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Full text of "The annals of Albany"

Ml NSELL, JOEL, an American printer, was born 
at .Ncrthfield, Mass., April 14, 1808. He settled at 
Albany m 1827, and published the Albany Minerva in 
28. He afterwards published various papers, weekly 
and daily. He thoroughly studied the art of printing, 
practically and historically. A large part of his valul 
able collection of works relating to the history of print- 
ing was purchased for the New York State Li&ary 
He has edited and published Annals of (kfeST(tO 
vok, 1850-58), and several other works o^-fcVhis- 

#857); 
(1858). 
societies 



> - ~ v / J * ^ ^J, IVi V/UH^i. 

: Chronology of Paper and Pa 

Every- Day Rook of History and ,,. 

H<- published many antiquarian works 

and individuals. He died Jan. 15. 1880 




Presented to the 

LIBRARY of the 

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 

by 

3ITTA.7.IO LEGISLATIVE LI3PJL1Y 







^L I 





ANNALS OF ALBANY. 



BY JOEIvMUNSELL. 



VOL. I. 




SEEN BY 

PRESERVATION 
SERVICES 



DATE 



ALBANY; 

J. MUNSELL, 58 STATE STREET. 
1850. 




LA 




PEEFACE. 



This work was begun as an annual publication, in the 
year 1849, and the contents of this volume were principally 
comprised in the Albany Annual Register of the years 
1849 and 1850. In this edition a part of the ephemeral 
articles of the first have been omitted, and historical and 
antiquarian matter substituted. The principal aim of the 
work was to preserve the memory of the time-honored 
institutions of the city. The form of a periodical was 
adopted for the convenience of continuing the publication 
from time to time as facts should be collected, and in the 
hope of enlisting others to collect materials. The coopera- 
tion of all who may take an interest in such matters is 
still solicited, in collecting whatever may tend to throw 
light upon the past, as well as to preserve authentic memo- 
rials of the present. Ancestral papers, of an historical, 
genealogical or statistical character ; memoirs of eminent 
citizens deceased ; historical accounts of religious, literary, 
charitable and benevolent institutions ; also of public and 
private corporations ; maps and charts of the city at dif- 
ferent periods, or of portions of it ; descriptions of antiqui- 
ties, and rare and curious relics ; in short, whatever, con- 
nected with the ancient or modern history of Albany, shall 
tend to illumine the path or lighten the labors of the future 
historian, will be duly appreciated. These are the main 



6 Preface. 

objects of the work, although other departments have been 
introduced, in keeping with the original plan, which will 
be omitted in the future volumes. A synopsis of the events 
of each year is given, descending sometimes to particulars 
which may, perhaps, be considered trivial by some readers. 
Undoubtedly many omissions will be observed of matters 
necessary to give completeness to the articles introduced ; 
we shall be glad to receive from those who may notice 
errors or omissions, the sum of their knowledge, for future 
use. Above all, we crave a liberal share of patience at 
the public offices, and of the oldest inhabitant, to whom we 
are already indebted for many favors, and much valuable 
information. We hope to be instrumental in arresting 
much that is perishable from entire oblivion, and out of 
the abundance of material at hand propose to compile a 
volume annually. 



CONTENTS. 



Discovery and first voyage up Hudson's River, 1609, 9 

Names of settlers in Rensselaerswyck, from 1630 to 1646, 15 

Sentence of Willem Juriansen Bakker, 24 

Mayors of Albany from 1684 to 1849, 25 

Streets, lanes, alleys, $c., 1849, 26 

An act for the division and equalization of the wards, 28 

Banks, with historical reminiscences, 31 

Insurance companies, 34 

Clergy, 1848, 35 

Practicing attorneys, 1848, 36 

Practicing Physicians, 1848, 37 

Albany charter officers, 1686, 37 

Officers of the city of Albany, 1848-9, 38 

Officers of companies and societies, 1848-9, 39 45 

Custom House, 46 

Mohawk and Hudson Rail Road, 46 

Income and expenditures of the city, 1842 to 1848, 48 

County officers, 1848, 49 

Alphabetical list of counties, towns and post-offices, 50 

Stage and mail routes in olden time, 56 

Principal routes of travel diverging from Albany, 61 

Public offices, buildings, c., . . 71 226 

Albany Academy, 75 

Albany Female Academy, 80 

State Normal School. 84 297 

Houses in Albany, 1786, 85 

Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Albany, 86 

Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church, 122 

German Evangelical Lutheran Church, 129 293 

First Presbyterian Church, 130 

Bethel for Watermen, 133 

Jewish Synagogues, 134 

Universalist Church, 135 

Ancient Albany, 137 

City of Albany, 138 

County of Albany, 142 

Albany County Penitentiary, 149 

Commission of John Abeel, 152 

Lights and shadows of travelling in New York fifty years ago, 153 



8 Contents. 

Chronicle of events in Albany, 1847-8, 159 

Colony of Rensselaerswyck, from 1614 to 1646, 183 

Kiliaen van Rensselaer, 203 

Executors of Jeremias van Rensselaer, 204 

Arent van Curler, 205 

Correctors of Rensselaerswyck, 1630, 206 

Business directory, 1849, 209 

Albany County Bible Society, . , , 229 

List of freeholders of the city and county of Albany, 1720, 231 

Dutch church burials, 1722 to 1757, 235 

Family record from Groesbeck Bible, 249 

Biographical sketch of Gen. Philip Schuyler, 250 

Ancient commerce of Albany, 258 

Voyage of an Albany sloop to China, 261 

Visit of Peter Kalm to Albany, 1749, , ^62 

Harmanus Bleecker, 276 

Vanderheyden Palace, 278 

The Wendell House, 280 

The Stevenson House, 283 

State Street in 1792, 285 

A Canadian invasion, 288 

A scene of the Revolution in Albany, 289 

Births, marriages and deaths, 1848, 295 

Civil officers of the city of Albany, 1693, 302 

Operation of the cheap postage system in Albany, 1845, 303 

Barlow's prediction of the Erie Canal, 1787, 304 

Description of Albany in 1823, , , . . , 305 

Distances of county towns from Albany, 313 

Dr. Morse's description of Albany, 1789, 314 

Albany in 1796, 316 

Corporations and associations, 1849, 31 7 

An Albany merchant's stock in 1790, 322 

Hudson River, .... 324 

Books in 1772, ,.,... 325 

Closing and opening of the river since 1785, 326 

Incidents of a northern winter. . , 328 

Opening and closing of canal, 1824 to 1849, ,..'.. 329 

Celebration of the adoption of the constitution, 1788, 330 

Cold days sixty years ago, 329 

Centennial anniversary, 335 

Memoranda of 1784-5, , , , 336 

Conditions and prospects of the city in 1789, 338 

A Tobacco establishment of 1790, 339. 

Annals of Albany for 1 849, 341 

Schedule of real and personal estate, 1847, 367 

Bond of the aldermen of Schenectady, 1766, 368 

Index , , , ', . . , , 3 



ANNALS OF ALBANY. 



DISCOVERY AND FIRST VOYAGE UP HUDSON RIVER. 

The third Voyage of Master HENRY HVDSON toward Noua Zembla, and 
at his returne, his passing from Farre I lands, to New-found Land, 
and along to fortie four degrees and ten minutes, and thence to Cape 
Cod, and so to thirtie three degrees; and along the Coast to the North- 
ward, to fortie two degrees and an halfe, and vp the Riuere neere to 
fortie three degrees. Written by ROBERT IVET, of Lime-house. 

Henry Hudson sailed from Amsterdam on the 20th March, 1609, o. s., 
in the yacht Half-Moon, with a crew of about twenty Dutch and English 
sailors, on a voyage for the discovery of a north-west passage to India. 
He encountered ice and storms, which disabled his vessel, and about the 
middle of July ran into Penobscot bay, on the coast of Maine. From 
thence he proceeded along the coast southerly till he arrived at Chesapeake 
bay about the middle of August, when he tacked about and coasted north- 
ward until, on the third of September, at three o : clock in the afternoon, 
he came to three great rivers, and stood for the northernmost. Proceeding 
leisurely, on the sixth he passed through the Narrows, and was attacked 
by the Indians, who killed John Coleman, one of his men, who was buried 
at Coleman's point, at Sandy hook. On the ninth the vessel arrived in 
New York harbor, which they perceived to be a very good one for all 
winds, and rode all night. 4 

On the twelfth of September, at two o'clock in the afternoon, Hudson 
weighed anchor, and began the memorable ascent of the great river which 
perpetuates his name. He proceeded two leagues against the wind, and 
came to anchor. Twenty-eisrht canoes full of men, women and children 
came out from the shore, of whom the mariners were wary. They brought 
oysters and beans, and had "great tabacco pipes of yellow r copper, and 
pots of earth to dresse their meate in." The remainder of the narrative 
is copied verbatim from the edition published by the New York Historical 
Society, Transactions, i, 138, et seq. 

The thirteenth, faire weather, the wind northerly. At seuen of the 
clocke in the morning, as the floud came we weighed, and turned foure 
miles into the Riuer. The tide being done wee anchored. Then there 
came foure canoes aboord : but we suffered none of them to come into our 
ship. They brought great store of very good oysters aboord, which wee 
bought for trifles. In the night I set the variation of the compasse, and 
found it to be 13 degrees. In the afternoone we weighed, and turned in 
with the floud two leagues and a halfe further, and anchored all night, 
and had fiue fathoms soft ozie ground, and had an high point of land, 
which shewed out to us bearing north by east fiue leagues off vs. 



10 Voyage of Henry Hudson, 1609. 

The fourteenth, in the morning being very faire weather, the wind 
south-east, we sayled vp the Riuer twelue leagues, and had fiue fathoms 
and fme fathoms and a quarter lesse; and came to a streight between two 
points, and had eight, nine, and ten fathoms: and it trended north-east 
by north, one league, and we had twelue, thirteene and fourteene fa- 
thomes. The Riuer is a mile broad : there is very high land on both 
sides. Then wee went vp north-west, a league and an halfe deepe water. 
Then north-east by north fiue miles, then north-west by north two leagues, 
and anchored. The land grew very high and mountainous. The river is 
full of fish. 

The fifteenth, in the morning was misty vntil the Sunne arose: then it 
cleered. So wee weighed with the wind at south, and ran vp into the 
Riuer twentie leagues, passing by high Mountaines. Wee had a very good 
depth, as six, seuen, eight, nine, ten, twelue and thirteen fathoms, and 
great store of Salmons in the Riuer. This morning our two Sauages got 
out of a port and swam away. After we were vnder sayle they called to 
vs in scorne. At night we came to other Mountaines, which lie from 
the Riuers side. There we found very louing people, and very old men: 
where wee were well vsed. Our Boat went to fish, and caught great store 
of very good fish. 

The sixteenth, faire and very hot weather. In the morning our Boat 
went againe to fishing, but could catch but few, by reason their Canoes 
had beene there all night. This morning the people came aboord, and 
brought vs eares of Indian Corne, and Pompions, and Tabacco: which wee 
bought for trifles. Wee rode still all day, and filled fresh water; at night 
wee weighed and went two leagues higher, and had shoald water : so wee 
anchored till day. 

The seuenteenth, faire Sun-shining weather, and very hot. In the 
morning as soon as the Sun was vp, we set sayle, and ran vp six leagues 
higher, and found shoalds in the middle of the channell, and small Hands, 
but seuen fathoms water on both sides. Toward night we borrowed so 
neere the shoare, that we grounded : so we layed out our small anchor, 
and heaued off againe. Then we borrowed 1 on the banke in the channell, 
and came aground againe ; while the floud ran we heaued off againe, and 
anchored all night. 

The eighteenth, in the morning was faire weather, and we rode still. 
In the after-noone our Master's Mate went on land with an old Sauage, a 
Gouernor of the Countrey; who carried him to his house and made him 
good cheere. 

The nineteenth, was faire and hot weather : at the floud, being neere 
eleuen of the clocke, wee weighed, and ran higher vp two leagues aboue 
the shoalds, and had no lesse water than fiue fathoms: wee anchored, and 
rode in eight fathomes. The people of the countrie came flocking aboord, 
and brought vs Grapes, and Pompions, which we bought for trifles. And 
many brought vs Beuers skinnes, and Otters skinnes, which wee bought 
for Beades, Kniues, and Hatchets. So we rode there all night. 

The twentieth, in the morning was faire weather. Our Masters Mate 
with foure men more went vp with our Boat to sound the Riuer, and 
found two leagues aboue vs but two fathoms water, and the channell very 
narrow; and aboue that place seuen or eight fathomes. Toward night 
they returned; and we rode still all night. 



Voyage of Henry Hudson, 1609. II 

The one and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind all southerly: 
we determined yet once more to goe farther up into the Riuer, to trie 
what depth and breadth it did beare ; but much people resorted aboord, so 
we went not this day. Our carpenter went on land and made a fore-yard. 
And our Master and his Mate determined to trie some of the chiefe men of the 
countrey, whether they had any treacherie in them. So they took them 
down into the cabbin, and gave them so much wine and aqua vitae, that 
they were all merrie; and one of them had his wife with him, which sat 
so modestly, as any of our countrey women would do in a strange place. 
In the end one of them was drunke, which had been aboord of our ship all 
the time that we had been there : and that was strange to them , for they 
could not tell how to take it. The canoes and folke went all on shoare ; 
but some of them came againe, and brought stropes of Beades : some had 
six, seven, eight, nine, ten; and gaue him. So he slept all night quietly. 

The two and twentieth was faire weather : in the morning our Masters 
Mate and foure more of the companie went vp with our Boat to 
sound the Riuer higher vp. The people of the countrey came not aboord 
till noone : but when they came, and saw the Sauages well, they were 
glad. So at three of the elocke in the after-noone they came aboord, and 
brought Tabacco, and more Beades, and gaue them to our Master, and 
made an Oration, and shewed him all the countrey round about. Then 
they sent one of their companie on land, who presently returned, and 
brought a great Platter full of Venison, dressed by themselues; and they 
caused him to eate with them : then they made him reuerence, and de- 
parted all saue the old man that lay aboord. This night at ten of the 
elocke, our Boate returned in a showre of raine from sounding of the Riuer; 
and found it to bee at an end for shipping to goe in. For they had beene 
vp eight or nine leagues, and found but seuen foot water, and vnconstant 
soundings. 

The three and twentieth faire weather. At twelue of the elocke wee 
weighed, and went downe two leagues to a shoald that had two channels, 
one on the one side, and another on the other, and had little wind, whereby 
the tide layed vs upon it. So, there wee sate on the ground the space of 
an houre till the floud came. Then we had a little gale of wind at the 
west. So wee got our ship into deepe water, and rode all night very 
well. 

The foure and twentieth was faire weather: the winde at the north- 
west, wee weighed and went downe the Riuer seuen or eight leagues; 
and at halfe ebbe wee came on ground on a bank of oze in the middle of 
the Riuer, and sate there till the floud. Then wee went on land, and ga- 
thered good store of chestnuts. At ten of the elocke wee came off into 
deepe water, and anchored. 

The five and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south a stiffe 
gale. We rode still, and went on land to walke on the west side of the 
Riuer, and found good ground for Corne, and other garden herbs, with 
great store of goodly oakes, and walnut trees, and chestnut trees, ewe 
trees, and trees of sweet wood in great abundance, and great store of slate 
for houses, and other good stones. 

The sixe and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south a stiffe 
gale, we rode still. In the morning our carpenter went on land with our 
Masters Mate, and foure more of our companie to cut wood. This morn.-* 



12 Voyage of Henry Hudson, 1609. 

ing, two canoes came vp the Riuer from the place where we first found 
louing people, and in one of them was the old man that had lyen aboord 
of vs at the other place. He brought another old man with him, which 
brought more stropes of beades, and gave them to our Master, and shewed 
him all the countrey there about, as though it were at his command. So 
he made the two old men dine with him, and the old mans wife , for they 
brought two old women, and two young maidens of the age of sixteene or 
seuenteene yeeres with them, who behaued themselues very modestly. 
Our Master gaue one of the old men a Knife, and they gaue him and vs 
Tabacco. And at one of the clocke they departed down the Riuer, making 
signes that wee should come down to them 5 for wee were within two 
leagues of the place where they dwelt. 

The seuen and tweniieth, in the morning was faire weather, but much 
wind at the north, we weighed and set our fore top-sayle, and our ship 
would not flat, but ran on the ozie bank at halfe ebbe. Wee layed out 
anchor to heaue her off, but could not. ,. So we sate from halfe ebbe to halfe 
floud: then wee set our fore-sayle and mayne top-sayle, and got downe 
sixe leagues. The old man came aboord and would have had vs anchor, 
and goe on land to eate with him: but the wind being faire, wee would 
not yeeld to his request. So hee left vs, being very sorrowful for our de- 
parture. At flue of the clocke in the afternoone, the wind came to the 
south-south-west. So wee made a boord or two, and anchored in fourteene 
fathomes water. Then our Boat went on shoare to fish, right against the 
ship. Our Masters Mate and Boat-swaine, and three more of the com- 
panie went on land to fish, but could not finde a good place. They tooke 
foure or five and twenty Mullets, Breames, Bases, and Barbils; and re- 
turned in an houre. We rode still all night. 

The eight and twentieth, being faire weather, as soon as the day was 
light, we weighed at halfe ebbe, and turned downe two leagues belowe 
water ; for the streame doth runne the last quarter ebbe : then we anchored 
till high water.. At three of the clocke in the afternoone we weighed, 
and turned downe three leagues, vntill it was darke-, then wee anchored. 

The nine and twentieth was drie close weather: the wind at south, and 
south by west, wee weighed early in the morning, and turned downe three 
leagues by a lowe water, and anchored at the lower end of the long Reach , 
for it is sixe leagues long. Then there came certaine Indians in a canoe 
to vs, but would not come aboord. After dinner there came the canoe 
with other men, whereof three came aboord vs. They brought Indian 
wheat, which we bought for trifles. At three of the clocke in the after- 
noone we weighed, as soone as the ebbe came, and turned downe to the 
edge of the Mountaines, or the northermost of the Mountaines, and an- 
chored : because the high land hath many points, and a narrow channell, 
and hath many eddie winds. So we rode quietly all night in seuen fathoms 
water. 

The thirtieth was faire weather, and the wind at south-east a stifFe gale 
between the Mountaynes. We rode still the afternoone. The people of 
the countrey came aboord vs, and brought some small skinnes with them, 
which we bought for kniues and trifles. This a very pleasant place to 
build a towne on. The road is very neere, and very good for all winds, 
saue an east-north-east wind. The Mountaynes look as if some metall 
or minerall were in them. For the trees that grow on them were all 



Voyage of Henry Hudson, 1609. 13 

blasted, and some of them barren, with few or no trees on them. The 
people brought a stone aboord like to emery (a stone vsed by glasiers to 
cut glasse), it would cut iron or steele. Yet being bruised small, and 
water put to it. it made a colour like blacke lead glistering; it is also good 
for painters colours. At three of the clocke they departed, and we rode 
still all night. 

The first of October, faire weather, tha winde variable betweene the 
west and the north. In ihe morning we weighed at seuen of the clocke 
with the ebbe, and got downe below the Mountaynes, which was seuen 
leagues. Then it fellcalme and the flood was come,, and wee anchored at 
twelue of the clocke. The people of the Mountaynes came aboord vs, 
wondering at our ship and weapons. We bought some small skinnes of 
them for trifles. This afternoone, one canoe kept hanging vnder our 
sterne with one man in it, which we could not keepe from thence, who 
got vp by our rudder to the cabin window, and stole out my pillow and 
two shirts, and two bandeleeres. Our Masters Mate shot at him, and 
strooke him on the brest, and killed him. Whereupon all the rest fled 
away, some in their canoes, and some leapt out of them into the water. 
We manned our boat, and got our things againe. Then one of them that 
swamme got hold of our boat, thinking to ouerthrow it. But our cooke 
took a sword, and cut off one of his hands, and he was drowned. By this 
time the ebbe w r as come, and we weighed and got downe two leagues, by 
that time it was darke. So we anchored in foure fathomes water, and 
rode well. 

The seconde, faire weather. At break of day wee weighed, the wind 
being at north-west, and got downe seuen leagues-, then the floud was 
come strong, so we anchored. Then came one of the Sauages that 
swamme away from vs at our going vp the Riuer with many other, think- 
ing to betray vs. But we perceived their intent, and svffered none of 
them to enter our ship. Whereupon two canoes full of men, with their 
bowes and arrowes shot at vs after our sterne : in recompence whereof we 
discharged sixe muskets, and killed two or three of them. Then aboue 
an hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot at vs. There I shot 
a falcon at them, and killed two of them: whereupon the rest fle'd into 
the woods. Yet they manned off another canoe with nine or ten men, 
which came to meet vs. So I shot at it also a falcon, and shot it through 
and killed one of them. . Then our men with their muskets- killed three 
or four more of them. So they went their way; within a while after, wee 
got downe two leagues beyond that place, and anchored in a bay, cleere 
from all danger of them on the other side of the Riuer, where we saw a 
very good piece of ground : and hard by it there was a cliffe, that looked 
of the colour of a white greene, as though it were either copper, or siluer 
myne: and I think it to be one of them by the trees that grow vpon it. 
For they be all burned, and the other places are greene as grasse, it is on 
that side of the Riuer that is called Manna -hatta. There we saw no 
people to trouble vs : and rode quietly all night ; but had much wind and 
raine. 

The third, was very stormie; the wind at east-north-east. In the 
morning, in a gust of wind and raine, our anchor came home, and we 
droue on ground, but it was ozie. Then as we were about to haue out an 
anchor, the wind came to the north-north-west, and droue vs off againe. 



14 Voyage of Henry Hudson, 1609. 

Then we shot an anchor, and let it fall in foure fathomes water, and 
weighed the other. Wee had much wind and raine, with thicke weather, 
so we rode still all night. 

The fourth, was faire weather, and the wind at north-north-west, wee 
weighed and came out of the Riuer, into which we had runne so farre. 
Within a while after, wee came out also of The great mouth of the great 
Riuer, that runneth vp to the north-west, borrowing vpon the norther 
side of the same, thinking to haue deepe water: for wee had sounded a 
great way with our boat at our first going in, and found seuen, six, and fiue 
fathomes. So we came out that way, but we were deceiued, for we had 
but eight foot and an halfe water: and so to three, fiue, three, and two 
fathomes and an halfe. And then three, foure, fiue, sixe, seven, eight, 
nine and ten fathomes. And by twelue of the clocke we were cleere of 
all the inlet. Then we took in our boat, and set our mayne-sayle and 
sprit-sayle, and our top-sayles, and steered away east-south-east, and south- 
east by east, off into the mayne sea: and the land on the souther side of the 
bay or inlet, did beare at noone west and by south foure leagues from vs. 

The fift, was faire weather, and the wind variable between the north 
and the east. Wee held on our course south-east by east. At noone I 
obserued and found our height to bee 39 degrees 30 minutes. Our com- 
passe varied sixe degrees to the west. 

We continued our course toward England, without seeing any land by 
the way, all the rest of this moneth of October. And on the seuenth day 
of Nouember, stilo nouo, being Saturday, by the Grace of God, we safely 
arriued in the Range of Dartmouth, in Deuonshire, in the yeere 1609. 



Settlers of Rensstlaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 15 

NAMES OF SETTLERS IN RENSSELAERSWYCK. 

1630 TO 1646. 

'Compiled from the books of Monthly Wages and other MSS. See O'Callaghan's Hist. 
ofN. Netlierland, i ; 433. 

1630. 

Wolfert Gerritsen, superintendent of farms. 

Rutger Hendricksen van Soest, superintendent of the brewery. 

Seger Hejidricksen van Soest, shepherd and ploughman. 

Brandt Peelen van Nieukerke, schepen; had two daughters, Lisbet and 
Gerritje. The latter married Goosen Gerritsen van Schaick. The 
father died in 1644. He is mentioned by the Rev. Mr. Megapolensis - 
in his tract on the Maquaa Indians, and by Van der Donck in his 
Beschryvinge van N. N., as having raised wheat off one field in 
Rensselaerswyck eleven years in succession. The land was ploughed 
twelve times in that period ; twice the first and once every succeed- 
ing lyear, when the stubble was ploughed and the wheat sown and 
harrowed under. Van der Donck adds: "There are many thous- 
and morgens of as good land there as that of which we have spoken." 
Several descendants of this individual reside in Albany county, 
where they go by the name of Brandt. 

Simon Dircksen Pos, was one of Minuet's council in 1624; died in 1645. 

Jan Tyssen, trumpeter, Fort Orange. 

Andries Carstenssen, millwright. 

Laurens Laurenssen, \ 

Barent Tomassen, { sawyers. 

Arendt van Curler, was a magistrate of the colony until the time of his 
death, and one of the leaders of the settlement at Schenectady, 1641. 

Jacob Jansen Stol, succeeded Hendrick Albertzsen as ferry-master at 
Beverwyck. 

Mertin Gerrittsen van Bergen, married Neeltje Meynderts; his oldest 
son was Gerrit; his second, Myndert van Bergen. In the year 1668, 
he had a lease of Castle Island, called after him, Martin Gerritsen's 
Island, and in 1690 he lived south of that island, on the west side of 
the river. He had property in Katskili, Coxsackie,, and Albany, of 
which place he was magistrate for a long time. 

Claes Arissen. 

Roeloff Jansen van Maesterlandt, wife and family; came out as farmer 
to the Patroon, at $72 a year. The Rev. Ev. Bogardus,, of New 
Amsterdam, married his widow. 

Claes Claessen, his servant. Jacques Spierinck. 

Jacob Govertsen. Raynert Harmensen* 

Bastiaen Jansen Krol, Fort Orange. 

Albert Andriessen Bradt, de Noorman, married Annetje Barents, by 
whom he had eight children, viz. Barent-, Eva, (who m. Roeloff 
Swartwout;) Storm; Engeltje, (who m. Teunis Slingerland. of 
Onisquathaw;) Gisseltje, (who m. Jan van EecheleH;) Andries, Jan, 
and Dirck. The tradition is, that one of the above children was 



16 Settlers of Remselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 

born on ship-board, on the passage out, in the midst of a heavy 
storm, in consequence of which he was called Storm van der Zee. 
Barent Albertsen succeeded his father, in 1672, as lessee of the water 
privileges on the Normans Kill, for which he was to pay $ 150 a 
year; and Slingerland succeeded, in 1677, as lessee of the farm which 
his father had occupied until then on the above stream. Albert de 
Noorman died 7th June, 1686, and Swartwout, mentioning the oc- 
curence, says: he was "een van de oudste en eerste inwoonders 
der colonie Rensselaerswyck." At the time of his decease, he was 
proprietor of some lots arid houses on the island of Manhattans. It 
was after this man that the creek south of Albany was called the 
Noormans Kill. Many of his descendants are still met with in and 
around the latter city. 

1631. 

Maryn Adriaensen van Veere. This was the freebooter who afterwards 
played so prominent a figure in Kieft's time. 

Thomas Witsent. 

Gerrit Teunissen de Reus, schepen, had a well-stocked farm in Greenbush. 

Cornells Teunissen van Westbroek. 

Cornells Teunissen van Breukelen, Raedts persoon; the descendants of 
this man now call themselves van Brackelen. 

Johan Tiers. 

Jasper Ferlyn. 

Gerrit Willems Oosterum. 

Cornelis Maessen van Buren Maassen (in Galderland) and Catalyntje 
Martensen, his wife, came out in the ship Rensselaerswyck. In the 
passage out was born their first child, Hendrick; had besides him, 
four other children, viz. Martin, Maas, Steyntje, and Tobias, all of 
whom were living in the colonie in 1662. Steyntje married, 1663, 
Dirck Wessels, "free merchant here." The father had a farm at 
Papskenea. He and his wife died in 1648, and were both buried on 
the same day! (Beyde op eenen dagh zyn begraaven. MS.) 

Cornelis Teunissen Bos, bouwknecht to Cornelis Maassen, was commis- 
sary at Fort Orange previous to 1662. 

1634. 

Jan Labbadie, carpenter, native of France, was subsequently commissary 
to the Patroon, and after that held a like office at Fort Orange, 
under the company. He married the widow of Mr. Harman van der 
Bogaert. He came out previous to this year, and was part owner 
of the Garce. 

Robert Hendricksen. Adriaen Gerritsen. 

Lubert Gysbertsen, wheelwright. Jan Jacobsen. 

Jacob Albertzen Planck, officier, sheriff. Joris Houten, Fort Orange. 

Hendrick Cornelissen. 

Jan Jansen Dam, or Damen; married Ariaentje Cuvel. He removed 
subsequently to New Amsterdam, where he was elected one of the 
Eight Men-, amassed considerable wealth, and was one of the owners 
of the privateer La Garce. In 1649-50 he went to Holland with C. 



Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 17 

van Tienhoven, to defend Stuyvesant against the complaints of Van 
der Donck and others, and died on his return, 18th June, 1651. He 
does not seem to have had any children. He had three brothers, 
Cornells Jansen, Cuyper; Cornelis Jansen Damen-, and Willem 
Jansen Damen; and two sisters, Neiltje, and Hendrickje. He adopted 
the son of the last-named sister Jan Cornelis Buys who assumed 
his name, having been left 600 Car. guilders. Jan Damen, at his 
death, willed 400 Car. guilders to the poor of Bunick, province of 
Utrecht. The inventory of his personal property fills ten folio pages 
in the records. 

1635. 

Jan Terssen van Franiker. Juriaen Bylvelt. 

Jan Cornelissen, Carpenter. Johannes Verbeeck ; Raedt Persoon, 

1658, 1661. 

1636. 

Barent Pieterse Koyemans, alias Barent the Miller, entered the service 
of the first Patroon, at 30 guilders a year. Three brothers accom- 
panied him to Rensselaerswyck in 1636 : viz. David, Jacob, and Arent, 
who was a lad. It is presumed that they came originally from 
Utrecht. Barent worked in the Patroon's grist-mill until 1645, in 
the fall of which year he took charge, with Jan Gerritsen, his part- 
ner, (who came out with him,) of the Patroon's saw-mills, being al- 
lowed 150 gl. each a year for board, and 3 stivers a cut for every 
plank they sawed. He remained in this employment until 1647, 
having cut between three and four thousand boards in that time. 
Previous to 1650, he lived a little south of the 5th or Patroon's creek, 
and in 1655 took a nineteen years' lease of a farm of maize-land at 
24 gl. per annum. In 1657 he rented, in company with Cornelis 
Theunis van Breukelen, for three years, the Upper Mills, (as the 
mills on the Patroon's creek were called, in contradistinction to those 
on the Norman's kill.) which he leased on his own account in 1660 
for 13 years. This lease expired in 1673, about which time he 
purchased, by consent of the Commissioners at Albany, from the 
Katskill Indians, a large tract of land, some twelve or fifteen miles 
south of that city, on the west side of the river. The place had been 
known, for many years previous, as offering peculiar advantages for 
the erection of saw-mills, Cryn Cornelissen and Hans Jansen having 
erected saw-mills on the creek immediately north of Beeren Island 
as early as 1651. Coeymans had, no doubt, these advantages in 
view when he made his purchase, which began at a point on the 
shore called Sieskasin, opposite the middle of Jan Ryersens island 
called by the Indians Sapanakock, and ran south to the mouth of 
Pieter Bronck's kill, as Coxsackie creek was then called. Following 
up this creek to its head, the line then went west until it struck the 
head of the waters falling into the Hudson, all,the land on which be- 
longed to the Katskill Indians, the waters flowing west to the Scho- 
harie creek being the property of the Mohawks. The line then went 



18 Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 

northerly to the bounds of Rensselaerswyck, and thence returned to 
the Hudson River. A patent was obtained for this tract, twelve miles 
deep and some eight or ten front, from Gov. Lovelace, on 7th April, 
1673. But falling as it did within the original bounds of Van Rens- 
selaer's colonie, Coeymans purchased out the Patroon's claims, 22d 
Oct., 170G, agreeing to pay a quit-rent of nine shillings a year, and 
he finally obtained letters patent from Queen Anne, confirming the 
whole to him and his heirs forever, 6th Aug., 1714. This purchase 
now constitutes the ancient town of Coeymans, in the county of 
Albany. Barent Pietersen had five children Andreas, Samuel, 
Peter, Ariantje, and Jannitje. Andreas moved to the Raritans, New 
Jersey, where he purchased a considerable tract of land, and where 
some of the Coeymans still reside. Peter married twice : by his first 
wife he had Mayica, who married Andreas Witbeck; and Elizabeth, 
the wife of Jacob van Allen. By his second wife, Charlotte Amelia 
Drawyer, he had Gerritje, who married John Barclay, mayor of 
Albany; Anne Margaret, who married Peter Ten Eyck, and Char- 
lotte A., who married John Bronck. Mrs. Abraham Verplanck of 
Coeymans is grand-daughter to this Mrs. Bronck. All the descend- 
ants of Barent Coeymans, after the first generation in a direct line, 
were females. Owing to this singular circumstance, the family 
name is now extinct in this state. 

Pieter Cornelissen van Munnichendam, millwright. 

Dirck Jansen van Edam. Mauritz Jansen,) -p ,, 

Arent Andriessen van Frederickstad, Michel Jansen , f ^ 

This Michel brought out his wife and two children. Van Tienhoven 
says he came out as a "boereknecht," or servant. He amassed a 
fortune in a few years, in the fur-trade, but not being able to agree 
with the head men of the colonie, he removed, in 1646, to the island 
of Manhattans. He purchased Eversten Bout's farm in Pavonia, 
with some stock, for 8,000 gl., and was appointed one of the delegates 
to Holland in 1649, against the colonial administration, but owing to 
the unsettled state of his private affairs he could not accept that 
appointment. It was in a room in this man's house, in New Am- 
sterdam, that Van der Donk wrote his celebrated " Vertoogh," or 
Remonstrance against the maladministration of affairs in New 
Nether land. 

Jacob Jansen van Amsterdam. 

Simon Walings van der Belt; was killed at Pavonia, in 1648, by some 
savages from the south. 

Gysbert Claessen van Amsterdam. Hans Zevenhuyzen. 

Cristen Cristyssen Noorman van Adriaen Hubertsen. 

Vlecburgh and wife. Rynier Tymanssen van Edam. 

Tys Barentsen Schoonmaker van Ed:im. Thomas Jansen van Bunick. 

Cornelis Tomassen, smith, and wife. 

Arent Steveniersen, wife and two. children ; he married,, anno 1637, the 
widow of Cornelis Tomassen, by whom he had two, other children* 

Johan Latyn van Verduym. Claes Jansen van Nykerk;. 






Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 19 

Rutger Jacobsen van Schoenderwoerdt ; married in New Amsterdam, 
anno 1646, Tryntje Jansen van Briestede, (who died at her son's in 
Rosendal, in 1711). By her he had two daughters and one son. 
Margaret, one of the daughters, married, in 1667, Jan Jansen Bleeck- 
er, who came from Meppel, province of Overyssel, to America, 
In 1658, and was the ancestor of the present highly respectable 
Bleecker family in this state. Rutger Jacobson was a magistrate in 
Rensselaerswyck as early as 1648, and continued to fill that office 
as late as 1662, and perhaps later. He owned a vessel on the river 
in 1649, in which year he rented, in partnership with Goosen Ger- 
rittsen., the Patroon's brewery, at 450 gl. a year, payable in addition 
one guilder for every ton of beer which they brewed. This duty 
amounted in the first year to 230 gl., and in the following season 
they worked up 1,500 schepels of malt. On the 3d of June, 1656, 
he laid the corner-stone of the "new church," in Beverswyck, and 
we find him subsequently part proprietor of Pachonakelick, called 
by the Dutch Mohican's, or Long Island, below Bethlehem. He had 
the character of an upright citizen, and to his credit it must be add- 
ed, he rose by his honest industry from small beginnings. 

Ryckert Rutgerson-, was engaged, when he first came out, at 130 gl. per 
annum for a term of 6 years. In 1648 he took a 6 years' lease of 
Bethlehem Island, at 300 gl. per annum, besides the tenths. He re- 
ceived three horses, and two or three cows on halves, and the Pa- 
troon was to build him a barn and dwelling-house, he cutting and 
drawing the timber, and boarding the carpenters. He was exempt 
from rent and tithes for the first year. In 1652 he surrendered his 
lease to Jan Ryersen, after whom this island has since been named. 

N. B. The Settlers of 1636 came out in the ship Rensselaerswyck, hav- 
ing sailed from Holland on the 1st October of that year. 

1637. 

Jan Michaelsen van Edam, tailor, and his boy. 

Pieter Nicolaussen van Nordinge. 

Teunis Cornelissen van Vechten, succeeded Michel Jansen on his farm 
in 1646, and lived in 1648 in the south end of Greenbush. 

Burger Joris, smith, 

Jan Ryersen; the island situate opposite the junction of the towns of 
Bethlehem and Coeymans, on the Hudson, was called Jan Ryersen's 
island, in consequence of this man having lived there in 1652. 

Abraham Stevensen, surnamed Croaet, a boy. 

Cornells Teunissen van Merkerk. 

Goosen Gerritsen van Schaick; married, 1st, Gerritje Brants, daughter 
of Brant Peelen^, 2d, in July,, 1657, Annetje Lievens. He was a 
brewer in the colonie in 1649, in which year he accepted, after a 
good deal of solicitation, the office of magistrate, or Gerechts per- 
soon. Was afterwards one of the part owners of Nachtenack, the 
Indian name for the site of the present village of Waterford, Saratoga 
county. 

Willem Juriaeaen Bakker, was banished from the colonie in 1650, at 
the age af seventy years, in consequence ,of his repeated misdeeds. 



20 Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 

1638. 

Jan Dircksen van Amersfoort. Gerrit Hendricksen. 

Wybrant Pietersen. Cornells Leendertsen. 

Willem Meynten. Francis Allertsen, cooper. 

Martin Hendricksen van Hamelwaard. RoeloffCornelissenvanHouten. 

Adriaen Berghoorn. Volckert Jansen. 

Hendrick Fredricksen. Jacob Jansen Nostrandt. 

Christoffel Davits-, lived in 1650 on a farm at Dominie's Hoeck, now 
called Van Wie's Point. 

Claes Jansen Ruyter. Jacob Flodder, his man. 

Gysbert Adriaensen van Bunick; came out in the Key of Calmar. 

Teunis Dircksen van Vechten; came out with wife, child, and two ser- 
vants, in the "Arms of Norway," and had a farm in 1648 at Green- 
bush, north of that occupied by Teunis Cornelissen van Vechten. 
He is referred to in 1663 as "an old inhabitant here." 

1639. 

Jacob Adriaensen van Utrecht. Ryer Stoffelsen. 

Cryn Cornelissen; obtained a license in 1651 to erect a sawmill in com- 
pany with Hans Jansen van Rotterdam, on what is now Coeyman's 
Creek. 

Adam Roelantsen van Hamelwaard ; previously a schoolmaster in New 
Amsterdam. 

Sander Leendertsen Glen; married Catalyn Doncassen. He was one of 
the Indian traders at Beverswyck, and finally moved to Scotia, near 
Schenectada, of which tract he obtained a patent from Gov. Nicolls, 
in 1665. Reference is made probably to this gentleman by the 
French in their account of the burning of Schenectady, anno 1690, 
in the following terms: "At daybreak some men were sent to the 
dwelling of Mr. Sander, who was Major of the place at the other 
side of the river. He was not willing to surrender, and began to 
put himself on the defensive, with his servants and some Indians. 
But as it was resolved not to do him any harm, in consequence of 
the good treatment which the French had formerly experienced at 
his hands, M. d'Iberville and the great Agniez proceeded thither 
alone, promised him quarter for himself, his people and property, 
whereupon he laid down his arms on parole." 

Pieter Jacobsen and wife. Johan Poog. 

Gilles Barentsen. Claes Jansen van Breda. 

Cornelis Spierinck. Class Tyssen. 

1640. 

Nys Jacobsen. Jannitje Teunissen. 

Jan Teunissen, carpenter. 

Teunis Jacobsen van Schoenderwordt, brother to Rutger Jacobsen ; had 
90 gl. a year salary for the first three years, and 100 for the next 
three. He became a trader in 1651. 

Andries Hubertsen Constapel van derBlaes; married Annetje Juriaen- 
sen; owned a tile kiln in Beverswyck, and died in 1662. 



Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 21 

Andries de Vos, brother-in-law to Barent Pieterse Coeymans-, was 
Gerechts persoon, or magistrate, in 1648. 

Adriaen Teunissen van der Belt. Jan Creynen. 

Jan Jansen van Rotterdam; was killed in the Indian war, 1644. 

Jacob Jansen van Campen. Cornells Keyne van Houtten. 

Jan Cornelissen van Houtten. Claes Gerritsen. 

1641. 

Adriaen van der Donck, officier, or Sheriff. 

Cornells Antonissen van Slyck, alias Broer Cornelissen, was the first 
patentee of Katskill, anno 1646. Van Slyck's Island, opposite Sche- 
nectada, was so called after one of his sons, Jacques, to whom it 
was granted, 13th Nov., 1662, by Director Stuyvesant. 

Claes Gysbertsen. Joris Borrelingen, Engelsman. 

Jacob Wolfertsen, Claes Jansen van Ruth. 

Tennis de Metselaer. 

Cornelis Cornelissen van Schoonderwoerdt, alias " Vosje." 

1642. 

Dominie Johannes Megapolensis, Jun., 
Matheld Willemsen, his wife, 

Hellegond, Dirck, Jan, and Samuel, their children. Samuel M., 
the last named son, was sent to Harvard;College in 1657 ; spent three 
years there, and then proceeded to the University of Leyden, where 
he was licensed, in 1662, as a minister, and obtained the degree of 
M. D. On his return, he became Collegiate pastor of the church 
at New Amsterdam, and was appointed by Gev. Stuyvesant one of 
the commissioners to negotiate with the British the articles relating 
to the capitulation of the Province. Rev. Dr. De Witt. 

Abraham Staes, surgeon. 

Evert Pels van Steltyn, brewer, and wife; lived at the Mill Creek, 
Greenbush. 

Cornelis Lambertsen van Doom. Joachim Kuttelhuys van Cremyn. 

Johan Helms van Baasle. 

Juriaen Bestval van Luyderdorp, (near Leyden). 

Claes Jansen van Waalwyck. Paulus Jansen van Gertruydenburgh. 

Hans Vos van Baden, court messenger; was sheriff's constable in New 
Amsterdam in 1661. 

Lucas Smith van Ickemsburgh ; left the colonie in the spring of 1646, with 
the character of "een eerlyk ende vroom Jongman" an honorable 
and virtuous young man. 

Cornelis Crynnesen. 

Cornelis Hendricksen van Es, Gerechts persoon or magistrate. His 
daughter, Elizabeth, married one Banckers. " Cryn Cornelissen 
declares that, in the spring of 1643, while conveying some of the 
guests, on the ice, to the wedding of Van Es's daughter, a mare be- 
longing to him, (Cryn), and a stud belonging to Van der Donk, were 
drowned in the neighborhood of Black, or Horse's point (omtrent 
de Swarte, ofte Paerde Hoeck) for which he understands Van der 
Donck received 150 guilders ($60) from the wedding party." MS. 



22 Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646, 

Cornells Gerritsen van Schoonderwoerdt. 

Wm. Fredericksen van Leyden, free carpenter. 

Antonie de Hooges M commis, afterwards Secretary of the Colonie. His 
daughter, and only child, says Bensen, "married Herman Rutgers, 
the ancestor of the respectable family of the name among us." De 
Hooges died 1658. The well-known promontory in the Highlands 
was called Anthony's Nose, after him. 

Johan Holmes. 

Juriaen van Sleswyck. 

Johan Corstiaenssen, mariner. 

Hendrick Albertsen; second time of <his coming out. He was the first 
ferrymaster in Beverwyck; died in 1648 or 1649, 

Gertrude Dries van Driesbergen, Hendrick Dries, her brother, 

his wife. 

Albert Jansen, van Amsterdam. Jan Jansen Flodder, carpenter. 

Geertje Mannix, widow, and two Pieter Wyncoop, commis. 
children. 

Nicolaus Koorn, sergeant or wachtmeester; succeeded Van der Donck 
as Sheriff. 

Adriaen Cornelissen van Bersingeren. Arendt Teunissen van Luyten. 

Cornelis Segers van Voorhoudt ; succeeded Van der Donck on the farm 
called Weelysburgh, on Castle island-, married Bregje Jacobsen, by 
whom he had six children-, Cornelis, Claes, Seger, Jannitje, Neltje, 
and Lysbeth. The last named married Francois Boon, without her 
parents' consent, and was disinherited, having been left by will only 
1 Flemish. Seger married Jannitje Teunissen van Vecthen, and 
was killed, anno 1662, by Andries Hubertsen in a brawl Many of 
the Segers family are still residents of the county of Albany. 

Jacob Aertsen Wagenaar. 

Jan Creyne van Houtten. 

Jan Dircksen, Engelsman, van Amersfoort. 

Kerry de Backer. " I have known a gunner, named Harry de Backer, 
who killed at one shot from his gun, eleven gray geese out of a large 
flock." Van der Donck. 

Adrian Willemsen; banished for theft in 1644. 

1643, 1644, 1645. 

Pieter Hertgers van Vee, was one of the commissaries of the court at 
Fort Orange in 1654; died in Holland, 1670. 

Abraham Clock. 

Jan Barentsen Wemp, removed subsequently to Schenectady, where he 
became proprietor of some land* His widow married Sweer Teu- 
nissen van Velde.. 

Richard Brigham. 

Lambert van Valckenburg. 

Jacob Jansen Schermerhorn, married Jannitje, daughter of Cornelis Se- 
gers. He was a prominent trader in Beverwyck in 1648, when he 
was arrested, by Stuyvesant, on a charge of selling fire-arms and 
ammunition to the Indians. His books and papers were seized, and 



Settlers of Rensselaerswyck from 1630 to 1646. 23 

himself removed a prisoner to Fort Amsterdam, where he was sen- 
tenced to banishment for five years, and the confiscation of all his 
property. By the interference of some leading citizens the first part 
of the sentence was struck out, but his property was totally lost. 
These proceedings against Schermerhorn formed, subsequently, a 
ground of complaint against Stuyvesant to the States General. 

Claes Teunissen, alias " Uylenspiegel." 

Gysbert Cornelissen van Wesepe ; called also Gysbert op de Berg, from 
the fact of his having lived on a farm called the " Hooge Berg," 
situate on the east side of the river, a little below Albany, which 
he rented in 1649 at 300 gl. a year. This farm still retains its origin- 
al Dutch name, and is now owned by Joachim Staats, Esq. 

1646. 

Jan Jansen van Bremen; lived in Bethlehem, and moved, anno 1540, 
to Katskill. 

Harman Mynderts van der Bogaert, arrived in New Neterland, anno 
1631, as surgeon of the company's ship the Eendracht; he continued 
in the company's service to 1633, after which he resided in New 
Amsterdam until appointed commissary to Fort Orange. He was 
highly respected, though from all accounts he appears to have been 
of an irascible temper, An instance is mentioned of his having at- 
tempted, in the excitement of a high quarrel, when both appear to 
have been in a violent passion, to throw the Director-general out of 
a boat in which they were sailing on the river; he was, it is added, 
with difficulty prevented from accomplishing his purpose. He oc- 
casionally wrote his name Harmanus & Boghardij. He came, I be- 
lieve, to a violent death in 1649. Carl van Brugge succeeded him 
as commissary at Fort Orange. 

Jan van Hoosem. Hendrick Westercamp. 

Jacob Herrick. 

Jan Andriessen van Dublin, leased abouwerie in 1649, described as lying- 
"north of Stoney point, being the north half of the Flatt." 

Tomas Higgens. Jan Willemsen Scuth. 

Wolf Nyssen ; executed. Willem Leendertsen, brass-founder. 

Pieter Bronck; built a tavern in Beverwyck, in 1651, which was then 
the third at that place ; afterwards lived at Coxackie, the creek at 
which place was called by the Dutch, Peter Bronck's kill. 

Tomas Kenningh. Jacob Jansen van Stoutenburgh. 

Jan de Neger; Scherprechter, or hangman to the colonie. 



24 Sentence of Willem Juriaensen Bakker. 

SENTENCE OF WILLEM JURIAENSEN BAKKER. 

As the minute in the Gerechts rolle, or court register, of the sentence 
pronounced against this public disturber will afford some idea of the 
strictness of the police in those days, we are tempted to translate it. 
CTCallaghan's Hist, of N. Netherland, p. 437. 

"Their worships, the Commissioners and Council of the colonie of 
Rensselaerswyck, having duly considered and weighed the demand of the 
Honorable Director, as prosecutor against Willem Juriaensen Bakker, and 
finding that he was already banished out the colonie by their Worshipful 
Court, on the 4th February, 1644; and afterwards because that he at- 
tempted on the Lord's highway with a knife to stab the person of Antonie 
de Hooges, then commis to the Noble Patroon, whereby he, in as much 
as in him lay, did commit a murder, for which he, on the 28th August, 
1647, was banished from the colonie; and he having by petition prayed 
for a respite, which was granted to him, he pledged all his goods, and 
also subjected himself to the banishment of his person, should he happen 
to insult any person within or without the court, or to do any thing that 
should be displeasing, or worthy of punishment. Therefore, the Honora- 
ble Prosecutor, recapitulating the same, has set forth, to wit, that he, 
the Delinquent, hath .so frightened and shocked a certain woman, [Saertje 
Cornelis, wife of Thomas Sanderssen Smith], hat according to her com- 
plaint, she hath miscarried; Secondly, that he hath unjustly censured 
some honorable people, among others some of the Worshipful Court here, 
asserting, as relates to the agreement between him and Jan van Hoesem, 
that they had written a falsehood ; Thirdly, having been quietly spoken 
to about the purchase of two beasts, he entering the house, called out 
that he had a knife in his sleeve, and that, if he were meddled -with, he 
should pay the Honorable Prosecutor with it. Besides, being summoned 
on account of these enormities, he did openly insult the Honorable Prose- 
cutor here, saying, 'I must bury you; I am summoned before the court; 
I must hang.' Moreover have we been assured by trustworthy persons, 
'that he hath said to certain females who were proceeding to partake of 
the Lord's Supper, 'Is it a bit of bread you want? Come to my house 
and I'll give you a whole loaf;' and divers other things. [On being 
asked his age, ' to the contempt of the court, he said he was about twenty- 
one, though it is known to us that he is at least seventy years of age.] 
WHEREFORE, he being a blasphemer, a street-scold, a murderer as far as 
his intentions are concerned, a defamer, a contemner of law and justice, 
and a disturber of the public peace, their Worships of the court aforesaid 
have adjudged and sentenced, as they do hereby sentence and adjudge, 
that the aforesaid sentence of banishment shall stand fast, and he Willem 
Juriaensen, is hereby banished out the district and jurisdiction of this 
colonie, from now henceforth and forever, to leave by the first vessel, and 
never more to return, on pain of corporal punishment: all with costs of 
court. Thus sentenced, c., in College, this 18th July, 1650, to the 
knowledge of me, "A. DE HOOGES, Secretary. 

"27th July, 1650. Resolved, that Willem Juriaensen shall be con- 
veyed on board of Rutger Jacobsen, and then released, Rutger Jacobsen 
promising to give him a passage in his yacht to the Manhattans." 



Streets, Lanes, Alleys, fyc. 27 

Franklin St., from Lydius to southern boundary, 1st east South Pearl. 

Fulton street, from Lydius to Plain, 1st west South Pearl. 

Gansevoort St., from river to western boundary, southernmost street. 

Grand street, from Beaver to Arch. 

Hawk street, from northern to southern boundary, 1st west Eagle. 

Hamilton street, from river to western boundary, 1st north Lydius. 

Hare street, from head of Orange to western boundary. 

Herkimer street, from river to South Pearl. 

Howard street, from South Pearl to Eagle, 1st south State. 

Hudson street, from river to western boundary. 

Hudson Square, fronts on Washington, Partridge and Ontario. 

High street, from State to Lydius, 2d west Eagle. 

Jackson street, from Colonie to Spencer, 1st east Broadway. 

James street, from State to Columbia, 1st west do. 

Jay street, from Eagle to Lark, 3d south Stale. 

John street, from river to Franklin, 1st north Ferry. 

Jefferson street, from Eagle to Delaware Square, 1st south Lydius. 

Knox street, from Elk to southern boundary, 1st west Lark. 

Lark street, from southern boundary to Patroon,4th west Eagle. 

Lawrence street, from river to Broadway, 1st north canal basin. 

Lewis Alley, from Grand west. 

Lumber street, from river to western boundary, 3d south canal basin. 

Lydius street, from river to western boundary. 

Lancaster street, from Eagle to western boundary, 2d south State. 

Lodge street, from Beaver to Columbia, 2d west North Pearl. 

Liberty street, from Hudson to Lydius, 1st west Broadway. 

Maiden Lane, from river to Eagle, 1st north State. 

Mercer street, from Delaware turnpike to Alms House Square. 

Montgomery street, from Steuben to northern boundary. 

Morris street, from Delaware Square to northern boundary. 

Morton street, from Clinton to Dove. 

Mulberry street, from river to Franklin, 3d south Lydius. 

North Ferry street, from Bath ferry to Broadway. 

North Lansing street, from river to Broadway, 2d south canal basin. 

North Pearl street, from Slate to northern boundary. 

North Square, fronts on Lark, Canal, Knox and Elk. 

Norton street, (late Store Lane,) from Green to South Pearl. 

Nucella street, from river to Gansevoort. 

Ontario street, northern to southern boundary, 2d west Alms House. 

Orange street, from river to Hare, 4lh north State. 

Park street, from State to Lancaster, 1st west Eagle. 

Partridge street, from southern boundary to Schenectady turnpike. 

Patroon street, from Broadway to western boundary, 6th north State. 

Perry street, beginning at Alms House Square, southern to northern 

boundary. 
Pier, runs from foot of Hamilton, north 4323 feet, and 80 feet broad 

to the foot of Lawrence street, forming a basin of an area of 32 and 

1-lOth acres. 

Pine street, from Chapel to Eagle, 2d north of State. 
Philip street, from Lydius to Hudson, 3d west South Pearl. 
Plain street, from South Pearl to Philip, 1st south Hudson. 
Pleasant street, from Western to Schenectady turnpike. 
Plumb street, from river to Franklin, 1st south Bassett. 



28 Wards. 

Providence street, from Delaware turnpike to Alms House Square. 

Quackenbush street, from river to Broadway. 

Quail street, from northern to southern boundary, 1st west Alms House. 

Quay street, along the dock, from " to Orange street. 

Kensselaer street, from river to South Pearl, 2d south Ferry. 

Robin street, from Alms House Square to Washington, 1st west Snipe. 

Rose street, from Hamilton to Lydius, 1st west Green. 

Sand street, from Lark to western boundary. 

Schuyler street, from river to Clinton, 4th south Ferry. 

Second street, from Ten Broeck to western boundary. 

South Lansing street, from river to Franklin, 1st south Herkimer. 

South Pearl street, from State to Gansevoort. 

Spencer street, from river to Broadway, 1st south Lumber. 

Spruce street, from Eagle to Lark, 1st north Elk. 

State street, from river to western boundary. 

Steuben street, from river to Eagle, 2d north State. 

Snipe street, beginning at Alms House, to northern boundary. 

Swan street, from southern to northern boundary, 2d west Eagle. 

Ten Broeck street, from Patroon to Colonie, 1st west North Pearl. 

Third street, from Ten Broeck to western boundary. 

Union street, from Lydius to Hudson, 2d west Broadway. 

Van Tromp street, from Broadway to North Pearl, 1st n. Columbia. 

Van Schaack street, from North Pearl to Cross, 1st west Canal. 

Van Woert street, from Broadway to western boundary. 

Van Zandt street, from South Pearl to Philip, 1st north Lydius. 

Vine street, from river to Franklin, south Nucella. 

"Warren street, from Eagle to Alms House Square, 2d south Ferry. 

Washington St., from Academy and Capitol Parks to western boundary. 

Washington Square, fronts on Stale. Knox, Lydius and Willett. 

Water street, from northern boundary to Steubea, 1st west Quay. 

Westerlo street, from river to Delaware Square, 2d south Lydius. 

William street, from Hudson to Howard, 1st west South Pearl. 

Wilson street, from Broadway to Ten Broeck, 1st south Lumber. 

Willett street, from State to Lydius, 1st west Lark. 

Yates street, from Delaware Square to western boundary. 



AN ACT 

For the Division and Equalization of the Wards of the City of Al- 
bany , and for other purposes. Passed March 3Qth, 1841. 

FIRST WARD. Beginning at a point where the south bounds of the 
city intersect the west line of Rensselaer street; thence running north 
along the east bounds of the city to a point opposite the centre of Arch 
street; thence westerly through the centre of Arch street to the cen. 
tre of Hallenbake street; thence northerly through the centre of Hal- 
lenbake street to the centre of ^rch street from the west; thence westerly 
through the centre of Arch street to the centre of Eagle street; thence 
southerly through the centre of Eagle street to the south bounds of the 
city; thence easterly along said south bounds to the place of beginning. 



Wards. 29 

SECOND WARD. Beginning at the intersection of the centre of Arch 
street with the east bounds of the city, and running thence northerly 
along the said bounds of the city to a point opposite the centre of Her- 
kiraer street; thence westerly along the centre of Herkimer street to the 
centre of Pearl street: thence southerly along the centre of Pearl street 
to the centre of Westerlo street; thence westerly along the centre of 
Westerlo street to the centre of Hallenbake street; thence northerly 
along the centre of Hallenbake street to the centre of Westerlo street 
from the west; thence westerly along the centre of Westerlo street to 
the centre of Eagle street; thence southerly along the centre of Eagle 
street to the centre of Arch street; thence easterly along the centre of 
Arch street to the centre of Hallenbake street; thence southerly along 
the centre of Hallenbake street to the centre of Arch street from the 
east; thence easterly along the centre of Arch street to the east bounds 
of the city and place of beginning. 

THIRD WARD. Beginning at a point in the easterly bounds of the 
city opposite the centre of Herkimer street, and running thence northerly 
along said east bounds to a point opposite the centre of Hamilton street; 
thence westerly along the centre of Hamilton street to the centre of Eagle 
street; thence southerly along the centre of Eagle street to the centre of 
Westerlo street; thence easterly along the centre of Westerlo street to 
the centre of Hallenbake street; thence southerly along the centre of 
Hallenbake street to the centre of Westerlo street from the east; thence 
easterly through the centre of Weslerlo street to the centre of Pearl 
street; thence northerly through the centre of Pearl street to the centre 
of Herkimer street; thence easterly along the centre of Herkimer street 
to the place of beginning. 

FOURTH WARD, 'Beginning at a point in the east bounds of the city 
opposite the centre of Hamilton street, and running thence northerly 
along said east bounds to a point opposite the centre of State street 
bridge; thence westerly through the centre of State street bridge and 
State street to the centre of Eagle street; thence southerly along the cen- 
tre of Eagle street to the centre of Hamilton street; thence easterly along 
the centre of Hamilton street to the east bounds of the city and place of 
beginning. 

FIFTH WARD. Beginning at a point in the east bounds of the city 
opposite the centre of State street bridge; thence running northerly along 
said east bounds to a point opposite the centre of Columbia street bridge; 
thence westerly along the centre of said bridge and of Columbia street 
to the centre of Pearl street; thence northerly along the centre of Pearl 
street to the centre of Fox street; thence westerly along the centre of 
Fox street to the centre of a street thirty-six Ryland feet in width, and 
leading from Fox to Spruce streets; thence southerly through the cen- 
tre of said street to the centre of Spruce street; thence easterly through 
the centre of Spruce street to the centre of Eagle street; thence southerly 
through the centre of Eagle street to the centre of State street; thence 
easterly along the centre of State street and of the State street bridge to 
the east bounds of the city and place of beginning. 

SIXTH WARD. Beginning at a point in the east bounds of the city 
opposite the centre of the Columbia street bridge, and running thence 
northerly along said east bounds to a point opposite the centre of Lum- 
ber street; thence westerly along the centre of Lumber street to the cen- 
tre of Ten Broeck street; thence southerly along the centre of Ten Broeck 



30 Wards. 

street to the centre of Patroon street; thence easterly along the centre of 
Patroon street to the centre of Chapel street; thence southerly along the 
centre of Chape! street to the centre of Canal street; thence easterly along 
the centre of Canal street to the centre of Pearl street; thence southerly 
along the centre of Pearl street to the centre of Columbia street; thence 
easterly along the centre of Columbia street and the Columbia street 
bridge to the east bounds of the city and place of beginning. 

SEVENTH WARD. Beginning at a point in the east bounds of the city 
opposite the centre of Lumber street, and running thence northerly along 
the east bounds of the city until it strikes a point opposite a red cedar 
post with brick around it, standing on the west bank of the Hudson river, 
which post is distant twenty-two chains and thirty-six links from the 
south-east corner of the storehouse of Stephen Van Rensselaer, on a 
course, north forty degrees and twenty minutes west; thence westerly to 
the said cedar post; thence north forty-eight degrees west to the west 
bounds of the late town of Colonie; thence southerly along said west 
bounds to the centre of Lumber street; thence easterly along the centre 
of Lumber street to the east bounds of the city and place of beginning. 

EIGHTH WARD. Beginning at the intersection of the centre of Canal 
and Chapel streets; thence running northerly along the centre of Chapel 
to the centre of Patroon street; thence westerly along the centre of Pa- 
troon street to the centre of Ten Broeck street; thence northerly along 
the centre of Ten Broeck street to the centre of Lumber street; thence 
westerly along the centre of Lumber street to the west bounds of the 
late town of Colonie; thence southerly along said west bounds to the 
centre of Patroon street; thence easterly along the centre of Patroon 
street to the centre of Lark street; thence southerly along the centre of 
Lark street to the centre of Spruce street; thence easterly along the cen- 
tre of Spruce street to the centre of a street leading from Spruce to Canal 
streets, of thirty-six Ryland feet in width; thence northerly along the 
centre of said street to the centre of Canal street; thence easterly along 
the centre of Canal street to the place of beginning. 

NINTH WARD. Beginning at the intersection of Eagle and State 
streets, and running thence northerly along the centre of Eagle street to 
the centre of Spruce street; thence westerly along the centre of Spruce 
street to the centre of Lark street; thence northerly along the centre of 
Lark street to the centre of Patroon street; thence westerly along the 
centre of Patroon street to the west bounds of the late town of Colonie; 
thence southerly to the south side of Patroon street; thence westerly 
along the north range of the city to the west bounds thereof; thence 
southerly along said west bounds to the centre of Lydius street; thence 
easterly along the centre of Lydius street to the centre of Main Avenue; 
thence northerly through the centre thereof to the centre of State street; 
thence easterly along the centre of State street to the place of beginning. 

TENTH WARD. Beginning at the intersection of the centre of Eagle 
street with the south bounds of the city, and running thence north through 
the centre of Eagle street to the centre of State street; thence westerly 
through the centre of State street to the centre of Main avenue; thence 
southerly through the centre of Main avenue to the centre of Lydius 
street; thence westerly along the centre of Lydius street to the west 
bounds of the city; thence southerly along said west bounds to the south 
bounds of the city; thence easterly along said south bounds to the place 
of beginning. 



