Author: Gary Owen Green
The Lape family of Schoharie County descended from Samuel Lape, son of Andries Lape and Anna Margaretha Müller, who immigrated to America, settling as Palatine Germans, in the early 18th Century on the Robert Livingston Manor, and later moving to Rensselaerwyck. Andries and Anna Margaretha Lape moved from Germantown, Columbia, NY, to Rensselaerwyck, Columbia, NY, in 1755, their first four children being baptized in Germantown, either at the Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Reformed Church of Germantown, between 1750-1755, and their remaining children being baptized in Churchtown at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, after 1760. Little is known about their years in Claverack. It is safe to say Andries and Anna Margaretha were true to their farming roots, having leased or purchased property in Churchtown (Claverack), Columbia County, NY, in the ^ten mile tract^ of the ^Lower Manor^ of Rensselaerwyck. They lived their early lives on a farm along Millbrook Road, Claverack, Columbia County, NY, and were members of St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Churchtown, Columbia, NY.

By an act passed in 1772, Albany County was divided and formed into districts. Claverack district, being all that part of Albany County, bounty on the south by the District of the Manor of Livingston, on the east by the bounds of the Colony, on the west by the Hudson River, on the north by a line beginning at the mouth of Major Abraham's Creek, and running thence up to the first falls, and from thence east as far as the colony extends. Andries Lape leased 302 acres of land in Claverack Manor, the original date of the lease reported as October 28, 1774. He paid 40 bushels of wheat, as well as 4 fowls and 2 days ^riding^ service to the landlord, per year in rent. Andries Lape (as Andries Leap) shows up on the 1779 Tax List of Claverack District ^West^, valued at £900, the amount of tax being £161-5-0. In Claverack, Andries and Anna Margaretha counted as friends and neighbors the Müller's, the Neher's, the Kell’s, the Reis’s, the Hydorn‘s, the Van Rensselaer’s, the Decker’s, the Church's, the Rainer's, the Hagedorn's, and the Clapper’s, among others.

Samuel Lape, born December 29, 1751, in Germantown, Columbia, NY, was baptized at Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Germantown, New York. His baptism was sponsored by Samuel Schurtz and Anna Hagedorn. Samuel Schurtz was born December 1, 1731 at East Camp, Columbia, NY, the son of Valentin David Schurtz and Anna Catherine Müller (sister of Anna Margaretha Müller) of Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany. Anna Hagedorn was the wife of Andreas Müller (brother of Anna Margaretha Müller).

Samuel Lape moved from Claverack, Columbia County, NY, to Greenbush (later named West Sand Lake), Rensselear County, NY, about 1770, marrying Anna Elizabeth Heidley, daughter of John and Anna Catherine Hideley, in Greenbush, NY, about 1772. John Heidley (Heidle, Hidley) immigrated to America in 1754, to Germantown, NY (East Camp), later settling in Greenbush, Rensselaer, NY, just North of Aries' (Snyder's) Lake.

Samuel Lape and his twin brother, Thomas, served in the local militia during the Revolution. Samuel served in the Revolutionary War from about 1777-1785 in at least two regiments, for which he was paid. Samuel Lape was a Sergeant in the Captain De Forest's Company, Captain Husted's Company, and Captain Fraist's Company, 6th Regiment, Henry K. Van Rensselaer's Regiment (Albany County), New York Militia and shows up on a list for the Land Bounty Rights as a member of the 6th Regiment, Albany County Militia (as Samuel Leap). He was paid as a soldier on January 14, 1785, £3.4.9 and on another date, £4.12.10. He was also on the payroll of Captain Cornelius Noble's Company, in Colonel Stephen Schuyler's Regiment of the Albany County Militia, August 11, 1777. Samuel Lape did not file for a Revolutionary War pension, but his name does show up on the Sixth Regiment, Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights as Samuel Leap. The Sixth Regiment engaged in skirmishes with the Tories along the Mohawk River and the Hudson River, but were not engaged in any conventional battle. The Sixth Regiment, and other militias in the area, formed a core of protection for the Albany area that helped keep the British Army and the Loyalist Militias from establishing a base of operations there. If a base were to be established in Albany and in the Hudson River Valley as a whole, it would serve to cut the colonies in half. This would cut the New England colonies off from the rest of the colonies, greatly strengthening the British and Loyalist cause.

