I VEULTTJ W,<tVOI
; ARBOR
Presented to the
LIBRARY of the
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
by
OIITAP.IO LEGISLATIVE
FIRST REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH.
ERECTED 1797.
61
766
^4=B
.
ANNALS OF ALBANY
BY JOEL MUNSELL.
VOL. IX.
.
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^'A'W/S
ALBANY:
:EN
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MUNSELL & ROWLAND, -PRINTERS;
1858
PREFACE.
While we are rejoicing over the great achievement of
the day in the transmission of intelligence by electricity
between distant continents and our own, it may be in-
teresting to note the advantages of our predecessors in
this respect, in less progressive times. The City Records
in this volume embrace the period between the years
1726 and 1731. At that time and. for many years after-
wards, it will be found that in cases of emergency, when
it was necessary to have speedy communication with
New York, the authorities still sent off their despatches
by a canoe. The Notes from the Newspapers embrace
about the same period of time a century later, when the
winged messenger of news was the steam boat. These
no longer boasted of going through by daylight, they now
made the passage in a little more than nine hours. How
much more rapidly improvements and discoveries go
forward, we are able to comprehend in reviewing the
iv Preface.
m
achievements of the last quarter of a century. It is no
longer doubted that we shall soon have intelligence from
all parts of the earth, of its daily occurrences, on the
same day in which they happen.
Since personal history is becoming more particularly
the object of research, to satisfy genealogical inquiry,
among other things, the scanty gleanings we have been
able to make from the resources whence these pages are
drawn, will be found not wholly profitless. Their scan-
tiness, however, should serve to teach the living the im-
portance of more suitable memorials for those who are
continually departing. The remembrance of men perishes
almost as soon as their bodies, and the care of friends
provides only a brief inscription upon a tombstone. The
newspapers are convenient, receptacles for suitable
mementos, yet they are seldom to be found there. A
single line under the obituary head, often without date,
or age, not unfrequently merely a formal invitation to
attend a funeral, is all the hint we have of their depart-
ure. If it were an object to cap the remembrance of
their exit with an extinguisher, it could hardly be more
gracefully done. Forced to rely upon such imperfect
records, the obituary notices which we have to offer,
are often necessarily unsatisfactory.
We have from time to time published the opinions and
Preface. v
speculations of foreigners upon the city and its manners
and customs. These are not always palatable, perhaps
not always justly drawn; but they serve to correct
faults which we do not observe in ourselves, to point
out improvements, and to throw much new light upon
objects which are too near to be discerned in their
true colors. If there are any so obtuse as not to be able
to see these qualities in the criticisms of our sojourners,
they may possibly find amusement in the singular and
mistaken notions into which they sometimes fall.
It is determined to close this work with the next
volume, although so much remains unpublished. Neither
the form nor capacity of these volumes are suited to the
magnitude of the subject, and it is contemplated, if any
thing further is undertaken in this connection, to present
it under a different arrangement.
CO NTBNTS.
The City Records, 9
A List of the Heads of Families, 1697, 81
Biographical Memoirs of Physicians in Albany
County, 90
Schenectady, 116
De Vries in Albany, 124
Father Jogue's Account of Rensselaerwyck, , 130
The Mohawk Indians, 132
Notes from the Newspapers, 145
J. S. Buckingham in Albany, 284
City of Albany in 1823, 328
Annals of the Year 1857, 332
ILLUSTKATIONS.
Steam Boat Victory, , ". 152
West View of the General Market in 1819, 154
Female Seminary, , 171
First Catholic Church, 180
Portrait of John V. Henry, 193
Fourth Presbyterian Church, 210
St. Mary's Church, 216
Albany Academy, 293
Female Academy, 295
ANNALS OF ALBANY.
THE CITY BECOBDS.
Continued from vol. viii, p. 312.
At a Common Council! held on ye 10th Day of August,
for ye City of Albany — Present, Johannis Cuyler,
Esq., Mayor, Rutger Bleecker, Esq., Recorder, Jo-
hannis Pruyn, Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders,
Johannis Tenbroeck, Dirck Tenbroeck, Esq'rs, Al-
dermen, Barent Bradt, Isaack Fonda, Tobias Ryck-
man, Johannis Bleecker, Assistants.
By ye Mayor, Aldermen and Comonalty of the City of
Albany.
Whereas by an ordinance made the 19th day of March
172| , it was amongst other things ordained that some
streets and lanes in the city and Albany were to be well
paved on or before ye 1st and 15th of this instant. Now
at ye request of severall of y° Inhabitants of ye said city
and other sufficient causes,
Be it Ordaind that all manner of Persons whome the
said ordinance concerns are allowed further time till ye
1st of September for finishing ye same.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 22d Day of August 1726.
It is Resolved that advertisements be put up at the
most public places of this city that all person or persons
who have any just Demands due from ye said city bring
in their accounts to Barent Bratt, Treasurer of said city
on or before ye 22d Day of September next ensuing.
[Annals, ix.] 2
10 The City Records.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 27th Day of September 1726.
Whereas we hare of late had a long and hard rain
which have occasioned high water so that there is no
flood in the river, wherefore 'tis feared ye Sloops will not
be capable to come time enough for our Court which is to
beheld Thursday the 6th day of October next, and being
in expectation of a new commission for our Inferior Court
of Common Pleas, It is therefore Resolved that a mes-
senger be dispatched to meet and speak with all Sloops
& to know whether they have any Commission onboard,
and if they find none then to proceed to his Excel 1'cy pray-
ing that his Excell'cy would be pleased to dispatch ye
said messenger with ye said Commission.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 29th of September 1726.
This day being appointed by ye Charter of the city of
Albany for the aldermen of each respective ward within
the said city to make return of ye aldermen, assistants
and constables to serve for the ensuing year, who are as
follows :
First Ward.
Aldermen. Assistants.
Hermanus Wendell Tobias Ryckman
John D'Peyster Volkert Dow
Garret Van Sante, Constable.
Second Ward.
Hendrick Roseboom Johannis Rosebocm, Jun.
Barent Sanders Johannis Bleecker, Jun.
Luycas Johan's Wyngaert, Constable.
Third Ward.
Dirk Tenbroeck Barent Bradt
Peter Winne Isaack Fonda
JellisDeGarmoy, Constable.
Barent Bradt is appointed Chamberlain by the Com-
mon Councill for ye ensuing year and Jeremiah Parmiter
is appointed High Constable for y° ensuing year.
The City Records. 11
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this llth Day of October 1726.
Mr. Evert Wendell appeared this day in Common
Councill and delivered in his accolt which amounted to
twenty-six pounds and five shillings and after some de-
bate it was agreed for ye summ of twenty-one pounds, and
further the Common Councill .(this day) agree to give
the said Evert Wendell a retaining fee of three pounds
for ye corporation of Albany against all manner of per-
sons whatsoever, of which Mr. Evert Wendell accepted.
This Day allowed and approved the following accounts
& issued a warrant to the treasurer of the city of Albany
for the payment thereof, being one hundred and fifty-four
pounds four shillings and six pence half penny, vizd
To Jeremiah Van Rensselaer for firewood, &c of the last
year to ye 29th of September last and one
fat sheep - - £10: 0: 0
To Phil : Livingston, pr agreement - - 15:18:0
To Augustinus Turck, £7:10, firewood 20s. 8:10: 0
To Jacob Egmont 13:10: 0
To Johannis Seger, £9:3:9, item, 3s. - - 9: 6: 9
To Rachel wife of John Redlef - - 5: 0: 0
To Hermanus Wendell by ball: of his acclt,
house rent included to the 1st day of
May 1726 - ... 18:10:10J
To Johannis Cuyler, pr accu - 1 1: 0: 0
To Johannis Pruyn - - - 1: 4: 0
To Hendrick Roseboom for Elizabeth, widow
of Daniel Brat • -• - - 8: 0
To Johannis Tenbroeck • • • 3: 7: 0
To Dirck Tenbroeck - - 1:17: 6
To John De Peyster for John Brumly - - 1:16:2
To Barent Bratt 1: 1: 0
To Isaac Fonda - 1: 6: 0
To Dirck Bratt 4:16: 3
To Goose Van Schaick - - - - 4: 9: 0
To Leonard Gansevoort - - - - 1: 8: 6
To Johannis Wendell - ... 2:10: 0
Carried over £115:18;OOJ
12 The City Records.
Brought over £1 15:18:00 \
To Cornelius and Johannis Masen - ' • 2:11: 0
To Jacob Beekman • ... 6: 6
Sarah, widow of Hendrick Gravenraet - 12:0
To Joseph Van Sante 2: 3
To John Redlef 3: 9
To Adam Van Den bergh - - - 6: 3
To William Hogan, £3:2:6, item £1:11:9 • 4:14: 3
ToJohnProsie 1:19:0
To John Dunbarr 2: 3: 0
To Johannis Becker - ... 7: 6
To Ever Wendell's acco" as per agreement 21: 0: 0
To Do Wendell a retaining fee for ye Corpo-
ration against all manner of persons
whatsoever 3: 0: 0
To John Collins for a fee ag1 Isaac Trtiax in
1724 for ye Corporation 1: 0: 0
£154:04:6J
At a Common Councill held at the City hall of Albany
this 14th Day of October 1726.