Banks. 31 

BANKS. 

The banks are open every day in the year, from ten A. M. to two p. 
M., except Sundays and holidays. The interest for discount in the banks 
in this city, is fixed at 7 per centum per annum. Three days of grace 
are allowed, and the discount taken for the same. Every bill or note 
offered for discount, must be delivered the day preceding: the day of dis- 
count. Bills or notes lodged at the banks for collection, when protested 
for non-payment, the person lodging the same pays the charge of pro- 
test. Deposits of money, or notes for collection, must be entered in 
dealer's book at the time of deposit. No interest allowed on deposits. 

BANK OF ALBANY, No. 42 State street: incorporated April 10, 1792; 
charter expires in 1855; capital, $240,000; shares, $30 each; dividends, 
May and November; discount day, Thursday. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, pre- 
sident; Jellis Winne, jr., cashier; J. H. Ten Eyck, Teunis Van Vechten, 
Harmon Pumpelly. Henry Bleecker, Volkert P. Douw, William Walch, 
Benjamin Tibbitts. David Newland. J. Winne, jr., Andrew D. Lansing, 
Daniel Cady, directors; E. R. Phelps, teller; N. Bleecker, jr., book- 
keeper; John Sill, discount clerk; Charles Lansing and Henry Wilkin- 
son, clerks. 

Reminiscences. A great many projects were on foot in the year 1792. The capi- 
talists were eager for a bank, and a meeting: was called on the 3d of February, at Lewis's 
Tavern, (south side of State street, corner Pearl,) to discuss the subject. There was at 
this time, it is believed, but one bank in the state, the Bank of Few York, the stock of 
which was fifty per cent, above par. It was decided that the interests of the northern 
part of the state required the location of a bank at Albany. Some one writing for the 
newspapers, confidently asserted that a hundred thousand dollars would be Kubscribed in 
a few hours in the city alone; but it was libernlly resolved that the neighboring places 
should be permitted to share in the honors and emoluments of the enterprise. At a subse- 
quent meeting, the outlines of a plan for the establishment of a bank were piesented. The 
name of the institution to be The Albany Bank; the capital, $75,f>00, to be divided into 
500 shares, of 8150 each: $15 to be paid on subscribing, and the remainder in three in- 
stalments ; 13 directors to constitute the board, 9 of whom to be residents of the city. 
Jeremiah Van Ren*selaer, Jacob Vanderheyden, and Barent Bleecker, were to open the 
books for subscriptions in the week following, and to close them as soon as five hundred 
shares should be subscribed. Accordingly the committee opened the books on the 17th 
of February, and the stock was overrun in amount in less than three hours Alter the 
books were closed, offers of 10 per cent, advance were made on the stock, and on Satur- 
day, the day following, it rose to one hundred per cent. cash. Application was immedi- 
ately made to the legislature for a charter, and as the prospect of its being granted was 
more or less doubtful during the progress of the bill, the price of the stock rose r,r fell, 
creating no little excitement and speculation in this quiet region, where stock transac- 
tions were quite a novelty. At one lime it is said to have stood at $100 premium on a 
share upon which only $15 had been paid. Sit-phen Van Rensselaer was elected presi- 
dent. Towards the close of the session the act of incorporation became a law. The 
first election of directors was held on the 12th of June, at the City Tavern, and resulted 
as follows: Abraham Ten Broeck, Cornelius Glen, Stephen Van Kensselaer, Jeremiah 
Van Rensselaer, John Maley, Abraham \ an Vechten, Henry Cuyler, John Stevenson, 
James Caldwell, Jacob Vandei heyden, Goldsbrow Banvar, Daniel Hale, Elkanah W at- 
son. At a meeting of the directors thus chosen, Abraham Ten Hroeck was elected pre- 
sident. The bank was opened for deposits on the 16th of July, and began to discount on 
the 17th. The rate of interest was 6 per cent. In September notice was given that notes 
of 45 davs only would be discounted. 'I he act of incorporation limited the capital stock 
to S'260,000; each share to be 400 Spanish milled dollars, or its equivalent This did not 
exhaust the idle capital, and those who were unable to get bank stock, proposed to build 
an aqueduct. Whether they designed to throw cold water on the farmer project does not 
appear, but it will be allowed that their scheme promised to furnish an equally useful 
circulating medium. 

In 1797 a report was published in the New Vork papers that the Albany Bank had fail- 
ed, on account of the great influx of counterfeits of its own bills. The bank had now 
been in operation five years, aiid there bad not yet been a counterfeit discovered. Its af- 



32 Banks. 

fairs appear to have been managed with great prudence and considerable ability, and in 
proportion to its capita], possessed more specie than any other bank in the country. The 
current price of its stock was from 45 to 50 per cent, above par. The banking house was 
originally located in Pearl street, and afterwards removed to the building next to the 
Mansion House on the south; in February, 1S10, it was removed to the north rast corner 
of State and Court streets, the present *ite of the Exchange; and when the latter building 
was erected, the bank was removed to No. 42 State street, where it now remains. 

NEW YORK STATE BANK, No. 69 State street: incorporated in 1803 ; 
charter expires in 1851 ; capital, $369,000; shares, $28; dividends, 5 per 
cent, serni-annually, in March and September; discount day, Monday. 
Rufus H. Kins:, president; J. B. Plumb, cashier; Rufus H. King, G. Y. 
Lansing, JoefRathbone, M. T. Reynolds, William Adams, R. Boyd, P. 
Gansevoort, W. E. Bleecker, W. C. Miller, L. Chapin, J. B. Plumb, A. 
Mclntyre, directors; H. A. Allen, teller; John S. Leake and H. S. Lan- 
sing, book-keepers; John H. Van Antwerp, corresponding clerk; William 
McHarg and John Strother, clerks; Isaac Fondey and James A. Chest- 
ney, western department. 

Reminiscences, This bank was incorporated with a capital of $460,000. At a meeting 
of the directors on the 25th of March, 1803, John Taylor was chosen president, and John 
W. Yales cashier. It commenced business on Wednesday, Sept. 7; banking hours from 
9 to 12, and from 2 to 4. Notes offered for discount were to be drawn payable at the bank, 
unless the drawer resided in the city of Albany or New York. Discounts were made for 
86 days. In December the bank altered its hours of business, opening at 9, and closing 
at 2. On the 10th of May, 1904, they commenced business in their new banking house, 
where they have ever since continued. By the act of incorporation, the comptroller, to- 
gether with John Taylor, Thomas Tillotson, Abraham G. Lansing, Peter Gansevoort, 
Jr., Elkanah Watson, John R. Rleecker, Francis Bloodgood, John Robinson, Gilbert 
Stewart, John D. P. Douw, Richard Lush, and Thomas Mather, were constituted the 
first directors. The business was to be confined to the city of Albany, the rate of inte- 
rest to be 6 per cent., and the state reserved the^right of subscribing 3000 shares. 

MECHANICS' AVD FARMERS' BANK, corner of Broadway and Exchange 
street: incorporated in 1811; charter expires in 1853; capital, $442,000; 
shares, $17; dividends, semi-annually, in May and November; dis- 
count days, Tuesdays and Fridays. Thomas W. Olcott, president; 
Samuel S. Fowler, vice-president; Edward E. Kendrick, cashier; Thos. 
W. Olcott, Samuel S. Fowler. Friend Humphrey, Henry Newman, Jameg 
Kidd, Lemuel Steele, Thomas Hillhouse, Hugh Humphrey Harmanus 
Bleecker, W. W. Forsyth, James B. Jermain, Robert Shepherd, directors; 
Thomas Olcott, teller; O. M. Beach, second teller; Theodore Olcott, 2d, 
third teller; Constantine Kowalski, general book-keeper; William Mc- 
Hench, discount clerk; James A. Pratt, entry clerk; Edmund Winne, 
clerk; John F. Jenkins, notary; John Highland, porter; T. W. Olcott, 
pension agent; Lemuel Jenkins and Robert Shepherd, accountants. 

Reminiscences. The history of the origin and infancy of this institution, would be 
quite interesting to the present generation, since there were some phases in banking ope- 
rations at that remote period, which are unknown now. The capital stock was limited 
to 600,000 dollnrs. The first election for directors was held on Monday, June 1, 1812. 
It seems to have been very generally understood among the stockholders for some time 
previous, that two federalists should be admitted into the board, tho directors named in 
the law being all democrats; but wl ose seats should be vacated for their admission, was 
not so easily agreed upon. The election opened at 10 o'clock, at the Columbian Hotel, 
in Court street, and was continued to a late hour in the afternoon. It was a warm and 
animated contest, and finally resulted in the election of the following: Solomon South- 
wick, president; Benjamin Knowcr, Elisha Dorr, Isaac Denniston, Benjamin Van Ben- 
Ihuysen, William Fowler, George Merchant, Thomas Lennington, Giles W. Porter, 
Willard Walker, Walter Weed, Peter Boyd and Isaac Hutton. The two latter were 
elected in the place of Spencer Stafford and John Bryan. Of that board it is believed 
there are three or four survivors. At the next annual election Isaac Hutton was elected 
president, and the direction consisted of Thomas Lennington, Peter Boyd, Benjamin 



Banks. 33 

Knower, Russell Forsyth, William Fowler, William Boyd, Elisha Dorr, Walter Weed, 
Giles W. Porter, Benjamin Van Benthuysen, Charles E. Dudley and Thomas Herring. 
This bank has ever been conducted with signal ability and success. 

COMMERCIAL BANK, No 40 State street: incorporated in 1825; charter 
expired in 1847, and the institution is now under the general banking 
law; capital, $300,000; shares, $20; dividends, July and January; 
discount days, Mondays and Thursdays. John Townsend, president; 
John L. Schoolcraft, vice-president; James Taylor, cashier; John Town- 
send, J. L. Schoolcraft, John Gott, James Homer, Augustus James, 
Giles Sanford, James D. Wasson. Robert H. Pruyn, Andrew White, 
Anthony M. Strong, Anthony Gould, William C. Durant; John B. Was- 
son, teller; Frederick S. Pease, book-keeper; George C. Lee, Charles 
Lansing, James G. Stafford, clerks; John F. Batchelder, discount and 
Savings Bank clerk. 

Reminiscences On the 20th of October, 1813, John Bogart, George Webster, E. F. 
Backus, Joseph H. Webb and Vinal Luce gave notice of application to ihe legislature 
for a charter to incorporate the Albany Commercial Bank, with a capital of 81, 250,000. 
The banking capital of the state was at this time 20,350 000, exclusive of 9810,000 which 
the state reserved the privilege of subscribing; making an aggregate $21,160,000. Noticed 
of application were now given for eighteen more hanks, with an aggregate capital of $15,- 
250,000. Three of these were from Albany, viz.: the Merchants' Hank, Commercial 
Bank, and North River Bank; in New York, Millers' Bank, Grocers' Bark, Commission 
Company, Coal Company, Patent Cloth Manufacturing Company, Nortii River Compa- 
ny, Vermont Mining and Smelting Company; also one at Utica, Schenectady, Johnstown, 
Cooperstown, Auburn, Canandaigua, Geneva and Oxford, No bank, however, was 
chartered in Albany until 1825, when the Commercial Bank went into operation, having 
no connection with the one above contemplated The present bauk has at different times 
lost nearly the whole amount of its capital by peculation, but by extraordinary good ma- 
nagement recovered itself again, and enjoys a high reputation for its soundness and tbo 
ability of its officers. 

CANAL BANK, No. 40 State street: incorporated in 1829; charter ex- 
pires in 1854; capital, $300,000; shares, $20. This bank failed in July, 
1848, the first bank failure in Albany, and its affairs are in the hands of 
a receiver. 

ALBANY CITY BANK, No. 47 State street: incorporated in 1834; char- 
ter expires in 1864; capital, $500,000; shares, $100; dividends, April and 
October; discount days, Tuesdays and Fridays. Eraslus Corning, pre- 
sident; Watts Sherman, cashier; Erastus Corning, Ellis Baker, Martin 
Van Alstyne, Bradford R. Wood, William Seymour, John V. L. Pruyn, 
John Knower, James M. Cook. Watts Sherman, William Smith. William 
Humphrey, H. H. Martin, Eli Perry, directors; C.L. Garfield, teller; D. 
W. C.Rice and John T. Marshall, book-keepers; Isaac Fondey, discount 
clerk and notaryp ublic; Simeon J. Leake, corresponding clerk; T. A. 
Knower, in western department; Jacob Downing, jr., Dudley Van Vliet, 
F. Van Vliet and Story, clerks. 

ALBANY EXCHANGE BANK, No. 3 Exchange Building: certificates 
filed December 11, 1838, to continue 662 years; capital $311.100, with 
privilege to increase to $10,0 0,000; dividends, January and July; dis- 
count days, Tuesdays and Fridays. George W. Stanton, president; 
Noah Lee, cashier; George W. Stanton, Samuel Stevens, James Me- 
Naughton, John Taylor, Oliver Steele, John M Newton, Ichabod L. 
Judson, Samuel Pruyn, Galen Batchelder, Gaylor Sheldon, L. G. Tay- 
lor, William McElroy, F. J. Barnard, directors; Andrew McElroy teller ; 
Joseph M. Lovelt, bookkeeper; Wm. H. Lee, discount clerk; John 
Ward, clerk. 



34 Insurance Companies. 

ALBANY SAVINGS BANK: incorporated in 1820 ; being the oldest in the 
state. Open at the Commercial Bank, No. 40 State street, every day, 
to receive deposits. It pays an interest of 5 per cent, per annum to de- 
positors, payable half-yearly, on the third Wednesday in January and 
July. John Townsend, president ; Teunis Van Vechten, 1st vice-presi- 
dent; Samuel Stevens, 2d vice-president; John L. Winne, 3d vice presi- 
dent ; William Fewton, William McHarg, James Taylor, Rufus H. King, 
Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Gerrit Y. Lansing, John I. Boyd, Frederick I. Bar- 
nard, Benjamin Tibbits, James Stevenson, William E. Bleecker, Robert 
H. Pruyn, Harmon Pumpelly, James D. Wasson, Friend Humphrey, di- 
rectors ; James Taylor, treasurer : Robert H. Pruyn, secretary. Open, 
during banking hours, from 10 to 2 o'clock. 



INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

ALBANY INSURANCE COMPANY, No. 56 State street: incorporated March 
8, 1811; charter expires 1851; capital, $300,000; shares, $60. Teunis 
VanVechten, president; Stephen Groesbeck, secretary; Gerrit Y. Lan- 
sing, Rufus H. King, Augustus James, Marcus T. Reynolds, Lewis 
Benedict, Archibald Mclntyre, John Townsend, Wm. C. Miller, Henry 
Bleecker, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Herman Pumpelly, John T. Cooper, di- 
rectors. 

The original charter fixed the shares at 8100, and limited the number at 500. The di- 
rectors named in the actof incorporation were, Elisha Jenkins, Philip S. Van Rensselaer, 
Isaiah Townsend, Dudley Walsh, Henry Guest jr., Charles Z. Plan, Simeon De Witt, 
Stephen Lush, Chas. D. Cooper, Thomas Gould, John Woodworlh, Peter Gansevoort, 
Christian Miller. 

FIREMEN'S INSURANCE COMPANY, corner of State and Green streets; 
Incorporated in 1831; charter expires 1861; capital, $150,000; shares, 
$10. James Stevenson, president; Richard Van Rensselaer, secretary; 
John Taylor, Peter Gansevoort, Thomas McElroy, Hush Humphrey, 
George \V. Stanton, Lemuel Steele, Egbert Egberts, William Adams, 
Lansing Pruyn, John M. Newton, Lyman Chapin, Benjamin Tibbits, 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Henry Newman, Gerrit V S. Bleecker, Joel 
Rathbone, E. P. Prentice, A. E. Brown, Joseph Davis, J. H. Ten Eyck, 
C. A. De Forest, Andrew White, S. S. Peck, A. Van Vorst, directors. 

MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY, 
No. 450 Broadway: incorporated in 1836; charter expires 1856. Eras- 
tus Corning, president; Matthew Trotter, secretary; B. P. Staats, Eli 
Perry, Watts Sherman, Daniel Fry, H. H. Martin, Giles Sanford, John 
Knower, J. G. Cotrell, Peter Relyea, Ellis Baker, John Van Valken- 
burgh, Jared A. Post, directors. 

MUTUAL BENEFIT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, S. Groesbeck, agent, 
No. f>6 State street. 

AMERICAN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, William C. Miller, 
agent. No. 56 State street. 

NATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF LONDON, Wm. 
Lacy, agent, Argus Office. 

FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF HARTFORD, CT., D. S. Durrie, agent, 
Albany. 






Clergy. 




EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE, ANNUITY AND TRUST COMPANY, L. 
Birdseye, agent, No. 59 State street. 

CITY FIEE INSURANCE COMPANY or NEW YORK, P. W. Groot, agent, 
No. 49 State street. 

-<TNA FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF HARTFORD, CT., John F. Jen- 
kins, agent, No. 7 Commercial Buildings. 

PROTECTION INSURANCE COMPANY OF HARTFORD, CT., John F. Jen- 
kins, agent, No. 7 Commercial Buildings. 

PROTECTION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY, L. Norton, agent, 
No. 10 Douw's Buildings. 

EAGLE LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK, C. W. 
Bentley, No. 80 Quay street; Wm. C. Schuyler, No. 10 Douw's Buildings; 
S. P Carter, at Wells & Co.'s Express Office, agents. 

MUTUAL SAFETY INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK, J.W. Ford, 
agent, No. 460 Broadway. 

LEXINGTON FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY, Heminway 8c 
Dowd, agents, No. 2. Exchange, first floor. 

COLUMBUS INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK, H. C. Southwick. 
agent, No. 15 Exchange, first floor. 

NORTH AMERICAN FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, S. Groesbeck, agent, 
No. 56 State street. 

CAMDEN FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY, 
C. \V. Bentley, agent, No. 80 Quay street. 

NATIONAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, E. Satterlee, agent, No. 61 
State street. 

LEXINGTON FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY, agent. 

FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY AT SOMERVILLE, Lambert 
Norton, agent, No. 10 Douw's Buildings. 

HOPE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF HARTFORD, CT., Henry 
R. Gosman, agent, No. 440 Broadway. 

NORTH WESTERN INSURANCE COMPANY, J. W. Ford 3 agent, No. 460 
Broadway. 



CLERGY. 

J. W. Belknap, Arbor Hill Meth., J. Miles, Bethel, 

S. D. Brown, Washingston st. " S. F. Morrow, Associate Pres., 

J N. Campbell, 1st Presbyterian, J. Newbourg, Bethel Jacob, 

W. H. Campbell, South Dutch, H. N. Pohlman, Evan. Eb. Luth., 

W. S. Clapp, Green st. Baptist, H. Potter, St. Peter's, 

J. Clark, Hudson st. Methodist, Wm. Putnam, St. Mary's, 

J. J. Conroy, Ct. Joseph's, T. R. Rawson, City Missionary, 

B. M. Hall, Garretson Station, L. A. Sandford, Ferry st. Meth., 

E. A. Huntington, 3d Presbyterian, F. W. Schmidt, Ger. Evan. Luth., 

D. Kennedy, North Dutch, E. Selkirk, Trinity, 

W. I. Kip, St. Paul's, W. B. Sprague, 2d Presbyterian, 

T. A. Kyle, St. Mary's, R. Warren, State st. Baptist, 

M. Lawer, German Methodist, B. T. Welch, North Pearl " 

J. Lowrey, Wesleyan u Barry, South '' " 

B. M. Martin, 4th Presbyterian, I. Wise, Synagogue, 

J. McCloskey, bishop, Cathedral, I. N. Wyckoff, Middle Dutch. 

P. McCloskey, St. John's, 



36 



Practicing Attorneys. 



PRACTICING ATTORNEYS. 



Otis Allen, 

C. L. Austin, 

R. L. G. Bancroft, 

D. D. Barnard, 
W. Barnes, 



Nicholas Hill, Jr., 
Robert J. Hilton, 
W. J. D. Hilton, 
L. D. Holstein, 
Thomas D. James, 



L.Benedict, Jr., Sur'gateCharles M. Jenkins, 



Lucien Birdseye, 
A. Blanchard, 
Charles H. Bramhall, 
Dudley Burwell, 
J. B. Brinsmade, Jr., 
James Brown, 
John I. Burton, 
Peter Cagger, 
J. Callanan. Jr., 

D. Campbell, 
William R Cantine, 
William Cassidy, 
John Cole, 

John A. Collier, 
Joseph S. Colt, 
A. J. Colvin, 
S. Daniels, Jr., 
Amos Dean, 

E. F. De Lancey, 

E. A. Doolittle, 
Isaac Edwards, 
James Edwards, 

F. S. Edwards, 
M. Fairchild, 



B. P. Johnson. 
R. L. Joice, 
N. G. King, 
Hale Kingsley, 
James L'Amoreaux, 
W. L. Learned, 
Charles B Lansing, 
L. J. Lansing, 
Jacob Lansing, 
E. C. Litchfield, 
John A. Livingston, 
J. D. Livingston, 
H. H. Martin, 
H. S. McCall, 
W. C. McHarg, 
Matthew McMahon, 
D. McMartin, 
Orlando Meads, 
W. D. Morange, 
A. Morrell, 
John Newland, 
Richard H. Northrup, 
John Olcott, 
J. F. OToole, 



Wm. W. Frothingham, William S. Paddock, 



Dennis B. Gaffney, 
Albert Gallup, 
Peter Gansevoort, 
F. W. Gibb, 
Stephen Groesbeck, 
William J. Hadley, 



S. Paddock, Jr., 
Levi H. Palmer, 
William Parmelee, 
S. H. H. Parsons, 
George W. Peckham, 
R. W. Peckham, 



S.H.Hammond, Dis.dtty Calvin Pepper, 



Nathan Hawley, 
Ira Harris, 
Hamilton Harris, 
John E. Hermans, 
S. F. Hisgins, 
John J. Hill, 



Calvin Pepper, Jr., 
John Percy, 
John K. Porter, 
John V. L. Pruyn, 
Robert H. Pruyn, 
C. A. PugsJey, 
Marcus T. Reynolds, 



Julius Rhoades, 
A. D. Robinson, 
James R. Rose, 
James B. Sanders, 
M. Sanford, 
William C. Schuyler, 
George Scoville, 
Jacob M. Settle, 
S. O. Shepherd, 
E. J. Sherman, 
Cyrus Stevens, 
John C. Spencer, 
Samuel Stevens, 
Alfred B. Street, 
J. B. Sturtevant, 
Azor Taber, 
Cornelius Ten Broeck, 
A. Ten Eyck, 
M. Trotter, 
John J. Tyler, 
T. B. Van Buren, 
J. S. Van Rensselaer, 
S. D. Van Schaack, 
Teunis Van Vechten, 
Abraham Van Vechten, 
H. C.VanVorst, 

C. C. Wasson, 
Robert D. Wasson. 
Wm. G. Weed, 
Robert H. Wells, 
J. I. Werner, 
Henry G. Wheaton, 
James M. Whelpley, 
A. D. L. Whipple, 
William D. White, 
Jonas Wickes, 
John Q. Wilson, 

G. L. Wilson, 
E. S. Willett, 
Bradford R. Wood, 

D. Wright, Recorder, 
Horace Wyman, 

T. G. Younglove, 
Wm. A. Young. 



DENTISTS. 



J. C. Austin, 
Josephus Brockway, Jr., 
J. Monroe, 
Alexander Nelson, 
Robert Nelson, 



David Newcomb, 
N. B. Sherwood, 
S. Van Namee, 
U. H. Wheeler. 
J. S. Wood. 



Practicing Physicians. 



37 



PRACTICING PHYSICIANS. 



James H. Armsby, 
William Bay, 
U. G. Bigelow, 
James P. Boyd, 
James M. Brown, 

Carhart. 

J. H. Case, 

Edward H. Clark, 

Mason F. Cogswell, 

James Cox, 

Dr. Curtis, 

H. B. Fay, dims House. Physician, 

D. E Fonda, 

John 0. Flagler, 

Samuel H. Freeman, 

Edmund E. W. Gale, 

Patrick Gannon, 

C. C. Griffin, 

Otto Heinsius, 

John W. Hinkley, 

Thomas Hun, 

Abel Lyon, 

James McNaughton, 

Peter McNaughton, 

Alexander McNaughton, 

Alden March, 

Nicholas Markey, 

David Martin, 

John V. P. Quackenbush, 



Barent P. Staats, 
Peter P. Staats, 

B. A. Sheldon, 
Rufus B. Spcrry, 
John Swinburne, 
R. H. Thompson, 
John F. Tow r nsend, 
John H. Trotter, 
Peter Van Buren, 
John Van Buren, 
Peter Van OLinda, 

C. C. Waller, 
Peter Wendell, 
Herman Wendell, 
David Wiltsie, 
Joel A. Wing, 
William I. Young, 
E. D. Jones, 

J. A. Paine, 

Henry D. Paine, 

Horace M. Paine, 

J. M.Ward, 

Noah S. Dean, 

John Fondey, 

Andrew W. Russell, } Botanic, 

William B. Stanton, | 

Gerrit Westervelt, J 

George Cooke, Lock Hospital, 

Dr. Lacroix, Lock Dispensary. 



Hom&opalhic, 



ALBANY CHARTER OFFICERS. 



The original charter of the city of Albany was granted by Gov. Don- 
gan, on the 22d of July, 1686, and the following persons were the first 
who officiated under the charter. 

Aldermen. 

Peter Schuyler, Mayor, Dirk Wessels, 
Isaac Swinton, Recorder, Jan Jans Bleecker, 
Robert Livingston, Clerk, David Schuyler, 
Jan Bleecker, Chamberlain, Johannis Wendell, 

Lavinus Van Schaack, 
Adrian Garretse. 

These were good substantial Dutch burghers, as their names indicate. 
The charter has undergone important alterations since that day, and the 
city councils are filled with the descendants of all nations and tongues 
upon earth. The succession of mayors from 1686 to 1848, will be found 
on page 25. The annual election takes place in April, and the follow, 
ing are the present city officers, who hold their places until April, 1349. 



Richard Pretty, Sheriff, 
James Parker, Marshal. 



Assistant Jlldermcn- 
Joachim Staats, 
John Lansing, 
Isaac Verplanck, 
Lawrence Van Ale, 
Albert Ruyckman, 
Melgert Winantse. 



38 Officers of the City of Albany. 

OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF ALBANY. 

Clerk L. D. Holstein. 

Chamberlain Christopher W. Bender. 

Deputy Chamberlain H. H. Hickcox. 

Attorney Hooper C. Van Vorst. 

Surveyor George W. Carpenter. 

Assistant Surveyor Samuel McElroy. 

Marshal Nelson Scovel. 

Overseer of the Poor Thomas Kirkpatrick. 

Superintendent of the dims Hoiu>e John Morgan. 

Superintendent of the N. D. David Benson. 

Superintendent of the S. D. Geoige H. Herbert. 

Police Justices John O. Cole and S H. H. Parsons. 

Deputy Excise Officer- C. W. Bender. 

Superintendent of the Markets Jacob Featherly. 

Chief Engineer of the Fire Department James P. Gould. 

dssiitant Engineers P. B. Leddy, J. Parker. S. P. Winne, R. J. Grant, 
G. W. Burdick. 

dims House Physician Henry B. Fay. 

City Physicians 1st district, James M. Brown; 2d, John Swinburne; 
3d, Alexander W. McNaughton; 4ih, Alfred Clark; 5th; B. A. Sheldon. 

Police Constables George Brainard, EJisha Mack 3d, Thomas Cowell, 
Charles Phillips, B. B. Whalen, Robert Nixon. 

Ciiy Inspectors 1st and 2d wards, John Milliman; 3d and 4th, Wm. 
Leggat; 5ih and 6th, Harmon G. Wynkoop; 7th and 8th, S.V. A. Hilton} 
9th and 10th, Richard Bygate. 

Captains cf the Night Police John Vandervolgen, Absalom Sharp, 
Henry Poltenburgh, Levi Ewing, John N. Parker, Walter Coleman. 

Assistant Captains James L. Coley, Nicholas W. Groot, William F, 
Peacock, Henry Hubbell, Royall Thompson, Joseph Coughlry. 

Inspector of Weights and Measures Paul C. Barney. 

Fence Viewers John Morgan, Barent Sanders,. 

Receiver of Taxes H. H. Hickcox, deputy chamberlain. 

Supervisors 1st ward. Richard Parr; 2d, Matthew McMahon; 3d, J, 
Hurdis; 4th, Franklin Townsend; 5th, Wm. White; 6th, Samuel Pruyn; 
7th, George W. Welch; 8lh, Oliver Wallace; 7th, James A. Tiemere; 
10th, Adam Van Allen. 

Assessors 1st ward. Philip Foy; 2d, Abraham M. Purdy; 3d, James 
P. Gould; 4th, Cyrus L. Woodruff: 5th, Levi Chapman; 6th, Garret L. 
Winne; 7th, Josiah Patterson; 8th, Myers Henderer; 9th, Sylvester 
Rathbone; 10th, Job R. Borden. 

Ward Constables 1st ward, John McDonald ; 2d, John Kinney ; 3d, 
Daniel Van Buskirk; 4th, Amos Dodge; 5th, John R. Peacock; 6th, Ar- 
chibald Thompson ; 7th, Samuel Winchester; 8th, FiancisBray; 9th, 
William Pearcey; 10th, S V. R. Braytcn. 

School Commissioners Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, John O. Cole, John 
Simpson, Eli Perry, Henry B. Haswell, John O. Flagler, James Maherj 
George W. Carpenter, Thomas Me Elroy. 

Justices of the Justices' Court Abraham Morrell, Conrad A. Ten 
Eyck, David Russell; David Kussell, clerk. 

Harbor Master Thomas Hillson, Jr. 

Dock Matter John L. Hyatt. 

U. S. Collector of Customs Albert Gallup. 



Common Council and Standing Committees. 



COMMON 

John Taylor, Mayor. 
Deodatus Wright, Recorder. 
1st ward Wm. L. Osborn, 

Lucien B. Laney. 
2d ward George B. Riggs, 

John \V. Harcourt. 
3d ward Charles W. Godard, 

Stephen T. Thorn. 
4t h ward George T. Ladue, 

Abram Koonz. 
bthward Henry Bleecker, 



COUNCIL. 

James McNaughton. 
Qlhward J. A. Livingston, 

Charles M. Jenkins. 
lihward John Benson, 

William Gillespie. 
8th ward P. M. McCall, 

John Harrison. 
9thward William Gumming, 

Richard H. Thompson, 
Wth ward Michael Artcher, 

Daniel E. Basselt. 



STANDING COMMITTEES. 

.Academies and Schools Thompson, Gillespie, Godard. 
Accounts Bleecker. McCall, Thompson. 

.Applications to the Legislature McNaushton, Harcourt, Bleecker. 
dims House Artcher, McCall, McNaughton. 
Board of Health Mayor, Recorder, McNaughlon, Laney, Riggs. 
Board of Magistrates Recorder, Livingston, Jtnkins, Osborn, Har- 
rison. Cummins. 

City Hall Mayor, Recorder, Harrison, Benson, Bassett, Artcher. 
Engines Gumming, Harrison, Thorn. 
Fcrry-r-Thorn, Riggs, Lad UP. 
Finance Jenkins, Lanev, Bleecker. 

Flagging and Paving, Af. D. Livingston, McCall, Bleecker. 
Flagging and Paving, S D. Bassett, Laney, Koonz, 
Lamps Koonz, Benson, Jenkins. 
Law Recorder, Osborn, Jenkins. 
Levels Godard, Harcourt, Cumminr, 
Markets Ladue Gillespie. Koonz. 
Navigation Godard, Harcourt, Ladue. 
Night Po/iee Artcher, Osborn, Lad'ie. 
Police Gumming, Harrison, Koonz. 
Streets Bassett, Rigss, Godard. 
Wells and Pumps Thompson, Gillespie, Thorn, 
Livingston, McCall, Bleecker. 



ALBANY GALLERY OF FINE ARTS. 

The following gentlemen were elected trustees at the annual meeting 
held on the evening of the 1st of January, viz: John L. Schoolcraft, E. 
Satterlee, J. McD. Mclntyre, Dr. Herman Wendell, Wm. W. Forsylh, 
Orlando Meads, Dr. David Ncwcornb, James Kidd, Dr. J. A. .Armsby. 

ALBANY EXCHANGE COMPANY. 

Directors. John Townsend, John O. Wilson, James McNaughton, 
Samuel Stevens, R. H. King, Andrew White, Friend Humphrey, 



40 Incorporated Companies, fyc. 

ALBANY WATER WORKS COMPANY. 

The officers and trustees of the Albany Water Works are as fol- 
lows: 



O. Meads, Treasurer. 
John Meads, Robert Boyd, Eli 
Perry, Wm. E. Bleecker, Deo- 



datus Wright, recorder (ex offi- 
cio), Trustees. 



ALBANY HYDRANT COMPANY. 

The following are the trustees of this company for the year commenc- 
ing July, 1848. John Townsend. Erastus Corning, Watts Sherman, 
James D. Wasson, Rufus W. Peckham, John Taylor, John C. Spencer. 

DE WITT CLINTON ENGINE NO. 2. 

At an annual meeting of this company, held at their house, Dec. 23, 
1848, the following were the officers elected for the ensuing year: 



Wm. O'Brien, Foreman. 
Wm. Kilbourne, 1st Assistant. 
Peter Donelley, 2d Assistant. 



James Jones, Clerk. 
Richard Waddy, Steward. 



EAGLE ENGINE CO. NO. 7. 

At a meeting of Eagle Engine No. 7, held December 27th, 1848, the 
following persons were elected officers for the enguing year: 



Edward Stevens, Foreman. 
Julius Tremper, 1st Assistant. 
C. M. Beach, 2d Assistant. 
L. W. Murray, Clerk. 



J S. Harrison, Steward. 
Edmund Stevens, T. A. Johnstone, 
Delegates to Fire Department. 



NEPTUNE ENGINE CO. NO. 10. 

At a meeting of Neptune Engine Co. No. 10, held at their house on 
the evening of December 22, 1848, the following gentlemen were elected 
officers of said company for the ensuing year: 



Archibald Young, Foreman. 
Benjamin Turner, 1st Assistant. 
Sylvester Lawler, 2d Assistant. 



Samuel N. Payn, Clerk. 

Jno. Hayden, Steward. 

Patrick McLaughlan, Treasurer. 



ALBANY AND COHOES RAIL ROAD COMPANY, 
The following were elected officers of this company; M. T. Reynolds, 
John L. Schoolcraft, E. P. Prentice, James Edwards, Theodore Olcolt, 
Archibald McClure, James Kidd, A. White, C.F.Crosby, David Ha- 
milton, Egbert Egberts, Wm. N. Chadwick. 

MOHAWK AND HUDSON RAIL ROAD. 

Directors. John T. Norton, Watts Sherman, Rufus H. King, Gerrit 
Y. Lansing, Edward C. Delavan, Harmen Pumpelly. H. H. Martin, Au- 
gustus James, Isaac Newton. 

Office, Dean streetj above Maiden lane. 



Benevolent Societies, fyc. 41 

FIRST GREAT WESTERN TURNPIKE. 

Directors. Gerrit Y. Lansing, Teunis Van Veehten, Gideon Hawley, 
John V. L. Pruyn, John Townsend, C. Y. Lansing, R. J. Hilton, Henry 
Bleecker, John T. Cooper, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Robert H. Pruyn, \Vm. 
C. Miller, Stephen Groesbeek. 

ALBANY AND BETHLEHEM TURNPIKE. 
Directors. Marcus T. Reynolds, Rufus H. Kin?, Philip S. Van Rens- 
selaer, Wm. McHarg, Joel Rathbone. John V. L.'Prvyn, Robert Boyd, 
Ezra P. Prentice, George Dexter. 

CHRISTIAN MUTUAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION. 
Officers for the year 1849. 



Friend Humphrey, President. 
Isaac P. Hand, Edward B. Slason, 
Vice-Presidents. 



Thos. W. Valentine, Rec'g Sec'y. 
Wm. Tuton, Financial Secretary. 
Noah Lee, Treasurer. 



Abram Kirk, Corresponding Sec'y. 

Place of meeting, Sons of Temperance Hall, No. 7 North Pearl street, 
on the 1st and 3d Tuesday evenings in each month. 

BOARD OF TRADE. 

This association of dealers commenced business on tie 15th of May, 
1848. The following are its officers: 



William Chapman, President. 
Benj. C. Raymond, 1st Vice- Pres. 
Thos. Schuyler, 2d Vice-President. 
David H. Carey, Sec'y. 



Rufus K. Viele, Treasurer. 

Chas. Wright, M. H. Read, 0. N. 
Chapin, T. P. Crook, John 
Tweedle, Com. of Reference. 



HIBERNIAN PROVIDENT SOCIETY. 

On the 17th April, 1833, Jas. Halliday, Jas. Maher, Patrick Cassidy, 
William L. Osborne, Peter C. Doyle, Thomas Gough, Wm. O'Donnell, 
Michael Cagger, and others, were incorporated under the name of the Hi- 
bernian Provident Society, the avowed objects of which were charitable; 
" to create a fund by a general subscription among the members, which 
should contribute to their mutual advantage; if, by reason of sickness, 
they should at any time become destitute of the conveniences of life; and 
also to organize in one body a numerous class of Irishmen residing in 
this city, and to concentrate their moral energies, so as to bring fairly 
before the American people the republican features of their national 
character; that a number of individuals should combine and reserve a 
portion of the fruits of their industry, while enjoying health and happi- 
ness, for the establishment of a fund for their support, when overtaken 
by misfortunes or infirmities; especially, that a body of men who have 
been oppressed in their native land, by a despotic government, and who 
are influenced by the same associations and sympathies, and are led on 
by the same devotion in the path of freedom, should associate together 
for the purpose of vindicating their national character, and of procuring 



42 



Benevolent Societies. 



for themselves, in a proper time, the privileges of American citizeas." 
The officers of the society for the year 1848, are as follows: 



Patrick Grady, President. 
John Reynolds, 1st Vice-president. 
Joseph Clinton, 2d do. 
John Daly, Recording Secretary. 



Michael Fives, Corresponding Se- 
cretary. 

Richard Brown, Treasurer. 
Nicholas Markey, Physician. 



ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY. 

This society held its 47th anniversary, on the 30lh of November last. 
It was organized on the 10th of October, 1803, and celebrated the na- 
tivity of its patron saint on the 30th of November following. At the first 
election of officers, the following persons were chosen; John Stevenson, 
president, Geo Ramsey, vice-president; Andrew Brown, 2d vice-presi- 
dent; Rev. John McDonald, chaplain; Dr. Wm. McCelland, physician; 
William Milroy, treasurer; Archibald Mclntyre, secretary; Peter Boyd, 
assistant secretary; and Daniel Cumming, Peter Sharpe, John Kirk, 
John Grant, George Pearson, Thomas Barker, Wm. French, John D. 
Cunningham, managers. It will be perceived that but one of the above 
is now left among us, but their names will be familiar to the older citi- 
zens. The avowed object of the society } was to afford relief to poor 
and unfortunate Scottish immigrants, without regard to religious or po- 
litical distinctions; and we are informed that its finances are in a very 
flourishing condition, and that a large amount is anually dispensed for 
benevolent purposes. At a meeting held at the City Hotel, on the 9th 
Dec., 1848, the following were elected officers of the Society for the en- 
suing year: 



James Taylor, President. 
Andrew Kirk, 1st Vice President. 
D. D. Ramsay, 2d Vice President. 
Peter Bullions, Chaplain. 
James McNaughton, Physician. 
William Gray, Treasurer. 



James Dickson, Secretary. 
Daniel Campbell, Assistant Sec'y. 
Alexander Gray, Peter Smith, Na 

than Algie, Hugh Dickson, Geo,. 

Young, Managers. 



MECHANICS' BENEFIT SOCIETY. 

At the annual election of this Society, held on the 7th Aug., the fol- 
lowing persons were elected for the ensuing year: 



Eli Abby, President. 

W. A. Carr, Wm. Vosburgh, Vice- 

Presidents. 

Jas. A. Buckbee, Treasurer. 
R S. Cushman, Secretary. 
S. L. Hodgkins, Assistant Secrt tary. 



J.W. Hinkley, Physician. 

S. G. Mink, Alex. Selkirk, L. G. 
Hoffman, J. P. Wilson, Thos. E. 
Lee, T. M. Sulliff, J. H. Bowne, 
Oliver Houlle, Wm. A. F. Mo 
Nab, Wm. A. Rice, Stewards. 



ALBANY SOCIETY OF BROTHERLY LOVE. 
This Society of Israelites, was incorporated by net of legislature, May 
7, 1844, its avowed objects being charitable and benevolent, to afford 
relief to its members in case of sickness and infirmity. The persons 
named in the act oi incorporation, were Moses Schloss, Solomon Mark, 
Isaac Cohen, Lewis Sporborg, and Myer Stern. 



Religious Societies, fyc. 43 

ALBANY CITY TRACT SOCIETY. 

The annual meeting of the Society, for the election of officers and di- 
rectors for the ensuing year was held on the 26th Oct., 1843. 



Friend Humphrey, President. 

Hugh Humphrey, Robert Boyd, R. 
V. DeWitt, LemM Jenkins, Wm. 
C. Miller, Wm. McElroy, Vice- 
Presidents. 

Erastus H. Pease, Secretary. 

Philip Phelps, Treasurer. 

Alexander Folsom. Matthew Trot- 
ter, Austin H. Wells, T. S. Berry, 



Geo. B. Hoyt, Walter R. Bush, 
Wm. N. Strong, G. W. Benjamin, 
Jeremiah Waterman, James B. 
Sanders, H. S. McCall, Daniel 
Campbell, Abram Kirk, Daniel 
Fry,G.C.Treadwell,T.R.Ra\Y- 
son, William Gibson, Rufus K- 
Viele, Directors. 



ALBANY COUNTY 
Officers for 1848. 

Rev. Wm. B. Sprague, D. D., Pre- 
sident. 

Rev. J. N. Campbell, D.D., 1st Vice- 
President. 

Rev. I. N. Wyckoff, D. D., 2d Vice- 
President. 

Philip Phelps, Rec'g Sec'y. 

Lemuel Jenkins, Cor'g Sec'y. 

William C. Miller, Treasurer. 

Rev. Ezra A. Huntington, D. D., 
Duncan Kennedy, D. D., William 
H Campbell, D. D., Henry N. 



BIBLE SOCIETY. 

Pohlman, D. D., F. W. Schmidt, 
Andrew Witherspoon, Luman A . 
Sandford. Thomas Armitage, J. 
W, Belknap, Messrs. Archibald 
Mclntyre, Rensselaer Weslerlo, 
Nathaniel Davis, Israel Smith, 
Daniel Fry, Abraham Keyser, 
George W. Benjamin, Managers. 
Rev. Dr. J. N. Campbell, Wm. C. 
Miller, Nathaniel Davis, Dan'l 
Fry, Ex. Com. 



ALBANY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

At an annual meeting of the Albany County Medical Society, held at 
the City Hall, November 14th, 1848, the following named persons were 
elected as its officers, viz: 



James McNaughton, President. 
John Swinburne, Vice President. 

B. A. Sheldon, Secretary. 

C. C. Walker, Treasurer. 
C. C. Griffin, Librarian. 



P. McNaughton, Jas. H. Armsby, 
U. G. Bigelow, J. H. Case, and 
David R. Burris, County Censors. 

Richard H. Tompson, delegate to 
State Medical Society for 4 years. 



ALBANY AND RENSSELAER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Joel Rathbone, President. 

D. Thos. Vail, Herman Wendell, 

E. P. Prentice, V. P. Douw, Vice- 

Presidents. 

B. P. Johnson. Secretary. 
A. E. Brown, Treasurer. 

Annual meeting in July. 



Amos Bris:ss, S. E. Warren, J. M. 
Lovett, Wm. Bruswell, J. McD. 
Mclntyre, James Henry, William 
Newcomb, James Wilson, A, 
Osborn. 



44 Military Companies. 

ALBANY REPUBLICAN ARTILLERY. 
The following persons are the officers for 1848: 

Edward Riley, 1st Lieutenant. 
Philip Guardenier, 2d Lieutenant. 
Michael Bennett, Orderly Serg't. 
Hiram Putnam, Geo. Fredenrich, 

John Murdon, Sergeants. 
Wm. H. Guardenier, Joseph Baker, 



CIVIL. 

George Fredenrich, President. 
Joseph Baker, Vice- President. 
Edward Riley, Secretary. 
Jacob Fredendall, Treasurer. 



MILITARY. 

Jacob Fredendall, Captain. 



John Guardenier, Edward Gre- 
gory, Corporals. 



ALBANY BURGESSES CORPS. 
The officers of this company are as follows: 

W. K. Whitney, Orderly Sergeant. 
J. Whalen, J. Hogan, F. H. Kee- 

ler, Sergeants. 

James Weed, John Duff, S. Wil- 
kins, R. Henly, Corporals. 



CIVIL. 

John F. Schults, President. 
Wm. H. Low, Vice- President. 
J. C. Cuyler, Secretary. 
S. W. Whitney, Assistant Sec'y. 
F. H. Keeler, Treasurer. 



MILITARY. 

Wm. J. Thomas, Captain. 
E. J. Lansing, 1st Lieuteuant. 
E. R. Brower, 2d Lieuteuant. 
C. Jordan, 3d Lieutenant. 



STAFF. 

Cyrus Stevens, Quarter Master. 
H. Van OLinda. Pay Master. 
J. F. Schults, Surgeon. 
Wm. Davis, Chaplain. 



ALBANY EMMET GUARDS. 
The following are the officers for 1848-9: 

CIVIL. N. Hussey, 1st Lieutenant. 

James W. Morange, President. 
Wm. Dwyre, Vice-President. 
P. T. Hewett, Secretary. 
Mich'l O'Sullivan, Assistant Sec'y. 
P. Maher, Treasurer. 



MILITARY. 
John Osborn, Captain. 



P. H. Griffin, 2d Lieutenant. 
John Dunden, 3d Lieutenant. 
Thos. Kellett, Orderly Sergeant. 
P. O'Conner, M. Cassidy, J. Me- 

Manus, Sergeants. 
Wm. Maloy, B. Cooney, J. Feeney, 
Michael O'Suliivan, Corporals. 



ALBANY WASHINGTON RIFLEMEN. 
The following are the officers of this company: 

CIVIL. Wm. P. Faff, 1st Lieutenant. 

Wm. P. Paff, President. 

Lochner, Secretary. 

Fr. Shadelle, Treasurer. 



MILITARY. 

Chris. Triger, President. 



Hen. Schweitzer, 2d Lieutenant. 

J. Huber, Orderly Sergeant. 

G. Lochner, Th. Hoffman, Dl. 

Frederick, Sergeants. 
J. Ranseler, Wrn. Smite, J. Roshe, 

J. Bahmer, Corporals. 



Odd Fellows Sons of Temperance Masons. 45 

1. 0. OF 0. F. 

American No. 32, Wednesday evening, at Cooper's Building. 

City Degree No. 11, Tuesday evening, Broadway, cor. Steuben. 

City Philanthropic No. 5, Fiiday evening, at Cooper's Building. 

Clinton No. 7, Monday evening, corner of Broadway and Steuben. 

En-Hakkore Encampment No. 5, meets on the second and fourth 
Saturdays of each month, at Cooper's Building. 

Excelsior Degree No. 15, meets on the first and third Fridays 
of each month, at Odd Fellow's Hall, corner of Green and Beaver. 

Fireman's No. 19, Friday evening, Odd Fellow's Hall, corner of 
Green and Beaver. 

German Colonial No. 16, Monday evening, Odd Fellow's Hall, 
corner of Green and Beaver. 

Herman's Degree No. 31, meets first and third Wednesdays of 
each month, in Church, near Ferry. 

Hope Lodge No. 3, meets Tuesday evening, at Cooper's Building. 

Mount Carmel No. 349, Thursday evening, Church, near Ferry. 

Mount Hermon No. 38, Monday evening, Church, near Ferry. 

New York Encampment No. 1, meets on the first and third Satur- 
days of each month, nl Cooper's Building. 

Phoenix No. 41, Tuesday evening, Odd Fellows' Hall, cor. Green 
and Beaver. 

Samaritan No. 93, Monday evening, at Cooper's Building. 

Scho-negh-ta-da No. 356, Thursday eve., Broadway, cor. Steuben. 

Union No. 8, Thursday evening, at Cooper's Building. 



SONS OF TEMPERANCE. 

Albany Division No. 24, meets Monday evening, at Hall in State. 
Clinton No. 76, Thursday evening, at Commercial Building. 
Eagle No. 306, Thursday evening, at No. 3 North Pearl. 
Empire Temple No. 33, Friday evening, at Commercial Building. 
En Hakkore No. 129, Wednesday evening, at No. 7 North Pearl. 
Fort Orange No. 187, Thursday evening, at No. 7 North Pearl. 
Tivoli Temple No. 22, Friday evening, at S. of T. Hall, State. 
Mutual Alliance No. 130, Monday evening, at No. 7 North Pearl. 



MASONIC BODIES. 

Mount Vernon Lodge No. 3, corner of Broadway and Steuben. 
Master's Lodge, 

Temple Chapter No. 5, St. John's Hall, Broadway, cor. Steuben. 
Temple Lodge, corner of Broadway and Steuben. 
Unitas Concordia Fratrum, 
Washington Lodge, 



46 Custom House Mohawk (J- Hudson Rail Road. 



CUSTOM HOUSE. 

ALBERT GALLTTP, DEPUTY COLLECTOR, 407 BROADWAY. 
The Custom House was established in 1833, and was thought by some 
persons to be a proper subject for a little ridicule. In truth the bu- 
siness of conducting it was not very arduous for the first year. There 
were then but two vessels trading regularly to Boston, namely the 
schooner Visscher and sloop George Washington, owned by Davis & 
Centre, whereas now there are above a hundred. Besides, there are 
several lines of steam propellers trading to different ports, which have 
come on the river quite recently, of which we believe the Mohawk was 
the pioneer. There is a line of steam packets between Albany and 
Hartford, doing a brisk business, and another to Philadelphia. One 
has recently been established between this city and New London and 
Norwich. And when it is considered what an enormous quantity of 
freight is taken overland by the rail road, it is remarkable that the packet 
business should increase so rapidly. Mr. William Seymour was the first 
collector, and the first license entered on his book is under the date of 
July 12, 1833. Afier this became a port of entry, the government made 
en appropriation for the improvement of the navigation of the river. It 
was contemplated to carry a dyke up from a point 25 miles below the 
head of tide water, at an estimated cost of $860,000, which would effect* 
ually relieve the channel of the bars that now obstruct it, and relieve the 
business men scattered over an immense region of country of the vex- 
ations and embarrassments caused in various ways by the daily detention 
of vessels. The dyke was constructed a part of the distance contem- 
plated, and there abandoned. But it was of great advantage to our com- 
merce, enabling schooners of over 200 tons to reach the city, and steam 
boats of far greater tonnage make their regular trips at low water, The 
dyke however is fast going to ruin. A few hundred dollars would have 
repaired the first breach, but it will now require many thousands, and 
public attention will probably be effectualiy aroused to remedy the evil 
only by some unexpected and overwhelming calamity, arising from the 
neglect. But a part of the vessels trading to this port are registered 
here; hence the whole number registered~since the first January 1841, 
does not much exceed 500. The Rochester steam boat is the largest 
vessel licensed at our port, being nearly 500 tons. The vessel of the 
largest tonnage that arrives here is the steam boat Isaac Newton, of 
about 1,300 tons. 



MOHAWK AND HUDSON RAIL ROAD. 

This was one of the first rail roads constructed in the state. On the 
17th April, 1826, Stephen Van Rensselaer, George W. Featherstone- 
haunh, and others received a charter from the state, for the purpose of 
constructing a rail road between the Mohawk nnd Hudson rivers; the 
capital stock was fixed at $300,000, with permission to increase it to 
$500,000, or about $31,000 per mile, and the time for completins the road 
was. limited to six years. The work was commenced in 1830, and % 






Mohawk Hudson Rail Road. 47 

double track completed in 1333. It was originally constructed with an 
inclined plane at each end of the road; the one ai Albany a little more 
than hall' a mile in length, and both of them having a rise of 1 loot in 18. 
The road was laid out 15' miles in length, 6 of which were at a level, 
and the rest of it, with the exception of the two inclined planes, had an 
ascending giade of about 1 foot in 250. The width of the excavations 
is 36 feel, that of the embankments 26 feet. The deepest excavation is 
47 feet, and the highest embankment 44 feet. Greatest altitude 353 
feet above tide water at Albany. Stone blocks were placed three feet 
apart, from centre to centre, laid on broken stone, and cross sleepers of 
wood rested upon them, 7 inches in diameter and 8 feet long, support- 
ing the timber rails, on which were placed iron bars, three- fifths by two 
and a half inches, with the upper corners rounded to 1 inches width; 
and the width between the rails 4 feet 9 inches. When the road had 
been constructed in this manner, it was found to have cost $1,100,000, or 
upwards of $70,000 per mile, for the double track. The stock sold at 
one time for 30 per cent premium, but subsequently went down to 25 
cents on the dollar, and the road in unskilful hands, was on the point of 
being abandoned. At this juncture some of our enterprising men took 
the matter in hand, bought up the stock, and with the assistance of a 
loan from the city corporation, set about a complete reconstruction of 
the road. The inclined planes were abandoned, and by a little more 
circuitous ascent of ihe rising ground at each terminus, and the use of 
heavy locomotives, it has become a popular and profitable concern. The 
company relaid the road with a heavy rail in part in 1843, and fully 
completed relaying it during the last season. The distance is now about 
17 miles. On the 22d Sept., a train of three cars, filled with passengers 
by invitation, crossed the road from Albany in 30 minutes, and returned 
in 24 minutes, the speed being at the rate of 1 mile in 1m. 25s.. or 42 
miles an hour. 

The following table shows the comparative condition of the company's 
operations in 1846 and 1847. 

1846 1847 

No. passengers, 174,653 229,401 

Receipts from passengers, $92,194 $110,051 

" freight, &c., 33,641 51,323 

$125,835 $164,374 

Repairs and running road, 41,766 60,310 

Miles run by passenger trains, 45,357 49,674 

" Ireight, &c,, 16,515 22,821 

Cost of construction to Jan. 1 , 1847 $1, 472, 966 

'* Jan. 1, 1848, 1,473,253 

The receipts of the road in 1843 were $60,595; 1844, $89,882; 1845, 
$93,494. The receipts of 1848 were upwards of $175.000. 

The road is fully equipped, as the company own six locomotives, 
thirty first class passenger cars, twenty-two second class passenger cars, 
ihiriy six freight cars, and thirty-four baggage cars. With good ma- 
nagement and economy the company was enabled to resume its dividends 
in October, 1847, nnce which it has continued to pay regular dividends, 
every six monihs. 



48 



City Income and Expenditures. 









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government, . . , 



County Officers. 



49 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 

Clerks. 

Lawrence Van Deusen 
Martin Butts 
John C. IVIoore 
Francis E. Baillett 
Etienpzer B. Cobb 
I Matthew P. Bemus 
Green M. Tuthill 
Burr B. Andrews 
Charles H. Jones 
James Storm 
Samuel Hotchkiss 
Wm. McLaughry 
Joseph T. Adriance 
Moses Bristol 
Edmund T Williams 
Henry S. Brewster 
Stephen Wait 
Samuel C. Holden 
Isaac Van Schaack 
John C. Holmes 
Slandish Barry 
James G. Lynde 
John M. Hicks 
Lucian Clark 
William H. Whiting 
A. Scott Sloan 
John C. Nash 
Chester S. Brumley 
James Conner 
John Van Horn 
Patrick Mahon 
Vivus W. Smith 
Alex. H. Howell 
Albert S. Benton 
Herman Goodrich 
Jabez H. Gilbert 
Charles McLean 
Reuben D. Barnnm 
Abraham D. Snedeker 
Ambrose H. Sheldon 
Joshua Mersereau, Jr. 
Isaac A. Blauvelt 
Martin Thatcher 
Jas. W. Horton 
Silas H. March 
Stephen Maham 
Ebenezer Ingalls 
Paul C. Cook 
J. Wickham Case 
Matthew Decker, Jr. 
Moses Stevens 
I Norman Crittenden 
'Benj. M. Hasbrouck 
IThomas Archibald 
Henry Shipherd 
Alex. B. Williams 
Munson I. Lock wood 
Abel Webster 
Russell R. Fargo 

This and seme other lables are subject to important change?; they can only be given 
as they are at the time of printing, 

5 



Counties. 


Sheriffs. 


Albany 
Allegany 


Oscar Tyler 
Joshua Rathbun 


Broome 


Benj. T. Miller 


Cattaraugus 
Cayuga 


Alonzo A Gregory 
Joseph P. Swift 


Chautauque 


Jarvls B Hice 


Chemung 


Wm. Skellenger 


Chenango 


Wm. Church 


Clinton 


Harvey Bromley 


Columbia 


Jacob R. Hollenbeck 


Cortlar.d 


George Ross 


Delaware 


De Witt C. Thomas 


Dutchess 


David N. Seaman 


Erie 


Timothy A. Hopkins 


Essex | Norman Page 


Franklin | Benjamin W. Clark 


Fulton 


Daniel Potter 


Genesee 


John Sprague 


Greene 


Robert Fulton 


Hamilton 


Robt. G. Ostrander 


Herkimer 


Wm. I. Skinner 


Jefferson 


Walter Collins 


Kings 


Daniel Van Voorhis 


Lewis 
Livingston 


George Shepard 
Wm. Scott 


Madison 


Wm. R. Brand 


Monroe 
Montgomery 
New York 


George Hart 
David W. Erwm 
John J. V. Westervelt 


Niagara 
Oneida 


Franklin Spalding 
Lester Barker 


Onondaga 
Ontario 


Joshua C. Cuddeback 
Phineas Kent 


Orange 


Edward L. Welling 


Orleans 


Austin Day 


Oswego 


Alvin Laurence 


Otsego 


John Brown 


Putnam 


Wm. W. Taylor 


Queens 


Isaac Willetts 


Rensselaer 


Gilbert Cropsey 


Richmond 


Jacob M. Guyon 


Rockland 


Asbury De Noyelles 


St. Lawrence 


Josiah Waid 


Saratoga 


Thomas Low 


Schenectady 


John G. Van Voast 


Schoharie 


Tobias Bouck 


Seneca 


Hugh Chapman 


Steuben 


Henry Brother 


Suffolk 


David R. Rose 


Sullivan 


Neal Benson 


Tioga 


John J. Sackett 


Tompkins 


John P. Andrews 


Ulster 


Charles Brodhead 


Warren 


James Lawren 


Washington 


Daniel T. Payne 


Wayne 
Westchester 


George W. Barnard 
James M. Bates 


Wyoming 


Abraham Smith 


Yates 


Martin Holmes 



Surrogates. 
Lewis Benedict, Jr. 
Wm. G. Angel 
E. C. Kattel 
Rensselaer Lamb 
Jacob R. How 
Orton Clark 
J. W. VVisner 
S. M. Purdy 
Lemuel Stetson 
C. B. Dutcher 
Daniel Hawks 
Edwin More 
John P. H. Tallman 
Peter M. Vosburgh 
H. H Ross 
J. R. Flanders 
John Wells 
H. U. Soper 
L. Tremain 
John Dunham 
Ezra Graves 
L. H. Brown 

A. B. Hodges 
Francis Seger 
Scott Lord 
James W. Nye 
Moses Sperry 
S. fielding, Jr. 
Charles McBean 
H. Gardner 

0. S. Williams 

1. T. Minard 
M. H. Sibley 

B. F. Duryea 
H. R. Curtis 
O.H.Whitney 
Hiram Kinne 
Azor B. Crane 
Henry I. Hagner 
G. T. Blair 

H B. Metcalf 
W. F. Fraser 

B. G. Baldwin 
J. C. Hulbert 
S. W. Jones 
Demosthenes Lawyer 

'J. K. Richardson 
David McMaster 
,A. T Rose 
I A. Dimmick 

C. P. A very 
Alfred Wells 
Wm. Masten 

E. H. Rosekvans 
Joseph Boies 
G. H Middleton 
L. C. Platt 
VV. Riley Smith 
Andrew Oliver 



50 



Counties, Towns and Post Offices 



ALPHABETICAL LIST of the COUNTIES, TOWNS and POST OFFICES 
in the State of New York, and the Distances of the County Towns 
from Albany. 



ALBANY COUNTY. 


CATTARAUGUS CO 


Hanover Ripley 


ALBANY City fall's Mills 


Ash ford Machias 


Harmony Salem Cross 


Berne Helderbergh 
Bethlehem Knowersville 


Bucktoolh Mansfield 
Burlon Napoli 


Irving Roads 
Jamestown Sheridan 


Cedar Hill Knox 


Carrol ion New Albion 


Levant Sherman 


Clarkesville New Salem 
Coeymans New Scotland 


Chapelsburgh North Perrys- 
Cold Spring burgh 


Magnolia Silver Creek 
MAYVILLE 336Smith's Mills 


Coeymans Preston Hol- 
Hollow low 


Connewango Olean 
Dayton Otto 


Mina Stockton 
Nashville Union Ellery 


Cohoes Reidsville 


Delavan Perrysburgh 


North Clymer Van Buren 


Cooksburgh Rensselaervill 


East Leon Persia 


Oregon Harbor 


Dormansville South Berne 


East Otto Portville 


Panama Vermont 


Dunnsville do. Westerlo 
East Berne Watervliet 


Elgin Randolph 
ELLICOTT- Rice 


Poland Villenovia 
Pom fret Volusia 


Guilder! and Centre 


VILLE, 292 Sandusky 


Portland Westfield 


Guilderland Westerlo 


Fairview Seelyburgh 


CHEMUNG COUNTY. 


Centre West Troy 


Farmersville Sociality 


Baldwin Millport 


ALLEGANY CO. 


Franklinville South Valley 


Beaverdams Moreland 


Alfred Hobbieville 
Allen Centre Hume 


Freedom Ten Mile Sp'g 
Great Valley Tunungwant 


Big Flats No. Chemung 
Catharines Post Creek 


Almond Hunt'sHollow 


Hinsdale Mills 


Catlin Salubria 


Amity Independence 
Andover Little Genesee 
ANGELICA 256 INIixville 


Humphrey Versailles 
Kill Buck W'stHinsdale 
Leon Yorkshire 


Cayuta Seeley Creek 
Chemung Southport 
Dix Townsend 


Belfast New Hudson 


Little Valley 


ELMIRA 198 Van Ettenville 


Birdsall Nile 


CAYUGA COUNTY. 


Erin Veteran 


Black Creek North Almond 
Bolivar Oakland 


AUBVRN, 172 Niles 
Aurelius Nine Corners 


Fairport Wellsburg 
Martin's Hall West Cayuta 


Burns Ossian 


Aurora North Sterling 


CHENANGO CO. 


