Pioneer Settlers
1740s- The Traphagen Family
Jersey Dutch Settlers
The property that became The Hermitage was originally part of the southwestern edge of the Ramapo Tract, settled by Dutch families such as the Hopper, Bogert, and Terhune. The area was known as Hopperstown (now Ho-Ho-Kus), and the Paramus Dutch Reformed Church was built nearby in 1735. The first documented owner of the land was Johannes Traphagen, mentioned as early as 1743 in survey reports. He likely settled there in the 1730s, acquiring 102.79 acres by 1745.
Traphagen, born in Esopus, New York, married Marrieti Laroe in 1734. The couple worked tirelessly to clear the forest, build a home, and establish a farm. Despite challenges such as floods and harsh conditions, they succeeded in settling the land. After Johannes’ death in 1760, his son Henry petitioned for his father’s share of the land, which marked the beginning of the family’s continued presence in the area.
The property that became The Hermitage was originally part of the southwestern edge of the Ramapo Tract, settled by Dutch families such as the Hopper, Bogert, and Terhune. The area was known as Hopperstown (now Ho-Ho-Kus), and the Paramus Dutch Reformed Church was built nearby in 1735. The first documented owner of the land was Johannes Traphagen, mentioned as early as 1743 in survey reports. He likely settled there in the 1730s, acquiring 102.79 acres by 1745.
Traphagen, born in Esopus, New York, married Marrieti Laroe in 1734. The couple worked tirelessly to clear the forest, build a home, and establish a farm. Despite challenges such as floods and harsh conditions, they succeeded in settling the land. After Johannes’ death in 1760, his son Henry petitioned for his father’s share of the land, which marked the beginning of the family’s continued presence in the area.
1760 - The Lane Family
English Lawyer and Land Speculator
Henry Lane, an attorney and agent for the West Jersey Society, claimed the property around 1760, after acquiring it from Johannes Traphagen. Lane, likely related to Thomas Lane of the West Jersey Society, was an affluent land developer with a home in New York City. He quickly improved the 105-acre property, building a stone house, a barn, gristmill, sawmill, and an orchard, possibly incorporating the original Traphagen house. The Lanes were an English family among Dutch neighbors, bringing a more professional lifestyle to the area.
In 1762, the Lanes had a son, William Henry, baptized at the Paramus Reformed Church. After Henry's death in early 1763, Elizabeth Lane put the property up for sale, advertising it in The New York Gazette. Despite warnings from the Proprietors about the title, she re-advertised the land in 1766.
Henry Lane, an attorney and agent for the West Jersey Society, claimed the property around 1760, after acquiring it from Johannes Traphagen. Lane, likely related to Thomas Lane of the West Jersey Society, was an affluent land developer with a home in New York City. He quickly improved the 105-acre property, building a stone house, a barn, gristmill, sawmill, and an orchard, possibly incorporating the original Traphagen house. The Lanes were an English family among Dutch neighbors, bringing a more professional lifestyle to the area.
In 1762, the Lanes had a son, William Henry, baptized at the Paramus Reformed Church. After Henry's death in early 1763, Elizabeth Lane put the property up for sale, advertising it in The New York Gazette. Despite warnings from the Proprietors about the title, she re-advertised the land in 1766.
Elizabeth Lane, Executrix, placed a for sale advertisement in the February 28, 1763 issue of The New York Gazette:
A choice Plantation at Ancocus Brook, (or a Place called Peramos) in the county of Bergen, and Eastern Division of the Province of New Jersey; containing about 105 acres of good arable land, part of which is cleared, the remainder well wooded; there is on the same a good new Stone Dwelling House 40 foot front, and 23 foot back, the front is all of hewn stone, a Cellar under the Whole, and a Well of good Water before the Door; the Walls are near two Foot thick, and good Sash Windows to the House; there is also a good Kitchen 23 Foot one Way, and 20 Foot the other Way, and a good Fire-place therein; The House contains four Fire-places and is two Story high, is pleasantly situated between two Main Roads, and has an entry through the House into the Kitchen, all very beautifully contrived: There is also on the said Tract a small Barn, a good Gristmill, and a good Sawmill, all in good Order, and has not wanted for Water in the driest times; there is likewise a thriving young Orchard on the same, 'tis as publick and pleasant a Place as is in the Country fit for Merchant’s business, a Tavern, or any other business. Also a Dwelling House and Lot of Ground in the City of New York…Any Person inclined to Purchase the Whole or either of the said Premises or to hire the same, may apply to Elizabeth Lane, at the House of Mr. William Rousby, near the Oswego Market, and agree upon reasonable Terms. An indisputable title will be given.