On November 1, 1785, Stephen Van Rensselaer III became the Patroon of Rensselaerwyck. With the help of Alexander Hamilton, Stephen made plans to develop and populate the vast land holdings of the Manor. Handbills were distributed announcing that the Patroon would give the Patriots of the Revolution homesteads without cost. Only after the farms became productive would he ask for any compensation. In 1788, Evert Van Allen and Job Gilbert were commissioned to survey the Manor and divide it into 120-acre farms. The conditions of the grants stated that a farmer find a location, clear it, build a dwelling, and live in it for seven years free. At the end of this time, they would go to the Manor office and receive a durable lease. The project of Stephen Van Rensselaer led to an influx of settlers into Rensselaerwyck after the Revolution due to these inducements.

Samuel Lape moved to the ^Upper Manor^ of Rensselaerwyck, later to be known as West Sand Lake, Rensselaer, NY, in 1770. Although Samuel is believed to have lived at Greenbush (West Sand Lake) since 1770, the date of the lease is listed as August 22, 1791. He would have officially settled on the land in 1784, seven years before the ^durable lease^. It appears that Samuel may have lived with the John Hideley family between 1770-1784. Samuel would have been busy as a Revolutionary soldier during most of these years, and when not soldiering he probably worked for his father-in-law, John Hideley, especially during spring & fall harvest times. Samuel and his wife, Elizabeth Hideley, were also busy starting their family during these years.

Samuel Lape held a lease from Stephen Van Rensselaer for 222 acres. In Greenbush, Samuel Lape's neighbors were the Charles Neer family, the Andreas Weatherwax family, the Laurence Weatherwax family, the John Feller family, the Johannes Kilmer family, the David Calkins family, the Jonas Kenter family, the Henrick Mueller family, the Edenent Campbell family, the John Strope family, and a little farther to the North, the John Hideley family. Like his father Andries Lape and his neighbors, Samuel Lape was a farmer.

Samuel and Elizabeth Lape were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church, West Sand Lake, NY. Originally known as the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rensselaerwyck & Greenbush, it became the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1825. The original church was located on the Glebe Farm, southwest of the present location in the village of West Sand Lake. Samuel Lape was a witness to the choosing by ballot of the following church officers on January 25, 1791: Barent Uhlein, Andreas Wederwax, and Andreas Miller. Samuel Lape gave an affidavit of the proceeding, dated March 15, 1790, and the certificate is recorded in Albany County, in Church Patents, Volume I, page 38.

Samuel and Anna Hideley Lape had eleven children between 1773 and 1796.


Subject: Lape Genealogy Update
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2000 14:27:53 -0500
From: "Jeff Lape" jjlape@twcny.rr.com

Lape Genealogy Update
Samuel Lape, Sr.
1751 - 1831

Andries and Anna Margaretha Lape lived in Claverack, Columbia, New York, from 1755 until their deaths in 1800 and 1804, respectively. Eight children were born to Andries and Margaretha (Löwe) Lape in Columbia County, including twins Thomas and Samuel Lape.

The Town of Greenbush is situated on the east bank of the Hudson River, directly opposite the city of Albany. It is bounded on the north by the town of North Greenbush; on the west by the Hudson River; on the east and south by the town of East Greenbush. The town was called by the Dutch, Greene Bosch, from the pine woods which originally covered the flats. The Indian name of the territory Pe-tu-qua-poem and Jus-cum-catick. It was also known by the name of De Laet's Burg, in honor of the historian De Laet, who was one of the original co-directors of Rensselaerswick. The first settlement of the town of Greenbush began as early as 1628. As their land and number dwindled, the Mahican Indians began to scatter, and by 1740 most had disappeared from the Hudson Valley. In their search for beaver, Mahican hunters had ranged west into the Ohio Valley. With the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by the British in 1759 the Indian raids in the area stopped and soon families began to settle. The early settlers came mostly from river towns, working their way north and east as settlement of the county progressed. The organization of the town dates back to April 10, 1792, when it was formed from Rensselaerswick. Another act of incorporation is dated March 17, 1795. The present town was defined by the act of April 9, 1852. A map made in 1767 by John R. Bleeker, surveyor of "Manor Rensselaerwick" portrays Greenbush, Rensselaer County, as a vast wilderness, with only two families in residence. They were located in the southwest part. Other maps indicate that the western part of the town was settled first. Van Allen's survey made in 1788-1789 shows all of the town assigned to settlers except the eastern mountainous area.

Samuel Lape, baptized in Germantown on January 01, 1752, was sponsored by Samuel Schurtz and Anna Hagedorn. Samuel Schurtz was born December 1, 1731 at East Camp, Columbia, NY, the son of Valentin David Schurtz and Anna Catherine Müller (sister of Anna Margaretha Müller) of Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany. Anna Hagedorn was the wife of Andreas Müller (brother of Anna Margaretha Müller).

