William Pinkney (1737-1802) reflects the movement of many people in Westchester from opposition to the American Revolution to support of independence. In the early spring of 1775, Pinkney signed a petition that opposed the plan to establish a new government in New York, pledging his support for the King -- even though his wife, Freelove, favored the American cause. But once the fighting began in 1775, Pinkney moved to embrace the Patriot fervor that swept across Westchester. He was appointed Ensign, and later a lieutenant, in the Eastchester militia unit formed as part of the effort to organize militarily against the British. His father Will Pinkney, Sr. (who is also buried at St. Paul's) had served as captain of the colonial Eastchester militia. While little is known about Pinkney's wartime activities, he emerged after the war as a leading citizen, holding several public offices in Eastchester and becoming the County Sheriff, one of the most powerful positions in Westchester. A wealthy man who owned several slaves, Pinkney died in 1802.
|
 |