Canakadier Philip's Creek 


Brutus O \vasc o 


Bainbridge New Berlin 


Caneadea Philipsville 


Cato Poplar Ridge 


do Centre Centre 


Centre Almond Pike 


Cato 4 CoruersPort Byron 


Columbus N'th Norwich 


Centre hide- Porlageville 


Cayuga Scipio 


Coventry NORWICH 110 


pendence Richburgh 


Conquest Scipioville 


Coventryville Otselic 


Centreville Rockville 


East Genoa JSemproniiis 


East Greene Oxford 


Clarksville Rushford 


Five Corners Sennet 


East Guilford Pharsalia 


Cuba Scio 


Fleming Sherwood's 


E.M'DonoughPitcher 


Eagle Short Tract 


Fosterville Corners 


EastPharsalia do Springs 


East Hill Spring Mills 


Genoa South Venice 


Geneganlslet Plymouth 


East Koy Wellsville 


Ira Springport 


German Preston 


East Pike West Almond 


Kellogsville Square 


Greene Sherburne 


Friendship do Clarksville 


King's Ferry Sterling 


Guilford SmithvilleFlats 


Genesee do Genesee 


Ledyard Summer Hill 


do Centre Smyrna 


do Valley Whitesville 


Levanna Throopsville 


King's Settle- S. Bainbridge 


Granger WhitneysVal- 


Little Sodus Union Springs 


mem S . New Berlin 


Grove Wirt ley 


Locke Venice 


Linklaen South Otselic 


BROOME COUNTY. 


Marlville Victory 


McDonough W. Bainbridge 


Barker OsbornHollow M> n1z ^ eed ^ r1 
B1NGHAMTON145, Port Crane | Montezuma WeslNiles 


Mount Upton WestLinklaen 
New Berlin White's Store 


Castle Creek Sandford 


Moravia 


CLINTON COUNTY. 


Centre Shawsville 


CHAUTAUQUE CO. 


An Sable Pe-as'eyville 


Chenango SoutliWindsor 


Arkwright Clymer 


KeekmantownPerry's Mills 


do Forks Susquehannah 


Barcelona Cljmer Centre 


Black Brook Peru [1G2 


Colesville Triangle 


Blockville De Wittville 


Cadyville PLATTSBURGH 


Couklin Union 


Busli Dunkirk 


Champlain Retlford 


Corbetlsvillc Union Village 


Carroll Ellery 


Chazy Rouse's Point 


Harpersville Upper Lisle 


Cassadaga Ellicolt 


Clinton Saranac 


Kattelville ValloniaSp'gs 


Centre tther- Ellington 


Clintonville Schuyler's 


Lisle Vestal 


man Fluvanna 


Coopersville Falls 


Maine W. Colesville 


Charlotte Fredonia 


Ellenburgh Union Falls 


Nanticoke Whilney's 


Chautauque French Creek 


Farrell Place West Chazy 


New Ohio Point 


Cherry Creek Frewsburgh 


Mooers West PI alls- 


Niuevah Windsor 


Clear Creek Gerry 


New Sweden burgh 



in the State of New York. 



51 



COLUMBIA COUNTY 


Attlehury North East 


WestMoriah Wilmington 


Ancram HUDSON 29 
Ancram Lead Kinderhook 

Mines Livingston 
Austerlitz MaldenBridge' 
Canaan MellenviHe 


Barrytown do Centre 
Beekman Pauling 
Campbellville Peeksville 
ChaimingsvillePine P.ains 
ChesnutRidgePleasan! Plains 


\Vestport Woodwards- 
Willsborough ville 
FRANKLIN COUNTY 

Biingor F'rtCovington 
Belmont Franklin 


CanaanCentreAIoffet's Store '^"> r _ a , val! ^ h 
do 4 CornersXew Britain ClintonHollowPo'KEEPSiE ,3 
Chatham New Concord glove Poughquag 
do Centre Ne w Lebanon Crum Elbow Pulver's Cor- 


Bombay flarrietstown 
Brandon Hogansburgh 
Burke M ALONE 212 
Chateaugay Merrillsville 


do 4 CornersNew Lebanon 
Claverack Centre 


jjover ners 
Federal Store Quaker Hill 


Constable Moira 
Dickinson S'thDickinson 


Clermont New Lebanon 
Copake Springs 
Elizaville Niverville 
Flatbrook N'thChatham 
Gallatin Smoky Ho! low 
Gallatinville Spencertown 
Germantown Stockport 
Ghent Stuyvesant 
Greenport do Falls 
Green River Taghkanic 
Harlemville Valatie 
Hillsdale W.Taghkanic 
Hoffman's Gate 


Fishkill Red Hook 
do LandingRhinebeck 
do Plains Rock City 
FreedomPlainsSalt Point 
Glenham Schultzville 
Hart'sVillage Shenandoah 
Hull's Mills South Amenia 
Hyde Park South Dover 
Jackson Cor- Sprout Creek 
ners Staatsburgh 
La Grange Stanford 
Leedsville Stanfordville 
Litharow Stormville 
Mabbettsville Tivoli 


Duane W. Constable 
EastConstableWestville 
FULTON COUNTY. 

Bleecker Mill's Corners 
Broadalbin Newkirk's 
Brocket's Mills [ners 
Bridge Newton's Cor- 
Caroga Northampton 
Cranberry Northville 
Creek Oppenheim 
Ephratah Osborn's 
Garoga Bridge 
Gloversville Perth 


CORTLAND CO. 1 

Blodget'sMillsKeeney's Set- 
Cincinnatus tlement 


Manchester Union Vale 
Milan IBridgeUp'rRedHook 
VewHacken- Verbank 


Hoesville Riceville 
JOHNSTOWN45 Sammonsville 
Kingsborough Union Mills 


Cortlandville Little York 


sack Wellington 


Lassellsville Vail's Mills 


CORTLAND Marathon 
VILLAGE 140McGrawsville 
Cuyler Preble 
East Homer Scott 
East Solon Solon 
East Virgil SouthCortland 
Freetown Truxton 
do CornersUnion Valley 
Hartford Virgil 


N. Hamburgh do Hollow 

ERIE COUNTY. 

Akron Hamburgh on 
Alden the Lake 
Amherst Harris's Hill 
Angola Holland 
Aurora Lancaster 
Black Rock Morton's Cor- 


Mayfield West Perth 
GENESEE COUNTY 

Alabama Elba 
Alexander Le Roy 
BATAVIA 283 Linden 
Be rgen N o rt h Be rgen 
Bethany OakfieM 
Brookville Pavilion 


Homer Willett 


Boston ners 


Byron do Centre 


DELAWARE CO. 


Brant Newstead 


Corfu Pembroke 


Andes Middletown 
Arkville Moresville 
Barboursville New Road 
Bloomville North Harp- 
Bo vina e r>fi el d 


BUFFALO 325 North Boston 
Cheektowaga N'th Clarence 
Clarence Reservation 
Golden Sardinia 
Collins South Wales 


Darien Centre South Byron 
East Bergen Stafford 
East Bethany Stone Church 
E. Pembroke West Bergen 


BovinaCentre N'th Kortright 
Cabin Hill Pappakunk' 
Cannonsville Partridge's 


do CentreSpringville 
Uoncord Tonawanda 
East Evans Town Line 


GREENE COUNTY, 

Acra Lexington 
Athens do Heights 


Clovesville Island 


E. Hamburgh Wales 


Big Hollow Medway 


Colchester Pepacton 


Eden Wales Centre 


BushnellsvilleNew Balti- 


Davenport Roxbury 
do CentreShavertown 


Eleysville Water Valley 
P^vans Williamsville 


Cairo more 
CATSKILL 34 Oak Hill 


DELHI 77 Sidney 


Griffin's Mills Willink 


Cornwallville Palenville 


Deposit Sidney Centre 


Hamburgh Zoar 


Coxsackie Prattsville 


East Branch Sidney Plains 


ESSEX COUNTY. 


Durham Scienceville 


East Franklin S'th Kortright 
Franklin Stamford 
Hamden Stratton's Falls 


AuSableForksNewcomb 
Chesterfield Port Henry 


Kast Durham South Cairo 
East Kill South Durham 
E. Lexington Tannersville 


Hancock Tompkins 
Harpersfield Trout Creek 


ELIZABETH- Port Kent 
TOWN 126 St Armand 


Gny Head Union Society 
Greenville West Kill 


Hobart Walton 


Essex Schroon Lake 


Hunter W. Lexington 


Kortright West Daven- 




Kiskatom Windham 


Masonville port 
Meredith W.Meredith 


Keene Split Rock 
Keeseville Ticonderoga 


Leeds do Centre 
HAMILTON CO. 


DUTCH ESS COUNTY. 


Lewis Upper Jay 


A rietta Hope 


Adriance Amenia Union 


Minerva Wadham's 


Benson Hope Centre 


Amenia Arthursburgh 


Moriah Mills 


Gilman Lake Pleasant 



52 



Counties, Towns and Post Offices 



Long Lake Sageville 


LEWIS COUNTY. 


Parma Centre South Chili 


Morehouse Wells 
Morehouseville 


Brantlngham Lyonsdale 
Collinsville MARTINS- 


Penfield Spencerport 
Perrinton Sweden 


HERKIMER CO. 


Constableville BURGH 142 


Pittsford Webster 


Cedarville Mohawk 
Cold Brook Newport 
Columbia Newville 
Crain'sCornersNorway 


Copenhagen Monterey 
Croghan Osceola 
Deer River Pinckney 
Denmark Stow's Square 


Riga Wesi Greece 
ROCHESTER W T . Henrietta 
Rush [251 West Webster 
Scoltsville Wheatland 


Danube Ohio 


Diana Turin 


MONTGOMERY CO. 


Dennison's Ohio City 
Corners Page'sCorners 
Devereux Payne's Cor- 


Greig Watson 
Harnsburgh West Leyden 
Houseville W'stLowville 


Ames Hagaman's 
Amsterdam Mills 

A nrifcvill A TJallvi!l< 


East Schuyler ners [low 


Indian River West Martins- j p^P ' VrTna viii 


Eatonville Payne's Hol- 


Leyden burgh 


Burtonville Minden 


Fairfield Pottsville 


Lowville West Turin 


Canajoharie Palatine 


Frankfort Russia 
Frankfort Hill Salisbury 
Germanflats do Centre 
HERKIMER 80 Schuyler 
Jlion Stark 
Jacksonburgh Starkville 
Jordanville VanHornsville 
Litchfield Warren 
Little Falls WestSchuyler 
Manheim W.Windfield 
do Centre Wil mot 


LIVINGSTON CO. 

Avon Mivonie 
Caledonia Moscow 
Conesus Mount Morris 
Cuylerville N'thDansville 
Dansville Nunda 
East Avon Portage 
East Spring Ridge 
Water River Road 
Fowlersville Forks 


Charleston do Bridge 
do 4 CornersPort Jackson 
Cranesville Root 
Flatcreek St. Johnsville 
FONDA 42 Salt Spring- 
Fort Hunter ville 
Fort Plain Spraker's 
Freysburg Basin 
Fultonville Stone Arabia 
Glen Tribes' Hill 


Middleville Windfield 


GENESEO 238 Scottsburgh 
Gibbonsville South Avon 


NEW YORK. 

Haerlem NEwYoRKl45 


JEFFERSON CO. 

Adams North Wilna 
Adams Centre Omar 
Alexandria Orleans 
do CentreOxbow 
Antwerp Pamelia 
Bel ville do 4 Corners 
Black River Perch River 


Greigsville Sparta 
Groveland Spottswood 
do CentreSouth Avon 
HemlockLakeSpring Water 
Kysorville Union Corners 
Lakeville West Conesus 
Leicester West Sparta 


King's Bridge 
NIAGARA COUNTY. 

Cambria Olcott 
Chalmers Orange Port 
County Line Pekin 
Hartland Pendleton 
Hickory Cor- Porter 


Brownville Philadelphia 
Burr's Mills Pierrepont 
Cape Vincent IVtanor 


Livonia 
MADISON COUNTY. 


ners Ransom ville 
Johnson'sCr'k Revnales' 
Lewiston Basin 


Carthage Pillar Point 
Champion Piesis [la 


Bennett's Cor-Lenox 
ners Madison 


LOCKPORT 300 Ruyalton 
Locust Tree Somerset 


Clayton Point Peninsu- 
Depauville Redwood 
Dexter Robert's Cor- 


Bouckville Morrisville 
Bridgeport Nelson 
Brookfield New Wood- 


Middleport So Royalton 
MountCambriaWheatneld 
New Fane Wilsons 


East Rodman Rodman [ners 
Ellisburgh Rutland 
Evans' Mills Sackett'sHar- 
Felt's Mills bor [ners 
Great Bend Sanford'sCor- 
Henderson Smithville 
Hounsfield South Rutland 
Lafargeville Sterlingville 
Le Ray Stone Mills 
Le Raysville Stowell'sCor- 
Limerick ners 
Lorraine Theresa 
Lyme Three Mile 


Canastota stock 
Cazenovia No. Brookfield 
Chittenango Oneida 
Clockville Oneida Lake 
De Rtiyter Or.eidaValley 
Earlville Perryville 
East HamiltonPeterboro' 
EATON 103 Poolville 
Erieville Pratt's Hollow 
Fenner Siloam 
Georgetown Smithfield 
Hamilton Stock-bridge 
Lebanon Sullivan 


Niagara Falls Youngstown 

ONEIDA COUNTY. 

Alder Creek Kirkland 
Annsville Lairdsville 
Augusta Lee 
Ava Lowell 
Babcock Hill McConnells- 
Big Brook Marcy [ville 
Boonville Marshall 
Bridgewater NewHartford 
Camden New London 
Cassville N.York Mills 
Clinton North Bay 


Mannsville Bay 
Military Road WATER- 


MONROE COUNTY. 

Adams's Hanforcl's 


Deansville North Gage 
Deerfield N'th Western 


Millen's Bay TOWN 160 
Nat uralBridge Wilna 
North Adams Woodville 


Basin Landing 
Brighton Henrietta 
Brockport HoneoyeFalls 


Delta Oneida Castle 
Durham ville Oriskanv 
East Florence do 'Falls 


KINGS COUNTY. 


Charlotte Irondequoit 


Florence Paris 


BROOKLYN 146Flatlands 


Churchville Mendon 


Floyd [nersParis Furnace 


Bushwick Fort Hamilton 


Clarkson Mumford 


Greene's Cor- Pine 


East New Gravesend 


do CentreNorth Chili 


Higginsville Prospect 


York New Utrecht 


Egypt O'Connelville 


Hizerville Remsen 


Flatbush Williamsburg 


Greece Parma 


H ol 1 and Patent Rome 



in the State of New York. 



Sangerfield Verona 


ORANGE COUNTY. 


West Monroe West Wil- 


Sauquoit Vienna 
Sconondoa Walesville 
South TrentonWaterville 
Steuben West Branch 
Stokes West Camden 


Accommoda- Monroe 
tionville do Works 
Amity Montgomery 
Bloomingrove Mount Hope 
Bullville Newburgh 


Williamstown liamstown 
OTSEGO COUNTY. 

Burlington Otego 
do FlatsOtsego 
Butternuts Otsdawa 


Taberg Western 
Trenton Westernville 
do Falls Westmoreland 
UTIPA 93 West Vienna 
Vernon WHITES- 
do Centre TOWN 96 


Canterbury NewHampton 
Chester New Miltbrd 
Coldennam New Vernon 
Cornwall New Windsor! 
Craigsville Otisville 
Crawford Oxford Depot 


Cherry Valley Pitlsfield 
Colliersville Plainfield 
CoopERSTowNRichfield 
Decatur [66 do Springs 
Sast Spring- Rose boom 
field SchuylerLake 


ONONDAGA CO. 


Cuddehackvill P .ilipsburgh 
Deer Park Poit J or vis 


3ast Worces- South p]dmcs- 
ter ton 


Amber Manlius Centre 


Edenville Riclgebury 


".dmeston South Valley 


Apulia Marcellus 


Farmingham St Andrews 


3xeter do Worces- 


Baldwinsville do Falls 


Finchville SalisburyMills 


^arrattsville ter 


Belle Isle Marietta 


Florida Scotchtown 


jilbertsville Springfield 


Borodino Mottville 


Gaines Slate Hill 


Martwick Unadilla 


Brewerton Navarino 


GOSHEN 105 South Middle- 


do Seminary do Centre 


Camillus Onondaga 


Hamptonburg town 


liaurens do Forks 


Canal do Hollow 
Cardiff Oran 


Highland MillsSugar Loaf 
Huguenot Turners 


Slaple Grove West Burling. 
Vlaryland ton 


Cicero Otisco 


Kendall Unionville 


Middle field West Edmes. 


Clay Plainville 


Knowlesville Walding 


do Centre ton 


Delphi Plank Road 


Little Britain Walkill 


Vlilford West Exeter 


De Witt Polkville 


Lyndonville Warwick, 


do Centre West ford 


Elbridge Pompey 


Medina Wells' Corner 


VTount Vision West Laurens 


Euclid do Centre 


Middle Hope West Point 


New Lisbon do Oneonta 


Fabius Salina 


Minisink West Town 


Daksville Westville 


Fairmount Skaneateles 
Fayetteville So. Marcellus 
Geddes So. Onondaga 
Hartsville Spafford 
Howlet Hill do Hollow 
Jack's Reef SYRACUSE 146 
Jamesville Tully 
Jordan TullyValley 
Kirkville Van Buren 
Lafayette do Centre 
Liverpool Vesper 
Lysander Watervale 
Mandana Wellington 


ORLEANS COUNTY. 

ALBION 257 Murray 
Barre North Ridge- 
Barre Centre way 
Carlton Oak Orchard 
Clarendon Ridge way 
East Carlton Shelby 
East Gaines Shelby Basin 
Gaines South Barre 
Hindsburgh Waterport 
Holley ' West Carlton 
Hul burton, West Gaines 


Oneonta Worcester 
PUTNAM COUNTY. 

DARMEL 106 Milltown 
Hold Spring Patterson 
Doanesburgh Philips! own 
Farmers' MillsPutnamValley 
Haviland Hoi-Red Mills 
low South East 
ent Towners 
QUEENS COUNTY. 
Astoria Jericho 
Buckram Manhasset 


Manlius Windfall 


Kendall \ ates 

TVTillxrill A 


College Point Merrick 




IVllUVlllC 


East NorwichNewtown 


ONTARIO COUNTY. 


OSWEGO COUNTY. 


Farmingdale North Hemp- 


Allen's Hill Naples 
Bristol North Bloom- 
Bristol Centre field 
Canadice Norton's Mills 
CANANDAT- Oak's Corners 


Albion Palermo 
Amboy Parish 
Boyleston Phoenix 
Butterfly Port Ontario 
Central SquareRedfield 


Flushing stead 
Glen Cove Oyster Bay 
Hempstead South 
do Branch Oyster Bay 
JAMAICA 158 Rockaway 


GUA 222 Orleans 


Cleveland Richland 


Jerusalem Roslyn 


Centrefield Phelps 


Colos.se Roosevelt 


South Syosset 


Chapinville Port Gibson 


Constantia Salmon River 


RENSSKLAER CO. 


Cheshire Reed's Cor's 


Fulton Sand Bank 


Alps Grafton 


EastBloomfielRichmond 


Gilbert's Mills Sandy Creek 


Berlin Greenbush 


Farminarton do Mills 


Granby Schroeppel 


Brunswick Hoag's Corner 


Flintcreek Rushville |Greenboro' Scriba 


Brainard's Hoosick 


Geneva Seneca 'Hannibal South Albion 


Bridge Hoosick Falls 


Gorham Seneca Castle Hastings do Richland 


Castleton Junction 


Hall's Corners South Bristol Hinmansville, Texas 


Centre Berlin Lansingburgh 


Honeoye Victor Hull's CornersUnion Settle- 


Defriestville Nassau 


Hopewell AVest Bloom- Kinney's4Cor ment 


Eagle Mills North Steven. 


Larned's Cor- field Mexico Union Square 


East Green- town 


ners West Farm- New Haven Vermillion 


bush Petersburgh. 


Manchester ington Orwell Volney 


East Nassau do 4 Corners 


do Centre .OSWEGO 167 West Amboy 


East SandlakePittstown 



Counties, Towns and Post Offices 



Poestenkill South Scho- 


Ketcham Cor-Rexford Flats 


Ervvin Centre Pond Settle. 


Potter Hill dack 


ners Saratoga 


Gibson ment 


Prospect Hill South Steven 


Malta do Springs 


Goff's Mills Prattsburgh 


Ray merlon town 


Maltaville Schuylerville 


Greenwood Pultney 


Saudlake Tomhannock 


Mechanicsvill South Corinth 


Hammond's Purdey Creek 


Sc aghticoke TROY 6 


Milton Stillwater 


Mills Rathboneville 


Schodack West Sandlak 


Moreau Visscher Ferry 


Hartsville Reading 


do Centre do Stephen- 


Mt Pleasant Waterford 


Haskenville do Centre 


do Lantl'g town 


North Galway West Charlton 


Hornby Shannon 


Stephentown Wynantskill 


Northumber- do Day 


Hornellsville South Came- 


RICHMOND CO. 


land do Greenfield 


Howard ron 


Castleton Southfield 


Pope'sCorners do Milton 


Hunter's LandSouth Dansvill 


Northfield Stapleton 
North Shore Tompkinsville 
RICHMOND 158\Vestfield 


Porter's do Whiteskle's 
Providence Corners 
Quaker SpringWilton 


Jasper do Hill 
Kenned ysville do Pultney 
Lindley Sugar Hill 


Rossville 


SCHENECTADY CO. 


Lindleytown Tlturston 


ROCKLAND CO. 


Braman's Cor.Mariaville 


Mt Washing-Tobehanna 


Clarkstown Orangetown 
Haverstraw Piermont 
Mousey Ramapo 
Nanuet RocklandLake 
North Haver- Scotland 


Duanesburgh Niskayuna 
East GlenvillePrincetown 
Glenville Quaker Street 
HoffmansFer-Rotterdam [15 
ry SCHEXECTADY 


ton Towlesville 
Mud Creek Troupsburgh 
North Cohoc- Tyrone 
ton Urbana 
North Reading Wayne 
do Thurston"West Addison 


straw Tappantown 


SCHOHARIE CO. 


do Urbana do Greenw'd 


Nyack West Hemp- 
do Turnpike stead 


Argosville Gilboa 
3arnerville Hyndsville 


Orange do Troups- 
Painted Post burgh 


ST. LAWRENCE CO. 


Blenheim Jefferson 


Palchin's Mills West Union 


Brasher Morley 


Bruckabeen Lawyersville 


Peltonville Wheeler 


Brasher Fa 11 Morristown 


Broome Leesville 


Pine Grove Woodhull 


Back Bridge Nicholviile 
CANTON 206 Norfolk 
Colton Oak Point 


Byrneville Livingstonvill 
Carlisle Middleburgh 
Central BridgeMorseville 


Pineville Wormleys 

SUFFOLK COUNTY. 


De Kalb Ogdensburgh 
De Peyster Oswegatchie 
East Pierpont Parishville 
Edwards Pierpont 
Edwardsville Pitcairn 


>harlotteville North Blen- 
Cobleskill heim 
do CentreRichmondville 
?onesville SCHOHARIE 32 
SastCobleskillSeward 


Amagansett Miller's Place 
Babylon Moriches 
Baiting Hollo'Mount Sinai 
Bellport New Village 
Bridghampton Northport 


Flackville Potsdam 


3sperei.ce Sharon 


Brookhaven Orient 


Fine Rackett River 
Fowler Raymondville 
Fullersville Richville 


? ranklinton do Centre 
"'ulton Sloanville 
Fultonhara Summit 


3entreport Patchogue 
Cold Spring Port Jefferson 
Harbor Quogue 




Gallupville Waldensville 


Uommack Riverhead 


Hammond Russell 


Gardnersville Wright 


Horam Sag Harbor 


Helena Shingle Creek 
Hermon Somerville 
Heuvelton South Canton 


SENECA COUNTY. 

^anoga Seneca Falls 
Covert Sheldrake 


Cutchogue Sayville 
Dix Hills Setauket 
East HamptonShelter Island 


Hopkintown do Edwards 
Lawrenceville do Hammond 


Banner South Lodi 
?ayette Townsendvill 


Fireplace Smithtown 
Flanders Southampton 


Lisbon Southville 


lunius Tyre 


3ood Ground Southold 


Louisville Stockholm 
Macomb Waddington 


L,odi Varick 
do Centre Waterloo 


Greenport Speonk 
HermitageDe- Stony Brook 


Madrid WcstPotsdam 
Massena do Stockholm 


DVID 197 West Fayette 
Romulus do Junius 


pot Success 
Huntington SUFFOLK 226 


Matildaville Wrightsburgh 
SARATOGA COUNTY 


STEUBEN COUNTY. 

Addison Cohocton 


[slip Upper Aque- 
Jamesport boque 
Vtanorville Wading River 


BALLSTON 30 East Line 


Arkport Cold Spring 


Mattituck West Hills 


do CentreEdgecombe's 
Barkersville Corners 


Avoca Mills 
BATH 216 Cooper'sPlains 


Middle Island Yaphauk 


Bemis' HightsEdinburgh 


Bennett CreekCorning 


SULLIVAN COUNTY. 


Blenheim Fortsville 


Bradford Cossville 


Barryville Collikoon 


Burnt Hills Galway 


BrimmersvilleDansville 


Beaverbrook Fallsburgh 


Charlton Grangerville 


Cameron Doty's Corner 


Beaverkill Forestburgh 


Clifton Park Greenfield 


Campbell East Cameron 


Bethel Fosterdale 


Corinih do Centre 


do Creek do Canisteo 


BloomingburgGales 


Coveville Hadley 


do Town do Painted 


Bridgeville Glen Wild 


Day Half-Moon 


Canisteo Post 


Burlingham Grahamsville 


Dean's CornerJoiiesville 


Catoii Erwin 


Cochecton Hartwood 



in the State of New York. 



55 



Hasbrouck Purvis 


Rondout The Corner I South Butler West Wai- 


Liberty Rockland 


Rosendale Tuthill [South Sodus worth 


Lumberland Sandburgh 


Saugerties Ulsterville Walworth Williamson 


Monticello Thompson 
Mamakating Thompsonville 


Shandaken Warwarsing West Butler Wolcott 
do Centre West Camp |Westburgh 


Narrowsburg West Broak- 


Shawangunk do Hurley 


WESTfHESTER CO. 


Neversink ville 


Shokan Woodstock 


BEDFORD 130 Port Chester 


Parksville White Lake 


Southwick 


Cortland Poundridge 


Philipsport Woodbourne 
Pond Eddy Wurtsboroug' 


WARREN COUNTY. 

Athol Hyde 


Cortlandtown Rye 
Cross River Salem Centre 


TIOCA COUNTY. 


Bolton Johnsburgh 


Croton Falls Scarsdale 


Apalachin Nichols 


CALDWELL 62 Luzerne 


Dobb's Ferry Shrub Oak 


Barton OWEGO 167 


Chester Pottersville (East Chester Sing Sing 


Berkshire Richford 


Chestertown Queensbury j Greenburgh Somers 


Campbell Sliawnee 


Glen's Falls Stony Creek Harrison South Salem 


Candor Smithsboro' 


Hague The Glen 


LewisboroughTarrytown 


Canfield's South Owego 
Corners Spencer 


Horicon Warrensburg 


Mamoroneck The Purchase 
Moringville Tuckahoe 


Factoryville Tioga 


WASHINGTON CO. 


Mt. Pleasant Verplanck 


Flemineville Tioga Centre 


Anaquascook Hartford 


New Castle Vista 


HalseyValley West Candor 
Newark West Newark 


Argyle Hebron 
Bartenviile Jackson 


do RochelleWestchester 
North Castle West Farms 


do ValleyWillseyville 


Buskirk's Kingsbury 
Bridge Lake 


do Salem do Somers 
Ossinsinsr WHJTEPLAINS 


TOMPK1NS CO. 

Burdett Mecklinburgh 


Cambridge LowHampton,Peeksville Whitlockville 
Centre Cam- Middle Gran- Pelham Yonkers 


Caroline Mott'sCorners 


bridge ville 


Pine's Bridge Yorktown 


do CentreNewfield 


Centre White North Argyle 


Plessantville 


Cayutaville North Hector 


Creek do Easton 


WYOMING COUNTY. 


Danby do Newfield 


Comstock's do Granville 


A ttio.i ATidi) !.! in r\' 


Dryden do Lansing 
East Lansing Peruville 
Enfield Reynoldsville 


Landing do Greenwich %* Centre N^hj'ava 
Dresden do Hebron Bennillgton do Sheldon 
E. GreenwichNorth White n..JuT Hn wth*>rs_ 


do Centre Searsburgh 


Easton Creek 


,-,,. ,. , , 


Etna Seneca 
Groton Slaterville 


East Salem Patten's Mills 
Fort Ann Putnam 


Covington Orangeville 


Hector South Danby 
ITHACA 170 do Lansing 
Jacksonville Speedsville 


Fort Edward Salem 
Fort Edward SANDYHILLSO 
Centre Shusan 


Dale Perry 
Eagle do Centre 
Eist China Pike 


Lake Ridge Trumansburg 
Lansing Ulysses 
Lansingville Varna 
Logan Waterbury 
Ludlowville West Dryden 


Fort Miller South Argyle 
Galesville do Easton 
Granville do Granville 
Greenwich do Hartford 
Griswold'a West Hebron 


do Java Sheldon 
Gainesville Strykersville 
Genesee Falls Varysburgh 
Hermitage Vernol 
Java \VARSAW 303 


McLean West Groton 


Mills White Creek 


do Village Wethersfield 


ULSTER COUNTY. 


Hampton Whitehall 


Johnsburgh do Spring 


Accord MarMetown 


WAYNE COUNTY. 


La Grange Wyoming 


Amesville Marlborough 


Alloway Marion 


YATES COUNTY. 


Beach Hill Milton 


Arcadia Newark 


Barrington Middlesex 


Bruynswick Modena 


Butler Ontario 


Benton Milo 


Esopus Napanock 


Clyde Palmyra 


do Centre do Centre 


Glasco New Hurley 


East Palmyra Port Glasgow 


Big Stream North Middle- 


High Falls New Palts 


Fairville Pultneyville 


Point sex 


Hurley Landing 


Galen Red Creek 


Branchport Penn Yan 


KINGSTON 98 New Paltz 


Huron Rose 


Dundee Potter 


Kyserike Olive 


Locke Berlin Salmon Creek 


Ferguson Cor Rock Stream 


Lackawack do Bridge 


LYONS 181 Savannah 


Italy South Milo 


Lake Hill Plattekill 


Macedon Sodus 


do Hill Starkey 


Lloyd River Side 


do Centre do Centre 


do Hollow West Dresden 


Maiden Rochester 


Marengo do Point 


Jerusalem Yatesville 



The longest day in Great Britain is 17 hours and 2 minutes. In the 
United States, it is only 14 hours and 50 minutes. The shortest day in 
Great Britain is 7 hours and 20 minutes, in the United States it is 9 
hours and 10 minutes. 



56 Stage and Mail Routes. 



STAGE AND MAIL ROUTES IN OLDEN TIME. 
In June, 1785, a company of stage proprietors undertook to make the 
land passage to New York from Albany, " the most easy and agree- 
able, as well as the most expeditious," by performing the journey in 
two days, at 3d. a mile; but in the fall of the year, " for the ease of the 
passengers," the time of running was changed to three days, and the 
price raised to 4d. a mile, " agreeably to act of assembly." This was a 
chartered company, the legislature having in the above year granted to 
Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Hall and John Kinney, the exclusive right 
" to erect, set up, carry on, and drive," stage wagons between Albany 
and New York, on the east side of the Hudson river, for a term of ten 
years, and restrained all opposition under a penalty of 200. They were 
to have at least two covered wagons, each drawn by four able horses, 
the fare was limited to 4d. a mile, and the trips to be performed once a 
week, under the penalty of the forfeiture of their charter. At this time 
the post office at Albany served not only for the adjoining towns, as Sche- 
nectady and Greenbush, but also for Orange and Dutchess counties, 
Cherry Valley, &c., and letters were advertised even for Vermont. By 
the post office arrangements of January, 1786, the New York mail ar- 
rived twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The post office busi- 
ness at this time could not have been very extensive, there being but 
two mails in the week, one from New York, and the other from Spring- 
field, which were so unimportant that for several years after the routes 
were called cross-roads in the government contracts, and terminated at 
the city. The communication with the neighboring counties and states 
was kept up by post riders, w r ho met at certain points and interchanged 
letters and papers, and when the business was not sufficient to support 
them, subscriptions were raised for the purpose among such citizens as 
were interested in their continuance In 1789 a stage commenced run- 
ning from Platt's Inn in Lansingburgh, to Lewis's City Tavern, Albany, 
three limes a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The bill of 

fare down and back was 4s.; fare one way 3s In 1790 a post of this 

kind left Albany on Monday afternoon, and reached Schenectady the 
same day; was at Johnstown on Tuesday, at Canajoharie on Wednesday, 
at Fort Plain on Thursday, at Fort Hunter and Warrensbush on Friday, 
and arrived at Albany, on its return, Monday forenoon. The post to 
Vermont left the city on Monday evening, arrived at Pittstown on Tues- 
day, at Bennington on Wednesday, at Little White Creek and Cambridge 
on Thursday, at Tomhannic and Schaghticoke on Friday, and at Hoosic 
on Saturday. This was also the mode, and almost the only means, of 

circulating newspapers at that day It was mentioned at this time 

( 1790) , that the trade and commerce of the United States had been greatly 
benefitted by the regulations at the general post office, whereby the mail 
was transported five times a week between New York and Philadelphia; 
and the post master general had signified his intention to make the same 
arrangements between New York and Baltimore, at the beginning of the 

next year In February, 1790, the legislature granted Ananias Platt 

the exclusive right of running a stage between Albany and Lansing- 
burgh. Four years later, Mr. Platt, " grateful for public custom," un- 
dertook to run his stage twice a day from Lansingburgh to Albany and 
back. In the winter of 1795 he had increased the number of daily trips 



Stage and Mail Routes. 57 

to six. In the summer of 1796, the amount of travelling had increased 
so much as to employ twenty stages daily between Waterford, Lansing- 
burgh, Troy and Albany, averaging more than 150 passengers a day... .In 
1791, the post master general was authorized by law to extend the post 
route from Albany to Bennington, Vt.; and the first mail reached that 
place on the 25th of March, the anniversary of the settlement of the 
town thirty years before. The printers complained of the careless and 
irregular manner in which the New York mail was carried. It appears 
that the contract required the mail to be carried but once a week, though 
the carriers generally took it twice, and thereby exceeded their con- 
tract It may be here remarked, that the length of all the post routes 

in the state, is now, 1848. above 13,000 miles In 1792, by the act of 

congress for extending post roads, and fixing the rates of postage, the 
mail route from Albany to Bennington was extended through the state 
of Vermont to the north part of this state on Lake Chatnplain; and a 
post road established from Albany through Schenectady to Canajoharie. 
The rates of postage on newspapers were about the same as they are 
now, with the exception of the odious three cent appendage. A post 
was established in the same year from Albany to Whitestown, as a pri- 
vate enterprise, which performed the route once a fortnight Several 
gentlemen in the Genesee country, established another to meet the one 
at Whitestown, by which a communication was opened between Albany 
and the far went. The latter post passed through Geneva, Canandar- 
qua, Canawargus and Williamsburgh. Towns were then few and far 
between. There were but 7 in Saratoga county, 3 in Herkimer, and 
4 in Montgomery. Postmaster General Pickering's advertisements for 
contracts to carry the mails, also proposed to extend the post road w*st 
of Albany, " from Connojorharrie to Whitestown, and thence to Kanan- 
darqua." About the same time a private post was established from 
Niagara to the Genesee river, where it met the one previously mentioned, 
and interchanged letters and papers. By this means a chain of com- 
munication was opened through the whole extent of the state, and the 
Messrs. Webster in Albany received and forwarded letters gratuitously 
to every part of the country where there were no mails. Some one pro- 
posed this year to establish a line of stages from Albany to Whitestown, 
a project which the editor of the Gazette says, would have been ridi- 
culed at an earlier day, but which the great intercourse with the west- 
ern country might justify, and answer a valuable purpose, if the pro- 
prietors could succeed in contracting for the mail. In the spring of 1793- 
Moses Beal c> erected a stage," to use his own words, " for the accom, 
modation of passengers from Albany to Schenectady, Johnstown, and 
Canajohary, once a week." It left Albany at 6 o'clock on Friday 
morning, and arrived at Canajoharie the next day. The fare was 3c. 
a mile. It returned on Tuesday. He proposed to go occasional!) as 
far as Little Falls, if desired! The success of these enterprises embold- 
ened others; and we find that one John Hudson, inn keeper, established 
a line of stages to run between Albany and Schenectady, three times a 
week; and John Rodgers, of Ballston, ran a line from that place to con- 
nect with it, by which a regular communication was now first established 
for the convenience of those who visited the springs. The fare was 4s. 
to Schenei-tady; those who continued through were charged 3d. a mile. 
A still bolder scheme was undertaken, to connect the city with the val- 
ley of the Connecticut, by a line of stages to Northampton. Arrange- 



58 Stage and Mail Routes. 

ments having been made in the fall of the above year, a stage started 
from each end of the line on Tuesdays and Fridays, in the morning, and 
met at Pittsfield in the evening, accomplishing the entire route in two 
days. The proprietors, in their appeal to the public for patronage, re- 
mark, that the difficulty of extending a line of stages across the moun- 
tains, had always been considered insurmountable, but reflecting that 
such an establishment would complete the line of an expeditious and 
sure communication from " Portland, in the province of Maine," through 
a rich and flourishing country, to Whitestown, in the western part of the 
state of New York, a distance of upwards of 400 miles, they had de- 
termined to make the experiment. The fare was 4c. a mile. ... In 1794 
the post routes from Albany, or centering in Albany, had increased to 
five, as follows, preserving the post master general's orthography. 
1st. Form Albany to Kinderhook, Hudson. Clermont, Redhook, Rhine- 
beck, Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Pickskill and New r York, once a week. 
2d. From Albany to Lansingburgh, Bennington, Manchester, Rutland, 
Middleburgh, Vergennes and Burlington, once a week. 3d. From Alba- 
ny to New Lebanon, Pittsfield, Worthington, Northampton and Brook- 
field, once a week. 4tb. From Albany to Kinderhook, Stockbridge and 
Springfield, once a week. 5th. From Albany to Scheneclady, Johns- 
town, Canajohary, German Flatts, Whitestown, Old Fort Schuyler, On- 
ondaga, Aurora, Scipio, Geneva and Kanandaigua, once in two weeks. 
A branch ran from Canajohary through Cherry Valley to Cooperstown, 

once a week In January, 1795, Mr. John Hudson ran two stages, one 

of four horses and the other of two, daily between Albany and Sche- 
nectady, and Ananias Platt soon after went upon the same line, making 
four trips a day. The fare to New York by stage this year, was re- 
duced to 3. 4s. ($3). It is understood that the price was usually $10. 
In the following year it was reduced to $6 in the summer; the fare from 

Albany to Fort Schuyler was $2'50; to Whitestown. $3 In the same 

year also (1796), the mails made the transit between Albany and Phila- 
delphia, a distance of about 260 miles, in three days, and from Boston 
to Philadelphia in four days, from Savannah to Philadelphia in thirteen 

days The post roads diverging from Albany were further increased 

in 1797, through northern towns. A list of the roads and distances in 
various directions from Albany, this year, was as follows: 

ALBANY TO HARTFORD AND NEW HAVEN. 

Miles. 

Sheffield, 4 

Canaan, 8 

Norfolk, 6 

Dr. Bid well's, 4 

Phelps's (Green Woods) , 5 

Austin's (New Hartford), 5 

Case's (Symsbury), 7 

Northington, 4 

West Hartford, 5 

Hartford, 4 

Middletown, 15 

New Haven, 23 

138 



Miles. 
Col.Visscher's and JohnStaats's 

Greenbush, 1 

McKown's, 4 

Smith's 6 

John Miller's 1 



Kinderhook Plains, 4 

Kinderhook Mills, 2 

Buck's Tavern, 5 

Spencertown, 7 

Green river 5 

Derby's, 5 

Egremont, foot of Nabletown 

mountain, 1 

Cook's, 4 

Baker's, in Gt. Barringlon ... 1 



Stage and Mail Routes. 



59 



Carpenter's 
Buck's 



ALBANY TO NIAGARA. 
Miles. 

Humphrey's Tavern, 2 

McKown's, 3 

Douw's, 2 

Truax's, 5 

Schenectady, 4 

Groat's 12 

John Fonda's, 12 

Conally's, 7 

Roseboom'sFer.(Can'joharie), 3 

Hudson's (Indian Castle),.. .. 13 

Aldridge's (German Flatts),.. 11 

Brayton's, 13 

Old Fort Schuyler 3 



Whitestown, 4 

Home (Fort Stanwix), 12 

Whitestown to Laird's Tavern, 9 

Oneida Castle, 8 

Wemp's, 5 

John Denna's, 7 

ALBANY TO 

Flatts, 5 

Waterford, 7 

Half-Moon, 6 

Sti 11 water, 4 

Ensign's, 6 

Du Mont's Ferry, 8 

Fort Edward, 12 

Sandy Hill, 2 

Fort Ann, 10 

Skeensborough, 12 

Dr. Smith's, 8 



Miles. 

Foster's, 5 

Morehouse's, 6 

Keeler's or Danforth's, 5 

15 
3 

Goodrich's, 8 

Huggins's, 4 

Cayuga, v 7 

Seneca, 3 

Geneva, 11 

Amsden's, 6 

Wells's, 8 

Sanburne's (Canandarqua),. .. 4 



Sears's & Peck's, 13 

Genesee river, 



14 

40 



Indiantown Tonawanda,... 

Niagara, 35 

310 

MONTREAL. 

Burlington, 70 

Sandbar, 14 

John Martin's 14 

Savage's Point, 6 

Windmill " 6 

Isle au Noix, 12 

St. John's, 14 

Laperara, 18 

Montreal, 9 

232 



McKown's, 5 

Strong's, 

Schermerhorn's, 

Lebanon Springs, 

Pittsfield, 

Partridgetield 

Worthington 



ALBANY TO BOSTON. 

Northampton, 13 

Belchertown, 15 

Brookfield, 15 

Leicester, 13 

Worcester, 13 

Boston, 44 



Chesterfield," 7 177 

Note. From Worcester to Boston the country is almost one continued 
village, and houses of entertainment in no instance of two or three miles. 



ALBANY TO NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 



Greenbush. 



McKown's. 4] 



Smith's 
J Miller's, 



Kinderhook, 4 

Claverack, 14 

Livingston's Manor, 7 

Swart's, 15 



Kinderhook Plains, 4 l| Rhinebeck, 9 



60 



Stage and Mail Routes. 



Miles. 

Staatsburgh, 6 

Poughkeepsie, 11 

Fishkill, 14 

Nelson's (Highlands), ... 11 

Peekskill, 9 

Odell's, 10 



Miles. 

Conklin's, 12 

Kingsbridge, 12 

New York, 15 

Philadelphia, 95 

260 



So little improvement was made in regard to speed, that in 1804 a line 
of stages commenced running between Albany and New York, which 
occupied three days in the journey, lodging the first night at Rhinebeck, 
and the next at Peekskill. The avowed object of this line was the ease 
of the traveller, who was allowed all the time requisite to make the pas- 
sage agreeable. As far as time was concerned, surely no one could de- 
sire to be longer on the road. Fare $8. The steam boats soon after this 
introduced a new mode of conveying travellers and the mail, with ease 

and comfort to the passenger, and a considerable increase of speed In 

1811 a line of stages was formed from Albany to Niagara Falls, which 
accomplished the journey in three days, at the following rales: from, 
Albany to Utica, $5'50; Utica to Geneva, $5; Geneva 1o Canandaigua, 
$5 75; and from thence to Buffalo at 6c. a mile. . . .In 1814 a line of stages 
was established by a Mr. Hicks, to run between Albany and Brattle- 
boro', to carry the mail tw r ice a week, but to make the trip between the 
two places in one day. It was thought the journey to Boston could be 

performed with greater safety by this route than any other In 1818 

a line of stages commenced running between Albany and Montreal, on 
the west side of Lake Champlain, transporting the mail three times a 
week. By continued gradations, Albany became the centre of a large 
amount of stage travel, which increased from year to year until about 
1830, the dawning of the rail road era. Lines of stages diverged to every 
point of the compass, and its streets were thronged with vehicles de- 
parting and arriving at all hours of the day and night. There were 
several lines daily to Buffalo, to Montreal, to New York, and to Boston. 
There was a line to Boston by the way of Charlestown, N. H., one by 
Brattleboro', Vt., one by Greenfield, Mass., and one by Springfield, Mass , 
and one by Hartford, Ct. Besides these there were numerous less im- 
portant lines. The firms of Thorp & Sprague, and Baker & Walbridge, 
owned an incredible number of stage coaches, which were subsequently 
laid up on the completion of the rail roads, and other improvements in 
traveling, and many hundreds of worn out horses went to their rest. The 
glory of this business has departed; its tired horses and tired men have 
been superseded by the iron horse, which never tires. Troy is now the 
seat of staging operations in this region; a few straggling lines take the 
northern routes over the mountains, and short lines penetrate sections 
of the country remote from the rail roads. One line still occupies the 
route, over the Cherry Valley turnpike, terminating at Syracuse; through 
in 24 hours; fare $2'75, or thereabout. This route accommodates such 
as halt at by-places, or are a little doubtful of their entire personal sa/ety 
behind a locomotive. Mr. Joseph Webster, who is the veteran stager 
of the day. also traverses the Helderberg ridge with a six horse team, 
to Rensselaerville, and another line leaves the Clinton Hotel, keeping 
up a communication with Schoharie. 



Routes of Travel. 61 



PRINCIPAL ROUTES OF TRAVEL DIVERGING FROM 
ALBANY. 

ALBANY TO TROY. 

During the season of navigation there are three modes of conveyance 
between Albany and Troy, viz.: 

1st. By stage which leaves the General Stage Office, No. 436 Broad- 
way, Albany, and the hotels on River street, Troy, half-hourly, from 
6 A. M. to 7 P. M. Fare 12 cents. 

2d By steamboat, hourly, from the foot of State street, Albany, and 
the Steamboat Landins, River street, Troy. Fare 12 cents. 

3d. By the Troy and Greenbush Rail Road, hourly, from about 6 A. 
M. to 7 P. M., from the East Albany depot, and the east end of the rail 
road bridge, Troy. Fare 20 cents. 



BETWEEN ALBANY AND BUFFALO. 

Between Albany, Niagara Falls and Buffalo, there are several routes 
and modes of conveyance. 

1st. By rail road to Sclvenectady, thence by rail road or packet boats 
running on the Erie canal. 

2d. By rail road or canal to Rome, thence by stage on plank road and 
stearn boat, via. Oswego. 

3d. By rail road, stage or canal to Syracuse, thence by rail road or 
canal and steam boat, via. O&wego. 

4th. By rail road or canal to Rochester, thence by rail road, canal or 
steam boat. 

At Ulica, Rome, Syracuse and Rochester, passengers can change from 
the cars to the packets or line boats, and vice versa, without any incon- 
venience. There are also many points between Schenectady and Utica, 
where a change may be made. 

BY ERIE CANAL AND PACKET BOATS. 

During the season of canal navigation, there are two daily lines of 
packet boats from Schenectady to Buffalo, navigating the Erie canal. 
Leave Schenectady for Buffalo about 9 A. M. and 9 P. M., or on the 
arrival of the morning and evening cars from Albany. Fare from 
Schenectady to Albany, by rail road, 50 cents. Leave Buffalo also about 
the same hours for Schenectady, arriving morning and evening in time 
for passengers to proceed without delay by rail road to Albany. At 
Lockport the packet boats connect with the cars running between Lock- 
port and Niagara Falls, and which connect with cars between Niagara 
Falls and Buffalo. Travellers who wish a more economical mode thaa 
by packet or cars, can travel by line boats, which afford good accommo- 
dations at a cheap rate. The usual charge for passage and board being 
about one and a half cents per mile, or one cent per mile without board. 
Line boats reach Buffalo from Albany in about seven days. Distance 
364 miles. 

5 



62 



Routes of Travel. 



PACKET BOAT TO BUFFALO. 



Stopping Places. 


a, 

o 
* 


5 
o 
H 


Stopping Places. 


< 






ii 

"o 
H 


Port Schuyler, 


6 
1 
2 
1 

3 
6 
7 
4 
9 
8 
5 
2 
8 
9 
3 
3 
5 
4 
2 
5 
7 
1 
5 
9 
3 
1 

! 

I 

3 
4 
2 
3 
5 

3 
5 

4 
8 
1 
2 
4 
2 
5 
2 


6 
7 
9 
10' 
13 
19 
26 
30 
39 
47 
52 
54 
57 
66 
69 
72 
77 
81 
83 
88 
95 
96 
101 
110 
113 
114 
117 
125 
127 
129 
132 
136 
133 
141 
146 
150 
153 
158 
162 
170 
171 
173 
177 
179 
184 
186 




4 
1 
5 
1 
2 
6 
6 
5 
5 
4 
6 
1 
3 
5 
4 
3 
2 
2 
1 
1 
3 
3 
4 
6 
10 
2 
3 
3 
2 
5 
4 
6 
2 
1 
4 
4 
3 
3 
3 
2 
7 
7 
12 
8 
1 
3 


190 
191 
196 
197 
199 
205 
211 
216 
221 
225 
231 
232 
235 
240 
244 
247 
249 
251 
252 
253 
256 
259 
263 
269 
279 
281 
284 
287 
289 
294 
298 
304 
306 
307 
311 
315 
318 
321 
324 
326 
333 
340 
352 
360 
361 
364 


West Troy 




Junction Champlain Canal, 








Port Byron 












Clyde, 




Lock Berlin, 








Lockville, 






Port Gibson 










Fort Plain, 




St Johnsville, 






" Centre, 


Indian Castle . . . . 




LittleFalls, 




Herkimer Lower Bridge... . 
" Upper " ... 
Frankfort 


Bushnell's " 


Pittsford 


Billin a hurst's Basin ...... 


thica 




York Mills, 










Adams's * ' 




Cooley's " 


Wood Creek 






Holley, 
























Medina, 




Shelby Basin 


Kirkville, 




Manlius, 












Geddes, 




Belisle, 










Black Rock 


Peru, 


Buffalo, 



Routes of Travel. 



63 



BY RAIL ROAD. 

Leave Albany for Buffalo and intermediate places about 7 A. M , and 
1 and 7 P. M.; running through to Buffalo in about seventeen hours, and 
connecting at Buffalo with boats running to all ports on tlie upper lakes. 
Leave Buffalo for Albany about 8A.M., and 1 and 5 P. M., connecting 
with the morning and evening steam boats for New York, and cars for 
Boston, &.c. 



Stopping Places. 



o 

CM 


"5 




i 

OJ 

e 


Stopping Places. 


OH 
O 




.2 
o 
H 


1 




17 


It 


50: 




j 


165 




Hoffman's Ferry, . . 


9 


96 


75 




4 


169 




Crane's Village, 


4 
4 


30 
34 


90 
1 00 


Auburn, 26 miles,.. 


5 
1] 


174 
185 


5-05 


Tribe's Hill, 


5 
ft 


39 
44 


1 15 
30 


jSeneca Falls, 
Waterloo, 


5 
3 


190 
193 




Yost's 


6 


50 


45 


Gae's .......... 


3 


196 






3 


53 


55 


Genevq 


4 


200 




Palatine Bridge, 
Fort Plain 


3 
3 


56 
59 


65 
75 


Oak's Corners, .... 
Vienna 


5 
3 


205 
208 






9 


61 


85 


Clifton, 


4 


212 




St John^ville 


1 


64 


90 




4 


216 




East Canada Creek, 


3 


67 


2-00 




3 


219 




Little Falls, 


7 


74 


2-20 


Canandaigua, 


.3 


900 




Herkimer ........ 


7 


81 


2*40 




10 


?32 






3 


84 


2'60' 


Fisher's 


4 


236 




Utica, 94* miles,.. . 


11 
4 


95 
99 


275 


Railroad Mills,.... 


1 
5 


237 
242 






3 


10? 






5 


247 






7 


1()9 




Roche c ter, 77 miles 


4 


251 


7-55 


Green's Corners, ^. . 


5 


114 




Cold Water 


6 


257 






4 


1IS 




Chili 


4 


961 




Onei Ja . . . . 


4 


]99 




Churchville ..... 


4 


265 






3 


125 




Wardville 


3 


96* 






3 


]9S 






4 


979 






3 


131 




Byron, 


4 


976 




Chi ttpnan p o, 


9 


133 




Bata via, .......... 


7 


283 




Kirkville 


5 


13S 




Alexander ........ 


8 


991 




]Vlanlius 


9 


140 




Attica 44 miles 


4 


295 




De Witt 


^ 


145 




Darien City 


4 


299 




Syracuse, 53 miles,. 


3 




14S 
150 


4-25 


Darien Centre, .... 
\|,Jcn 


2 
6 


301 
307 






fi 


156 




Town Line 


4 


11 




Hish Embankment, 


a 


159 






6 


317 




Half- Way House,.. 
Elbridse 


2 
3 


161 
164 




Cheektawaga, 
'Buffalo i 


4 
5 


321 
326 


9-75 



At a meeting of the superintendents of the several rail roads forming 
the line between Albany and Buffalo, in October, 1848, the following 
schedule was adopted, which went into operation on the 23d of that 
month. 



64 



Routes of Travel. 



GOING WEST. 



Leave Albany, ...... 7 

Schenectady.. 8 
Utica, ...... ..12 

Syracuse,.... 3 

Auburn ....... 4 15 

Rochester,... 8 30 

Arrive at Buflalo,.. .12 30 A. M. 



P.M. 



P.M. 
" 



2 
3 

830 " 
2230A.M. 
230 " 
9 " 
1 



P.M. 



GOING EAST. 



2 P. M. 

730 " 

1 15 A. M. 

3 

7 " 

1230p.M. 

1 30 " 



P. M. 
(I 



7 
8 

12 night, 
250A/M. 
345 " 
9 ' 
1 P.M. 



9 P. M. 

1 15A.M. 

530 ' 

7 15 " 

1015 " 

2 15p.M. 

3 15 " 



Leave Buffalo, 7 A.M. 

" Rochester,.... 11 15 " 

" Auburn, 3 20 p. M. 

" Syracuse, 5 15 " 

" Utica, 8 15 " 

11 Schenectady,. .12 15 A. M. 
Arrive at Albany,... 1 15 " 
On the 1st of November, the fares on this line were reduced from $12 
to $9-75. as follows: 
Albany to Schenectady,... $0'50|| Auburn to Rochester,... .. $250 

Scheneclady to Utica, 2'25 Rochester to Buffalo, 2*25 

Utica to Syracuse, ToOj 

Syracuse to Auburn, '7511 Total, $9.75 

It is understood that each train departs within half an hour after its 
arrival at each of the intermediate places mentioned in the above list. 



DISTANCES FROM ALBANY TO NEW YORK, 

ON THE HUDSON RIVER. 



Overslaugh, 3 

Castleton, 8 

Schodack Landing, 10 ( 

Coeymans 12; 

New Baltimore, 14 

Kinderhook Landing 18 

Coxsackie, 21 

Hudson, 29 

Catskill, 34 

Bristol, or Maiden, 43 

Saugerties, 4-1 

Upper Redhook, 45 

Lower Redhook, 48 

Rhinebeck, 55 

Pelham, 6l| 

Hyde Park, 65J 

Poughkeepsie, 7li; 

Milton, 75 j 

New Hamburgh, 78; . 

Newburgh,..: 84' 



New Windsor, 86 

Cornwall, 88 

Cold Spring, 91 

West Point . 93 

Culd well's Landing, 101 

V'erplanck's Point, 104 

Grassy Point, 106 

Teller's Point, 1 10 

Sing Sing 112 

Tarry town,. 118 

Piermont 121 

Dobbs's Ferry, 123 

Hastings, 125 

Yonkers, 128 

Spuy ten Duy vel Creek, 132 

Fort Lee, N. J., 135 

Man hat la nvi lie, 137 

Bull's Ferry, N. J., 139 

New York, 145 



Routes of Travel. 



ON THE 

Greenbnsh, 


EAST SIDE OF THE HUDSON RIVER. 


,. 76 




10 


Fishkill, 


89 


Kinderhook .... 


. 20 




99 




25 


Peekskill, 


.... 108 




. 33 




118 




44 




120 




46 




126 




51 




132 


Lower Redhook . 


54 


|Yonker<5 


137 




60 




141 


Hyde Park, 


70 


NPW York. . 


154 


ON THE 

Coeyroan*! . . 


WEST SIDE OF THE HUDSON RIVER. 
. 12 NTonr TTnrlow 


... 83 




14 




87 




20 


Walden 


90 


Athene 


28 




94 


Catskill 


34 




104 


IMalden or Bristol 


43 




109 


Ulster . . . 


46 




115 




49 




121 


Kin^ton, . . . . t 


58 




131 




66 




150 


NewPallz 


74 




174 









ALBANY TO NEW YORK. 

BY HOUSATONIC RAIL ROAD AVD STEAMBOAT. 



Slopping Places. 


a, 
c 

cu 


1 
H 


Stopping Places. 




C 

I 


1 




1 

7 
8 
7 
5 
5 
5 
2 

2 

(3 
7 
2 
3 

7 
4 
8 


l\ 

16 ! 
23 

23 
32 
38 

40 
41 
49 
55 
62 
64 
67 
74 
78 
86 




6 
6 
6 
6 
4 
4 

,s 

3 

12 
11 
11 
8 

8 
3 
4 


92 
98 
104 
110 
114 
118 
123 
133 
136 
148 
159 
170 
178 
186 
189 
193 


Schodack, 


New Milford 










East Chatham 






Bottsford's 






West Stockbrid p e, 






Black Rock, 






Sheffield 


Greenwich Point 




N>w Rochelle 


Canaan 


Throw's Neck 


Canaan Falls Village . ... 


I Hell Gate 


West Cornwall, 


Blackwell's Island, 




New York 


Kent, 





66 



Routes of Travel. 



DISTANCES FROM NEW YORK TO OREGON. 



Miles. 
St. Louis, (shortest way, and 

not by rivers,) 1, 033 

Independence, 266 

Blue, at Burnett's Trace, 520 

Bigg Platte, 25 

Up " 25 

Up the same 117 

Across the North Fork of the 

same 31 

(Jp North Fork to Cedar Grove 18 

Up the same to Chimney,. ... 18 

Scott's Bluffs, 20 

FortLarima, 33 

Big Sprine, at the foot of the 

Black Hills, 

Keryen North Fork, 

Crossing of the same, 34 

Sweet Water 55 

Up same to the snow on Rocky 

Mountains, 60 

Main divide of the same,.... 40 
Waters running to the Pacific 

Ocean 2 

Little Sandy, 14 

Big " 14 

Green river, 25 

Down the same, 12 

Black Fort of Green river,.. . 22 



Miles. 

FortBridge, 35 

Koag river, 35 

Down same to the hills that 

run on same, 57 

Down same to the Great San- 
dusky 38 

Partnith, first waters of the 

Columbia, -,,.- 25 

Fort Hall, on Snake river,.... 58 

I Partnith again, 11 

I Cock Creek 87 

jSolomon Falls, 42 

i Crossing Snake river, 27 

'Boiling Spring, 

I Down the same to Fort Barse, 40 

30 I Burnt River, 41 

j Up the same 26 

' Across to Powder to the Lame- 
pens, 18 






Grand Round, 

Utile river, over Blue Mount, 43 

Dr. Whiteman's, 29 

Walla- walla, 25 

Dallas, 120 

Fort Vancouver, 100 

Mouth of the Columbia river, 120 

Total, 3,440 



The lime occupied in travelling the above overland, is about five 
months. The voyage by sea round Cape Horn, from six to eight months. 



ALBANY TO KEENE. 

BY STAGE 



Stopping Places. 


Distance 


1 


Stopping Places. 


Distance 


CJ 




49 


2'25 




88 


3-75 




6? 


2 75 


Cambridgeport, 


88 


4 00 




66 


3-00 


Saxon River, 


93 


4-25 




70 


3-50 


Bellow? Falls, 


97 


4-50 




78 


3 7o 


Walpoie 




4-50 


Athens. 


82 


3-75 


Keene, .'. 




4-50 



Clarendon,. . . . 
Shrewsbury,.. . 
Mount Holley,. 
Cavendish,. .. . 



Second Route. 



4-00 


Chester, 


4 25 


Bellows Falls, 


4-50 


Walpoie, 


4-75 


Kepnp. . 



4-75 
5-00 
5-00 
5-00 



Routes of Travel. 



67 



ALBANY TO BOSTON. 

BY RAIL ROAD. 



Stopping Places. 


a. 



eS 




Stopping Places. 


a. 
B 

51 


3 

o 
H 


Schodack, 


8 


s 


North Wilbraham 


6 


111 




7 


16 




10 


117 




jj 


*>S 


Warren 


4 


197 


East Chatham, 


5 


28 




? 


131 


Canaan, 


3 


33 




1 


133 







36 




? 


136 


State Line, 


} 


3S 




5 


138 




n 


41 




4 


143 


Shaker Village, 


3 


46 




9 


147 


Pittsfield, 


^ 


49 




6 


156 


Dalton, 


3 


54 




6 


16?, 


HinsJale, 


^ 


57 




4 


168 


Washington 


3 


6' ? 




4 


m 


Becket, 


q 


65 




3 


176 


Chester Factory, 


7 


71 




4 


179 


Chester Village 


9 


81 




4 


183 


Russell,.... 


s 


84 




4 


187 


Westfield, 


i 


qo 




9 


191 


West Springfield, 


9 


100 




? 


193 


Springfield, 


fi 


102 




5 


195 


Wilhrnhnm 


3 


108 


'Boston 





200 



ALBANY TO SARATOGA. 

BY BAIL ROAD. 

Schenectady, 17; Ballston, 32; Saratoga, 39. Fare through $1'62. 
Leave Albany about 9AM. and 4 P. M Leave Saratoga about 6 and 
11 A. M. During the winter season there is but one train, daily, be- 
tween Albany and Saratoga. 



ALBANY TO BRATTLEBORO', VT. 

BY STAGE. 



Stopping Places. 


Distance 


I 


Stopping Places. 


Distance 


1 




OR 


1 25 




60 


3 00 




34 


1 50 


IBrattleboro, 


75 


3-50 



Routes of Travel. 



ALBANY TO BURLINGTON. 

BY STAGE. 



Stopping Places. 




2 


o 

rt 


Stopping Places. 


c 
rt 


g 






E* 






pf. 




Q 






Q 






ino 


5-00 






5'00 










110 


7'00 















ALBANY TO HAVERHILL. 

BY STAGE. 



Stopping Places. 


Distance 


o3 

1 


Stopping Places. 


Distance 


S 




Pittsfield 


10^ 


5-75 


Chelsea, 


136 


6-00 


Bethel, 


118 


5-50 




IfSfS 


6-75 


Royalton 


J90 


5 25 


Haverhillj 


IfiO 


7-00 


Sherburn, 


100 


Second 
14-75 


Route. 


im 


6-25 


Woodtock 


ins 


5'50 




h^s 


7-00 




12S 


5-75 









Leaves Albany Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, about 7 A. M., 
returning on alternate days. 



