Eager, in making researches for a history of Orange County, found this settlement to be the earliest of any in it. [FN-1] The liberty of settling here was probably obtained from the Indians by purchase; for it appears that these settlers were and remained at peace with them and on friendly terms until the commencement of the French war. As the neighborhood in time extended about four miles in length, it continued to bear that name, although there were several localities within that distance which had other Indian names; one at my present residence; one at the Neversink river, near the aqueduct of the canal; one at the present residence of Col. Peter P. Swartwout, [FN-2] and two between that and the first Peenpack locality. In these several places resided small collections of Indians near living springs and streams of water. * * * * * [FN-1] Since then it has been ascertained that there was an earlier settlement in the county near New Windsor, at what is known as Plum Point. In 1684, Patrick McGregorie, his brother-in-law David Toshuck, who subscribed his name "Laird of Minivard," and twenty-five others principally Scotch Presbyterians, purchased a tract of 4,000 acres, embracing lands on both sides of Murderer's creek. Here, on Couwanham's Hill, so-called from its aboriginal owner, but now known as Plum Point, McGregorie built his cabin, and in the same vicinity were those of his associates, William Chambers, William Sutherland and one Collum, while on the north side of the creek David Toshuck and his servant Daniel Maskrig established a trading post. (See Ruttenber's History of Orange County, p. 21, 22) [FN-2] Now (1889) owned and occupied by Benjamin Swartwout.