah Annelly, also passed away from the \u201cprevailing disorder.\u201d At the time of their death, newspapers regularly reported the number of new cases of Yellow Fever in Philadelphia and daily deaths.[56]<\/a> Given the circumstances of their death, one can speculate that Gifford and his two daughters may have been buried in unmarked, mass graves.<\/p>\n

It is also worth noting that when they married in 1757, Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces was Samuel Fraunces\u2019 second wife.[57]<\/a> Likewise, Catharine Dalley Salter was a widow when she married John Simmons in 1758.[58]<\/a> Accordingly, even though the spouses were happily married for decades, the second marriages may have clouded the family connections between the Dalley, Simmons and Fraunces families. Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that the \u201cCatharine Salter\u201d who married John Simmons was in fact Catharine Dalley Salter. Admittedly, the published marriage records merely indicate that John Simmons married \u201cCatharine Salter\u201d on 21 December 1758.[59]<\/a> Yet, working with the staff at the New York State Archives, it was possible to track down the original fire damaged marriage license in Albany for Catharine Dalley Salter and John Simmons. The original manuscript resolves any doubt that Catharine Salter was in fact Catharine Dalley. Pictured below in figure 3.2 is the marriage license indicating that when John Simmons married Catharine Salters, she was a \u201cwidow.\u201d[60]<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>The New York State Archives also has a copy of Samuel Fraunces’ marriage license to Elizabeth Dalley, but the top portions are unreadable due to the 1911 fire damage.<\/p>\n

JOHN SIMMONS – CATHERINE SALTER DALLEY MARRIAGE LICENSE (3.2)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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SAMUEL FRAUNCES – ELIZABETH DALLEY MARRIAGE LICENSE (3.3)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Without question, another reason why it has been difficult to connect the First Family of Hospitality and America\u2019s Founding Taverns is the lack of written correspondence between them. Of all the members of the Simmons-Dalley-Fraunces family, it is not surprising that Samuel Fraunces left behind the most extant correspondence. For example, George Washington\u2019s Papers hold six letters written by Samuel Fraunces to George Washington between 1783 and 1793, along with three letters from George Washington to Samuel Fraunces written between 1783 to 1792.[61]<\/a> During his service as the Doorkeeper to the House of Representatives, Gifford Dalley\u2019s name regularly appeared in print. Yet, it does not appear that any archives or research institutions hold correspondence between<\/em> the family members. Thankfully, newspaper advertisements and legal notices provide abundant examples of the activities which occurred at their taverns and business establishments during the early decades of America\u2019s founding. It is hoped that this book and America 250 commemorations will attract additional scholarship and potentially lead to the discovery of untapped primary sources belonging to America\u2019 Founding Hosts.<\/p>\n

Endnotes<\/em><\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The array of taverns and boarding houses operated by the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family will be referred to as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Founding Taverns,\u201d even though Miss Dalley\u2019s boarding house was likely a genteel, private boarding house, in contrast to the public taverns and hotel operated by Mary Dalley\u2019s siblings.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In this blog post the phrase \u201cAmerica\u2019s Founding Hosts\u201d will be used interchangeably with the Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 https:\/\/frauncestavern.com<\/a><\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samuel Fraunes wed Mary Carlile on 11 October 1755. Mary apparently passed away shortly after their marriage. Two years later, Samuel Fraunces married Elizabeth Dalley on 30 November 1757. Gideon J. Tucker, Names of Persons for Whom Marriage Licenses Were Issued by the Secretary of the Province of New York Previous to 1784<\/em> (Albany: Weed, Parsons & Co., 1860), 144.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The term White House would first be used to refer to the Presidential Mansion in Washington, D.C. Prior to 1800, when John and Abigail Adams moved into the White House, the locations where President George Washington resided in New York and Philadelphia were known a the Executive Mansion, Presidential Mansion, or the President\u2019s House.<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Several of the primary sources described below can be viewed on Ancestry.com, including family trees and other very useful sources available on Ancestry.com\u2019s expanding database. While the family trees on Ancestry.com connect Mary Dalley to her sisters and brothers, the family trees are incomplete as of the date when this book went to print. For example, the Ancestry.com \u201cLifeStory\u201d for \u201cMary Gifford Dally: 1751-1811\u201d does not indicate that she operated a boarding house. The Ancestry.com LifeStory for Gifford Dalley, Samuel Fraunces, Elizabeth Fraunces, John Simmons, and Catharine Simmons accurately reflect the fact that they operated taverns in New York and Philadelphia. Moreover, the Ancestry.com LifeStory for Gifford Dalley and Samuel Fraunces record the fact that Gifford Dalley became the Doorkeeper for Congress and Samuel Fraunces worked as George Washington\u2019s Steward beginning in 1789.<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hendrick (Henry) Cregier Dalley was born in 1716. An unpublished Dally-Dalley family genealogy indicates that Henry was the son of Nicholas Dalley (born 16 October 1680) and Elizabeth Cregier, who married in 1702. In 1725, Nicholas and Elizabeth are reported to have moved to the Raritan River area in New Jersey.<\/p>\n

