John Searing III

     John was born circa 1703 in Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York. John married Elizabeth (?), daughter of Jacob Reyerse and Styntje (?), circa 1728 in Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York. He and Elizabeth were blessed with 6 children. "John Searing was observed by his enemy, eating pork, coming upon him, having received the money for it, the creatures went to his horse and demanded it. On refusing it, his life was threatened. He persisted, was seized and his head was placed upon a block. And a man stood over him with an axe bringing it down every moment as if to sever his head from his body. His wife then placed all the money they had, about 40 pounds, at their feet, and rushed to save her husband by placing her arms across his neck. The sight of the money caused them to desist their threatenings. The same person, Mr. John Searing, was equally fearless when commanded by an officer to go with his team to the harbor to cart liquor. He was in his own wagon on the road and refused the request. A sword was brandished over his head with a threat of instant death. There was a pause and a solemn uplifting of the heart to God on his part. The trustful man then said, "If tho seest anything in me worthy, why then take my life." John Searing did not feel conscience free to perform such behest. Such perfect trust in divine protection disarmed the atrocious wretch. His arm fell powerless. He took the good man prisoner and carried him to the colonel, who respected his religious scruples. The walk home over the fields alone was full of the joy and peace of a faithful believer. He used in his after life to recur to it as the most delightful walk he ever had." [taken from a Journal of Revolutionary Times]¹ John made his will on 22 April 1746 at Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York.

In the name of God, Amen, April 22, 1746. I, John Searing, of Hempstead, in Queens County, being very sick. My executors are to pay all my debts. I order all my negroes to be sold, except the oldest negro boy; Also my wheat, except enough for family use. I leave to my wife Elizabeth, one bed and furniture and a side saddle, and the use of 1/2 my farm, until my children are brought up. Also the use of 1/2 my house and barn. I leave to my daughter Anje [corrected to Amye in correction book], my brown horse and saddle and bridle. To my daughters, Sarah and Mary, each a bed and furniture. My executors are to pay 100 pounds to each of my daughters when of age. I leave to my son Jacob my house and farm and all lands which are divided, and the meadow at South; and my son Jacob is to pay my son John 400 pounds, when of age. "My son John is to go to school till he hath Good Learning, and then to be put to learn a trade which my executors think proper." My executors are to sell all my undivided lands, "and as many horses and cattle and other movables, as my wife and my son John can all manage to carry on the farm without." I make my brother, Samuel Searing, and my son Jacob and Henry Pearsall, executors.
Witnesses: Caleb Merall, Daniel Searing, Micah Smith. [New York Wills: Liber 15, page 563]^2,3

John departed this life in Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York. His will was probated on 12 May 1746.