Henry Hare (his given name was variously Henry, Heinrich, Hendrick, Henrich, and occasionally Harry, with his surname variously as Hare, Harr, Hair, Herr, or Heer) was born in Montgomery County, New York circa 1742 to 1745. He and his family had a home in the Town of Florida near Fort Hunter, New York. One source has their home on Route 5-S in or near Fort Hunter.
Henry's early military service is shown in 1768: Officers Recommended for Commissions. Return of Persons recommended to be Captains and Subalterns for the new formed Regiments of Foot Militia in the Western parts of the County of Albany. This list includes Col. Guy Johnsons (sic), Lt. Col. John Butler, Major Jeles (sic) Fonda, Second Lieutenant Henry Hare, and Ensigns Hendrick Vrooman Jr. (brother of Henry Hare's wife), and Walter Butler. Third Annual Report of the State Historian 14 Mar 1898. Volumes for 1896-1897 contain as appendices papers relating to the part taken by military organizations of the state during the civil war, colonial records, 1664-1675, and muster rolls, 1664-1775. Page 890 shows Volume xvi p83 (or 88) May 14 1768.
His early Loyalist leanings:
Henry Hare was one of the signers of a Declaration of the Grand Jury and Magistrates, etc. at the Court of Quarter Sessions, at Johnstown, Tryon County, New York, March 16 1775 (Thursday) which included the sentence: "Whereas the Supervisors of the several districts in the County of Tryon, with the entire approbation of some of the most respectable persons in that County for character and property, did, so early as June last (1774 TGR), by letters to the gentlemen of the New York Committee, decline entering into the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and its Colonies." Signers included: Guy Johnson, John Butler, John Johnson, Walter Butler, Henry Hare, and a number of the principal Freeholders and Inhabitants. American Archives 4th Series Vol 2 p 151:
Henry Hare was one of the people in the town of Florida who refused to sign the association (to align himself with Patriots). "Under date of Warrenshorough (sic) (actually Warrensborough), July 4, 1775, William Schuyler and James McMaster, two of the Mohawk district committee, residents of the now town of Florida, writing to John Marlatt, Esq., and John Bliven, clerk ; on the subject of signing the association compact, said : As to the people who have signed where I live, there is only one, to wit, John Snuke (Snook), and " those that have not signed who have been asked, are the Rev. John Stuart and Henry Hare." Stuart was minister for the Indians at Fort Hunter, and subsequently went to Canada. Hare also went there, and returning in the summer of 1779, as a spy, he was arrested in Florida (town of Florida New York), and hung at Canajoharie." That shows his loyalist leanings on July 4th 1775. Frontiersmen of New York Vol 1 Simms 1882 pp 503, 504.
In the Indian Department Rolls of 1776-1777, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £234 at the rate of 8 shillings for 585 days of service from 19 May 1776 to 24 Dec 1777. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1777-1778, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £121.12 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 304 days of service from 25 Dec 1777 to 24 Oct 1778. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1778-1779, Henry Hare was listed as an "employee" (not a "Lieutenant") (maybe due to his duties as a spy) paid £72.16 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 182 days of service from 25 Oct 1778 to 24 Apr 1779. https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
Mr Henry Hare's family was among those held prisoner by the Americans on an undated list compiled during the American Revolution circa 1778. The family consisted of 1 woman, 4 boys and 3 girls. (Prisoners held by the Americans). Mrs Jane, Ally, John, Faulky, William, Peter, Barent & Caty Hare Children in Mr Henry Hare's family, named in "A List of Persons in the hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers, Royalists & their Families." https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
"On May 2 (1777) the arrival (at Fort Niagara) was announced of Frederick and John Dochstader with Lieut. Henry Hare, who had been confined for seven months at Hartford in Connecticut, but had escaped. Hare in company with an Indian had been given three large packets of letters for Sir John Johnson and (Major James) Gray on March 18, but being hotly pursued the Indian had destroyed the letters." (This indicates that Henry Hare would have been a prisoner in Hartford for seven months preceding March 18, 1777). The King's Royal Regiment of New York Cruikshank and Watt page 14.
Being a United Empire Loyalist (UEL), Henry was a Lieutenant in the Indian Department. He volunteered to spy and gain intelligence for the British by venturing behind the American lines. Henry was also visiting his wife Alida for her birthday on June 17th, 1779.
Francis Putman (*1), one of the Snooks party, then but 15 or 16 yrs old, stepped from behind an apple tree, presented his musket to his (Hare's) breast, and ordered him to stand. At a given signal, the rest of the party came up and he was secured. (*1) Peter Francis Putman (Find a Grave 43666185) was 14 years old, born Aug 13 1764 in Montgomery County NY and died 2 Feb 1850. Original research of Tom Raub.
While Hare was in custody, at the request of Gen. Clinton, Johannes Roof (*2) asked the Tory (Henry Hare) if he did not kill Caty Steers (sic) at Fort Stanwix in 1777. "For you were seen with your hands in her hair," said Roof. Hare confessed that he had "killed and scalped her." The Story of Old Fort Plain and the Middle Mohawk Valley (Greene 1915, page 72) and (*3) and (*4) below. His trial took place on Sunday, June 20th 1779 in the large field tent of Colonel Peter Gansevoort on the flats near the entrance to Happy Hollow. (Near the current intersection of the Old Fort Plain Road and Happy Hollow Road at N 42.91 W 74.5988). This was about 1.4 miles west of Canajoharie. Henry was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead."
(*2) Johannes Reuff/Rueff/Roof was born in 1730 in Germany and died Nov 5 1798 in Canajoharie, New York. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*3) "The daughter of Mr Steers was the one who was shot and scalped while ouside of the fort (Stanwix) blackberrying a few days before the siege commenced" History of Oneida County New York with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Durant, 1878, page 365. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*4) "On the 3d of July, about noon, Colonel Willett chronicles in his narrative that he was startled from his siesta by the report of musketry; hastening to the parapet he saw a little girl running with a basket in her hand, while blood was trickling down her bosom. It appeared that the girl, with two others, had been picking berries not forty rods (660 feet) from the fort (Fort Stanwix) about where now stands the freight house of the N.Y.C.R.R. and were fired upon and two of the number killed. The girl who escaped was but slightly wounded. One of the girls killed was Katy Steers, twenty years old, daughter of one of the settlers." Our Country and Its People: A Descriptive Work on Oneida County New York, Wager 1896, page 29. Original research of Tom Raub.
