Pg 70 - 1688 Indian Deed for Yamphank Neck

The entry for the top part of the page is the Indian Deed for the beach

The eastern part of Brookhaven and South Haven Hamlets was not included in the Town of Brookhaven's "Old Purchase at the South" of 1664 (see page 10). The deed below, signed 13 Nov 1688, completed the land purchases that now comprise the Brookhaven/South Haven Hamlets. "Yamphank Neck" is the parcel of land between Yaphank Creek (aka Barteau Creek) on the west to the Connecticut River (now known as the Carman's River) on the east (see map and commentary). The sale was by the Indian Wopehege to Samuel Terrell.

Unfortunately, five years later this parcel also was included in the first patent from Governor Fletcher to the Manor of St. George and the Tangier Smith family -- their lands otherwise being on the east side of the Carman's River. For two hundred years there were legal disputes because of the overlapping. The Neck remained theoretically under the jurisdiction of the Lord of the Manor until 1789 when the Manor was formally annexed to the Town of Brookhaven by the newly independent government. As a practical matter, however, it appears from the Town records that the Town trustees believed that the Neck was within their jurisdiction, and that the Neck was largely governed by the Town.

To all people to Whom this present Writeing shal come, I Wopehege, allis porridg Indian, living in Brookhaven presints, in the county of Suffolk, on Long Island, send greeting, known yee, that I, the saide Wopehege Indian, for and in consideration of y^eabove sd Towne and county, as allso for Divers other good coses and considerrations, mee at this present,

Continued Page 71

Brookhaven/ South Haven Hamlets

Chapters

Pg 70 - 1688 Indian Deed for Yamphank Neck

Records: Town of Brookhaven