ALBANY TO RUTLAND. 

BY STAGE. 



Stopping Places. 


Distance 


<u 
L 

i 
h 


Stopping Places. 


Distance 


8 






19 


1-00 




63 


3-00 


^Janibrid^e. 


31 


T25 




71 


3-50 




-Ifi 


]'75 




79 


3-75 




54 


2' 25 


Rutland 


90 


4-25 



Routes of Travel. 



69 



ALBANY TO CANADA. 

Summer Routes. 

During the season of navigation, there are three routes to Canada. 

1st. By rail road and the Champhin canal. By this route travellers 
go by rail road, via. Troy to the Borough, 18 miles; thence by packet 
boat to Whitehall. The packet usually leaves the Borough about 3 o'- 
clock, P. M., and arrives at Whitehall the following morning, in time 
for travellers to take the steam boats running to the various ports on 
Lake Champlain. 

2d. By rail road and stage, via. Saratoga Sprinss. By this route tra- 
vellers can go from Saratoga, via. Sandy Hill to Whitehall, or through 
Glen's Falls to Caldwell, and hy steam boat 36 miles to the foot of Lake 
George, thence by stage three miles to Ticonderoga. 

3d. By stage, via. Troy on the east side of the Hudson river. 

We are indebted for some of the preceding tables to Miller's Eastern 
and Western Guide Book, published by the Merriams of Troy; a useful 
little work for the traveler, presenting tables of routes on all the great 
thoroughfares, and other necessary information, for twenty-five cents. 



ALBANY TO WHITEHALL. 

BY STAGE. 



Stopping Places. 


cC 

_o 




"5 

1 


Stopping Places. 


(_ 






1 


Troy, 


6 


6 


Fort Miller, 


8 


41 




5 


11 


" Edward 


7 


48 




7 


18 


Sandy Hill . 


9 


50 


Stillwater . 


] 1 


25 


Glen's Falls . 


^ 


53 


Schuylerville, 


4 


33 


Whitehall, 


18 


71 



B 

West Troy, 


Y Cl 

6 
2 
3 
8 
4 
2 
2 
5 
3 
2 


-IAMPL 

8 

111 

19 
23 
25 
27 
32 
40 
37 


A1N CANAL. 

Fort Miller, 


3 
3 
5 

2 

1 
5 
4 
4 
8 


40 
43 
48 
50 
51 
56 
60 
64 
72 




Moses's Kill 


Waterford 




Mechanicsville 


Glen'-? Falls Fr 


Stillwater Village 


Dunham's Basin ...... 


Bleekcr's Basin ..... 




Wilber's " 


Fori Ann 








Whitehall, 


Saratoga Bridge, 





70 



Routes of Travel. 



WHITEHALL TO MONTREAL. 

BY LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 



Stopping Places. 


5 


Benson, Vt., 


13 


Orwell " 


7 








9 


Brid CT eport " ........ 


q 


Chimney Pt." 


6 




2 




11 




7 




7 



3 
I 

H 


Stopping Places. 


s 




'o 
H 


13 


Burlington, Vt., 


14 


82 


90 


|Porl Kent, 


10 


92 


94 




15 


107 


?6 


Chazy, 


16 


123 


35 




q 


132 


41 

4S 


Iseaux Noix C.,. . . . .. 


12 
19 


144 
156 


51 


La Prairie R R 




171 


64 




q 


180 


6S 









ALBANY" TO MONTREAL. 

Winter Route. 





r 


QJ 




_i 

c 




Stopping Places. 


5 


E 

r* 


Stopping Places. 


a 


3 














ta 




5 






Q 






7q 


3'75 




no 


6 75 


Sudbury . . . 


qi 


4 50 ; 


Burlinlonj 


HO 


7-00 




106 


5-00 1 




30 


14'00 




117 


5-75I 









The time of arrival and departure on all the thoroughfares vary at 
different seasons of the year, and the fare on all is subject to fluctuation 
on the packet and stage lines. 



A TRIP TO NEW YORK IN '97. 

It is mentioned in the papers of 1797, as an instance of remarkable 
despatch, that Col. William Colbreath, sheriff of Herkimer, left this 
city on Sunday morning, May 7th, on boarJ a vessel for New York, and 
returned on Thursday afternoon, llth, having in a little more than four 
days, including a day and a half he was in New York, performed a jour- 
ney of three hundred and thirty miles. 



Public Offices, Buildings, 



71 



PUBLIC OFFICES, BUILDINGS, &c. 



PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

Arsenal, cor. Broadway and Law 

rence. 

Capitol, head of State street. 
Geological Rooms, corner Slate and 

Lodge. 

Normal School, 119 State street, 
State Hall, op. Academy Park. 

CITY AND COUNTY. 

Albany Academy, fronts Academy 
Park. 

Alms House, Lydius street cont. 

City Hall, Eagle street, fronting 
Washington. 

Jail, corner Eagle and Howard. 

Medical College, formerly Lancas- 
ter School, Eagle street. 

Penitentiary, Delaware turnpike. 

Powder House, Washington Square. 

PARKS AND PLACES. 

Academy Park, op. Slate Hall. 

Bull's Head Course, Troy road. 

Canal Basin, fronts Water, Law- 
rence, Montgomery and De Witt. 

Capitol Park fronts on Eagle and 
State street. 

Cemeteries, Slate, above Knox. 

Centre Market, corner South Pearl 
and Howard. 

Clinton Park, North Pearl street 

Glass Works Square, corner Broad- 
way and Ferry. 

Hay Scales and'Yard, corner Plain 
and Philip 

Hudson Street Park, corner Hudson 
and Liberty, 

Little Basin, above first lock. 

Lydius Street Park, cor. Eagle and 
Lydius. 

Mineral Spring Garden, 58 Ferry. 

National Garden, 770 Broadway. 

Newton's Corners, Shaker road. 

Rural Cemetery, Troy road. 

Steam Boat Landing, Broadway, 
between Lydius and Hamilton, 

Townsend's Park, junction Wash- 
ington streel and turnpike. 

Washington Market, foot of Colum- 
bia street. 



PUBLICATIONS. 

Albany Argus, MerchYs Exchange. 
Albany Atlas, cor. Broadway and 

Beaver. 
Albany Daily Express, Green near 

Slate. 

Albany Daily Knickerbocker, Mu- 
seum Building. 
Albany Evening Journal, corner of 

James and State streels. 
Albany Freeholder, 34 Washington. 
A Ibany Patriot, Commerc'l Build'gs. 
Albany Spectator, 80 Slate street. 
Albany Switch, Beaver street. 
Busy Bee, Arbor Hill. 
Chrisiian Palladium, Commercial 

Buildings. 
Cultivator, 10 and 12 Green street. 
Horticullurist, 10 and 12 Green st. 
Howard's Special Term Reports, 57 

Hawk street, 
Mechanics' Advocate, Commercial 

Buildings. 
Odd Fellows' Literary Magazine, 11 

Cooper's Buildings. 

TAVERNS AND REFECTORIES. 

Albany and Troy House, 31 Dean. 
Albion Hotel, corner of Broadway 

and Herkimer. 

American Hotel, 100 State street. 
Beardsley's Hotel, 28 Washington. 
Boston Hotel, 15 and 17 Dean. 
Boston House, cor. Broadway and 

Ferry. 

Broadway House 505 Broadway. 
Bull's Head Tavern, Lydius st. 
Carlton House, cor. Stale and Pearl. 
Cily Holel, 23 Broadway. 
City Hall Coffee House, cor. Eagle 

and Maiden Lane. 
'Clinton Hotel, cor. Pearl andBeavcr. 
jConsres-s Hall, fronts Washington 

street and Capitol Park. 
Cornucopia, cor. State and Green. 
'Delavan House, fronts Broadway, 

Steuben and Montgomery. 
Eagle Street Hotel, corner Eagle 

and Daniel. 



72 



Eastern Hotel, cor. Broadway and 

John. 

Franklin House, 176 State street. 
Hudson Street Temperance House, 

Lafayette House, 19 Montgomery. 
Lumbermen's Exchange Hotel, 192 

Water. 

Mansion House, Broadway. 
Marhle Pillar, under Museum. 
McCardle's, Beaver street. 
Northern Hotel, corner of Broad. 

way and Orange. 
Otseao House, 74 Washington. 
St. Charles, Hudson street. 
Saratoga House, 719 Broadway. 
Stauwix Hall, corner of Broadway 

and Maiden Lane. 
Washington Hall, South Pearl. 

CHURCHES. 

Baptist Church, First, Green street. 

between Hamilton and Division. 
Baptist Church, Second, cor. North 

Pearl and Maiden Lane. 
Baptist Church, Third, State street, 

opposite the Capitol. 
Baptist Church, Fourth, South Pear) 

head of Herkimer. 
Baptist Church, African, Hamilton. 



Public Offices, Buildings, fyc. 



Episcopal Church, Grace, Spring, 

above Lark. 

Friends' Meeting House, Plain st. 
Lutheran Church, corner. Pine and 

Lodge. 
Lutheran Church, German, State 

near Swan. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, first, 

Hudson, above Grand. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, second 

North Pearl, above Columbia. 
Methodii-t Episcopal Church, third, 

corner Ferry and Franklin. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, fourth, 

corner Washington and Swan. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, fifth, 

Swan, between Lumber & Third. 
Methodist African Church, State, 

rear of District School IS'o. 2. 
Methodist Epis. Israel Church, Jef- 
ferson, above Eagle. 
Presbyterian Church, first, corner 

S. Pearl and Beaver. 
Presbyterian Church, sec'd Chapel, 

above Maiden Lane. 
Presbyterian Church, third, North 

Pearl, opposite Clinton Square. 
Presbyterian Church, fourth, Broad- 
way, above Spencer. 
Presbyterian Church, Associate, 



above Pearl. corner Chapel and Canal. 

Bethel, Montgomery street. jSynasogue, Fulton street. 

Cath.j.ic v ailiedial, cor. of Lydius Synagogue, Rose street. 

an ' Kn^'e. (Unitarian Church, Division street. 

Catholic, St. Mary's, corner Chapel. Universalist Church, Green, below 

and Pine. I Hamilton. 

Catholic, St. John's, Ferry street. | 
Catholic, St. Joseph's, corner North MISCELLANEOUS. 



Pearl and Lumber. 
Catholic, German, corner Hamilton 

and Philip. 
Dutch Reformed Church, first, cor. 

Van Schaick and North Pearl. 
Dutch Reformed Church, second, 

Beaver, above Green. 
Dutch Reformed Church, third, cor. 

Ferry and Green. 
Episcopal Church, St. Peter's, cor. 

State and Lodge. 
Episcopal Church, St. Paul's, South 

Pearl, below Beaver. 
Episcopal Church, Trinity, Broad, 

below Lydius. 



Albany Museum, corner State and 

Broadway. 
Apothecaries' Hall, cor. State and 

North Pearl. 
Atlas Buildings, cor. Beaver and 

Broadway. 

B eecker Hall, 531 Broadway. 
Blunt's Buildings, cor. South Pearl 

and State. 

Commercial Buildings, cor. Broad- 
way and Hudson. 
Cooper's Buildings, cor. State and 

Green. 
Douw's Buildings, corner State and 

Broadway. 



Public Offices, Buildings, 



73 



Orphan Asylum, head of Wash. st. 
do. do. St. Vincent's, North 
Pearl near Lumber. 



G allery of Fine Arts, No. 528 Broad- 

way. 
Gas Co.'s Office, Bleecker Hall. 



Water Works Reservoir, cor. Eagle Gas Company's Works, cor. Grand 
and Steuben. and Arch. 

General Stage Office, under Museum. 

OFFICES, ETC. Justices' Court, over Centre Market. 

Adjutant General's Office, State Hall Magnetic Telegraph Office, Ex- 
Albany Apprentices' Library, 41; change Building. 

Hudson. ! Mayor's Office, City Hall. 

Albany and Boston R. _R. office, Mayor's Court, City Hall. 



cor. Maiden Lane and Dean. 

Albany Burgesses Corps, armory in 
Exchange" Building, 

Albany City Bank, 47 State. 

Albany Emmet Guards, armory 
No. 32 Green street. 

Albany Institute, Academy Building 

Albany Insurance Co., 56 State. 

Albany Republican Artillery, armo 
ry in Atlas Buildings. 

Albany Savings Bank, 38 State. 

Albany and Schenectady R. R. of 
fice, Dean street. 

Attorney General's Office, State 
Hall. 

Bank of Albany, 42 State. 

Bank Department, State Hall. 

Baths, Norton street. 

Board of Trade, meet in Exchange 
daily. 

Canal Collector's Office, 193 Water. 

Canal Department, Stale Hall. 

Chamberlain, City Hall. 

City Marshal, City Hall. 

City Surveyor, City Hall. 

Commercial Bank, 38 State. 

Common Council, City Hall. 

Comptroller's Office, State Hall. 

Clerk Court of Appeals, State Hall. 

County Clerk's Office, City Hall 

County Treasurer's Office, cor. Steu- 
ben and Broadway. 

Court of Appeals, Capitol. 

Crier of Courts, 327 State. 

Custom House, 407 Broadway. 

Deputy Sheriff (Ferguson), cor. Pa- 
troon and Hawk. 

Exchange Bank, Merchants' Ex- 
change. 

Firemen's Insurance Co. cor. Green 
and State. 



Mechanics' Benefit Society, corner 

Broadway and Stale. 
Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank, cor. 

Broadway and Exchange st. 
Mutual Insurance Company, 450 

Broadway. 

National Fire Insurance Co, 61 State 
New York State Bank, 69 State. 
Pension Office, Mechanics' and Far- 
mers' Bank. 

Police Office, over Centre Market. 
Post Office, Exchange Building. 
Secretary of Slate, State Hall. 
Sexton 1st Baptist Ch. 65 Green. 

do. 1st Dutch, rear chuich. 

do. Lutheran, rear church. 

do, 1st Methodist, 146 Lydius. 

do. 2d Methodist, rear church. 

do. 3d Methodist, basement. 

do. Middle Dutch, 38 Beaver. 

do. 1st. Presbyterian, 48 Beaver. 

do. 4th Pres.. 118 North Pearl. 

do. St. Mary's, 58 Chapel. 

do. St. Joseph's, 188 N. Pearl. 
Sheriff's Office, Jail. 
Stale Agricultural Rooms, cor. State 

and Lodge. 

Stale Library, Capitol. 
Supreme Court Clerk's Office, State 

Hall. 
Superintendent Northern District, 

City Hall. 
Superintendent Southern Dislrict, 

City Hall. 

Surveyor General, Stale Hall. 
Surrogate's Office, Cily Hall. 
Under Sheriff, 73 State. 
Water Works Co.'s Sec. and Treas., 

442 Broadway. 
VoungMen's Association, Exchange 

Building. 



74 



District and other Schools. 



ENGINE HOUSES. 

No. 1, 11 Chapel. 
2,43 do. 

3, Alms House. 

4, 75 Grand. 

5, 236 Washington. 

6, cor. Hawk and Fayette. 

7, 41 Hudson. 

8, (burnt,) 

9, (torn down,) 

10, 10 Wilson. 

11, 106 Arch. 

12, Second St., Arbor Hill. 



SCHOOLS. 

Albany Classical Institute, Eagle, 
below State. 

Albany Female Academy, North 
Pearl, above Maiden Lane. 

Albany Female Seminary, 67 Divi- 
sion. 

Albany Medical College, cor. Lan- 

| caster and Eagle, 

sClassical Institute, 7 North Pearl. 

'Friends' School, 10 Plain. 

|C. D, Marsh, basement Universalist 



, church. 
Hook and Ladder, No. 1, 34 Plain. Miss Allison, basement Universalist 

do. do. No.2,Patroonst. church. 

Tivoli Hose, 32 Plain. Misses Beekman, 56 Westerlo. 

Axe Company, Steuben street. Mrs. Brinckerhoff, 112 State. 

Misses Cantine. 18 Van Tromp. 

DISTRICT SCHOOLS. iMiss Cassidy, 63 Chapel. 

No. 1, South Pearl, south of Schuy- Mr. Center, basement 3d Pres. ch. 

ler. iMiss Collier, Hudson street. 

2, State street, between Hawk Miss Crane, 125 Hamilton. 



and Swan. 

3, Van Tromp street. 

4, Union, near Lydius. 

5, N. Pearl, south of Lumber. 

6, Junction, west of Perry st. 

7, Canal street. 

8, Lydius, west of Grand. 

9, Cor. Ferry and Dallius. 

10, Washington street, east of 
Lark. 



Miss Kidd, 73 Division. 

Miss Pierce, Franklin House. 

Miss Skerritt, 4 High. 

Miss Wood bridge, 46 South Pearl. 

St. John's, cor. ^Dallius and Rensse- 

laer. 
Wilbcrforce School, in rear of Dis- 

trict School House No. 2, in Ches- 

nut street. 



GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 

Frederick Beasly, John B. Romeyn, and John M. Bradford, clergy- 
men in Albany, made proposals to the city in 1806, for the establishment 
of a grammar school, l< of such a nature that it might be easily con- 
verted into an academy." The first step required by the proposers was 
a fund of $10,000. 



LANCASTER SCPIOOL. 

In August, 1810, the corporation had under consideration the project 
of establishing a free school, on the plan of Joseph Lancaster. As yet 
it is believed there were no public schools in the city. The society of 
mechanics had a number of years previously erected a building in Chapel 
street, called Mechanics' Hall, and maintained a school out of their own 
funds, but it is presumed that its benefits were chiefly confined to the 
children of mechanics. The building is now occupied as a piano forte 
manufactory. 



Albany Academy. 



75 




ALBANY ACADEMY. 

As early as 1804, a meeting of citizens was held at the City Tavern, 
on the 18th March, to take into consideration the expediency of institu- 
ting an academy. The Lieutenant-Govenor, Mayor, Chancellor, Rev. 
Eliphalet Nott, Rev. John DeWitt, and Messrs. Henry and Beers, were 
appointed a committee to report a plan of an institution. The com- 
mittee's plan was submitted at a subsequent meeting, on the 5th May, 
and approved. It was proposed to make the academy a reorganization 
of the city schools, by fusing them all in one. But the project was al- 
lowed to slumber until, in January, 1813, the common council made an 
appropriation for the establishment of a city academy, and a meeting of 
citizens to confer upon the subject was called at the Capitol, on the 28th 
of that month. At that meeting Archibald Mclntyre was appointed 
chairman, and a committee of fourteen was chosen to devise a plan of 
the future institution. The project of a male academy now began to be 
agitated in good earnest. The board of common council offered the lot 
in the public square which the Academy now occupies, and also appro- 
priated the amount that should be received from the sale of the lot and 
materials of the old jail which stood in the rear of the large building 
now occupied by the State Normal School, and which it was antici- 
pated would produce $12,000. In addition to this it was thought neces- 
sary to raise $30,000 by private subscription, to complete the requisite 
sum for erecting a suitable building and establishing a permanent in- 
come. 

The institution was incorporated by the Regents of the University, on 
the 4th of March in the same year, at the instance of the corporation of 
the city, and appropriate grants were made for its endowment. The 
trustees named in the charter were Stephen Van Rensselaer, John Lan- 
sing, Archibald Mclntyre, Smith Thompson, Abraham VanVechten, John 



76 Albany Academy. 

V. Henry, Henry Walton, Rev. Messrs. William Neill, John M. Brad- 
ford, John McDonald, Timothy Clowes, John McJimpsey, Frederick G. 
Mayer, Samuel Mervin, and the Mayor and Recorder ex officio. 

The building was commenced in 1815. On Saturday, the 29th July, 
at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the corner stone was laid by Philip S. Van 
Rensselaer. The copper plate deposited on this occasion had the follow- 
ing inscription : " Erected for an academy, anno 1815, by the corporation 
of the city of Albany ; Philip S. Van Rensselaer, mayor ; John Van 
Ness Yates, recorder ; building committee Philip S. Van Rensselaer, 
John Brinckerhoff, Chauncey Humphrey, James Warren, and Killian K. 
Van Rensselaer. Seth Geer architect, H. W. Snyder, sculpt.' 7 

The Academy was announced to open on the second Monday (1 Hh) of 
September, under Rev. Benjamin Allen, of Union College, and Messrs. 
Neill, Beck and Sedgwick were the committee to receive applications for 
admission. The courses of instruction were temporarily commenced in 
the large wooden building on the southeast corner of Stale and Lodge 
streets, belonging to Killian K. Van Rensselaer, which was burnt in 1847. 
The faculty under which the Academy opened, consisted of Rev. Ben- 
jamin Allen, principal; Rev. Joseph Shaw, professor of languages; and 
Moses Chapin, (now Judge Chapin, of Canandaigua) tutor. 

The Academy was completed in 1817, and the school opened in it on 
the 1st September. The courses of instruction have been regularly 
pursued to the present time, 1848. In August, 1817, the trustees ap- 
pointed Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck principal of the institution, which 
office he resigned at the close of the summer term, in 1848, having oc- 
cupied with distinguished ability and universal satisfaction, a station 
which was far from being a sinecure, during the long period of thirty- 
one years. His resignation was followed by that of the whole faculty, 
when the trustees, deeming it expedient to reorganize the institution, 
chose a new set of professors, consisting of the following, with which 
the fall term commenced: 

Rev. WM. H. CAMPBELL, D. u., recently pastor of the Third Ref. Prot. 
Dutch Church in Albany, Principal and Professor of the Latin and 
Greek languages. 

Dr. T. R. BECK, Lecturer of Physiology and Physical Geography. 

GEORGE H. COOK, A. M., of the Rensselaer Institute, Prof, of Mathe- 
matics and Natural History. 

Rev. JOHN SESSIONS, A. M., of theSandlake Academy, Prof, of English 
Language and Logic. 

JULIAN MOLINARD, Prof, of the French Language. 

JAMES N. CROCKER and WILLIAM J. WRIGHTSON, who had been pre- 
viously connected with the institution, tutors. 

The above compose the present faculty of the Academy, and the 
number of students is 230. 

In 1831, William Caldwell, of the city of Albany, presented $100 to 
the trustees of the Academy, to be invested in stock, the income of 
which should be devoted to the purchase of a gold medal, to be given at 
each annual examination, to the student who shall have made the great- 
est proficiency in mathematics, and natural philosophy; the student to 
be of at least three years standing in the Academy, and the medal to be 
given but once to the same individual. In 1837, Gen. Stephen Van 
Rensselaer presented $100, in trust, to be appropriated in the same man- 



Albany Academy. 



77 



ner, as a reward for the greatest proficiency in the Latin and Greek Ian- 
guages, subject to the same reservations, except that the student must 
be of at least four years standing in the Academy. The late Henry W. 
Delavan also made a bequest to the Academy, which came into the hands 
of the trustees in 1839, of $2000, directed to be deposited in the Savings 
Bank, the income of which is applied to the teaching of such a number 
of poor boys, in the useful branches of English education, as the income 
of the fund will allow; no boy enjoying the benefit of the fund more 
than two years. The names of the students who have obtained the 
Caldwell medal, are as follows: 1831, William Austin; 1832, no public 
examination in consequence of the prevalence of the cholera; 1833, 
Henry Waldron; 1834, Aurelian Conkling; 1835, John Newland ; 1836, 
Henry K. Viele; 1837, George B. Hoyt; 1838, Charles N. Waldron; 
1839, Joseph B. Brown; 1840, William J. Gibson; 1841, John J. Olcott; 
1842, Philip Phelps; 1843, William Wrightson ; 1344, Andrew McEIroy ; 
1845, John K. Croswell ; 1846, Francis B.Hall; 1847, Frank Jones; 
1848, Jacob 0. Koonz. The names of those who have received the Van 
Rensselaer Medal, are as follows: 1837, Isaac L. K. Miller ; 1838, Henry 
F. Greene; 1839, Charles K. McHars; 1840, Gilbert L. Wilson; 1841, 
Philip Phelps; 1842, John C. Bullons; 1843, Oliver Bronson; 1844, 
Samuel G. Courtney ; 1845, William T. Wrightson ; 1846, John K. Cros- 
well ; 1847, Jacob L. Pearse; 1848, Henry L. Bullions. 

The following table comprises a complete list of the trustees since the 
institution went into operation. The present trustees may be known by 
the dates that are wanting in the exit column. 



StephenVan Rensselaer 1813 to 1819 



John Lansing 
Archibald Mclntyre 
Smith Thompson 
Abm. Van Vechten 
John V. Henry 
Henry Walton 
William Neill 
John M. Bradford 
John McDonald 
Timothy Clowes 
John McJimpsey 
Frederic G. Mayer 
Samuel Merwin 
Thedore Sedgwick 
John Duer 
Harmanus Bleecker 
Charles D. Cooper 
John Lansing 
William James 
T. Romeyn Beck 
John Chester 
John W. Yates 
Arthur J. Stansbury 
William A. Duer 
Gideon Hawley 
John Van Schaick 



1813 to 1816 
1813 to 1826 
1813 to 1821 
1813 to 1818 
1813 to 1815 
1813 to 1818 
1813 to 1814 



James Kent 
William B. Lacey 
Ebenezer Baldwin 



1813 to 1813 
1813 to 1817 
1813 to 1813 
1813 to 1813 
1813 to 1823 
1813 to 1815 James Stevenson 



1819 to 1823 

1819 to 1825 

1820 to 1830 



Ph. S. Van Rensselaer 1821 to 1824 



Philip S. Parker 
Henry R. Weed 



John Ludlow 
Charles R. Webster 
Isaac Ferris 
Peter Gansevoort 
Alfred Conkling 
Isaac Fondey 
James Stevenson 



1813 to 1823 John T. Norton 



1813 to 1813 
1813 to 1822 
1813 to 1817 
1815 to 1817 

1815 to 1832 
1815 

1816 to 1829 

18 17 to 1828 
1817 to 1821 

1817 to 1820 

1818 to 1842 
1818 to 1818 



Nicholas F. Beck 
William B. Sprague 
Oliver Kane 
Richard V. DeWitt 
Archibald Campbell 



1821 to 1831 

1822 to 1831 

1823 to 1826 
1823 to 1834 
1823 to 1834 

1825 to 1836 
1825 

1826 to 1836 
1826 to 1829 
1828 

1829 to 1834 

1829 to 1830 
1830 

1830 to 1834 
1831 

1831 to 1847 



Ph. S. Van Rensselaer 1833 to 1841 



James Goold 
William C. Miller 
John N. Campbell 
Richard Yates 
Thomas E. Verrailye 
Thomas W. Olcott 



1834 
1834 
1835 

1835 to 1837 

1836 to 1839 
1836 



78 



Albany Academy. 



1837 to 1847 



William H. Campbell 1842 



James P. Boyd 
Orlando Meads 



1847 
1847 



1819 to 1826 
1826 to 1832 
1834 to 1842 
1842 to 1848 
1848 



Isaac N. Wyckoff 
Horatio Potter 1840 

Teunis Van Vechten 1841 

The mayors and recorders of the city have also been, ex officio, trus- 
tees, from 1813 to the present time. 

The presiding officers of the board have been as follows: 

Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, LL. D., senior trustee, 1813 to 1819 

Rev. John M. Bradford, D. D., do 

William James, Esq., do 

Gideon Hawley, LL. D., 

Hon. James Stevenson, 

Theodric Romeyn Beck, M. D., LL. D., senior trustee, 

Those who have acted as clerks of the board are as follows: 
Henry Waldron, Esq., 1813 to 1813 

Rev. Timothy Clowes, LL. D., 1813 to 1816 

T. R. Beck, M. D., 1816 to 1848 

Rev. Wm. H. Campbell, D. D., 1848 

The office of principal has fallen but to three persons, as follows : 
Rev. Benjamin Allen, LL. D., 1815 to 1817 

T. Romeyn Beck, M. D., LL. D., 1817 to 1848 

Rev. Wm. H. Campbell, D. D., 1848 

The succession of the faculty is as follows : 
Professors of Greek and Latin |H. L. V. D. Holstein 

Languages. 



Rev. Joseph Shaw 
Rev. Peter Bullions 



18 15 to 1824 
1824 to 1848 



Rev. Wm. H.Campbell 1848 
Prof. Mathematics and Natural 



Philosophy . 



1819 to 1826 



J. Molinard 



1835 to 1839 
1839 



Lecturer on Chemistry. 
Lewis C. Beck 1831 to 1834 



Tutors. 



1826 to 1832 
1832 to 1848 



Michael O'Shaunessy 
John Thompson 



Michal O'Shaunessy 
Joseph Henry 
Philip Ten Eyck 
George H. Cook 1848 

Lecturer Physiology and Physical 

Geography. 
T. Romeyn Beck 1848 

Prof. English Literature. 
Charles'Clapp 1835 to 1837J 

Hugh Blair Jolly 1837 to 1841 j Rey ^^ _ 

Prof. English Language^and Logic | Henry Carpenter 



Moses Chapin 1815 to 1816 

Rev. Isaac Ferris 1816 to 1817 

John B. Crocker 1817 to 1817 

1817 to 1819 
1819 to 1820 

Dr. William O'Donnel 1820 to 1829 
William Soul 1829 to 1830 

Daniel D. T. Leech 1829 to 1831 
Georsje W. Carpenter 1831 to 1835 
Rev. Sam'l McArlhur 1831 to 1833 
W.Griffiiths 



Alex. B. McDoual 
Philander D. Young 
John S. Holmes 
Rev. Samuel Center 
Rev. John Sessions 



1841 to 1342 Alex. B. McDoual 

1842 to 1843; Edward p. Edwards 

1843 to 1844j Davi( j p. Robertson 

1844 to 1848 Samuel S. Smith 



1848 



Prof. Modern Languages. 



J. Molinard 

M. Leon Cheronoet 

H. Picard 



1830 to 1830 



Austin H. Wells 
Andrew Shiland 
Rufus K. Crocker 



1830 to 1831) James N. Crocker 



1831 to 1834 

1833 to 1834 

1834 to 1835 

1834 to 1835 

1835 to 1841 
1S35 to 1840 

1836 to 1838 
1838 to 1847 

1840 to 1840 

1841 to 1844 
1844 to 1847 
1847 



1831 to 1835' William T. Wrightson 1847 



Schools. 79 

The Academy building which was commenced in 1815, and completed 
In 1817, is constructed of free stone, from near Newark, New Jersey, an 
excellent and durable building material ; and notwithstanding the length 
of time it has stood, is still one of the most attractive edifices of the 
city. It is situated on the north-west corner of the public square, on a 
line with the Capitol. The main building is 70 by 80 feet, and the wings 
30 by 45 feet, three stories high, including the basement. It commands 
a view down Steuben street, having an extensive park in front, sur- 
rounded by a substantial iron fence, and planted with ornamental trees. 
The cost of its erection was about $100,000. 



SCHOOL OF 1785. 

A school was opened in May by Elihu Goodrich and John Ely. The 
classical term academy had not yet come into use. The Latin and 
Greek languages were taught, and the most useful branches of mathe- 
matics, as well as the element aries. It went on the high pressure prin- 
ciple through by daylight. Hours of study from 6 to 8, 9 to 12, 2 to 5, 
and 6 to 8. The magisters seem to have been willing to bestow at least 
time and diligence. Their terms were for Greek and Latin, and mathe- 
matics, 20s. ; writing and cyphering, 16s.; reading and spelling, 12s. 
To all which singing " by the latest and most approved method" was 
added for 12s. 



SCHOOL APPROPRIATION. 

An act passed the legislature, 7th of April, 1795, appropriating 20,- 
000 annually for the term of five years, for the purpose of encouraging 
and maintaining schools in the state. The proportion allotted to Albany 
county was 1,590, or $3975; the law to go into operation on the 7th. 
April. It was a stride towards the free school system. 



SABBATH EVENING SCHOOL. 

On March 24, 1816, a sabbath evening school was established at Mr. 
Young's school room, in Washington street, and appears to have been 
countenanced by the Moral Society. It was attended by 150 children 
and 50 adults. 



SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

It was announced that a Sunday Free School would be opened on Sun- 
day, March 21, 1813, at the school room of George Uphold, in Van 
Tromp street, where several useful branches of English education would 
be taught from the hours of 6 to 8 in the morning, and 12 to 2 in the 
afternoon, free of all expense. 



80 



Albany Female Academy. 




ALBANY FEMALE ACADEMY. 

This institution was founded in the year 1814, under the designation 
of the Union School; a name apparently suggested by the circumstances 
attending its origin. A number of the most influential citizens, desirous 
to obtain for their daughters the benefit of a superior education, united 
for the purpose of securing the services of a competent instruotor, rented 
a suitable building in Montgomery street, and appointed as principal Mr. 
Horace Goodrich. The original subscription list, which, amid the loss 
of other documents connected with the early history of the Academy, has 
been preserved, is as follows: 

" We, the undersigned, agree lo send to Union School in Montgomery 
street, under the tuition of Mr. Horace Goodrich, the number of female 
scholars affixed to our names, for the space of one year, from the first 
day of May next; and we also agree to pay to Ebeneeer Foot twenty- 
four dollars for each scholar in four equal quarterly payments, the first 
payment to be on the first day of August next. Feb. 24, 1814. 



John Ely, 1 

Moses Allen, 2 

James Scrymser, 1 

Matthew Gill, 2 

Uriah Marvin, 2 

Thomas Gould, 

Solomon Allen, 

William Fowler, 

Nicholas Bleecker, 

Abram Van Vechten, 

Benjamin Knower, 



T. & J. Russell, 4 

Edward Brown, 1 

G.Stewart, 1 

Harmanus Ten Eyck, 1 

James Kent, 1 

John V. Henry, 3 

John Reid, 1 

Isaac Hutton, 1 

Asa H. Center, 1 

[Three names torn away.] 



Albany Female Academy. 81 

It appears from this paper that Mr. Ebenezer Foot was preemi- 
nently active in commencing the Academy, and, so far as an individual 
can claim an honor in which, however, several probably to some extent, 
participated, he may be regarded as its founder. In a memoir of Mr. 
Foot, prepared and published_at the request of friends, by his brother 
Samuel A. Foot, of Geneva, we find the following statement, which 
evidently conveys no more than the truth on this matter. " One act of 
Mr. Foot's life should not be omitted or forgotten wherever his name 
is mentioned. The present Female Academy in Albany owes its ex- 
istence mainly, if not entirely, to him. It is now, and has been for 
some years, one of the most valuable and useful institutions in the coun- 
try. It was commenced in February, 1814, under the name of the 
Union School in Montgomery street. The original subscription paper is 
now before the writer. It bears date on the 24th day of that month. 
The subscriptions are payable to Mr. Foot, and it is within the know- 
ledge and recollection of the writer that he started the project and ob- 
tained most of the subscriptions. The principal motive of Mr. Foot, no 
doubt, was to establish a good female school in his neighborhood, to 
which he might send his daughter. If this was his sole motive, it was 
a good one. But whatever the motive, whether to qualify his own 
daughter, or those of his neighbors and friends, for the duties of 
American ladies, or, more expansive still, to elevate and adorn the 
female character, and store the female mind with useful knowledge, his 
name should be kindly remembered by every pupil who has enjoyed or 
may enjoy the benefits of the institution, and by every friend of female 
education." 

During the first six years and upwards of the existence of Union 
School, no records were kept of its proceedings, or if kept, they have 
not been preserved ; but no doubt it continued to increase, throughout 
this period, in numbers and reputation; for, in 1821, an act of incorpo- 
ration was obtained from the legislature. The board of directors named 
in the charter, consisted of 



James Kent, president, 
Gideon Hawley, 
Asa H. Center, 
John V. Henry, 



Peter Boyd, 
Rev. John Chester, 
Joseph Russell, 
William Fowler. 



Teunis Van Vechten, 

Five of these, it will be seen, were among the original subscribers, 
and thus had the satisfaction of seeing the enterprise which they began, 
consolidated and rising into fame. 

In the same year, 1821, a more spacious building was reared, still in 
Montgomery street, the first stone of which was laid on the 26th June; 
and so rapidly did the school increase, that in 1827 an additional build- 
ing was required, and erected accordingly. These edifices continued 
to be occupied by the Academy till 1834, when its celebrity and numbers 
became so great as to justify and demand the erection of the splendid 
and commodious edifice where the classes now meet. On the 12th of 
May, in that year, the new building was opened, when an address 
was delivered by the president, Rev. John Ludlow. The following 
persons then constituted the board of trustees and the faculty: 



Albany Female Academy. 



TRUSTEES. 



Rev. John Ludlow, 
Gideon Hawley, 
James Clark, 
Israel Smith, 
Richard M. Meigs, 
Edwin Croswell, 
Jacob Sutherland, 



John T. Norton, 
James Vanderpoel, 
Ph. S. Van Rensselaer, 
Richard V. De Witt, 
Thos. W. Olcott, 
Ira Harris, 



FACULTY. 



Alonzo Crittenton, principal. 
Henry Hart, professor. 
Henri Picard, prof, of French. 
Ann Charlotte Lynch, teacher. 
Harriet B. Hopkins, " 
Charlotte E. Andrews, " 



Ann Hickcox, 
Harriet E. Fassett, 
Catharine Pierce, 
Harriet N. Kirk, 
Emina Whitney, 



teacher. 



At the present time the trustees and faculty are as follows : 

TRUSTEED. 

Greene C. Bronson, President. 

Edwin Croswell, 

Thomas W. Olcolt, 

Ira Harris, 

Rev. I. N. Wyckoff, 

Harmon Pumpelly, 



John Q. Wilson, 
Rev. W. B. Sprague, 
Rev. Duncan Kennedy, 
Jas. McNaughton, 
Marcus T. Reynolds, 
Amasa J. Parker. 



FACULTY. 



L. Sprague Parsons, Principal. 
Chas. Murray Nairne, Professor. 
Julien Molinard, Prof. French. 
Harriet E. McDoual, teacher. 
Mary Pynchon, " 



Lucy Jane Fassett, teacher. 

Jeannie Miller, 

Emeline Harvey, 

S. A. Bayeux, 

R. Packard, Prof. voc. Music, 



besides various professors of the ornamental branches of female educa- 
tion, who do not form part of the regular faculty. 

Since the incorporation of the Academy there have been six presi- 
dents, as follows : 

James Kent, Chancellor of New York, deceased. 

Rev. John Chester, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, de- 
ceased. 

Rev. John Ludlow, now provost of the'University of Pennsylvania. 

Rev. Isaac Ferris, now President Rutger's Institute, New York. 

Rev. John N. Campbell, pastor First Presbyterian Church. 

Hon. Greeae C. Bronson, Judge Supreme Court. 

The principals of the Academy since the foundation have been five, 
namely : 



Alonzo Crittenton, 
L. Sprague Parsons. 



Horace Goodrich, 
Lebbeus Booth, 
Frederick Matthews, 
Of these, Messrs. Goodrich and Matthews are dead. Mr. Booth, 
on-in-law of the founder, is resident at Ballston; Mr. Crittenton is 




Albany Female Academy. (f) ^ f it 



principal of the Female Academy at Brooklyn ; and Mr. Parsons is 
now in office. 

It will be seen that some of the most distinguished men in the state and 
country have been, or are, connected with the Albany Female Academy; 
and if, as is contemplated, a fuller history of the institution than the 
present sketch, be given to the public, it will also be seen how many 
American ladies, occupying useful, honorable and high places in society, 
have received their education at this celebrated school. 

This notice would be incomplete if it said nothing of the system and 
course of instruction pursued in the Academy. 

The school consists of six departments, and one of French, which may 
all be gone through in the space of eight years. Less lime, except in 
extraordinary cases, would be insufficient to do justice to the scheme. 
The studies of the first or highest department require two years, and one 
year additional for ancient and modern languages is strongly recom- 
mended, and frequently taken. The course is in all respects complete j 
the system thoroughgoing, judicious and substantial. The writer had 
no acquaintance with the Academy till within these last two years; but 
now for upwards of twelve months, he has had the best opportunity 
daily of observing it, and comparing it with similar institutions, both in 
this country and in Europe, and it is but due to truth and justice to 
declare, that the Albany Female Academy is superior to most, and 
second to none of these, both in the cultivation of mind, and in the 
maintenance of that cheerfulness of heart, buoyancy of spirit, and 
unforced love of knowledge, whtch many have deemed, in the case of 
females, incompatible with such faithful and severe intellectual disci- 
pline as is herej practiced. No young lady, unless in the rare instances 
of incorrigible incapacity, can pass clearly and continuously through the 
present course of the school, without an accurate knowledge of the ordi- 
nary parts of an English education, and a highly respectable acquaintance 
with literature and science. In regard to those who have talent and 
diligence enough to graduate, much stronger terms may be employed. 
It is understood that until lately, the method of which too many colle- 
ges set an example, and which perhaps could not, without difficulty, be 
departed from in a female Academy was pursued of granting diplo- 
mas to all who had passed over the curriculum, without any very rigid 
examination as to the extent of their profiting by it. This, the usual 
plan, has, however, been abandoned in the Albany Female Academy, 
and a special examination of the strictest and most impartial kind has 
been instituted, so that now it is certain that no person can receive a 
diploma unless she fairly and fully proves herself to be all that the 
diploma affirms she is. Graduation implies not simply attendance dur- 
ing the usual time at school, but also an extensive and accurate know- 
ledge of literature, philosophy, mathematics and natural science, and a 
diploma from this institution of learning is one of the highest intellectual 
honors that a lady can obtain. Nor do strictness of discipline, and care 
in the distribution of honors appear to affect the Academy injuriously, 
but the reverse, for it never was more flourishing than at the present 
day. The number of scholars with which the school commenced in 1814, 
was about 33; at present, and notwithstanding the institution of many 
seminaries, upon the same model, it exceeds 300, drawn from all parts 
of the United States. 



84 



State Normal School. 




STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This institution was established in 1844, by an act of the legislature, 
for the instruction and practice of teachers of common schools in the 
science of education and the art of teaching. An annual appropriation 
of $10,000 was made for its support, to be paid out of the literature fund. 
Each county in the state is entitled to send to the school a number of 
pupils, of either sex, equal to twice the number of members it sends to 
the assembly, where they have the privilege of remaining until they 
graduate, defraying all their own expenses, except those of tuition and 
mileage. Females are not admitted under 16 years of age, nor males 
under 13. On entering the institution they are required to sign a pledge 
to devote themselves to the business of teaching district schools. The 
summer term commences on the first Monday in May, and the winter 
term on the first Monday in November. The number of graduates dur- 
ing the four years since its organization, is as follows: 1845, 34; 1S46, 
110; 1847, 110; 184?, 96; total, 350. The number of students during 
the last term was 146 females, and 147 males; total, 293. Attached to 
the institution is an experimental school, the object of which is to afford 
each normal pupil an opportunity of practicing the methods of instruc- 
tion and discipline inculcated at the school, as well as to ascertain his 
aptness to teach, and to discharge the various other duties pertaining to 
the teacher's responsible office. The experimental school has 70 pupils, 
between the ages of six and sixteen, 35 of whom are free pupils. The 
edifice now occupied by the school, No. 119 State street, was built by 
the Mohawk and Hudson Rail Road Company, and used by that corpora- 



Houses in Albany in 1786. 85 

tion several years as a depot for the passenger trains, until the termina- 
tion of the road was changed to Maiden lane. The common council 
contributes the rent of the building towards the encouragement of the 
enterprise. In return for which, the free seats in the experimental school 
are given exclusively to fatherless children residing in the city of Albany. 
At the last session of the legislature, an appropriation of $15,000 was 
made for the erection of a new edifice for the purposes of a school, and 
the city appropriated the lot occupied by Engine House No. 9, corner of 
Howard and Lodge streets. A spacious and convenient building is in 
progress of erection, which will be ready for occupation in the summer 
of 1849. The executive committee having charge of the institution con- 
sists of Christopher Morgan, superintendent of common schools, chair- 
man; Gideon Hawley, Samuel Young, Harmanus Bleecker, and William 
H. Campbell, the latter acting as secretary. The faculty consists of: 
Geo. R. Perkins, A. M., Principal and Professor of Mathematics, 
Win. F. Phelps, Permanent Teacher of Experimental School, 
Darwin G. Eaton, Teacher of Mathematics, etc., 
Sumner C. Webb, Teacher of Arithmetic, etc., 
Silas T. Bowen, Teacher of Grammar, Mathematics, etc., 
Wm. W. Clark, Teacher of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, 
Truman H. Bowen, Teacher of Vocal Music, etc., 
Elizabeth C. Hance, Teacher of Reading and Geography, 
Ann Maria Ostrom, Teacher of Drawing, etc. 

The first principal of the institution, was David P. Page, who died in 
January, 184S, at the early age of 38. He was succeeded by Prof. Geo. 
R. Perkins, whose reputation as a mathematician is so well known. Un- 
der these, and a corps of excellent teachers, the school has attained a 
lasting reputation in the short space of four years. 



HOUSES IN ALBANY IN 1786. 

In 1786 the number of houses in Albany was found by actual enume- 
ration to be 550. A statement of the number of houses in the principal 
cities and towns at this time, will serve to show their relative propor- 
tions: 



Philadelphia, 4600 

New York, 3500 

Boston, 2100 

Baltimore, 1900 



Charleston (S. C.),. . . 1540 

Albany, 550 

New Haven, 400 

Hartford, 300 



It will be seen that Albany was the sixth in point of number. The 
census of Boston was found to be at that time 14,640, exclusive of stran- 
gers, which gives seven persons to a house. At this rate Albany would 
have had 3,850 inhabitants. To carry out the calculation, Philadelphia 
would have contained 32,200; New York, 24,500; Baltimore, 13,300; 
Charleston, 10,780. The number of strangers might have increased the 
estimate one eighth. The population of these places, however, is known 
to have differed considerably from the above estimates. 

8 



86 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 




REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH IN ALBANY. 

The establishment of this church in Holland is said to have been con- 
summated immediately after the decision of the Synod of Dort, in 1619. 
The colonists of New Netherland brought with them a strong attachment 
to the doctrines, worship and government of the church at home, and how- 
ever deeply interested in secular pursuits, it is known that in very good 
time they took rneasm-es to establish among them the regular ministrations 
of the gospel. There are no records preserved in the church, by which 
to ascertain the exact time when it was organized in this part of the 
colony, though it is claimed by some to have been coeval with the first 
settlement. Dr. Livingston, a noted preacher in the early part of the 
present century, says, there were documents in existence which rendered 
it certain that a considerable church was organized in New York, as early 
as 1619, and that records were extant, containing the names of members 
in full communion, dated 1622. At another time, speaking of the Albany 
settlement, he says, " It is very certain that they had ministers there as 
early, if not before, any were at New York." Dr. O'Callaghan, on the 
other hand, asserts that in 1640 no church or clergyman existed yet in Rens- 
selaerswyck, although the colony at New Amsterdam erected a church 
in 1633; but that in 1642 the Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, " the pious 
and well learned minister of the congregation of Schoorel and Berge," 
came out under the patronage of the patroon, and arrived on the llth of 
August. It is ascertained by documents preserved in the Van Rensselaer 
archives, that the conditions upon which the above named clergyman ac- 
cepted the call to Rensselaerswyck, were, a free passage, and board for 
himself and family ; an outfit of 300 guilders ($120), and an annual salary 
of 1100 guilders ($440), 30 schepels (22^ bushels) of wheat, and 2 firkins 
of butter, for the first three years; and if the patroon was satisfied with 
his services, he was to receive an additional sum of 200 guilders ($80) per 
annum, for another term of three years. The minister's family consisted 
of himself and wife, and four children. A house for the dominie had 
been cortracted for, but was not erected when he arrived; the carpen- 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 87 

ter of the colony not being a reliable man, if Commissary Van Curler's 
account of him is correct; but a house constructed entirely of oak 
was purchased on his arrival, for $120. We are led to infer that the 
church edifice was, likewise, unprepared for the use of the minister ; for 
the commissary wrote to the patroon that he intended to have one built 
during the summer, " in the pine grove," 34 feet long by 19 wide; a 
building previously begun not proving satisfactory for the purpose. The 
church was clustered in among the other buildings around Fort Orange, 
which stood near the river between Denniston and Lydius streets, and 
the church yard was in the rear, on what is now Church street. The 
furniture of this church consisted of a pulpit ornamented with a canopy, 
pews for the magistrates and the deacons, and nine benches for the con- 
gregation; the expense of all which was $32. A new stoop was added 
to the building in the year 1651, and the church continued to accommodate 
the faithful till 1656, a period of 13 years from the time of its erection. 
Mr. Megapolensis retired from the colony in 1649, with the intention of 
returning to Holland ; but he was persuaded to remain at Now Amster- 
dam, where he still resided when that place was surrendered to the Eng- 
lish, as did also his brother William, who lent the weight of his influence 
to prevent the doughty governor, Stuyvesant, from firing upon the enemy. 
He died in 1670. 

In 1652 the Rev. Gideon Schaats (or Schaets) was sent over to supply 
the pulpit at Albany for three years, under a salary of 800 guilders per 
annum ($320), which was afterwards increased to 1000, and then to 1300 
guilders per annum. He is said to have been 45 years of age when he 
arrived in the colony, and was accompanied by his two sons and daughter. 
He is supposed to have died in 1683. 

The Rev. Mr Niewenhuysen (or Niewenhuyt) was a colleague of Mr. 
Schaats as early as 1675. In that year the Rev. Nicholas Van Rensselaer 
(or Nicholas Ranslaer) arrived here, and set up a claim not only to tho 
pulpit, but also to the manor itself; but failed to obtain either. The Duke 
of York recommended him to Sir Edmund Andross for a living in one of 
the churches at New York or Albany. Suspected of being a papist, Mr. 
Niewenhuysen disputed his right to administer the sacraments, on the 
ground that he was not approved by the Classis of Amsterdam, to which 
the Dutch churches here held themselves subordinate. In this controversy 
the governor took the part, of Mr. Van Rensselaer, and summoned Niew- 
enhuysen before him to answer for his conduct ;* but he was so grossly 
maltreated, and so frequently harassed by fruitless and expensive attend- 
ances before the council, that the greater part of the people resented the 
usage he met with ; and the magistrates of Albany, in retaliation, impri- 
soned Mr. Van Rensselaer for " several dubious words " uttered in a ser- 
mon. The governor in turn ordered him to be released, and summoned 
the magistrates to attend him at New York, where warrants were issued 
to compel them to give security in 5,000 each, to make out good cause 
for confining the minister. Leisler, who was one of them, refused to 
comply, and was imprisoned. Sir Edmund, fearful that a great party 
would rise up against him, was at last compelled to discontinue his eccle- 
siastical jurisdiction, and refer the controversy to the decision of the con- 
sistory of the Dutch church at Albany. It is said that Mr. Van Rensse- 
laer's popularity with the prince grew out of his having predicted, while 

Nw York Records, vol. iii, p. 54 et seq. 



88 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

Charles II. was in exile, the day of his restoration; and it is furthermore 
related that the people of Albany held his prophetic pretensions in high 
estimation, out of which proceeded many strange tales. 

A stone church was erected in 1656, at the intersection of what was 
then or afterwards called Yonker's and Handelaer's streets, now known 
as State street and Broadway. The corner stone was laid by Rutger 
Jacobsen, and the pulpit and bell, promised to be sent over by the Dutch 
West India Company, arrived in due time, and served the congregation a 
century and a half. 

In 1683, the Rev. Godfredius Dellius arrived, to assist Mr. Schaats in 
the ministry, who was now about 76 years of age. The Register of Bap- 
tisms commences this year, with the name of Mr. Dellius at the head of 
the page, and has been tolerably well kept ever since. At the time Mr. 
Dellius arrived in the colony, the church is said to have been very 
numerous, to which great additions were made by him, especially among 
the Mohawk Indians. Unhappily he was led into extravagant speculations 
in land, which involved him in difficulties, and led to his dismissal in 1699, 
when he returned to Holland. The history of the dominies in New Neth- 
erland exhibits a succession of active labors in an unpromising and rather 
uninviting field; and a series of private woes and difficulties, which drove 
several of them back to the shores of Europe. The flock was widely ex- 
tended. Besides the colony of Rensselaerswyck, it embraced the Mohawk 
Indians, and the settlements on the river. There was a considerable in- 
gathering of neophytes from Kinderhook and more remote places, in all 
directions. 

In 1700, the Rev. Nucella was the officiating minister; and in 

1703 the Rev. John Lydius commenced his labors, which terminated in 
1709. The pulpit seems to have been vacant two years. The baptismal 
register has the name of Rev. Gualterus Du Bois, who resided in New 
York, in 1710 ; and that of Rev. Petrus Vas, in 1711 ; neither of whom ap- 
pear to have been settled pastors. 

In 1712 the Rev. Petrus Van Driessen was called, and continued his 
ministerial labors until his death, whieh took place about the 1st of Febru- 
ary, 1738. In the meantime the church was rebuilt, namely, in 1715, upon 
the site of the old one, at the confluence of State with Court and Market 
streets, and a patent or charter procured in 1720. The Rev. Cornelis 
Van Schie began to officiate as his colleague in 1733 ; after whose de- 
cease, in August. 1744, the Rev. Theodoras Frelinghuysen occupied the 
pulpit till 1760, when he abruptly left the church and returned to Holland. 
The story of this ill-fated divine, as told by Mrs. Grant, excites our com- 
passion for a worthy, zealous, and high-minded man. The account of 
his tragical end is variously told, and may have had a legendary origin. 

In the latter part of the year 1760, the Rev. Eilardus Westerlo arrived 
from Holland, and entered upon the pastoral charge. He became one of 
the most eminent ministers of the Dutch church in America, and died in 
1790, at the early age of 53, in the thirty-first year of his ministry, greatly 
revered and lamented by his people. 

During the occupation of New York by the British, the Rev. Dr. Living- 
ston occasionally assisted Dr. Westerlo, from 1776 to 1779; but when 4 a 
call was given him in 1780, he declined its acceptance. A disposition was 
manifested by some of the prominent members of the church, twenty years 
after, to give him a call to pre&ch to them in the Dutch language ; but 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 89 

the trustees reluctantly consented, after several refusals, to grant a salary 
for the purpose; and when they finally acceded to it, the sum was too 
small, and the doctor had become too infirm to leave his charge in New 
York, if he had entertained the wish to do so. 

In 1787 the Rev John Bassett was associated with Dr. Westerlo. The 
church had now become comparatively wealthy and numerous. In 1798, 
during his ministry, the congregation having become too large for the di- 
mensions of their ancient church, a new one was completed, in North Pearl 
street, and services were held weekly in both places. About this time, 
serious differences arose between Mr. Bassett and his consistory, which led 
to his withdrawal from the church in 1804. He removed to the Boght, 
and afterwards to Bushwick, Long Island, where he died in 1820. 

The Rev. John B. Johnson became the colleague of Dr. Bassett in 1796, 
and continued here until 1802, when he withdrew, and removed to Brook- 
lyn. He died at Newtown. Long Island, on the 29th August, 1803. In 
consequence of impaired health he had withdrawn from the cares of a 
large congregation, and accepted a call where less exertion was re- 
quired; but his disease was too deeply rooted, and the change proved 
ineffectual to his relief. After the death of his wife, who left him in April 
with three infant children, he rapidly declined. He was distinguished by 
abilities which marked him for extensive usefulness, and his mind was im- 
proved by a liberal education and indefatigable study. He enjoyed great 
popularity with his people, and during his ministry very gratifying acces- 
sions were made to the church. The two ministers preached alternately 
in the old and new churches. 

By the removal of Mr. Bassett in 1804, the church was left without a 
pastor. At this juncture, a meeting of the great consistory was called 
for the purpose of deliberating upon the concerns of the church, and to 
decide upon the call of a pastor. This body was composed of the acting 
board, and the surviving members of all former boards of consistory, and 
met on the 27th of May, 1805. The following members attended: 



John Veeder, 
John N. Bleecker, 
John B. Bradt, 
John H.Wendell, 
John D. P. Douw, 

Pruyn. 

Henry Truax, 
Douw Fonda, 
Gerrit Quackenbush, 
Killian J. Winne, 
Sol'n Van Rensselaer, 
Harmanus P. Schuyler, 
Anthony Van Santvoort, 
(, Jacob Ten Eyck) 
jLeonard Gansevoort, 
Gerrit Groesbeeck, 



Henry Quackenbush, 
Henry Staats. 
Isaac Truax, 
John Gates, 
Gerrit A. Lansing, 
Peter Lansing, 
Joachim Staats, 
James Bleecker, 
Elbert WiHett, 
John J. Bleecker, 
John H. Wendell, 
Cor's Van Schelluyne, 
Philip P. Schuyler, 
Cornelius Van Vechten, 
William Staats, 
Abraham Schuyler, 
John P. Quackenboss, 



K. K. Van Rensselaer, 
Jacob Bleecker, Jr., 
Teunis Ts.Van Vechten, 
Harmanus A. Wendell, 
Henry Van Woert, 
Casparus Pruyn, 
Gerardus Lansing, 
Jacob J, Lansing, 
Gornelius Groesbeeck, 
Richard Lush, 
Sanders Lansing, 
Isaac Bogert, 
Jacob Van Loon, 
Volkert S. Veeder, 
Peter E. Elmendorf, 
Abraham Ten Eyck. 



In the absence of any pagtor, Mr. Peter Dox had presided over the meet- 
ings of the board for a long time. They determined to call the Rev. John 
M, Bradford, under a salary of $1500. He was to be required to preach 



90 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 

but once on each sabbath during the first year, and his salary was to be 
increased $250 in the event of his marriage. The Rev. Mr. Linn, who had 
been an occasional preacher here several years, was also engaged to preach 
once on each sabbath. Mr. Bradford was ordained and installed pastor of 
the church on the llth of August, ]805. 

The project of another new church began to be agitated early in 1799, 
to be located upon the ancient church yard, where it was subsequently 
built. In 1805, the ground occupied by the old church at the foot of State 
street, was sold to the city corporation, for $5,000, and in the spring of 
the following year it was taken down, and the materials used in the con, 
struction of the church on Beaver street. A great deal of interest still 
attaches to this venerable edifice, and its demolition was viewed with pain, 
ful emotions by many of the old people, who had been so long accustomed 
to worship there. It had served the purposes of the congregation nearly 
a century, aqd was invested with an unusual religious affection and vene- 
ration j the inarch of improvement has seldom overturned a nobler struc- 
ture. The site had been selected for the church just a century and a half 
preyioqs. The one erected in 1643 had before 1656 become inadequate to 
the accommodation of the community, and it had been determined in the 
course of the preceding year to erect a new building. To assist this good 
work the patroan and codirectors subscribed 1000 guilders, or $400, and 
1500 guilders were appropriated from the fines imposed by the court at 
Fort Orange. In the early part of the summer, Rutger Jacobsen, one of 
the magistrates, laid the corner stone of the sacred edifice, in presence of 
the authorities, both of the town and oolonie, an.d of the assembled inha. 
bitants. A temporary pulpit was, at first, erected for the use of the mi. 
nister, but the settlers subscribed twenty-five beavers to purchase a more 
splendid one in Holland. The chamber at Amsterdam added seventy-five 
guilders to this sum, for "the beavers were greatly damaged;" and "with 
a view to inspire the congregation with more ardent zeal," presented 
them the next year with a bell, " to adorn their newly constructed little 
church."* A fragment of this bell is still preserved, it is said, in one of 
the churches, bearing the inscription, " Anno 1601." And when in 1715, 
the original structure was beginning to decay, and the congregation, 
becoming too numerous for its dimensions, the foundations of a new one 
were laid around it, and the walls carried up and enclosed before the first 
was taken down, so that the customary services were interrupted only 
three sabbaths. This enlargement was made in the third year of the mi. 
nistry of the Rev. Petrus Van Driessen ; and the ingenuity of the scheme 
by which so great a work was accomplished without materially interrupt- 
ing the weekly services, seems to have been a subject of great admiration 
and universal remark, in all time since, The edifice which had been con, 
structed in this extraordinary manner, was in the Gothic style, and is sup 
posed to be correctly delineated in the accompanying engraving. It 
occupied almost the entire width of State street, and extended partly 
across Broadway. 

When the church was demolished, very few of the armorial bearings upon 
its stained windows escaped destruction ; still a few relics were preserved. 
Among these, is one of its small windows; also, the weather-fane, and 
one of the bags in which the contributions were taken. But above aU the 

Hist. N. Nelh., i,, 3Q7, 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



91 




old pulpit is still in existence, and forms 
a very interesting relic. It was sent 
over Irom Holland in 1656, and was 
continued in the service of the church 
150 years. It is constructed of oak, 
octagonal in form, about four feet high, 
and three feet in diameter. Although 
in a dismounted state, and rather off 
at the hinges, it is otherwise in a very 
good state of preservation. The ac- 
companying engraving represents it 
very accurately, as it now stands in 
the attic of the North Dutch Church. 
The bracket is seen in front, upon 
which the dominie placed the hour glass, when he commenced his dis- 
course. This pulpit was occupied by a long line of ministers, whose me- 
mory has been so much neglected, that it has been with great difficulty 
and labor we have traced their names even, and that imperfectly. The 
following is the best account we are able to give of the succession of the 
ministry. 

1642 to 1649, Rev. Johannes Megapolensis. 
1652 to 1683, Rev. Gideon Schaats. 

J675 Rev. . Niewenhuysen. 

J6.83 to 1699, Rev. Godfredius Dellius. 

1699 to * =- Rev. Nucella. 

J703 to 1709, Rev. John Lydius. 

1710 no pastor, Rev. GualterusDu Bois. (occasional) 

1711 do. Rev. Petrus Vas. ( do. ) 

1712 to 173S, Rev. Petrus Van Driessen. 
1733 to 1744, Rev. Cornelis Van Schie. 

mi to 1760, Rev. Theodorus Frelinghuysen. 

1760 to 1790, Rev. Eilardus Westerlo. 

1776 to 1779, Rev. John H. Livingston, (occasional) 

1787 to 1804, Rev. John Bassett. 

1796 to 1802, Rev. John B. Johnson. 

1805 Rev. John M. Bradford. 

The minutes of the board of consistory were very imperfectly kept pre- 
vious to the year 1790. The records of the church which we have seen, 
consist principally of registers of baptisms and marriages, kept often in a 
very obscure manner, in which the elections of church officers are some- 
times interspersed. Soon after the above date, however, a new spirit 
geems to have animated the board, which was composed of some of the 
most eminent men of the city. They entered upon the business of erecting 
a large church, surpassing all others in the city; and among other im- 
provements and regulations which they introduced, they caused the minutes 
of the board, as far as they had been kept, to be fairly transcribed, and 
insisted upon their being properly and fully noted. Since then their trans- 
actions have b*en very well preserved. 

We have traced the history of this church, one of the oldest in the 
United States, down to the year 1805, when a new era begins. The church 
now consists of three congregations, an account of which is deferred to a 
future time, 



. 






92 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

APPENDIX. 