See Katy Steers Find a Grave Memorial# 161194667 and (female) Sumner Find a Grave Memorial# 161199854.
Brant's Indians were skulking through the thickets watching every move. Spies of the Tory Butler were lurking about Clinton's Camp, and every subterfuge employed by them was used to seduce soldiers to desert and thwart Clinton in his movements. These were attended to as promptly as they could be looked after by Court Martial. A Court Martial order of June 19 reads "A General Court Martial will sit Tomorrow Morning at 9 o'clock at the President's Marque for the Tryal of Mr. Henry Hare, taken on suspicions of being a Spy. Col. Gansevoort will preside. Of the Artillery: Captain Wool, Captain Machin, Capt. Lt. McClare, Lieut. Harvey, Lieut. Parker, Lieut. Patterson of the 3rd N. Y. (Also) Captain Anson, Captain DeWitt, Captain Jansen, Captain Fiabout, Captain Lt. Syloz, Lieut. Conine. "Captain Porter will act as Judge Advocate." This trial took place in the large field tent of Colonel Gansevoort near the entrance to Happy Hollow, and Hare was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead." The execution took place on June 21. Vol. I, pp. 921-954 of History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925, edited by Nelson Greene (Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1925). It is in the Reference collection of the Schenectady County Public Library at R 974.7 G81h.
http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/resources/mvgw/history/067.html
His wife begged to spare him, citing that he had several young children. There was a "List of Prisoners in the Hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers Royalists and their families" On this list was the "Family of Henry Hare - Mrs. Hare, Children: Alby, Johon, Faulky, William, Peter, Serent (sic) and Caty". The Continental Congress Papers, reel 183.
"The influence exerted by the friends of (Henry) Hare to save him would have been successful, had he declared that he visited the valley solely to see his family. He may have thought they dare not hang him; certain it is, that when he was interrogated as to the object of his visit, he unhesitatingly said that he not only came here to see his family, but also came in the capacity of a spy". The Frontiersman of New York, Jeptha R. Simms, Albany, N.Y., 1883, VOL. II, pp 241-244.
Hare was kept in custody near Clinton's headquarters at Roof's Tavern, operated by Johannes Roof (who had questioned Henry Hare about Caty Steers). It stood where the Canajoharie Hotel later stood on Church Street in Wagner Square. Evening Recorder Amsterdam NY Aug 8 1961 page 5.
Execution: "At the time the spies were to be executed, Gen. Clinton rode up to Fort Plain and spent an hour or two with Domine Gros; to avoid the importunity of their friends who begged for their lives; and especially was the case with Mrs. Hare". William H. Seeber.
Extract from the Journal of William McKendry "Jun 21st (1779). This day a man was hanged at the Mohawk River taken up for a spy that was viewing the stores as they passed up the river. He informed General Clinton (sic) (not present, see paragraph above) that he was a Lieutenant in Butler's service, which is now with the Indians." Massachusetts Historical Society. Journal of William McKendry (May 1886) vol 2, page 459.
Hare was executed at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, June 21st 1779 on Academy Hill, Canajoharie, New York. Joseph Wagner, who saw Hare hung said "he had on a spotted calico shirt, ruffled at the bosom & cuffs. The gallows was made by setting up 2 crotches (sic) with a pole across them. He stood in a wagon and adjusted the rope on his neck, the wagon was drawn from under him and he was soon with his God."
The execution site "on Academy Hill" (1.4 miles East of the trial site, by way of Fort Plain Road and Cliff Street) was later the location of the Academy School and is at the Southeast corner of Otsego Street and Cliff Street. (At N 42.9048 W 74.57362).
"Hare, Lieutenant __. Of New York. Entered the service of the Crown, and was engaged in the bloody border affrays with Brant and the Johnsons. In 1779 he was seized by the Whigs (Patriots), tried by a court-martial, convicted, and hanged. General Schuyler said, " In executing Hare, we have rid the state of the greatest villain in it." General Clinton remarked that his death gave entire satisfaction to all the inhabitants in the region where his infamous deeds were committed." Loyalists of the American Revolution, Sabine, page 517.
Burial: At a distance of 42 ½ miles from Schenectady, passed (sic) (west of) Fort Plain on the south side and in (the town of) Minden. It derives its name from a blockhouse which was formerly erected here. There is a church near it, and it is marked erroneously in Wright's map, Canajoharie. An occurrence took place, near here, during the war, which excited much sensation among the superstitious. A Tory, from Canada, was apprehended & executed as a spy, in the army commanded by Gen. James Clinton. His friends were gratified with his body for interment; and when the company was assembling in a cellar kitchen, a large black snake darted through the window, ran under the coffin, could not be found. It was felt that the devil was after his spirit. This affair made a great noise, and the superstitious Germans interpreted it as an omen favorable to the Whig cause, considering the black snake as a devil, anxious to receive his victim, and anticipating a delightful sacrifice.
In searching for cemeteries dating from the era of the Revolutionary War that are "passed (sic) Fort Plain", it appears he may have been buried in the Geisenberg Cemetery in Hallsville, NY. This would be about 7 miles from the execution site. Another possible burial site (not "passed (sic) Fort Plain") could be in the Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery in Stone Arabia, New York (where Henry had been married).
Lt. Henry Hare was one of 46 put to death under a Continental Congress resolution of 1776 which provided capital punishment for "treason against America". Benedict Arnold Patriot and Traitor Willard Randall 1990 page 566.
George Washington was aware of the execution pf Henry Hare:
To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 26 June 1779. H Qrs Connojoharis Creek [N.Y.] June 26th 1779 "Sir,
It is with singular Pleasure I can inform Your Excellency....I enclose a Copy of the Proceedings of the Genl Court Martial by which Mr H[enr]y Hare and NewBurrow were tried the former was executed last Monday, the latter is under sentence of Death.
I flatter my self my Conduct on this Occasion will meet with your Excellency's Approbation as I conceived Examples of this kind were absolutely necessary in our present Circumstances. I have the Honour to be with great respect Your Exell: humble Servant
Jas Clinton"
Henry Hare is United Empire Loyalist (UEL) MC 13884-14.