Samuel Lape moved from Claverack, Columbia County, NY, to Greenbush (later named West Sand Lake), Rensselear County, NY, about 1770, marrying Anna Elizabeth Heidley, daughter of John and Anna Catherine Hideley, in Greenbush, NY, about 1772. John Heidley (Heidle, Hidley) immigrated to America in 1754, to Germantown, NY (East Camp), later settling in Greenbush, Rensselaer, NY, just North of Aries' (Snyder's) Lake.

Samuel Lape served in the local militia during the Revolution. Samuel served in the Revolutionary War from about 1777-1785 in at least two regiments, for which he was paid. Samuel Lape was a Sergeant in the 6th Regiment, Henry K. Van Rensselaer's Regiment (Albany County), New York Militia and shows up on a list for the Land Bounty Rights as a member of the 6th Regiment, Albany County Militia (as Samuel Leap). He was paid as a soldier on January 14, 1785, £3.4.9 and on another unknown date, £4.12.10. He was also on the payroll of Captain Cornelius Noble's Company, in Colonel Stephen Schuyler's Regiment of the Albany County Militia, August 11, 1777. Samuel Lape did not file for a Revolutionary War pension, but his name does show up on the Sixth Regiment, Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights as Samuel Leap.

On November 1, 1785, Stephen Van Rensselaer III became the Patroon of Rensselaerwyck. With the help of Alexander Hamilton, Stephen made plans to develop and populate the vast land holdings of the Manor. Handbills were distributed announcing that the Patroon would give the Patriots of the Revolution homesteads without cost. Only after the farms became productive would he ask for any compensation. In 1788, Evert Van Allen and Job Gilbert were commissioned to survey the Manor and divide it into 120-acre farms. The conditions of the grants stated that a farmer find a location, clear it, build a dwelling, and live in it for seven years free. At the end of this time, they would go to the Manor office and receive a durable lease. The project of Stephen Van Rensselaer led to an influx of settlers into Rensselaerwyck after the Revolution due to these inducements.

Samuel Lape, Sr. moved to the "Upper Manor" of Rensselaerwyck, later to be known as West Sand Lake, Rensselaer, NY, in 1770. Although Samuel is believed to have lived at Greenbush (West Sand Lake) since 1770, the date of the lease is listed as August 22, 1791. He would have officially settled on the land in 1784, seven years before the "durable lease". It appears that Samuel may have lived with the John Hideley family between 1770-1784. Samuel would have been busy as a Revolutionary soldier during most of these years, and when not soldiering he probably worked for his father-in-law, John Hideley, especially during spring & fall harvest times. Samuel and his wife, Elizabeth Hideley, were also busy starting their family during these years. Samuel Lape is listed as an early settler of Sand Lake, NY.

Samuel Lape held a lease from Stephen Van Rensselaer for 222 acres. Samuel Lape's neighbors were the Charles Neer family, the Andreas Weatherwax family, the Laurence Weatherwax family, the John Feller family, the Johannes Kilmer family, the David Calkins family, the Jonas Kenter family, the Henrick Mueller family, the Edenent Campbell family, the John Strope family, and a little farther to the North, the John Hideley family. Like his father Andries Lape and his neighbors, Samuel Lape was a farmer.

Samuel and Elizabeth Lape were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church, West Sand Lake, NY. Originally known as the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rensselaerwyck & Greenbush, it became the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1825. The original church was located on the Glebe Farm, southwest of the present location in the village of West Sand Lake. Samuel Lape was a witness to the choosing by ballot of the following church officers on January 25, 1791: Barent Uhlein, Andreas Wederwax, and Andreas Miller. Samuel Lape gave an affidavit of the proceeding, dated March 15, 1790, and the certificate is recorded in Albany County, in Church Patents, Volume I, page 38. We "engage and bind ourselves to pay the sums opposite to our names for the building of a new church on the old place where the church now stands", February 21, 1815: Samuel Loeb
($50.00) and Andrew Lape ($15).

Samuel and Elizabeth Lape last received communion together at Trinity Lutheran on July 8, 1799. Elizabeth Hideley Lape died on October 05, 1799, in West Sand Lake, NY; Samuel's father, Andries Lape, died on July 07, 1800, in Claverack, NY; and Samuel's mother, Anna Margaretha Muller Lape, died on October 05, 1804, in Claverack, NY. Samuel (Loeb) last received communion at Trinity Lutheran Church, West Sand Lake, on October 29, 1808. Samuel Lape was envisioning another adventurous journey.

The Samuel Lape homestead, built in 1797, was located in the Town of West Sand Lake, on Barnes Road, which is located south of the village of West Sand Lake, and which intersects County Route 150. In the late 19th Century, Barnes Road dead-ended at the Samuel Lape Farm and did not continue through to Parker Road and end at NYS Route 152 as it does today.