It is noteworthy that Henry Dalley\u2019s sisters were Elizabeth Dalley (born 11 March 1711) and Catharine Dalley (born 9 November 1718), as these family names repeat over multiple generations. A.S. Van Benthuysen, Dally-Dalley Genealogy<\/em> (New York: 1953), 8 & 50 [on file at the Allen County Public Library, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Reynolds Historical Genealogy Collection]. https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/dallydalleygenea00vanb\/page\/n7\/mode\/2up<\/a><\/p>\n

See also https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/family-tree\/person\/tree\/1648746\/person\/282233607251\/facts<\/a><\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sarah Burrows\/Borrows Gifford was born in Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey in 1718 to John Parker Gifford and Catharine Borrows. As seen across the generations Catharine was a recurring family name. Sarah\u2019s mother was Catharine Borrows (1691 \u2013 1741). Sarah also had a sister Catharine Borrow Lippett. Sister Catharine Dalley Simmons also named one of her daughters, Catharine.<\/p>\n

Sarah Borrows Gifford (1718-1784):<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/family-tree\/person\/tree\/1648746\/person\/282233607290\/facts<\/a><\/p>\n

Catharine Borrows (1691- 1741):<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/family-tree\/person\/tree\/1648746\/person\/282233607635\/facts<\/a><\/p>\n

Catharine Lippett (1737-1803):<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/family-tree\/person\/tree\/1648746\/person\/282281335088\/facts<\/a><\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As described by the New Jersey State Archives, \u201c[t]hese bonds obligated the groom and his fellow bondsman (often a relative of the bride) monetarily, should the terms of the bond not be fulfilled. In practice, only a minority of marriages were licensed by the colony in this fashion.\u201d The bond value of the colonial New Jersey marriage bonds was \u00a3500, which represented a substantial sum from 1665-1799.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us\/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal\/ColonialMarriages.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to their marriage license, Henry Dalley was from Middlesex County, New Jersey, and Sarah Gifford was from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Henry Dalley\u2019s occupation is listed as a \u201cstore keeper.\u201d Although no further information is provided about Sarah Gifford, her brother John Gifford, Jr., signs the marriage bond on her behalf. This suggests that Sarah\u2019s father, John Gifford, Sr., was deceased in 1735. John Gifford, Jr.\u2019s occupation is listed as \u201cmarrinor.\u201d It is unclear what John Sr. did for a living before his death as his marriage is not recorded in the New Jersey marriage records.<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A. S. Van Benthuysen, Dally-Dalley Genealogy<\/em> (New York: 1953) [on file at the Allen County Public Library, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Reynolds Historical Genealogy Collection]. https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/dallydalleygenea00vanb\/page\/n7\/mode\/2up<\/a><\/p>\n

Among the sources validating the Dally-Dalley family genealogy is the Supplementary List of Marriage Licenses published by the University of the State of New York in 1898, evidencing the fact that Elizabeth Cregier married Nicholas Dalley on 28 August 1702. Thankfully these lists were prepared prior to the New York Capitol Fire of 1911 which destroyed many of the original 40 volumes which dated back to 1664. State Library Bulletin<\/em>: History No. 1, \u201cSupplemental List of Marriage Licenses\u201d (Albany, University of the State of New York, 1898), 16.<\/p>\n

Another source validating the Dally-Dalley family genealogy are the New Jersey marriage records from colonial New Jersey evidencing that Henry Dalley of Middlesex married Sarah Gifford of Perth Amboy on 9 November 1739.\u00a0 Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Marriage Records, 1665-1800<\/em>, William Nelson, ed. (Peterson, NJ: The Printing & Publishing Co., 1900), XXII:101.<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Declaration House will be discussed in the pending book, America\u2019s Founding Hosts<\/em>, to be published by SUNY Press. The historic market application submitted to the State of Pennsylvania\u2019s Historical and Museum Commission is contained in the appendix.<\/p>\n