Submitted by Tom Raub, a fifth gt grandson of Henry Hare.
Henry's early military service is shown in 1768: Officers Recommended for Commissions. Return of Persons recommended to be Captains and Subalterns for the new formed Regiments of Foot Militia in the Western parts of the County of Albany. This list includes Col. Guy Johnsons (sic), Lt. Col. John Butler, Major Jeles (sic) Fonda, Second Lieutenant Henry Hare, and Ensigns Hendrick Vrooman Jr. (brother of Henry Hare's wife), and Walter Butler. Third Annual Report of the State Historian 14 Mar 1898. Volumes for 1896-1897 contain as appendices papers relating to the part taken by military organizations of the state during the civil war, colonial records, 1664-1675, and muster rolls, 1664-1775. Page 890 shows Volume xvi p83 (or 88) May 14 1768.
His early Loyalist leanings:
Henry Hare was one of the signers of a Declaration of the Grand Jury and Magistrates, etc. at the Court of Quarter Sessions, at Johnstown, Tryon County, New York, March 16 1775 (Thursday) which included the sentence: "Whereas the Supervisors of the several districts in the County of Tryon, with the entire approbation of some of the most respectable persons in that County for character and property, did, so early as June last (1774 TGR), by letters to the gentlemen of the New York Committee, decline entering into the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and its Colonies." Signers included: Guy Johnson, John Butler, John Johnson, Walter Butler, Henry Hare, and a number of the principal Freeholders and Inhabitants. American Archives 4th Series Vol 2 p 151:
Henry Hare was one of the people in the town of Florida who refused to sign the association (to align himself with Patriots). "Under date of Warrenshorough (sic) (actually Warrensborough), July 4, 1775, William Schuyler and James McMaster, two of the Mohawk district committee, residents of the now town of Florida, writing to John Marlatt, Esq., and John Bliven, clerk ; on the subject of signing the association compact, said : As to the people who have signed where I live, there is only one, to wit, John Snuke (Snook), and " those that have not signed who have been asked, are the Rev. John Stuart and Henry Hare." Stuart was minister for the Indians at Fort Hunter, and subsequently went to Canada. Hare also went there, and returning in the summer of 1779, as a spy, he was arrested in Florida (town of Florida New York), and hung at Canajoharie." That shows his loyalist leanings on July 4th 1775. Frontiersmen of New York Vol 1 Simms 1882 pp 503, 504.
In the Indian Department Rolls of 1776-1777, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £234 at the rate of 8 shillings for 585 days of service from 19 May 1776 to 24 Dec 1777. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1777-1778, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £121.12 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 304 days of service from 25 Dec 1777 to 24 Oct 1778. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1778-1779, Henry Hare was listed as an "employee" (not a "Lieutenant") (maybe due to his duties as a spy) paid £72.16 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 182 days of service from 25 Oct 1778 to 24 Apr 1779. https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
Mr Henry Hare's family was among those held prisoner by the Americans on an undated list compiled during the American Revolution circa 1778. The family consisted of 1 woman, 4 boys and 3 girls. (Prisoners held by the Americans). Mrs Jane, Ally, John, Faulky, William, Peter, Barent & Caty Hare Children in Mr Henry Hare's family, named in "A List of Persons in the hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers, Royalists & their Families." https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
"On May 2 (1777) the arrival (at Fort Niagara) was announced of Frederick and John Dochstader with Lieut. Henry Hare, who had been confined for seven months at Hartford in Connecticut, but had escaped. Hare in company with an Indian had been given three large packets of letters for Sir John Johnson and (Major James) Gray on March 18, but being hotly pursued the Indian had destroyed the letters." (This indicates that Henry Hare would have been a prisoner in Hartford for seven months preceding March 18, 1777). The King's Royal Regiment of New York Cruikshank and Watt page 14.
Being a United Empire Loyalist (UEL), Henry was a Lieutenant in the Indian Department. He volunteered to spy and gain intelligence for the British by venturing behind the American lines. Henry was also visiting his wife Alida for her birthday on June 17th, 1779.
Francis Putman (*1), one of the Snooks party, then but 15 or 16 yrs old, stepped from behind an apple tree, presented his musket to his (Hare's) breast, and ordered him to stand. At a given signal, the rest of the party came up and he was secured. (*1) Peter Francis Putman (Find a Grave 43666185) was 14 years old, born Aug 13 1764 in Montgomery County NY and died 2 Feb 1850. Original research of Tom Raub.
While Hare was in custody, at the request of Gen. Clinton, Johannes Roof (*2) asked the Tory (Henry Hare) if he did not kill Caty Steers (sic) at Fort Stanwix in 1777. "For you were seen with your hands in her hair," said Roof. Hare confessed that he had "killed and scalped her." The Story of Old Fort Plain and the Middle Mohawk Valley (Greene 1915, page 72) and (*3) and (*4) below. His trial took place on Sunday, June 20th 1779 in the large field tent of Colonel Peter Gansevoort on the flats near the entrance to Happy Hollow. (Near the current intersection of the Old Fort Plain Road and Happy Hollow Road at N 42.91 W 74.5988). This was about 1.4 miles west of Canajoharie. Henry was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead."
(*2) Johannes Reuff/Rueff/Roof was born in 1730 in Germany and died Nov 5 1798 in Canajoharie, New York. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*3) "The daughter of Mr Steers was the one who was shot and scalped while ouside of the fort (Stanwix) blackberrying a few days before the siege commenced" History of Oneida County New York with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Durant, 1878, page 365. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*4) "On the 3d of July, about noon, Colonel Willett chronicles in his narrative that he was startled from his siesta by the report of musketry; hastening to the parapet he saw a little girl running with a basket in her hand, while blood was trickling down her bosom. It appeared that the girl, with two others, had been picking berries not forty rods (660 feet) from the fort (Fort Stanwix) about where now stands the freight house of the N.Y.C.R.R. and were fired upon and two of the number killed. The girl who escaped was but slightly wounded. One of the girls killed was Katy Steers, twenty years old, daughter of one of the settlers." Our Country and Its People: A Descriptive Work on Oneida County New York, Wager 1896, page 29. Original research of Tom Raub.
See Katy Steers Find a Grave Memorial# 161194667 and (female) Sumner Find a Grave Memorial# 161199854.
