LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Brinckerhoff Family upon the occa-
sion of its designation for special tribute by the Board of Trustees of
the Mount Gulian Society

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals, families and organizations that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Individuals and families who give of their time and energies
and serve the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond
remuneration and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals and families whose professional lives, personal
endeavors and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Brinckerhoff Family upon the occasion of its designation for special
tribute by the Board of Trustees of the Mount Gulian Society; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Dinner and Conversation, to
be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the Mount Gulian Historic Site in
Fishkill, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Brinckerhoff Family is one of the oldest Dutch families
in America; and
WHEREAS, Joris Dircksen Brinkerhoff, along with his wife and children,
arrived in New Amsterdam in 1638, and settled in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1700s, one of the descendants of the original
Brinckerhoff Family in America purchased 2,000 acres of farmland in
Dutchess County from Madame Brett; soon thereafter, the family built a
home in Fishkill, New York; and
WHEREAS, During the Revolutionary War, the Brinckerhoff home served as
the headquarters of Colonel Dereck Brinckerhoff of the militia; General
Lafayette convalesced from his wounds at this home during the war; and
WHEREAS, The Brinckerhoff home in Fishkill, has remained in the family
for 300 years; it is the current home of Todd and Beverly Brinckerhoff,
and the one in which their children were raised; and
WHEREAS, Todd Brinckerhoff and his family were instrumental in the
erection of the monument near the Brinckerhoff home in tribute to Chief
Nimham of the Wappinger Indians, who fought bravely for General Washing-
ton during the Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, In the 371 years that the Brinckerhoff Family has been in
America, Brinckerhoff men and women have been active in New York State
military, government, farming, law, religion and business affairs; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their esteemed history in
America, a period of extraordinary constructive involvement, the Brinck-
erhoff Family has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and
has earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues, family and
friends; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when families
of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention,
they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Brinckerhoff Family upon the occasion of its designation for
special tribute by the Board of Trustees of the Mount Gulian Society;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brinckerhoff Family.