It is my understanding that the Colonial (rebel) government of the State (Colony) of NY offered land grants to some who served or signed up to serve in the Continental Army instead of cash it didn't have. Usually this wasn't very good land located mostly in "the wilderness" and had to be cleared before settling on it. This particular land is near where Elmira is today. The indigenous people fought on the side of the British and were defeated and, like the Tories, didn't fare well after the war was over. [Side note, some of these same tribes fought on the side of the French during the French and Indian War and that didn't work out well for them, either.]

Shooting from the hip here, recall most land in pre revolution days was held by the royal government (king) and parceling it out was by kings agents by various means. After the war the kings lands fell into the stewardship (ownership) of the colonies (states), who then parceled it out as we see today. Whether or not these governments had some "right" to grant such land may be argued until the cows come home, but the whole thing is moot because history has given us what we have.

Yes and Jackson ended the 2nd.

Aha! Thank you.

Ouch! I've actually herded ducks out of the road near where I live, but never had problems with vehicles. Most folks just smile and wave.