Brant's Indians were skulking through the thickets watching every move. Spies of the Tory Butler were lurking about Clinton's Camp, and every subterfuge employed by them was used to seduce soldiers to desert and thwart Clinton in his movements. These were attended to as promptly as they could be looked after by Court Martial. A Court Martial order of June 19 reads "A General Court Martial will sit Tomorrow Morning at 9 o'clock at the President's Marque for the Tryal of Mr. Henry Hare, taken on suspicions of being a Spy. Col. Gansevoort will preside. Of the Artillery: Captain Wool, Captain Machin, Capt. Lt. McClare, Lieut. Harvey, Lieut. Parker, Lieut. Patterson of the 3rd N. Y. (Also) Captain Anson, Captain DeWitt, Captain Jansen, Captain Fiabout, Captain Lt. Syloz, Lieut. Conine. "Captain Porter will act as Judge Advocate." This trial took place in the large field tent of Colonel Gansevoort near the entrance to Happy Hollow, and Hare was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead." The execution took place on June 21. Vol. I, pp. 921-954 of History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925, edited by Nelson Greene (Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1925). It is in the Reference collection of the Schenectady County Public Library at R 974.7 G81h.
http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/resources/mvgw/history/067.html
His wife begged to spare him, citing that he had several young children. There was a "List of Prisoners in the Hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers Royalists and their families" On this list was the "Family of Henry Hare - Mrs. Hare, Children: Alby, Johon, Faulky, William, Peter, Serent (sic) and Caty". The Continental Congress Papers, reel 183.
"The influence exerted by the friends of (Henry) Hare to save him would have been successful, had he declared that he visited the valley solely to see his family. He may have thought they dare not hang him; certain it is, that when he was interrogated as to the object of his visit, he unhesitatingly said that he not only came here to see his family, but also came in the capacity of a spy". The Frontiersman of New York, Jeptha R. Simms, Albany, N.Y., 1883, VOL. II, pp 241-244.
Hare was kept in custody near Clinton's headquarters at Roof's Tavern, operated by Johannes Roof (who had questioned Henry Hare about Caty Steers). It stood where the Canajoharie Hotel later stood on Church Street in Wagner Square. Evening Recorder Amsterdam NY Aug 8 1961 page 5.
Execution: "At the time the spies were to be executed, Gen. Clinton rode up to Fort Plain and spent an hour or two with Domine Gros; to avoid the importunity of their friends who begged for their lives; and especially was the case with Mrs. Hare". William H. Seeber.
Extract from the Journal of William McKendry "Jun 21st (1779). This day a man was hanged at the Mohawk River taken up for a spy that was viewing the stores as they passed up the river. He informed General Clinton (sic) (not present, see paragraph above) that he was a Lieutenant in Butler's service, which is now with the Indians." Massachusetts Historical Society. Journal of William McKendry (May 1886) vol 2, page 459.
Hare was executed at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, June 21st 1779 on Academy Hill, Canajoharie, New York. Joseph Wagner, who saw Hare hung said "he had on a spotted calico shirt, ruffled at the bosom & cuffs. The gallows was made by setting up 2 crotches (sic) with a pole across them. He stood in a wagon and adjusted the rope on his neck, the wagon was drawn from under him and he was soon with his God."
The execution site "on Academy Hill" (1.4 miles East of the trial site, by way of Fort Plain Road and Cliff Street) was later the location of the Academy School and is at the Southeast corner of Otsego Street and Cliff Street. (At N 42.9048 W 74.57362).
"Hare, Lieutenant __. Of New York. Entered the service of the Crown, and was engaged in the bloody border affrays with Brant and the Johnsons. In 1779 he was seized by the Whigs (Patriots), tried by a court-martial, convicted, and hanged. General Schuyler said, " In executing Hare, we have rid the state of the greatest villain in it." General Clinton remarked that his death gave entire satisfaction to all the inhabitants in the region where his infamous deeds were committed." Loyalists of the American Revolution, Sabine, page 517.
Burial: At a distance of 42 ½ miles from Schenectady, passed (sic) (west of) Fort Plain on the south side and in (the town of) Minden. It derives its name from a blockhouse which was formerly erected here. There is a church near it, and it is marked erroneously in Wright's map, Canajoharie. An occurrence took place, near here, during the war, which excited much sensation among the superstitious. A Tory, from Canada, was apprehended & executed as a spy, in the army commanded by Gen. James Clinton. His friends were gratified with his body for interment; and when the company was assembling in a cellar kitchen, a large black snake darted through the window, ran under the coffin, could not be found. It was felt that the devil was after his spirit. This affair made a great noise, and the superstitious Germans interpreted it as an omen favorable to the Whig cause, considering the black snake as a devil, anxious to receive his victim, and anticipating a delightful sacrifice.
In searching for cemeteries dating from the era of the Revolutionary War that are "passed (sic) Fort Plain", it appears he may have been buried in the Geisenberg Cemetery in Hallsville, NY. This would be about 7 miles from the execution site. Another possible burial site (not "passed (sic) Fort Plain") could be in the Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery in Stone Arabia, New York (where Henry had been married).
Lt. Henry Hare was one of 46 put to death under a Continental Congress resolution of 1776 which provided capital punishment for "treason against America". Benedict Arnold Patriot and Traitor Willard Randall 1990 page 566.
George Washington was aware of the execution pf Henry Hare:
To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 26 June 1779. H Qrs Connojoharis Creek [N.Y.] June 26th 1779 "Sir,
It is with singular Pleasure I can inform Your Excellency....I enclose a Copy of the Proceedings of the Genl Court Martial by which Mr H[enr]y Hare and NewBurrow were tried the former was executed last Monday, the latter is under sentence of Death.
I flatter my self my Conduct on this Occasion will meet with your Excellency's Approbation as I conceived Examples of this kind were absolutely necessary in our present Circumstances. I have the Honour to be with great respect Your Exell: humble Servant
Jas Clinton"
Henry Hare is United Empire Loyalist (UEL) MC 13884-14.
Submitted by Tom Raub, a fifth gt grandson of Henry Hare.