[13]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For example, Henry Dalley\u2019s mother was Elizabeth Creiger (1685-1718). State Library Bulletin: History No. 1, \u201cSupplemental List of Marriage Licenses\u201d (Albany, University of the State of New York, 1898), 16. Henry also had a sister named Elizabeth.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/family-tree\/person\/tree\/1648746\/person\/282233607288\/facts<\/a><\/p>\n

Henry\u2019s grandmother was also an Elizabeth (Elizabeth Obee: 1652-1700).<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ancestry.com\/family-tree\/person\/tree\/1648746\/person\/282233607251\/facts<\/a><\/p>\n

[14]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trinity Church database of baptisms, marriages and burials from 1750, evidencing baptism of Hannah Louisa Frauncis on 27 October 1784, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Francis, with Gifford Dalley, Hannah Dalley, and Elizabeth Frances, Jr., listed as sponsors.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/registers.trinitywallstreet.org\/registers\/display_detail.php?id=1994&sacr=baptism<\/a><\/p>\n

[15]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trinity Church database of baptisms, marriages and burials from 1750, evidencing baptism of Andrew Gifford Fraunces on 5 September 1787, the son of Andrew Gautier Frauncis and Sarah Frauncis, with Gifford and Hannah Dalley as sponsors.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/registers.trinitywallstreet.org\/registers\/display_detail.php?id=2339&sacr=baptism<\/a><\/p>\n

[16]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trinity Church database of baptisms, marriages and burials from 1750, evidencing baptism of Hannah Dalley on 26 March 1788, the daughter of Gifford and Hannah Dalley, with Andrew Francis and Sarah Francis as sponsors.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/registers.trinitywallstreet.org\/registers\/display_detail.php?id=2450&sacr=baptism<\/a><\/p>\n

[17]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Christ Church Register Details, volume 221, 25 October 1778, access #3.4.3.1 and volume #230, 25 September 1782, access # 3.4.3.5, Christ Church Historical Collections Online. https:\/\/www.philageohistory.org\/rdic-images\/ChristChurch\/index.cfm<\/a><\/p>\n

[18]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A History of the Parish of Trinity Church in the City of New York<\/em>, Morgan Dix, ed. (New York: Knickerbocker Press, 1901), 256.<\/p>\n

[19]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 C. P. B. Jefferys, \u201cThe Provincial and Revolutionary History of St. Peter\u2019s Church, Philadelphia, 1753-1783,\u201d The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography<\/em>, Appendix A, \u201cSt. Peter\u2019s Church, Philadelphia, 1753-1783\u201d (Philadelphia: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1924), XLVIII:364. The \u201cList of Pew-Holders in St. Peter\u2019s Church 1779\u201d is copied from sexton, George Stokes\u2019 book dated 25 March 1779, which is described as \u201cthe first completed list in existence\u201d for the church.<\/p>\n

[20]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The location of Mary Dalley\u2019s boarding house on Market near Third is less than two blocks from Christ Church on Second and Church Street.<\/p>\n

[21]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Edward L. Clark, Church Warden, A Record of the Inscriptions on the Tablets and Grave-Stones in the Burial-Grounds of Christ Church, Philadelphia<\/em> (Philadelphia: Collins Printer, 1864), 299.<\/p>\n

[22]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clark, 299.<\/p>\n

[23]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mary\u2019s will leaves legacies to sister Catharine Simmons, her primary beneficiary along with bequests to niece Catharine C. McDaniel, grandniece Catharine O. Simmons, grandniece Catharine S. Raguet, grandnephew John B. Simmons, grandnephew William S. Simmons, grandniece Mary Dalley Murdock, niece Mary Price, grandnephew William Annely and her \u201cbound girl\u201d Sarah Speer. A residuary bequest is made to niece Mary Murdock, the daughter of nephew William Murdock, who is named the executor. It is likely that Sarah Speer was an indentured servant as her $30 bequest was payable \u201cwhen she shall arrive at the age of eighteen years.\u201d It is unclear if Sarah was an immigrant, orphan, or otherwise.<\/p>\n

