"A History of Long Island From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time"
Peter Foss, LL. D.
VOL II
1902

BEGIN

WILLIAM I. KOUWENHOVEN.

William I. Kouwenhoven, who resides at Flatlands, was born at Bedford,
Long Island, April 5, 1818, and is descended from good old Revolutionary
stock. His grandfather was William Kouwenhoven, and his father was John
I. Kouwenhoven.  The latter served in the Revolutionary war, loyally aiding
in the struggle for American independence.  He removed to Gravesend when the
subject of this review was a lad of eleven years, and there he made his home
until his death, which occurred in 1873.  At one time he was superintendent
of the poor of the town, and in church work he was very active, holding
membership with the Dutch Reformed church and serving as deacon and elder
in the congregation with which he was identified. He married Susan Lake,
a daughter of Peter Lake, of Flatbush, and they became the parents of
three children, of whom two are living, --- William I. and Jane Aletta,
who is now the widow of Stephen Vanderveer, of New Lots.

Mr. Kouwenhoven, whose name introduces this review, spent the days of his
childhood under the parental roof, his time being quietly passed without
event of special importance. He was reared to farm work, and throughout his
business career carried on agricultural pursuits, his well-tilled fields
bringing to him a good return. Gradually his capital was thus increased
and he secured a good bank account, but a short time ago he sold his farm
and is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.

Mr. Kouwenhoven was united in marriage, in 1843, to Miss Abigail Baxter, a
daughter of Garret S. Baxter, of Flatlands. This venerable couple lived to
celebrate their golden wedding day, March 22, 1893. On December 13, 1895,
Mrs. Kouwenhoven passed away to her eternal rest. They had nine children,
of whom seven are living, namely: Susan L., the wife of William Schenck,
of Flatbush, Long Island; Abbie W., wife of James R. Fredericks, of Jamaica,
Long Island; John J., who resides at Vineland, New Jersey; Williamson, who
resides at the homestead with his father; Peter W., a resident of. Jamaica;
Anna, the wife of Alfred B. Crossman, of New Lots; and Kitty, the wife of John
M. Remsen, of Flatlands, now residing at the old homestead. Mr. Kouwenhoven
has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and his rest
is well merited. He enjoys the veneration and respect which should ever be
accorded to those who attain to advanced age and is accounted one of the
leading citizens of his community.

END