Henry Hare (his given name was variously Henry, Heinrich, Hendrick, Henrich, and occasionally Harry, with his surname variously as Hare, Harr, Hair, Herr, or Heer) was born in Montgomery County, New York circa 1742 to 1745. He and his family had a home in the Town of Florida near Fort Hunter, New York. One source has their home on Route 5-S in or near Fort Hunter.
Henry's early military service is shown in 1768: Officers Recommended for Commissions. Return of Persons recommended to be Captains and Subalterns for the new formed Regiments of Foot Militia in the Western parts of the County of Albany. This list includes Col. Guy Johnsons (sic), Lt. Col. John Butler, Major Jeles (sic) Fonda, Second Lieutenant Henry Hare, and Ensigns Hendrick Vrooman Jr. (brother of Henry Hare's wife), and Walter Butler. Third Annual Report of the State Historian 14 Mar 1898. Volumes for 1896-1897 contain as appendices papers relating to the part taken by military organizations of the state during the civil war, colonial records, 1664-1675, and muster rolls, 1664-1775. Page 890 shows Volume xvi p83 (or 88) May 14 1768.
His early Loyalist leanings:
Henry Hare was one of the signers of a Declaration of the Grand Jury and Magistrates, etc. at the Court of Quarter Sessions, at Johnstown, Tryon County, New York, March 16 1775 (Thursday) which included the sentence: "Whereas the Supervisors of the several districts in the County of Tryon, with the entire approbation of some of the most respectable persons in that County for character and property, did, so early as June last (1774 TGR), by letters to the gentlemen of the New York Committee, decline entering into the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and its Colonies." Signers included: Guy Johnson, John Butler, John Johnson, Walter Butler, Henry Hare, and a number of the principal Freeholders and Inhabitants. American Archives 4th Series Vol 2 p 151:
Henry Hare was one of the people in the town of Florida who refused to sign the association (to align himself with Patriots). "Under date of Warrenshorough (sic) (actually Warrensborough), July 4, 1775, William Schuyler and James McMaster, two of the Mohawk district committee, residents of the now town of Florida, writing to John Marlatt, Esq., and John Bliven, clerk ; on the subject of signing the association compact, said : As to the people who have signed where I live, there is only one, to wit, John Snuke (Snook), and " those that have not signed who have been asked, are the Rev. John Stuart and Henry Hare." Stuart was minister for the Indians at Fort Hunter, and subsequently went to Canada. Hare also went there, and returning in the summer of 1779, as a spy, he was arrested in Florida (town of Florida New York), and hung at Canajoharie." That shows his loyalist leanings on July 4th 1775. Frontiersmen of New York Vol 1 Simms 1882 pp 503, 504.
In the Indian Department Rolls of 1776-1777, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £234 at the rate of 8 shillings for 585 days of service from 19 May 1776 to 24 Dec 1777. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1777-1778, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £121.12 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 304 days of service from 25 Dec 1777 to 24 Oct 1778. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1778-1779, Henry Hare was listed as an "employee" (not a "Lieutenant") (maybe due to his duties as a spy) paid £72.16 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 182 days of service from 25 Oct 1778 to 24 Apr 1779. https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
Mr Henry Hare's family was among those held prisoner by the Americans on an undated list compiled during the American Revolution circa 1778. The family consisted of 1 woman, 4 boys and 3 girls. (Prisoners held by the Americans). Mrs Jane, Ally, John, Faulky, William, Peter, Barent & Caty Hare Children in Mr Henry Hare's family, named in "A List of Persons in the hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers, Royalists & their Families." https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
"On May 2 (1777) the arrival (at Fort Niagara) was announced of Frederick and John Dochstader with Lieut. Henry Hare, who had been confined for seven months at Hartford in Connecticut, but had escaped. Hare in company with an Indian had been given three large packets of letters for Sir John Johnson and (Major James) Gray on March 18, but being hotly pursued the Indian had destroyed the letters." (This indicates that Henry Hare would have been a prisoner in Hartford for seven months preceding March 18, 1777). The King's Royal Regiment of New York Cruikshank and Watt page 14.
Being a United Empire Loyalist (UEL), Henry was a Lieutenant in the Indian Department. He volunteered to spy and gain intelligence for the British by venturing behind the American lines. Henry was also visiting his wife Alida for her birthday on June 17th, 1779.
Francis Putman (*1), one of the Snooks party, then but 15 or 16 yrs old, stepped from behind an apple tree, presented his musket to his (Hare's) breast, and ordered him to stand. At a given signal, the rest of the party came up and he was secured. (*1) Peter Francis Putman (Find a Grave 43666185) was 14 years old, born Aug 13 1764 in Montgomery County NY and died 2 Feb 1850. Original research of Tom Raub.
While Hare was in custody, at the request of Gen. Clinton, Johannes Roof (*2) asked the Tory (Henry Hare) if he did not kill Caty Steers (sic) at Fort Stanwix in 1777. "For you were seen with your hands in her hair," said Roof. Hare confessed that he had "killed and scalped her." The Story of Old Fort Plain and the Middle Mohawk Valley (Greene 1915, page 72) and (*3) and (*4) below. His trial took place on Sunday, June 20th 1779 in the large field tent of Colonel Peter Gansevoort on the flats near the entrance to Happy Hollow. (Near the current intersection of the Old Fort Plain Road and Happy Hollow Road at N 42.91 W 74.5988). This was about 1.4 miles west of Canajoharie. Henry was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead."
(*2) Johannes Reuff/Rueff/Roof was born in 1730 in Germany and died Nov 5 1798 in Canajoharie, New York. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*3) "The daughter of Mr Steers was the one who was shot and scalped while ouside of the fort (Stanwix) blackberrying a few days before the siege commenced" History of Oneida County New York with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Durant, 1878, page 365. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*4) "On the 3d of July, about noon, Colonel Willett chronicles in his narrative that he was startled from his siesta by the report of musketry; hastening to the parapet he saw a little girl running with a basket in her hand, while blood was trickling down her bosom. It appeared that the girl, with two others, had been picking berries not forty rods (660 feet) from the fort (Fort Stanwix) about where now stands the freight house of the N.Y.C.R.R. and were fired upon and two of the number killed. The girl who escaped was but slightly wounded. One of the girls killed was Katy Steers, twenty years old, daughter of one of the settlers." Our Country and Its People: A Descriptive Work on Oneida County New York, Wager 1896, page 29. Original research of Tom Raub.