[24]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gifford Dalley predeceased his sister, which explains why Mary did not leave any property to her brother. Nonetheless, Gifford Dalley\u2019s children and grandchildren receive bequests, including Gifford Dalley\u2019s daughter, Mary Murdock, and Gifford\u2019s granddaughter, Mary Dalley Murdock. Gifford Dalley did not have any surviving sons. This likely explains why Mary names Gifford\u2019s son-in-law, William Murdock as executor. Mary Dalley\u2019s will dated 4 May 1811, in the Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, U.S., Will Index, 1682-1819. FamilySearch.org, Philadelphia Wills, v. 2-3, 1806-1811, film number 007726382.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.familysearch.org\/ark:\/61903\/3:1:3Q9M-C9B2-LRL8?cat=353446<\/a><\/p>\n

[25]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mary Dalley\u2019s will dated 4 May 1811.<\/p>\n

[26]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clark, 299.<\/p>\n

[27]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samuel Fraunces is believed to be buried in the graveyard at St. Peter\u2019s Church. Mary Dalley\u2019s grave at Christ Church (2nd<\/sup> and Church Street) is located approximately .7 miles away from St. Peter\u2019s Church (3rd<\/sup> and Pine Street).<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.findagrave.com\/memorial\/71010962\/samuel-fraunces<\/a><\/p>\n

[28]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Robert Fortenbaugh, The Nine Capitals of the United States<\/em> (York, PA: Maple Press, 1948), 94.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/blogs.loc.gov\/law\/2015\/11\/on-this-day-congress-moves-to-washington-d-c\/<\/a><\/p>\n

[29]<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Christ Church Historical Collections Online, evidencing baptism of Stephen Gifford \u201cSimmonds\u201d on 3 February 1780, son of John and Catharine Simmonds.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.philageohistory.org\/rdic-images\/ChristChurch\/view-register.cfm\/8938?ReturnURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ephilageohistory%2Eorg%2Frdic%2Dimages%2FChristChurch%2Fsearch%2Dregister%2Ecfm%3Ffn%3D%26ln%3Dsimmonds%26t%3D%26s%3Dln<\/a><\/p>\n

After serving in the army and rising to the rank of lieutenant, Stephen Gifford Simmons\u00a0 moved west and opened a tavern in Michigan. He would later be put on trial for murder. North Carolina Free Press, <\/em>24 August 1830, p. 4. David G. Chardavoyne, A Hanging in Detroit: Stephen Gifford Simmons and the Last Execution under Michigan Law<\/em> (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2003).<\/p>\n

[30]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samuel Fraunces appears to have fled New York City during the early stages of the Revolutionary War, but was captured by the British in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in June of 1778. During the balance of the war, Samuel Fraunces served as a cook for General James Robertson. From this position, Samuel is believed to have collected intelligence which was shared with the Americans. Samuel also helped feed American prisoners during the war. Years later, Congress recognized his \u201cinstrumental\u201d wartime service and awarded him \u00a32000. Memorial of Samuel Fraunces<\/em>, March 5, 1785, “Memorials Addressed to Congress, 1775-88,” Papers of the Continental Congress, Record Group 360, M.247, Reel 49, National Archives, Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

[31]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Collections of the New-York Historical Society for the Year 1885<\/em> (New York: New-York Historical Society, 1885), XVIII, 181. Note that Samuel Fraunces\u2019 name appears as Samuel Francis. He would subsequently start using the \u201cFraunces\u201d spelling after the Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n

[32]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At the time, only freemen could engage in a trade, operate a business, vote or hold public office. In many respects, being a freeman was comparable to the modern concept of national citizenship, but at a local level. In Holland the concept was known as the \u201cBurgher Recht,\u201d which was subdivided into great Burger Right and small Burger Right, based on the amount paid and privileges granted. After the English acquired New Amsterdam, the practice continued by conferring \u201cFreedom of the City\u201d to freemen. Collections, <\/em>ix-x.<\/p>\n

The \u201cFreedom\u201d of a city is the right of enjoying all of the privileges and immunities belonging to it, to the exclusion of all who are not \u201cfreeman.\u201d In cities, municipal corporations and boroughs, it was obtained, either by serving an apprenticeship for a certain time, or by the payment of money in such amounts as were fixed by the corporate authorities under their charters; and it was also conferred, in their discretion, by a vote, as a municipal compliment or honor.<\/p>\n

Collections, <\/em>ix.<\/p>\n

[33]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Collections<\/em>, 198, 214.<\/p>\n

[34]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Admittedly, much of this analysis is conjecture arising from the fact that Samuel Fraunces was the first family member to join the Roll of Freeman as an innkeeper.<\/p>\n

