In July 1680, New Paltz Patentee Christian Deyo purchased an enslaved African man named Jack from a New York City physician named Hartman Wessels. Nine years later, Christian's son, New Paltz Patentee Pierre Deyo, purchased an enslaved African woman named Betty from a trafficker of enslaved people in New York City named James Barré. These are the first recorded purchases of enslaved people by the European founders of New Paltz following the community's establishment in 1677, making Jack and Betty the earliest recorded African residents of the town.  

In June of 2025, HHS, the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center, and the Ulster County Historian commemorated Jack and Betty’s lives, sacrifices, and bravery by installing permanent memorial markers on Historic Huguenot Street. 

On Saturday, February 7th, 2026, we will honor and remember the lives of Jack and Betty at the site of their commemorative Witness Stone markers, on the property where they once lived.  

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to the following day: Sunday, February 8th, 2026. 

The program will include African drumming, libation, presentations, a prayer of remembrance, and offerings to the ancestors. 

This is a free community event. Please let us know you’re coming by RSVP’ing here: 

Jack & Betty’s Witness Stones research, development, and installation were sponsored by Devine Insurance and partially funded by the Deyo Family Association.

HHS’s public programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.