Samuel and Anna Hideley Lape had eleven children between 1773 and 1796. Samuel Lape, Jr., the youngest of the eleven children of Samuel and Anna Hidley Lape, was born on April 12, 1796. Samuel Lape, Jr., served in the War of 1812. He served in Yale's Battalion and Hardenburgh's Regiment, of the New York Militia. In the Spring of 1814 Samuel Lape, Junior, was unable to take an active role in manual labor due to a leg injury, but was able to ride a horse. As a mission, which he willfully accepted from his father, Samuel traveled northward in search of new land. When Samuel searched Saratoga County, he appraised the agricultural promise. He carried back to his
father a discouraging report. His father then dispatched him westward to Schoharie County, New York, somewhat west and south of Cobleskill, near Summit Four Corners, in the hamlet of Lutheranville, NY. Samuel's destination was the home of one, Charles Neer, a Revolutionary War veteran and a previous neighbor from Greenbush, NY.

Samuel Lape, Sr. moved to Lutheranville in 1814-1815, at age 63 years, with his son Samuel Lape, Junior, his son Andreas Lape, and a grandson Samuel A. Lape (also known as Samuel Lape, 2nd or III). Andreas Lape, born December 24, 1777, married Elizabeth Schauerman who died in 1815. Andreas Lape purchased 143 acres of land in Lutheranville, NY, at a cost of $750, on October 27, 1825, from Susan Ogden, Hannah Murray, and Mary Murray, of New York.

Samuel Lape, Sr., and family settled in Lutheranville, NY, upon a farm which he originally leased. The family lived in a log cabin near a spring and the present Lape homestead. Samuel was a self-supporting farmer and a God-fearing man. Samuel Lape, Sr., was a trustee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lutheranville, NY, where he served for the first two years of the church's foundation in 1822.

Lutheranville, NY: "This hamlet was for a long term of years called Tar Hollow, We are assured by Jacob Wilcox and others, although we have no official proof of the fact, that a Deputy Sheriff by the name of Mr. Whittaker, during the anti-rent troubles of 1844 and 1845, was taken by the anti-rent settlers, while in the performance of official duties, in the collection of a debt, and treated to a good coat of tar and feathers. Our informants assure us, the tar and feathers were placed upon a stone-boat and taken to a convenient place, where the deputy was stripped of his clothing and besmeared with the tar, from head to foot, and then covered with feathers. We believe it was the only instance in the County, where such measures were taken and carried out. Since those exciting times, no place can be found, where more law-abiding citizens reside, than throughout this
neighborhood."

The Lutheran Church of Summit, Lutheranville, NY: "The edifice in which this society worships is at
Lutheranville in the west part of the town, in the midst of an industrious and prosperous community. The organization was effected in 1823 through the labors of its first pastor, the worthy George Lintner. In 1836 the church building was erected and remodeled in 1858, and will seat three hundred and fifty. The first officers were from the Neer, Lape, Fredindal and Morrison families, the first settlers of the neighborhood. The pastors were as follows: Rev. George Lintner, P. G. Cole, --- Slimser, Nicholas Van Alstine, Benjamin Diefendorf, (eighteen years), Samuel Bruce, J. S. Paul, and S. W. Young."

The 1825 census of Summit, NY, reveals that Samuel Lape, Jr., had 5 males (2 that had military duty), 3 females (1 married, 2 unmarried), 100 acres, 20 cattle, 4 horses, 25 sheep, 15 hogs, 25 yards cloth, 30 yards flannel cloth and 100 yards of linen. The 1835 census of Summit, NY, reveals that Samuel Lape, Jr., had 5 males (1 male eligible to vote), 1 married female, 2 unmarried females under age 16, 1 male birth, 100 acres, 23 cattle, 3 horses, 50 sheep, 6 hogs, 20 yards of filled cloth, 44 yards of unfilled cloth and 30 yards of linen.

Samuel Lape, Sr., died in Lutheranville, Schoharie, NY, on March 13, 1831. He was buried near his sons Samuel and Andreas, and near his grandson Samuel Lape III.

A hero is someone who is regarded for his achievements or qualities. To be a hero takes boldness, courage, and dignity. A hero has to have a kind and thoughtful heart in order to achieve his actions. Along with being a hero, it takes a lot of sacrifice and risk. Samuel Lape, Sr., was bold, courageous and dignified. He was a soldier of the Revolution who placed his country before his personal life. Samuel was an adventurer and founding father of two communities and two churches. He was tolerant towards his fellow man, completely free from unreasonableness, but resolute in his principles. Samuel lived through many hardships but was able to maintain his commitments to his family and his Church. Samuel Lape, Sr., died on March 13, 1831, aged 80 years, his interment in the Lutheranville Church cemetery in an unmarked grave. Samuel Lape Sr. is my hero.