See Katy Steers Find a Grave Memorial# 161194667 and (female) Sumner Find a Grave Memorial# 161199854.
Brant's Indians were skulking through the thickets watching every move. Spies of the Tory Butler were lurking about Clinton's Camp, and every subterfuge employed by them was used to seduce soldiers to desert and thwart Clinton in his movements. These were attended to as promptly as they could be looked after by Court Martial. A Court Martial order of June 19 reads "A General Court Martial will sit Tomorrow Morning at 9 o'clock at the President's Marque for the Tryal of Mr. Henry Hare, taken on suspicions of being a Spy. Col. Gansevoort will preside. Of the Artillery: Captain Wool, Captain Machin, Capt. Lt. McClare, Lieut. Harvey, Lieut. Parker, Lieut. Patterson of the 3rd N. Y. (Also) Captain Anson, Captain DeWitt, Captain Jansen, Captain Fiabout, Captain Lt. Syloz, Lieut. Conine. "Captain Porter will act as Judge Advocate." This trial took place in the large field tent of Colonel Gansevoort near the entrance to Happy Hollow, and Hare was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead." The execution took place on June 21. Vol. I, pp. 921-954 of History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925, edited by Nelson Greene (Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1925). It is in the Reference collection of the Schenectady County Public Library at R 974.7 G81h.
http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/resources/mvgw/history/067.html
His wife begged to spare him, citing that he had several young children. There was a "List of Prisoners in the Hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers Royalists and their families" On this list was the "Family of Henry Hare - Mrs. Hare, Children: Alby, Johon, Faulky, William, Peter, Serent (sic) and Caty". The Continental Congress Papers, reel 183.
"The influence exerted by the friends of (Henry) Hare to save him would have been successful, had he declared that he visited the valley solely to see his family. He may have thought they dare not hang him; certain it is, that when he was interrogated as to the object of his visit, he unhesitatingly said that he not only came here to see his family, but also came in the capacity of a spy". The Frontiersman of New York, Jeptha R. Simms, Albany, N.Y., 1883, VOL. II, pp 241-244.
Hare was kept in custody near Clinton's headquarters at Roof's Tavern, operated by Johannes Roof (who had questioned Henry Hare about Caty Steers). It stood where the Canajoharie Hotel later stood on Church Street in Wagner Square. Evening Recorder Amsterdam NY Aug 8 1961 page 5.
Execution: "At the time the spies were to be executed, Gen. Clinton rode up to Fort Plain and spent an hour or two with Domine Gros; to avoid the importunity of their friends who begged for their lives; and especially was the case with Mrs. Hare". William H. Seeber.
Extract from the Journal of William McKendry "Jun 21st (1779). This day a man was hanged at the Mohawk River taken up for a spy that was viewing the stores as they passed up the river. He informed General Clinton (sic) (not present, see paragraph above) that he was a Lieutenant in Butler's service, which is now with the Indians." Massachusetts Historical Society. Journal of William McKendry (May 1886) vol 2, page 459.
Hare was executed at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, June 21st 1779 on Academy Hill, Canajoharie, New York. Joseph Wagner, who saw Hare hung said "he had on a spotted calico shirt, ruffled at the bosom & cuffs. The gallows was made by setting up 2 crotches (sic) with a pole across them. He stood in a wagon and adjusted the rope on his neck, the wagon was drawn from under him and he was soon with his God."
The execution site "on Academy Hill" (1.4 miles East of the trial site, by way of Fort Plain Road and Cliff Street) was later the location of the Academy School and is at the Southeast corner of Otsego Street and Cliff Street. (At N 42.9048 W 74.57362).
"Hare, Lieutenant __. Of New York. Entered the service of the Crown, and was engaged in the bloody border affrays with Brant and the Johnsons. In 1779 he was seized by the Whigs (Patriots), tried by a court-martial, convicted, and hanged. General Schuyler said, " In executing Hare, we have rid the state of the greatest villain in it." General Clinton remarked that his death gave entire satisfaction to all the inhabitants in the region where his infamous deeds were committed." Loyalists of the American Revolution, Sabine, page 517.
Burial: At a distance of 42 ½ miles from Schenectady, passed (sic) (west of) Fort Plain on the south side and in (the town of) Minden. It derives its name from a blockhouse which was formerly erected here. There is a church near it, and it is marked erroneously in Wright's map, Canajoharie. An occurrence took place, near here, during the war, which excited much sensation among the superstitious. A Tory, from Canada, was apprehended & executed as a spy, in the army commanded by Gen. James Clinton. His friends were gratified with his body for interment; and when the company was assembling in a cellar kitchen, a large black snake darted through the window, ran under the coffin, could not be found. It was felt that the devil was after his spirit. This affair made a great noise, and the superstitious Germans interpreted it as an omen favorable to the Whig cause, considering the black snake as a devil, anxious to receive his victim, and anticipating a delightful sacrifice.
In searching for cemeteries dating from the era of the Revolutionary War that are "passed (sic) Fort Plain", it appears he may have been buried in the Geisenberg Cemetery in Hallsville, NY. This would be about 7 miles from the execution site. Another possible burial site (not "passed (sic) Fort Plain") could be in the Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery in Stone Arabia, New York (where Henry had been married).
Lt. Henry Hare was one of 46 put to death under a Continental Congress resolution of 1776 which provided capital punishment for "treason against America". Benedict Arnold Patriot and Traitor Willard Randall 1990 page 566.
George Washington was aware of the execution pf Henry Hare:
To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 26 June 1779. H Qrs Connojoharis Creek [N.Y.] June 26th 1779 "Sir,
It is with singular Pleasure I can inform Your Excellency....I enclose a Copy of the Proceedings of the Genl Court Martial by which Mr H[enr]y Hare and NewBurrow were tried the former was executed last Monday, the latter is under sentence of Death.
I flatter my self my Conduct on this Occasion will meet with your Excellency's Approbation as I conceived Examples of this kind were absolutely necessary in our present Circumstances. I have the Honour to be with great respect Your Exell: humble Servant
Jas Clinton"
Henry Hare is United Empire Loyalist (UEL) MC 13884-14.
Submitted by Tom Raub, a fifth gt grandson of Henry Hare.