This Day being appointed by the Charter of the city
of Albany for the aldermen, assistants and constables of
ye said city to be sworn who are sworn as followeth for
ye ensuing year.
First Ward. — Hermanns Wendell, John Depeyster,
Esq'rs, Aldermen ; Tobias Ryckman, Volkert Dow, As-
sistants.
Second Ward. — Hendrick Roseboom, Esq., Alderman;
John Roseboom, Jun'r, Job's Bleecker Jun'r, Assistants.
Third Ward.— Dirck Tenbroeck, Esq'r, Alderman ;
Barent Bratt, Assistant,
Likewise Barent Brat sworn as City Chamberlain or
Treasurer ; and Jeremiah Permiter sworn as High Con-
stable of the said city for this ensuing year; and for ye
1st ward Garret Van Sante, 2d ward, Luycas Jo's Wyn-
gaert, 3d ward Yellis De Gardemoy , sworn as petty Con-
stables for ye sd city.
The City Records. 13
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 8th Day of November 1726— Present, Rutger
Bleecker, Esq., Mayor, John De Peyster, Esq., Re-
corder, Hermanns Wendell, Hendrick Roseboom,
Barent Sanders, Dirck Tenbroeck,Esq's, Aldermen,
parent Bratt, John's Bleecker, Volkert Douw, As-
sistants.
Whereas Thomas Williams jun'r, and William Hogan
jun'r, was employd upon an extraordinary message to
New York by ye Corporation, for which extraordinary
service 'twas agreed by ye corporation to give ye said Wil-
liams and Hogan four pounds, Resolved that an order be
issued to ye Chamberlain for ye payment of ye same.
And whereas Thomas Williams Esq., high sheriff of
this city and county brings in his charges of fees in an
action between this Corporation and Philip Verplank,
which amounts to thirteen and sixpence, Resolved that
an order be issued to ye Chamberlain for y6 payment of
ye same.
And whereas William Hopkins, Deputy Clerk, brings
in an accou of fees in an action between this Corporation
and Philip Verplank, amounting to one pound five shil-
lings and ninepence. Resolved that an order be issued to
ye Chamberlain for ye payment of ye same; and also
that an order be issued to ye sd Chamberlain for ye pay-
ment of Augustinus Turck ten shillings for fees in yesaid
action.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 10th Day af November 1726.
This day appeared in Common Councill Joh's Seager,
and desired that he might be continued in the office of
Bellman for ye ensuing year, commencing the 14th of
October last past and ending ye 14th of October next, to
go round every other night, every hour from ten a clock
to four in the Winter, and from ten a clock to three in
the Summer and to call at all the usual places of the city
what a clock and what weather it is, for the which he is to
have ten pounds ten shillings in money and three pound
in wood.
14 The City Records.
Jacob Egmont also appeared and desired the same for
the same services as above sd, he is to have the sum of
thirteen pounds and ten shillings, wherein is included
three pounds for fire wood.
Resolved that the said Seager & Egmont be continued
in the said office of Bellmen provided they shall duly and
truly perform ye sd office.
Be it likewise Resolved and ordained that for each
ward in this city be appointed two sufficient persons for
fire masters and if the persons so appointed shall refuse
or neglect ye said offices he or they so refusing or neg-
lecting shall be fined thirty shillings for each offence ; and
accordingly the following persons were appointed:
1st Ward—Jofrs Defreest, Egbert Bratt.
2d Ward — Teunis Slingerlandt, Gelyn Verplank.
3d Ward— Garret Lansing, Peter P. Schuyler.
By the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of
Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas severall persons within this city and county
of Albany do presume to ride with sleds and horses in
the streets of ye said city very fast and unruly, whereby
many unhappy accidents may happen, for ye preventing
whereof it is hereby ordained, published and declared
that from and after the publication hereof no person or
persons shall ride or drive any horse or horses with sled,
waggon or cart or otherwise in the street or lanes in the
said city faster than on a step or a very moderate trott,
on penalty of forfeiting for every such offence the sum of
six shillings, to be paid by ye owner, rider or driver of
such horse, sled waggon or cart.
Be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, that
no children or other persons shall ride down any hill
within this city on any small sleds, boards or otherwise,
on penalty of eighteen pence for each offence, to be paid
by ye persons transgressing or their parents or by those
under whose care they are.
Be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid that
The City Records. 15
no negro or Indian slave above ye number of three do
assemble or meet together on the Lords Day or any other
time at any place from their masters service within this
city or liberties thereof, and that no such slave do go
armed at any time with gunn, sword, club or other kind
of weapon whatsoever under penalty of being set in the
stocks for ye space of six hours unless ye master or owner
of such slave will pay six shillings to excuse the same.
And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid,
that no person or persons whatsoever do hereafter har-
bour, conceal or entertain other mens slave or slaves at
his, her or their houses or outhouses, or sell them any
rum, beer or other strong liquors or give them any enter-
tainment without ye consent of ye master or mistress of
such slave or slaves shall forfeit for every such offence
twelve shillings.
And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid,
that one of the constables of the three wards of this city
do by turns successively on the Lords Day in the time of
Divine service walk through the severall streets and
lanes of this city with his staff to prevent disorders or
irregularities and noise especially near ye church, on
penalty not exceeding six shillings for every person above
ye age of fifteen, and on penalty not exceeding nine
pence for every person from ye age of eight to fifteen for
each default, for ye behoof of ye sheriff or constable who
shall give information of ye defaulters.
And be it further ordained by ye authority aforesaid,
that such of ye constables who shall be remiss or negli-
gent in putting this ordinance in execution shall forfeit
for every offence twenty shillings for the behoof of ye
sheriff.
And be it further ordained by ye authority aforesaid,
that all ye pains, penalties and forfeitures above men-
tioned shall be recovered before ye Mayor, Recorder or
any of ye Aldermen of y~ said city and levied by distress
of ye goods and chattels of ye defaulters if they refuse to
pay, and be disposed of and paid to ye sheriff or any con-
stable within the said city who shall give information of
16 The City Records.
ye defaulters aforesaid, any form, law or use of the Cor-
poration to the contrary hereof in any wise notwith-
standing.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 26th Day of January 172f .
Whereas somme of the Tenants at Schachkook who hold
land under this Corporation have neglected to pay their
Rent according to the tenure of their Indentures, It is
therefore Resolved that if those persons who have neg-
lected as aforesaid nor given satisfaction, do not pay ye
same on or before ye first day of March next ensuing the
date hereof, that they shall be prosecuted according to
the tenour of their respective Indentures.
Ordered that they be served with a coppy of this minit.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 5th Day of April! 1727.
Whereas Johannis Myndertse of the Township of
Schenectady having heretofore commenced an action
against Johannis Pruyn, Dirck Tenbroeck, Barent San-
ders, Hendrick Roseboom and John De Peyster, which
being now determined in the Supream Court of ye city of
New York against the said Johannis Pruyn, Dirck Ten-
broeck, Barent Sanders, Hendrick Roseboom and John
De Peyster, Whereupon an Execution is served upon the
said Joh's Pruyn, Dirck Tenbroeck, Barent Sanders,
Hendrick Roseboom & John De Peyster for £38:1:00,
for damages and costs, and the sheriffs fees for serving
the said execution and other charges amounts to £3:8:3,
which together makes £41 :9:3.
It is the opinion of the Common Councill that the said
summ be paid and defrayd by this Corporation, pursuant
to a Resolution made ye 4th day of September 1723. We
being convinced what the above mentioned persons (as
members of the commonalty) have done in that affair,
was for the preservation of the liberties & privileges of
this city, Whereupon it is Resolved that the said summ
be taken upon interest and that the Treasurer pass his
The City Records. 17
bond for the same to pay the said summ with interest at
the time mentioned in the said bond.
Whereas William Hogan brings an accolt into this
Common Councill the Ballance whereof amounts to
J62:6:7-J. Ordered that Barent Bradt, Treasurer of the
said city pay the same.
Whereas John Dunbarr brings an accolt into this Com-
mon Councill the ballance whereof amounts to £3:3:7J.
Ordered that Barent Bradt, Treasurer of ye city of
Albany, pay ye same.