Jeff Lape
http://home.twcny.rr.com/lape/lape.htm
Subject: Lape Genealogy Update
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 17:02:06 -0500
From: "Jeff Lape" jjlape@twcny.rr.com
To: "Gary O. Green" ggreen@wilmington.net

Lape Genealogy Update

SGT Samuel Lape "Forgotton Warrior"

Samuel Lape, twin brother Thomas Lape, served in the local militia during the Revolution. Samuel served in the Revolutionary War from about 1777-1785 in at least two regiments, for which he was paid. Samuel Lape was a Sergeant in the 6th Regiment, Henry K. Van Rensselaer's Regiment (Albany County), New York Militia and shows up on a list for the Land Bounty Rights as a member of the 6th Regiment, Albany County Militia (as Samuel Leap). He was paid as a soldier on January 14, 1785, £3.4.9 and on another date, £4.12.10. He was also on the payroll of Captain Cornelius Noble's Company, in Colonel Stephen Schuyler's Regiment of the Albany County Militia, August 11, 1777. Samuel held the rank of Sergeant. Samuel Lape died on March 13, 1831 and is buried in Lutheranville, Schoharie, NY, in an unmarked grave.

Mr. Charles (Chuck) A. Greenfield operates a non-profit organization called "Forgotton Warriors." The IRS misspelled "forgotten" when it issued the approval for the program. Charles, remembering seeing this word similarly misspelled in pension files, decided that if it was good enough for our patriots, it was good enough for him. Charles has placed markers on hundreds of graves of old soldiers the Revolution, and explains that markers are available for unmarked graves, as well as graves having a marker that is damaged or deteriorated, or which has a mistake in the inscription. More on headstones and markers for veterans can be found at: http://www.cem.va.gov/hmgen.htm

During Memorial weekend, 2001, a marker placing ceremony for "forgotton warrior" SGT Samuel Lape will be held at the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Lutheranville, Schoharie County, New York. More information regarding exact date and time will be sent once the details are worked out with Mr. Chuck Greenfield. Please join us for this dedication ceremony.

Jeff Lape
http://home.twcny.rr.com/lape/lape.htm

These, and many more Lape & allied family stories are included on the The Lape Family on Family Genealogy Compact Disc. For more information on the CD see: http://home.twcny.rr.com/lape/cd.htm

Subject: Lape Family Update
Date: Wed, 2 May 2001 21:03:43 -0400
From: "Jeff Lape" jjlape@twcny.rr.com
To: "Gary O. Green" ggreen@wilmington.net

(PENDING DELIVERY OF THE HEADSTONE)

The Lape Family
Requests the honor of your presence
At the dedication of grave marker
commemorating the service of
Revolutionary War Soldier

Sergeant Samuel Lape, Sr.



Sunday, May 27, 2001
1:00 P.M.

Lutheranville Cemetery
Lutheranville, NY

Please R.S.V.P.
Major Jeff Lape
before May 19, 2001
315-699-2831 or
jjlape@twcny.rr.com



Directions

From Albany, take Route I88 West

Exit 20, Richmondville, NY

Take Route 10, South

Travel 5.0 Miles to Summit

Take right turn on Charlotteville Road

Travel 2.9 miles

Take right turn on Lutheranville Road

Travel 1.4 miles to Y in Road

Turn right, cemetery is on the left.

Subject: Lape Family Update
Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 19:38:39 -0400
From: "Jeff Lape" jjlape@twcny.rr.com
To: "Gary O. Green" ggreen@wilmington.net

Family Honors Revolutionary Patriot

Despite inclement weather, the rain held off for one hour, Sunday, March 27th, 2001, for the Lape family of Schoharie County, New York, to honor their Revolutionary Patriot ancestor. Major Jeffrey J. Lape, NYARNG, of Cicero, NY, Master of Ceremonies, joined seventy-five family, friends and honored guests, in the headstone ceremony of his 4th Great-Grandfather, Sergeant Samuel Lape, Sr. After a brief introduction of the "Forgotton Warrior" program, sponsored by Chuck Greenfield and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), Maj. Lape told of his ability to acquire a free headstone through the program.

Mr. Greenfield began his mission to mark veterans' graves when he was looking for his grandfather's grave and found a discarded stack of gravestones in the cemetery. He rounded up his compatriots, founded a group called "Forgotton Warriors" and set out on a mission to remedy the situation. Unfortunately, explained Maj. Lape, through no fault of Mr. Greenfield or the "Forgotton Warrior" program, the Sergeant Samuel Lape headstone did not arrive on time for the present-day ceremony.

