Elizabeth (?)

     Elizabeth was born before 1710 possibly at Flatbush, in the Town of Brooklyn, Kings County, Long Island, New York. She may be the daughter of Jacob & Stynie Ryerse. Unfortunately, no substanciating evidence has been found.² Elizabeth married John Searing III, son of John Searing II and Anne Pearsall, circa 1728 in Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York. She and John 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]³ Elizabeth made her will on 27 November 1760 at Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York.

In the name of God, Amen, November 27, 1760. I, Elizabeth Searing, of Hempstead, of Queens County. being sick. I leave to my son, John Searing, my negro man and a bed and three blankets, etc. To my daughter, Mary Searing, a negro girl, and she is to have clothing and linen of mine so much as my other two daughters have had. All the rest of my household goods are to be divided among my daughters, Anne Smith, Sarah Seaman, and Mary Searing. All the rest of my estate I leave to my children, Jacob, John, Anne, Sarah, and Mary, except my riding chair, which I leave to my daughters. "And lest any dispute should arise I do not mean that what money and debts owing to me I have shall be comprehened with the household goods." I leave my granddaughter, Mary Searing, daughter of my son Jacob, a negro girl, and to my daughter Anne long cloak, and the rest of my apparell to my daughters. I make my son-in-law, James Smith, and my son John executors. Witnesses, Martha Pearsall, Isaac Smith, Daniel Searing, Jr.

Elizabeth departed this life before 20 April 1761 in Hempstead Town, Queens County, Long Island, New York. Her will was probated on 20 April 1761. The will was proved before Thomas Braine, Esq.