Henry's early military service is shown in 1768: Officers Recommended for Commissions. Return of Persons recommended to be Captains and Subalterns for the new formed Regiments of Foot Militia in the Western parts of the County of Albany. This list includes Col. Guy Johnsons (sic), Lt. Col. John Butler, Major Jeles (sic) Fonda, Second Lieutenant Henry Hare, and Ensigns Hendrick Vrooman Jr. (brother of Henry Hare's wife), and Walter Butler. Third Annual Report of the State Historian 14 Mar 1898. Volumes for 1896-1897 contain as appendices papers relating to the part taken by military organizations of the state during the civil war, colonial records, 1664-1675, and muster rolls, 1664-1775. Page 890 shows Volume xvi p83 (or 88) May 14 1768.
His early Loyalist leanings:
Henry Hare was one of the signers of a Declaration of the Grand Jury and Magistrates, etc. at the Court of Quarter Sessions, at Johnstown, Tryon County, New York, March 16 1775 (Thursday) which included the sentence: "Whereas the Supervisors of the several districts in the County of Tryon, with the entire approbation of some of the most respectable persons in that County for character and property, did, so early as June last (1774 TGR), by letters to the gentlemen of the New York Committee, decline entering into the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and its Colonies." Signers included: Guy Johnson, John Butler, John Johnson, Walter Butler, Henry Hare, and a number of the principal Freeholders and Inhabitants. American Archives 4th Series Vol 2 p 151:
Henry Hare was one of the people in the town of Florida who refused to sign the association (to align himself with Patriots). "Under date of Warrenshorough (sic) (actually Warrensborough), July 4, 1775, William Schuyler and James McMaster, two of the Mohawk district committee, residents of the now town of Florida, writing to John Marlatt, Esq., and John Bliven, clerk ; on the subject of signing the association compact, said : As to the people who have signed where I live, there is only one, to wit, John Snuke (Snook), and " those that have not signed who have been asked, are the Rev. John Stuart and Henry Hare." Stuart was minister for the Indians at Fort Hunter, and subsequently went to Canada. Hare also went there, and returning in the summer of 1779, as a spy, he was arrested in Florida (town of Florida New York), and hung at Canajoharie." That shows his loyalist leanings on July 4th 1775. Frontiersmen of New York Vol 1 Simms 1882 pp 503, 504.
In the Indian Department Rolls of 1776-1777, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £234 at the rate of 8 shillings for 585 days of service from 19 May 1776 to 24 Dec 1777. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1777-1778, Henry Hare was listed as a Lieutenant to be paid £121.12 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 304 days of service from 25 Dec 1777 to 24 Oct 1778. In the Indian Department Rolls of 1778-1779, Henry Hare was listed as an "employee" (not a "Lieutenant") (maybe due to his duties as a spy) paid £72.16 at the rate of 8 shillings per day for 182 days of service from 25 Oct 1778 to 24 Apr 1779. https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
Mr Henry Hare's family was among those held prisoner by the Americans on an undated list compiled during the American Revolution circa 1778. The family consisted of 1 woman, 4 boys and 3 girls. (Prisoners held by the Americans). Mrs Jane, Ally, John, Faulky, William, Peter, Barent & Caty Hare Children in Mr Henry Hare's family, named in "A List of Persons in the hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers, Royalists & their Families." https://sites.google.com/site/niagarasettlers/soldiers-h
"On May 2 (1777) the arrival (at Fort Niagara) was announced of Frederick and John Dochstader with Lieut. Henry Hare, who had been confined for seven months at Hartford in Connecticut, but had escaped. Hare in company with an Indian had been given three large packets of letters for Sir John Johnson and (Major James) Gray on March 18, but being hotly pursued the Indian had destroyed the letters." (This indicates that Henry Hare would have been a prisoner in Hartford for seven months preceding March 18, 1777). The King's Royal Regiment of New York Cruikshank and Watt page 14.
Being a United Empire Loyalist (UEL), Henry was a Lieutenant in the Indian Department. He volunteered to spy and gain intelligence for the British by venturing behind the American lines. Henry was also visiting his wife Alida for her birthday on June 17th, 1779.
Francis Putman (*1), one of the Snooks party, then but 15 or 16 yrs old, stepped from behind an apple tree, presented his musket to his (Hare's) breast, and ordered him to stand. At a given signal, the rest of the party came up and he was secured. (*1) Peter Francis Putman (Find a Grave 43666185) was 14 years old, born Aug 13 1764 in Montgomery County NY and died 2 Feb 1850. Original research of Tom Raub.
While Hare was in custody, at the request of Gen. Clinton, Johannes Roof (*2) asked the Tory (Henry Hare) if he did not kill Caty Steers (sic) at Fort Stanwix in 1777. "For you were seen with your hands in her hair," said Roof. Hare confessed that he had "killed and scalped her." The Story of Old Fort Plain and the Middle Mohawk Valley (Greene 1915, page 72) and (*3) and (*4) below. His trial took place on Sunday, June 20th 1779 in the large field tent of Colonel Peter Gansevoort on the flats near the entrance to Happy Hollow. (Near the current intersection of the Old Fort Plain Road and Happy Hollow Road at N 42.91 W 74.5988). This was about 1.4 miles west of Canajoharie. Henry was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead."
(*2) Johannes Reuff/Rueff/Roof was born in 1730 in Germany and died Nov 5 1798 in Canajoharie, New York. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*3) "The daughter of Mr Steers was the one who was shot and scalped while ouside of the fort (Stanwix) blackberrying a few days before the siege commenced" History of Oneida County New York with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Durant, 1878, page 365. Original research of Tom Raub.
(*4) "On the 3d of July, about noon, Colonel Willett chronicles in his narrative that he was startled from his siesta by the report of musketry; hastening to the parapet he saw a little girl running with a basket in her hand, while blood was trickling down her bosom. It appeared that the girl, with two others, had been picking berries not forty rods (660 feet) from the fort (Fort Stanwix) about where now stands the freight house of the N.Y.C.R.R. and were fired upon and two of the number killed. The girl who escaped was but slightly wounded. One of the girls killed was Katy Steers, twenty years old, daughter of one of the settlers." Our Country and Its People: A Descriptive Work on Oneida County New York, Wager 1896, page 29. Original research of Tom Raub.