After posting of the colors by BSA Troop 15, Richmondville, NY, an invocation was given by retired Veteran- USN, Rev. Gary Edmister, of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Richmondville, NY. The invocation was followed by a Pledge of Allegiance led by Troop 15. Veteran-USAF, Vietnam Campaign, William R. Lape, next read a biography of Samuel Lape, Sr.:

"The Lape family of Schoharie County descended from Samuel Lape, son of Andries
Lape and Anna Margaretha Müller, whose families immigrated to America in the early
18th Century, settling as Palatine Germans on the Robert Livingston Manor, and later
moving to Rensselaerwyck. Samuel Lape, born December 29, 1751, in Germantown,
Columbia, NY, was baptized at Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Germantown,
New York.

Samuel Lape moved from Claverack, Columbia County, NY, to Greenbush
(later named West Sand Lake), Rensselear County, NY, about 1770, marrying Anna
Elizabeth Hidley, daughter of John and Anna Catherine Hidley, in Greenbush, NY,
about 1772. Samuel Lape and his twin brother, Thomas, served in the local militia
during the Revolution. Samuel served in the Revolutionary War from about
1777-1785 in at least two regiments, for which he was paid. Samuel Lape was a
Sergeant in the Captain De Forest's Company and Captain Husted's Company of the
6th Regiment, Albany County Militia. He was also on the payroll of Captain Cornelius
Noble's Company, in Colonel Stephen Schuyler's Regiment of the Albany County
Militia. Samuel Lape did not file for a Revolutionary War pension, but his name does
show up on the Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights as Samuel Leap.

Although Samuel is believed to have lived at Greenbush (West Sand Lake)
since 1770, the date of he lease is listed as August 22, 1791. Samuel Lape held a
lease from Stephen Van Rensselaer for 222 acres. He would have officially settled on
the land in 1784, seven years before the date of the "durable lease". In Greenbush,
Samuel Lape's neighbors were the Charles Neer family, the Bernhard Uline family,
and the Andreas Weatherwax family, among others. Like his father, Andries Lape,
and his neighbors, Samuel Lape was a farmer.

Samuel and Elizabeth Lape were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church,
West Sand Lake, NY. Originally known as the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Rensselaerwyck & Greenbush, it became the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in
1825. Samuel and Anna Hideley Lape had eleven children born between 1773 and
1796; most of them were baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Samuel Lape, Sr., and Elizabeth Lape last received communion together at
Trinity Lutheran on July 8, 1799. Elizabeth Hidley Lape died on October 05, 1799, in
West Sand Lake, NY. Samuel's father, Andries Lape, died on July 07, 1800, in
Claverack, NY; and Samuel's mother, Anna Margaretha Muller Lape, died on
October 05, 1804, in Claverack, NY. Samuel Lape was envisioning another
adventurous journey.

Samuel Lape, Sr. moved to Lutheranville, Schoharie County, NY, in 1814, at
age 63 years, with his son Andreas Lape, his youngest son Samuel Lape, Junior, and a
grandson, Samuel Andreas Lape, who was also known as Samuel Lape, 2nd or
III. They settled in Lutheranville, NY, upon a farm that Samuel originally leased. The
family lived in a log cabin near a spring and the present Lape homestead. Charles
Neer, also a Revolutionary War veteran, would again be Samuel Lape’s neighbor, and
Charles Neer’s daughter, Lany, would marry Samuel Lape, Junior, in 1817. Charles
Neer is buried across the street in the Neer Family Cemetery.

Samuel Lape was a self-supporting farmer and a God-fearing man. He was a
founder and trustee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lutheranville, NY, where he
served for the first two years of the church's foundation in 1822. Samuel Lape, Sr.,
died on March 13, 1831, aged 80 years, his interment in the Lutheranville Church
Cemetery."

Samuel Ward Lape, Jr., Veteran-Army, Vietnam Campaign, followed his brother Bill and gave a eulogy:

"We gather today, amidst the Flags of our great Nation and under the umbrella
of our Lord, to dedicate this final resting-place of our early Patriot: Samuel Lape, for
his Service in the American Revolution. Surely, without his contribution to the cause of
Liberty, we would not enjoy the blessing of Freedom that he fought to give us.
Freedom, however, is not free. This simple U.S. Government marker that we uncover
today is an expression of our heartfelt thanks and serves to remind us always of our
obligations and responsibilities in maintaining this Republic for which Samuel struggled
and sacrificed. Within the next year, our Nation will pause to recognize all our
Veterans who have followed in the footsteps of this Patriot we honor today. We are a
Nation rich in Heritage, much of which is presented during this ceremony.