Call of the Rev. Johannes Megapolensis. Whereas, by the state of the 
navigation in the East and West Indies, a door is opened through the 
special providence of God, also in New Netherland, for the preaching 
of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the salvation of men, as good fruits 
have been already witnessed there, through God's mercy ; and whereas 
the brethren of the Classis of Amsterdam have been notified that Mr. 
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer hath within the said limits in the North River, 
as patroon or lord, founded a colony named Renselaerswyck, and would 
fain have the same provided with a good, honest, and pure preacher ; 
therefore they have observed and fixed their eyes, on the reverend, pi- 
ous and well-learned Dr. Joannes Megapolensis, junior, a faithful ser- 
vant of the gospel of the Lord, in the congregation of Schorel and 
Berg, under the Classis of Alkmaar, whom ye have also called, after 
they had spoken with the said lord, Mr. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, in the 
same manner as they, with his honor's approbation, do hereby call him 
to be sent to New Netherland, there to preach God's word in the said 
colony, to administer the holy sacraments of baptism and the Lord's 
supper; to set an example to the congregation, in a Christian like man- 
ner, by public precept ; to ordain elders and deacons according to the 
form of the holy apostle Paul, 1 Tim., iii., 1 ; moreover to keep and 
govern, with the advice and assistance of the same, God's congregation 
in good discipline and order, all according to God's holy word, and in 
conformity with the government, confession and catechism of the Nether- 
land churches and the synodal acts of Dordrecht, subscribed by him to 
this end, with his own hand, and promised in the presence of God, at 
his ordination, requesting hereby all and every who shall see and read 
these, to respect our worthy brother as a lawfully called minister, and 
him to esteem by reason of his office, so that he may perform the duty 
of the gospel to the advancement of God's holy name and the conver- 
sion of many poor blind men. May the Almighty God, who hath call- 
ed him to this ministry, and instilled tl.is good zeal in his heart, to pro- 
claim Christ to Christians and heathens in such distant lands, strengthen 
him more and more, in this his undertaking, enrich him with all sorts of 
spiritual gifts; and bless overflowiugly his faithful labors; and when 
the Chief Shepherd, Christ Jesus, shall appear, present him with the 
imperishable crown of eternal glory. Amen. Thus given in our clas- 
sical assembly at Amsterdam, this 22d day of March, 1642. Signed in 
the name and on behalf of the whole body. Wilhelmus Somerus, loco 
praesidis ; Zloahar Svvalmius, scriba classis ; Jonas Abeels, elder. Ex- 
amined and approved by the directors of the West India Company, 
Chamber of Amsterdam, 6th June 1642 (sisned) Charles Looten, Elhs 
de Raet. Mr. Megapolensis embarked in the Houttuyn, and arrived at 
the colony in August of 1642. O'Callaghan's Hist. N. Neth., i., 449, 

The First Church. In commissary Van Curler's letter to the patroon, 
dated June 16, 1643, he says: " As for the church, it is not yet con- 
tracted for, nor even begun. I had written last year to your honor, that I 
had a building almost ready, namely, the covenanted work, which 
would have been for Dom. Megapolensis ; and this house was not agree- 
able to the taste of Dom. Johannes 5 in other respects it was altogether 
suitable for him, so that i have laid it aside, That which I intend to 






Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 93 

build this summer in the pine grove (in het greynen bosch), will be 34 
feet long by 19 feet wide. It will be large enough for the first three or 
four years, to preach in, and can afterwards always serve for the resi- 
dence of the sexton, or for a school." Ibid., i.,459. 

Note of Hand. It appears that in 1647, the church was rich enough 
to loan money to the patroon, as will be seen by the following note of 
hand to the deaconry: "I, the undersigned, Anthonie de Hooges, 
have, on the part of the noble patroon of the colonie of Rensselaers- 
wyck, borrowed from the diaconie of the aforesaid place, for the term 
of one year, to be repaid in cash, at the option of the lenders, with ten 
per cent interest per annum, the sum of three hundred guilders in sea- 
wan, whereof one hundred and twenty is in ordinary seawan. promis- 
ing thankfully to produce at the aforesaid time, in stated specie afore- 
said, to the diaconie of the aforesaid place. In testimony whereof, 
have I subscribed this acte with mine own hand. Aclum R. Wyck, 9th 
May, 1647." Ibid, t.. 471. 

Agreement between Dom. Megapolensis and the Patroon. The condi- 
tions upon which Mr. Megapolensis accepted the call " to administer 
and promote divine service in the colonie for the term of six successive 
years, according to previous demission from his classis/' were as fol- 
lowe : " Firstly, Dr. Johannes Megapolensis 39 years old, with his 
wife, Machtelt Willemsen, aged 42 years, besides his children, HeJle- 
gond, Derrick, Jan, and Samuel, aged 14, 12, 10 and 8 years, shall furn- 
ish and provide themselves with clothing, furniture and other utensils, 
and these put up in such small and compact parcels, as can be properly 
stowed away in the ship. In the mean lime, as his six years and his 
salary shall commence so soon as be shall set foot in the aforesaid colo- 
nie, the patroon, in addition to free board for them all in the ship, until 
they reach the colonie, shall over and above make him a present, for 
future serivce, at once, of three hundred guilders, without deduction. 
And in case it happen, which the Lord God in his mercy forbid, that he 
and his family come to fall in the hands of the Dunkirkers, the pa-troon 
promises to use all diligence to procure his ransom; to forward him af- 
terwards on his voyage, according as occasion shall again offer, and to 
cause to be paid him during his detention, for the support of himself and 
family, forty guilders per month; and also so much here monthly, after 
he shall have received his liberty and orders, and shall have conveyed 
him hither, until he embarks. On his arrival, by God's help, in the co- 
lonie, the patroon shall cause to be shown to him where he and his shall 
lodge at first, until a fit dwelling shall be erected for him. So soon as 
he shall reach the colonie, his hereafter mentioned salary shall com- 
mence, and his board and wages cease, and the palroon be discharged 
therefrom. Which salary, in order that he and his family shall be able 
honorably to maintain themselves, and not be necessitated to have re- 
course to any other means, whether tilling the land, commerce, rearing 
of cattle, or such like ; but by the diligent performance of his duties, for 
the edifying improvement of the inhabitants and Indians, without being 
indebted to any person, which he also acknowledges to observe ; where- 
fore the patroon promises to cause to be paid to him for the first three 
years' salary, meat, drink, and whatever else he may claim in that re- 
gard, one thousand, or ten hundred guilders yearly, one half here in 



94 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

this country, the remaining half in proper account there, according as 
he requires it, ia provisions, clothing, and such like, at the ordinary and 
accustomed prices; and a further yearly addition of thirty schepels of 
wheat I say thirty schepels and two firkins of butter, or in place 
thereof, sixty guilders in money's worth. Should the patroon be satis- 
fied with his service, he shall give him yearly, the three following years, 
an increase of two hundred guilders. In case of decease within the 
aforesaid six years, at which time the salary shall cease, the patroon 
shall pay to his widow, besides the supplement of the half year in which 
he shall have entered, a yearly sum of one hundred guilders, until the 
expiration of the aforesaid six years. He shall, besides, befriend and 
serve the patroon, in all things wherein he can do so without interfering 
with or impeding his duties. The aforesaid Johannes Megapolensis 
having also promised to comport himself in the said colonie as a loyal 
subject and inhabitant thereof, the above named palroon, on his side, 
also promises, for him and his successors, to perform and execute what 
is hereinbefore set forth, and to furnish him with due acte and commis- 
sion, sealed with the seal of the patroon and the colonie; and in acknow- 
ledgment of the truth, without fraud, guile, or deceit, has this writing 
been signed by both sides. In Amsterdam, this 6lh of March, 1642." 
Ibid, i., 448. 

The Rev. Gideon Schaats the second clergyman in Albany, was born- 
in ? 1607. He was originally engaged as minister of the colonie of Rensse- 
laerswyck, but in 1657, he was appointed '' at the request of the inhabi- 
tants of Fort Orange and Beverwyck," minister of the latter place, at 
a salary of 1200 guilders, " to be collected for the greatest part from the 
inhabitants." The following is a contract under which he first came to 
this country: "We, Johan Van Rensselaer, patroon, and codirectors of 
the Colonie Rensselaerswyck in New Netherland, having seen and ex- 
amined the actes granted by the venerable Classis of Amsterdam to 
Dominie Gideon Schaats, so have we invited and accepted the said 
Gideon Schaats as preacher in our aforesaid colonie, there to perform 
divine service in quality aforesaid. To use all Christian zeal there 
to bring up both the heathens and their children in the Christian re- 
ligion. To leach also the Catechism there, and instruct the people in 
the holy scriptures, and to pay attention to the office of schoolmaster 
for old and young. And further to do everything fitting and becoming 
a public, honest and holy teacher, for the advancement of divine service 
and church exercise among the young and old. And, in case his rever- 
ence should take any of the heathen children there to board and to edu- 
cate, he shall be indemnified therefor as the commissioners there shall 
think proper. And he is accepted and engaged for the period of three 
years, commencing when his reverence shall have arrived thither in the 
Colonie Rensselaerswick, in the ship the Flower of Gelder, his passage 
and board being free ; and he shall enjoy for his salary, yearly, the sura 
of eight hundred guilders, which shall be paid to his reverence there 
through the patroon's and codirectors' commissioners; and in case of 
prolongation, the salary and allowance shall be increased in such man- 
ner as the parties there shall mutually agree upon. And as a donation, 
and in confirmation of this reciprocal engagement, one hundred guilders 
are now presented to the dominie. And in addition the sum of three 
hundred guilders to be deducted from the first earned wages in the colo- 






Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 95 

nie, which moneys he doth hereby acknowledge to have received, acquit- 
ting thereof the palroon and codirectors. Finally, should the dominie 
require any money to the amount of one hundred guilders, to be paid 
yearly here, and to be deducted there, the said payment, on advice from 
the commissaries there, shall be made here, to the order of the afore- 
said dominie. Whereupon, the call, acceptance, and agreement are con- 
cluded, each promising on his side, with God's help, to observe and fol- 
low the same, which each has promised, and in testimony thereof have 
both signed this. In Amsterdam, this eighth of May, XVI hundred two 
and fifty." Was signed Johan Van Rensselaer, Toussaint Mussart, for 
the codirectors, Gideon Schaats called minister to Rensselaerswick. 
Ibid, if., 567. 

Mr. Schaats's Children. The Rev. Mr. Schaats had three children, 
two sons and one daughter. Reynier, the oldest, removed to Schenec- 
tady, where he was killed, with his son, at the great massacre, Feb. 10, 
1690. Bartolomeus, the second, passed over to Holland, 1670, but re- 
turned and settled as a silversmith in New York, where he died about 
1720, having a son, Reynier, from whom are descended all of the name 
now in this country. AnnekcS., the daughter, married Thomas Davitse 
Kikebell, of New York. She was by no means a favorite with some of 
the female portion of her father's congregation, who carried their feel- 
ings so far, at one time, as to object to approach the Lord's supper in 
her company. Her father resented this. Indeed, already female gossip 
had been caught busy at a tea party with even the dominie's character j 
a prosecution for slander ensued, and the parties had to pay heavy dama- 
ges. Out of this probably arose the ill-will towards the daughter, who 
was sent by the magistrates to her husband at New York. The dominie 
in consequence, resigned his charge over the church, after having preach- 
ed a sermon on 2 Peter, i., 12-15. He was, however, reconciled to his 
flock, and Anneke returned to her father, by whom she seems to have 
been much loved." Ibid, ii., 568. 

Dom. Dellins Deposed. When the Earl of Bellomont arrived as gov- 
ernor of the province, in 1688, Mr. Dellius was despatched in company 
with Capt. John Schuyler, to Canada, to convey the account of the 
peace of Ryswick, and to solicit a mutual interchange of prisoners. 
The dominie allowed his Indian agency to involve him in serious dif- 
ficulties. The Assembly of 1699 took into consideration sundry extrava- 
gant grants of land which had been made by Col. Fletcher to several of 
his favorites. Among these were two grants to Mr. Dellius, who was 
accused of having fraudulently obtained the deeds, according to which 
the patents had been granted. One of these, dated Sept 3, 1696, under 
the seal of the province, was made by Col. Fletcher for a tract of land 
" lying upon the east side of the Hudson river, between the nothermost 
bounds of Saraghtoga and the Rock Rossian," containing about 70 miles 
in length, and 12 miles broad, subject to a yearly rent of one raccoon 
gkin! Another grant was made to Dominie Dellius, William Pinchon 
and Evert Banker, dated July 30, 1697, for "a tract on the Mohawk 
river, 50 miles in length, and two miles on each side of the river, as it 
runs," subject to an annual rent of one beaver skin for the first seven 
years, and five yearly forever thereafter. On the 12th May, 1699, the 
Assembly resolved that, " It having appeared before the house of rep- 



96 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

resentatives convened in general assembly, that Mr. Godfrey Dellius. 
has been a principal instrument in deluding the Maquaas Indians, and 
illegal and surreptitious obtaining of said grants, that he ought to be 
and is hereby suspended from the exercises of his ministerial function 
in the city and county of Albany." 

Church Records. The book of baptisms and marriages commenced by 
Mr. Dellius in 16S3, and continued to the present day, has been of great 
service to many, who from various motives have sought to trace their 
ancestry, and to others who have resorted to it for the purpose of per- 
feeling papers to obtain pensions; but above all the heirs of Anneke 
Jantz are there enabled to make out their parentage, and get it estab- 
lished by the certificate of the church master; which having obtained 
they carefully deposit it in a capacious wallet, with as much satisfaction, 
apparently, as if they had overcome a great obstacle, and were actually 
pocketing 'trinity church itself. The resort to the books for the above and 
similar purposes has been so great, that they have become a good deal 
defaced. In order to the entire preservation of so valuable a record, 
two large folio volumes have been procured, into which all the names 
have been copied in a fair and legible hand. Posterity is indebted for 
this laborious performance to the industry of Dr. John H. Trotter, who, 
with the zeal and perseverance of a Dutch commentator, has given up 
his leisure hours for many months, to the arduous task of decyphering 
and transcribing several hundred pages of Dutch and Indian names, 
many of them almost unintelligible. "The baptisms during the minis- 
try of Dom. Dellius, embracing about sixteen years, were more than 
1100. Among these Indian names frequently occur. Under the date of 
July 11, 1690, are the following: 

Suongara (Little Plank), aged 40; baptismal name David. 

Kowajatense, wife of the above, aged 30 ; named Rebecca. 

Tekaneadaroga aged 22; named Isaac. 

Tejonihokarawe (Open the Door), aged 30; named Hendriek. 

Karanondo (Uplifter}, aged 50; named Lydia. 

Kaadejihendara aged 12; named Seth. 

Siouheja (Lively), named Rachel. 

Skanjodowanne (Eagle** Beak), named Manasse. 

Sagonorasse (Fast Binder), aged 12; named Adam. 

Karehodongwas (ihePlucker),a%ed 16, wife of Isaac; namedEunice. 

dug. 6, 1690. Son of Eunice, aged 9 months; named Simon. 

Kwaorate, mother of Eunice, aged 60; named Lea. 

Karehojenda, ased 30, daughter of Lea; named Alida. 

Waniho, as:ed 40; named Josine.. 

Daughter of Josine, ased 9; named Jakomine. 

Son of Josine, a<?ed 7; named Josua. 

The whole number of baptisms on record is about 14,000. The first 
baptisms under the successor of Mr. Dellius, who was Dom. Nucella, 
bear date Sept. 3. 1699. In 1701, baptisms seem to have been made of 
a considerable number of persons belonging to Kinderhook, and in 1707 
and 1708, at Esopus. (Kingston). On ^the 23d and 30th April, 1710, 61 
baptisms are entered by Mr. Gualterus DuBois, who left his settlement 
at New York the previous year. la 1711, the following baptisms were 
made by Rev. Petrus Vas, who wag a settled pastor at Kingston: March 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



97 

4th, 14; llth, 7; Oct. 7th, 16; 12th, 2; 14th, 8; 20th, 3. Also in 1712, 
by the same, Feb. 10th, 15; 17th, 5. On the 20th April 1712, the first 
entry is make by Rev. Petrus Van Driessen, of 29 baptisms. 

Early Members of the Church. We are indebted to Mr. S. V. Talcott 
for the following names of the members of the Reformed Protestant 
Dutch Church of the city of Albany, "as they were numbered at the 
end of the year 1683," in the handwriting of Mr. Dellius. 



Juriaen Teunis, Gerrit Swart, 


Areaantje Wynandts (his 


Ariaentje Teunis, 


Antonia Swart, 


wife), 


Abraham Staats, 


Wouter Van Den Uythost, 


Laurens Van Alen, 


Tryntje Staats, 


Leendert Phlipsen (Conyn), 


Elbertje Van Alen, 


Willem Teller, 


Agnietje Leenderts (his wife) 


Tryntje Rutten (now Rose. 


Marritje Teller, 


Anna Van der Heyden, 


boom), 


Jan Becker, 


Arien Van Elpendam, 


Jan Jans Bleecker, 


Mari Becker, 


Gerrit Van Esch, 


Grietjen Bleecker (da. of 


Aarnout Coruelis Vilen, 


Marietje Van Esch, 


Van Schoendemund), 


Gerrigje Vilen, 


Herman Tomes (Hun?), 


Jan Byvang, 


Andries Teller, 


Catelyntje Tomes (his wife). 


Belia Byvang, 


Sephia Teller, 


Anna Ketel, 


Gerrit Lansing, 


Johannes Provoost, 


Grietje Gouws (she is dead), 


Elsje Lansing, 


Cornelis Van Dyck, 


Taakel Dircks, 


Hendrick Lansing, 


Lysbet Van Dyck, 


Marritje Taakels (his wife), 


Lysbet Lansing, 


Catryn Rutgirs, 


Wynand Gerrits (Van der 


Jan Lansing, 


Anaetje Lives (married Goo- 


Poel), 


Geertje Lansing, 


sen GerritseuVan Scayck, 


Tryntje Wynands (his wife), 


Jan Nack, 


July, 1657), 


Pieter Loockerman, 


Jan Vinhagel, 


Jochum Staats, 


Marretje Lookermans, 


Marretje Vinhagel, 


Lysbet Bancker, 


David Schuyler, 


Geertje Bout, 


Margeriet Schuyler, 


Catelyntje Schuyler, 


Willem Bout, 


Richart Pritti, 


Peiter Mees Vrooman, 


Luycas Gerrits, 


Lysbet Pritti, 


Folikje Vrooman, 


Antje Lucas, 


Annetje Staats, 


Jacob Mees Vrooman, 


Isaac Verplanck, 


Jan Tomes, 


Lysbeth Vrooman. 


Abigail Verplanek (da. of 


Geertruyt Tomes, 


Aalbert Ryckman, 


Bogert), 


Jacob Schermerhoorn (im- 


Nelletje Ryckman, 


Johannes Beeckman, 


migrated J645?), 


Sybrent Van Sehayck, 


Machtelt Beeckman (da. of 


Janetje Schermerhorn (da. 


Lysbet Van Sehayck (now 


Jacob J. Schermerhorn), 


of Cornelis Segers), 


Corlaar), 


Nicolaas Van Rotterdam, 


Meindert Hermans (Van Den 


Jacob Staats, 


Lysbet Van Rotterdam, 


Bogert), 


Ryckje Staats, 


Harmen Bastiaans(Visscher) 


Helcen Hermens (his wife ; 


Willem Percker, 


Hester Bastiaans (da. of . 


and da. of Jacob Jans 


Maria Percker, 


Tierk), 


Schermerhorn), 
Evert Wendel the Father, 


Robbert Levinchston, 
Alida Levinchston (da. of 


Robbert Sanders (Glen?), 
Eisje Sanders (Glen), 


Merritje Wendels. 


Schuyler), 


Jacob Sanders (Glen), 


Johannes Wendell, 
Lysbet Wendell (now Schuy- 


Phlip Freest, 
Tryntje Freest (da.of Kip) 


Caatje Sanders (now Douw) 
Nicolaas Rips, 


ler), 


Gerrit Hardeuberch, 


Marie Nicolaas Rips, 


Hendrick Cuyler, 


Joapje Hardenberch, 


Jacob Coenraats, 


Annetje Cuyler, 
Henderick Roosenboom. 


Abraham Van Tricht, 
Lysbeth Van Tricht (now 


Geertje Jacobs (his wife), 
Johannes Roosenboom, 


Gysbertje Roosemboom (da 


Variderpoel), 


Margeriet Roosenboom, 


of Lansing), 


Symen (Jacobs) Schermer- 


Jan Cloet, 


Jan Onderkerck, 


horn, 


Bata Cloet (da. of ~ Slih. 


Dirck Wesselie Ten Brouck. 


Wilmje Schermerhorn (now 


tenhast), 


Styntje Ten Brouck (da of 


Winnen), 


Pieter Davids Schuyler, 


Cornelis Maasen Van Beu- 


Johannes de Wandelaar, 


Alida Schuyler (da. of Sligh. 


ren?). 


Sara de Wandelaar (da. of 


tenhast). 


Marten Krygier, 
Jannetje Krygier (da. of 


Schep-Moes), 
Johannes Van Sandt, 


3uysbert Marselis, 
Barbar Marselis (his wife, 


Hend ricks), 
Adriaan Gerrits (Papendorp) ; 
Jannetje Gerrits (his wife), 


Margeriet Van Sandt, 
Melchert Wynaudts (Van- 
derpoel), 


da. of Claas Jacobs Groes. 
beck), 
Willera Claes Groesbeeek. 


9 



93 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



GeertruytGroosbeeck (da. of 


Catryn Van der Poel, 


Schuyler), 


Anna Van der Poel, 


Johannes Roos, 


Hendrick Van Esch, 


Cornelia Roos, 


Annetje Van Esch, 


Jan Gilbert, 
Cornelia Gilbert (da. of 


Luycas Pieters (Coeyman), 
Ariaantje Lucass [his wife], 


Van den Bergh), 


Adam Winnen, 


Evert Wendel (the son), 


Anna Winnen (now Teu- 


Lysbeth Wendel (da. of 


nisse), 


Glen), 


Marten Jans, 


Cornells Scherluyn, 


Jannetje Martens (his wife, 


Geertruyt Scherluyn (da of 


and da. of Cornelis), 


Harman B Visscher), 


Marritje Quakelbosch, 


Rachel Rettle, 


Douwe Jelis (died Nov. 27, 


Jacob Loockerrnan, 


1700), 


Tryntje Loockerrnan, 
Caatje Loockerman (now 


Rebecca Douws (his wife), 
Wouter Quakelbosch, 


Ten Brock), 
Jacob Abrahams, 


Neeltje Quakelbosch, 
Jan (Pieters) Quakelbosch, 


Catelyntje Jacobs (his wife), 
Nicolaes Van Elslant, 


Machtelt Quakelbosch (da 
of Jan Post), 


Aaltje Frans (Pruyn), 


Reinier (Pieters) Quakel- 


Johannes Appel, 


bosch, 


Anetje Appel, 


[,ysbit Quackelbosch, 


Johannes Tomes (Mingaal), 


Folekje Brabauders, 


Mari Jans (Mingall, da. of 


Margnet Ketel, 


Jan Jans Oothoul), 


Ysbrant Elders, 


Jacobus Turck, 


Jan de Noorman (the elder); 


Caatje Turck (da. of Van 


Marritje Noorman (now 


Benthuisen), 


Carbith), 


Levinus Van Schayck, 


Jan (Andries) Douw 3 


MargarietVan Schayck, 


Catryn Douw, 


Henderick Bries, 


Arien Appel, 


Marie Bries (now Loker- 


Wouter de Rademmaecker, 


mans), 


Grieije Wouters (his wife), 


Reimer Barents, 


Gernt Reyers, 


Bastiaan Harmens (Visscher) 


Anuetje Reyers, 


Dirckje Bastiaans (his wife, 


Marrelje Van Schayck, 


and da. of Teunis Teunisse 


Geertje Brickers, 


de Metsaaler), 


Marretje Zacharias, 


Maas Cornelis (Van Buren), 
Jacomyn Maas (his wife), 


Robbert Sickels, 
Cornelis Van der Hoeven, 


Willem Guysberts (Van den 


Melje Van der Hoeven, 


Bergh), 


Merselis Jans, 


Catryn Willems (his wife), 


Annetje Marselis (his wife), 


Cornelis Guysberts (Van den 


Pieter Bogardus, 


Bergh), 
Pieter Winne, 


Wyntje Bogardus (da. of 
Cornelis Bosch), 


Tanne Winne, 


Marten Gerrits (Van Bergen) 


Levinus Winne, 


Jannetje Martens (his wife. 


Jan Salomons (Goewey), 
Caatje Salomons (his wife. 


Nieltje Myndert, 2d wife)! 
Teunis Cornelis (Van Vech 


and da. of Lookerman) 


ten), 


Barbar Salomons (Goewey) 


Hester-Teunissen (his wife), 


Dirck Bensing, 


Geertje Van der Hoeven, 


Tytje Bensing, 


Jurian Coller, 


Lysbet Herds (now Kaer), 
Huyberije Jeedts, 
Pieter Schuyler, 
Engeltje Schuyler, 


Lysbeth Coller, 
Andries de Sweed (i. e., An. 
dries Alberts Bratt), 
Neeltje Andries (da. of Teu- 


Arent Schuyler, 


nis Sway). 


Maria Van Renselaar, 


Tennis Slingerlandt, 


Ciliaan Van Renselaar, 


Celia Slingerlant, 


Anna Van Renselaar, 


Jan Hendricks (Van den 


Teunis (Cornelis) Van der 


Bergh), 


p oe l Maria Jans, 



Jan Van der Hoeven, 

Jannelje Ver Wey, 

Sara Ketel, 

Sela Ketel (now Rachel Van, 

der Heyden), 
Ant je Cross, 
Paulyn Jans, 

Wyntje Paulyns (his wife), 
Ryck Michiels. 
Jannetje Paulyns. 
Anna Pieterse (Van Slyck), 
Hendrick Maes (Van Beu- 

ren), 

Lysbeth Hendricks (his wife), 
Gerrit Gysberts (Van den 

Berg), 

Teunije Gerrits (his wife), 
Frerick de Drent, 
Jannelje Vries (now Sals- 

berry), 

Hendrick Marselis, 
Barent Pieters (Coeyman), 
Jacob Salomons (Goewey), 
Lyntje Salomons (his wife), 
Geertruyt Rinckhout, 
Mattys Hooghteeling, 
Maria Hooghteeling, 
Jan Jacobs Van Oostrant, 
Agniet Van Oostrant, 
Phlip Leenderts (Conyn), 
Wyntje Phlips (his wife, and 

da. of Dirks), 

Gerrit Lamberts (Van Val- 

kenburgh), 
Marie Jochems, 
Dirck Teunis (Van der Vech- 

ten), 
Janneije Dircks (rather Van 

der Vechten), 
Gerrit Teuuis (Van der Vech. 

Grielje Gerrits (Van der 

Vechten\ 

Magcleleen Quakelbosch, 
Andries Jans (Witbeck), 
Jan Bronck, 
Commerlje Bronck (da. of 

Lendert Conyn). 
Melchert Abrams (Van Deu. 

sen), 

Engeltje Abrams (his wife), 
Hendrick Abels (Ridden. 

haas). 

Sephia Abels (now Nak), 
Johannes (Jans) Oothout, 
Hendrick (Jans) Oothout, 
Jacobus Jans, 
Jannetje Jacobs (his wife), 
May ken Jacobus 
Abraham Van Breemen, 
Marrelje Van Bremen, 
Johannes Jans UVitbeck) 
Lysbet Jans (Witbeck, da. 

of Leendert Conyn), 
Claes Van Pelten, 
Jsje Van Petten, 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



99 



Cornelis Teunis (Van Vech-IAalbert (Jacobs) Gerdenier, 


Catelyntje Ten Brouck, 


ten), 


Marretje Aalberts (his wife), 


Martina Bicker (now Hoo- 


Annetje Cornelis (his wife), 


Jannetje Lamberts (VanVol- 


gen), 


Marten Cornelis (VanBeuren 


kenburgh), 


Susanna Wendel, 


Marretje Martens (his wife), 


Tarn Kreeve, 


Benony Van Corlar, 


Cornelia Martens (now Van 


Jannetje Kreeve, 


Jan Ratlife, 


Deusen), 


Aaltje Adams, 


AntjeVanEsch (nowRidder) 


Angeltjie Andries (wife of 


Teuwis Cool, 


Martina Teunis, 


Andries Jans Witbeck ?), 


Marretje Teuwis (his wife), 


Cornelia Ten Broeck, 


Geertje Gvsberts, 


Ariaantje Hendriks, 


Susanna Barents, 


Hendrick Ver Wey, 


Teuwis Abrams, 


Sara Sanders (now Greeven- 


Teunis de Metselaar, 


Helena Teuwis (his wife), 


rood). 


Egbertje Teunis (his wife), 


Samson Sensing, 


Maria Kateluyne (now Bratt) 


Wilmje Teunis (now Bratt), 


Tryntje Samsons (his wife 


Dyrckje Luyckens, 


Symen Schouten, 


a Mathus), 


Antje Becker, 


Cypjen Schouten, 


Johannes Sensing, 


Abraham Staats, Jr., 


Andries Hans, 


Mattys Hooghteeling 


Elbert Gerrits, 


Gerretje Andries (his wife. 


Nanning Harmens (Visscher) 


Jan Huyberls, 


and da. of Teunis TeunisselCornlis Stephens (Muller), 


Johannes Bleycker, Jr., 


de Metselaar), 


Jlilletje Cornelis (a Looker- 


Antoni Bries, 


Jsje Hans, 


man his wife), 


Gerrit Lansing, Jr., 


Jacob Van Oostrant, 


2aasper Leenderts (Conyn), 


Herbert Jacobs (Van Deusen) 


Mees Hogenboom, 


Colette Caspars (Winnen 


Hendrick Rosenboom, Jr., 


Catryn Hogenboom, 


his wife), 


Jan A heel, 


Ariaantje Hoogenboom, 


Mayken Martens, 


Maria Parcker, 


Antoni Van Schayck, 


sabella Dellius, 


Catryn Villeroy, 


Marietje Van Schayck (da. 


Dorete Volkens (Douw?}, 


Sara Hardenberch, 


of Van der Poel), 


Datryntje Volkeas (Douw), 


Annetje Lives, 


Roeloff Gerrits, 


Vlaria Schuyler (now Van 


Abraham Cuyler, 


Geertruyt Roelofs (his wife) ; 


Dyck), 


Dirck Barents Bratt, 


Jan Grulters, 


Mayken Jacobs, 


Solomon Frederick Booch. 


Hermen Lievens, 


Anerigje Jans, 


Elizabeth Van Gelder, 


Marrelje Hermens (Liever- 


?hlip Wendell, 


Symon Van Esch, 


sen), 


Sastian Harmans (Visscher), 


Catharina Van Schayck, 


Jan Van Esch, 


Rebecca Everts (wife of 


Debora Van Dam (wife of 


Aaltje Van Esch, 


Hanssen), 


Hendrick Hansse), 


Barent Bratt, 


Hester Bricker (now Slinger- 


Margriet Jurries, 


Susanna Bratt, 


land), 


Zytje Marselis (wife of Jo. 


Geurt Hendricks, 


Aaltje Arents, 


seph Jansse), 


Marrelje Geurten (his wife), 


Andries Jans, 


Est de Ridder, 


Andries Carstels, 


Barentje Jans, 


Cornelis Martens, 


Harmen JansKnickelbacker, 


Jonas Volkens (Douw), 


Jacob Vosbergh, 


Lysbet Harmens (his wife, 


Dhillian Winne, 


Isaac Vosberch, 


and da. of Bogert), 


Thomas Winne, 


Abraham Jans (Van AU 


Wessel Ten Broeck, 


Barentje Vollewever (sur- 


styne?), 


Elsje Ten Broeck (now Cuy- 


named Schaats, 


Lambert Jans (Van Alstyne?) 


ler), 
Lambert Van Valkenborgh, 


Facob Teunis Van Schoon- 
derwooert, 


Isaac Jans (Van Alstyne?), 
Dorotche Vosburgh, 


Alida Vintage! (now Viss- 


VTargriet Van Dam, 


Teuntje Jans (Van Alstyne ? 


cher), 
Gysje Vanderheyden (now 


[Jester Harmens (Visscher), 
Willemymtje Nack, 


now Winnen,) 
Manetje Vosburgh, 


Geesje Kip), 
Cornelia Van der Heyden, 
Jan Tysens Hoes (i.e., Goes?) 


Sara Chyler (now Van Anna Vosburgh, 
Brugge), Geertruy Sickles, 
Maria Sanders Xnow Rose- Est Bancker, 


Styntje Hoes, 
Jochum Lamberts (Van Val- 


boom), 
Gerritje Costers (now Rose- 


Elizabeth Bancker (an Abeel 
his wife), 


kenburgh), 


boom), 


David Christiaans, 


Eva Jochum (his wife, da. 


Alida Everts (nowOothout), 


Abraham Isaacks, 


of Vrowman), 


Paulus Martens Van Ben- 


Anna Sickels, 


Pieter Vosburgh, 


thuysen, 


Cornelia Van Male, 


Jannetje Pieters (Vosburgh), 
Geertruyt Vosburgh, 


Wouter Pieters Quake'. bosch 
Pieter Hendricke De Hass, 


Johannes Schuyler, 
Margriet Schuyler, 


Mara Jacobs (now VanVech- 


Pieter Tomes Mingaal, 


Cornelia Vroman, 


ten), 
Jan Martens, 


Helena Byvang, 
Rebecca Claes (Groesbeck? 


Lysbeth Lansing (now Bratt), 
Judick Marselis (wife of Lu- 


Pirchje Jans (his wife), 


now Van Schaak), 


cas Lucasy), 



100 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



Andries Hans Huyck, 
Catryn Andries (a Van Val. 


Tester Davids, 
iVeyntje Fransen (Clauw?), 


Jrietje Takel, 
Barbar Jans (wife of Gerrit 


kenburgh his wife), 


Fudick (Jans) Van Housen, 


Rikse), 


Cornelia Tys (Goes?), 


rlenderick Van Renssalaer, 


Elsje Wendell (now Slaats), 


Geertruy Jans Witbeck (now 


Foseph Jans, 


annetje Oothout (Van 


wife of Bareut Gerritsen), 


Jan Fondaas, 


Schaack). 


Marretje Hendericks (now 


Vlarretje Van Petten (now 


September 17th, 1692. 


Schermerhorn), 


Van Allen), 


3anastasji (Indian), 


Ariaantje Gerrits, 


Catelyntje Van Petten (now 


Jerrit Rosenboom, 


Lyntje Winne (now Witbeek] 


Van Vechten), 


'ieter Verbrugge, 


Lysbeth Roseuboom (now 


Margriet Hans (now Viss- 


Stephanus Groesbeeck. 


Van Deusen), 


cher), 


December 23d, 1692. 


Johanna Bratt (now Kete- 


Henderick Van Dyck, 


lenderik (Indian). 


luyn), 


Abraham Schuyler, 


April 13th, 1693. 


Henderikje Van Schoonho- 


Cornelia Van Olinda, 


Antoni Coster, 


ven (now Poppi), 


Arieenije Van der Heyden. 


Johannes Gerrits (Van Vech- 


Ariaantje Van Schoonhoven, 


On July llth, 1690, the fol- 


ten), 


Frans Pieters Clauw, 


lowing Indians : 


larten Winnen, 


Elsje Fransen Clauw, 


Paulus, 


VI elchert Vanderpoel, 


Adam Dingman, 


Laurens, 


Elizabeth Kreigir, 


Geertje Martens, 


Maria. 


Tryntje Wendell (now Mil- 


Geertruy Ten Broeck (now 


On October 22d, 1091, the 


lington,) 


Schuyler), 


following Indians : 


Veeltje Schermerhorn (now 


Anna de Peyster, 


David, 


Ten Eyck), 


Annetje Gerrits, 


Rebecca, 


Elizabeth Ten Brock (now 


Eytje Pieters, 


Lydia. 


Coster), 


Caatje Bleycker (now Cuy- 


At the same time the fol- 


Katrine Nack, 


ler), 


lowing persons: 


Jeertruy Van Benthuysen 


Eva Vinhagel (now Beek- 
rnan), 


Sara Harmens (Visscher), 
Marretje Gerrits, 


(now Becker), 
Maria Van der Poel (of Neo- 


Willem Jacobs (Van Deusen} 


Jannetje Blyker, 


borum), 


James Willet, 


Marritje Vanhagel, 


Dornelis (Indian), 


Maria Wendell, 


Anna Coster, 


Claas Jans. 


Abraham Kip, 


On March 24th, 1692, the 


October 25th, 1693. 


Henderick Greefradt, 


following Indians: 


Fohannes Harmens (Viss- 


Johannes Pruyn, 


Isak, 


cher), 


Jan Jans Post, 


Rachel, 


VIoeset (Indian), 


Johannes Bratt, 


Rebecca, 


Harta do. 


Huybert Gerrits, 


Eunice, 


Sara do. 


Rut Melcherts, 


At the same time the fol- 


Fose do. 


Cornelis Gerrits, 


lowing persons: 


April 6th, 1694. 


Anna Sanders, 


Meindert Schuyler, 


Dieter Hogenboom, 


Maria Van Renssalaer (now 


Jacobus Van Dyck, 


Fohannes Kip, 


Schuyler), 


Johannes Rvkman, 


Jacobus Van Schoonhoven, 


Jacomyntje Vile, 


Willem Van Allen, 


3eertruy Van Schoonhoven, 


Mayken Oothout (wife of 


Tammus Noxen, 


Jecominlye Van Schoonho- 


Thomas Harmensen, Jr. ?) 


Luthers Jans ( Witbeck), 


ven (now Van Deusen), 


Coatje Melcherts (Van der 


Andries Douw, 


Geertje Willems, 


Poel ? now Witbeck), 


Pieter Lucas Koeyman, 


Anna Bogardus, 


Jannetje Cobus, 


Debora Staats (now Rose- 


Lydia Ten Brock, 


Rachel Melcherts (Van der 


boom), 


Lysbeth Slingerlandt, 


Poel?), 


Elsje Rutgers (now Schuy- 


Christine Pruvn, 


Cornelia Coljer, 


ler), 


Catelyntje Schuyler (now 


Catarine Van Allen (now Van 


Maria Banker, 


Abeel), 


der Poel), 


Anna Gansevoort, 


Susanna Wendell. 


Nelletje Quakelbosch, 


Christina Ten Broek, 


Claartje Brott, 


Francyntje Hendericks. 


Antje Van der Heyden, 


Elsje Hans, 


Geertruy Hoogenboom, 


Murietje Pruyn (wife of El- 


Jannelje Swart (now Van 


Neeltje Slingerlandt, 


bert Gerretsen, 


der Zee), 


Engletje Lives, 


Rachel Cuyler (now Schuy- 


Alida Fondaas (now Van 


Geertruy Jans, 


ler), 


Vechten), 


Margriet Brickers, 


Tryntje Rykman, now Breese 


Hester Fondas (wife of John 


Susanna Lansing, 


Marritje Loakermau (no\v 


Dircksen), 


Hermen Rutgers, 


Fonda), 


Lysbeth Jans, 


Cornelia Van Vreedenburch 


Marritje Bogardus (now Van 


Geertje Quakelbosch (now 


(now Van Yselsteyu), 


Vechte.n), 


Groesbeck). 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



101 



July 6th, 1694. 
Gideon (Indian), 
Alida do. 

December 26th, 1694. 
Meellje Van Bergen (now 

Douvv), 

Dirk Van der Heyden, 
David Schuyler, 
Margriet (Indian), 
Eva do. 

Maria do. 

Elsje do 

January 20th, 1695, of Kin- 

derhook. 
Arieentje Barents (wife of 

Pieter Martens), 
Robbert Teuis (VanDeusen) : 
Johannes Van Allen. 

March 21st, 1095. 
Thomas Harmens (Hun?), 
Hendrick Hans, 
Tarn Williams. 
Agneetje Gansevoort (his wif< 
Franz Winne, 
Elsje Gansevoort (Winnen), 
Claas Sivers, 
Albert Rykmen, 
Gerrit Ryks, 
Rachel Winne (of Schenec 

tady), 

Hendrik Pruyne, 
Tryntje Cnrnelis (wife of 

Pieter Waldroa), 
Sara Foreest, 
Claartje Quakelbosch (wif< 

of Dirk Take! sen), 
Annelje Hogenboom, 
Rachel Slingerlandt, 
Maria Wendell, 
Dewertje Van Petten, 
Anna Van Petten (wife o 

Claas Siversend,) 
Daniel Bratt, 
Pieter (Indian), 
Joseph do. 
Tierk do. 
Agniet do. 
Lea do. 
Susanna do. 

December 25th, 1695. 
Cornelis Bogardus, 
Brant (Indian), 
Jacob do. 

January 22d, 1696. 
Jan Teuwis (Van Deusen), 
Marrietje (Van Deusen) 



aurens Claas (VanSchaick) 
atelynlje Teuwi.s, 
innetje Joehums (wife of 
Isaac Jans). 

April 9lh, 1696. 
[yndert Rosenboom, 
bram Lansing, 
atrine Staat (now Schayk). 
aartje Brats (wife of Rey- 
nier Mynderts). 
nna Glen (now Wendell), 
laria Salisburry, 
[ayken Van Esch (now 

Wendell), 
targreetje Pels, 
aartje Van Deusen. 

June 26th, 1696 
ntoni (Indian), 
torcas do. 
larent do. 
latrine do. 

September 18th, 1696. 
ohamies (Indian), 
Arem do. 

April 1st, 1697. 
I ayken Van Esch (now On 

derkerck), 
Innetje Schaats, 
Margriet Ryks, 
Slizbeth Lansing (now Groes 

beck), 
Susanna Wendell (now 

Wyngaard), 
largriet Schuyler (no 

Livingston), 
Catrena Van Schayk (no\ 

Quakkenbosch). 

December 27th, 1697. 
Sara Van Allen, 

January 13th, 1698. 
Guysbert Scharp, 
Hendrik Jans (Witbeck), 
Sara Jans (Witbeck), 
Marritje Jans (Witbeck), 

April 21st, 1698. 
Hagar (Indian), 
Jacomine do. 
Luycas Lucas (VanHookerl 
Solomon Cornels (Van Vec" 

ten), 

Hasuera Marselis, 
Maas Ryks, 
Harman Rykman, 
Robbert Levingston, Jr., 
Margriet Levingston, 
Margriet Van Trigt, 



argriet Blyker, 

argriet Harmens, 

atelina Wendell (now 

Schuyler), 

eeltje Gerrits, 

rkje Winne, 

ara Marselis, 

:arrhje Roelofs (Kidni), 

elena Pruyn, 

ammertje Lokerman (Oot- 

hout). 

inuary 8th, 1699, from Kiu- 
derhook. 

st Van Allen, 

lephenas Van Allen, 

[anuel Van Schaack, 

ysbeth Arnoutse Van Eli. 
April 6lh, 1699. 

leyer Gerrits. 

acobus Schuyler, 

idries Nack, 
Hendrick Douw, 

an Jans Van. Aarnen, 

Vouter Quakelbosch (mar- 
ried Cornelia, da. of Law- 
rence Bogert), 

ilatthyse Nak, 

ilaria Verplank, 

Geertje Gerrits (Van den 
Bergh), 

.ysbeth Gansevoort, 

largriet Rykman, 

jysbeth Viele (from Neobo. 
rum), 

lelena Fonda, 

Antje Quakelbosch, 

osina Maas (Van Buren?), 

-Jillitje Gansevoort, 

Vlaria Quakelbosch, 

>Ieeltje Marinus, 

Elachel Douw, 

Cornelia Quakelbosch, 

Anna Pruyn, 

Canastasji (Indian). 

September 8th, 1699. 

Jonathan Braadhorst. 
January 5th, 1700. 

Susanna Wendells. 

May 8th, 1700. 

Claes Fonda, 

Daniel Winnen, 

Isack Ouderkerck, 

Lysbet Wendell, 

Mary Ingolsbie, 

Rachel Bogardus, 

Susanna Trujex. 



Patent of Church Pasture. Thomas Dongan, Captain Generll and 
Governour in Chief in &. over y e Province of New Yorke & Territoryes 
Depending thereon in America under his most sacred Majesty James 
y e Second by y e Grace of God King of England Scotland France and 
Ireland Defender of y e faith &c To all to whom this presents shall 
come sendeth greeting Whereas by virtue of a certaine Deed of Bar- 
gaine & Sale from ye Mayor Aldermen & Commonalty of y citty of Al 



102 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

bany bearing Date ye first day of November in ye third year of his said 
Majestyus Reigne &. in y e year of our Lord one thousand six hundred 
f-ighty & Seaven GodfriJus Dellius of ye said Citty Clerk stands seized 
in his owne Right and to his own use of an Estate of Inheritance in fee 
simple of & in a certain Piece or Parcell of Land commonly called or 
known by ye JVame of ye Pasture Scituate Lyeing and being to the South- 
ard of ye said Citty nere ye place where ye old Fort stood and extended 
along Hudsons River till it comes over against y e most Northerly Point 
of ye Island Commonly Called Martin Garritsons Island haveing to 
y e East Hudsons River to ye South ye Manor of Rensselaerswyck to 
y e West ye highway Leading to ye towne ye Pasture late in ye tenure 
and occupacon of Martin Garrittse & ye Pasture late in ye tenure and 
occupacon of Casp r Jacobs to y e North y e several pastures late in y e 
tenure & occupacion of Robert Sanders Myndart Harmanse & Evert 
Wendall & ye several Gardens late in ye tenure & occupacon of Dirick 
VVesselJs Killian Van Renslaer & Abraham States together with all and 
singular ye Profits Commodityes & Apputences whatsoever to the said 
Pasture Piece or Parcell Land & Premissess or any part or parcell 
thereof belonging or in any wise Appurtaineing or to or with y e same now 
or at any time heretofore belonging or used Occupied or Enjoyed as Part 
or Parcell or Member thereof & whereas ye said Goodfridus Dellius has 
made his request unto me yt I would on ye behalfeof his Majesty grant 
& confirm unto him ye said Goodfridus Dellius his Heirs and Assigns 
y e before mencoried Pasture Piece or Parcell of Land & Premisses with 
y e Appurtences Know y ee y* by virtue of my Commission & Authority 
from his most sacred Majesty 8c Power in me being and Residing in Con- 
sideracon of ye Acquit Kent or Chiefe Rent herein after Reserved and 
other Good & Lawful Consideratonsme thereunto moving I have Given 
Granted & confirmed and by these presents Do hereby Give Grant & 
Confirm unto ye said Godfridus Dellius his Heirs & Assigns forever 
all yt ye before Recited Pasture Piece or Parcell of Land & Premissess 
with all and every y e Hereditaments and Appurtenances to have and 
hold all yt ye said Pasture Piece or Parcell of Land & Premissess with 
all and singular ye Herditaments & Appurtenances to y e said Godfridus 
Dellius his heirs and Assigns forever to y e only Proper use and behoofe 
of him ye said Godfridus Dellius his Heirs and Assigns forever to bee 
holden of his most sacred Majesty his Heirs and Successors in free and 
Comon Soccage According to yQ tenure of East Greenwich in y county 
of Kent in his Majestys Realme of England Yielding Rendering and 
Paying therefore Yearly and every Yeare to his said Majesty his Heirs 
and Successors forever as a Quitt Rent one shilling Good and Lawful! 
Mony of this Province att Albany to be paid to such officer or officers 
as from time to time shall be empowered to Receive the same in Leew 
& Stead of all Services Dues and Demands whatsoever in testimony 
whereof I have Signed these Presents with my hand Writing Caused 
ye same to be recorded in ye Secretary's Office & y e Scale of this his 
Majestey's Province to be hereunto affixed this thirtieth Day of July in 
y e fourth yeare of his Ma ties Reigne and in y e Yeare our Lord 1688. 

THOMAS DONGAN. 

May itt please yo r Excy the Attorney Gener* 1 has Perused this Grant 
& finds nothing therein contained Prejudiciall to his Majestyes Interest 

Exxd July ye 30 : 1688 W. NICOLLS, 






Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 103 

City Records. Among the records in the City Hall, are three volumes 
in Dutch, written generally in a good character, embracing about thirty 
years of the close of the seventeenth century, in which are frequent 
allusions to church matters, coming under the notice of the council. 
Some of the city authorities procured the translation of these records a 
few years ago, but the work was very imperfectly done, in an abridged 
or mutilated form. Being unable to read the originals, we have copied 
a few items from the translated volume. 

1676. A request of the consistory of Kingston, that Dominie Schaats 
might come over to administer the Lord's supper and baptism, which 
was denied because Dominie Schaats was a settled minister, but if they 

wanted Dominie Rensselaer would agree thereto Dominie Van Rens- 

selaer preferred a complaint against Jacob Lesler and Jacob Milborne, 
for slandering his orthodoxy and ridiculing his preaching and the talents 
graciously bestowed on him by the Lord &c. &c., requests consequently 
that it may please the court to give a verdict about this matter as will 
be most convenient with the truth and justice, and also with the welfare 
of Christ in the city Mandate of his excellency the governor gene- 
ral to the court to do their utmost endeavors to prevent, to smooth 
and to remove the divers disputes arisen between the pastors and some 
of the members of the Reformed Dutch Church Reconciliation be- 
tween Dominie Van Rensselaer, Jacob Lesler and Jacob Milborne, 
also between Dominie Schaats and some members of the consistory, 
whereby all the former disputes and ecclesiastical discords are thrown 
in the fire of love. 

Feb., 1677. Proclamation was made prohibiting all misdemeanors 
which have often occurred here on Shrove Tuesday, viz,: riding at a 

goose, cat, hare and ale, &c., on a penalty of/25 seawan Order 

of the court to prevent and punish severely the shameful violation of 
the sabbath especially committed by the inhabitants of Kinderhook, and 
the appointment of Jochem Lambertse deputy sheriff strictly to attend 
to it. 

1678. Captain Philip Schuyler complains about it being refused to 
Dominie N. Van Rensselaer by the consistory to take his seat in the 
usual pastor's pew with the elders Resolved and ordered that Cap- 
tain Philip have a suitable seat in the church, behind that of the magis- 
trates. 

Feb., 1679. A. Muir requests in the name of the court and consistory 
of Schenectady, that Dominie Schaats may be sent four Sundays in one 
year to administer the Lord's supper to said place and community, 
which request is granted in so far that Dominie Schaats is allowed to 
go four times in one year to administer the holy sacraments, but not on 
a Sunday, whereas it would be unjust to let the community be here 

without preaching Appeared before the court Dominie Schaats, the 

e^-'er and two deacons, who voluntarily offer to take to their charge the 
rebuilding of the dominie's house, to be in future a suitable dwelling for 

the pn^tor, requesting a deed of conveyance No person may sell 

any footer victuals during the time of service on the Lord's day, but 

after the sermon Proclamation by which is expressly cautioned 

against the violating of the Lord's day as by deplorable experience was 
found that a great deal of the inhabitants were committing Sum- 
moned before the court on request of Dominie G. Schaats and the con- 
sistory of the Reformed Dutch Church, Ida Barents, to be inquired 



104 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

about the slanderous manner in which some of the members of the Lu- 
theran church, and especially a certain Engeltye, the wife of Solomon 
Volktie, should have expressed herself in the presence of said Ida 
Barents, on account of the church and consistory. Appeared before the 
court Engeltje, to whom the accusation was read, whereupon she prayed 
and received pardon, on condition of better behavior in future. 

1631. Petition of the consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church com- 
munity, according to the repealed and earnest solicitation of Dominie 
Schaats, that it would please the court to do their utmost endeavors to 
obtain them a good orthodox pastor for their church, which is favorably 
answered by the court, and resolved in consequence to summon several 
of the principal citizens, in order to know their opinion of the matter. . . . 
May. Whereas, Captain Anthony Brockholst has been pleased to give 
his approbation for the obtainance of a new pastor for the Reformed 
Dutch Church. It is resolved by the court to collect a sum of money of 

the community to defray the expenses of his passage hither Letter 

of Captain Brockholst about the sending of Aneke, the daughter of 
Dominie Schaats with her children to New York to her husband Thps. 
D. Kikebel, and order of the court to said Aneke to depart thither with 

the first opportunity June. Appointment of two elders and two 

deacons to collect the contributions of the members of the community 

for the new appointed pastor Resolved that there shall be written 

to the classis of Amsterdam for the sending of a good orthodox pastor 
for the Reformed Dutch Church of Albany, who will enjoy a yearly 
salary of /800 in beaver, and the contribution in behalf of his passage 
thither, amounts to the sum of /648 beaver, which is deposited with 
Messrs. J. H. Van Baal, Richard Van Rensselaer and Abel De Wolff, 

to be used for said purpose Dec. The sheriff, ex officio, claims of 

Jan Van Loon /SOU seawan, for a fine having greatly upbraided and 
injured Martin Cornells, who had changed the Roman Catholic religion 
for the Protestant, and calumniated the Protestant church itself by say- 
ins: among other things to Marten, that he had turned from God to the 
devil, on which several witnesses were examined. 

May, 1632. Resolution about making a new gallery in the north side 
of the church, by means of contribution on the community. Contract 

with an architect to build another gallery in the church List of 

twenty four persons who are entitled because of their contributions to 
seats on the new made gallery in the church, as follows: Peter Schuyler 
Philipse, Arent Schuyler, Philip Schuyler, Jr., Johannes Schuyler, Mar- 
tin Geiritsen, Johannes Wendell, Johannes Cuyler, Joachim Staats, 
Levinus Van Schayck, Sybrant Van Schayck, Jacob Lokermans, Robert 
Livingston, Albert Rykman, Martin Cornelise, Claes Van Petton, Dirk 
Wessells, Cornells Teunise, Johannes Janse, Myndert Harmense, Jan 
Stoffolse Abeel, Anthony Van Schayck, Jacob Janse Flodder, Arnout 

Cornelise Viele, Evert Banker Consented that Robert Livingston 

may occupy for himself and his posterity, a seat on the new gallery, as 

a reward for his trouble in getting contributions Resolution of the 

court to write to the commissaries of Schenectady, to get information 
whether it was true that the sabbath could be so dreadfully violated 
there by some Frenchmen, and that such should rather be nourished 
than hindered by the officer, L. Cobes. 

Aug , 1633. Citation of the Reformed Dutch Church to inquire how 
much of them would please to contribute for the salary of the Holland 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 105 

arrived pastor, Dominie Godefrideus Dellius. List of the subscribers 
amounts to /1200 beaver, or 350 pistareens. Determination about 
the just beginning of the ministerial year of Dominie Dellius, and some 
dispositions in the notarial contract made at Amsterdam, the 20th July, 
1682, especially on account of the increase of his yearly salary, in case 
of the death of Dominie Schaats. Information given by Dominie Del- 
lius of his being willing to perform the notarial contract of his duties 

but will be pleased in being paid with Dutch money Disposition on 

account of the yearly salary of Dominie Dellius, being finally fixed at 
the sum of f9QO Dutch money, and also a determination ot Dominie 

Dellius to preach to the community of Schenectady once a month 

Resolution of the court to write a letter of thanksgiving to the classis 
of Amsterdam, on account of their paternal care in sending of the reve- 
rend, godly and deep learned Dominie Godefredius Dellius, and also to 
write a letter of thanks to Richard Van Rensselaer and Abel de Wolff, 
for their exertions Nov. Nomination of four members of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church delivered to the court, to elect two of ihem to be 
church wardens. 

