By: Jason Gerber

The story of the Concklin family is a remarkable journey through time, beginning in the 16th century with a small group of glassmakers in England and culminating in a thriving farm that has lasted more than 300 years. 

The Concklin family’s history in America begins with two brothers, Ananias and John Concklin, who were born in Nottinghamshire, England. In 1638, the brothers, both skilled glassmakers, made the arduous journey across the Atlantic to settle in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. At that time, the colonies desperately needed craftsmen, and glassmaking was a highly valued skill.

In Salem, Massachusetts, the Concklin brothers established a glassmaking enterprise with several other artisans. However, life in the New World was challenging, and by the 1640s, the glasshouse they helped found was no longer viable. The family shifted their focus from glassmaking to farming, as land and agricultural opportunities were more promising. This marked the beginning of the Concklin family’s deep connection to the land, a relationship that would define them for generations.

Migration and Settlement

By the mid-1600s, Ananias and John Concklin had relocated to Long Island, New York, a region offering fertile land and better prospects for farming. The family’s descendants continued to spread throughout the region, eventually settling in Rockland County, where they would establish a long-lasting agricultural legacy.

In the early 1700s, two of Ananias’s descendants, Samuel and Nicholas Concklin, were the first to purchase land in what would become the Orchards of Concklin, a farm that still operates today. Located in Pomona, New York, the Concklins’ land grant came as part of the Cheesecock Patent of 1702. The farm’s rich soil and strategic location near the Hudson River made it ideal for fruit farming.

The Orchards of Concklin

The Concklin family became one of the most well-known farming families in Rockland County. Over the centuries, the family cultivated a variety of crops, but the farm became especially renowned for its apple orchards. As transportation routes improved, particularly with the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Palisades Parkway in the mid-20th century, the Orchards of Concklin expanded its reach to regional markets.

For generations, the family farm has been passed down from father to son, a tradition that continues today with Richard Ervin Concklin and his nephew Scott Hill. The farm, now in its 300th year of continuous operation, is among the oldest farms in Rockland County. It stands as a living reminder of the Concklin family’s resilience and commitment to preserving their land and heritage.

The Revolutionary War and the Concklins’ Patriotic Roots

The Concklins were outspoken Patriots, with several family members serving in the war. Isaac Concklin, born in 1736, served as a captain in the 4th Regiment from Dutchess County, New York, playing a role in the fight for independence.

Rockland County itself was a significant battleground during the war, with the nearby Battle of Stony Point in 1779 marking a crucial victory for the American forces. The Concklin family’s participation in the war further cemented their status as key figures in the region’s history.

Conclusion

The Concklin family’s journey from glassmakers in England to one of Rockland County’s most well-known farming families is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and deep-rooted tradition. From their early struggles in colonial America to their thriving farm today, the Concklins have left an indelible mark on the history of the region.

To look deeper into this rich family history and explore the personal stories, genealogical charts, and treasured family documents, you can buy and read The Olden Days: My Mother’s Family History 1594 -1997, written by Beverly Schultz Csordas. 

Published by: Nelly Chavez