In the American Army, ceremonies or reviews were originally outlined in
General Baron Friedrich von Steuben's "Blue Book" and practiced by Revolutionary
Soldiers. Today's ceremony incorporates a formation of family & friends, honors to
the Nation, remarks, and a conclusion. Patriot Lape, whom we honor today,
answered a Call to Arms. The presence of the Colors represents its presence at the
forefront of the unit during the Heat of Battle.

Gun salutes may be traced back to the early 1800s. This salute is a means for
living soldiers to honor the brave dead. Taps is believed to have originated during the
Civil War, when Union Major General Daniel Butterfield's troops were encamped on
the bluffs overlooking the James River in Virginia after the Peninsular Campaign. The
playing of taps was eventually written in Army Regulations as a regular part of a
military funeral or dedication service such as this, for this man who gave us our
Freedom.

I am reminded of a poem, written in 1981 by AFJROTC Cadet Kelly Strong
of Homestead High School, Florida. I should like to share with you. It is entitled,
appropriately, "Freedom Is Not Free".

'I watched the flag pass by one day - It fluttered in the breeze
A young marine saluted it - And then he stood at ease
I looked at him in uniform - So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert - He'd stand out in any crowd
I wondered how many men like him - Have fallen through the years
How many died on foreign soil - How many Mothers' tears
How many pilot's planes shot down - How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves - No, Freedom is not Free.
I heard the sound of taps one night - When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play - And felt a sudden chill
I wondered just how many times - Taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had covered a coffin - Of a brother or a friend
I thought of all the children - Of the Mothers and the Wives
Of Fathers, Sons, and Husbands - With interrupted lives
And I thought about the graveyard - At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington - No, Freedom is not Free.'"

Maj. Lape dedicated the newly acquired headstone of Sergeant Samuel Lape Sr., saying "And so in this graveyard, we mark your final resting-place. God Bless you Samuel Lape, and God Bless these United States of America for which you fought. We are ever so humble in your presence. I render the final salute." As the hand salute was given, a gun salute was given by members of American Legion Post 249 of Richmondville, NY.

Neal J. Lape, Class of 2001, USMA, West Point, NY, and Christopher R. Lape, retired Veteran- USAF, Desert Storm Campaign, unveiled the headstone and folded the U.S. flag, while taps was played by Miss Kayla Jones of Cobleskill, NY. The folded flag was offered to honored guest, Mr. Samuel Ward Lape, Sr., of Summit, NY, the oldest living relative of Sergeant Samuel Lape, through his youngest son, Samuel Lape, Junior. Another honored guest present at the ceremony was Miss Irene Lape, of Richmondville, NY. Miss Lape was the oldest living relative of Sergeant Samuel Lape, through his son, Andreas Lape.

After the retirement of the colors, a benediction was given by Rev. Edmister. Mr. Richard T. Lape closed out the ceremony with a thank you to the program attendees and participants. A special appreciation was given to Mr. Samuel Ward Lape, Sr., for his giving birth to all the Lape children, but a quick reminder from Mrs. Lape that Mr. Lape was not the one who gave birth to all the children, brought a flood of laughter from the ceremony participants. A special thank you was also given to Maj. Jeffrey Lape for his ceremony participation and for his work done towards the family genealogy.

The ceremony was followed by a driving tour of the Lutheranville Lape Homestead and by refreshments put on by the Lape family, organized by Mrs. Margaret Lape, Mrs. Howard (Betsy) Burt, and Mrs. Richard (Ann) Lape, at St. Anna's Church Pavilion, Summit, NY. A decorated cake resembling the ceremony headstone was made by Mrs. Timothy (Lynn) Lape. A special thank you was also given to Mr. Timothy Lape, Mr. Samuel Bryce Lape, and Mr. Stanley Borucki for their camera work.

Subject: Lape Family Update
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 22:59:53 -0400
From: "Jeff Lape" jjlape@twcny.rr.com
To: "Gary O. Green" ggreen@wilmington.net

Lape Genealogy Update

Samuel Lape
Headstone Arrival



After receiving word from Chuck Greenfield of the "Forgotton Warrior" program that it had finally arrived, the Samuel Lape headstone (right) was placed on August 26, 2001, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church cemetery, Lutheranville, Schoharie County, NY.