Jlct of Incorporation. George by the Grace of God King of Great 
Britain, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, Sec., to all to whom 
these presents shall come or may concern, sendelh greeting : Whereas our 
loving subjects the Rev. Petrus Van Driessen, Johannes Cuyler, Johan- 
nes Rooseboom, Henrych Van Rensselaer, William Jacobse Van Deu- 
sen, Rutgert Bleecker, Volkert Van Veghten, Myndert Rooseboom and 
Dirck Tienbroock, the present ministers, elders and deacons of the Re- 
formed Protestant Dutch Church in the city of Albany, in our province 
of New York, by their humble petition presented to our trusty and well 
beloved Colonel Peter Schuyler, president of our council for our pro- 
vince of New York, in council have set forth that the inhabitants of 
Albany, descended of Dutch ancestors, have from the first settlement of 
this province by Christians, hitherto held, used and enjoyed the free 
and undisturbed exercise of their religion and worship in the Dutch 
language, after the manner of the established Reformed Protestant re- 
ligion in Holland, according to the common rules, institutions and church 
government of the national synod of Dort, in Holland, in the year of our 
Lord Christ one thousand six hundred and eighteen, and one thousand 
six hundred and nineteen. And that the said minister, elders and dea- 
cons, and their ancestors and predecessors, at their own charge and 
expense, erected, built and hitherto maintained a church within the city 
of Albany aforesaid, and have dedicated the same to the service and 
worship of Almighty God, situate, lying and being in the high street 
commonly called Yonkers street, nigh the bridge in the city of Albany, 
containing in length on the south side thereof seven rod, three foot four 
inches; on ihe north sideseven rod, three footone inch, Ryland measure, 
and in breadth on the east and west ends, sixty-one foot and five inches, 
wood measure. And are now notonly quietly and peaceably seized and 
possessed of their said church, but are likewise seized of sundry other 
demesnes to and for their sole and only proper use and behoof of their 
said church and congregation, that is to say. one certain messuage or 
tenement and lot of ground in the aforesaid city of Albany commonly 
called the Dutch minister's house, situate, lying and being in the 



i06 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

Brewer's street, on the east side thereof, in the third ward of the said 
city, being in front from the southward to the northward five rod ten 
inches, and behind toward Hudson's river, six rod fifteen inches, Ryland 
measure, and in length from the said street to the city stockadoes, bound- 
ed on the south side by Jan Solomons, and on the north side by that 
of the late Hans Hendrycks and the widow of David Schuyler. Also 
one other certain messuage or tenement and lot of ground, situate, lying 
and being in the city aforesaid commonly called poor house or alms 
house, in the first ward of the said city, bounded on the south by the 
high street that leads to the burying place to the north of Rutten kill, 
and to the east of Harman Rutgers, and to the west by the lot of Garryt 
Bancker, containing in breadth towards the street that leads to the Lu' 
theran church by the said Rutten kill, six rod one foot and the like breadth 
in the rear, and in length on the east side, eight rod and two inches, all 
Ryland measure. Also that certain parcel of land commonly called and 
known by the name of the pasture, situate, lying, and being to the south- 
ward of the city of Albany, near the place where the old fort stood, ex- 
tending along Hudson's river, till it comes over against the most north- 
erly point of the island commonly called Marten Gerrytsen's island, 
having to the east Hudson's river, to the south the manor of Rensselaers- 
wyck, to the west the highway that leads to the city aforesaid, the pas- 
tures now or late in the tenure and occupation of Martin Gerrytsen, and 
the pasture now or late in the tenure or occupation of Casper Jacobs, to 
the north the several pastures late in the tenure and occupation of Robert 
Saunders, Myndert Harmans and Evert Wendell, and the several gardens 
late in the occupation of Dirck Wessells, Killian Van Rensselaer and Abra- 
ham Staats, together with the old highway from Beaver kill to the end of 
Schermerhorn's pasture, adjoining to the same on the west side thereof. 
Also that certain parcel of pasture land situate, lying, and being to the 
southward of the said city, and to the westward of the before mentioned 
pasture, near and about the limits of the said city on the manor of 
Rensselaerswyck, containing in breadth along the wagon way, six and 
twenty rod, and in lensth towards the woods, eight and twenty rod, and 
in breadth towards the woods twenty five rod. And also all that 
certain garden lot of ground situate, lying, and being in the great pas- 
ture, containing in the breadth six rod and five foot, and in length eight 
rod and two foot, and stretching backwards with another small lot of three 
rod and two foot in length, and in breadth one rod and two foot Ryland 
measure; praying that they may by charter or patent under the great 
seal of the province of New York, be incorporated and made one body 
politic in fact and name, and thai they and their successors forever here- 
after, may not only be enabled to use, exercise and enjoy their aforesaid 
privileges, and the free use and exercise of their said religion and wor- 
ship in manner aforesaid, by the name and style of the ministers, elders 
and deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of 
Albany, with such other liberties and privileges as have been formerly 
granted to other Reformed Protestant Dutch churches within the pro- 
vince of New York, with variations, additions and commissions, as long 
usage and experience has taught them to be most agreeable to their well 
being and circumstances, but also the grant and confirmation of all those 
their said inheritances and demesns, to hold to them, the said minister, 
elders and deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the city 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 107 

of Albany, and to their successors and assigns for ever. We being 
willing to encourage and promote the said pious intentions and the free 
use and exercise of their said reformed protestant religion, to the 
same congregation and their successors for ever, in the said city of 
Albany, know ye, that of our especial grace, certain knowledge, and 
meer motion, we have given, granted, ratified, and confirmed, and do by 
these presents for us, our heirs and successors for ever, give, grant, 
ratify and confirm unto all the inhabitants of Albany, so as aforesaid 
descended of Dutch ancestors, and professing I he said reformed protest- 
ant religion, and to their successors for ever, the free use and exercise 
of their worship, doctrine, discipline and church government, according 
to the canons, rules, institutions and directions of the Reformed Pro- 
testant Dutch Church in Holland, instituted and approved by the National 
Synod of Dort, and that no person nor persons whatsoever in communion 
of the said Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Albany aforesaid, or 
at any time or times hereafter, shall be molested, disquieted, or disturbed 
in the free use and exercise of their said religion and worship, they 
behaving themselves peaceably, and not abusing this liberty to licentious- 
ness, profaneness, and the civil injury or outward disturbance of the 
National Church of England, as by law established, or other reformed 
protestant churches in the aforesaid city of Albany. And to the end 
the same liberties and privileges be hereafter for ever supported, main- 
tained, and continued to them and their successors for ever, we of our 
especial grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, do likewise will and 
grant for us, our heirs and successors for ever, unto the same Pelrus Van 
Driessen, the present minister of the same congregation at Albany, 
Johannes Roseboom, Henryck Van Renssalaer, and William Jacobse 
Van Deusen, the present elders of the same church, and unto Rutgeit 
Bleecker, Volkert Van Veghten, Myndert Roseboom, and Dirk Tien- 
broock, the present deacons of the same church, and the inhabitants of 
Albany communicants of the said church, that they be as they are 
hereby created and made one body corporate and politick in fact and 
name, by the name of the minister, elders and deacons of the Reformed 
Protestant Dutch Church in the city of Albany, and that they and their 
successors for ever, shall and may by that name have perpetual suc- 
cession, and be able and capable in the law to sue and be sued, 
plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, defend and be 
defended, in all and singular suits, quarrels, controversies, differences, 
strifes, matters and things whatsoever, and in all courts whatsoever, 
either in law or equity, of what kind sover, as also by the same name, 
to have, hold, take, receive, be seized of, possess and enjoy to them 
and their successors forever their said church, parsonage or minister's 
dwelling-house, alms-house, and other their demesnes or inheritances, 
by fee simple, before mentioned, and such other demesnes or inherit- 
ances to purchase and acquire to them and their successors and assigns 
for ever, and by the same name, the same lands, hereditaments and ap- 
purtenances, or any part of them (excepting only the same church); 
to alienate, bargain, sell, grant, demise, sell and to farm-let to any other 
person, or persons, body corporate and politic, whatsoever at their will 
and pleasure, in fee simple for life, or Jives, or for term of years, as to 
them shall seein most convenient and profitable, as any other person or 
persons, body corporate or politic, may or can do, not exceeding the 



108 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

yearly value of three hundred pounds over and above what they now 
stand seized and possessed, or for the common use and benefit of the 
same Dutch Church and of all the members of the same congregation. 
And we do further will and grant that the minister, elders and deacons 
of ihe same church, for the time being, for ever hereafter, be the con- 
sistory of the same church, and shall and may have, keep and use a 
common seal to serve for all grants, matters and things, whatsoever be- 
longing to the same corporation, with such device or contrivance thereon 
as they or their successors for ever shall think fit to appoint, with full power 
to break, new make and alter the same at their will and discretion ; and 
the same consistory shall have and enjoy the like powers and privileges 
as a Dutch consistory in the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Hol- 
land do, or may or ought to use and enjoy. And we do will and grant 
that the same Pefrus Van Driessen be the first minister of the said 
church at the time of this our grant, and the same Johannes Cuyler, 
Johannes Roseboom, Henryck Van Rensselaer and William Jacobse 
Van Deusen, be the first elders of the said church at the time of this 
our grant ; and that the same Rutgert Bleecker, Volkert Van Veghten, 
Mynderi Roseboom and Dirk Tienbroock, be the first deacons of the 
said church at the time of this our grant, to all intents and purposes; 
and that the said ministers, together with the said four elders and four 
deacons, or the minister, elders and deacons for the time being, and the 
major numbers of them whereof the minister for the time being always 
to be one be the consistory of the said church, and have and shall have 
full power and authority, at all time and times for ever hereafter, to act 
in all their church affairs and business, by majority of voices, in as full 
and ample manner as if the minister and all the said four elders and 
four deacons were personally present and did actually and severally 
give their votes. But in case of the death, absence or removal of their 
said minister, then, and in any of these cases, the elders and deacons of 
the same church, for the lime being, or the major number of them, whereof 
the first elder in nomination we will always to be one, and shall preside, 
shall have, use and exercise all the power and authorities of a consis- 
tory to all intents and purposes, and shall manage and order the church 
afiairs in as full and ample manner as if their said minister were alive, 
present and consenting thereunto, any thing in these presents to the 
contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. And we will and 
grant that the same elders and deacons continue in their respective offi- 
ces until the next anniversary election. And the said elders and their 
successors, for ever hereafter, have and shall have the full power and 
authority of receiving and paying the moneys given for the maintenance 
of the minister or ministry of the same church, whether the same arise 
by legacy, donation or voluntary contributions or collection from the in- 
habitants or members of the same congregation, and are to keep exact 
and true accounts to the consistory, when thereunto by them required 
And that the said deacons and their successors for ever hereafter, have 
and shall have the sole power and authority of receiving and paying 
all the moneys collected and offered at the administration of the Holy 
Sacrament of our Lord's Supper, and in church in the times of divine 
icrvice of preaching, for the maintenance of the poor, and are to Keep 
and render exact and true accounts thereof to the consistory aforesaid, 
when thereunto bv them rpnm'red. which election of the same elders 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 109 

and deacons of the same church is to be at Albany on every second Sa- 
turday of December, annually, forever, by majority of voices, of the 
consistory, in the manner following : That is to say, on each second 
Saturday of December, annually for ever at Albany, shall be chosen 
two new elders and two new deacons, who, together with the two elders 
and two deacons last in nomination in this our charter, shall serve for 
the year ensuing in their respective offices, and for ever thereafter, the 
two new ones shall be chosen and added to the younger two elders and 
deacons of the preceding year, so always as to preserve the number 
of four elders and four deacons of the said church. And moreover we do 
will and grant unto the said minister, elders and deacons of the Reformed 
Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of Albany, and to their successors 
for ever, that on the second Saturday of December next, and on every 
second Saturday of December annually forever herealter at Albany, 
shall be elected and chosen four discreet persons by the majority of 
voices of the consistory aforesaid, to be kirkmasters of the said church, 
whose office and charge is and shall be to bui-d and repair the same 
church and cemetery, parsonage, alms-house, and all other the he- 
reditaments and appurtenances to the said church belonging, and to 
have the ordering and direction of the pews and seats in the said church, 
and the breaking of the ground in the cemetery for burying of the dead, 
and shall have and receive all the rents and revenues of the said 
church, coming therefrom or from any other of the said church's inheri- 
tances ; also, the payments of all sum and sums of money laid out and 
expended, or to be laid out and expended, in such necessary build- 
ings and reparations of all which the said kirkmasters are likewise 
to keep and surrender exact and true accounts to the said consis- 
tory aforesaid, two of which four kirkmaslers last nominated, at the 
next election shall continue in the same office for two years and two 
new ones yearly for ever hereafter, to be elected and chosen to 
serve with the two predecessors in like manner as with the elders 
and deacons aforesaid and not otherwise. And it is our will and 
desire that the two elders, two deacons and Iwo kirkmasters, who shall 
be superseded by a new annual election of two others to succeed in their 
respective places, shall account and deliver up their several respective 
charges and moneys to their successors respectively, if any thereof be 
in their hands and possession, respectively in public manner. And we 
do likewise will and grant that the said kirkmasters shall be under the 
direction of the said consistory for the time beins. And in case there 
shall not be enough in the hands either of the elders, deacons or kirk- 
masters, for the performing and finishing of any of their respective 
charges and trust of their particular respective funds before mentioned, 
which they be hereby respectively impowered to receive and manage, 
that then it shall and may le lawful to and for the consistory aforesaid, 
to order and direct the lending of what sum shall be necessary out of 
any of the aforesaid funds towards deficiency of any other of the said 
funds, so that there be no failure of any of the same three several charges 
or trusts upon any unforseen contingency or emergency. And we do 
likewise will and grant lhat in all elections of officers or other acts or 
orders of the consistory the minister or president of the consistory shall 
have but one vote. And if it shall happen there be an equal division of 
the voices or votes, so that the matter, or thing in dispute cannot receive 

10 



110 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

the determination of a majority of voices, that then it shall and may 
be lawful to determine the same by lot. leaving it to the sole wisdom of 
God to determine the same as he shall think fit. And we do likewise 
will and grant that it shall be in fhe power of the minister of the said 
church, for the time being, by himself or in case of his death, absence or 
removal, in the president or firsi elder who shall preside for the time being, 
or in the power of the major number of the whole consistory for the 
lime being, to call a meeting of the consistory for the good and service 
of the said church, and the affairs of the said corporation, whensoever 
they shall see meet within the said ciiy of Albany ; and in case it shall 
please God that any of the said elders, deacons or kirkmasters, for the 
lime being, shall happen to die, remove, or otherwise be disabled from 
serving and officiating in their respective offices, within the year for 
which they are so chosen or appointed to serve ; we do will and grant 
that it shall and may be lawful to the consistory, for the time being, to 
assemble and meet together at Albany, at any other time of the year 
than the lime of anniversary election, and so often as there shall be oc- 
casion to elect and choose other elders, deacons and kirkmasters in their 
respective rooms and stead, to officiate for the remaining part of the 
year until the next anniversary election ; which person or persons so 
chosen as aforesaid into any of the aforesaid offices of elders, deacons 
or kirkmaster, shall have like power and authority to act in their re- 
spective offices as if they had been elected and c atirmed at the afore- 
said time of the anniversary election aforesaid, or as if the same per- 
sons so dying, being absent or otherwise disabled, were alive, present 
and capable to do the same ; and we do will and grant unto the said 
minister, elders and deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church 
in the city of Albany, and to their successors for ever, the advowson 
and patronage of the said church; (that is to say ) lhat after the decease 
of the aforesaid Petrus Van Driessen, or next and all other avoidances 
thereof, lhat it shall and may be lawful to and for the elders and dea- 
cons of the aforesaid church or Ihe consistory of the aforesaid church 
and Iheir successors for ever, to presenl and call another minister to 
succeed in th? ture of souls in the aforesaid church and congregation of 
the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the city of Albany, provided 
always such minister, so called or presented by them to the said living, 
be always a person amenable to the laws of Great Britain and this Pro- 
vince, and pay due obedience and allegiance unto us and our royal heirs 
and successors, the kings and queens of Great Britain. And thai il 
shall and may be lawful to and for the presenl minister or incumbent 
of Ihe said church and his successors, or any of them lo have, lake, receive 
and keep for his end and Iheir own use and support, thai maintenance 
that now is or shall be agreed upon between him or them and Ihe said 
consislory from time to time, and at all times hereafter. And il shall 
and may be lawful lo and for the said elders of the same church, and 
Iheir successors for ever, lo collect and receive the voluntary subscrip- 
lions of Ihe inhabilanls of Albany, belonging lo Ihe said congregation, 
for and towards the paymenl of Iheir said minisler, or Iheir minister for 
the lime being, and to pay and cause to be paid unto the said minister 
and his successor, the minister of the said church, for the time being, 
his yearly stipend or salary, according to agreement, by quarterly even 
payments thereof, or otherwise, as it shall be agreed upon by and be- 
tween Ihem, Ihe said minisler of ihe said church and Ihe aforesaid con- 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. Ill 

sistory. And we do will and grant that the said deacons of the said 
church, and their successors for ever, shall and may lawfully and peace- 
ably, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, at the meeting of 
the said congregation for the public service and worship of Almighty 
God, to collect and receive the free and voluntary alms and oblations of 
the members of the said congregation, and the free and voluntary offer- 
ings made by the communicants at their receiving of the holy sacrament 
of the Lord's Supper for the uses aforesaid, and to dispose thereof for 
the pious and charitable uses aforesaid. And we do will and grant that 
the kirkmasters aforesaid, and their successors for ever, shall and may 
from time to time, and at all times hereafter, and so often as it shall be 
necessary, shall and may demise, grant, and to farm let, of the demesnes 
of the said church, demisable and grantable to nnd for the profit and 
advantage of the said church, and receive and collect the rents and reve- 
nues arising therefrom, or otherwise, and apply the same for and 
towards the buildings and reparations of the said church and parsonnge, 
and other the hereditaments belonging to the said minister, elders and 
deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the city of Albany, 
and such other uses as are proper and necessary, provided always that 
the said elders, deacons and kirkmasters in their separate offi:es, be 
always accountable to and under the direction of the consistory of the 
said church for the time being, and not otherwise. And we do further 
will and grant that it shall and may be in the power of the consistory 
of the said church, and their successors for ever, if they shall agree 
thereupon, ?.nd find themselves able and capable of mantaining him at 
any time or times hereafter, to nominate and call one or more able and 
sufficient minister, lawfully ordained according to the constitution afore- 
said, in all things to assist and officiate in the ministry which doth 
belong to the sacred office and function of a minister of the gospel in 
the said church, provided always that there be no preheminency or su- 
periority in that office, and not otherwise. And we do likewise will and 
grant to the said minister, elders, and deacons of the Reformed Pro- 
testant Dutch Church in the city of Albany, and their successors for 
ever, that it shall and may be lawfull to and for the consistory of the 
said church, to nominate and appoint a clerk or precentor, schoolmaster, 
sexton, bellringer, and such and so many other officers and servants of 
the same church, as they shall think convenient and necessary, and to 
call them by the same or what other names they shall think fit. And 
vye do will and grant that it shall and may be lawfull to and for the con- 
sistory of the said church, and their successors from time to lime, and 
at all times hereafter, to make rules, orders, and ordinances for the 
better discipline and goveinment of the said church, provided always 
that such rules, orders, and ordinances shall not be binding, nor effect 
any other of our reformed protestant subjects within the same city, than 
the voluntary members of their said congregation, and be no ways re- 
pugnant to our laws of Great Britain and of this colony, but agreeable 
to the articles of faith and worship agreed upon rnd instituted by the 
National Synod at Dort, aforesaid. And further of our especial grace, 
certain knowledge and meer motion, we have given, granted, ratified, 
and confirmed unto the aforesaid minister, elders, and deacons of the 
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of Albany, and to their 



112 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

successors and assigns for ever, all that their said church and ground 
whereon it standeth, their said parsonage or minister's dwelling house, 
with its herditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or any 
ways appertaining, and all the alms house or poor house aforesaid, all 
that the pasture or pastures, and all other the premises aforesaid, to- 
gether with all and singular edifices, buildings, gardens, orchards, back- 
sides, wells, ways, hollows, cellars, passages, privileges, liberties, profits, 
advantages, hereditaments, and appurtenances whatsoever, to all and 
every of them belonging, or in any ways appertaining. And all that 
our estate, right, title, interest, properly and demand of, into or out of 
the same or any part of any of them, and the revertions, remainders, 
and the yearly rents and profits of the same, saving only the right and 
title of any other person or persons, body corporate and politick what- 
soever, to any of the premises hereby granted, or meant, mentioned, 
and intended to be hereby granted, or to any of them, to have and to 
hold, all that their said church and ground parsonage or minister's dwell- 
ing house, alms house or poor house, pasture or pastures, and all and 
singular other the premises with their and every of their heridiatnients 
and appurtenances unto the aforesaid minister, elders and deacons of the 
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of Albany, their succes- 
sors and assigns for ever, to the sole and only proper use, benefit and 
behoof of the aforesaid minister, elders and deacons of the Reformed 
Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of Albany, and their successors 
and assigns for ever, (save only as before is saved and expressed) to be 
holden of us, our heirs and successors for ever, free and common soccage 
as of our manor of East Greenwich, in the county of Kent, within our 
realm of Great Britain, yielding, rendering and paying therefore, 
yearly and every year, for ever unto us, our heirs and successors for 
ever, at our custom house in New York, unto our and their receiver 
general for the time being, on the feast day of the Annunciation of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly called Lady Day, the annual rent of 
one pepper corn, if the same be lawfully demanded, in lieu and stead of 
all other rents, services, dues and duties and demands whatsoever, for 
the same church parsonage, alms house, pastures, and all other the above 
granted premises, with the heriditaments and appurtenances. And we 
do hereby will and grant unto the aforesaid minister, elders, and dea- 
cons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of Albany, 
and to their successors for ever, that these our letters shall be made 
patent, and that they and the record of them remaining in our secretary's 
office of our province of New York, shall be good and effectual in the 
law to all intents and purposes whatsoever, according to the true intent 
and meaning of them, and shall be construed, reputed, esteemed and 
adjudged in all cases most favorable for the benefit and behoof of the 
aforesaid minister, elders and deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch 
Church in the city of Albany and of their successors forever, notwith- 
standing the not true and well reciting of the premises, or of the limits 
and bounds of any of them, or any part of them, any law or other 
restraint, incertainty or imperfection whatsoever to the contrary thereof 
in any way notwithstanding. In testimony whereof we have caused 
the great seal of our province of New York to be affixed to these pre- 
sents, and the same to be entered of record in one of the books of pa- 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 113 

tents in our said secretary's office remaining. Witness our said trusty 
and well beloved Colonel Peter Schuyler, president of our council at 
Fort George, the 10th day of August, in the 7th year of our reign, anno 
domini 1720. 

John Henry Lydius. The council of the province in 1747, brought 
serious charges against John Henry Lydius, son of the dominie, alleging 
that he was a person of desperate fortunes; that he had resided several 
years in Canada, married a woman there of the Romish church, after 
having abjured the protestant religion, and that his intrigues, together 
with other popish emissaries, had tended to alienate the friendship of 
the Indians and perplex the administration. 

Rev. Mr. Frelinghuysen. A regiment came to town about this time, 
the superior officers of which were younger, more gay, and less amen- 
able to good counsel than those who used to command the troops, which 
had formerly been placed on this station. They paid their visits at the 
Flats,* and were received; but not as usual, cordially; neither their 
manners nor morals being calculated for that meridian. Part of the 
Royal Americans, or independent companies, had at this time possession 
of the fort; some of these had families: and they were in general per- 
sons of decent morals, and a moderate and judicious way of thinking, 
who, though they did not court the society of the natives, expressed no 
contempt for their manners or opinions. The regiment I speak of, on 
the contrary turned those plain burghers into the highest ridicule, yet 
used every artifice to get acquainted with them. They wished in short 
to act the part of very fine gentlemen; and the gay and superficial in 
those days were but too apt to take for their model the fine gentleman 
of the detestable old comedies. These dangerously accomplished heroes 
made their appearance at a time when the English language began to 
be more generally understood ; and when the pretensions of the mer- 
chants, commissaries, &c., to the stations they occupied were no longer 
dubious. Those polished strangers now began to make a part of gene- 
ral society. At this crisis it was that it was found necessary to have 
recourse to billets. The superior officers had generally been either re- 
ceived at the Flats, or accommodated in a large house which the colonel 
had in town. The manner in which the hospitality of that family was 
exercised, the selection which they made of such as were fitted to asso- 
ciate with the young persons who dwelt under their protection, always 
gave a kind of tone to society, and held out a light to others. 

MadameSchuyler's sister was married to the respectable and intelligent 
magistrate, f who administered justice not only to the town, but to the 
whole neighborhood. In their house, slso, such of the military were 

' The residence of the Schuylers. 

t Cornelius Cuvlcr, mayor of Albany, who had been a most successful Indian trader 
in his youth, and had acquired large possessions, and carried on an extensive commer- 
cial intprcourae with the traders of that dav, brineing from Kurope quantities of those 
goods that best suited them, and pending back their peltry in exchange ; he was not only 
wealthy, but hospitable, intelligent, and liberal minded, as appeared by his attachment 
to the army; which was, in those days, the distinguishing feature of those who in know- 
ledge and candor were beyond others. [It will be seen by reference to tho list of mayors 
of Albany, pnge "23, that the authoress has committed a mistake in the name of this per- 
son, Mrs. Grant returned to England in 1768, when but 13 years of age, and there was 
no mayor of the name during her residence in America.] 



114 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

received and entertained, as had the sanction of her sister's approbation. 
This judicious and equitable person, who in the course of trading in 
early life upon the lakes, had undergone many of the hardships, and 
even dangers, which awaited the military in that perilous path of duty, 
knew well what they had to encounter in the defence of a surly and 
self-righted race, who were little inclined to show them common indul- 
gence; far less gratitude. He judged equitably between both parties; 
and while with the most patriotic steadiness he resisted every attempt 
of the military to seize any thing with a high hand, he set the example 
himself, and used every art of persuasion to induce his countrymen to 
every concession that could conduce to the ease and comfort of their 
protectors. So far at length he succeeded, that when the regiment to 
which I allude arrived in town, and showed in general an amiable and 
obliginsr disposition, they were quartered in different houses; the supe- 
rior officers being lodged willingly by the most respectable of the in- 
habitants, such as not having large families, had room to accommodate 
them. The ColonpJ and Madame happened, at the time of these ar- 
rangements, to be at New York. 

In the meanwhile society began to assume a new aspect; of the satel- 
lites, which on various pretexts, official and commercial, had followed 
the army; several had families, and those began to mingle more fre- 
quently with the inhabitants, who were as yet loo simple to delect the 
surreptitious tone of lax morals and second-handed manners, which pre- 
vailed among many of those who had but very lately climbed up to the 
stations they held, and in whose houses the European modes and diver- 
sions were to be met with; these were not in the best style, yet even in 
that style they began to be relished by some young persons, with whom 
the power of novelty prevailed over that of habit; and in a few rare in- 
stances, the influence of the young drew the old into a faint consent to 
these attempted innovations; but with many the resistance was not to 
be overcome. 

In this state of matters, one guardian genius watched over the com- 
munity with unremitting vigi'ance. From the original settlement of 
the place there had been a succession of good quiet clergymen, who 
came from Holland to take the command of this expatriated colony. 
These good men found an easy charge, among a people with whom the 
external duties of religion were settled habits, which no one thought of 
dispensing with; and where the primitive state of manners, and the con- 
stant occupation of the mind in planting and defending a territory where 
every thing was, as it, were, to be new created, was a preservation to 
the morals. Reliaion being never branded with tho reproach of imputed 
hypocrisy, or darkened by the frown of austere bigotry, was venerated 
even by those who were content to glide thoughtless down the stream 
of time, without seriously considering whither it was conveying them, 
till sorrow or sickness reminded them of the great purpose for which 
they were indulged with the privilege of existence. 

The dominies, as these people called their ministers, contented them- 
selves with preaching in a sober and moderate strain to the people; and 
living quietly in the retirement of their families, were little heard of 
but in the pulpit; and they seemed to consider a studious privacy as 
one of their chief duties. Dominie Frelinghuysen, however, was not 
contented with this quietude, which he seemed to consider as tending to 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 115 

languish into indifference. Ardent in his disposition, eloquent in his 
preaching, animated and zealous in his conversation, and frank and 
popular in his manners, he thought it his duty to awaken in every breast 
that slumbering spirit of devotion, which he considered as lulled by se- 
curity, or drooping in the meridian of prosperity, like tender plants in 
the blaze of sunshine. These he endeavoured to refresh by daily ex- 
hortation, as well as by the exercise of his public duties. Though rigid 
in some of his notions, his life was spotless, and his concern for his 
people warm and affectionate; his endeavors to amend and inspire 
them with happier desires and alms, were considered as the labor of 
love, and rewarded by the warmest affection, and the most profound 
veneration ; and what to him was of much more value, by a growing soli- 
citude for the attainment of that higher order of excellence which it was 
his delight to point out to them. But while he thus incessantly "al- 
lured to brighter worlds, and led the way," he might perhaps insensibly 
have acquired a taste of dominion, which might make him unwilling to 
part with any portion of that most desirable species of power, which 
subjects to us, not human actions only, but the will which directs them. 

The progress which this regiment made in the good graces of his 
flock, and the gradual assimilation to English manners of a very inferior 
standard, alarmed and grieved the good man not a little; and the intel- 
ligence he received from some of the elders of his church, who had the 
honor of lodging the more dissipated subalterns, clid not administer 
much comfort to him. By this time the Anglomania was beginning to 
spread. A sect arose among the young people, who seemed resolved to 
assume a lighter style of dress and manners, and to borrow their taste 
in those respects from their new friends. This bade fair soon to undo 
all the good pastor's labors. The evil was daily growing ; and what, 
alas, could DomineFrelinghuysen do but preach. 1 This he did earnestly, 
and even angrily, but in vain. Many were exasperated but none re- 
claimed. The good dominie, however, had those who shared his sor- 
rows and resentments; the elder and wiser heads of families, indeed a 
great majority of the primitive inhabitants, were stedfast against inno- 
vation. The colonel of the rigiment, who was a man of fashion and 
family, and possessed talents for both good and evil purposes, was young 
and gay : and being lodged in the house of a very wealthy citizen, who 
had before, in some degree, affected the newer modes of living, so cap- 
tivated him with his good breeding and affability, that he was ready to 
humour any scheme of diversion which the colonel and his associates 
proposed. Under the auspicies of this gallant commander, balls began 
to be concprted, and a degree of flutter and frivolity to take place, which 
was as far from elegance as it was from the honest, artless cheerfulness 
of the meetings usual among them. The good dominie more and more 
alarmed, not content with preaching, now began to prophesy: but like 
Cassandra, or to speak as justly, though less poetically, like his whole 
fraternity, was doomed always "to deliver true predictions to those who 
never heeded them. 

Now the very ultimatum of degeneracy, in the opinion of these simple 
good people, was approachiog; for now the officers, encouraged by the 
success of all their former projects for amusement, resolved to new 
fashion and enlighten those amiable novices whom their former schemes 
bad attracted within the sphere of their influence; and fpr this purpose, 



116 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

a private theatre was fitted up, and preparations made for acting a play; 
except the Schuylers and their adopted family, there was not perhaps 
one of the natives who understood what was meant by a play. And by 
this time, the town, once so closely united by intermarriages and num- 
berless other ties, which could not exist in any other state of society, 
were divided into two factions; one consisting almost entirely of such of 
the younger class, as having a smattering of New York education, and 
a little more of dress and vivacity, or perhaps levity, than the rest, were 
eager to mingle in the society, and adopt the manner of those strangers. 
It is but just, however, to add, that only a few of the more estimable 
were included in this number; these, however, they might have been 
captivated wilh novelty and plausibility, were too much attached to 
their older relations to give them pain, by an intimacy with people to 
whom an impious neglect of duties the most sacred was generally im- 
puled, and whose manner of treating their inferiors, at that distance 
from the control of higher powers, was often such as to justify the im- 
putation of cruelty, which the severity of military punishments had 
given rise to. The play, however, was acted in a barn, and pretty well 
attended, notwithstanding the good dominie's earnest charges to the con- 
trary. It was the Beaux Stratagem; no favorable specimen of the deli- 
cacy or morality of the British theatre; and as for the wit it contains, 
very little of that was level to the comprehension of the novices who 
were there first initiated into a knowledge of the magic of the scene, 
yet they " laughed consumedly," as Scrub says, and actually did so, 
" because they were talking of him." They laughed at Scrub's gestures 
and appearance, and they laughed very heartily at seeing the gay young 
ensigns, whom they had been used to dance with, flirting fans, display- 
ing great hoops, and with painted cheeks and colored eye-brows, sailing 
about in female habiliments. This was a jest palpable and level to 
every understanding; and it was not only an excellent good one, but 
lasted a long while; for every time they looked at them when restored 
to their own habits, they laughed anew at the recollection of their late 
masquerade. 

The fame of these exhibitions went abroad, and opinions were formed 
of them no way favorable to the actors or to the audience. In this re- 
gion of reality, where rigid truth was always undisguised, they had not 
learned to distinguish between fiction and falsehood. It was said that 
the officers familiar with every vice and every disguise, had not only 
spent a whole night in telling lies in a counterfeited place, the reality of 
which had never existed, but that they were themselves a lie, and had 
degraded manhood, and broke through an express prohibition in scrip- 
ture, by assuming female habits; that they had not only told lies, but 
cursed and swore the whole nisht,and assumed the character of knaves, 
fools, and robbers, which every good and wise man held in detestation, 
and no one would put on unless they felt themselves easy in them. 
Painting their faces, of all other things, seemed most to violate the Al- 
banian ideas of decorum, and was looked upon as the most flasrant 
abomination. Great and loud was the outcry produced by it. Little 
skilled in sophistry, and strangers to all the arts u that make the worse 
appear the better reason," the young auditors could only say "that in- 
deed it was very amusing; made them laugh heartily, and did harm to 
nobody, ?) Q harmless, indeed, and agreeable did this entertainment 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 117 

ippear to the new converts of fashion, that the Recruiting Officer was 
jiven out for another night, to the great annoyance of Mr. Frelinghuy- 
sen, who invoked heaven and earth to witness and avenge this contempt, 
not only of his authority, but, as he expressed it, of the source from 
whence it was derived. Such had been the sanctity of this good man's 
life, and the laborious diligence and awful earnestness with which he 
inculcate 1 the doctrines he taught, that they had produced a corres- 
pondent effect, for the most part, on the lives of his hearers, and led 
them to regard him as the next thing to an evangelist; accustomed to 
success in all his undertakings, and to " honor, love, obedience, troops 
of friends," and all that gratitude and veneration can offer to its most 
distinguished object, this rebellion against his authority and contempt 
of his opinion, (once the standard by which every one's judgment was 
regulated), wounded him very deeply. The abhorrence with which he 
inspired the parents of the transgressors, among whom were many 
young men of spirit and intelligence, was the occasion of some family 
disagreements, a thing formerly scarcely known. Those young people, 
accustomed to regard their parents with implicit reverence, were un- 
willing to impute to them unqualified harshness, and therefore removed 
the blame of a conduct so unusual to their spiritual guide; " and while 
he thought, good easy man, full surely his greatness was a ripening, 
nipt his root." Early one Monday morning, after the dominie had, on 
the preceding day, been peculiarly eloquent on the subject of theatrical 
amusements, and pernicious innovations, some unknown person left 
within his door a club, a pair of old shoes, a crust of black bread, and 
a dollar. The worthy pastor was puzzled to think what this could 
mean; but had it too soon explained to him. It was an emblematic 
message, to signify the desire entertained of his departure. The stick 
was to push him away, the shoes to wear on the road, and the bread 
and money a provision for his journey. Too conscious, and too fond of 
popularity, the pastor languished under a sense of imaginary degrada- 
tion, grew jealous, and thought every one alienated from him, because 
a few giddy young people were stimulated by momentary resentments 
to express disapprobation in this vague and dubious manner. Thus, 
insensibly, do vanity and self-opinion mingle with our highest duties. 
Hai the dominie, satisfied with the testimony of a good conscience, gone 
on in the exercise of his duty, and been above allowing little personal 
resentments to mingle with his zeal for what he thought right, he might 
have felt himself far above an insult of this kind; but he found to his 
cost, that "a habitation giddy and unsure hath he that buildeth on the 
fickle heart" of the unsteady, wavering multitude. 

Madame now returned to town with the Colonel; and finding this 
general disorder and division of sentiments with regard to the pastor, as 
well as to the adoption of new modes, endeavored, with her usual good 
sense, to moderate and heal. She was always of opinion that the in- 
crease of wealth should be accompanied with a proportionate progress 
in refinement and intelligence; but she had a particular dislike to peo- 
ple's forsaking a respectable plainness of dre^s and manners for mere 
imperfect imitation and inelegant finery. Liberal and judicious in her 
views, she did not altogether approve the austerity of the dominie's 
opinions, nor the vehemence of his language; and as a Christian, she 
still less approved his dejection and concern at the neglect or rudeness 



118 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

of a few thoughtless young persons. In vain the Colonel and Madame 
soothed and cheered him with counsel and kindness; night and day he- 
mused on the imagined insult; nor could the joint efforts of the most 
respectable inhabitants prevent his heart from being corroded with the 
sense of imagined unkindness. At length he took the resolution of 
leaving those people so dear to him, to visit his friends in Holland, pro- 
mising to return in a short time, whenever his health was restored, and 
his spirits more composed A Dutch ship happened about this time to 
touch at New York, on board of which the dominie embarked ; but as 
the vessel belonging to Holland was not expected to return, and he did 
not, as he had promised, either write or return in an English ship, his 
congregation remained for a great while unsupplied, while his silence 
gave room for the most anxious and painful conjectures; these were not 
soon removed, for the intercourse with Holland was not frequent or 
direct. At length, however, the sad reality was but too well ascertained. 
This victim of lost popularity had appeared silent and melancholy to 
his shipmates, and walked constantly on deck. At length he suddenly 
disappeared, leaving it doubtful whether he had fallen overboard by 
accident, or was prompted by despair to plunge into eternity. If this 
latter was the case, it must have been the consequence of a temporary 
fit of insanity; for no man had led a more spotless life, and no man was 
more beloved by all that were intimately known to him. He was, in- 
deed, before the fatal affront, which made such an undue impression on 
him, considered as a blessing to the place ; and his memory was so be- 
loved, and his fate so regretted, that this, in addition to some other re- 
currences falling out about the same time, entirely turned the tide of 
opinion, and rendered the thinking as well as the violent party, more 
averse to innovations than ever. Had the Albanians been Catholics, 
they would probably have canonized Mr. Frelinghuysen, whom they 
considered as a martyr to levity and innovation. He prophesied a great 
deal; such prophecy as ardent and comprehensive minds have delivered, 
without any other inspiration but that of the sound, strong intellect, 
which augurs the future from a 3omparison with the past, and a rational 
deduction of probable consequences. The affection that was entertained 
for his memory, induced people to listen to the most romantic stories of 
his being landed on an island and become a hermit; taken up into a 
ship when floating on the sea, into which he had accidentally fallen, and 
carried to some remote country, from which he was expected to return, 
fraught with experience and faith. I remember some of my earliest re- 
veries to have been occupied by the mysterious disappearance of this 
hard-fated prstor Mrs. Grant's American Lady, p. 170, d seq. 

A rumor, not well authenticated, was common among the people, that 
he embarked, on his return, in the same vessel with the person appoint- 
ed to supersede him. and when made acquainted with the fact, very soon 
disappeared, and was supposed to have thrown himself into the sea. 

Rev. Eilardus Westerlo.This divine was born in the province of 
Groeninsen, Holland, in 1738, and received a thorough university edu- 
cation. It was still a custom with the American churches to send to 
Holland for ministers to supply their pulpits ; and in answer to the re- 
quisition of the church at Albany for a pastor, Mr. Westerlo, who was 
then at the University of Groeningen, was induced to accept the call, 



Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 119 

He arrived here in 1760, and entered upon the pastoral charge in Octo- 
ber of that year, having been previously installed in Holland. He 
proved to be a man of great powers of mind, extensive erudition, and 
became one of the most eminent ministers of the Dutch church in Ame- 
rica. He possessed caution and prudence, and great dignity o/ manners, 
yet was affable and courteous to all. His pastoral duties were discharged 
with exemplary fidelity over a field unusually extensive. He took a 
conspicuous part in severing the church from its dependence upon the 
mother country, and its r organization upon the present plan. During 
the war of the American revolution, he took strong grounds in the cause 
of the people, and at a most critical time, when Burgoyne was advanc- 
ing on the city from the north, he animated and inspired the people by 
having his church open every day for the purpose of prayer and address. 
He died on the 26th of December, 1790, at a time of Hie when age tad 
scarcely begun 1o impair his frame, and was buried in the family vault 
of Stephen Van Rensselaer, his funeral obsequies being attended by a 
large concourse from the city and neighborhood. Amid the arduous 
cares of his ministry, he found time to prepare a Hebrew and a Greek 
Lexicon, in 2 vols., folio, which remain in manuscript, in the posses- 
sion of his son, Rensselaer Westerlo, Esq. 

Dominie Bansett. In 1793 Benjamin Lincoln, Timothy Pickering ano 
Beverly Randolph passed through Albany on their mission of peace td 
the Indians at Niagara. They were accompanied by delegates from the 
society of Friends, among whom was William Savery, an eminent mi- 
nister, under whose faithful preaching while in England, Elizabeth Fry 
was transformed from a gay girl into a steadfast Christian, and a phi- 
lanthropist of world-wide renown. The commissoners were received 
with great civility here; Dominie Bassett waited upon them, and intro- 
ducing himself promised to offer up prayers for the success of their 
pious design, and added that a thousand or more people would unite 
with him in his supplications. He seemed to the good Quakers to be a 
good-natured, tender-spirited man. 

dncient Customs. The pyramidal roof and belfry of the old church 
are familiar to the present generation, from the print of it; but where 
is the remembrancer of its customs? The men sat wilh hats and muffs 
during divine service, and in the midst of the dominie's sermon, uprose 
the deacons and presented to each hearer a small black bag, containing 
a little bell, borne on the end of a staff, somewhat resembling a shrimp 
net. In this way the contributions were collected. The tinkle of the 
bell roused the sleepy and diverted for the moment the busy thoughts of 
the traders from muskrat and beaver skins. The bags, wilh their load 
of coppers and half joes being duly replaced, the dominie resumed the 
broken thread of his discourse. The Indians are said to have dreaded 
the coming of a Sunday before they had closed the sale of their peltry, 
for to their apprehension it seemed that the man in black spoke sharply 
to the people about the bargains they had been driving, and that the 
drift of the sermon might be guessed at by the lower prices offered for 
their skins on Monday. The practice of taking collections for the poor 
during the sermon was discontinued in 1795. 

Antiquities of the Old Stone Church. In demolishing the old church, 
care was taken to preserve only a small portion of the armorial bearings 






120 Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 

on the stained glass windows. The late Killian Van Rensselaer, writing 
to Charles R. Webster, from Washington, in March, 1806. says: " I had 
no idea the old church would have been so soon demolished. I would 
have given a great deal to have been in Albany when the windows were 
attacked, for I would certainly have given $100 for the old family coat 
of arms. I had directions from Mr. Oliver Wendell in Boston, to obtain 
the glass containing his family arms at any price, and in case of his 
death to deposit it in the Cambridge Museum. Pray make some inqui- 
ries about the remnant saved, and if possible save it for me. as well as 
the Van Rensselaer arms. You will find the name at the foot of the 
glass on which the heraldry appears." One of the old church windows 
is preserved, a small one, in a shattered condition; also the pulpit and 
the weathercock, and a bag and pole, with which it was customary to 
take the contributions, which was done in this wise. The minister 
paused in the midst of his sermon, when the deacons arose, and taking 
up these implements, brought them to a perpendicular position against 
their shoulders. An address was then pronounced from the pulpit upon 
the collection about to be taken in aid of the poor members of the church, 
and the ceremony was then accompanied by the singing of the choir. 
This was designed to give solemnity to the rite. The form of the re- 
ceptacle concealed the amount of the gift, so that the munificent were 
not incited by ostentation, nor the needy to deposit their scanty pittance 
with diffidence. The collection so taken, however, was not unfrequently 
plentifully mixed with a variety of coin unrecognized by the statute, 
consisting of any substance that fell into the bag with a chinking sound. 
The deacons, to rid themselves of this class of contributors, procured a 
number of shining, open plates, for the purpose ; but their chagrin may 
be imagined, when, on presenting themselves thus equipped before the 
audience, they found some of the honest burghers expressing their in- 
dignation at the innovation, by turning their backs upon them. A little 
war, wordy but bloodless, ensued ; the plates, however, carried the day, 
and still maintain their place; and the gleanings eleemosynary are sel- 
dom mingled with base coin. .... The stone 
step which was placed at the entrance to 
the porch on the south side, still retains 
its original position, in the street, and points 
out the precise spot of the vestibule to the 
ancient sanctuary, and is the indentical 
stone which was impressed by the foot- 
steps of several generations, in passing to 
their devotions. It may be discerned when 
the streets are in a tolerable state of clean- 
liness, on the left of the cross-walk that leads from Douw's Building 

to the Exchange When the church in State street was about to be 

removed, the trustees of the church at the Boght, where Mr. Bassett 
then officiated, applied for the old pulpit; but it having been resolved 
to preserve that relic in the church, they next applied for the pew doors 

and hinsest, which were granted to them In July. 1802, Mr. William 

Groesbeeck, who had been clerk of the church for a great number of 
years, died, and the desk he had occupied was hung in mourning. He 
was succeeded by his sons, Cornelius and David, who were the last of 
the voorzingers. 




Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 121 

Burial Customs and Ceremonies. The burial ground for a great num- 
ber of years was the present site of ihe Middle Dutch Church, where 
the bodies are said to have been found lying in some places three or 
four tiers deep. The dead were removed from under the church in 
State street to this ground, after it had been selected for a place of 
burial. When the church was built, the grave stones were laid down 
upon the graves, and covered over to the depth of three feet, and we 
are told that it was customary, when the ground was wholly occupied, 
to add a layer of earth upon the surface, and commence burying over 
the top of the last tier of coffins. There is now in the possession of 
Mr. Harmanus Bleecker, a book of burials in this church yard, embrac- 
ing about 35 years. When the basement of the house occupied by Mr. 
E. H. Pease was excavated, the boxes were discovered in which the 
bodies of the revolutionary soldiers, killed or deceased during that war, 
were buried. These relics have been frequently disturbed by the im- 
provements constantly going on. After the lot was abandoned as a 
place of burial, the new church yard was located south of the Capitol 
Park in the vicinity of State street. The graves were many feet above 
the surface of the lots, as they now are, vast excavations having been 

made in that part of the city The Indian commissioners previously 

spoken of, are said to have witnessed a burial, and been surprised at the 
ways of the people. No women attended the body to the grave, as they 
had been accustomed to see ; but after the corpse was borne out, they 
remained to eat cakes, and drink spiced wine. They retired quietly 
before the men returned, who resumed the feast and regaled themselves. 
Spiced wine, and cakes, and pipes were provided, and wine was sent 
to the friends of the family. The best room in the house was specially 
appropriated as " the dead room," and was rarely opened but to be 
aired and cleaned. 

Sale of the Padure. In 1791 the consistory directed 'the ground 
commonly distinguished as the church pasture," to be laid out into lots. 
They lay on the " west side of Court street, leading from the ferry to the 
town." At this time a gate swung across the way a little above Ly- 
dius street, and a common road from thence to the ferry lay along the 
bank of the river through the pasture. Although the names of some of 
the streets in that region have been changed within a few years, several 
of them still bear the names of the ministers. The area which ihey in- 
tersect was once the propeily of the church, and when sold produced 
less than a hundred dollars a lot. These have since been filled in to a 
considerable extent and rendered valuable. There were comparatively 
but few lots built upon south of Lydius street, between Pearl and Broad- 
way, so late as twenty years ago, though now teeming with a dense 
population. 

The parsonage, or as it is termed in the charter, the minister's house, 
which belonged to the congregation, and was occupied by Mr. Westerlo 
during the last six years of his life, was the building more recently 
known as the Bleecker House, and was taken down three or four 
years since, to make room for Bleecker Hall. The first preaching in 
English was by Mr. Livingston, about 1776; in 1782 Mr. Westerlo began 
to preach in English, and Mr. Bassett, his colleague, was the first set- 
tled English pastor. 

11 



122 Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church. 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN EBENEZER CHURCH. 

The edifice occupied by this congre- 
galion as a place of worship, is plea- 
santly located on the corner of Pine and 
Lodge streets. It is constructed of 
stone, and is said lo be a very creditable 
specimen of architecture, though of ra- 
ther moderate size. The corner stone 
was laid on Thursday, Sept. 16, 1816, 
by the Rev. Mr. Mayer, the pastor, as- 
sisted by Philip Hooker, Ihe archilect. 
Its dimensions are 40 by 60 feet, and the 
expense of its erection was about $25,- 
000. In 1848 it was repaired, and its 
interior thoroughly renovated, at an ex- 
pense of upwards of $4.000. 

We have not been able to ascerlain 
the precise dale of Ihe firsl eslablish- 
menl of a Lulheran church in Albany. 
The early immigrants, coming from 
Holland, were principally Calvinists, 
with strong predilections for the princi- 
ples propounded by the Synod of Dort, 
and embodied under the name of the 
JReformed ProtestanlDulch Church; yet, 
although the predominating sect, they 
seem to have found many difficulties in 
the way of supporting their church, which was oflen without a pastor. 
Before 1630, however, the Lutherans had a church here, in spite of the 
opposition they met with; for they seem to have been Ihe first sect which 
the dominant party thought necessary to restrain in their mode of wor- 
ship.* Application had been made al an early date, to the directors in 
Holland, to allow professors of this creed liberty to elecl a pastor, and 
perform the free exercise of their religion in New Netherland. But 
these privileges were refused, and orders were sent over " to employ all 
moderate exertions lo lure Ihem lo our churches, and to matriculate 
them in the public reformed religion."! Moderation is of Jitlle avail, 
where conscience interposes scruples. Fathers were compelled, con- 
trary lo Iheir principles, to assist at the baptism of their children in the 
Dutch church, and as well as the sponsors, lo declare their belief in the 
doctrines promulgated by the Synod of Dort. Many who objected to 
this were imprisoned. In a letler dated March 10, 1656.$ De Decker 
alludes to a certain placard drawn up and published by the authorities 
at Beverwyck, " against the congregation of some Lulherans, w r hich 
has also been executed against ihe contraveners and disobedient." The 
Lulherans also senl over complainls, which led to the censure of Stuy- 
vesant, and the aggrieved were permitted to worship in their own houset. 
This, however, was not enough: they demanded freedom from interrup- 

* O'Callaghan'a History of New IS'etberland, p. 219-20, vol. 2. 

J Albany Records, IV., 130. J Fort Orange Record*. 




Evangelical Lutheran Ebcnezer Church. 123 

tion in their worship. The director general avowed his determination to 
enforce the law against schismatical worship. The Lutherans appealed 
to him. Oct. 24th, 1656, as follows: " We, the united brethren of the 
Augsburg Confession here in New Netherland, show with all due reve- 
rence how that we have been obedient unto your honor's prohibitions 
and published placards, unwilling to collect together in any place to 
worship our God with reading and singing, although we solicited our 
friends in our fatherland to obtain this privilege; who as our solicitors 
exerted themselves in our behalf by the noble directors of the West 
India Company, our patrons; when after their letters to us, containing 
their entreaties, they obtained that they resolved unanimously and con- 
cluded that the doctrine of the unaltered Augsburg Confession might be 
tolerated in the West Indies and New Netherland, being under their di- 
rection, as is the practice in our fatherland under its excellent govern- 
men! ; wherefore we address ourselves lo your honor, willing to acknow- 
ledge your honor, as dutiful and obedient servants, with prayer that you 
will not any longer interrupt our religions exercises, which we. under 
God's blessing, are wishing to make, with reading and singing, till as 
we hope and expect, under God's aid. next spring, a qualified person 
shall arrive from our fatherland to instruct us, and take care of our 
souls." Accordingly, in July of the following year, the Rev. Johannes 
Ernestus Goetvvater, a Lutheran minister, arrived with a commission 
from the consistory at Amsterdam, authorizing him to act as pastor to 
the Lutheran congregation at the Manhattans. The Dutch ministers, 
Megapolensis and Drisius. took active measures to procure his instant 
expulsion, demanding that he should be sent back to Holland in the 
same ship in which he arrived. Sickness alone prevented the immedi- 
ate execution of the harsh and unchristian mandate, and he was put on 
the limits of the city for the time being, and finally forced to embark for 
Holland.* The department at Amsterdam, although desirous of sooth- 
ing the feelings of the Lutherans, could do little to relieve their griev- 
ances, and in the hope of winning them over, ordered some alterations 
to be made in the formula of baptism, as then practiced in the American 
orthodox church, to make it less objectionable. 

The British dynasty brought with it full permission to the Lu- 
therins to follow their mode of worship. On the 13th of October. 1669, 
Gov. Lovelace publicly announced that he had " lately received letters 
from the duke, wherein it is particularly signified unto me, that his royal 
highness doth approve of the toleration given to the Lutheran church in 
these parts. I do therefore expect that you live friendly and peaceably 
with those of that profession, giving them no disturbance in the exercise 
of their religion, as they shall receive no countenance in, but on the 
contrary strictly answer any disturbance they shall presume to give unto 
any of you in your divine worship." It is supposed to have been about 
this time that the Lutherans erected a church and parsonage in Albany, 
where the Centre Market now stands. Capt. Abram Slaets (or Staas f) 
obtained a patent of that lot on the 25th of October, 1653, which he sold 
to the officers of the Lutheran congregation on the 28th of March, 1680. 
The original deed, having the above date, which we have examined 

* O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, ii., 315, 346. 

t He arrived 16J2, in the same ship wiih Dora. Megapolensis, and is beliered to be this 
mnceator of those who take the name of SlaaU. 



124 Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church. 

with a great deal of interest, is in good ancient Dutch, and was made By 
Robert Livingston, " Secretary van Albany, Colonie Rensselaerswyck 
cnde Schaenheehtady." It recites that Major Abram Staas, in the pre- 
sence of Andries Teller and Cornelis Van Dyck, commissaries, conveyed 
the premises to Albert Bratt, Myndert Frederikse (Jl) , Anthony Lispenard 
and Carsten Frederikse, elders and deacons of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion. The lot was described as being bounded on the east by the public 
highway, 12 rods 11 feet; on the south by the first kill and the common 
road, 21 rods 1 foot; on the west by the little kill, (cleyn killitie,) 6 rods 
4 feet; and on the north by the old road, belonging to Mr. Pretty, Jacob 
Sanders, Johannes Wendell, Myndert Harmense, and Hendrick Cuyler, 
23 rods 5 feet. Ryland* measure. It also states that the Jot was already 
occupied by a Lutheran church, and a house in which the dominie lived. 
The consideration money is not stated, but it is distinctly set forth that 
the first and last penny were paid, which certainly puts a very creditable 
finish to the aspect of the transaction. 

It will be seen by reference to the ancient map of the city, on another 
page, bearing date 1695, that the same spot is marked by a Lutheran 
church and burying ground, fronting on South Pearl street, and extend- 
ing from Howard to Beaver street; or rather to the palisades, which 
formed the southern boundary of the city at that point. 

We have not been able to learn anything further of the history of this 
church, during the lapse of nearly a century; in the meantime a Ger- 
man Reformed congregation seems to have erected a house of worship 
on Arbor Hill (C). Although the Lutherans still had possession of 
their lot in Pearl street, yet it is recollected by some of the elder citizens, 
that about the close of the revolution they had no church, but held their 
meetings for worship in a private house on the corner of Howard and 
Pearl street, a front room in which was fitted up with seats sufficient to 
accommodate the few members belonging to the congregation at that 
time We believe there are no records extant to account for these 
things, or giving any information as to the origin or organization of the 
church. It is found, however, to have been regularly incorporated Au- 
gust 26, 1784, and on the 7th of September following, Rev. Henry Moel- 
ler was called. The trustees were J. P. Hildebrand, Charles Newman 
and Christian Ehring. The condition of the church at this time may 
be gathered from a letter written by Mr. Moeller in 1818, in which he 
ays: ''I wish, brethren, you would call to remembrance the condition 
of your congregation in 1784 and 1785, when you had no church, and I 
was your pastor. I traveled in company with an elder, the now de- 
ceased Mr. Ehring, to New York, Philadelphia, Scheneciady, and adja. 
cent country, and collected, together with the generous donations of the 
citizens of Albany, and with what the cheerfulness of the poor congre* 
gation could afford, the sum of 640, which was esteemed a large eoli 
lection of money at that time. The honest Mr. John Geyer, now de- 
ceased, was treasurer, and the building was paid for soon after it was 
finished. The congregation had engaged to pay me 100 salary, leaving 
to me one third of the lime free to attend the Low Dutch congregation 
at Loonenburgh, But finding that the congregation proved unable to 
pay me more than 50, besides furnishing me with fire-wood, I remitted 

'This is the orthogranhy in most of the ancient records. A Rynland or Leyden foot 
is equal to 12 3-3 inches English measure, aqd a Dutch or Amsterdam loot, about ou 
inch less than the Rynland.. 



Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church. 125 

the rest, and employed myself in vacant congregations, some of them 
laid in perfect wilderness, til! I found my arduous task would waste my 
Strength before the ordinary time of age, I took a call to Pennsylvania. 
After twelve years you did me the honor to present me a second call. 
I found th? charge easier than before, but my travels to Hel 'erberg and 
Beaverdam, which congregations were necessary to make up a neces- 
sary living, proved injurious to my health, to which was added the 
heavy expense of keeping a horse and chaise, and the increase of prices 
for fire-wood and other necessaries. I left you the second time, and am 
now comfortably settled for the short rest of my life." 

The records of the church to which we have had access, extend no 
farther back than the 2Sth of May, 1786, when the communion was ad- 
ministered. The congregation then appears to have had no settled pas- 
tor. In the following year the trustees publicly expressed their acknow- 
ledgements for the receipt of donations, to the amount of 552 12s. 2d.- t 
more than 214 of which, they say, was obtained in Albany and its 
vicinity. The total cost of their building was 640 ($1600). About 
ten years later a complaint was made of hindrances, and that their 
church was still unfinished. 

From the time Mr. Moeller left, in 1785, to 1794, the church was 
supplied with the word and ordinances by neighboring ministers. Among 
these were the Rev. Messrs. Schwertfeger^ Groelz, and Johann Fre- 
derick Ernst, pastor of Loonenbursh (Athens) and Claverack. In 
June, 1794, Rev. Anthon Theodore Braun became their pastor, and re- 
mained till 1800. In 1S01 the Rev. Heinrich Moeller again took charge 
of the congregation, and remained till 1806. In 1807 the Rev. Frede- 
rich George Mayer was settled as pastor, and remained until he was 
removed by death in December, 1843. In July of that year, the Rev. 
Henry Newman Pohlman, the present efficient pastor, accepted a call 
from the congregation, and was installed on the 24th of September. 
Under his ministry the church is gradually increasing in numbers, and 
there are at present about one hundred members in communion. The 
services of the church were in German until 1808, when at a meeting of 
the trustees, elders and deacons, held May 16th at the house of Martin 
Hebeysen, it was resolved that the sermons, after Whitsunday, should be 
delivered in English, except one sermon in the forenoon of the last 
Sunday in each month. 

At the close of the last century, an effort was made to procure the 
location of a Lutheran seminary in Albany. The Rev. John Christo- 
pher Hartwick died in 1796, possessed of a large estate, which he left 
by will for the endowment of an institution for training up young minis- 
ters of the gospel, and misionaries to be sent among the Indians, accord- 
ing to the Augustan Confession and the tenets of the Evangelical Lu- 
theran church. The executors named in his will were Jeremiah Van 
Rensselaer of Albany, and Frederick A. Muhlenberg of Philadelphia, 
formerly a Lutheran minister of New York, but at this time speaker of 
the house of representatives in congress. His scheme contemplated the 
erection of a town on his tract in Otsego county, to be called New 
Jerusalem, where the theological school should be established, in which 
" no heathenish author should be read, until when, by divine providence, 
the revenues should increase, classical learning might be added." The 
administrators, on looking into the affairs of the testator, found that a 
large part of the landed estate, about 13,000 acres, including the intended 



126 Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church. 

site of the New Jerusalem, was claimed by Judge Cooper, who profess- 
ed to have purchased it of Mr. Harlwick at $2 per acre, payable at a 
distant time. Mr. Hartwick had desired to be buried in the Lutheran 
church of Albany, and his wishes were complied with. A marble tablet 
bearing his inscription (B) is placed in the floor of the church, in front of 
the pulpit. It being uncertain that much of anything remained to found 
the contemplated school, the trustees of the church at Albany desired to 
have the institution connected with their church, promising to raise $3,- 
000 towards the erection of a suitable building. In fact, they claimed 
the estate, and deprecated the idea of erecting a college in the wilder- 
ness, as a " monument like the pillar of Absalom." They say that the 
Oneida Indians were provided with a Presbyterian minister forty years 
before, that " other nations have the same, and now the Indians have 
sold all their land, which will be inhabited by Christians, so that the 
whim of a college and a New Jerusalem, may fall away, and it may be 
better to support with it the congregation of Albany, which, from the time 
of Gov. Van Tromp, has always been oppressed. We, Lutherans of 
Albany, are the next heirs of Mr. Hartwick. . . . His own writings will 
show with what affection we took care of him." At another time, 
writing to the curators of the estate, the trustees, who at this time were 
J. Conrad Ruby, Martin Hebeysen and Daniel Pohlman, still complain 
of the neglect shown to their interests by those having charge of the 
legacy "mournfully observing that our poor Ebenezer is entirely for- 
gotten, notwithstanding we appointed in our stead two worthy friends 
and gentlemen, the most Rev. l)r. Kunze and Mr. Jeremiah Van Rens- 
selaer. our advocates for our distressed Ebenezer. Yet in their twelve 
resolves, nothing appeared for such a poor flock of Lutheran Christians 
to support their pious business. We collect about 18 per annum from 
the members of our church, and no more. Our church is not finished 
and more like to decay. But we are forgotten, though we know that 
Hartwick loved us, for he would be with us, even when dead. It is now 
in your power to support that poor church out of an estate freely grant- 
ed by the owner." The solicitations of the trustees seem to have been 
crowned with partial success; for on the 17th of October, 1801, articles 
of agreement, drawn by Peter E. Elmendorf, were entered into between 
them and the trustees of the estate, by which all the estate was to be 
deposited with the trustees of the church, within two years, for the pur- 
poses of the seminary, subject to the order of the curators, John C. 
Kunze and Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. The foundation of an edifice 
was laid in Park street; but the arrangement seems to have given so 
much dissatisfaction among the Lutheran churches, as to lead to its 
abandonment. Accordingly at a meeting of the trustees on the 14th 
April, 1808, they resolved that since it was found impossible to execute 
the trust committed to them, they would redeliver the property into the 
hands of the surviving executor, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer; and two 
years after the materials used for the foundation were ordered to be 
sold. The seminary was finally located at Hartwick, in Otsego county, 
and is now in successful operation, under a special charter, obtained of 
the legislature in 1816. (See Session Laws, e. 166.) 

In 1816, the city corporation purchased the lot on South Pearl street, 
which had been in possession of the congregation almost a century and 
a half, and paid for it $32,000. The boundaries were a little differently 
described at this day, as follows: " on the east by South Pearl, late 






Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church. 127 

Washington street; on the south by the Rulten kill; on the west by a 
small run of water called Fort Killitie; and on the north by Howard, 
late Lutheran street." There was at the lime a small market on How- 
ard street, above the church, called Fly market. The common council 
presented to the congregation the lot which they now occupy on Pine 
street, on condition of the removal of their dead from the old burying 
ground on Pearl street. The expense of excavating the lot was $5,000. 
They have since built a consistory and parsonage on the premises, the 
former having been consecrated on the 10th of July, 1836; the state hay- 
ing previously, 1832, purchased the westerly and unoccupied part of their 
lot, for $45,000, upon which the State Hall was erected. With this 
money the trustees excavated and built upon the property fronting on 
State, Park and Lancaster streets, which was occupied by them as a 
cemetery unlil the common council granted them their present cemetery 
lot by deed dated Nov. 1, 1803. These old cemetry grounds have been 
excavated to a great depth to make proper grades for streets and build- 
ing lots the cemetries of all the churches having been removed from 
thence to their present location west of Knox street, on the south side 
of State, at about the same time. 

(A) Att a Court of Mayor and Aldermen held for ye Citty of Albany, 
y 17th day of August, 16S6. Present Peter Schuyler, Jan Jans Bleeker, 
Johannes Wandel, Dirck Wessells, Adrian Gerritse, Levinus Van Schaik. 
Hercules, y e negro of Myndert Frederikse being brought before y e 
Court by warrant of y e May r to answer y e fellonious taking out of his 
master's house a small chest wherein some bags of wampum was con- 
tained, belonging to y e Poor of y e Lutheran Church, and being examined 
doth confess y 3 fact y l upon Thursday night last he came to his master's 
house, and finding y e window of ye chamber open, went in and stole 
awayye small chest wherein y e money of y poor of y e Lutheran Church 
was kept, and broke ye chest open without y e gate, at y e water side 
with an axe Ordered, y* ye s d Negroe be committed and secured in 
y e Common Goale till y e next Court of Sessions, when he is to be brought 
to his tryall. Jllbany Records, in., 4. 

(B) The following is the inscription on the tomb stone alluded to: 

Hier ruhet 

Johann C. Hartwick 

Prediger der Evangelisch 

Lutherischen Kirche 

Gebohren in Sax-Gotha 

den 6 Januer 3714 

Gestorben 
den 16 Julius 1796 

Seines alters 
82 Jahre 6 Monat 
Das kurzoesteckte ziel der tage, 
1st siebenzig. ist aghlzig jahr, 
Ein unnbegrif von mueh und plage, 
Auch wennsnoch so kostlich war. 
Gefliigelt eilt mit uns die zeit, 
In eine lange ewigkeit. 



128 Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Church. 

(C) The followers of Zwinglius. who differed from the Lutherans 
in some matters relating to the sacrament,* took the name of German 
Reformed. In the Albany Gazette, printed by the Robertsons in 1772, 
was published an advertisement of a lottery to be drawn in March of 
that year, for the benefit of the German Reformed Church, which is 
the first we hear of them in this place. Lotteries were not an unusual 
means of raising money even for churches at that day. The spot 
pointed out as the location of this edifice, is between Orange and Patroon 
streets, west of Ten Broeck street, where its foundation had an altitude 
considerably above the present grade of the latter street, overlooking a 
deep ravine on the south. The~object to be attained by the selection of 
so retired a location, is somewhat difficult to conceive, unless it was to 
set it <; upon a hill that it should not be hid," for it was far out of town 
at that day. An idea of its remoteness may be had from the circum- 
stance of some one having opened a tavern so far from any landmark, 
that he described it as "situated on the pleasant road to the German 
church.'' A cross-road ran diagonally up the hill from what is now 
Orange street to Patroon street, both of which were then common 
roads, and the church stood a little west of the cross-road, with a bury- 
ing ground in front. It was a wooden edifice, about fifty feet square, 
with a tower at the north entrance, furnished with a bell. It was pro- 
vided with an organ, the first one known to have been used in a church 
in Albany. The only notice we can find respecting it in the public 
archives, is an act passed March 27, 1794, " for the relief of Paul Koch- 
strasser and others," as follows: "Whereas it hath been represented 
that Paul Hochstrasser, John Abbet and John Tillrnan, having expended 
large sums of money in erecting a building for the Reformed German 
congregation in the city of Albany with sundry appurtenances, which 
sums were never reimbursed by the said congregation through the means 
of their inability. And whereas also it has been further represented, 
that the said congregation is dispersed, and the building become useless : 
Be it enacted by the people of the state of New York represented in 
Senate and Assembly, That Abraham Hun, Teunis Ts. Van Vechten 
and John C. Cuyler, be, and hereby are appointed trustees, for the pur- 
pose of selling the aforesaid building, with the appurtenances, exclusive 
of the right of soil ; and out of the moneys therefrom arising, to settle 
with all snch persons who may have any demands against the same ; 
and should the moneys therefrom arising not be competent to satisfy the 
said claims, they shall be and hereby are authorized to pay each claim- 
ant a just proportion of the moneys arising from the said premises, ac- 
cording to his, her, or their respective demands." The church appears 
to have been sold accordingly, and afterwards occupied by the Seceders. 
It was subsequently taken down, and the frame work is still standing 
near Lydius street, about two miles out. On the 14th of April, 1803, 
Paul Hochstrasser and John Ram applied to the consistory of the Re- 
formed Protestant Dutch Church for permission to bury their deceased 
relatives in the ground belonging to that church, alleging that the 
grave yard of the German Reformed Church had become almost a public 
common; that the former wished to take up the remains of his mother, 
and the latter those of his children, and deposit them elsewhere. When 

* Serious disturbances have recently arisen in Prussia, in consequence of an edict of 
the king, directing the union of these two churches in one. 



German Evangelical Lutheran Church. 129 

the pier was built, the lot upon which this church stood was excavated, 
and the earth used to fill in that work. The bones of the dead buried 
there were placed in boxes, and left by the road side in a ravine, till 
some one having occasion to use the boxes, the bones were turned out 
upon the ground, and afterwards plowed under. It is believed that there 
is one member of this church still living, who now attends the Lutheran 
church. 



GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

The building occupied by this congregation is situated in State street, 
above Swan, It was orisinally built for the use of a Methodist congre- 
gation, and purchased of them in 1842, for eighteen hundred dollars. 

It will have been seen in our account of the Lutheran Ebenezer 
Church, that the use of the German language in the services of the 
sanctuary, virtually ceased in 1808. But the large number of immi- 
grants from Germany rendered it necessary for the pastor of that church 
to resume its use in 1834. Accordingly from that time a service in that 
language was held in the evening of the Lord's day, and occasionally 
during the week. After the erection of the Lecture Room of the Ebe- 
nezer Church, on the corner of Lodge and Steuben streets, in 1836, the 
Germans were regularly supplied with the word and ordinances in their 
mother tongue, by the Rev. William Moellman, from Hanover, in Ger- 
many. And when he accepted a call fron Cincinnati, and removed to 
that city, the services were continued with more or less regularity by 
the Rev. F. G. Mayer, the pastor of Ebenezer. 

In 1841, in consequence of the rapid increase of the German popula- 
tion, and the inconvenience of holding service in two languages, it was 
deemed expedient to organize a separate congregation, which was done 
on the 8th of August in that year. Early in 1842, by the effective aid 
of the mother church, and the kind liberality of the citizens of Albany, 
they succeeded in purchasing the church above mentioned, which was 
set apart for the worship of God in the German language, with appro- 
priate solemnities, on the 10th of May. The first pastor of this church 
was the Rev. George Saul, who remained with them a year and seven 
months, and then removed to Canajoharie. He was succeeded by the 
Rev. Edward Meyer, in October, 1842, who, after a ministry of four and 
a half years, resigned his charge, and removed on the first of May, 1847, 
to Lockport, Niagara county. While he was their pastor, the congre. 
gation, at the cost of $500, purchased a lot for n. burial ground on the 
north side of the Schenectaday turnpike in Washington street, which 
was consecrated with appropriate solemnities, on the 26th of November. 
1846. 

