1887

June 10, 1887. Independent Advertiser (Nyack, N.Y.)
 Obituary. Samuel A. Vervalen
Samuel A. Vervalen died at his residence on Front Street, in this village on Wednesday morning having nearly completed the seventy-seventh year of his age.  He was the oldest of three brothers, two of whom survive him.  He had been suffering for two or three years from heart troubles, but as he was precise and methodical in his habits he had not been considered in immediate danger.  An attack of indigestion and other trouble threw a strain on the system that caused paralysis of the heart. 

Captain Sammy, as he was familiarly called, being by trade a ship builder, visited this village from Tappan in the winter of 1834.  He assisted in building the “Adilade,” and from that time made Haverstraw his home.  He became Pilot of the steamboat “Rockland” then running from here; afterward Pilot of the “Warren,” (the successor of the “Orange”) of which he was also Captain. He was associated with the memorable Captain Isaac P. Smith, and the lamented Capt. Richard A. Blanch.  He was associated with his brother, R. A. Vervalen, in the foundry and machine works.

He was a steadfast and reliable friend and was a general favorite among his river friends, always ready to lend his aid.  Often when Mr. Conklin was unable to be at his post he would take his position at the wheel of the “Chrystenah."

​Plain and unostentatious in his manner there was cheer in his voice and presence.  His loss will be felt by many in the community who will ever hold him in kind remembrance.

​The remains were interred in Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, N. Y. — Haverstraw Sentinel