A dedication ceremony was held last Memorial weekend, however through no fault of Mr. Greenfield or the "Forgotton Warrior" program, the Samuel Lape headstone did not arrive in time for the ceremony. The "Forgotton Warrior" program, sponsored by Chuck Greenfield and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), is a program to acquire a free headstone for veterans who do not have a discernable headstone. Mr. Greenfield began his mission to mark veterans' graves when he was looking for his grandfather's grave and found a discarded stack of gravestones in the cemetery. He rounded up his compatriots, founded a group calle d "Forgotton Warriors" and set out on a mission to remedy the situation.

The Lape family of Schoharie County descended from Samuel Lape, son of Andries Lape and Anna Margaretha Müller, whose families immigrated to America in the early 18th Century, settling as Palatine Germans on the Robert Livingston Manor, and later moving to Rensselaerwyck. Samuel Lape, born December 29, 1751, in Germantown, Columbia, NY, was baptized at Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Germantown, New York.

Samuel Lape moved from Claverack, Columbia County, NY, to Greenbush (later named West Sand Lake), Rensselear County, NY, about 1770, marrying Anna Elizabeth Hidley, daughter of John and Anna Catherine Hidley, in Greenbush, NY, about 1772. Samuel Lape and his twin brother, Thomas, served in the local militia during the Revolution. Samuel served in the Revolutionary War from about 1777-1785 in at least two regiments, for which he was paid. Samuel Lape was a Sergeant in the Captain De Forest's Company and Captain Husted's Company of the 6th Regiment, (Van Rensselaer's Regiment) Albany County Militia. He was also on the payroll of Captain Cornelius Noble's Company, in Colonel Stephen Schuyler's Regiment of the Albany County Militia. Samuel Lape did not file for a Revolutionary War pension, but his name does show up on the Albany County Militia, Land Bounty Rights as Samuel Leap.

Although Samuel is believed to have lived at Greenbush (West Sand Lake) since 1770, the date of he lease is listed as August 22, 1791. Samuel Lape held a lease from Stephen Van Rensselaer for 222 acres. He would have officially settled on the land in 1784, seven years before the date of the "durable lease". In Greenbush, Samuel Lape's neighbors were the Charles Neer family, the Bernhard Uline family, and the Andreas Weatherwax family, among others. Like his father, Andries Lape, and his neighbors, Samuel Lape was a farmer.

Samuel and Elizabeth Lape were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church, West Sand Lake, NY. Originally known as the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rensselaerwyck & Greenbush, it became the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1825. Samuel and Anna Hideley Lape had eleven children born between 1773 and 1796; most of them were baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Samuel Lape, Sr., and Elizabeth Lape last received communion together at Trinity Lutheran on July 8, 1799. Elizabeth Hidley Lape died on October 05, 1799, in West Sand Lake, NY. Samuel's father, Andries Lape, died on July 07, 1800, in Claverack, NY; and Samuel's mother, Anna Margaretha Muller Lape, died on October 05, 1804, in Claverack, NY.

Samuel Lape, Sr. moved to Lutheranville, Schoharie County, NY, in 1814, at age 63 years, with his son Andreas Lape, his youngest son Samuel Lape, Junior, and a grandson, Samuel Andreas Lape, who was also known as Samuel Lape, 2nd or III. They settled in Lutheranville, NY, upon a
farm that Samuel originally leased. The family lived in a log cabin near a spring and the present Lape homestead. Charles Neer, also a Revolutionary War veteran, would again be Samuel Lape’s neighbor, and Charles Neer’s daughter, Lany, would marry Samuel Lape, Junior, in 1817. Charles Neer is buried across the street in the Neer Family Cemetery.

Samuel Lape was a self-supporting farmer and a God-fearing man. He was a founder and trustee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lutheranville, NY, where he served for the first two years of the church's foundation in 1822. Samuel Lape, Sr., died on March 13, 1831, aged 80 years, his interment in the Lutheranville Church Cemetery.

The headstone reads:

(Lutheran Cross)

SAMUEL
LAPE

Serg
(Sergeant)

Rensselaers Co
(Van Rensselaer's Company)


NY Mil
(New York Militia)


Rev War
(Revolutionary War)

December 29, 1751
March 13, 1831



Jeff Lape

These, and many more Lape & allied family stories are included on the The Lape Family on Family Genealogy Compact Disc. For more information on the CD see: http://home.twcny.rr.com/lape/cd.htm

Source: http://members.aol.com/JJLape/move.htm; Jeffrey J. Lape; David L. Thurber; Barbara Pitcher; http://www.ancestry.com file H8790.zip, dgburt@pioneer.net; GENEALOGY OF THE LAPE, LASHER, AND POTTS FAMILIES Compiled by Rollin S. Polk dated 1950; Copied at the New York State Library,