tian, and a member of the Episcopal church. He was not, as has been stated, a man of property, though he was always blessed with an abundance. He was a friend to the poor and needy, and derived much of his happiness by doing good. He was the friend and companion of Washington, and claimed as his intimates many of the most remarkable men of his day. He belonged to the old school of American gentlemen, and in mind and body was distinguished for activity and sprightliness. He was an accomplished scholar, and in every particular a thoroughbred gentleman. His funeral took place on Sunday evening last, and Bishop de Lancey, an old and well tried friend of the departed, officiated on the occasion. The remains of the deceased were conveyed to White Plains, where, in the little church-yard of the village, they now repose in peace. He lived the life of a noble man, and died the death of a happy Christian-leaving behind him three children, two sons and one daughter."

Major Popham was President of the New York State Society of Cincinnati, and as the oldest member, President General of

The following general order was issued by the New York State Society of the Cincinnati, dated New York, Sept. 27th, 1847.

NEW YORK STATE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI.

GENERAL Order.

New York, Sept. 27th, 1847. It has become the painful duty of the vice president to announce to the society the death of their venerable president, Major William Popham, at the advanced age of 95 years. Major Popham was also President General of the General Society of the Cincinnati of the United States.

He was a native of Ireland, and came to this country previous to our Revolution, and was at its commencement, appointed a lieutenant in the army, and at the battle of Long Island with a detachment of troops under his command, captured and brought to head quarters in this city, a British guard with its commanding officer, and was highly complimented by General Washington on the occasion; he was afterwards appointed an aide-de-camp to General James Clinton, and subsequently to Baron Steuben, by whom he was much beloved; he continued in the service till the termination of the war, was a brave and accomplished officer, and a gentleman of considerable legal and literary acquirements. He held for a long time an important civil office connected with our courts of justice. He always sustained the character of the most exemplary punctuality in the execution of his official duties.

the General Society of Cincinnati of the United States, an office first held by General Washington. As president general he had in his possession the golden eagle of the order, most splendidly set in diamonds. It bears the following inscription: "Presented in the name of the French sailors, to his Excellency the General Washington." This precious relic of the society, goes to his successor in the office.a

Immediately north of the Popham residence, is situated the estate of the Varian family. The late Col. Jonathan Varian who greatly distinguished himself in the last war with Great Britain, was the eldest son of Michael Varian, who occupied the homestead in 1775. Michael as well as his brothers Richard and Isaac, took an active part in their country's service, during the revolutionary war. Of this family was Isaac Varian former Mayor of the city of New York.

In the northwestern corner of the town, lies Morningville, two miles south of White Plains. Here is a railroad station, and the Bronx Powder Manufactory, of the Messrs. E. F. Haubold and Company. There are now in operation four grinding mills, a dyeing house, saltpetre magazine, two coal houses, store house and car house, besides a spacious stone dwelling.

Near the centre of the town, upon what is called the Angevine farm, stands the former residence of Fenimore Cooper, Esq. The house is in the French chateau style, and will excite atten

In private life he was respected and beloved by all who knew him; his mental faculties were retained with great vigor until the last moment of his life, and died as a Christian soldier, with the confident hope, that his piety and faithfulness, would entitle him to the reward in the life to come, promised to those who continue faithful to the end.

"Sweet sleep the brave who sink to rest,
With all their country's honor blest."

The members of the society are requested to wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. By order,

EDWARD P. MARCELLIN, Sec'y.

GEN. ANTHONY LAMB, Vice Pres't.

Major Popham was the third person who has held that office since its institution in 1783.

tion from its commanding position. There is an extensive view from the south front of the sound and surrounding country.

In this vicinity formerly resided Captain De Kay, the father of James E. De Kay, M. D., one of the geological commissioners of the state.

On the south eastern side of Scarsdale, is situated the Quaker meeting house. Upon the site of the oldest building stood a much older structure, erected prior to the Revolution.a

The first Independent election for officers of the manor of Scarsdale, took place on the 22nd of Dec. 1783. In pursuance of an act of the legislature passed Oct. 23d, 1779, entitled "an act to provide for the temporal government of the southern part of this state, whenever the enemy shall abandon or be dispossessed of the same, and until the legislature can be convened," &c. "The town met on the aforesaid day, at the house of Jonathan Griffin, near the usual place of holding said meetings; then and there the inhabitants proceeded to choose town officers by a majority of votes.

Ferris Cornell, Pounder.

John Crompton,Fence and Sewage Viewers.
Thomas Cornell, S

At a town meeting held in the manor of Scarsdale, at the school house in said manor, near Capt. Jonathan Griffin's, on the 6th of April, 1784, and in the 8th year of the independency of America, according to an act of assembly made in that case for each town, manor, province and district, to choose all necessary town officers for the benefit of the towns, for the ensuing year.

The first Friends' meeting house erected in this vicinity, stood near the Palme

burying in Mamaroneck.

SOMERS.

SOMERS is situated twenty miles north of the village of White Plains, distant fifty miles from New York, and one hundred and twenty from Albany, bounded north by Dutchess county, east by North Salem and Lewisborough, south by Bedford and New Castle, and west by Yorktown.

Prior to the year 1788 Somers formed a part of the township of Hanover, within Cortlandt's manor. Upon the 7th of March, 1788, it was independently organized under the title of Stephentown, a name adopted out of compliment to Stephen van Cortlandt, one of its principal proprietors. The present name was bestowed, A. D. 1808, in honor, it is said, of Captain Somers, one of the gallant heroes of the Tripolitan war. This individual terminated a short but brilliant career in the bay of Tripoli.

The name of Somers, (says Mr. Silliman,) the twin brother in arms of Decatur, shines brightly in the history of American warfare; and the last desperate action which terminated his short and brilliant career with his life, is stamped in colors so indelible, that nothing but the destroying finger of time can efface it from its pages. After a severe and continued fighting before Tripoli, the Turkish flotilla withdrew within the mole, and could not be induced to venture themselves beyond the guns of the Tripolitan battery. The ketch Intrepid was fitted out as a fire-ship, filled to the decks with barrels of gunpowder, shells, pitch, and other combustible materials; and Capt. Somers, with a volunteer crew, undertook the hazardous, almost desperate, task of navigating her in the darkness of the night into the middle of the Turkish flotilla, when the train was to be fired and they were to make their escape as they best could in her boats. Lieutenants Wadsworth and Israel were the only officers allowed to join the expedition, which was composed of a small