Underhill Burying Ground: The Legacy of Captain John Underhill
Nestled within the modern Village of Lattingtown lies the Underhill Burying Ground, a site of deep historical significance that traces its roots back to the early colonial era of Long Island. This sacred ground serves as the final resting place for Captain John Underhill and his descendants, marking a physical connection to the 17th-century settlement of the region.
Origins and Colonial Foundations
The history of the site begins in 1667, when the Lenape Native Americans granted approximately 150 acres (0.61 km²) of land to English colonist Captain John Underhill. This territory was originally known as Matinecock, named after the village of one of the Lenape bands. Captain Underhill, who had arrived in America in 1630 and became a prominent figure in colonial government and military affairs, was buried on this land in 1672.
To ensure the preservation of the site, family descendants formed an organization in 1843 dedicated to managing and protecting the family burying ground for future generations.
The Underhill Monument and Presidential Dedication
In the early 20th century, the Underhill Society of America sought to create a lasting tribute to the family patriarch. On May 18, 1907, they erected an imposing monument over the burial site of Captain John Underhill. The Society invested $6,000 in the structure, which is crafted from white polished granite in the form of an obelisk. The monument is topped with a bronze ball and a bronze eagle with extended wings.
The structure features a six-foot (1.8 m) square base adorned with four bronze tablets detailing Underhill's life. As part of the monument's creation, the "fighting captain" was reinterred within its foundation.
The monument's significance was further elevated on July 11, 1908, when President Theodore Roosevelt attended a formal dedication ceremony. Invited by Colonel John T. Underhill, the president delivered an address titled "A Good Soldier and a Good Citizen." During his speech, Roosevelt used the Underhill family's legacy to discuss the duties of citizenship, while also addressing his political views on the regulation of private business fortunes and his opposition to socialism.
Commemorations and Governance
The main bronze plaque on the monument identifies Captain John Underhill as a "Statesman Soldier," born in Baginton, Warwickshire, England, on October 7, 1597, and deceased in Matinecock, Long Island, on July 21, 1672. The inscription honors him as the founder of the family in America.
The plaque also serves as a historical record, listing the members of the Underhill Society of America and the Monument Committee at the time of dedication. Key figures included President Col. John Torboss Underhill and Chairman Colonel John T. Underhill, along with various vice presidents, secretaries, and patrons such as Mrs. Robert Ogden Doremus and Mrs. Lydia Greene Lawrence.
To formalize its operations, the Underhill Burying Ground, Inc. was incorporated under New York State law in 1909. Later, descendant Myron C. Taylor established a perpetual maintenance fund, ensuring that the interest generated would provide for the cemetery's ongoing care. Today, descendants of Captain John Underhill may still apply for burial rights through the Secretary of the Underhill Burying Ground, Inc.
Key Facts
- Location: Village of Lattingtown (formerly Matinecock), Long Island.
- Land Grant: Approximately 150 acres granted by the Lenape in 1667.
- The Monument: A white polished granite obelisk topped with a bronze eagle, erected in 1907.
- Presidential Link: Dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt on July 11, 1908.
- Founder: Captain John Underhill (1597–1672), born in Warwickshire, England.
- Maintenance: Perpetually funded via a trust established by Myron C. Taylor.
| Event/Feature | Date/Detail |
|---|---|
| Land Grant from Lenape | 1667 |
| Death of Captain John Underhill | July 21, 1672 |
| Family Management Organization Formed | 1843 |
| Monument Erection | May 18, 1907 |
| Theodore Roosevelt's Dedication | July 11, 1908 |
| Corporate Incorporation | 1909 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Captain John Underhill?
Captain John Underhill was an English-born soldier and statesman who arrived in America in 1630. He became a prominent figure in colonial government and was well-known for his military role in wars with Native Americans.
Where is the Underhill Burying Ground located?
It is located in the Village of Lattingtown on Long Island, on land originally known as Matinecock.
What is the significance of the monument's design?
The monument is a white polished granite obelisk featuring a bronze eagle and ball at the top, with four bronze tablets on its base that depict the life of Captain Underhill.
What did President Theodore Roosevelt discuss at the dedication?
In his address, "A Good Soldier and a Good Citizen," Roosevelt spoke about the duties of citizenship as exemplified by the Underhill family, while also expressing his views on private business fortunes and socialism.
How is the cemetery maintained today?
The cemetery is maintained through a perpetual fund established by descendant Myron C. Taylor, which uses generated interest for upkeep.
Can people still be buried at the Underhill Burying Ground?
Yes, descendants of Captain John Underhill may purchase burial rights by submitting an application to the Secretary of the Underhill Burying Ground, Inc.