By the worshipful! Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen & Com-
monalty of the City of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas severall streets and Lanes in this city are so
much lumberd and filld up with fire wood and dirt and
out of repair, to the great grievance of the inhabitants,
for preventing whereof Be it Ordained, Published and
Declared by the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Com-
monalty of the said City in Common Councill convened,
and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same,
that all persons within the said city shall at or before ye
15th day of this instant, Aprill, cause ye streets, lanes,
alleys and pavements before their respective houses and
lotts of ground to be repaired and cleared of all dirt,
filth, dung & firewood, and so to continue to do ye same
every fortnight following, and that all timber for building
and coopers wood be regularly piled up on or before the
first day of May next (timber for present building only
excepted) all on the penalty of six shillings for every
default on any of the articles aforesaid for the behoof of
the sheriff, who is to sue for the same, to be recovered
before ye Mayor or Recorder or any one of the Aldermen
within the said city.
Dated in Albany this 7th day of Aprill 1727.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of ye City of
Albany this 9th Day of May 1727.
By the worshipfull the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
Commonalty of ye City of Albany.
18 The City Records.
An Ordinance.
Whereas severall streets, lanes and alleys within this
city of Albany want to be regulated, repaired and paved
and some parts earth dug out and carted away and some
other parts filled up, for ye effecting whereof
Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, that all and
every person within this said city, whose houses or
lots front the said streets, lanes or alleys, shall at his,
hers or their own cost and charges dig up & cart away
earth where it shall be required and also fill up with
earth where it shall be necessary and to pave, mend and
repair ye said streets, lanes and alleys in such manner
and forme and in such time as shall be ordered and di-
rected by the authority aforesaid, or the major part of
them, and if any person or persons shall neglect, refuse
or delay to obey, performe and fullfillthe said orders and
directions shall forfeit ye summ of twenty shillings for
each default for the behoof of ye sherriff to be recovered
before ye Mayor, Recorder or any one of ye Aldermen of
ye said city.
Att a Comon Councill held in ye City hall of Albany the
19th Day of July Annoq Domini 1727.
Whereas Barent Bratt, Treasurer of this city, in pur-
suance of an order of Comon Councill of the 5 day of
April last past, has taken upon intrest yc sum of fourty-
one pounds nine shillings and threepence, Ordered that
ye said Treasurer shall be repaid out of ye incom or mo-
ney which shall be rec'ed for the use of this Corporation
to Defra ye said debt.
In Pursuance of an Ordinance of the Mayor, Recorder,
Aldermen and Comonality of this city of Albany pub-
lished ye 9th day of May 1727, It is this day ordered and
directed yl ye street between Leendert Gansevoort and Jan
Everse leading to the River be full paved from one side
to the other from ye frount of Bruers street and so east-
wards as far as ye east side of the Coepers shop of Jan
Everse so yl there be a reasonable desent to vent ye water
towards ye River, to be finished at or before ye 15th day
The City Records. 19
of September next insuing, on forfeiture of twenty shil-
lings for each default, pursuance of the aforementioned
ordinance.
It is also ordered yt ye pavement in ye lane or street
between the lotts of Jacob Lansing and Jacob Visser in
the third ward of this city be taken up where it shall be
wanting & earth taken out 20 inches on ye west end of
ye said street & so in perportion and repaired so yl there
be a sufficient desent to vent ye water into Bruers street,
to be finished at or before ye 15th day of August next
insuing, on forfeituer of twenty shillings for each default
pursuance the aforementioned ordinance.
It is also ordered yl the street or lane between the
second and third ward between the severall lotts of
Abraham Cuyler, Nuklaes Bleecker and Johannis Cuyler
on ye west side, Sam'l Pruien, Jacob Muller, Peter Winne,
Wessel Ten Broeck, Johannis Pruien and Jacob Lan-
sing on ye east side be cleared and sufficiently paved from
ye one side to the other where it is out of repair and
wanting, by ye owners whose lotts fronts ye said lane, so
yl there be a desent at least of 20 inches to vent the
water in the lane between Jacob Lansing and Jacob Visser,
to be finished at or before ye 15th day of September next
insuing, on forfeituer of twenty shillings for each default
pursuance ye aforementioned ordinance.
It is also ordered yl ye ground adjoining the lotts of
Johan's Bleecker Jun'r, Jurrejan Hogen, Hendrick Rose-
boom Jun'r, Johan's Roseboom and Abraham Lansing on
ye west side of their lotts in ye second ward of this city
belevelet and earth taken out where it shall be wanting,
so yl there be a sufficient desent to vent ye water to
Foxses Creek, to be finished and done by ye owners or
tenants of ye said lotts, each respectively behind their
lotts at or before ye 15th day of August next insuing, on
forfetuer of twenty shillings for each default, pursuance
the aforementioned ordinance.
Att a Comon Councill held in the City hall of Albany yc
28th Day of July 1727.
20 The City Records.
By the worshipfull Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
ComaJity of the City of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas there is a drain in Parrall street in ye second
ward which vents its water into ye lott of ground of Jo-
hannis Beeckman Jun'r, which as is complained of is a
great hinderance to the said Johannis Beekman Jun'r in
ye building on ye sd lott, & as we are informed the sd
water comes out the severall Sailers of Cornells Van
Scherluylen, Johannis Groesbeeck, Benjamin Egberts,
Johanns Roseboom, the heirs of Dirck Wesselse deceased
and Johannis Visher by their several drains comming in
the first mentioned drain, it is therefore ordered that
such owners or tenants whose drain vents its water into
the aforesd drain shall lay the said drain so yl it be dis-
tance at least twelf foot on ye west side of ye sd Lott of
Jchannis Beeckman Jun'r, and that it vent its water in
the middle of the street between Johannis Beeckman
Jun'r and Anthony Van Schaick Jun'r, on or before the
eighth day of August now next ensuing, on forfeiture of
twenty shillings for each person that shall be found in
default, and ten shillings for every week after ye eighth
day of August untill the said drain be laid as aforesd, for
the behoof of the sherriff to be Recovered before ye
Mayor, Recorder & Aldermen or any two of them.
It is further ordered if any stone, wood or lomber
lay in the way to hinder the said work shall be removed
and taken away by the owners therof when required by
the makers of the sd Drain on forfeiture of six shillings
for each, Day, to be recovered as aforesaid. Dated in
the City hall of Albany this twenty eighth Day of July
in the thirteenth year of his Maj's Reign, Annoq Domini
1727.
Att a Comon Councill held in the City hall of Albany
the 26th Day of September Annoq Domini 1727.
After advertisements having been put up at the most
public places of this city that persons who had any just
demands on this city should bring in their accou'ts and
The City Records. 21
demands on or before the 25th instant unto BarentBratt,
City Treasurer, whereupon the said accounts and de-
mands being this day examined and allowed in Comon
Councill amounting to ninety one pound nineteen shillings
seven pence halfpenny, and a warrant isued to the Trea-
surer for the payment thereof accordingly, viz :
To Jeremiah Van Rensselaer for fire wood, &c., of ye
last year to ye 29th of September last
and one fat sheep - - - £1 0:00:00
To Philip Livingston, per agreement • • 15:18:00
To August's Turck, £1 : 10, fire 20s. - - 8:10 :00
To Jacob Egmont for one year sellery as Bell-
mn a and for fire wood together - - 13:10:00
To Joha's Seger, Bellman, do • - - 13:10:00
To Rachel, wid' w of John Redliff - 6 :00 :00
To Harmanus Wendell for one years House
Rent expired ye first of May 1727 - 7:10 :00
4:16:03
3:19:06
3:03:07J
2:02:09
2:1L:04£
0:13:01J
0:15:00
To Dirck Bratt
To Johannis Ten Broeck
To Anna Kitsenaers
To John Dunbar
To William Hogan
To John Rosie
To Joh's Lansingh
Att a meting of ye Recorder, Aldermen and Assistants
at the City hall of Albany this 29th Day of Septem-
ber Annoq. Do. 1727.
This Day being appointed by ye Charter of ye City of
Albany for the Aldermen of each respective ward within
the said city to make Return of ye Aldermen, Assistants
and Constables to serve for ye ensuing year, who are as
follows :
First Ward.
Aldermen. Assistants.
Harmanus Wendell Tobias Ryckman
Ryer Garretse Henry Holland, Jun'r
Johannis V. Der Heyden, Constable.
[Annals, ix.] 3
22 The City Records.
Second Ward.
Hendrick Roseboom Gysbert Roseboom
Barent Sanders Gerrit Roseboom Jun'r
Gerrit A. Lansingh, Constable.
Third Ward.