On the 26th of September, 1847, the Rev. Frederick William Schmidt, 
the present efficient pastor, was installed, aod entered upon the discharge 
of his ministerial duties. Under his ministry the church is increasing 
in members and usefulness. The debts of the congregation are nearly 
discharged, a balance of three hundred dollars only remaining; and the 
hope is fondly entertained that a German Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
gp necessary for the spiritual well being of this important part of our 
population in this city, is firmly established on a sure and solid basis, 



130 First Presbyterian Church. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Presbyterkin Church in Albany, was formed at the conclusion 
of the French war, in the year 1763. In October of that year the cor- 
poration of the city executed a deed in trust for the congregation, to 
John Macomb, Daniel Edgar, Samuel Holladay, Robert Henry, Abra- 
ham Lyle and John Munro, for the ground on which the first building 
for public worship was erected by the church. This lot was bounded 
on the north by Beaver street, on the east by William street, on the south 
by Hudson street, and on the west by Grand street, including, it is sup. 
posed, all the ground now comprised within these boundaries. The 
house erected on this spot was of wood, of considerable size, with a tall 
steeple, and fronted to the east. It was occupied by the church till A. 
D. 1796. From the date of the formation of the church, A. D. 1763, till 
the commencement of the war of the revolution, the church had two 
pastors, viz.: Rev. William Hanna, who remained with them two years, 
and was succeeded by the Rev. Andrew Bay, who continued in the pas- 
toral charge for five years. The only elders known to have been or- 
dained in the church during this time, were Robert R. Henry and Mat- 
thew Watson. There are to be found, however, during this period, no 
sessional records, nor any records of communicants, baptisms, marriages 
or deaths. On the 12th of July, 1785. a unanimous call was given to 
the Rev. John McDonald, who was ordained and installed pastor of the 
church on the 8th of November of the same year, and continued in that 
office till A. D. 1795. On the first of January, 1786, the church, which 
had been scattered, and without stated services during the war, was re- 
organized, and four elders and two deacons were ordained. The first 
communion after the new organization was held on the third sabbath 
of April, 1787, when 116 members were admitted. In the spring of 1794, 
proposals were issued for building a brick church, the materials for 
which were already procured, as well as the lot, extending on Washing- 
ton (Pearl) street, from Beaver street to Store lane (Norton street.) The 
building was completed in 1796 in an elegant style for the day, being 
altogether the best church edifice in the city, and was opened on the 20th 
of November of that year. Its dimensions were 64 by 76 feet. In 1831 
an addition of 16 feet was made to it on the north end, and the interior 
remodeled, so as to place it in advance of the other churches again for 
internal elegance. On the 3d of October, 1798, Eliphalet Nott was in- 
stalled pastor of the church, where he continued to preach until he was 
removed to the presidency of Union College, which office he has ever 
since filled. During the past season a new edifice has been erected for 
the use of the congregation, on the corner of Hudson and Philip streets. 
The following is a list of the ministers, elders, and deacons of the church, 
since its first organization. 

MINISTERS. 

1763 Rev. William Hanna continued 1795 Rev. David S. Bogart a licen- 
till 1765. j tiate from the Dutch classis, New 

Rev. Andrew Bay continued York, supplied the pulpit for 

five years. I about two years. 

1785 Rev. J. McDonald continued 1798 Rev. Eliphalet Nott continued 
till 1795. I till September, 1804, 



First Presbyterian Church. 



131 



1804 Rev. John B. Romeyn con- 
tinued till October, 1808. 

1809 Rev. William Neill continued 
till August, 1816. 



1817 Rev. Arthur Jos. Stansbury 
continued till June, 1821. 

1822 Rev. Henry R. Weed con- 
tinned till November, 1829. 

1830 Rev. John N. Campbell. 



TRUSTEES. 



With the places of their nativity as far as ascertained. 

1785 Robt. Henry; Matthew Wat- 
son ; Theodorus Van Wyck Gra- 
ham ; Danl Mclntire, Scotland; 
James Boyd, Scotland ; John Ro- 
bison, Scotland; John W. Wen- 
dell, Boston ; Robt. McClelland ; 
Hunloke Woodruff, Elizabeth- 
town, N. Y. 

1787 James Bloodgood ; Jas Cald- 
well, Ireland; Abraham Eights, 
New York. 

1789 Richard Sill; Alex. Chesnut. 

1790 Charles R. Webster, Hartford 

1791 Enoch Leonard. 

1792 John V. Henry, Albany. 

1796 Elisha Kane, Dutchess county ; 
Wm. McClelland. 

1797 Francis Bloodgood; Geo Pear- 
son. 

1799 James Barkley; John Grant, 
Scotland. 

1801 Peter Sharp; John Cuyler. 

1802 Gilbert Stewart. 

1803 Wm. P. Beers, N. E.; Wm 
Caldwell, Albany ; James Kane, 
Dutchess co. 

1804 Andrew Brown. 

1805 Isaac Hutton. 

1806 Tho. Mather, Lyme ; George 
Webster, Hartford. 

1807 Robert R. Henry, Albany ; 



Eleazer F. Backus, New Haven ; 
John Boardman, Weather sfieldj 
Hugh Boyd, Lansingburgh. 

1809 John Woodworth, Schodack. 

1810 Charles Z. Platt. 

1811 Wm. Boyd, Scotland. 
1813 Peter Boyd, Albany. 

1816 Isaiah Townsend, Orange co ; 
John Marvin, Lyme. 

1820 Wm. James, Ireland ; Elisha 
Dorr, Lyme. 

1821 Isaac Hamilton jWm.McHarg, 
Albany. 

1823 Willard Walker, S. Brookneld. 

1824 Wm. Fowler; James King. 

1832 Rufus H. King, Ridgefield, Ct. 

1833 Robert Gilchrist. 

1835 Jatnes McNaughton, Scotland. 

1836 Levi Philips, Mass. 

1838 Andrew E. Brown, Albany. 

1840 John Gibson, Albany. 

1841 Alden March, Mass.; Benj. 
Tibbitts. 

1845 Isaiah Townsend, Albany ; 
Wm. White. Albany; Wm. Mitch- 
ell, Albany.' 

1846 Danl Fry, Albany. 

1847 Robert Boyd, Albany; John 
D. Hewson, Albany. 

1848 Anthony M. Strong, Albany; 
Wm. C. Durant. 



There are now four Presbyterian churches in the city. It is proposed 
to give an account of the others in future, if the necessary facts can be 
procured. 



DEACONS. 



1786 James Boyd, John Folsom. 

1794 Peter McHench, James Chest- 
ney. 

1805 James Hodge, Andrew Hoff- 
man. 

1812 Chester Bulkley. 



1820 Stephen J. Rider, Green Hall. 
1823 Abraham Covert. 
1832 Walter R. Morris. 

1836 Amos Fassett. 

1837 Elihu Russell, William G. 
Brown. 



132 



United Presbyterian Church. 



1819 John Woodworth, Theodorus 
Van Wyck Graham, Timothy 
Fassett. 

1820 Peter McHench. Peter Boyd. 
1823 Green Hall, Stephen J. Rider, 

Jo&iah Sherman. 
183J Israel Williams. 
1837 Amos Fassett, Elias Warner. 
1842 Elihu Russell, Daniel Fry, 

Frederick S. Pease. Thomas Me- 

Mullen. 



1786 Matthew Watson, Robert R. 
Henry, Daniel Mclntyre, Peter 
Sim, John Boyd. 

1787 Joseph New-land, John Fol- 
som. 

1790 Donald McLeod, Abraham 
Eights, Hunloke Woodruff. 

1794 James Boyd, Isaac Hutton. 

1805 Elias Willard, Gilbert Stew- 
art, John Boardman. 

1812 Ananias Platt, Nehemiah B. 
Bassett. 

Reminiscences. At the ordination of Mr. McDonald in 1785, the society gave a public 
dinner to the three ministers who ordained him, probably to give eclat to (he event. The 
trustees appropriated the seat on the right hand of the main door to the nse of the cor- 
poration, and the opposite one to the governor; the pew on the right hand of the pulpit to 
the minister, and that on the left hand to the elders and deacons. The clerk was allowed 
3s. for publishing marriages, and 6rf. for every person christened. Three pounds ($7.- 
50,) was the price fixed for burying an adult under the church, and 3<>*. for a person un- 
der 14 years of age. It was ordained that "children must behave well?" ami courtesy 
was enjoined towards strangers. It was the sexton's duty to warn persons to attend 
funerals, and to walk before the corpse, for which he was allowed a fee of 12s. On the 
4lh of January, 1790, it was resolved "that 1,000 coppers be stamped church penny, and 
placed in the hands of ibe treasurer, for the purpose of exchanging with the congregation 
at tho rate of twelve for one shilling, in order to add respect to the weekly collections." 
The Presbyterian burying ground was on Hudson street, above Pearl, and that as well 
as the church, is spoken of at being on the hill, while the region below is called the plains. 
On the 17th of May, i792, Stephen Lush hud Leonard Gansevoort, Jun.. conveyed to 
the trustees of the Presbyterian church, " the lot on the plains," in consideration of 
110 ($275). The title seems to have been considered doubtful. The corporation lease 
and release is drawn in consideration of 5a. The lot is thus described in the first men- 
tioned lease: " a'urttintr to the north to the creek or kill called the Fuyck's kill; to the 
south on the common highway, to the west the hills-, and lothe east Anthony De Hoage's." 
The lot was used for a stave yard, through which the kill passed, and still passes, about 
midway under the church, being arched over as a drain. The entrance into Washington 
street, as it was then called, from State street, was through a gate, which was taken away 
some years later, when the street was opened to its present width. On the 15th of July, 
1793, the trustees decided that the salary of the precentor Mr. Me Parian, w is inade- 
quate, and V)tcd him j8 (S-0) per annum. On the day the church was opened for 
public service, the Kev. Dr. Smith, president of Union College, preached two sermons. 
A call had been given to the Rev. David S. Uogert, of the city of New York, to become 
the pastor of the church, with a salary of 81,000 per annum. At a subsequent day, in 
order to prevent the passing of vehicles during service, the trustees procured the passage 
of a law which allowed two chains to be stretched across the street, at each end of the 
church, which effectually barricaded it to all but foot passengers. The chains wer re- 
moved about twenty years ago. 



UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Mr. McDonald, who was deposed in 1795, by the Presbytery of Al- 
bany, removed to Canada. At a meeting of the Presbytery of Montreal, 
Sept. 15, 1800, he was restored to the exercise of the ministry, and in 
the following year laid the foundation of an edifice on the corner of 
Chapel and Canal (then Fox) streets, and organized a church, under 
the name of the United Presbyterian Church. It is now known by 
another title . The materials for its history were not fully obtained in 
season for this publication. 



Bethel for Watermen. 



133 



fol 




BETHEL FOR WATERMEN. 

The above institution commenced its operations in May, 1843, in the 
following manner. A few pious persons, who were convinced that boat- 
men had been too long neglected, resolved to try the experiment of es- 
tablishing meetings in the city for their benefit. They procured a suit- 
able room in Stan wix Hall, fitted it up for service, and invited Rev. John 
Miles, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, to labor for and with them. Mr. 
Miles accepted the invitation, and entered upon the duties of his office 
by preaching his first bethel sermon on State Street Bridge, Sabbath 
morning, May 14, 1843, from Proverbs, xi. ; 30. " He that winneth souls 
is wise." A. board of managers was early formed, consisting of twelve, 
from different sections of the Christian church. At their first meeting, 
held to adopt measures to sustain the cause, the following preamble and 
resolution were offered, and unanimously adopted : " From a conviction 
that it is our imperative duty to do good unto all men, even 1o the neg- 
lected boatmen, sailors and strangers, (as many such persons are con- 
stantly arriving in our city,) we the undersigned think it necessary that 
something should be done in their behalf; and we agree to form ourselves 
into a board of managers for the Albany Bethel; to enact laws by which 
it shall be governed, and to do all we can to have it permanently sus- 
tained. 1 ' The room in Stanwix Hall was kept but one year, as at the 

12 



V 
134 Jewish Synagogues. 

close of the same, Clark Durant, Esq., who had shown himself a very 
warm friend of the undertaking, by contributing liberally towards its 
support, came forward and purchased the neat and commodious house 
Jately occupied by the Third Presbyterian Church, for which he paid 
$5000, and has tendered its use gratuitously, so long as it can be sus- 
tained as a free bethel. The building, of which the above is a repre- 
sentation, is situated in Montgomery street, between Orange and Colum- 
bia streets; its dimensions are 50 by 60 feet. Mr. Miles is still the chap- 
lain, faithful and devoted in the discharge of his duties. The meetings 
are all public, and the seats all free. The Bethel is entirely free from 
any sectarian influence, having no organized church, but standing en- 
tirely on neutral grou-nd. It is supported by the voluntary subscriptions 
of those who take an interest in the spiritual and temporal welfare of 
watermen and the stranger within our gates. There is also a sabbath 
school connected with it, which was commenced in June, 1844. 



JEWISH SYNAGOGUES. 

There are two Hebrew congregations in this city. The Bethel Con- 
gregation consisted originally of sixteen members, all of them Germans, 
who came over in 1837, from Europe, and after having been for a short 
time in New York, they settled in this city in the fall of 1837. Before 
that time there were very few Israelites residing in Albany. There are 
now more than 100 members in the congregation. Their place of wor- 
ship is called synagogue, where they perform their service in the Hebrew 
language. Their meeting days are every sabbath or Saturday, and be- 
sides on thirteen holidays and twenty-seven half-holidays. Their first 
place of worship was in Bassett street, but on the 2d of September, 1842, 
they dedicated a new synagogue at No. 76 Herkimer street, formerly a 
church belonging to the Hibernian Benevolent Society ; which cost, after 
having been altered and repaired, about $3500. There is one minister 
or rabbi to the congregation, who is elected annually, for the term of 
one year. Mr. Henry Seehling was the second minister, and held the 
place about five years, when he was succeeded by the present incum- 
bent, Rabbi Vise Traub, about four years since. 

In the spring of the year 1841, three members and eight seat holders 
quitted the Bethel Congregation and commenced a new society under 
the title of Beth Jacob,~ which counts at present about forty members. 
Their service is the same as the Bethel Congregation. They met at 
No. 8 Rose street, until some time during 1848 they erected a synagogue 
in Fulton street, at an expense of $4,500. The officiating minister is 
Rabbi Jacob Newborgh. 

Each congregation has a separate burial ground. There is also a 
Mutual Benefit Society of Israelites in this city, to which nearly all the 
members of the Bethel Congregation belong. The object of this society 
is to support the poor sick, as well as their own members, and to give 
relief to the families of the poor and the sick, and to see that in case of 
death the corpse is properly buried. 

The Congregation, as well as the Mutual Benefit Society, are sup- 
pc rted by monthly contributions and free offerings. 



Society of Friends Universalist Church. 136 

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

The Society of Friends in the city of Albany first met for religious 
worship in different places, where they could obtain suitable rooms, 
from 1827 to 1833, a considerable part of the time in the Lancastrian 
School House, in Eagle street, by permission of the common council. 
In 1835 they became an organized society, and built a meeting house on 
the south side of Plain street, below Grand. The dimensions of the 
building are 36 by 42 feet, and 22 feet walls above the basement, and 
seated so as to accommodate about four hundred persons. It has a large 
and commodious basement, which is occupied as a school room. The 
school is under the charge of a member of the society, and numbers 
about 50 pupils. This edifice was erected by the Society here, with the 
assistance of the Yearly Meeting of New York, at an expense of $5000. 

he congregation numbers about 150 persons. 



UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 

There was preaching occasionally by Universalist clergymen in this 
city, for a few years previous to 1829. In the fall of that year the first 
Universalist meeting house in Albany was erected on Herkimer street, 
being a temporary wooden building 50 by 27 feet. Subsequently it was 
elevated for the purpose of forming a basement and 10^ feet added to 
its depth; it then had cost about $1500. On the 1st of March, 1830, a 
meeting was held to take into consideration the formation of a Univer- 
salist Society, when it was resolved to form one. On the 23d of March, 
1830, the first Universalist Society in the city of Albany was organized, 
when about thirty persons signed the constitution, which contains a 
confession of Christian faith; the society therefore comprises the church. 
The Rev. Wm. S. Balch commenced his labors in the latter part of Feb- 
ruary, 1830, who, in consequence of poor health, removed at the ex- 
piration of three months. The Rev. Isaac D. Williamson commenced 
his labors on the 17th of June, 1830, and resigned the 1st of May, 1837. 
The brick meeting house in Green street, now occupied by the society, 
was commenced the 25th of July, 1833, and completed in August, 1834. 
It is a substantial, neat, and convenient edifice, 80 by 48 feet, construct- 
ed in accordance with the Grecian Doric order, and with the lot, cost 
about $14,000. The Rev. Stephen R. Smith commenced his labors the 
18th of September, 1837, and left the society on the 1st of May, 1842; 
was succeeded by Rev. S. B. Britton, who left the society in April, 
1843, after which the Rev. L. B. Mason supplied the desk until the fall 
of 1845, when he left in consequence of ill health. The society was 
then without stated preaching until the spring of 1846, when Rev. S. B. 
Brilton returned and remained for one year, after which Rev. R. P. 
Ambler preached for about eight months; since which there has been 
no settled pastor until November 1st, 1848, when Rev. W. H. Waggoner 
was engaged as pastor, and installed on the 20th of December. There 
is a Sunday school attached to the society, consisting of more than one 
hundred scholars. The library consists of 200 volumes, of very care- 
a lly selected books. The congregation numbers about four hundred, 
nd has sixty communicants, 



136 



Plan of Albany, 1695. 

w 




E 

PLAN OF ALBANY, 1695. 

1. The Fort. I 7. Blockhouses. 

2. Dutch Calvinist Church. Dr. Dellius 8. Stadt House. 

pastor. j 9. A great Gun to clear a gull&y. 

3. German Lutheran Church. 10. Stockade. 

4. Its buryin? place. 11. City Gates, six in aJJ. 

5. Dutch Calvinist burying place. 



Ancient Albany. 13? 



ANCIENT ALBANY. 

The denizens of this ancient city know by tradition that it was for- 
merly protected against the incursions of the French and Indians, by pa- 
lisades, a kind of fortification, consisting of upright posts planted firmly 
ia the ground, and peculiar in the manner of its use to the settlements 
of this country. Occasionally in making excavations, the relics of these 
ancient wooden walls are met with, but from the difficulty we have had 
in gathering authentic oral information about the limits which they de- 
scribed, we are inclined to believe that few if any ut this day can give a 
satisfactory account of them. The accompanying diagram shows the line 
of these old defences. It is not known whether it was drawn after any 
accurate survey, but could hardly have been otherwise, from its corres- 
pondence with the same portion of the city at the present day. We can 
see how the curvatures and diagonal lines presented by our streets had 
their rise in the course of the protecting enclosure, which latter was run 
to correspond with the declivities on either side of the high ground upon 
which this part of the city stands, and terminating in a regular fort at 
Lodge street. It was drawn in 1695, by the Rev. John Miller, a chap- 
lain in the British army, and is unquestionably a true picture of the 
form and boundaries of the city a century and a half ago reaching 
from Hudson to Steuben street on Broadway, and from the river west to 
Lodge street. A more extended line of palisades was afterwards con- 
structed, bounded by Hamilton street on the south, and crossing Broad- 
way on the north at the house occupied by the late venerable Abraham 
Van Vechten, a little north of Orange and Van Tromp streets. The 
north gate was placed there, and was a local name as late as the be- 
ginning of the present century, dividing the city of Albany from the 
Colonie, which was a separate town, until the year 1815, when a por- 
tion of it was annexed, and called the fifth ward. It was a century 
after this draft of the city was made before it began to increase very 
rapidly in population, since which it has expanded around this nucleus, 
" as from a stroke of the enchanter's wand." 

The following is the description given of Albany in 1695, by the author 
alluded to : 

" As the city of New York is the chief place of strength belonging to 
this province for its defence against those enemies who come by sea, so 
Albany is of principal consideration against those who come by land, 
the French and Indians of Canada. It is distant from New York 150 
miles, and lies up Hudson's river on the west side, on the descent of a 
hill from the west to the eastward. It is in circumference about six 
furlongs, and hath therein about 200 houses, a fourth part of what there 
is reckoned to be in New York. The form of it is septangular, and the 
longest line that which buts upon the river, running from the north to 
the south. On the west ansle is the fort, quadrangular, strongly 
stockaded and ditched round, having in it twenty one pieces of ordnance 
mounted. On the north-west side are two "blockhouses, and on the 
south west as many : on the south-east angle stands one blockhouse; 
in the middle of the line from thence northward is a horned work, and 
on the north-east angle a mount. The whole city is well stockaded 
round, and in the several fortifications named are about thirty guns." 



13S 



City 




CITY OF ALBANY. 

Albany enjoys an eligible sitnatioo on the west hank of the 
river, near the head of 'tide water. Its mtitnde is 42= 39* 3* north ; its 
lomntndeT?? 3T west of Greenwich, and ^ IS east of Washington. 
The city of New York is distent meridional IT 1354 miles; by the road 
on the west side of the river 145 miles ; by the river a little less. The 
distance of Boston is 164 miles; of Montreal, 230; of Washington, 37O- 
The city appears to great advantage from the river, having n 



rapidly from the bank, and 

Its habitations oeeapy the alluvial valley of the 
rter of a mile in width, and ascend three hills of 
14* feel elevation, separated by deep valleys, throng* which eon. 



c: waier 



kin, and the Beaver kflL 



formerly ran, known as the Foxen kin, the 
kflL The view from either of the heights 



is pietaresane; to the north may be seen the city of Troy and ad 
villages, and in the distance the hills of Vermont. Totheeastthe 
Ural extent of conntry lying beyond the Hudson river; and to the 



nntry lying beyond 
and the Catskiil 



with the river lowm? at 
the arrival of white men, it was known to the 
wMBlmj nftfctMwhwwtvtnfce lamecf. 

the 
wheW the'aty of Sehenectndy 

as being over the plains from Albany The first Ea- 

ei which is known to have penetrated this resion, was the 



in Sept, 1609. A 

to have moored at tome point on whi 
Several Dntch navigators followed daring the next three or fov 
and erected trading honses at Albany and New York, for tha 
" roikrting fare of the Indmns. Our city, therefore, is, next 
wn, Ya., the ofcirrt colony in the Union. One of the early 
thistramc,wasQendrickCarTStance(or 



City of Albany. 139 

whom a fort was erected in 1614, on the island below the city., known 
as Marten Gerritsen's or Castle Island, Boyd's island, etc. This island, 
which contains about 70 acres, will soon be difficult to identify, having 
been several years ago connected with the main land at the north end 
by an embankment, and the narrow inlet behind it, is rapidly filling up. 
That fort appears on the Figurative Map made in 1616, found by Mr. 
Broadhead in Holland. It was a stockade, 50 feet square, encircled by 
a ditch 18 feet wide, and was defended by 2 pieces of cannon, and 1 1 stone 
guns, and garrisoned by 12 men under Jacob Jacobs Elkens. The trading 
house within the fort was 36 by 26 feet. When it was carried away by 
the spring freshet in 1617, a spot was chosen near the outlet of the Nor- 
man's kill and a fort erected there. That place was abandoned in 1623, 
and a new fort built in what is now Broadway, at the new steam boat 
landing, near the site of the Fort Orange Hotel. The fort mounted 
eight large cannon, called by the Dutch stone gestucken, by which it is 
understood that they were loaded with stones instead of iron balls. It 
was named Fort Orange, in honor of the Prince of Orange, who then 
presided over the Netherlands. This fort was intended to afford con- 
venient accommodations for traffic with the Indians, and to serve as a 
protection against sudden attacks from them. It was only occupied 
during the autumn and winter by the traders, who as yet made no at- 
tempts at colonization In 1630, the commissary of the Dutch West 

India Company, purchased of the Indians two tracts on the west side of 
the river, for Ktliaen Van Rensselaer, a wealthy pearl merchant of Am- 
sterdam. The territory thus acquired included the fort, and the same 
year a number of colonists sailed from the Texel with their families, 
provided with farming implements, stock, and all other necessaries, and 
arrived at the mouth of the river on the 24th of May, after a passage of 
sixty-four days. On their arrival at Fort Orange, they were provided 
with humble accommodations in the vicinity. The names of the settlers 
that arrived this year, are given by Dr. O'Callaghan, in his History of 
New Netherland, vol. 1, p. 433, as follows: Wolfert Gerritsen, super- 
intendent of farms. Rutger Hendricksen van Soest, superintendent of 
the brewery. Seger Hendricksen van Soest, shepherd and plowman. 
Brandt Peelen van Nieukerke, schepen; he died in 1644; his descendants 
take the name of Brandt. Simon Dircksen Pos. Jan Tyssen, trumpeter, 
Andries Carstenssen, millwright. Laurens Laurcnssen and Barent TO- 
massen, sawyers. Arendt van Curler, commissary. Jacob Jansen Stol; 
succeeded Hendrick Albertsen as ferrymaster. Martin Gerrittsen van 
Bergen ; he had a lease of Castle Island, in 1668, which afterwards took 
his name. Claes Arissen. Roeloff Jansen van Maesterlandt, wife and 
family; came out as farmer to the patroon at $72 a year. Claes Claessen, 
his servant. Jacques Spierinck, Jacob Govertsen, Raynert Harmensen, 
and Bastiaen Jansen Krol. Albert Andriessen Bradt, de Noorman. It 
was from him that the Norman's kill takes its name, the water privilege 
of which he leased; as well as a large farm situated on that stream, 
which fell into the hands of Teunis Slingerland, who married his 

daughter, Engeltje Seven years later (1637) Mr. Van Rensselaer 

purchased the tract on the opposite side of the river, " for certain 
quantities of duffels, axes, knives and wampum," and thus became the 
proprietor of a tract of country 24 miles along the river, and 48 in extent, 
east and west. Over this extensive tract he possessed all the authority 



140 City of Albany. 

of a sovereign, and made a large outlay for its settlement, giving it the 
name ol'Rensselaerswyck. The administration of justice and the man- 
agement of its finaacial affairs he committed to the care of a commissary 
general. Fortunate in the selection of these, his colony prospered 
much more than that at New Amsterdam, and it was to the good offices 
of Van Curler, or Corlear, the first commissary, that the colonists at 
New Amsterdam were in'debled more than once, for their preservation 

from the hands of the Indians In 1642 Mr. Van Rensselaer sent 

over the Rev. Johannes Megapolensis as minister of Rensselaerswjck, 
at his private expense. It is not certain that he visited the colony him- 
self. He died in 1646, and the estate descended to bis son Johannes, 
then a minor; between whose agent and Gov. Stuyvesant serious diffi- 
culties occurred, which it was necessary to refer to the states general of 
Holland for arbitration In 1664 the province came into the pos- 
session of the English, when the name of Beverwyck, by which it had 
been known, was changed to Albany, that being one of the titles of the 
Duke of York. It had also been equally well known as Williamstadt, 
Fort Orange, and the Fuyck, which latter signifies the bend in the river. 
Fort Orange was built in 1623, an I Williamstadt in 1647 at the head of 
State street. The right of soil was confirmed to the patroon by a new 

patent, but the government was retained in the hands of the colony In 

1686, Gov. Dongan granted a charter to the citieeas of Albany. At first 
a trading station, then a hamlet, next a village, it was now dignified with 
the title of city. It has finally become the capital of the state the 
EMPIRE STATE! The charter gave the city an area of one mile in width 
on the river, and extendins in a north-west direction, at the same 
width, thirteen and a half miles, to the north line ofthe manor of Rens- 
selaerswyck; containing 7,160 acres. Peter Schuyler, the friend of the 
Indians, was namesl the first mayor, and the first common council con- 
sisted of the following persons: Peter Schuyler, mayor; Isaac Swinton, 
recorder; Robert Livingston, town clerk; Dirk Wessels, Jan Jans 
Bleecker, David Schuyler, Johannes Wendell, Lavinus Van Schaick, 
Adrian Gerritsen aldermen; Joachim Staats, John Lansingh, Isaac Ver- 
planck, Lawrence Van Ale, Albert Ryckman, Melgert Wynantse, assist- 
ant aldermen; Jan Bleecker, chamberlain; Richard Pretty, sheriff; 
James Parker, marshall The Schuyler family, for several genera- 
tions, exerted a powerful influence over the Indians. In all the treaties 
with them the city of Albany bore a conspicuous part; and so entirely 
had they won the confidence of the savages, that from the date of its 
settlement, it was never invaded by a hostile tribe; although, in 1689, 
when the citizens refused to submit to the administration of Leisler and 
Milborne, they yielded allegiance through fear of an Indian invasion. 
....During the revolution, the Albany committee nobly sustained their 
countrymen in the struggle. Burgoyne had boasted, at the commence- 
ment of the campaign, that his army should revel upon the spoils of 
Albany; but he only visited the city as a captive. Sir Henry Clinton 
twice attempted to invade it, but met with sufficient obstacles to prevent 

his success In 1795 the town of Colonie was annexed, forming 

the fifth ward. It became the capital of the slate in 1807. Since the 
introduction of steam boats and the completion of the canals, the growth 
of the city has been rapid, and the lines of rail roads, which connect it 
with Boston and Buffalo, are giving it a still greater impulse. From its 



City of Albany. 141 

central position, Albany forms a kind of natural entrepot between New 
York and a vast interior country, comprising the Canadas, part of Ohio, 
Michigan, Illinois, and even Wisconsin and Iowa, on the one side, and 
parts of the New England states on the other. Flour and other agri- 
cultural products form the principal articles of export. The city has 
about 120 streets, and is divided into ten wards. Its population, by the 
last census, was 41,139. Each ward elects two aldermen who, together 

with the mayor and recorder, form the Common Council The 

architecture of the city has undergone a very great change in the 
last 30 years. Many of the public and private buildings of Albany are 
now of an elegant and costly character. The Capitol, occupied for legis- 
lative purposes, the state courts and the state library; the State Hall, 
erected for the accommodation of the public officers; the City Hall, oc- 
cupied for city and county business, and the Albany Academy, all face 
the public square at the head of State street, and the foot of Washington 
street. A few rods south of these is the County Jail, and the Medical 
College, in Eagle street. The Female Academy is a handsome edifice, 
situated in North Pearl street. The Albany Exchange is situated at the 
foot of State street. The Orphan Asylum is located one mile west of 
the City Hall ; and the Penitentiary near Lydius street on the Delaware 
turnpike. These will be more fully described in another place, as well 
as the churches, and other important buildings The trade, com- 
merce and manufactures of Albany are important, and rapidly increas- 
ing. Its iron foundries are among the largest in the country. More 
stoves are manufactured here, than in any other city or town in the 
Union. It has extensive manufactories of pianofortes, leather, 
coaches, sleighs, hats, caps and bonnets, the three latter to the amount 
of nearly a million of dollars a year. In addition to the above, the 
Albany Nail Works, near Troy, the most extensive establishment of the 
kind in America, are principally owned in Albany, as also an extensive 
satinet factory, and flouring mills on the Patroon's creek. The Erie 
and Champlain canals, which form a junction eight miles above, enter 
the Hudson at the north end of the city, where a capacious basin has 
been formed, of more than a mile in length, by means of a pier inclosing 
a part of what was anciently termed the Fuyck, or bend in the river, of 
32 acres area, affording a winter harbor for boats, as well as safe pro- 
tection to vessels navigating the river or canals, and commodious wharf- 
age. The Mohawk and Hudson rail road, among the first roads built in 
the country, and connected with the Utica and Schenectady, and Saratoga 
andSchenectady rail roads, terminates at Albany. The Albany and West 
Stockbridge rail road connects with the Western rail road at the stale line, 
between Massachusetts and New York, forming a continuous line of rail 
roads from Albany to Boston. The termination of these rail roads and 
canals at Albany, renders it the centre of trade and transhipment, and has 
opened to the enterprise of her merchants and artisans an extent of 
country unsurpassed in its wealth and resources. In 1832 a company 
was incorporated with a capital of three millions, 1o connect Albany 
with New York by a rail road on the margin of the river, but it was 
not until 1847 that efficient measures were taken to carry out that great 
project, when a new charter was granted by the legislature, the stock 
subscribed, and a portion of the road is already constructed, and will be 
jn operation over a considerable length of it in 1849. 



142 



County of Albany. 



COUNTY OF ALBANY. 

Albany county was organized under Gov. Dongan, in 1683, when it 
comprised the whole of the state north and west of Dutchess and Ulster 
counties, and part of Vermont. In 1757, the number of taxable inhabitants 
was 3,800; in 1767, 5,014; and in 1786, after several counties had been 
set off, 72,360. In 1772 a very large tract was severed and took the name 
of Montgomery county, out of which a good many counties have since 
been formed. In the same year Washington county was also set off on the 
east side of the Hudson. On the 4th of April, 1786, an act passed the 
legislature, erecting the southeast part of the county of Albany into a new 
county, by the name of Columbia. In 1788, Clinton county was formed 
from the northern extremity whose census in 1790 was 1222 ! and that of 
Columbia county 27,552, of which 1630 were slaves. The following is a 
table of the towns which comprised the county of Albany in 1790, and the 
census of each ; the orthography is also preserved. 



Towns. 


Males. 


Females. 


Slaves. 


Total. 




1,467 


1,467 


572 


3 506 


Water. Vliet, 


3,456 


3.481 


730 


7,667 


Rensselaerwyck, 


3,972 


3,504 


572 


8,048 


Stephentown 


3 652 


3 362 


28 


7 042 




979 


936 


154 


2,069 


Duansburgh, 


787 


704 


4 


1,495 




1 979 


,871 


467 


4 317 




1,542 


,455 


36 


3,033 




1,818 


.668 


121 


3,607 




1 626 


488 


302 


3 416 




1,625 


,394 


62 


3,081 


Cattskill, 


836 


844 


308 


1,988 


Ballston , 


3 640 


3,117 


66 


6,823 




786 


694 


137 


1,617 




2,515 


2,404 


48 


4 967 


Stillwater 


1,559 


1,428 


65 


3 052 




1 266 


1 179 


57 


2 502 




1,260 


1.134 


31 


2 425 




873 


869 


6 


1 748 


Rensselaer-Ville,. 


1 450 


1 316 


\l 


2 777 














37,0>'8 


34,315 


3.777 


75,180 



It was ascertained that the county of Ontario at the same time exceeded 
three thousand! In 1791, the legislature divided Albany into three ooun. 
ties, Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga. By this arrangement, the popula. 
tion of Albany was 28,192, Rensselaer 29,634, and Saratoga 17,463. 
The rapidly increasing population of the state required the division of the 
other large counties which had been formed by the dismemberment of 
Albany ; the counties of Tioga, Otsego and Herkimer were cut off from 
Montgomery, in portions that afterwards admitted of subdivisions. In 1794 



' "1 





County of Albany. 145 

the legislature had in contemplation a design to take another corner from 
Albany county ; but at the adjournment of that body, it remained in the 
senate, which passed a resolution at its close, that the further considera- 
tion of the bill entitled "An act to erect certain lands into a separate 
county by the name of Delaware/' be postponed until the next session. 
The boundaries of the proposed county described in the bill are curious : 
" All that part of the counties of Albany, Ulster and Otsego, beginning at 
the Susquehanna river, at the mouth of the Unadilla, and running from 
thence along the division line, between the counties of Otsego and Tioga 
southerly, to the mouth of a brook called Aughquago, which runs into 
Delaware river near a place called the Cook house ; and thence down the 
said river to a place ten miles below Shohakin, measured along the said 
river as it runs, and thence northeasterly to the mouth of a creek called the 
East kill, which runs into the Schoharie kill; and up the middle of the 
Stony kill to the head thereof, to a hemlock tree marked with the letters 
W. I. I. W., and thence northwest to the Adiquataygie or Charlotte 
river; and thence down the middle thereof to the Susquehanna river; 
and thence down the middle of the same to the place of beginning, shall 
be and hereby is erected into a separate county by the name of Delaware." 
This county was not formed until 1797, when it was taken wholly from 
Otsego and Tioga. The county of Albany then comprised the following 
towns: Albany, Schenectady, Catskill, Coxsackie, Schoharie, Berne, 
Coeymans, Bethlehem, Rensselaerville, Watervliet, Duanesburgh, Free- 
hold. The number of electors in the city was 765; in the county, 6087. 
The following is a list of the taxable inhabitants of the towns in the 
county of Albany, in July, 1795 



Albany, 806 

Watervliet, 573 

Coxsackie, 600 

Catskill 354 

Freehold,, 524 

Coeymans, 354 



Bethlehem, 350 

Rensselaerville, 495 

Schohary 507 

Duanesburgh, 400 

Berne, 386 

Schenectady, 747 



In 1809, the corporation of the city of Schenectady applied to the legis- 
lature for another division of Albany county, taking the city of Schenec- 
tady, the towns of Duanesburgh, and Princetown, and so much of the town 
of Watervliet as lay beyond the manor line. On a division of the house 
there were 8 in favor of the new county. This was the final subdivision, 
leaving the county as it now stands, when it consisted of Albany, Coey- 
mans, Watervliet, Rensselaerville, Berne, Colonie, Bethlehem, and Guil- 
derland. Some of these have been subdivided, and otherwise altered, but 
the territory is believed to be the same. Its boundaries will be seen on the 
accompanying map. It consists of the following towns, with the date of 
their incorporation : 



1686 Albany 
1688 Watervliet 

1790 Rensselaerville 

1791 Coeymans 
1793 Bethlehem 



1795 Berne 

1803 Guilderland 

1815 Westerlo 

1822 Knox 

1832 New Scotland. 



j/yd uetmenem isdz IN ew Scotland. 

The greatest length of the county is 28 miles ; breadth 21 ; containing 

13 



I , * , . . , V *!<% ' - 

WN ^H^I ^w WOTK *PWP HP^WI^ vnfm ^r ^*wjyw ^w^v wvwwr V9 ^M WK 

* . v 

h ^^ ^^^ V^kM^^kw >^* felW^ ftk^t^^jy^ ^ iJUhJ^ AMft^ MfeJM>Jki^S^ t^LM^Jlw **l 
* . . * , ' t * * i * \ ' . . ' . ' , , ' . ' . , ' , ' t v \ .'V 

^UMk kuA touK AkMtfMM M4te\Jv% WokikJl A'ti 
W^^^ % VW Vr? ^^W^P^ i^^Vw TWTP^WI^ WW 

'V . V * . -. > * ' 'V * i * 



P9 9WM WRV^ttRPN^i^x ^ VM 4^NMRHV1^^K WMv 
wn\ ^K ^ffA xVWIPWs 'IPPPRPW ^WRl ^W^ \4Mp 



... .... . .v ......... ..... . > I ...1 -. ..>.,. ..-, . S 




frriUfl water paver 
fall the Coboe7 hariog 



E 



visitors from all 

is 140 

ofspiadles,wiiAallthe 
statistics of 



o/ <4/&<my. 147 

abo Bearhr extbgtttthed. The principal water- 
a perpeadknilir JMeiat of Dearly 70 feet, pot- 



tVoftbe 



TW total fcl/oftbe Mo- 
to propel at lea* one 



The statistics of the county, a* presented by the last 



1 



City of Albany, 
Bethlehem, ... 

Bern. 





New Scotland, 



WesterJo, 

Watery Uet, .. 



2,3*7 
27,647 
29,293 
22,179 
19,5*1 
2 ^ 
20,2*1 

i m 

23,303 



1? 



M,734 



34.630 
26>70 



!i M ,< a 

,750( 



41,20* 
39,420 



,501 
,079 

,w 

,821 

, MB 



29,670, 5,672 



,565 
,790 
,473 
,494 

,082 
,601 

,768 
. 1C 
5,537 



41,139 
3,315 
3,667 
2,978 
2,995 
2,161 
I, 
I, M 

gs 

11,209; 



7^77 
705 

M 

681 
682 
500 
754 

Mi 

2 m 



l ** 

775 
|,M3 

767 
694 
612 

K^3 

1'S 

i-, no 



Cityof 



CoeymaM, . 
GaiJderlaad, 



Kox,.... 
New Scotland,. 



Wester lo 
WalerrJtel, 



laerv 



!3 




2 2 



11 1 






----- 






-> _>:* 3 



i l 



3 ,'3 


7 



Mttltt 12 1 9 



i 



148 Assembly Districts A Remarkable Winter. 



1 Medical College 
3 Academies 


40 lunatics 
26,840 neat cattle 


2 Female Seminaries 


13.939 milch cows 


1 Normal School 


10,780 horses 


160 Inns 


66,536 sheep 


172 Wholesale stores 


32,870 hogs 


642 retail do 


28,921 acres oats 


478 groceries 


624,038 bush, do harvested 


2 oil mills 


15,705 acres rye 


15 iron works 


163,894 bush, harvested 


1 distillery 


10.250 acres corn 


2 asheries 


208-254 bush, do harvested 


7 breweries 


5,341 acres wheat 


46 manufactories 


44,149 bush, do harvested 


1 paper mill 


421 acres flax 


1 clover mill 


34,984 Ibs. raised 


3 oil cloth factories 


5,762 acres potatoes 


9 rope factories 


404.594 bush, raised 


4558 farmers 


173 acres turnips 


858 merchants 


12,219 bush, raised 


203 manufactories 


10,973 acres buckwheat 


4729 mechanics 


183.274 bush, raised 


187 attorneys 


491 acres beans 


88 clergymen 

A Ct U ' 


4,487 bush, raised 


142 physicians 
9 Indians 


3,522 acres peas 
51,252 bush, raised 


26 blind 
15 deaf and dumb 


7,603 acres barley 
120,978 bush, raised 



ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS. 

The city and county of Albany is divided into four districts, as follows: 

1st List. First and second wards of Albany, towns of Bethlehem, 
Coeymans, Westerlo and Rensselaerville. 

2d Dist. Tenth ward of Albany, towns of Guilderland, New Scot- 
land, Knox and Berne. 

Zd Dist. Third, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth wards of Albany. 

4th Disf .- Seventh and ninth wards of Albany, and town of Water- 
Tliet. 



A REMARKABLE WINTER. 

A meteorological table was kept for the month of January, 1802, and 
published in the Gazette, by which it appears that the lowest range of 
the thermometer was 10 deg., and the highest 55^ deg. above zero. The 
winter was so remarkably mild as to have more the appearance of 
April; the river was navigable 17 days, so that vessels passed from 
Albany to New York, and at no time was the ice strong enough for any 
team to pass on it, and not more than ! inches of snow fell within two 
miles of the city during the months of December and January, 



Albany County Penitentiary. 



149 




ALBANY COUNTY PENITENTIARY. 

This establishment is located near the junction of Lydius street with 
the Delaware turnpike, about half a mile distant in a westerly direction 
from the Capitol. The lands belonging lo it include four entire squares, 
as laid down upon the city map, and contain between ten and twelve 
acres. The buildings occupy a beautiful and commanding elevation, 
facing eastward, and present an imposing appearance. As will be seen 
by the engraving, they comprise a centre building, three stories high 
besides the basement, 50 feet front and 75 in depth; and two wings, 
each 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, exclusive of the octagonal towers 
"which flank them. The interior of the south wing forms a spacious 
hall, 98 feet long, 46 feet wide, and 32 feet high, in the centre of which 
is a massive block of 96 cells, four tiers in height, with stair cases and 
surrounding galleries. These cells are each, in the inside, 7 feet by 4, 
and 7 feet high, supplied with iron bed steads and other necessary fur- 
niture. Each cell has a separate and distinct ventilator. The doors are 
made of round iron bars, which when closed admit nearly as much air 
and light as when open. The hall is also well ventilated, spacious, light 
and airy. Besides these, there are 10 larger cells in the octagon towers; 
making in all 106 cells. This wing is appropriated exclusively to male 
convicts. In the north wing, occupied by the females, is a block of 40 
cells, similar to those just described, with 8 larger ones in the towers, 
corresponding with those in the southern octagons, making a total of 48 
cells. The remainder of this wing is divided into work rooms for the 
women, and for various other uses. The whole prison contains 154 
cells, or dormitories, of which about 144 are used for ordinary purposes. 
The number, however, can be increased from time to time as occasion 
may require. The front portion of the central building is appropriated 
to the residence of the superintendent, his family and the subordinate 
officers. On the first story, in rear, are the guard chamber, matron'* 
room, &c., &c. In the rear of the second story is the male hospital, a 
fine apartment 28 by 32 feet $ also a female hospital, and a dispensatory 






150 Albcmy County Penitentiary. 

connected with both. The third story is handsomely fitted up as a 
chapel, 36 by 48 feet, furnished with pulpit, seats, &c., in which divine 
service is regularly held on each sabbath day. A sabbath school has 
likewise been instituted. The rear part of the basement is devoted to 
the culinary operations of the prison, most of which are performed by 
steam j adjoining this is the laundry and bake house. The whole estab- 
lishment is warmed by hot air furnaces, and furnished with a copious 
supply of good water; and hot and cold water are distributed wherever 
necessary. 

A brick wall. 14 feet high, extending 105 feet beyond the wings, paral- 
lel with the front, and running thence 200 feet to the rear, on each side, 
has been erected. This wall, surmounted by towers, or guard-houses, 
at the angles, and a sentry walk at top, surrounds the whole prison 
yard, in the centre of which is a range of work-shops for male convicts, 
150 feet long by 28 wide, with cellars of the same size beneath, for the 
prison stores. 

The dimensions of the prison, including the walls and yard, are 460 feet 
front and rear, and 250 feet deep, covering an area of nearly Ihree acres. 
All the buildings are constructed of brick and stone, and are fire-proof. 
The bricks were mostly made on the ground, and all the work, usually 
denominated laborer's work, in and about the premises, from the com- 
mencement of the establishment, has been performed by the prisoners. 
The ground was purchased at the very low price of $3000. The cost of 
the buildings, exclusive of convict labor, was $35,000. Including in- 
terest on that part of the money borrowed for the purpose, and all other 
contingencies, the total cost is somewhat upwards of $40,000, which by 
law is directed to be raised in eight equal annual instalments. Three 
of these instalments have been already added to the county taxes and 
paid, without enhancing the previous rate of taxation, for the reason, 
that the former average annual amount of criminal expenses were, by 
this change of system, sufficiently lessened to defray them ; and it is 
believed that this effect will continue until the whole is paid. The un- 
dertaking therefore adds nothing to the public burden ; on the contrary 
it must result in pecuniary gain, for the county acquires this valuable 
property, (which will always be worth its cost), entirely from the savings 
made on the former system. 

The Penitentiary is principally designed for the confinement, employ- 
ment and reformation of vagrants and petty criminals, for whom no 
adequate provision had previously existed. Before its erection, it had 
been customary to punish these delinquents by simple incarceration in 
the county jail, where, in utter idleness, corrupted and corrupting each 
other by indiscriminate intercourse, they remained until the expiration 
of their sentences, and in most cases, when discharged it was only to 
return thither in a few days, or weeks at most, to go through the 
same routine. This course of treatment, so far from having any ter- 
rors, or constituting any punishment, had an opposite effect. The jail 
became a fruitful source of demoralization and vice, while the cost of 
its maintenance, coupled with the attendant expenses of trials, courts 
and juries, was annually increasing at an alarming rate. In 1843 the 
supervisors took the subject into serious consideration. They deter- 
mined that some measures should be adopted whereby this class of 
persons might if possible be reclaimed, and at the same time be cqm. 






Albany County Penitentiary. 151 

pelled to earn, if not all, atleast a part of their subsistence. The neces- 
sary legislative authority was obtained in 1344. Messrs. Samuel Pruyn 
and Barent P. Staats of the city of Albany, and Lewis M. Dayton of 
the town of Rensselaerville, were appointed commissioners to devise a 
system of punishment, and a plan for the construction, management and 
discipline of a penitentiary. In due time the commissioners made their 
report, which being approved, the ground was purchased, and the 
buildings commenced in the summer of 1845. The south wing was 
first erected, and became ready for the reception of male prisoners in 
April, 1846. During the remainder of that year, and the beginning of 
the next, the central edifice and north wing were built, and in June, 
1847, females were first admitted. The whole number of convicts which 
have entered the Penitentiary up to the first of November, 1848, is 831, 
of which number 143 then remained, namely, 101 males, and 42 females. 

The county authorities were extremely fortunate in their arrange- 
ments. In 1846 Amos Pilsbury, for many years previously the warden 
of the Connecticut state prison, accepted the office of superintendent or 
principal keeper of the Penitentiary, for which he was eminently fitted 
by his long experience and great success in the management of prisons 
and prisoners. The discipline established is that known by the name 
of the silent system. It contemplates united labor, perfect order, silence 
and obedience. The physical and mental necessities of the convicts are 
carefully and fully supplied, and they are constantly, by night as well 
as by day, under the personal surveillance of the officers. The limits 
of this article will not admit of a lengthened detail of the precise mode 
pursued; it is sufficient to say that it has been attended with beneficial 
effects ; several cases of complete and radical reformation have occurred, 
in which the subjects have returned to a moral and virtuous course of 
life. Under the experienced government of Mr . Pilsbury, it is said 
that in the Albany Penitentiary the silent, or as it is sometimes called 
the Auburn system, is more perfectly and efficiently administered than 
in any other prison. Besides the superintendent, there are also a deputy- 
keeper, 4 assistants, 2 guards, or watchmen, a matron, and assistant. 
The institution is also provided with a chaplain and physician. The 
whole is under the joint control of the supervisors of the county and 
the mayor and recorder of the city ; who, through a board of three in- 
spectors by them appointed, direct its concerns. 

One feature in the management of the Penitentiary should be favor- 
ably noticed, as creditable to the good sense of the county government. 
The institution being purely benevolent and philanthropic in its objects, 
the supervisors early and wisely determined that no political or partizan 
considerations should enter into or influence its affairs. On this prin- 
ciple they have acted, and to it in a great measure may the success of 
the enterprise be attributed. Without enquiring into the particular 
creed of individuals on political subjects, it is quite sufficient that the 
persons to whom its direction is confided, are honest, capable, and dis- 
charge their duties with fidelity. 

The commissioners deserve commendation for the ability with which 
they have discharged an important trust. Especially to Samuel Pruyn, 
now and for many years one of our city supervisors, belongs the credit of 
originating and accomplishing this great philanthropic design. His in- 
defatigable zeal and perseverance, aided by the good counsel of his col- 



152 Commission of John Abeel. 

leagues, Dr. B- P. Staats and Lewis M. Dayton, has overcome every diffi- 
culty and discouragement. The Albany Penitentiary is destined to be the 
pioneer of a new system of criminal punishment. Already has the 
county of Erie imitated it, and in Ihe county of Onondaga preparations 
are making for a similar establishment. If it be a desideratum that the 
county prisons in the slate of New York shall become self-supporting 
institutions, and at the same time reformatory in morals, there is no 
hazard in predicting that the example will be extensively followed. 
The county of Albany has aided materially in hastening a great and im- 
portant result in political economy. The larger counties will sooner or 
later adopt the plan, while the smaller onts may unite together and 
erect district penitentiaries. 



COMMISSION OF JOHN ABEEL 1694. 

I am indebted to A. Heyer Brown for the following copy of an ancient 
commission in his possession. John Abeel was the first mayor of Albany 
who was commissioned in this way, Peter Schuyler, who preceded him, 
having been named in the charter. In digging for the purpose of laying 
the foundation of the iron railing which was placed in front of the Mid- 
dle Dutch Church a few years ago, the workmen exhumed the bones of 
many persons who had been interred there, among them doubtless those 
of Mr. Abeel, as his tombstone was thrown out with the others, and 
was afterwards placed in the pavement of the side walk. This docu- 
ment is written in a very bold old English character, and has the original 
seal attached, which is a cake of wax about three inches in diame- 
ter, and three-fourths of an inch in thickness, stamped with the British 
arms. In copying it the original orthography has been preserved. 

WILLIAM &, MARY by the Grace of God of England Scotland France 
& Ireland King & Queen defenders of the Faith &c To our loving 
subject John Abeel Esqr Greeting Reposing special trust and confidence 
in your Loyalty prudence and circumspection We do hereby nominate 
constitute and appoint you to be Mayor of the city of Albany for one 
year next ensuing y e fourteenth of October instant w th full power and 
authority to execute and perform all things whatsoever belonging to said 
office in as full and ample manner as any former Mayor of the said city 
hath done or might have lawfully done executed and performed To 
Hold Exercisse and enjoy the said office of Mayor of the said city with 
all things thereunto belonging and to have and receive all fees Salarys 
profitls perquisites benefits advantages priviledges immunities pre- 
hemmencys and t appurtenances Whatsoever to the said office belong- 
ing or in any way appurtaining during the term aforesaid In Testimony 
whereof we have caused the seal of our province of New York in 
America to be hereunto affixed Witness Benjamin Fletcher our Capt 
General and Governor in Chiefe of our Province of New York Province 
of Pensilvania County of New Castle and the Territorys and Tracts of 
Land depending thereon in America and Vice Admiral of the same Our 
Lieut and Commander in chief of the Militia & of all the forces by Sea 
& Land within our Colony of Connecticut and of all thefortsand places 
of Strength within the same on this fourth day of October in the sixth 
year of our Reign Anno Dom 1694 DAVID JAMISON P Secry 




Travel in Ntw York, 1796. 153 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF TRAVELING IN NEW YORK 
FIFTY YEARS AGO. 

[In 1795, Mr. Isaac Weld Junior, viewing the frightful progress of an- 
archy in Europe, was desirous of " ascertaining whether in case of future 
emergency, any part of the United States might be looked forward to 
as an eligible place of abode. 1 ' He accordingly made the tour of the 
United Slates and Canada, and like a great many others of his genus, 
found very little to his taste, and nothing to give him the " slightest 
wish to revisit it." He could not learn that the trees in the wilderness 
were any where more than seven or eight feet in diameter! nor was 
there much of any thing on a sufficiently grand scale to meet his antici- 
pations, except the musquitoes which he found at Whitehall. He ar- 
rived at New York in the summer of 1796, and gives the following ac- 
count of his approach to, vexations at, and departure from, Albany.] 

Being anxious to proceed on our journey before the season was too 
far advanced, and also particularly desirous of quitting New York on 
account of the fevers, which, it was rumored, were increasing very fast, 
we took our passage for Albany, in one of the sloops trading constantly 
on the North river, between New York and that place, and embarked 
on the 2d day of July, about two o'clock in the afternoon. Scarcely a 
breath of air was stirring at the time; but the tide carried us up at the 
rate of about two miles and a half an hour. The sky remained all day 
as serene as possible, and as the water was perfectly smooth, it reflected 
in a most beautiful manner the images of the various objects on the 
shore, and of the numerous vessels dispersed along the river at different 
distances, and which seemed to glide along, as it were, by the power of 
magic, for the sails all hung down loose and motionless. The sun, set- 
ting in all his glory, ad led fresh beauties to this calm and peaceable 
scene, and permitted us for the last time to behold the distant spires of 
New York, illumined by his parting rays. To describe all the grand 
and beautiful prospects presented to the view on passing this noble 
river, would be an endless task; all the various effects that can be sup- 
posed to arise from a happy combination of wood and water, of hill and 
dale, are here seen in the greatest perfection. After sunset, a brisk 
wind sprang up, which carried us on at the rate of six or seven miles 
an hour, for a considerable part of the night; but for some hours we 
had to lie at anchor at a place where the navigation of the river was 
too difficult to proceed in the dark. Our sloop was no more than seventy 
tons burthen by register; but the accommodations she afforded were 
most excellent, and far superior to what might be expected on board so 
small a vessel ; the cabin was equally large with that in a common mer. 
chant vessel of three hundred tons, built for crossing the ocean. This 
was owing to the great breadth of her beam, which was no less than 
twenty-two feet and a half, although her length was only fifty-five feet. 
All the sloops engaged in this trade, are built nearly on the same con- 
struction; short, broad, and verp shallow, few of them draw more than 
five or six feet of water, so that they are only calculated for sailing 
upon smooth water. The highlands, as they are called, extend along 
the river on each side for several miles. The breadth of the river is 
here considerably contracted, and such sudden gusts of wind, commenc- 



154 Travel in New York, 1796. 

ing from between the mountains, sometimes blow through the narrow 
passes, that vessels sometimes have their topmasts carried away. The 
captain of the sloop we were in, said that his mainsail was once blown 
into tatters in an instant, and a part of it carried on shore. When the 
sky is lowering, they usually take in sail going along this part of the 
river. 

About four o'clock in the morning of the 4th of July, we reached 
Albany, the place of our destination, one hundred and sixty miles distant 
from New York. Albany is a city, and contains about eleven hundred 
houses; the number however is increasing fast, particularly since the 
removal of the state government from New York. In the old part of 
the town the streets are very narrow, and the houses are frightful; they 
are all built in the old Dutch taste, with the gable end towards the 
street, and ornamented on the top with large iron weathercocks; but in 
that part which has been lately erected, the streets are commodious, 
and many of the houses are handsome. Great pains have been taken 
to have the streets well paved and lighted. Here are four places for 
public worship, and an hospital. Albany is in summer time a very dis- 
agreeable place; it stands in a low situation, just on the margin of the 
river, which runs very slow here, and towards the evening often exhales 
clouds of vapors; immediately behind the town, likewise, is a large 
sandbank, that prevents a free circulation of air, while at the same time 
it powerfully reflects the rays of the sun, which shines in full force upon 
it the whole day. Notwithstanding all this, however, the climate is 
deemed very salubrious. The inhabitants of this place, a few years 
ago, were almost entirely of Dutch extraction; but now strangers are 
Hocking to it from all quarters, as there are few places in America more 
advantageously situated for commerce. The flourishing state of its 
trade has already been mentioned; it bids fair to rival that of New 
York in process of time. The fourth of July, the day of our arrival at 
Albany, was the anniversary of the declaration of American indepen- 
dence, and on our arrival we were told that great preparations were 
making for its celebration. A drum and trumpet, towards the middle 
of the day, gave notice of the commencement of the rejoicings, and on 
walking to a hill about a quarter of a mile from the town, we saw sixty 
men drawn up, partly militia, partly volunteers, partly infantry, partly 
cavalry; the latter were clothed in scarlet, and mounted on horses of 
various descriptions. About three hundred spectators attended. A few 
rounds were fired from a three pounder, and some volleys of small 
arms. The firing was finished before one hour was expired, and then 
the troops returned to town, a party of militia officers in uniform march- 
ing in the rear, under the shade of umbrellas, as the day was excessively 
hot. Having reached town, the whole body immediately dispersed. 
The volunteers and militia officers afterwards dined together; and so 
ended the rejoicings of the day ; no public ball, no general entertainment 
was there of any description. A day still fresh in the memory of every 
American, nnd which appears so glorious in the annals of their country, 
would, it might be expected, have called forth more brilliant and more 
general rejaicings ; but the downright phlegmatic people in this neigh- 
borhood, intent upon making money, and enjoying the solid advantages 
of the revolution, are but little disposed to waste their time in 
they consider idle demonstrations of joy. 



Travel in New York, 1796. 155 

We retrained in Albany for a few days, and then set off for Skenes- 
borough, in Lake Champlain, in a carriage hired for the purpose. The 
hiring of this vehicle was a matter attended with some trouble, and de- 
tained us longer in the town than we wished to stay. There were only 
two carriages to be had in the whole place, and the owners having an 
understanding with each other, and thinking that we should be forced 
to give whatever price they asked, positively refused to let us have either 
of them for less than seventy dollars, equal to fifteen guineas. We on 
our part as positively refused to comply with a demand which we knew 
to be exorbitant, and resolved to wait patiently in Albany for some other 
conveyance, rather than submit to such an imposition. The fellows 
held out for two days, but at the end of that time, one of them came to 
tell us we might have his carriage for half the price, and accordingly 
we took it. Early the next morning we set off, and in about two hours 
arrived at the small village of Cohoz, close to which is the remarkable 

fall in the Mohawk river, about ten miles from Albany From hence 

we proceeded along the banks of the Hudson river, through the town of 
Stillwater, which receives its name from the uncommon stillness of the 
river opposite to it, and late in the evening reached Saratoga, thirty-five 
miles from Albany. This place contains about forty houses, and a 
Dutch Reformed church, but they are so scattered about ; that it has not 
the smallest appearance of a town. In this neighborhood, upon the 
borders of a marsh, are several very remarkable mineral springs ; one 
of them, in the crater of a rock, of a pyramidical form, about five feet 
in height, is particularly curious. This rock seems to have been formed 
by the petrifactions of the water: all the other springs are likewise sur- 
rounded with petrifactions of the same kind. The water in the princi- 
pal spring, except at the beginning of the summer, when it regularly 
overflows, remains about eight inches below the rim of the crater, and 
bubbles up as if boiling. The crater is nine inches in diameter. The 
various properties of the water have not been yet ascertained with any 
great accuracy ; but it is said to be impregnated with a fossil acid and 
some saline substance; there is also a great portion of fixed air in it. 
An opportunity is here afforded for making some curious experiments. 
If animals be put down into the crater, they will be immediately suffo- 
cated; but if not kept there too long, they recover again upon being 
brought into the open air. If a lighted candle be put down, the flame 
will be extinguished in an instant, and not even the slightest spark left 
in the wick. If the water immediately taken from the spring be put into 
a bottle, closely corked, and then shaken, either the cork will be forced 
out with an explosion, or the bottle will be broken,- but if left in an open 
vessel, it becomes vapid in less than half an hour. The water is very 
pungent to the taste, and acts as a cathartic on some people, as an 
emetic on others. 

Of the works thrown up at Saratoga by the British and American 
armies during the war, there are now scarcely any remains. The 
country round about is well cultivated, and the trenches have been 
mostly levelled by the plow. We here crossed the Hudson river, and 
proceeded along its eastern shore as far as Fort Edward, where it is 
lost to the view, for the road still runs on towards the north, whilst the 
river takes a sudden bend to the west. Fort Edward was dismantled 
prior to the late American war ; but the opposite armies, during that 



156 Travel in New York, 1796. 

unhappy contest, were both in the neighborhood. The town of the 
same name, is at the distance of one or two hundred yards from it, and 
contains about twenty houses. Thus far we had got on tolerably wellj 
but from hence To Fort Anne, which was also dismantled prior to the 
late war, the road is most wretched, particularly over a long causeway 
between the two forts, formed originally for the transporting of cannon, 
the soil here being extremely moist and heavy. The causeway consists 
of large trees laid side by side transversely, some of which having de- 
cayed, great intervals are left, wherein the wheels of the carriage were 
sometimes locked so fast, that the horses alone could not possibly ex- 
tricate them. To have remained in the carriage over this part of the 
road, would really have been a severe punishment; for although boasted 
of as being the very best in Albany, it had no sort of springs, and was 
in fact little better than a common waggon; we therefore alighted, took 
our guns, and amused ourselves with shooting as we walked along 
through the woods. The woods here had a much more majestic ap- 
pearance than any that we had before met with on our way from Phila* 
delphia; this, however, was owing more to the great height than to the 
thickness of the trees, for I could not see one that appeared more than 
thirty inches in diameter; indeed, in general, the girt of the trees in the 
woods of America is very small in proportion to the height, and trifling 
in comparison of that of the forest trees in Great Britain. The thickest 
trees I ever saw in the country was that of a sycamore, which grew 
upon the bank of the Skenandoah river, just at its junction with the 
Patowmac, in a bed of rich earth, close to the water; yet this tree was 
no more than about four feet four inches in diameter. On the low 
lands in Kentucky, and on some of the bottoms in the western territory, 
it is said that trees are commonly to be met with seven and eight feet 
in diameter. 