See Katy Steers Find a Grave Memorial# 161194667 and (female) Sumner Find a Grave Memorial# 161199854.
Brant's Indians were skulking through the thickets watching every move. Spies of the Tory Butler were lurking about Clinton's Camp, and every subterfuge employed by them was used to seduce soldiers to desert and thwart Clinton in his movements. These were attended to as promptly as they could be looked after by Court Martial. A Court Martial order of June 19 reads "A General Court Martial will sit Tomorrow Morning at 9 o'clock at the President's Marque for the Tryal of Mr. Henry Hare, taken on suspicions of being a Spy. Col. Gansevoort will preside. Of the Artillery: Captain Wool, Captain Machin, Capt. Lt. McClare, Lieut. Harvey, Lieut. Parker, Lieut. Patterson of the 3rd N. Y. (Also) Captain Anson, Captain DeWitt, Captain Jansen, Captain Fiabout, Captain Lt. Syloz, Lieut. Conine. "Captain Porter will act as Judge Advocate." This trial took place in the large field tent of Colonel Gansevoort near the entrance to Happy Hollow, and Hare was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged by the neck "till he is dead." The execution took place on June 21. Vol. I, pp. 921-954 of History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925, edited by Nelson Greene (Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1925). It is in the Reference collection of the Schenectady County Public Library at R 974.7 G81h.
http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/resources/mvgw/history/067.html
His wife begged to spare him, citing that he had several young children. There was a "List of Prisoners in the Hands of the Congress belonging to the Corps of Rangers Royalists and their families" On this list was the "Family of Henry Hare - Mrs. Hare, Children: Alby, Johon, Faulky, William, Peter, Serent (sic) and Caty". The Continental Congress Papers, reel 183.
"The influence exerted by the friends of (Henry) Hare to save him would have been successful, had he declared that he visited the valley solely to see his family. He may have thought they dare not hang him; certain it is, that when he was interrogated as to the object of his visit, he unhesitatingly said that he not only came here to see his family, but also came in the capacity of a spy". The Frontiersman of New York, Jeptha R. Simms, Albany, N.Y., 1883, VOL. II, pp 241-244.
Hare was kept in custody near Clinton's headquarters at Roof's Tavern, operated by Johannes Roof (who had questioned Henry Hare about Caty Steers). It stood where the Canajoharie Hotel later stood on Church Street in Wagner Square. Evening Recorder Amsterdam NY Aug 8 1961 page 5.
Execution: "At the time the spies were to be executed, Gen. Clinton rode up to Fort Plain and spent an hour or two with Domine Gros; to avoid the importunity of their friends who begged for their lives; and especially was the case with Mrs. Hare". William H. Seeber.
Extract from the Journal of William McKendry "Jun 21st (1779). This day a man was hanged at the Mohawk River taken up for a spy that was viewing the stores as they passed up the river. He informed General Clinton (sic) (not present, see paragraph above) that he was a Lieutenant in Butler's service, which is now with the Indians." Massachusetts Historical Society. Journal of William McKendry (May 1886) vol 2, page 459.
Hare was executed at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, June 21st 1779 on Academy Hill, Canajoharie, New York. Joseph Wagner, who saw Hare hung said "he had on a spotted calico shirt, ruffled at the bosom & cuffs. The gallows was made by setting up 2 crotches (sic) with a pole across them. He stood in a wagon and adjusted the rope on his neck, the wagon was drawn from under him and he was soon with his God."
The execution site "on Academy Hill" (1.4 miles East of the trial site, by way of Fort Plain Road and Cliff Street) was later the location of the Academy School and is at the Southeast corner of Otsego Street and Cliff Street. (At N 42.9048 W 74.57362).
"Hare, Lieutenant __. Of New York. Entered the service of the Crown, and was engaged in the bloody border affrays with Brant and the Johnsons. In 1779 he was seized by the Whigs (Patriots), tried by a court-martial, convicted, and hanged. General Schuyler said, " In executing Hare, we have rid the state of the greatest villain in it." General Clinton remarked that his death gave entire satisfaction to all the inhabitants in the region where his infamous deeds were committed." Loyalists of the American Revolution, Sabine, page 517.
Burial: At a distance of 42 ½ miles from Schenectady, passed (sic) (west of) Fort Plain on the south side and in (the town of) Minden. It derives its name from a blockhouse which was formerly erected here. There is a church near it, and it is marked erroneously in Wright's map, Canajoharie. An occurrence took place, near here, during the war, which excited much sensation among the superstitious. A Tory, from Canada, was apprehended & executed as a spy, in the army commanded by Gen. James Clinton. His friends were gratified with his body for interment; and when the company was assembling in a cellar kitchen, a large black snake darted through the window, ran under the coffin, could not be found. It was felt that the devil was after his spirit. This affair made a great noise, and the superstitious Germans interpreted it as an omen favorable to the Whig cause, considering the black snake as a devil, anxious to receive his victim, and anticipating a delightful sacrifice.
In searching for cemeteries dating from the era of the Revolutionary War that are "passed (sic) Fort Plain", it appears he may have been buried in the Geisenberg Cemetery in Hallsville, NY. This would be about 7 miles from the execution site. Another possible burial site (not "passed (sic) Fort Plain") could be in the Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery in Stone Arabia, New York (where Henry had been married).
Lt. Henry Hare was one of 46 put to death under a Continental Congress resolution of 1776 which provided capital punishment for "treason against America". Benedict Arnold Patriot and Traitor Willard Randall 1990 page 566.
George Washington was aware of the execution pf Henry Hare:
To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 26 June 1779. H Qrs Connojoharis Creek [N.Y.] June 26th 1779 "Sir,
It is with singular Pleasure I can inform Your Excellency....I enclose a Copy of the Proceedings of the Genl Court Martial by which Mr H[enr]y Hare and NewBurrow were tried the former was executed last Monday, the latter is under sentence of Death.
I flatter my self my Conduct on this Occasion will meet with your Excellency's Approbation as I conceived Examples of this kind were absolutely necessary in our present Circumstances. I have the Honour to be with great respect Your Exell: humble Servant
Jas Clinton"
Henry Hare is United Empire Loyalist (UEL) MC 13884-14.
Submitted by Tom Raub, a fifth gt grandson of Henry Hare.
