Biography

Stephen Rumsey was a first settler of the town of Westfield, NY. The Rumsey family moved to Westfield from Vermont around 1831. Stephen owned a tannery with his brothers Calvin and Aaron, but Calvin and Aaron were the main proprietors. Stephen bought a tract of land from his nephew, Fayette Rumsey, which was originally purchased by Calvin through the Holland Land Company. There is reason to believe Stephen was involved with the affairs of the Holland Land Company and may have assisted BJS in the affairs of the Chautauqua Land Office: "Of this $400 are sent to Erie for payment, $4,395 transmitted to Mr VanH. by Col Rumsey...". Stephen was the only brother living in Westfield who was listed as having military service. The letter clearly says "Col," and not possibly "Cal" for Calvin. For a complete biography of the Rumsey family in Westfield, see:

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