Beyond Fort Anne, which is situated at the distance of eight miles 
from Fort Edward, the roads being better, we once more mounted into 
our vehicle ; but the miserable horses, quite jaded, now made a dead 
stop; in vain the driver bawled, and stamped, and swore; his whip had 
been previously worn out some hours, owing to the frequent use he 
had made of it, and the animals no longer feeling its heavy lash, seemed 
as determined as the mules of the abbess of Andouilles to go no farther* 
In this situation we could not help bantering the fellow upon the excel- 
lence of his cattle, which he had boasted so much of at setting out, and 
he was ready to cry with vexation at what we said ; but having acci- 
dentally mentioned the sum we had paid for the carriage, his passion 
could no longer be restrained, and it broke forth in all its fury. It ap- 
peared that he was the owner of two of the horses, and for the use of 
them, and for driving the carriage, he was to have had one-half of the 
hire; but the man whom we had agreed with, and paid at Albany, had 
given him only ten dollars as his moiety, assuring him, at the same 
time, that it was exactly the half of what we had given, although in 
reality it fell short of the sum by seven dollars and a half. Thus cheat- 
ed by his companion, and left in the lurch by his horses, he vowed ven- 
geance against him on his return ; but as protestations of this nature 
would not bring us any sooner to our journey's end. and as it was ne- 
cessary that something should be immediately done, if we did not wish 
to remain all night in the woods, we suggested the idea, in the mean* 



Travel in New York, 1796. 157 

time, of his conducting the foremost horses as postillion, whilst one of 
our seivants should drive the pair next to the wheel. This plan was 
not started with any degree of seriousness, for we could not have sup- 
posed that a tall meagre fellow, upwards of six feet high, and clad in a 
pair of thin nankeen breeches, would very readily bestride the raw 
boned back of a horse, covered wilh the profuse exudations which the 
intense heat of the weather, and the labor the animal had gone through, 
necessarily excited. As much tired, however, wilh our pleasantries as 
we were of his vehicle, and thinking of nothing, I believe, but how he 
could best get rid of us, he eagerly embraced the proposal, and accord- 
ingly, having furnished himself with a switch from the adjoining thicket, 
he 5 mounted his harnessed Rosinante. In this style we proceeded; but 
more than once did our gigantic postillion turn round to bemoan the 
sorry choice he had made; as often did we urge the necessity of getting 
out of the woods; he could make no answer; so jogging slowly along, 
we at last reached the little town of Skenesborough, much to the amuse- 
ment of every one who beheld our equipage, and much to our own satis- 
faction ; for, owing to the various accidents we had met with, such as 
traces breaking, bridles slipping off the heads of the horses, and the 
noble horses themselves sometimes slipping down, &c., &c , we had been 
no less than five hours travelling the last twelve miles. 

Skenesborough stands just above the junction of Wood creek with 
South river, as it is called in the best maps, but which, by the people in 
the neighborhood, is considered as a part of Lake Champlain. At pre- 
sent there are only about twelve houses in the place; but if the naviga- 
tion of Wood creek is ever opened, so as to connect Lake Champlain 
with the North river, a schi-me which has already been seriously thought 
of, it will, doubtless, soon become a trading town of considerable im- 
portance, as all the various productions of the shores of the lake will 
then be collected there for the New York and Albany markets. Not- 
withstanding all the disadvantages of a land carriage of forty miles to 
the North river, a small portion of flour and potash, the staple commo- 
dities of the state of New York, is already sent to Skenesborough from 
different parts of the lake, to be forwarded to Albany. A considerable 
trade also is carried on through this place, and over Lake Champlain, 
between New York and Canada. Furs and horses principally are sent 
from Canada, and in return they get East India goods and various manu- 
factures. 

Skenesborough is most dreadfully infested with musquitoes; so many 
of them attacked us the first night of our sleeping there, that when 
we arose in the morning our faces and hands were covered all over 
with large pustules, precisely like those of a person in the small- 
pox. This happened too, notwithstanding that the people of the house, 
before we went to bed, had taken all the pains possible to clear the 
room of them, by fumigating it with the smoke of green wood, and after- 
wards securing the windows with gauze blinds; and even on the second 
night, although we destroyed many dozens of them on the walls, after a 
similar fumigation had been made, yet we suffered nearly as much. 
These insects were of a much larger size than any I ever saw elsewhere, 
and their bite was uncommonly venomous. Gen. Washington told me, 
that he never was so much annoyed by musquitoes in any part of Ame- 
rica, as in Skenesborough, for they used to bile through the thickest boot ' 

14 



158 Eutten Kill Brick. 

Musquitoes appear to be particularly fond of the fresh blood of Eu- 
ropeans, who always suffer much more the first year of their arrival in 
America than they do afterwards. The people of the country seem 
quite to disregard their attacks. Wherever they fix their sting, a little 
tumor or pustule usually arises, supposed to be occasioned by the fer- 
mentation when mixed with the blood, of a small quantity of liquor, 
which the insect always injects into the wound it makes with its spicula, 
as may be seen through a microscope, and which it probably does to 
render the blood more fluid. The disagreeable itching this excites, is 
most effectually allayed by the application of volatile alkali ; or if the 
part newly stung be scratched, and immediately bathed in cold water, 
that also affords considerable relief; but after the venom has been lodged 
for any time, scratching only increases the itching, and it may be at- 
tended with great danger. Repeated instances have occurred of people 
having been laid up for months, and narrowly escaping the loss of a 
limb, from imprudently rubbing a part which had been bitten for a long 
time. Great ease is also derived from opening the pustules on the 
second day with a lancet, and Jetting out the blood and watery matter. 



RUTTEN KILL. 

The grading of the great Hudson street ravine, anciently known as 
the Rutten kill, was nearly completed in 1847, from Hawk to Lark 
streets, and from near Lydius to State. During a period of about three 
years, from 50 to 250 persons, and 60 teams, were employed upon the 
work of grading and filling this extensive area. The ravine, origin- 
ally 300 feet broad and 50 feet deep, throughout its entire length, re- 
ceived the lofty banks upon its borders, and was raised to a convenient 
grade, thereby furnishing a large tract for habitation, that had long 
been waste, or only occupied for brick kilns, and dirty reservoirs, where 
truant boys fished and bathed. Not less than 600,000 yards of excava- 
tion were made in blue clay, and an equal amount of filling was done 
by one contractor. 



MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS. 

The number of bricks manufactured in Albany during the last fifteen 
years, has averaged sixteen millions per annum, until the year 1847, when 
the quantity produced was only hall that number in consequence of the 
reduced price, $2.50 per thousand. 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 159 

CHRONICLE OF EVENTS IN ALBANY, 1847 AND 1848. 
SEPTEMBER, 1847. 

13. The Albany Morning Express, a penny daily paper commenced 
by Stone &. Henly, with a reported sale of 1600 copies of the first num- 
ber. James Stanley Smith, editor. This constituted the fifth daily paper 

in the city at this time Capt. Abram Van OLinda of the Albany 

Republican Artillery, killed at the battle of Chapultepec, in Mexico. 

The fall examination of the State Normal School commenced. 

At the close of the exercises 64 graduates received their diplomas 

The superintendent of the Alms House reported to the Common Council, 
that the establishment had in charge 404 persons, the majority of them 
sick. 

14. John H. Webb, of the late firm of Webb & Dummer, in this city, 
died at Hartford, Ct. 

15. News received of the battles of Contreras and Cherubusco, which 
were fought in Mexico on the 18th and 19th of August, in which Lieut. 
Jacob Griffin of Albany was among the wounded. 

16. First frost of the season A fire occurred at No. 164 North 

Pearl street, which destroyed the large carpenter's shop of John Jervis, 
a two story dwelling house, with several adjoining sheds. The firemen 
had a quarrel on the occasion. 

17. Andrew Hamburgh died, aged 24. 

18. Hannah Leavitt died, aged 51; wife of N. K. Leavitt. 

19. Rev. John McCloskey installed, by Bishop Hughes, the first bishop 
of the new diocese of Albany Mary Law died, aged 55. 

20. Upwards of a hundred vessels in port. 

22. Flour $5.75 William T. Lee, formerly of this city, died at 

Philadelphia, aged 27. 

23. Margaret Nugent died, aged 33; wife of Henry P. Nugent. 

24. The Democratic County Convention met; two sets of delegates 
appeared from one of the wards; failing to effect a compromise, a sepa- 
ration took place, tbe Barnburners choosing Peter Cagger to the slate 
convention proposed to be held at Syracuse, and the Old Hunkers choos- 
ing Henry Rector. Both parties nominated Conrad A. Ten Eyck for 

Assembly. Charles C. Vail died, aged 21 John Stanwix 

died, aged 39 Lydia Plait died, aged 82; widow of the late An- 

nanias Platt. 

25. The following steam boats were advertised to leave for New York 
this day: Hendrik Hudson, Captain Cruttenden: Isaac Newton, Capt. 
Peck; Soulh America, Capl. Hultse; Columbia, Capt. Tupper; Rip Van 
Winkle, Capt. Riggs; Alida, Capt. G. D. Tupper; New Jersey, Capt. 

Hitchcock; all night boats except the Alida Martha Tappin died, 

aged 78 Wm. J. McDermott died, aged 25; a printer, of New 

York, formerly of this city. 

27. Over 20,000 bushels of corn arrived by canal this day The 

firsl term of Ihe Court of Appeals held in this city, closed its session, 
having exhausted the calendar of 40 cases. 

29 /The Whig Counly Convention met, and nominated Robert H. 
Pruyn for Agserably, 



160 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

30. The amount of flour transported over the Boston and Albany 
Rail Road since the 1st of January, 352,317 barrels more than the 
quantity transported in the same space of time last year. Receipts for 
September, 47 ; 527 barrels. 

OCTOBER, 1847. 

1. Catharine Van Benthuysen died, aged 33. 

4. Mary M. Dexter died, wife of George Dexter. 

5. The district schools of the city held a celebration. The scholars, 
numbering near 2,000. marched in procession with banners to the park 
in South Pearl street, below Lydius. known as Kane's Walk, where ad- 
dresses were delivered and several pieces of music suiig. The nine 
district schools of the city are attended by about 5,000 pupils, usually. 

James Clark died, aged 74; a merchant of good standing and 

wealth, for many years extensively engaged in the dry goods line, on 

the corner of Broadway and State street Mary A. Davidson died, 

aged 75. 

6. Great meeting at the Capitol of the friends of a general manufac- 
turing law Fire in the sheds behind the two story brick row. 182 

and 192 North Pearl street; loss about $300. 

8. Great meeting of that portion of the democratic party known as 
the Barnburners. There was much rain from above, and indignation 
from below. John Van Buren recited the wrongs and perils of himself 
and coadjutors at the recent convention at Syracuse, where they were 
voted out as irregular delegates. His speech was received with great 
applause on all sides. 

9. During the week ending this day, 16,000 barrels of flour were 
transported over the rail road to Boston. 

10. Abigail Osgood died, aged 28. 

13. A convention of JLntlrenters met in the city, and adopted can- 
didates from the tickets of the other parties, of such men as were 
known to entertain favorable views of their cause. 

14. A meeting of the friends of the Wilmot Proviso, for the disposi- 
tion of the slavery question, convened at the City Hall. Mr. Lewis of 
Ohio was the principal speaker on the occasion- 

15. Mary Osborn died, aged 69; wife of Jeremiah Osborn Chas. 

Van Ostrand died in New York, of an enlargement of the heart, aged 
37; formerly a compositor in the office of the Albany Argus. 

16. Ann Eliza Henderson died at Jersey city; widow of David Hen- 
derson, and eldest daughter of Archibald Mclntyre of this city. 

17. An attempt made to fire the buildings in the rear of McAufey's 
bakery in Grand street; it was discovered in season to prevent much 

damage Mary Molt, formerly of Albany, died at Battle creek, 

Michigan. 

18. The members of the Common Council, and other citizens, took 
passage in the Hendrik Hudson, to witness the ceremony of laying the 
corner stone of the Washington Monument, which took place on the 19lh. 

Moses Cook died at Syracuse, aged 35; late of this city 

Mariin S. Mills died, aged 26. 

19. The store of Matthew Jordan entered by burglars, corner of 
Broadway and Steuben street. ..... .Several bakers prosecuted for sell. 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 161 

ing light bread ; the trial adjourned, the bakers contending that the 
Common Council have no right to regulate the price of bread, or its 

weight A stated session of the United States Circuit Court opened 

at the City Hall, with a large amount of criminal business on the calendar. 

Judge Conkling presiding A select committee of the House of 

Assembly reported a bill to tax bachelors and widowers; but the house 

disagreeing, it was referred to the committee of the whole An 

omnibus commenced running from the Exchange to Newton's Corners 

on the Shaker road Elizabeth Evertsen, "widow of Evert Evert- 

sen, aged 88, run over by a horse and cart as she was crossing State 
street, and so badly injured as to cause her death. 

20. The Young Men's Association numbered 1,300 members 

Nicholas Brower died, aged 53. 

21. Capt. Frost, a stranger, walking late at nicht in Quay street, was 
knocked down by two ruffians, and robbed, and thrown into the Basin; 

but was rescued, and his life saved Richard Schuyler and Robert 

Allen, concerned in an assault and battery upon Thomas Sampson, cap- 
tain of a canal boat, with intent to kill, were captured and committed. 

23. The trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, having purchased 
a lot for a new building on the corner of Hudson and Philip streets, 
contracted with J. R. Hays and Henry Rector for its erection, at $50,- 

000. The foundations were begun Flour, $6.50; wheat, $1.40; 

corn, 71 cents; rye, 86 cents; barley, SO cents. In consequence of the 
scarcity of vessels, and the inability of the rail road company to trans- 
port flour rapidly enough to meet the eastern demand, freights had ad- 
vanced materially. 

24. A collection taken in St. Joseph's Church for the purpose of rais- 
ing funds to build a Cathedral in Albany; $4,500 were received 

Peter Bulson died, aged 78. 

25. A special committee of the Common Council reported in favor of 
removing the dead in the Arbor Hill Burying Ground (which are fre- 
quently exposed by persons digging there for sand), to a suitable vault 
in the Albany Rural Cemetery, on the Troy road. No action was taken 

upon the subject , .The store of R. Reno, in South Pearl street, was 

entered by burglars, and $5 in cents carried away. 

26. A meeting of the elder branch of the democratic party was held 
at the Capitol in the evening, the younger branch holding a convention 
at the same time in Herkimer. These events were invested with ex- 
traordinary interest. 

28. Aurelia McGowan died, ased 40; wife of Minos McGowan 

Dorothy E. Brown died, wife of Stephen A. Brown. 

29. Great meeting of the Barnburners at the Capitol; Mr. Wilmot, 
author of the famous proviso, was present, and delivered a long speech. 
John Van Buren followed, and received great applause for the eloquence, 
wit and sarcasm of his harrangue Genesee wheat $1.45. 

30. Margaret Dermody died, aged 52; wife of Patrick Dermody. 

31. Robert Lottridge died, aged 77 Thomas L.Wilson died, 

aged 26 The number of deaths at the Alms House for the last 

three months, 202; the great majority of cases being ship fever, a new 
epidemic. Permits granted since May 1st, 1200. 



162 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

NOVEMBER, 1847. 

1. Whig rally at the Capitol; said to have been " not very large, but 

enthusiastic." Splendid aurora borealisin the evening ^There 

were 105 sloops and schooners lying at the Pier, and the Basin was 
choked with all sorts of craft, making preparation for the close of navi- 
gation Frances H. Deforest died, aged 17; wife of James P. De- 
forest. 

2. The election resulted, as usual, in the triumph of the whigs. 

3. Lucretia Johnson died, aged 68. 

4. The weather extremely fine for the season ; in the language of the 
editor of the Troy Budget, " The golden sunshine sleeps on the russet 

earth as quiet as an infant's slumber!" Crawford Livingston died 

of consumption at the Mansion House in Columbia county. He opened 
the first express office in this city, known as Pomeroy's Express. 

5. The steam tug Commerce left the Pier for New York, with a con- 
voy of 8 tow boats, and 12 lake boats, all heavily laden; and the North 
America left with 21 lakers in the same condition. This was character- 
ized as a big haul. An impetus was given toil by a dreadful scowl in the 

heavens Fire in Tivoli Hollow; a large establishment in which 

several kinds of manufacturing operations were carried on, was burnt 
down ; loss upwards of $20,000 Wm. L. Cranston died, aged 26. 

7. Townsley's store, 73 Quay street, entered by burglars, who failed 
to get remunerated for their labor. 

9. This day was fixed upon by the Millerites for ending the functions 
of the Earth; but as on several other days previously appointed for the 
same catastrophe, the planet continued its accustomed duties, and left 
the deluded sect in great perplexity Sarah Thomas died, aged 58. 

10. There had been transported over the rail road to Boston, up to 
this time, ten months, 455,221 barrels of flour. 

11. The number of prisoners in the Penitentiary was 100 Flour 

$6-12; wheat $1-38; barley 87c. 

13. Catharine Ostrander died at Tully, aged 97; widow of John 
Ostrander a revolutionary officer and former sheriff of Albany. 

17. Warm day for the season Charlotte McCauley died, aged 42. 

18. Flour $5'87; two-rowed barley 87; rye 92; corn 75e John 

Long died, aged 26. 

20. An affray between two engine companies, Nos. 5 and 6; one of 
No. 5's men had his jaw broken by a blow with a pipe An un- 
suspecting person was lured up Hudson street to the new level, and there 
robbed of his watch and $150 Martin White died, aged 64. 

21. Elizabeth Baillie died, aged 74. 

22. The weather at this time much resembled summer Thomas 

Waters died of apoplexy, aged 65 Charles Van Loon, pastor of a 

baptist church in Poughkeepsie, died of apoplexy, aged 28. He was a 
native of Albany, and a young man of extraordinary talents. 

23. Opening lecture before the Young Men's Association by Benjamin 
F. Butler, and a poem by Epes Sargent. 

25. Thanksgiving day; dark and gloomy A foot race at the 

Bull's Head; principal competitors Steeprock and Smoke, two Indians; 
Smoke won the race by 50 yards, making 10 miles in Ih. lls. ; the track 

heavy after a rain; 500 spectators supposed to have been present 

Brilliant northern licrht in the evening, 






Chronicle of Events in Albany. 163 

27. A forged draft presented and paid at the Exchange Bank, pur- 
porting to have been drawn by Tweddle & Darlington for $1805'25 

Thomas Rock died, aged 31. 

28. The thermometer fell to 7 in the morning; the cold was felt 

severely on account of the suddenness of the change James Alfred 

Green died, aged 25 Alfred Goodwin died at Hartford, Ct. ; he 

was of the firm of Goodwin & McKinney, hatters, of Albany. 

29. Flour $6*12; no wheat in market; barley 75c. : oats 48c.; among 
the produce which arrived in the Albany Basin since the morning of the 
27th, were 47,000 barrels flour, 52,000 bushels wheat, 20.000 bushels 
barley, 20,000 bushels oats, 390,000 pounds cheese, and 160,000 pounds 
butter. The receipts of flour exceeded 20,000 barrels a day about this 
time A slight fall of snow. 

30. The mercury in the thermometer went down to zero The 

number of arrests for criminal offences cognizable at the police office 
during the year ending this day, was 2,859; being about 200 less than 
the previous year. 

DECEMBER, 1847. 

1. The corner stone for a synagogue to accomodate the Jewish con- 
gregation of Beth Jacob was laid with appropriate ceremonies, at the 

corner of Lydius and Fulton streets, by Rabbi Wise The amount 

of tolls at the canal collector's office in this city since the opening of 
navigation was $358,067'72; do 1846, $263,551-03; showing an increase 

of 94,517-69, or 35 per cent Michael Dwyer robbed Olivette 

irlic^al, a catholic priest, of $875, on the Troy Road ; and was appre- 
hended * few days after Laughlen McPherson died, aged 89. He 

had resided in \he city about twenty years, and was janitor of the Geo- 
logical Rooms at the time of his death. 

4. A rain storm had continued 48 hours, and showed no symptoms of 
a termination John W. H. Canoll died, aged 47. 

5. Susan Anderson died, aued 67. She was one of the 18 persons 
who first united to form a baptist society in this city in the year 1811. 

6. The corner stone of the edifice for the use of the First Presbyterian 
Church was laid without special ceremony, on the corner of Hudson and 

Philip streets T. W. Truax, one of the night police, in attempting 

to stop a pair of affrighted horses, received a blow which resulted in 
death. 

7. The first popular election of chief engineer of the fire department 
took place, when James McQuade received 240 votes, and John Niblock 
208; majority for the former 32. So great was the contest that absent- 
ees were brought from New York and Philadelphia, and only 44 voters 

were missing At a meeting of the Christian Mutual Benefit 

Society, Lemuel Jenkins was chosen president for the ensuing year. 

9. A festival held at the City Hall for the benefit of the Union Mission 
Sunday School. 

10. Rev. Dr. Scoresby of England, lectured before the Young Men's 
Association, in the Third Presbyterian church, on the Telescopes of 
Lord Rosse. 

12. The river, swollen by the heavy rains of almost two weeks' 
continuance, overflowed its limits and submerged the Quay and lower 
part of the city. 



164 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

13. A man by the name of Burns was drowned in the river at the 

foot of Hamilton street, by the capsizing of a boat James Manning 

died, aged 23; one of the reporters for the Albany Alias. 

15. Canal closed. (?) The receipts of some of the principal articles 
of breadstuffs at Albany and Watervliet were as follows: Flour 3.951,. 
722 barrels; wheat 3,897.576 bushels; corn 6,021,144 bushels. The 
value of the property received at the above places by canal, was esti- 
mated at $72,365,986 Mary Ridgeway died, aged 56. 

16. Mr. Parsons, proprietor of the Carlton House, was knocked down 
and robbed of $13S in the office of that hotel, at 4 o'clock in the morn- 

ing Phoebe Lewis died, aged 75; wife of Col. Henry Lewis 

Store of Mr. Shoemaker in Broadway, robbed by two boys, who were 
apprehended. 

17. Charles D. Townsend died, aged 69. He had been a practitioner 
of medicine in the city nearly half a century, and acquired considerable 

eminence in his profession Oliver Johnson died at Maderia, 

whither he had gone for the recovery of his health. 

18. First sleighing of any note William Roberts died, aged 25. 

James Radliff died, aged 62 Elizabeth Veazie died, wife 

of Moses K. Veazie. 

19. Catharine Irving died, aged 17. 

23. The Middle Dutch Church, which had been closed several months 
for repairs, was opened, having undergone many improvements and 

decorations .The first communication by magnetic telegraph with 

St. Louis, Missouri .William Hale died, aged 57. 

24. The Columbia steam boat arrived from New York, and was the 
last boat up this season. 

25. Christmas the day fine, and the sleighing of the best kind 

Fire in the bakery of Stephen Paddock ; damage about $300. 

26. Heman J. Whelpley died, aged 41>, a legal practitioner of ex- 
tensive business, and an active member of the whig party Mar- 
garet Delehanly died, aged 53; widow of the late Daniel Delehanty. 

The morning train west (it being Sunday) had but about half 

a dozen passengers; and the four trains during the day, (two each way) 
carried but sixty-seven altogether. This state of things was a most 
powerful argument, undoubtedly, for the suspension of the Sunday 
trains, which was soon after effected. 

30. William I. Winne died, aged 45. 

3J. The Housatonic train was detained by a dense fog, and did not 

arrive at the depot in East Albany till 10 o'clock at night The 

trustees of the fire department disbursed $429 to indigent and disabled 
firemen during the year. 

JANUARY, 1848. 

1. New Year the weather scarcely cold enough to require fire 

A steam boat left New York, expecting to reach Albany, but was de- 
barred by the ice Lieut. Griffin arrived from the seat of war in 

Mexico, where he had been twice wounded David P. Page, first 

Principal of the State Normal School, died, aged 38 James Con- 
nolly, while walking on the Quay, was assaulted by a blow, which caused 
his death. 

2. A fire at 2 o'clock in the morning destroyed the frame building at 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 165 

the head of Van Woert street The crockery store of Van Heusen 

& Charles in State street, robbed. 
4. The legislature commenced its session under the new constitution, 

which limited its duration to 100 days The governor's message, 

consisting of 12,000 words, was telegraphed to New York in 8 hours. 
It was transmitted to Schenectady by rail road, in 29 minutes, and from 
thence to Utica in 2 hours 1 minute. 

7. River closed. 

8. Peter Carmichael died, aged 38 James Boyd died, aged 38. 

11. Thermometer ranged from 15 to 18 below zero. 

21. William B. Winne died, aged 90. He was 48 years penny-post- 
man The store of T. S. Still well broken open and robbed. 

22. A pair of horses belonging to a farmer in Nassau, while crossing 
the river at the Greenbush Ferry, broke through the ice and were 
drowned. 

24. Robert Taylor died, aged 45. 

26. The city was refreshed with a shower of rain. 

29. Jane K. Wyckoff, wife of Rev. I. N. Wyckoff, died Willard 

Walker died, aged 79; Jong an intelligent and enterprising merchant. 

30. Isaiah Breakey, physician, died, aged 50 James A. Coulter 

died, aged 28 Hugh Riddle, a convict in the Penitentiary, commit- 
ted suicide. 

31. The sabbath schools in the city numbered 33, with 554 teachers, 

and 2,497 scholars Number of criminal arrests in the city during 

the month, 214 Alms House expenses for the month, $3,544. 

FEBRUARY, 1848. 

1. Annual meeting of the New York State Medical Society; Dr. Alex. 
H. Stevens, president; Dr. Alex. H. Thompson, vice-president; Dr. Peter 
Van Buren, secretary; Dr. Peter Van OLinda, treasurer. 

2. The committee of the whole in the House of Assembly, struck out 
the enacting clause of the bill to encourage the discovery of coal in the 

counties of Albany and Rensselaer A special meeting of the Com- 

mon Council, on the resignation of the ward physicians, to devise means 

of supplying the poor with medical attendance Meeting of the 

Board of Trade to elect its officers; Wm. Chapman, president. 

4. Jasper Hallenbake, M. D., died at New Orleans, aged 39; formerly 

of Albany Snow storm commenced on Friday and continued till 

Saturday evening; the mildness of the weather prevented its accumula- 
tion. 

6. The store of W. &, A. Kerr entered ; a bootless depredation. 

7. Major-General Quitman arrived in the city from Mexico, and met 
with an enthusiastic reception; after which he made the tour of the 
town, escorted by the military. 

9. Mayor's Court, Recorder Wright presiding, who announced that 
there were 16 persons in jail awaiting trial. The civil calendar num- 
bered 12 cases Catharine Maher died, aged 25. 

10. Elisha C. Porter died, aged 34. 

11. A stranger from Poiighkeepsie robbed of a watch valued at $170, 
at a bowling saloon in Washington street. 

12. Livingston Ludlow Humphrey died, aged 23. 



166 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

14. Catharine Van Zandt died, aged 60; widow of John Van Zandt. 
Upwards of 7,000 valentines passed through the post office. 

17. The sheriff going out to Bern to sell property taken for rent, was 
followed by forty men on horseback, blowing horns and insulting him 
and his posse. No bids being made on the property, he brought away 
a pair of horses and a wagon. 

19. William Jenkinson died, aged 81 Emma Webster died, aged 

21 ; wife of M. L. Webster The Directors of the New York and 

Albany Rail Road decided on adopting the river line of survey, ten to 
two. 

20. The number of convictions for state prison offences in the city 
during the last ten years, 335. Three persons in that time were con- 
victed of murder, of which number one was hung. The number of petit 
larceny convictions, 800. 

21. Aurora borealis, which assumed such an unusual appearance, as 
to cause an alarm of fire. 

22. The anniversary of Washington's birthday celebrated with great 

enthusiasm George W. Hawley died, aged 39 John Carroll 

died. 

23. The store of Samuel W. King on Arbor Hill, robbed of a quantity 

of goods and money Elizabeth Davis died, aged 53 Jane 

Anderson died, aged 29. 

24. Announcement of the death of John Quincy Adams John 

W. Jackson died, aged 66. 

25. William Nordin died, aged 56. 

26. Assault upon Mortimer J. Smith, editor of the Castigator, with 
slung shot, by two men disguised Amy Roberts died, aged 80. 

27. Navigation open as far north as Hudson The store of David 

Van Cott, in Lydius street, robbed of $50 worth of cigars. 

29. Prof. Asassiz commenced his course of lectures on Natural His- 
tory at the Albany Female Academy Fire in Dean street, No. 3 ; 

porter house burnt Lester Bucklin Brown died, aged 22 

JaneFrazer died, aged 77; wife of John Frazer During the month 

there were 175 cases under medical treatment at the Alms House, of 
which 7 died. 

MARCH, 1848. 

1. A fire about 1 o'clock in the morning, at No. 83 Quay street, which 
communicated with about 20 brick and wooden buildings on the Dock 
and Broadway, below Hamilton street. Richard Gillespie, a printer, 
was killed by the falling of a wall, and two persons were burnt in the 
house where the fire originated. Loss of property estimated at $70,000. 

2. Richard Van Zandt died, aged 23. 

3. Benjamin Van Benthuysen died, aged 70; Laura A. Bowers died, 
aged 26; wife of Augustus Bowers. 

4. Horace H. Gladding died, aged 20 ; Miss Buddington, a pupil of 
the Normal School, died. 

5. Richard Rosier died, aged 73; Isabella Orr died, aged 57; wife of 
Samuel Orr. 

6. Joseph Curtiss died, aged 71; Melissa Prime died, aged 34} James 
H. Brown died, aged 42. 




Chronicle of Events in Albany. 167 

7. The house 14 Jay street robbed of the entire clothing of a lodger. 

Circulation of the Albany Evening Journal, daily, weekly and 

semi-weekly, stated to be 14,400. 

8. The store of Mr. Hadley on the Dock broken open and robbed of 
a bad $20 bill Stephen Traver died, aged 37. 

10. The grand jury presented " the rum and beer shops "of the city 
and county as a very serious evil, nearly all the business brought before 
the grand jury originating in these places ; that in their opinion the 
great expenses incurred by the county for Alms House, Penitentiary 
and Jail expenditures grow out of the riots, robberies, assaults and bat- 
teries, and violations of the sabbath that occur or are connected with 
these places. 

11. Thomas W. Harman, attorney, died at Schenectady, formerly a 
resident in Albany. 

12. Alice Adaline Tallman died, aged 44; wife of Jonathan Tallman. 

Ruth Ann Glovenbury died suddenly, suspected to have been 

murdered A meteor observed about 11 o'clock in the evening, in 

the northwest, which burst with an intonation resembling distant 
thunder. 

13. Among the bills reported in the Assembly was one for the remo- 
val of the capital to New York; one for the construction of a bridge over 
the Basin; and one against the construction of a bridge over the Hudson 
at Albany Ambrose Spencer died at Lyons, aged 83 ; he was ma- 
ny years chief justice of the state, and was regarded as one of the most 
distinguished jurists which the country has produced. He was interred 

at Albany Lawrence L. Schuyler died, aged 49 A house in 

Green street robbed of a box of jewelery valued ?.t $100 Attack 

upon Mortimer J. Smith, editor of the Castigator, by several persons, 
one of whom struck him in the face with a slung shot. 

14. A meeting of citizens of Watervliet, when several thousand dol- 
lars were subscribed towards building a plank road from Albany to the 

Mohawk river, with a view to its continuance to Saratoga The 

managers of the Married Sociable transmitted to the treasurer of the 
Orphan Asylum $304'50, the avails of their ball given on the 7lh in aid 

of the funds of that institution A lad robbed the store of Ford 8c 

Grant of $30. 

15. Cold day; 3 below 0, at 5 o'clock in the morning Philip 

Vanderlip died, aged 54 Odd Fellows' Hall, Cooper's Building, 

corner Green and State street, dedicated Broadway Theatre rob- 
bed of $91 in specie. 

17. St. Patrick's day celebrated with unusual ceremonies at the Cath- 
olic churches, and by the Hibernian Provident Society Thomas 

Lee died, ased 59 David B. Beatson, late of Albany, died in New 

York. aged^40. 

18. The funeral of Judge Ambrose Spencer took place from St. Pe- 
ters church. The procession was one of the most imposing that had 

been witnessed in many years Capt. John Cook, of the Artillery, 

left the city for the army in Mexico, and was escorted to the depot by 
his company. 

19. Chapel of the Penitentiary formally dedicated; sermon by Dr. 

Wyckoff on the occasion The stores of Ainsworth &, Northrup and 

Samuel Carey, in State street, robbed ; the booty very small Rich- 



163 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

ard Graves died Mrs. Elizabeth Foot died, aged 44 Henry 

Y. Lansing died, aged 29. 

20. A farmer from Knox robbed of his pocket book by the ostler of 

Lockwood's tavern Capt. B. S. Roberts, of the Mounted Rifles, 

who was the first to plant the American flag upon the national palace 
of Mexico, and the first to enter the halls of ihe.Montezumas, arrived in 
Albany and received calls at the Mansion House Sarah Bay Liv- 
ingston died at New York; widow of the late Edward Livingston and 

youngest daughter of the late Chancellor Livingston Rebecca 

Elizabeth Mix died, aged 22 John Niblock, walking in the eve- 
ning i*i Broadway, was assailed and stabbed in both arms. 

21. The steam boat Columbia reached Van Wie's Point, six miles 
below the city. 

22. The ice slipped away quietly, without subjecting us to the usual 
annoyance of high water, and the steam boat Admiral arrived during the 

day, and left again in the evening for iN'ew York Charles Quacken- 

boss died of congestion of the brain, aged 33. 

23. Sarah Tompkins died, aged 38. 

24. The bill authorising the construction of a bridge across the Basin 
at the foot of Slate street, of the full width of the street, and another 
for opening a street on the Pier to the same width, passed the Assembly. 

26. The leather factory of C. Hepinslall, in Washington street, rob- 
bed of a quantity of leather. 

27. The steam boat Isaac Newton, on her way up the Hudson, ran down 

and sunk a schooner The first tow boat fleet of the season arrived 

from New York, consisting of 17 barges, conveyed by the old Commerce, 
and laden with spring importations for Albany merchants principally. 
The chamberlain reported that the whole expense of medical ser- 
vice for the poor since May 1, 1847, was $2,832 12 Amount of busi- 
ness done at the Justices' court, for the year ending this day, as follows: 
whole number of suits 2,400; amount of fees, $3 300; of which $1,189-83 
remained uncollected. Each of the members of the court (three justices 
and one clerk) received $527 56; do. the previous year $738'87. 

23. The two sections of the democratic party united in the nomina- 
tion of Dr. Thomas Hun for Mayor The store of F. P. Malburn in 

Lydius street robbed of $20; that of H. Knowlton in Broadway of 75 
cents; and an unsuccessful attempt made to enter that of A. B. Brown. 
Albany and Cohoes Rail Road bill passed the Senate. 

29. Nicholas Van Rensselaer, a soldier of the revolution, died, aged 
94. He was with Montgomery at the storming of Quebec; was at Ti- 
conderoga, Fort Miller, Fort Ann, and at Bemis's Heights, and was 
deputed to convey the intelligence of Burgoyne's surrender to the citi- 
zens of Albany A young man of fashionable appearance arrested 

for passing counterfeit money. 

30. A house in Orange street robbed of a watch by Catharine Tan- 
ner The whiss nominated John Taylor for mayor. 

31. Anna Maria Tyler died, aged 51; wife of Benjamin 0. Tyler. 

APRIL, 1848. 

1. William Caldwell, a retired merchant, died, aged 72. His place of 
business, in which he succeeded his father, James Caldwell, was at 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 169 

No. 58 State street. Since his retirement, he resided principally at 

Caldwell, Lake George, where he had a large estate Margaret 

Jane Bell died, aged 21; daughter of Joseph Bell. 

3. Isabella Adeline Peckham, died; wife of Rufus H. Peckham, and 
daughter of Rev. Win. B. Lacy. 

4. John T. Richards died, aged 23 Richard Thompson died, 

aged 45. 

'5. The dwelling house 21 Green street robbed of a quantity of clothing. 

6.. A dwelling robbed of $30 A fire in Chapel street destroyed 

a carpenter's shop and the candle factory of Josiah Winants Hon. 

Wm. H. Seward delivered an eulogy on the late John Quincy Adams, in 
the North Dutch Church A splendid display of aurora borealis. 

7. Fire corner Green and Bleecker streets Charles Davis died, 

aged 26 Maria Vibbard died, aged 30; wife of Philip G. Vibbard. 

8. An attempt to rob William Gibbs, on the Troy road, who defended 
himself so well as to escape with his life and money. 

9. Caroline Schmidt died, wife of Rev. F. W. Schmidt, pastor of the 
German Lutheran Church. 

10. The store of James Taylor, corner of Green and South Lansing 
streets, robbed of $10 in specie. 

11. Charter election, which resulted in the success of the whig can- 
didate for mayor, by 129 majority. The vote stood for Taylor 31 15; for 

Hun 2977 The legislature appropriated $15,000 for the erection of 

an edifice for the State Normal School a sum quite inadequate to the 
purpose. 

12. The legislature, having sat out its term of one hundred days, pre- 
scribed by the new constitution, adjourned at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 
having passed 331 laws. 

13. Catharine Douw died, widow of John D. P. Douw Mary 

Ann La Grange died, aged 51 Gertrude Van Sanforddied, aged 67. 

14. The new steam tug Baltic, intended for the service of the Albany 
Tow Boat Company, came up to take her place in the line A hali- 
but, captured off St. George's Bank, weighing upwards of 300 Ibs., dis- 
played in the Albany fish market Meeting of Germans, French 

and Poles at the National Hotel, to celebrate the establishment of a re- 
public in France, and the rapid progress of republicanism throughout 
Germany and Europe. 

15. The law went into effect prohibiting dogs from running at large 

without muzzles A fire in the vicinity of the Basin above Colo- 

nie street, destroyed much property and rendered several families house- 
less; loss about $12,000. A riot among the firemen. 

18. Meeting of the new board of Common Council for organization. 
The following appointments were made: L. D. Holslein, clerk ; H. H. 
Hickcox, dep. chamberlain; Hooper C. Van Vorst, attorney; George 
W. Carpenter, surveyor; Samuel McElroy, assistant surveyor; Nelson 
W. Scovel, marshal; John McBride, overseer of poor; Henry B. Fay 
alms-house physician. 

19. Cold day; snow fell to a considerable depth, accompanied by a 

piercing wind from the north Mary Jane Wright died, aged 29 

wife of Samuel Wright. 

20. James Farrell died, aged 78 Garrett Middleton died, aged 

15 



170 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

21. Riot, corner South Pearl and Rensselaer streets ; two persons 
broke into the store of Albert Allen, beat and robbed him, and were ar- 
rested therefor. 

22. Joseph Graham died, aged 35 The Armenia, a new steam 

boat, left New York at 7 o'clock in the morning, made the usual land- 
ings, and arrived at the dock at 4 o'clock A fire, supposed to have 

been incendiary, consumed the out houses in the rear of 111 Washing- 
ton street; 2 horses burnt. 

23. Fire on the corner of Dallius and Herkimer streets burnt off' the 
roof. 

24. Great fires; commenced on the corner of Westerlo and Church 
streets, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and before it was quelled, destroyed 
twenty buildings on Church, Westerlo, Dallius and John streets, and 
among them the Free Missionary Protestant Church. Loss estimated 
at $30,000. This fire was hardly subdued, before another broke out 
about 10 o'clock in the evening, near the corner of Green and Beaver 
streets, which destroyed about twenty more buildings, valued at more 
than $60,000 Margaret Yates died; wife of Benjamin Yates. 

25. The store of Burrows & Nelligar, corner South Pearl and Plain 
streets, robbed of $28 William Hamburgh died, aged 20. 

26. Chester Moore died of apoplexy, aged 55 Sarah Dodge died, 

aged 83; widow of Edmond Dodge Catharine M. Van Buren 

died, aged 30 ; wife of S. G. Van Buren. 

27. Elizabeth Whalen died, aged 64; wife of Jeremiah Whalen. 

28. Jewish Synagogue, Beth Jacob, in Fulton street, consecrated. 
Great meeting at the Capitol of the friends of progressive liber- 
ty, to congratulate on the recent movements in Europe. 

29. Jane McNaughton died, wife of Peter McNaughton The 

Carlton House, corner of South Pearl and State street, took fire, and 

narrowly escaped destruction; loss about $1000 A tw r o story frame 

house, corner of Centre and Colonie streets, took fire about 9 o'clock 

and was partially destroyed Ten Eyck's soap and candle factory 

in Green street took fire about 10 o'clock About 1 o'clock the 

Carlton House was again on fire, but was soon extinguished At 

11 o'clock in the evening, a fire was discovered in John street, which 
consumed a shed and stable ; a horse was badly burnt The coro- 
ner and four men going in a wagon to hold an inquest on the body of a 
man drowned, were precipitated down the embankment of a canal 
bridge above the Patroon's mansirn, and the whole party so severely 

injured, that another coroner was called to officiate A portion of 

the walls of the Westerlo street church, which was burnt at the late 
fire, were blown down by the high wind, i.nd buried two boys. 

30. A carpenter shop on the Patroon's creek burnt The Dundee 

Warehouse, corner S. Pearl and Division street, set on fire in the base- 

men t Mary Maher died, aged 60; wife of James Maher 

Sarah Schuyler died, widow of liarmanus P. Schuyler. 

MAY, 1848. 

J. The Common Council made the annual appointments of watchmen, 
street-inspectors, &c., and offered a standing reward of $100 for the dis- 
covery of any person engaged in setting fire to any building in the city. 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 171 

2. James Foster died, aged 62 Elizabeth M. Osbrey died, aged 

28; wife of William L. Osbrey. 

3. Caroline Smith, accused of stealing a child, having several times 
escaped the hands of justice, was finally tried and convicted, and sen- 
tenced to three years imprisonment at Sing Sing. 

4. A fire 9t 2 o'clock in the morning destroyed two houses and a stable 
in Denniston street, and burnt three horses. Two robberies were com- 
mitted at the same time Betsey Bently died, aged 80; widow of 

Capt. Randall Bentley. James Gough died, aged 37. 

5. The house corner of Broadway and Lumber streets burnt at 1 
o'clock in the morning The steam boats Alida and Hendrik Hud- 
son left New York at 7 o'clock in the morning, and arrived at Albany, 
the former at 2 o'clock 55 minutes, and the latter 15 minutes after, hav- 
ing made but one landing on the way up. The time made by the Alida 
was as follows : Caldwell 9h. 7m.; West Point, 9h. 34m. ; Newburgh, 
9h. 55iw. ; Poushkeepsie lOh. 40m. ; (landed 2lm.); Hyde Park 11*.; 
Catskill, 22/i. 31m. ; Athens, 12A. 42m. ; Albany, 2h. 55i. The two 
boats not more than 15m. apart during the whole eight hours, with an 
ebb tide. 

6. Peter Drum died, aged 45. 

8. Steam propeller Albany arrived from Hartford, intended for freight 
and passengers; length 140 feet, burden 240 tons; built in Philadelphia, 
Alfred Wickes died, aged 30. 

9. Mrs. Merrifield, wife of Richard Merrifield, died.. , . , . , Meeting 
of the friends of Ireland at the City Hall; adopted a constitution, and 
elected officers, John Tracy in the chair; Robt. Higgins and Matthew 
Jordan, secretaries; Wm. Hawe, treasurer. 

10. Hannah Vosburgh died, aged 82 George W. Gardner died, 

aged 35 Nearly 1000 Swiss emigrants arrived by the morning 

boats, on their way to Wisconsin. 

11. Store of Daniel Brown, corner Broadway and Colonie streets, rob- 
bed of $10 cash and other articles Abram Pittinger died, aged 47. 

12. High water; a rise of 5 feet in 17 hours; docks overflowed.. 

William Newton of Albany died at Vera Cruz, aged 24. 

13. The Albany and Cohoes Rail Road Company elected its officers. 

Two frame houses in Centre street destroyed by fire Levi 

S. Hoffman died, aged 45 ..... .Ann Taylor died, wife of Robert Taylor. 

14. Severe frost, which nipt many tender buds., ,,., .Edmund Hall, 
arrested for a robbery committed the night previous, 

15. The Board of Trade commenced operations in the rotunda of the 

Exchange The camphene store of S. T. Thorn, in Church street, 

took fire, which communicated with twenty-five other buildings before 
it was arrested. A Dutch immigrant lost $1450 in gold, his all. 

16. The store of George Dexter, 57 State street, robbed of $25, 

17. Two fires occurred, attended with small damage. 

18. William A. McKown died, aged 39. 

19. An attempt made to fire the buildings between Philip and Grand 
streets without success. Michael Henley died, 

20. The office of Joy & Monteath, on the Dock, robbed of $8 in change, 
and over $300 in counterfeit money which had accumulated during 
several years business. 

23. Hazeltine's store in Washington street robbed of $60; also the 
of Joseph Dayjs in State street robbed of several dollars, 



172 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

24. The store of Daniel Fry robbed of $25, William B. Emer- 
son died, aged 36. 

29. David Newland's house, 456 Broadway, took fire; damage small. 

30. A sportsman's club organized, at a meeting of citizens at the 
Broadway House; having for its object the observance of the law for 
the preservation of game. 

31. John G. Russ drowned in the basin, in attempting to get on board 

a canal boat; his wife and children were present at the occurrence 

Business of the Justices' Court for the month of May; suits commenced, 
270; amounts received for costs, $194.12; amount outstanding, $115. 
A frost at some places near the city. 

JUNE, 1848. 

1. Capt. Edward Whitney died, aged 49 Mary Schuyler died, 

aged 63; widow of Samuel Schuyler Elizabeth Garretson died. 

2. Cowell's store on the dock broken open, and robbed of $15 

James C. Mull, stabbed several days previously by an insane man, died 
of his wounds. 

3. Shoe store of William Fossard broken open and robbed of boots 
and shoes. 

4. Matthew Gregory died, aged 91; he was an officer of tho revolu- 
tion, and one of the few survivors of the ancient order of Cincinnati. 
He came to this city soon after the war, was successful in business, 
and retired with an ample fortune. 

5. The Albany County Court entertained an application for the in- 
corporation of the village of Cohoes, under the act of 1847. The village 
contains an area of 1| square miles, and has a population of 4,200 in- 
habitants. 

6. A barn burnt on Arbor Hill ; a battle with paving stones between 
a crowd of boys, for the honor of drawing a hose cart. 

7. The great menagarie of Sands, Lent & Co., entered the city, pre- 
senting a pageant of some interest. The huge gilded chariot, drawn by 
four large elephants, contrasted singularly enough with the Liliputian 
chariot, drawn by eight Shetland ponies. 

12. The store of Mr. Van Heusen. corner of Broadway and Bleecker 
street, broken open, and a quantity of butter carried off. . . . The Com- 
mon Council refused to grant $250 towards defraying the expenses of 
the Fourth of July Celebration, whereat much wrath and indignation 
was enkindled. 

16. A fire in the charcoal vault of the Delavan House, which was ex- 
tinguished with small damage. 

17. A large building, supposed to he set on fire, situated between 

North Pearl and Ten Broeck streets, was burnt The Pearl Street 

House burnt Andrew Lloyd died, aged 74 Abby M. Dela- 
van died, aged 47 ; wife of Edward C. Delavan. 

22. Datus E. Frost's provision store, corner of Lydius and Swan streets, 
destroyed by fire, occasioned by the explosion of a camphene lamp. 
The firemen had a riot on the corner of State and Pearl streets. The 
walks and streets were plentifully sprinkled with bricks and stones, on 
the following morning, and the doors and windows of the houses in the 
vicinity, presented indellible marks of the force with which the missiles 
were hurled. 






Chronicle of Events in Albany. 173 

25. An attempt was made to break into the grocery store, corner of 
North Pearl and Van Schaick streets, but a series of difficulties inter- 
posed to render the enterprise unsuccessful. 

26. Anna Garrison died, aged 97. 

27. A meeting in the park, announced by the blaze of tar and the roar 
of cannon, to respond to the nomination of Taylor and Fillmore. 

29. Anna Matilda Visscher died. 

30. James Lightbody died, aged S3. 

JULY, 1848. 

1. Elizabeth Campbell died, aged 18. 

2. Corner stone of the Catholic Cathedral laid, on the corner of Eagle 

and Lydius streets, by Bishop Hughes Charles Sayles died, aged 

70. 

4. The national holiday celebrated -with its usual accompaniments, 
but with an unwonted sullenness. on account of what was deemed an 
overweening parsimony on the part of the Common Council in with- 
holding supplies for ammunition, ad libitum The remains of Capt. 

Abraham Van OLinda arrived in the morning, from Mexico, and were 
escorted to the City Hall. 

5. Twentieth anniversary of the Albany Female Seminary, under 
Rev. Mr. Garfield. 

7. The funeral honors to the remains of Capt. Van OLinda were per- 

formed. The eulogy by Col. John Sharts A man killed by an 

accident, while laying the foundation of the Cathedral, in Lydius street. 
John Summers died. 

8. As an instance of commercial despatch quite extraordinary, the 
steam propeller Mohawk arrived from Hartford in the morning, was 
unladen, took in about 300 tons of freight, mostly com, and sailed on 
her return the same evening. 

9. Catharine Staats died, aged 65; wife of William N. Staats 

Bridget English died, wife of~Palnck English. 

11. Canal Bank closed by order of the comptioller, and a commission 

issued to investigate its concerns Splendid display of aurora bo- 

realis in the evening Seventh anniversary of the Alumnae of the 

Albany Female Academy. 

13. The workmen engaged in laying gas pipes in Broadway, above 
Steuben street, came in contact with the foundation of the ancient man- 
sion of Gen. Ten Broeck, which half a century ago stood across Broad- 
way at that point. At the time it was built it was outside of the city 

walls or palisades The Boston City Guards arrived, as the guests 

of the Albany Burgesses Corps, by whom they were received and es- 
corted Enthusiastic meeting of the Friends of Ireland at the Capi- 
tol, Hon. Erastus Corning presiding. There was universal sympathy 
for the cause of Ireland, in view of the expected outbreak in that coun- 
try, for freedom from British dominion The store of Lehrberg & 

Lederer, in south Broadway, robbed of $1,500 worth of silks. 

14. This, it is believed, was the first day of the discontinuance of the 
Sunday train of cars west George S. Brown died, aged 38. 

15. Anna T. Gough died, wife of John T. Gough. 

16. Garret Hogan died, aged 65. He had filled the offices of county 



174 Chronicle of Events in Albany. 

treasurer, deputy sheriff, and varions other places of trust, with great 
fidelity and zeal for the public interest. He resigned the office of se- 
cretary of the Albany County Mutual Insurance Company, on account 
of ill health, some time before his death, the business of which he had 
conducted with faithfulness nearly eight years. 

17. The steam boat Oswego arrived from New York with a fleet of 5 

barges and 24 Jake boats in tow. all heavily laden Upwards of 

300 men engaged in the construction of a new depot to accommodate 
the increasing trade between this city and Boston. Its dimensions are 
750 feet by 133 feet; believed to be the largest building in the United 
States. 

19. Feast of St. Vincent observed at St. Joseph's Church, by the cele- 
braiion of the pontifical high mass by Bishop McCloskey, and the pane- 
gyric of St. Vincent was delivered by Rev. Dr. McCaffrey, of Maryland. 

The Rev. Benj. N. Martin was installed pastor of ihe Fourth 

Presbyterian Church. The Rev. E. N. Kirk and the Rev. Mr. Fisher of 

Cincinnati, former pastors of the church, officiated on the occasion 

Meeting of the Barnburners at the Capitol, to respond to the nomina- 
tion of Martin Van Buren for president; Dr. Barent P. Staats in the 
chair. 

18. Dr. Henry McHarg died , aged 23 William Long died, aged 

62 Henry R. Gossman died at Cayuga Bridge, aged 28 ; formerly 

of Albany Ann Kilkenny died, aged 29; wife of Francis Kilkenny. 

20. John Leonard died, aged 18. 

21. An abortive attempt to fire the Tivoli Rail Road ?rlills, at the 

upper end of Broadway About 700 recruits passed through the 

city in the morning, destined for the newly acquired territory in Mexico. 

24. Sarah Juslina Fassett died, aged 23. 

25. Company H, 1st Regiment New York Volunteers, Capt. Farns- 
worth, arrived on board the Hendrik Hudson, and were gallantly re- 
ceived by the several military companies of the city, consisting of the 
Albany Republican Artillery, Albany Burgesses Corps, Emmet Guards, 
Van Rensselaer Guards, and Washington Riflemen. Capt Farnsworth 
succeeded to the command on the death of Van OLinda. Of the 70 pri- 
vates who left the city, but 45 returned. 

28. Anniversary of the district schools. The pupils assembled in 
the Capitol Park, to the number of upwards of 2000, and walked in 
procession to Kane's Walk, corner of South Pearl and Westerlo streets, 
where appropriate exercises were held. 

29. John S. Vandervolgen died. 

30. Cornelius Alexander died A robber assaulted alady in the 

street, who was accompanied by another lady and a gentleman, and 
wrested from her hand a purse of money and a ring valued at $20, with 
which he fled and eluded pursuit. 

31. A new organ of great power, recently placed in the Middle Dutch 
Church, was opened for public inspection. It was the largest in the city, 

and cost $4,000 A meeting at the Capitol of the friends of Ireland, 

the mayor in the chair Great rain storm at night, which damaged 

streets and houses. Nearly 2 inches of rain fell, about a week's supply 

in a rainy season The steam boat Oregon, on her trip down the 

river, came in contact with a sloop, by which several of her berths were 
stove in, and a young lady in one of them injured. 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 175 

AUGUST, 1848. 

1. Judge Harris robbed of his pocket book containing $300. at the 

rail road depot; the robber was immediately arrested Jacob 

Featherly died, aged 45 Elizabeth Demming died, aged 17. 

2. Jeremiah Smith died, aged 88. 

3. Mariah Hallenbake died, aged 21; wife of Christopher Hallenbake. 

4. The store 58 state street robbed of a large quantity of silks and 

other articles of dry goods The police officers arrested Lewis 

Van Cord at his house, and found in his possession a large quantity of 

stolen goods Margaret Bryan died, aged 24 John Glass fell 

from a tow boat and was drowned. 

6. Charlotte Hoard died, aged 84 ; widow of Jonathan Hoard, a rev- 
olutionary soldier. 

8. Four military companies arrived from New York as the guests of 
the Emmet Guards. They were accompanied by Lothian's Band; and 
having extended their visit to the Watervliet Arsenal, and Troy, returned 
by the evening boat to New York. 

10. Dr. Jonathan Eights died at his residence, corner North Pearl 
and Columbia streets, aged 75. He practiced his profession in this city 
nearly half a century, with distinguished skill and success, and was 

universally esteemed and respected William Updike died of pa 

ralysis, aged 34 Mary Jane Van Buren died, aged 22. 

12. Thos. Sullivan, a deaf mute, run over by the Troy rail road train 
and killed. 

13. James Aiken died of paralysis, aged 59. 

14. A man convicted of stealing a pair of hor-es from Chauncey Dex- 
ter, was sentenced to three years in the state prison. 

15. Dr. Morrell made an ascension in a balloon from the Mineral 
Spring Garden in Ferry street. The ropes were cut about 5 o'clock in 
the afternoon, and the balloon rose majestically, and took a notherly 

direction Thomas Maher, aged 8 years, was drowned in the pond 

at the head of Canal street, formed by the pent up waters which for- 
merly supplied the Foxen kill. This was the sixth life lost in the pond 
during two years. 

17. The Gr ^at Fire. It broke out in a small shed adjoining the Al- 
bion Hotel, (-/rner of Broadway and Herkimer streets, said to have been 
occasion':,! by a washerwoman's bonnet. The flames spread with great 
rapiuily before a strong south wind, taking in their course both sides of 
Broadway and Church street, and crossing to the Pier, swept every 
thing down as far as the cut at the foot of Maiden lane. The large 
buildings in the vicinity of the Eagle Tavern, presented a temporary 
barrier to the flames, which having passed, they swept on as far as the 
corner of Hudson street. The wind then suddenly shifted to the north, 
and drove the fire in an opposite direction. At night it commenced 
raining, which rendered the buildings less combustible, and assisted in 
staying the conflagration. Besides the great number of buildings con- 
sumed, vast quantities of every kind of property perished with them. 
The losses of the insurance companies was full half a million, and the 
whole loss could not have been much short of three millions of dollars, 
contained in about 600 houses. The exact area burnt over, including 
Basin and Pier, was 37 acres, about one-thirtieth of the whole city. It 



176 Chronicle of Eve7its in Albany. 

extended 700 feet west from the river on Herkimer street, 350 on Dal- 
lius, running northwardly ; 900 feet on Union street, continuing in the 
same direction ; 300 feet east on Hudson, and 1600 on Quay street, run- 
ing south. This was the most densely populated part of the city 

Robert Harvey died, aged 48. 

19. The store of Matthews Brown, corner of Chapel and Canal street 

robbed of $30 The firemen had a riot in South Pearl and State 

streets, as they were returning from a false alarm of fire, and several 
persons who took no part in the affray were severely injured. 

20. The sleeping apartment of Mr. Joseph Parker was robbed of $250 
and a gold watch. 

21. The Common Council ordained that no wooden building, or build, 
ing wholly or partially covered with wood, should thereafter be erected 
in any part of the city of Albany, east of Lark street; and that every 
eaves trough, cornice and gutter should be made of metal or other in- 
combustible material. 

22. Isaac Brown died at Somerville, N. J., aged 49 ; formerly a hard- 
ware merchant in Albany. 

23. Eliza Salisbury died, age! 28 ; wife of William Salisbury 

Benjamin P. Gregory, formerly of Albany, died at Jersey city, aged 43. 

25. Betsey McCarty died, aged 21. 

26. Whig meeting called at the Capitol on the receipt of Gen. Tay- 
lor's letter, accepting the nomination of the democrats of Charleston, 
S. C., to run on their ticket with Gen. Butler. Great indignation was 
expressed at this unexpected turn of things, and the disposition pre- 
vailed to throw the General overboard; but it was wisely determined to 

postpone the act to Monday night James Hanley, shot at the riot 

of the 19th, died of the wound after a week of intense suffering. 

27. Perry Tucker died, aged 47. 

28. The Common Council decided to improve the burnt district by 
widening and straightening the streets, and raising the grade of Broad- 
way between Hamilton and Lydius streets Adjourned indignation 

meeting of the whigs at the Capitol, convened to digest the Taylor and 
Butler nomination at Charleston, S. C. It was decided that the alarm 
of Saturday evening was groundless, and that there was no danger to 
be apprehended from the circumstance of Gen. Taylor having accepted 
a democratic nomination. 

30. Explosion of a steam boiler at the furnace of Ransom & Co., by 
which a portion of the roof and wall was blown off, and four of the 
workmen severely injured. 

SEPTEMBER, 1848. 

1. Col. Robert E. Temple returned to the city from the Mexican 

campaign John Hunt, forger of a check on the Exchange Bank 

for $1805, in November last, was arrested and committed for trial 

George Eugan died of wounds received by the fall of the draw at the 
Boston Ferry two weeks before. 

2. Mrs. Elizabeth Van Schaack died, aged 42 ; wife of John Van 
Schaack. 

3. Rev. Elias Vanderlip died, aged 84. He was the patriarch of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in this city. He was born at Carl's Neck, 



Chronicle of Events in Albany. 177 

Staten Island, Feb. 10, 1765, and left fatherless at an early age. When 
the British took New York, he was apprenticed to the shoe-making 
business. In 1787, he became a convert in the M.E. Church. In 1792, 
he first began to exhort. In 1796, he settled in Albany and opened a 
shoe store, but lost all his stock by fire ; he was then invited to Nis- 
kayuna (now Watervliet) to preach. In 1800, he was ordained a deacon, 
and his first appointment was to Pittsfield circuit in 1802. In 1804, he 
was ordained an elder. In 1805, his name was put down for Albany. 
He preached from 1805 to 1836, when he was obliged by old age to 
desist. In April last he was laid upon his bed with a broken thigh, from 
which, with the frosts of years thick upon him, and fearless of death, 
his immortal spirit winged its flight to a better world. 

5. Althia A. Loveland died; a pupil of the Normal School from Frank- 
lin, Delaware county Mary Relay died, aged 86 ; widow of Rob- 
ert Relay. 

7. Hon. John C. Spencer, of Albany, delivered the Address before 
the State Agricultural Society, at its annual fair, in Buffalo. 

9. Fire in the building north of the Mansion House, which was burnt 
out, leaving the walls standing. The jewelary store of Mulford & Wen- 
dell, the clothing store of Robert Freeman, the large law library of 
Samuel Stevens, and the Daguerreotype Rooms of Gavit, besides law offi- 
ces, work shops and store rooms, were considerably injured before they 
could be removed, or entirely consumed. Loss about $12.000, mostly 

insured The receipts of the Albany and Boston rail road, for the 

week ending this day, were $17,000 for passengers alone, being the 
largest sum received from that source in any one week since the opening 
of the road. 

12. The new steam ferry boat, T. W. Olcott. commenced running at 

the Albany and Boston Rail Road Ferry Barney Flinn died, aged 

34; a volunteer in the company under Col. Temple. 

13. Nomination of Gen. John A. Dix, by the Barnburner or Free Soil 

convention at Utica, for the office of governor of the state The 

house of A. McCowan robbed of money and jewelery. 

14. Frost ; fires necessary in the morning. . . . Annual exhibition of the 
Albany and Rensselaer Horticultural Society, at the Geological Rooms. 

Meeting of the Clay whigs at the Capitol, when it was resolved 

to abandon Taylor, and adopt Henry Clay, and attempt to carry his 

lection Meeting of the rail road companies at Utica, when it was 

resolved to reduce the fare between Albany and Buffalo to $9 75, being 
an average of 3 cents a mile Elizabeth Wadsworth died, aged 73. 

15. Fire in the wooden building, corner of South Pearl and Hamilton 

street; damage small Elizabeth Somers died, aged 48 ; widow of 

the late John Somers. 

18. The Common Council resolved to extend the area of the steam- 
boat landing south to Lydius street. 

19. The members of the city corporation proceeded in a body to Con- 
gress Hall to pay their respects to Gen. Worth On the opening of 

the Mayor's court the grand jury came in with thirty indictments with- 
out having finished their business. There were 170 criminal cases on 
the calendar before The last remittance from the New York re- 
lief committee to the sufferers by the fire in Albany, amounting in the 
whole