Sleight Farm History
Sleight Farm
Ten Generations of Farming, Community Service, and Local History in LaGrange, New York
The Sleight Farm on Overlook Road in the Town of LaGrange, New York, was one of Dutchess County's longest continuously operated family farms. Beginning with land purchased in 1765, the farm remained in the Sleight family for more than 220 years and ten generations, serving as both a productive dairy farm and a center of civic leadership in the community.
The Beginning: 1765
The story of Sleight Farm begins in 1765 when Abraham Sleight purchased approximately 240 acres at a sheriff's sale. The Sleight family had previously lived in Kingston, New York, after emigrating from Holland.
The farm would remain in family ownership for over two centuries, becoming one of the oldest continuously operated farms in Dutchess County.
Jacobus Sleight and the Revolutionary Era
Abraham's son, Jacobus Sleight, was a veteran of the American Revolution. Historical records note that he served at Fort Montgomery, Fort Constitution, White Plains, and other military posts during the war.
In 1798 Jacobus built the stone Dutch Colonial farmhouse that still stands today at 191 Overlook Road. The house became the centerpiece of the family farm and remained the family's homestead for generations.
Family tradition recalls that Jacobus eloped with Elsie DeReimer after her father objected to their marriage because of their age difference. The couple married in East Fishkill and established their life at the farm.
Growth of the Farm
In 1831 Jacobus's son Peter Sleight expanded the farm by building the large barn east of the farmhouse and a tenant house along what is now Sleight-Plass Road.
Throughout the nineteenth century the farm developed into a substantial agricultural enterprise and became one of the best-known dairy farms in the Town of LaGrange.
Civil War Service and Public Leadership
David Sleight, grandson of Jacobus, commanded the 150th Dutchess County Regiment and was killed at the Battle of Averasboro, North Carolina, near the end of the Civil War.
Alexander Wheeler Sleight served five non-consecutive terms as Supervisor of the Town of LaGrange, becoming one of the community's most influential civic leaders.
David Barnes Sleight accumulated significant wealth through farming and investments, although much was lost during the Great Depression.
The Family Tree
- Abraham Sleight — Purchased the farm in 1765.
- Jacobus Sleight — Revolutionary War veteran; built the stone farmhouse in 1798.
- Peter Sleight — Built the large barn and tenant house in 1831.
- David Sleight — Civil War officer killed at Averasboro in 1865.
- Alexander Wheeler Sleight — Five-term LaGrange Supervisor.
- David Barnes Sleight — Farmer and businessman during the early twentieth century.
- Francis E. Sleight (1919–1989) — Last member of the family to actively operate the farm.
Francis E. Sleight
Francis E. Sleight devoted his life to farming and public service. He served for 32 years on the LaGrange Planning Board, including 23 years as chairman. During his tenure he helped guide LaGrange's transformation from a rural farming community into a rapidly growing suburb.
In recognition of his service, the LaGrange Lions Club named him Citizen of the Year in 1988. He was also active in Republican politics, the Dutchess County Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension, the Rural Cemetery Association, and numerous civic organizations.
— Howard Cramer, former LaGrange Supervisor
Francis was the final family member to operate the farm. Economic pressures and changing times eventually made continued agricultural operation impossible, and the property was sold in 1986.
The End of Farming
After more than two centuries of agricultural production, the Sleight family dispersed and the economics of farming made continued operation difficult. The original 250-acre farm was sold in 1986.
Development gradually replaced portions of the former farmland, including pastures where dairy cattle once grazed.
Preserving the Farmhouse
Although the farm ceased operations, the historic 1798 stone farmhouse survived. By the late 1990s the building underwent extensive restoration aimed at preserving its original character while adapting it for modern use.
Local preservationists recognized the farm's importance as one of the oldest surviving agricultural properties in Dutchess County. The house remains a physical reminder of more than 220 years of local history.
Today, the restored farmhouse stands as a testament to the generations of Sleight family members who lived, farmed, served their community, and helped shape the history of LaGrange.