[35]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wood, 74.<\/p>\n

[36]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wood, 74 citing Thomas Fairfax\u2019s Journey from Virginia to Salem Massachusetts, 1799<\/em> (London: Printed for private circulation, 1936), a travel journal describing stops in Providence, Boston, Norwich, New London, New Haven, among other locations.<\/p>\n

[37]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sarah Hand Meacham, Keeping the Trade: The Persistence of Tavernkeeping among Middling Women in Colonial Virginia<\/em>, Early American Studies, vol 3. no. 1 (Spring 2005), 142.<\/p>\n

[38]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Philadelphia was particularly democratic in its award of tavern licenses. Tavern historian Peter Thompson has observed that in Philadelphia \u201ctaverns were run by men and women drawn from a broad spectrum of wealth and experience.\u201d Beginning in 1704, Pennsylvania authorities created a partial, less expensive, alcohol license that allowed holders to sell small quantities of rum and beer. Despite concerns expressed from time to time by Philadelphia licensing authorities, \u201cPennsylvania law placed a partial license within reach of impoverished Philadelphians and to some extent legitimized the presumptive right of the poor to support themselves by selling beer or rum.\u201d Peter Thompson, Rum Punch and Revolution: Taverngoing and Public Life in Eighteenth-Century Philadelphia<\/em> (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1995), 25 & 51.<\/p>\n

By contrast, in eighteenth-century Virginia only middling and upper class families were permitted to run taverns. \u201cA close examination of tavern licenses reveals that only well-connected middling families whose women folk had previous tavernkeeping experience or a claim to the trade received tavern licenses.\u201d Meacham, 149.<\/p>\n

[39]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Meacham, 150.<\/p>\n

[40]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nicholas Dalley married Elizabeth Cregier in 1702. Supplemental List of Marriage Licenses<\/em>, 16. Nicholas and Elizabeth were the parents of Henry Dalley, making them the grandparents of Mary, Gifford, Elizabeth, and Catharine Dalley. Van Benthuysen, Dally-Dalley Genealogy<\/em>, 8.<\/p>\n

[41]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Martin Cregier kept a tavern at 3 Broadway as early as 1659. Decades later another Martin (or Mattinas) Cregier operated a tavern \u201con the dock\u201d in 1736. John Cregier operated the \u201cCross Keys\u201d tavern which was located on the Kingsbridge Road in the \u201ccorner house at the Old Slip\u201d in 1745. I. N. Phelps Stokes, The Iconography of Manhattan Island<\/em> (New York: Robert H. Dodd, 1922) 4:641.<\/p>\n

[42]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTrue copy of articles, whereupon the Citty and Fort Amsterdam and the Province of the New Netherlands were surrendered,\u201d manuscript document dated 29 September 1664, Gilder Lehrman Collection #GLC00377.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gilderlehrman.org\/history-resources\/spotlight-primary-source\/surrender-new-netherland-1664<\/a><\/p>\n

[43]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A full transcript of the terms of surrender dated 29 September 1664 can be found on the Gilder Lehrman website:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gilderlehrman.org\/sites\/default\/files\/inline-pdfs\/t-00377.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

[44]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In addition to the New-York City Roll of Freeman listing Fraunces as an innkeeper in 1755, a letter from Samuel Fraunces to George Washington written in 1785 suggests that Fraunces had been in business for \u201cthirty years past\u2026.\u201d Samuel Fraunces to George Washington, 28 September 1785,\u201d https:\/\/founders.archives.gov\/documents\/Washington\/04-03-02-0254<\/a><\/p>\n

In 1756 Samuel Fraunces was granted one of the 218 licenses granted by the City of New York for retailing strong liquors. Carp, Rebels Rising<\/em>, 226; Rice, Early American Taverns<\/em>, 125.<\/p>\n

[45]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Michael E. Newton, Alexander Hamilton: The Formative Years <\/em>(2015), 131; Paul R. Wonning, Time Line of the American Revolution \u2013 1775: A Journal of the War of Independence<\/em> (2019), 233; New York Almanac<\/em>, \u201cAugust 23, 1775.\u201d<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.newyorkalmanack.com\/2022\/08\/august-23-1775-the-british-bombard-the-city-of-new-york\/<\/a><\/p>\n

[46]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Force, 260.<\/p>\n

[47]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peter Force, American Archives: A Collection of Authentic Records, State Papers, Debates, and Letters and other Notices of Public Affairs<\/em> (December 1840), III:238, 260.<\/p>\n