Dirck Ten Broeck Johan's Ostrander
Peter Winne Gerrit G. Lansingh
Evert Jacobse Evertse, Constable.
Barent Bratt is appointed Chamberlain by this meting
for ye ensuing year, and Jellis De Garmoy is appointed
high Constable for the ensuing year.
Att a meeting of ye Recorder, Aldermen and Assistants
at ye City hall of Albany this 14th October, Anno
Do. 1727.
This Day being appointed by the Charter of the City
of Albany for the Aldermen, Assistants & Constables of
the said city to be sworn, who are sworn as followeth
for the ensuing year:
Aldermen — For the first ward, Harmanus Wendell,
Reyer Gerritse, Esq'rs ; for the second ward, Hend'k
Roseboom, Barent Sanders ; for the third ward, Dirck
Ten Broeck.
Assistants — For the first ward, Tobias Ryckman ; for
the second ward, Gysbert Roseboom, Gerrit Roseboom;
for the third ward, Gerrit G. Lansing, Johan's Ostrande.
High Constable — Jellis D. Germoy.
Constable — For the second ward, Gerrit A. Lansing.
Att a Comon Councill held in the City of Albany the 24th
Day of October Annoq Domini 1727 — Present, Rut-
ger Bleecker, Esq'r, Mayor, Harmanis Wendell,
Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, Dirck Ten
Broeck, Peter Winne, Esq s, Aldermen ; Toby as Ryck-
man, Johannis Ostrander, Gerrit Lansing, Jun'r,
Gysbert Roseboom, Garrit Roseboom, Jun'r, Henry
Holland, Jun'r, Assistants.
^ Resolved, the same day by ye Comon Councill to peti-
tion the General Assembly to enable the said Comon
Councill by an act of sd General Assembly to raise the
The City Records. 23
sum of forty pounds yearly for the term of five years for
defraying the necessary charges of this city, viz :
To the Honorable ye General Assembly of the Province
of New York.
The humble Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen & Assist-
ants of the city of Albany, in Common Councill, most
Humbly sheweth,
That the yearly income of ye City Corporation doth
not amount to as much as will defray the necessary
charges of the said city ;
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray yl it may be
enacted by the General Assembly that ye Mayor, Alder-
men and Assistants for the time being may be enabled to
raise by taxes yearly for the time and space of five years
a certain sum, not exceeding forty pounds, and to have
leave to bring in a bill accordingly, and your petitioners
as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c.
Albany, the 24th October 1727.
It is further Resolved yl the freeholders of ye city of
Albany who have Lands or Grounds fronting on ye East
near or to Hudsons River be desired to produce their
titles to ye same in order yl ye Common Council may be
the better enabled to consider of finding out proper ways
and means for docking and regulateing of streets on the
east thereof along Hudsons River, and that such titles be
produced in Common Council at the City hall of this city
on the 10th day of November next.
Att A Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 29th Day of November Annoq Domini 1727.
Be it Resolved & Ordained yl for each ward in this
city be appointed two sufficient persons for fire masters
and if the persons so appointed shall refuse or neglect-
ing shall be fined thirty shillings for each offence. And
accordingly the persons where appointed are viz :
For the first ward, Hendrick Halen Beeck, Johan's
Van Olinda; second ward, Myndert Geveren, Johan's
De Garmoy; and third ward, Benjamin Bratt, Jesse De
Frest.
24 The City Records.
This Day appeared in Common Council Jacob Egmont
& desired he might be continued in the office of Bellman
for ye ensuing year, commencing the 14th of October last
past and ending ye 14th October next, to go round every
other night every hour from ten a clock to four in the
Winter and from ten a clock to three in the Summer and
to call at all the usual places of the city what a clock and
what weather it is, for the which he is to have the sum
of thirteen pounds and ten shillings wherein is included
three pounds for fire wood.
And the mayor informs this Common Council that
Joh's Zeeger has requested him to continue in the same
office for the ensuing year from ye 14th of October last
past and ending the 14th October next ensuing, for which
service he is to have ten pounds and ten shillings in mo-
ney and three pounds in wood.
Whereas John De Peyster, Esq'r brings an account into
this Common Council for eight shillings and Mattheus
Flansburgh brings an ace1 into this Common Council for
one pound & four shillings.
Ordered yl the Treasurer of the City of Albany pay
the same.
It is likewise ordered yl the Treasurer pays the sum
of four shillings to Augustinis Turck for service done
for the Corporation.
It was Resolved at this meeting to publish the follow-
ing ordinance :
By the worshipful Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
Assistants of the City of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas several persons within the city and county of
Albany do presume to sell Strong Liquor by retail with-
out being duly lycensed or without speaking to any of
the magistrates within the said city that they are enclin'd
to take such Lycense, It is therefore Resolved by the
mayor, recorder, aldermen and assistants of the said city
to ordain, publish and declare and it is hereby ordained,
published and declard that no person or persons within
the sd city or county shall sell or dispose of any Strong
The City Records. 25
Liquor by retail unless he, she or they shall be duly Ly-
censed by the mayor of the sd city on penalty of five
pounds for each default & during the absence of the sd
mayor y* who are enclind to take such Lycense do ac-
quaint the Recorder of ye sd city therew* and those who
he approves to be proper and able persons may sell by
retail during the absence of the mayor, & no other person
or persons whatsoever on the like penalty of five pounds
for ye use of any person or persons yl shall sue for the
same. Given in Albany this 29th day of Novemb. in the
first year of his Maj's Reign Annoq. Domini 1727.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 30th Day of November Annoq. Domini 1727.
Whereas the mayor haveing yesterday by Augustinus
Turck, Marchel of this city, warned two Gentleman re-
siding at the house of Mayesen Hunn not to sell or dis-
pose of any merchandizes by retail, nevertheless it appears
they have not regarded the sd warning and have disposed
of merchandizes by retail as appears by information on
oath of Daniel Hogan to whome they have sold this day
a pocket book for two shillings and three pence and to
Joha's Lansing 83 yds of Ribon at 9 pence pr yd and seven
prs of Gloves for twelf shillings, Resolved yl the s'! per-
sons be sent for to appear here before this board forth-
with ; they appeared accordingly and where fined twelf
shillings, which they paid.
Whereas Dirck Ten Broeck Esq'r brings in an accou*
at this Common Council of sixteen pounds nineteen shil-
lings and one pence, which was lodged in his hands, for
which he has rendered an accou1 of the disbursement of
fifteen pounds seven shillings & one pound twelf shillings
and one pence, being the ballance of the above sixteen
pounds nineteen shillings and one pence, which he has
delivered here in Common Council, ordered ye same be
left with ye City Treasurer.
W'hereas several of the Tenants at Schahkook who
hold land under this corporation have neglected to pay
their rents according to the ten our of their indentures,
26 The City Records.
It is therefore Resolved that if those persons who have
neglected as aforesaid nor given satisfaction do not pay
or give sufficient security for the same on or before the
15th of January next ensuing the date hereof that they
shall be prosecuted according to the tenour of their re-
spective Indentures.
Resolved that they shall be served with a copy hereof.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 31st Day of Jan'y Annoq Domini 172i.
This day appeared in Common Council Joachim Van
Der Heyden and offered to sale the land at Schachtekook
now in his possessions to the sd Comon Council accord-
ing to the tennor of the Indentures, but they not thinking
meet to purchase the same, have unanimously agreed y*
ye same to Hendrius Roelisse Vander Wercke, provided
yl the Land remains liable to pay or discharge ye yearly
acknowledgement in arrear to y8 first of March 172f .
It is also agreed by ye sd Common Council yl the sd
Joachim Vander Heyden be acquited and discharged from
the acknowledgement which he was to have paid in ye
year 1737, having had ye misfortune to have his house
and barn burnt down to ye Ground.
It is also Resolved yl ye Chamberlain of this city do
pay ye several creditors of this city, viz : Augustus Turck,
Rachell Ranliff, Joha's Seager and other small debts, in
wheat at y6 curr1 price.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 15th Day of March Annoq Domini 172f.
A Petition presented in the Common Council which is
as follows:
To the worshipfull Mayor, Recorder , Aldermen and
Comonalty of the city of Albany.
The humble Petition of Joh*s Knickerbacker, Lewis
Viele, Dirck Van Vechte and John Groesbeeck.
Whereas there is a fitt Creek at Schaahkook within
the bounds of land belonging to the Corporation of the
said city fitt for a Sawmill, and your Petitioners being
The City Records. 2?
inclind to build such a mill on a fall on sd Creek for their
use and the neighborhood —
Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly pray yl your
worships will be pleased to grant them liberty to erect
such a mill with previledge to cutt and ride saws logs out
of ye Land of y9 sd Corporation on such reasonable terms
as your worships shall seem reasonable, and your Peti-
tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.
