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BIOGRAPHY OF
DAVID DEMAREST.
DAVID DEMAREST is another of the lineal descendants of David
des Marest and his wife, Maria Sohier, who came to American in
1662 (see sketch on page 64). The emigrant had a great-grandson,
David Demarest, who resided at Schraalenburgh more than a hundred
years ago. This last named David had several children, one of
whom was James D. Demarest (6), born at Schraalenburgh March
2, 1763, died there April 28, 1830. His wife Rachel, born July
28, 1768, died April 26, 1828. James D. was a farmer residing
at Schraalenburgh. One of his several children was Abraham J.
Demarest (7), who married Rachel Blawvelt, daughter of David
Blawvelt. They lived at Schraalenburgh. Both of them have been
dead several years. Among their children was David Demarest.
David Demarest (8), the subject of this sketch, was born at
Schraalenburgh (now Dumont) February 1, 1832. He owns and resides
on part of the farm which his French ancestor owned two hundred
and twenty-three years ago. This tract has passed from father
to son in an unbroken line for more than two centuries. In a
barn on the premises is a beam which was first used in a barn
on the same farm in 1721. Mr. Demarest was educated in the public
schools of the county. At the age of seventeen he ceased studying
books and took charge of the old family homestead, which he has
ever since conducted. During the War of the Rebellion he served
nine months as a private in the Twenty-second Regiment New Jersey
Volunteers, being honorably discharged at the end of his term
of enlistment. Mr. Demarest is regarded as one of the best and
most substantial farmers in Bergen County, where he has spent
his entire life. He is deeply objects, prominently identified
with the welfare of the community, and thoroughly alive in the
needs of his fellow citizens. As a member of the North Reformed
Church of Schraalenburgh he has been influential in promoting
various moral and intellectual movements which have contributed
materially to the general welfare.
In early life Mr. Demarest married Christina de Baun, who
died May 11, 1895. They were the parents of five children-four
daughters and a son-of the ninth generation.
Source: Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties,
New Jersey, Editor, Cornelius Burnham Harvey, The New Jersey
Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900, page 67.
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