Thomas De la Val16His first term as mayor commenced 13 June 1666,a wealthy merchant,he was active in the milatary and civic problems of the community,serving as an alderman for serveral periods and mayor for three terms.He purchased a country seat of about thirty acres at Harlem.He died in 1682 one of his daughters married a William Darvall[sic], another mayor of New York .At this time the city had some 2000 inhabitants.
William would have been a brother in law to James Carteret,as he had married Frances De la Vall
William born in Amsterdam Holland.appionted mayor 1675,he had been in Boston as a merchant but had transfered his interests to N.Y.Opening a High Fasion dry-goods store.nr Pearl and Whitehall streets,He latter purchased Peter Stuyvesants 'Great House'on White Hall from the widow of Peter namely Judith,on the 12 Novmber 1677;lost the house to his creditors in 1686.
Interesting to note the tribe of Indians,Wickquaskeck,were allowed by the council to settle near "Spitting Devill' Population at this time was some 3000. |