J. k. BACKER
JOHANNIS GROESBEECK
syn
LEWIS + VIELE
merk
syn
DIRCK V. + VAN VECHTE.
merk
It is Resolved yl the said petition be taken in consid-
eration.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this nineth Day of April Annoq Domini 1728.
A Petition presented in Common Council which is as
follows :
1728 March 26th. To the Mayor, Recorder, Alder-
men and Commonalty of the city of Albany.
Gentlemen, my humble Request is that if there be a
lott of ground to be disposed of next to Gerrit Van San-
tens, south of his lott & west of ye Block house, to con-
tain six rod in length & thirty foot broad (for ready
money) I hope I may have the first offer & shall remaine
your obliged servant. JOHANNIS KIDDENIE.
It is Resolved y' ye sd Petition be taken in considera-
tion.
A Petition presented in Common Council which is as
follows :
To the worshipfull ye Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
Commonalty of the city of Albany.
The humble Petition of Pieter Fonda.
Whereas there is a pece of Ground in the city belong-
ing to the Corporation on the north side of ye house &
28 The City Records.
lott of Abraham Lansing, & y'r Petitioner being inclynd
to buy the same for to build thereon,
Wherefore y'r Petitioner most humble pray y4 y'r wor-
ships will be pleased to lett him have a lott thereof about
30 foot in ye front & in length as long as the lott of said
Lansing on such a reasonable prys as your worships shall
think reasonable, £ y'r petitioner as in duty bound shall
ever pray. PIETER FONDA.
Albany ye 9 Ap'l 1728.
Att a Common Council held in ye City hall of Albany
this 13th Day of April Annoq Domini 1728.
Wynant V. D. Bergh appeared in person before this
Common Council & requested to purchase a certain parcel
of Ground seituate lying in Foxes Creek, and bounded on
the east by ye pasture ground of the heirs of William
Gysbertse, in length westward 15 rod in breadth 7 rod
Ryland masure. Resolved the sd Wynant shall have the
said Ground for the sume of twenty five pounds to be
payed one half thereof in October next ensuing and the
other half thereof in October then next, provided there
be a road left on ye- south side along ye said ground and
paying ye charges of writeing.
That ye conveyance be granted for yc same accordingly
to be executed by ye Mayor of the city.
Peter Bogert, Anthony Bratt, Peter C. Schuyler and
Gysbert Roseboom by there Petition dated ye 13th of
April ano. 1728 sett forth yl there is a piece of ground
lying & being within ye city limites on ye south side of
Foxes Creeke thereunto adjoining oposite to ye west part
of ye pasture ground of ye heirs of Will. Gybertse V. D.
Bergh, containing in length ten rod & in breadth south
& north five rod Ryland measure, being fitt for tan yards
and pitts, & y'r Petitioners being inclyned to by ye same
for there use, & humble prays yl they may have ye same
at such resouable consideration as ye Common Council
shall seem most fitt & resonable: Resolved yl ye Petition-
ers shall have ye sd Ground for ye sume of twelf pounds
and paying ye charges of writeing, that ye conveyance be
The City Records. 29
granted for ye same accordingly, to be executed by the
Mayor of ye city.
A Petition of Abegel Verplanck being presented heirin
Common Council to purchage a pece of Ground belong-
ing to the city lying in the second ward of this city be-
hind ye lott of Johan's Harmse Visher & to ye south of
ye lott of ye said Verplanck, being 10 or 15 foott in ye
front & in length as ye said lott of ye sd Verplanck.
Resolved yl ye sd Petition be taken in consideration.
A Petition of John Oliver being presented heir in
Common Council for to purchage a lott of Ground lying
between Joh's Radliff& ye widow Casperse.
Resolved yl ye sd petition be taken in consideration.
John Masen V. Bloemendal appeared in person before
this Common Council, requested to purchage a certain
small peice of Ground seituate & lying in ye second ward
to ye north of ye lott of ye sd Jan Masen V. Bloe'l, being
an engal runing from ye north west corner of ye lott of ye
sd Masen V. Bloem'l to ye north west corner of ye house
of Douwe Fonda.
Resolved ye sd Jan Masen V. Bloemendal shall have ye sd
ground for ye sume of twelf pounds & paying ye charges
of writeing. That ye conveyance be granted for the
same accordingly, to be executed by ye Mayor of ye city.
Att a Common Council held in ye City hall of Albany
this 30th Day of April Annoq Domini 1728.
Luykas Hooghkerck appears before this Common
Council & makes application & requests to have two
acres of ground upon ye Gallo hill adjoining & near a
small run of water for ye term of fifty years for yc use of
a Brick kiln & plain.
Resolved yl ye sd Luykas Hoghkerck his heirs & assigns
shall have ye sd Ground for ye term aforesd, provided he
or they pay therefore to the Treasurer of this city the
sum of twelf shillings yearly & every year during the
time aforesd & yl he doth not stup op ye Roods & passes
at or near ye sd ground nor the cours of ye run of water.
Resolved also y1 a lease be granted unto ye said hoogh-
kerk accordingly, to be executed by the mayor of the city.
30 The City Records.
Abraham Vosburg appears before this Common Council
and makes application & requests to have two acres of
ground upon ye Gallo hill adjouning at both side of a
small run of water being by east of ye ground of Luykas
Hoghkerck for the term of twenty five years for ye use of
a brick kiln and plain. Resolved yl ye sd Abraham Vos-
burgh his heirs & assigns shall have ye sd ground for ye
term aforesd, provided he or they pay therefore to the
Treasurer of this city ye sum of twelf shillings yearly &
every year during ye time aforesd & yl he doth not stup op
ye rood & passage at or near ye sd ground nor ye cours of
ye run of water. Resolved also yl a lease be granted
unto ye sd Vosburgh accordingly, to be executed by the
mayor of ye city.
Wilhelmiss V. D. Bergh appears in person before this
Common Council & makes application & request to have
ye use of a sartin small persell of ground lying to ye west
of ye ground of ye heirs of Jan Gerritse, dec'd, on or near
a creek or run of water which is said to be within ye
limits of this corporation, for ye use of ye sd Wilhelmus
& Nicolaes Groesbeeck to dig & prepare clay for bricks
for ye term of six years. Resolved yl yp sd request be
granted, provided to pay therefore yearly and every year
during y* said time ye sum of tenn shilling unto the Trea-
surer of this city, dot to stup op any usual rood or passage
nor to make use of more than one acre of ground along ye
sd run of water.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 10th Day of May Annoq Domini 1728.
Resolved yf his Excell'y John Montgomerie Esq'r, the
Governor be addressed & congratulated by the mayor,
recorder, aldermen & commonality on his Excelly's safe
arivel unto this Province of New York, which adrass
was signed in common council accordingly.
Resolved yl Mr. Harmanus Wendell & Mr. Barent San-
ders do present the same unto his Excell'cy.
The City Records. 31
Att a Comon Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 25th day of June Annoq Domini 1728.
Mem. that Johan's Pruyn and Christopher Yates having
made application for a piece of ground adjoyning Foxes
Creek within the limits of this city, viz1, bounded on the
west by ground of Peter Bogart, Peter P. Schuyler, An-
thony Bratt, & Gysbert Roseboom, & east by a small run
of water proceeding from the fountain on the top of the
hill, & on the north by sd foxes Creek, containing in
length along the said creek eight rod & in breadth six
rod and a quarter all Rynlands measure, which was
granted accordingly, they paying for the same the sum
of twelf pounds currant money of this Province on the
delivery of the Indenture or Conveyance which is to be
executed by ye mayor of this city payin the charges of the
same.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 9th Day of July Annoq Domini 1728.
In persuance^of a Resolution of comon councill of ye
13th April last the mayor hath this day executed ye con-
veyance for a certain percel of ground mentioned in ye sd
minutes of comon council, Resolved y1 ye sd conveyance
be entered in ye Publick Records.
In persuance of a Resolution of comon councill of yt:
25th June last ye mayor hath this day executed ye con-
veyance for a certain percel of ground mentioned in ye sd
minutes of comon councill, Resolved yl ye s] conveyance
be entered in ye public records.
Att a Comon Councill held in y° City hall of Albany this
10th Day of July Annoq Domini 1728.
In persuance of a Resolution of comon conncill of ye
13th of April last the mayor hath this day executed ye
conveyance for a curtain percel of ground mentioned in
ye sd minutes of comon councill, Resolved yt ye sd con-
veyance be entered in ye public records.
In persuance of a Resolution of comon councill of ye
13th of April last ye mayor hath this day executed ye
32 The City Records.
conveyance for a certain percel of ground mentioned in
ye sd minutes of comon council], Resolved yl ye sd con-
veyance be entered in ye public Records.
