The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: NY
Qualifying Service: Private / Patriotic Service
Reed Ferris was born on 17 October 1730 in New Milford, Connecticut, to Benjamin and Phebe Beecher. He married Anna Tripp in 1751. He died on March 18, 1804, in Pawling, New York.
Reed was a resident of the town of Pawling, Dutchess county, New York. His house, later known as the "Kirby House" at the foot of "Quaker Hill," he built in 1771 and for a time General Washington had his headquarters at the Ferris house. Mr. Ferris was a substantial farmer, and his house was like his means, large and ample. It was then considered the "biggest thing" for miles around. Mrs. Akin, mother of the late Judge Akin, and a daughter of Reed Ferris, used to tell the story thus "One day two aides de camp rode up to the door, and inquiring for Mr. Ferris told him that General Washington would like to make his home there for a while. Mr. Ferris consented, and to notify all intruders that this was the home of the commander-in-chief, the officers fastened a paper to the front door reading, 'Headquarters of General Washington.' Mrs. Ferris and the girls at once began preparing the best room for their illustrious guest, who soon arrived and was shown to the south chamber, ever more to be known as Washington's room." Within the historic "Ferris House" occurred in 1778 the trial of General Philip Schuyler "for neglect of duty at Ticonderoga." He was fully acquitted. General Lincoln, president of the court, made the "House" his headquarters. The trial lasted three days; only three witnesses were called, General St. Clair, Lieutenant-Colonel Varick and Major Lansing. After General Schuyler closed his defense the verdict of acquittal was promptly given.
Sources:
Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs: a record of achievements of the people of the Hudson and Mohawk valleys in New York state, included within the present counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Washington, Saratoga, Montgomery, Fulton, Schenectady, Columbia and Greene. Vol. III, pp. 1050-1051
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