I live in Arizona and enjoy researching cemeteries and family histories. I do my best to make sure the information I add to memorials is accurate, but if you notice something that you believe may be incorrect, please let me know. I am always happy to double-check my sources and make corrections when needed.

TRANSFER POLICY: YES! I WILL TRANSFER — PLEASE, PLEASE ASK ME!

1. I DO NOT follow Find a Grave's relationship recommendation when considering transfers.

Please don't hesitate to ask for a transfer—even if you are requesting multiple memorials or a dozen or more. I am not bothered by the number of requests and am always glad when a memorial can be placed with someone who will care for it.

I often "adopt" memorials that have been released for adoption on Find a Grave, so most of the memorials I manage are for people with whom I have no personal connection. When I adopt a memorial, I will often research several generations of the family and, when possible, adopt additional family members as well.

I am happy to help keep these memorials connected to their families and to make sure the information is preserved and cared for. ❤️

Let's help the next family member or researcher.

When we add the family links we know, we make it easier for the next person who visits a memorial to understand the family's history. When family members are not connected, someone else may have to repeat research that has already been done.

If we have the information, let's take the time to add it while it is still available and remembered. Every family connection we add makes Find a Grave easier to navigate and helps others discover their family history.

The easier the site is to use, the more people will use it—and the more useful and valuable it can become for everyone.

If you believe you have a family connection to a memorial I manage, please ask about a transfer. I am very willing to work with you!

I have also spent a great deal of time researching my own family tree and have been fortunate enough to discover connections to many interesting and important figures in history, particularly those from back East.

One of the family connections I am most proud of is to Andrew Corsa, whose Find a Grave Memorial ID is 36412377. Discovering this connection has made my family history research even more meaningful and has given me the opportunity to learn more about the people and stories that came before us.

Family history is such a fascinating journey, and I truly enjoy uncovering these connections and preserving the stories of those who came before us.

• Andrew Corsa 1762-1852
• 5th great-grandfather
• Jonathan "John" Jacob Corsa 1796-1876
• Son of Andrew Corsa
• Helen Corsa 1824-1890
• Daughter of Jonathan "John" Jacob Corsa
• Thomas Ward Sr 1858-1934
• Son of Helen Corsa
• Sampson Laurence Ward 1891-1965
• Son of Thomas Ward Sr
• Arthur Vincent Ward 1927-2012
• Son of Sampson Laurence Ward
• Lillian Marguarite Ward 3,450 cM 1950-
• Daughter of Arthur Vincent Ward
• Sheryl Lynn Lund
• You are the daughter of Lillian Marguarite Ward

Genealogical Summary: Andrew Corsa (1762–1852)

Vital Statistics

• Born: January 24, 1762, in the Manor of Fordham (now Bronx, New York).
• Died: November 21, 1852 (Age 90/91).
• Burial: St. John's Cemetery, Yonkers, New York.

Parentage

• Father: Isaac Corsa (A Loyalist who served as a Captain during the French and Indian War).

Marriages

• First Marriage: c. 1783 to Helena (or Maria) Bussing.
• Second Marriage: October 12, 1792, to Mary Poole.

Children (per DAR records)

• James: Married Mary Walton.
• John: Married Dorcas Varian.
• Isaac: Married Eliza M. X.
• Mary Helenor: Married Jackson Poole.

Military Service

• Rank: Private, Continental Army.
• Unit/Role: Westchester Guide.
• Key Service: Provided scouting and reconnaissance for General Washington and General Rochambeau during the July 1781 campaign in Westchester County, a vital period leading up to the Yorktown campaign.

Andrew Corsa (January 24, 1762 – November 21, 1852): A Life of Patriotism, Service, and Legacy

Andrew Corsa was born on January 24, 1762, on the historic Rose Hill Farm in Fordham, New York, an area rich with family history dating back to Dutch settlers in the late 17th century. His family had deep roots in Westchester County, with his grandfather, Benjamin Fletcher Corsa, born around 1692, and his father, Captain Isaac Corsa, who held a British military commission during the colonial era.

Despite his father's allegiance to the British Crown, Andrew's own convictions led him to support American independence. During the American Revolution, he distinguished himself as a brave and resourceful guide, scout, and spy for the Continental forces and their French allies. His intimate knowledge of the passes around Kingsbridge, Fordham, and Morrisania made him an invaluable asset.

Revolutionary Service and Key Contributions:

At just 19 years old, Andrew played a vital role in the Grand Reconnaissance of July 1781, guiding General Washington, Rochambeau, and other French and American officers through the Bronx to assess British positions. His expertise in navigating the terrain allowed the Allied forces to plan their movements effectively.

He participated in reconnaissance missions that involved active engagement with British and Hessian outposts, often riding on horseback through dangerous territory under enemy fire. His bravery was acknowledged by his peers and commanders.

Corsa was known for his sharp memory and detailed knowledge of the military operations along the British lines, which he continued to recount with vivid detail well into his later years.

Post-War Life and Farming:

After the Revolution, his family's lands were sold due to debts and legal issues, notably involving Robert Watts and the Watts family. The family farm, once a Dutch heritage site, was transformed into the estate "Rose Hill" by Robert Watts, and the original family farm was lost.

Undeterred, Andrew purchased land adjacent to his family farm. Through hard work and management, he was able to clear his debts and develop successful fruit cultivation, especially apples and pears. He developed a new pear variety, the "Corsian Vergaloo," which bore his name.

Personal Life:

Andrew married twice. His first wife was Helena Bussing, and they had two children. After her passing, he married Mary Poole in 1792, with whom he had ten children. His family included Isaac, John, Deborah, Martha, Letitia, Hannah, Elizabeth, Amelia, James, Mary M., and Solomon.

Community and Legacy:

Andrew was a devout member of the Reformed Dutch Church at Fordham for many years.

Corsa Avenue in the Bronx commemorates his contributions as a Westchester Guide to Washington during the Revolutionary War.

He was known for his simple, patriarchal manners, and was regarded as a generous and upright citizen.

He died at the impressive age of 90 in Yonkers, New York, on November 21, 1852, after a life dedicated to service, family, and community.

Additional Notes:

Andrew was among the last of the "Westchester Guides," a group of scouts and spies critical to the American war effort.

His life story reflects a transition from colonial loyalty to revolutionary patriotism, shaping his legacy as a patriot and community leader.

His descendants and the local community continue to honor his memory, notably through Corsa Avenue and historical records.

I would like to say "THANK YOU" to all the Find-A-Grave volunteers who have taken headstone pictures for not only myself but also for others who are looking for their loved ones. What you do is so important to anyone working on finding their loved ones.

***** If something should happen to me, Please pass my memorials to CRGH Find a Grave ID51372110 or Robyn Blackwell Bingham Find a Grave ID 49465382 *****