Att a Comon Councill held in tbe City hall of Albany
this 3d Day of August Anno Di 1728.
The mayor having proposed to purchase a certain small
parcell of ground seituate lying and being within this city
limits on Foxes Creek opposite the west part of the pas-
ture ground of the heirs of William Gysbertse Van Den
Bergh, containing in length along the sd Foxes Creek five
rod and in breadth five rod and in length in the rear
four rod, all Rynland measure, together with the use of
sd creek for the length of sd five rod on ye north of said
ground bounded on the east by the ground of Peter Bo-
gart, Anthony Bratt, Gysbert Roseboom and Peter Schuy-
ler, on the south and west by ye Comons, on the north
by Foxes Creek as aforesaid. Resolved that the said
mayor shall have the sd parcell of ground for the sum of
five pounds five shillings current money of New York, &
that conveyance for the same be granted accordingly to
his proposall unto Nicolaes Bleecker to be executed by
the mayor.
Resolved that the bridge in the first ward by Jeremiah
Schuyler be repaired with all expedition by the aldermen
and assistants of sd ward and that the charges thereof
shall be paid as soon as possible.
Resolved also that the bridge of the third ward by the
tanyards be mended by the recorder, aldermen and
assistants of sd ward, and also that boards or planks be
laid on the north of Jan Evertse house. Resolved also
that the said be paid as afore.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 12th Day of September Annoq Domini 1728.
By the worshipfull Mayor, Aldermen and Assistants
of ye city of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas severall streets and lanes within this city are
The City Records. 33
so much lumberd and filld up with wood, stones, dirt
filth and dung, to the great grievance of the Inhabitants,
for the preventing whereof
Be it ordained, published and declared by the mayor,
aldermen and assistants of the said city in common
council convened to be hereby ordained by the authority
of the same that all persons within ye sd city shall on or
before the 20th instant do cause the said streets, lanes
& allies before their respective houses & lotts of ground
to be cleared of all such wood, stone, dirt, filth and dung
and so to continue to do the same untill the 20th of Octo-
ber next, and that all timber & stone for building and
coopers wood be regularly piled up on or before the said
20th instant (timber and stone for present building only
excepted) all on the penalty of six shillings for every such
neglect or default on any of the articles aforesaid, for the
behoof of the sheriff who may sue for the same, to be re-
covered before the mayor, recorder or any one of the
aldermen within the sd city. Dated in Albany this 12th
day of September 1728.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 21st Day of Sep1 Annoq Domini 1728.
It is Resolued y* advertisement be put op on ye most
useall places of ye city of Albany that all person or per-
sons who have any just debts or demands due from ye
corportion of the city of Albany bring in their ace* or
demands to Barent Bratt, City Treasurer on or before
Friday next, being ye 27th instant.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 29th Day of September Annoq Domini 1728.
In persuance of the Directions of the Charter of the
city of Albany two aldermen, two assistants and one
constable being chosen this day in each respective ward
of sd city by plurallity of votes by the inhabitance of each
respective ward who have right to chuse and return be-
ing made, who are as followed:
[Annals, ix.] 4
34 The City Records.
First Ward.
Aldermen. Assistants.
Ryer Gerretse Isaac Lansingh
Edward Holland Johan's V. Der Heyden
Johan's Vander Heyden, Jr., Constable.
Second Ward.
Hendrick Roseboom Gerrit Roseboom Jun'r
Barent Sanders Gysbert Roseboom
Johannis Job's Beeekman, Constable.
Third Ward.
Peter Whine Gerrit G. Lansingh
Jacob Visger Richart Hansen
Edward Williams Constable.
Barent Bratt is appointed Chamberlain by this meet-
ing for ye ensuing year.
Alt a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 8th of October Annoq Domini 1728.
Lewis Vielee having acquainted the Corporation by
Mr. Mayor that he inclined to release a certain piece or
parcell of land to his son named scituate & lying
within the limitts of Schachtekook opposite to Stillwater
after having offered the refusal thereof to the Corpora-
tion, it is Resolved that he may release the same to his
Son aforesd. The Treasurer layed before this common
councill the severall accounts brought in as debts.
Resolved yl a committee be appointed to examine the
same, viz: Mr. Recorder, Ryer Gerritse, Hend'k Rose-
boom, Gerrit Roseboom Jun'r, Gerrit G. Lansingh and
Henry Holland Jun'r.
Resolved yl ye Marshall acquaint Mr. Evert Wendell
that he get yl parcell of the city fence which was left open
at his request, to be closed forthwith according to his
promise.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 12th of October Annoq Domini 1628.
In pursuance of a Resolution of the common councill
of ye eight instant the severall accounts as debts due
from the corporation where examined by the committee
and ye list thereof being layd before this common council
The City Records.
35
and those allowed are as followed amounting to one hun-
dred sixteen pounds eleven shillings and four pence and a
warrant issued to the Treasurer for the payment thereof
accordingly (viz)
To Jeremiah Van Rensselaear for fire wood, £c. and one
fat sheep £10:00:00
To Philip Livingston -* 15:18:00
To August's Turck for service & fire wood 8:10:00
To Jacob Eghmont for one years sallary as
bellman - - - . - * -
To Johan's Seeger as Do - -
To Rachel widow of John Radliff
To Harm's Wendell - - _ -
To William Hogan
To William Hopkins ....
To Dirck Bratt
To Hend'k Redder
To Henry Holland jun'r ....
To Anthony Van Schaick
To Johan's Ten Broeck - - ' •
To Toby as Ryckman ....
To Dirck Ten Broeck ....
To Joseph Van Zante ....
To Jan Rosie ......
To Adam Vanden Bergh ....
To William Berrit
To Peter P. Schuyler ....
To Dirck Hun - - - -
To Hend. Roseboom ....
To Richard Hilton
To Johannis Van Alen -
To Christejaen Schans ....
To Petrus Bogardus -
To Anna Kitchners •
To Hend. Van Rensselaer ...
To Isaac Fonda - . •
To August's Turck for service he attending
on ye Corporation Treat to his Ex'cy
13:10:00
13; 10:00
5:00:00
7 : 10:04 J
9-.01-10J
0:12:00
5:05:00
1:17:00
0:02:03
1 :10:08 £
1:10:00
1:01:00
0:15:10
0:06:00
1:01:00
0:11:04J
0:05:00
0:05:00
1:05:00
0:02:00
0:04:10
0:02:06
0:08:00
u:03:00
0:17:07
0:16:00
14:00:00
0:10:00
£116:11:04
36 The City Records.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 14th Day of October Annoq Domini 1728.
Rutger Bleecker Esq'r, Mayor, produced a commission
under the broad Seal of this Province for mayor of the
city of Albany, coroner & clerk of the market for the in-
suing year and toke the oaths appointed by law and the
oaths for the due performanca*of the sd offices.
Gosen Van Schaick Esq. produced a commission under
the broad Seal of this Province for high sheriff of the
city and county of Albany for this insuing year and toke
the oaths appointed by law and the oath for the due per-
formance of the sd office.
The following aldermen and assistants are sworn for
the insuing year (viz),
The first ward, Ryer Gerritse Esq'r, alderman, Johan's
V. D. Heyden, assistant.
The second ward, Hend. Roseboom, Barent Sanders
Esq'rs, aldermen, Gerrit Roseboom jun'r, Gysbert Rose-
boom, assistants.
The third ward, Gerrit G. Lansing, assistant.
Barent Bratt sworn as city chamberlain or treasurer.
Gerrit Abr'se Lansingh is appointed high constable for
the insuing year.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 9th Day of November Annoq Domini 1728.
Edward Holland was sent for and appeared in comon
councill and toke the oaths appointed by law and ye oath
for the due performance of his office as alderman for the
sd city. Isaac Lansingh was also sent for and appeared
in comon councill and toke the oaths appointed by law
and yc oath for the due performance of his office as assist-
ant for y6 sd city.
Whereupon the sd Edward Holland and Isaac Lansingh
where admited as members in comon councill.
A Petition of James Buntin is presented in common
councill setting forth that he is inclined to purchase a
ceartaine lott of ground within the limits of this corpo-
ration next to the lott of Jacob Eggemont.
Resolved yl the consideration thereof be deferred.