[48]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The story of the raid on the Battery is also recounted in newspaper reports, including\u00a0The New York Gazette<\/em>, 28 August 1775; The Pennsylvania Evening Post<\/em>, 29 August 1775; The Pennsylvania Packet<\/em>, 4 September 1775. Newton<\/em>, 130-131; Paul David Nelson, William Tryon and the Course of Empire: A Life in British Imperial Service<\/em> (University of North Carolina Press, 2011), 133.<\/p>\n

[49]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Force, 238.<\/p>\n

[50]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The marriages and family relationships between John Simmons, Catharine Dalley Simmons, Samuel Fraunces, Elizabeth Dalley Fraunces, Mary Dalley and Gifford Dalley is discussed in the pending book, America\u2019s Founding Hosts<\/em>.<\/p>\n

[51]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is possible that Gifford Dalley was selected as the representative for Fraunces\u2019 Tavern, as Gifford\u2019s sister Elizabeth was married to Samuel Fraunces, the owner of Fraunces\u2019 Tavern. According to contemporaneous accounts, \u201ca house next to Roger Morris\u2019s and Samuel Francis\u2019s, at the corner of the Exchange, each had an eighteen-pound ball shot into their roofs\u2026.\u201d Force, 259. One can also conjecture that Gifford may have been employed by Samuel Fraunces, or otherwise trained by Sam, in what would eventually become a growing family business.<\/p>\n

[52]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 William Simmons continued to serve as the accountant for the War Department through July of 1814 when he was eventually discharged by James Madison.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/founders.archives.gov\/documents\/Madison\/03-08-02-0014<\/a><\/p>\n

[53]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Papers of George Washington<\/em>, Presidential Series, vol. 2, 1 April 1789\u200a\u2013\u200a15 June 1789, ed. Dorothy Twohig (Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1987), 437\u2013438.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/founders.archives.gov\/documents\/Washington\/05-02-02-0321<\/a><\/p>\n

[54]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stephen Simmons to Alexander Hamilton, 24 October 1799.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/founders.archives.gov\/documents\/Hamilton\/02-01-02-1455<\/a><\/p>\n

[55]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is clear that the official spelling of her name was Catharine with an a, which is the spelling used in her marriage license and John Simmons\u2019 will. Chardavoyne, A Hanging in Detroit,<\/em> 183 n. 4. With that said, her name was commonly spelled Catherine with an e, particularly by newspaper notices providing legal notice of court related hearings\/meetings at Simmons\u2019 Tavern. See<\/em> The Minerva & Mercantile Evening Advertiser<\/em>, 22 July 1796, page 3; The Argus<\/em>, 10 August 1796.<\/p>\n

[56]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gazette of the United States<\/em>, 12 September 1798; The New-York Daily Advertiser<\/em>, 13 September 1798.<\/p>\n

[57]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samuel Fraunces married Mary Carlile on 11 October 1755. After Mary\u2019s death Samuel married Elizabeth Dalley on 30 November 1757. Tucker, Names of Persons for Whom Marriage Licenses Were Issued<\/em>, 144.<\/p>\n

[58]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Catharine Dalley married William Salter on 4 September 1756. After William Salter\u2019s death, widow Catharine Dalley Salter married John Simmons on 21 December 1758. Tucker, Names of Persons for Whom Marriage Licenses Were Issued<\/em>, 96 & 351.<\/p>\n

[59]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evidence of the marriage of Catharine Salter and John Simmons was published prior to the New York Capitol Fire in 1911 in at least two separate publications. A list of the \u201cEarliest Trinity Church Marriages\u201d was published in 1888 by the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, New York Genealogical and Biographical Record<\/em> (New York: J. J. Little & Co., 1888), xix:149. The underlying New York marriage licenses were published in 1860 by New York\u2019s Secretary of State, George Tucker. Tucker, Names of Persons for Whom Marriage Licenses Were Issued<\/em>, 96 & 351.<\/p>\n

[60]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As far as can be determined, this fire damaged document has never previously been published. Special thanks are owed to John Diefenderfer of the New York State Archives who carefully protects these and other treasures, which are extremely brittle and are only handled by archives staff.<\/p>\n

[61]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 All nine letters are transcribed on Founders Online. https:\/\/founders.archives.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Dalley, Simmons and Fraunces Siblings Genealogical records prove the connections between “America\u2019s Founding Hosts” The Dalley-Simmons-Fraunces family operated several…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16859"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16859"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16887,"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16859\/revisions\/16887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.statutesandstories.com\/blog_html\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}