Brief History

John Peter DeLancey, the founder of St. Thomas Church in Mamaroneck, was a prominent figure in the early 1800s. Following his service with the British in the Revolutionary War, he settled in Mamaroneck in 1792 and established a home and family on the land of his grandfather, Caleb Heathcote. The DeLancey House was moved from its original location on Heathcote Hill to Boston Post Road in 1900.

Family History

As an engaged community member, DeLancey played a significant role in local politics. He served as Town Supervisor, worked closely with the Town Board, and was involved in various initiatives to help restore Mamaroneck after the war. His dedication to community well-being extended to education; he served as a School Trustee and actively promoted local educational efforts. DeLancey continued to live in his family home until he died in 1828.

Relation to Slavery

On September 7, 1796, John Peter DeLancey purchased 25-year-old Simon Woodbeck (Sime) from Abraham Van Alen of Kinderhook, NY, for a life of enslavement. Eight months later, Simon escaped but was captured and returned. In 1809, Simon fled again, likely due to being one of the few remaining enslaved people in Mamaroneck, as most purchased after 1803 were freed.

Historians believe Simon’s sentence of lifelong enslavement motivated his escapes, especially as others gained freedom under New York’s gradual abolition law. Based on the 1799 law, Simon wouldn’t be freed until 1827 at age 56. Because Simon would be over 50, Delancey would be required to pay a $200 bond to the municipalities to secure Simon’s freedom. This law was introduced by several towns during this time to fund welfare programs for the formerly enslaved individuals (who were assumed to be incapable of earning an income) to avoid a reliance on taxpayer dollars.

A reward notice from Simon’s 1809 escape in The Northern Whig states he was recently released from State Prison, likely Newgate. His fate after 1809 is unknown, but DeLancey speculated he returned to Kinderhook.