The City Records. 37
It was Resolved at this meeting to publish the follow-
ing ordinance :
By the worshipfull Mayor, Aldermen and Assistants
of ye city of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas several persons within the city and county of
Albany do presume to sell Strong Liquor by retail with-
out being duly lycensed or without speaking to any of
the magistrates within the said city that they are enclin'd
to take such Lycense, It is therefore Resolved by the
mayor, recorder, aldermen and assistants of the said city
to ordain, publish and declare and it is hereby ordained,
published and declard that no person or persons within
the sd city or county shall sell or dispose of any Strong
Liquor by retail unless he, she or they shall be duly Ly-
censed by the mayor of the sd city on penalty of five
pounds for each default & during the absence of the sd
mayor yl who are enclind to take such Lycense do ac-
quaint the Recorder of ye sd city therew1 and those who
he approves to be proper and able persons may sell by
retail during the absence of the mayor, & no other person
or persons whatsoever on the like penalty of five pounds
for ye use of any person or persons yl shall sue for the
same. Given in Albany this 9th day of November in the
second year of his Maj's Reign Annoq. Domini 1728.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 19th Day of November Annoq Domini 1728.
Peter Winne & Jacob Vischer where sent for and ap-
peared in comon councill anql toke the oaths appointed
by law and ye oath for the due performence of their offices
as aldermen for the said city.
Whereupon the said Peter Winne & Jacob Vischer were
admited as members in comonn councill.
Edward Williams & Johannis J. Beekman where sent
for and appeared in comon councill and toke the oaths
appointed by law and the oath for the due performance
of their office as constables for the said city.
38 The City Records.
Be it Resolved & ordained yl for each ward in this city
be appointed two sufficient persons for fire masters for
the ensuing year, and it the persons so appointed shall
refuse or neglect to perform their sd office shall be find
thirty shillings for each offence. And accordingly ye
persons where appointed and are as followed (viz.)
For ye first ward, Obadia Cooper, William Waldren.
Second ward, David Groesbeeck, Michael Besset. Third
ward, Gerret Vanness, Gerret W. V. D. Bergh.
This day appeared in comon councill Jacob Eggemont
and Johannis Seeger & desired they may be continued in
the offices of Bellmen for ye ensuing year, commencing
the 14th of October last past and ending ye 14th October
next, which will be in ye year 1729. Granted upon the
following condition, to go round each every other night
at the hovrs of ten, twelf, two, thre & four a clock at
night from the first day of December untill the first day
of March, and after yl time at the hours of ten, twelf, two
& four & to call at all the usuall places of the city what
a clock and what wheather it is, for which service they
are each to have the sume of thirteen pounds & ten shil-
lings wherein is included three pounds for fire wood.
Provided that if in case it doth or shall appear by
credable information that they the said Jacob Eggemont
& Johannis Seeger or either of them do not perform their
duty in the aforesd service according to their promises &
agreement as aforesd shall be casseered of their said ser-
vice and others to be appointed in their or either of their
romes and places and paying them only for the time they
have so served.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 3d Day of December Annoq Domini 1728.
Blchart Hansen was sent for and appeared in comon
council and toke the oaths appointed by law and the
oath for the due performance of his office as assistant for
the said city. Whereupon the said Richart Hansen was
admited as a member in common councill.
The City Records. 39
Johan's Van Der Heyden jun'r was sent for and ap-
peared in comon councill and toke the oaths appointed
by law and the oath for the due performence of his office
as constable for the said city.
It was Resolved at this meeting to publish the follow-
ing ordinance :
By the worshipfull Mayor, Aldermen and Assistants of
the City of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas severall persons within this city and county
of Albany do presume to ride with sleds and horses in
the streets of ye said city very fast and unruly, whereby
many unhappy accidents may happen, for ye preventing
whereof it is hereby ordained, published and declared
that from and after the publication hereof no person or
persons shall ride or drive any horse or horses with sled,
waggon or cart or otherwise in the street or lanes in the
said city faster than on a step or a very moderate trott,
on penalty of forfeiting for every such offence the sum of
six shillings, to be paid by ye owner, rider or driver of
such horse, sled waggon or cart.
Be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, that
no children or other persons shall ride down any hill
within this city on any small sleds, boards or otherwise,
on penalty of eighteen pence for each offence, to be paid
by ye persons transgressing or their parents or by those
under whose care they are.
Be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid that
no negro or Indian slave above ye number of three do
assemble or meet together on the Lords Day or any other
time at any place from their masters service within this
city or liberties thereof, and that no such slave do go
armed at any time with gunn, sword, club or other kind
of weapon whatsoever under penalty of being set in the
stocks for such time as the mayor, recorder & Aldermen
shall think fitt, not exceeding six hours, unless the mas-
ter or owner of such slave will pay six shillings to excuse
the same.
And be it further ordained by the authority .,
a>T
40 The City Records.
that one of the constables of the three wards of this city
do by turns successively on the Lords Day in the time of
Divine service walk through the severall streets and
lanes of this city with his staff to prevent disorders or
irregularities and noise especially near ye church, on
penalty not exceeding six shillings for every person above
ye age of fifteen, and on penalty not exceeding nine
pence for every person from ye age of eight to fifteen for
each default, for ye behoof of ye sheriff or constable who
shall give information of ye defaulters.
And be it further ordained by ye authority aforesaid,
that such of ye constables who shall be remiss or negli-
gent in putting this ordinance in execution shall forfeit
for every offence twenty shillings for the behoof of ye
sheriff.
And be it further ordained by ye authority aforesaid,
that all ye pains, penalties and forfeitures above men-
tioned shall be recovered before ye Mayor, Recorder or
any of ye Aldermen of y^ said city and levied by distress
of ye goods and chattels of ye defaulters if they refuse to
pay, and be disposed of and paid to ye sheriff or any con-
stable within the said city who shall give information of
ye offenders aforesaid, any form, law or use of the Cor-
poration to the contrary hereof in any wise notwith-
standing. Given in Albany this third day of December
in the second year of his Majestyes Reign Annoq Domini
1728.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 6th Day of January Annoq Domini 172f.
Evert Wendell Esq'r brought a Petition in common
councill which is as followed (viz)
To the worshipfull mayor, recorder, aldermen & com-
monality of the city of Albany. The humble Petition of
Evert Wendell of the said city sheweth,
Whereas your petitioner was resolved to build one
grist mill upon the kill or creek called the Rutten Kill,
and has already provided the most part of the materials
in order to build the same, but for divers reasons has
The City Records. 41
now changed his resolution & is now resolved to build
the same upon the kill or creek called the Beaver Kill,
provided your worships will grant him the same.
Therefore your petitioner mosthumhle prays that your
worships will be pleased to sell him for him & his heirs
and assigns for ever (to wit) three or four acres of ground
for to build the mill on, lying on the north side of the
aforesaid Beaver Kill, it being part of the land which
Evert Wendell late of this city had in his life cleared, and
also the kill and the use of the water, and also free lib-
erty to make a dam so far distant from the mill up the
said kill or creek till he shall have fall enough for his
said mill, together with so much ground to lye a gutter
from the said dam to the said mill and also liberty to
make a wagon path from the mill to the city, and if God
pleas that your petitioner may finis his intention it can
not prove otherwise than to be a great convenience and
ease for the inhabitants of this city & will be the first
grist mill that ever was built within the limits of this
city altho' the water has runned there for no use ever
since the settlement of this city; therefor your petitioner
can have no reasons but to think that your worships will
by all means encourage his good undertaking so that such
beneficial worke may be finished, and let your petitioner
have the said ground and libertys for a reasonable value,
and your petitioner shall for ever acknowledge it as a
great favour and alwise pray for your long lifes and pros-
perity. EVERT WENDELL.
Albany, January 1st, 172f.
Resolved that this petition be referred till the next
meeting of comom councill.
Att a Common Council] held in the City hall of Albany
this first day of February 172-f— Present, Rutger
Bleecker Esq'r, mayor, Dirck Ten Broeck Esq'r, re-
corder, Hend. Roseboom, Barent Sanders, Peter
Winne, Ryer Gerritse, Jacob Vischer, Ed. Holland,
Esq'rs, Aldermen, Isaac Lansingh, Gerrit G. Lan-
singh, Gerrit Roseboom jun'r, Gysbert Roseboom,
Rychart Hansen, Johan's V. D. Heyden, assistants.
42 The City Records.
Whereas Abigail Ver Planck, wedow, hath on the eight
day of April last petitioned for ten or fifteen foot of ground
lying adjoyning too a lott of ground of the said Abigail
upon the hill on the north side of the city, the comon
councill haveing considered the said petition can not
resolf to grant fye same by reason it woed be prejudicial
to the city in breeking a lott as well as prejudicial to
Johan's Roseboom, his present dwelling house & lott.
A Petition of Johan's Roseboom being this day pre-
sented in common councill and read is as follows (viz.)
