June 12, 2006
Cazenovia - The origin of the name
Charlie Bond wrote to ask about the origin of the name "Cazenovia".
The late Dan Weiskotten was at one town the town historian for Cazenovia, and much of his research and writings are still available online at http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyccazen/. That site includes the biography of Théophile Cazenove, who was born in Holland but in the 1790's was an agent and financier for the Holland Land Company in Philadelphia who directed the purchase millions of acres of land in New York and Pennsylvania.
Some of this land was first researched by John (also known as "Jan") Lincklaen, who founded and named Cazenovia for Cazenove.
Incidentally, Lincklaen built Lorenzo mansion, which remained in his family until the 1960's. It is now a state historic site and still commands an incredible view from the south end of Cazenovia Lake. He and his family are the same Lincklaens for whom the Lincklaen House, Lincklaen Street, and the town of Lincklaen (Chenango County) are named.
Thanks, Mr. Bond, for the opportunity to tell this story.
Posted by jimj at June 12, 2006 07:17 PM | TrackBack