To the worshipfull mayor, recorder, aldermen & com-
monality of the city of Albany. The humble Petition of
Johannis Roseboom humbly sheweth,
Whereas there is a certain piece of ground lying towards
the hill belonging to the city joyning the south syde of
the lott of ground belonging to Abigail Ver Planck, wed' w,
and your petitioner being informed that some of the in-
habitants of this city intend to purchage the same from
your worships, which if granted would be very prejedu-
cial to your petitioners now dwelling house, your peti-
tioner therefore to prevent the same is resolved to buy
the sd lott.
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your
worships may be pleased to consider his reasons and to
sell the sd lott unto your petitioner on such prices and
terms as shall be agreed upon and your petitioner as in
duty bound shall ever pray. JOHANNIS ROSEBOOM.
Albany the 1st Feb'ry, 172-f .
It is Resolved that the sd Johan's Roseboom shall have
the sd lott for the sum of fourty pounds to be paid in two
payments, the first twenty pounds to be paid in the
month of May next and the other twenty pounds to be
paid in the month of May which will be in the year one
thousand seven hundred and thirty, provided that ye sd
lott shall not extend any further to the southen then the
north bounds of the lott now in possession & occupation
of the said Johan's Roseboom, & to the westward as farr
as the lott of Abigail Ver Planck, yl the sd lott shall be
measured by the city surveyor, and that a deed may be
The City Records. 43
prepared accordingly to be executed by the mayor of the
city and entered upon records.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 12th day of February Annoq Domini 172-f- .
A petition of Barent Sanders being this day presented
in common council for to buy five foot of ground on the
west side of ye sd Barent Sanders lott by west of Evert
Wendell.
The consideration hereof is referred till next meeting,
Whereas Evert Wendell hath on the 6th day of Jan'y
last past petitioned for the Beaver Kill & three or four
acres of ground thereunto adjoyning, &c., in manner
and form as the said petition sets forth, and the common
council upon inquire of that matter find that the said
creek and premises properly belongs to the neder dutch
protestant reformed church of the city of Albany.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 15th Day of February Annoq Domini J72J-.
Anthony Bogardus brought in common.council an account
of three pounds and eight shillings, which being allowed
and ordered that Barent Bratt, city treasurer, pays the
half of the* said account (forthwitt) and the other half
next winter.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 18th Day of Feb'ry Annoq Domini 172f .
It is Resolved that the mayor shall execute an inden-
ture to Abraham & Isaac Fortt for tenn morgan of up-
land lying and being at Schaghtekook, on the north side
of the creek upon the hill adjoyning to the upland of
Isaac Fortt for the consideration to be mentioned in the
sd indenture.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this llth Day of June Annoq Domini 1729.
By the worshipfull mayor, recorder, aldermen and
assistants of the city of Albany.
44 The City Records.
An Ordinance.
Be it published and ordained that no person or persons
within the city of Albany do take upon themself to exer-
cise the function of a carman or porter at any time after
the 20th day of this instant, June, within the limits of
the said city of Albany without being first duly lycensed
by the mayor of the said city on forfeiture of five pounds
if they shall take any payment or reward for such cart-
ing or porterage, to be recovered before any court of re-
cord within this city and county of Albany, one half
thereof to his maj'y & the other half thereof to the person
who shall informe or sue for the same.
And be it also ordained that the said carmen and por-
ters do regulate themselves according to the rules and
establesments following, that is to say, that such carmen
and porters at the reqvest of any of the inhabitants of
the said city or any other person whatsoeuer do cart and
porteridge all manner of wares, merchandizes, liquors
and all other necessary things whatsoever usually carted,
that the carmen shall be paid for carting of each pipe of
wine from any slop or vessell or otherwise from and to
any place within the limits of this city nine pence currant
money of the province of New York and for porteridge
eighteen pence, and for each hogsh'd of rum or molesses
nine pence and for porteridge eighteen pence, for each
tears of rum or moleses from fourty gallons to eighty, nine
pence and for porteridge nine, & for each load of clay,
dung, durt or water six pence per load, for each load of
any other thing four pence halfpenny, for each largh lot
of fur or skins nine pence, for each hogshd of peltry or
skins the like sum of nine pence.
And be it further ordained that if it so happen that
any choes or open vessels be looded with any manner of
provision, fruit or other things which may take damage
by rain or water that such choes or vessels shall be first
unloaded if it be required by the owner, & further that it
shall be a rule in unloading of slops that such slops as
are arrived first upon the road shall be first unlooded
unless it shall be otherwise ordered by the mayor, recorder
The City Records. ' 45
or any one of the aldermen of the said city whoes direc-
tions shall be observed, and it is further ordained that if
it shall or may so happen that by the insufficiency of any
cart, carelessness, negligence of any carmen any wine,
rum or mal's cask containing wine, rum or brandy or
mal's shall break or other liquors or merchandizes take
damage, that such carmen in whose custody such cask
happens to break or other merchandizes take damage as
aforesaid shall pay the damage thereby sustained to the
owner of such liquor, to be recovered with the cost and
charges thereof in any court of record within the city
arid county of Albany, and in like manner if by insuffi-
ciency of the material or negligence of the porters such
accident may happen that any such cask containing wine,
rum, brandy, malt liquers or mechandizes shall happen
to break or take damage wilst it was under the custody
& care of any of the porters that such porter or porters
shall pay the damage thereby sustained to the owner of
such liquers or merchandizes to be recovered with the cost
and charges thereof in any court of record within the said
city and county of Albany.
A petition of Johannis Knickerbacker being this day
presented in common council for to purchage a piece of
ground, &c.
Resolved that the said petition shall be taken in con-
sideration.
A petition of Leendert Van Vechte being this day pre-
sented in common council,
Resolved that the said petition shall be taken in con-
sideration.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 14th Day of June 1729.
By the worshipful! Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen & As-
sistants of the City of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Whereas severall streets and Lanes within this city are
so much lumberd and filld up with tire wood and dirt and
out of repair, to the great grievance of the inhabitants,
[Annals, ix.] 5
46 The City Records.
for preventing whereof Be it Ordained, Published and
Declared by the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and As-
sistants of the said City in Common Council convened,
and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same,
that all persons within the said city shall at or before ye
25th day of this instant, June, cause the streets, lanes,
alleys and pavements before their respective houses and
lotts of ground to be repaired and cleared even to the
bank of Hudsons River of all dirt, filth, dung & firewood,
and so to continue to do the same every fortnight follow-
ing, and that all timber for building and coopers wood be
regularly piled up on or before the said 25th day of June
(timber for Emediaet building only excepted) all on the
penalty of six shillings for every default on any of the
articles aforesaid for the behoof of the sheriff, who is to
sue for the same, to be recovered before the Mayor or
Recorder or any one of the Aldermen within the said city.
Be it further ordained & declared that the pavement in
the lane or street between the lotts of Jacob Lansingh &
Jacob Vischer in the third ward of this city be taken up
and earth & dirt taken out and repaved by the said Jacob
Lansingh & Jacob Vischer in such manner and at such
time as they respectively shall be directed by the mayor,
recorder, aldermen and ass'ts of this city, or the major part
of them, so that the water may vent itself out of the lane
between the severall lotts of Abraham Cuyler, Johannis
Cuyler, Peter Winne, Wessell Ten Broeck Johannis
Pruyn, & others into Bruers street, to be performed and
finished at any time before the first day of September
next ensuing, on penalty and forfeiture of two pounds
currant money of this Province for each default for the
use of the high sherriff, to be recovered before the mayor,
recorder, aldermen of this city or any one of them.
It is also ordained yl the street or lane between the
second and third ward beginning by the fronts of the
houses of Johannis Myngael & Arent Pruyn and so ex-
tending to the north part of the lott of Jacob Lansing be
cleared and sufficiently paved from the one side to the
other where it is out of repair and wanting by the owners
The City Records. 47
whose lotts fronts the said lane, in such manner and at
such time as the said owners shall respectively be directed
by the authority aforesaid or the major part of them, so
that the same be performed and finished before the first
day of September, on penalty and forfieture of two pounds
currant money of this Province for each £ every default
for the use of the high sherriff, to be recovered in manner
aforesaid.
It is also ordained y1 the street between Johannis
Beeckman jun'r & Anthony Van Schaick jun'r, extending
eastwards to the eastermost part of the house of Schebo-
let Bogardus; as also the Lane between the houses of
David Schuyler & Johannis A. Cuyler, extending east-
wards to the eastermost part of the house of Isaac Gre-
veraet; as also the Lane between Isaac Greveraet & Jo-
hannis Evertse, extending northward to the northermost
part of the lott of Grietje Ryckse be cleared and suffi-
ciently paved from the outside to the other by the own-
ers or tennants in such manner and at such time as the
said owners or tennants shall respectively be directed by
the authority aforesaid, so that the same be finished at
any time before the first day of September next ensuing
on the like penalty of two pounds currant money of this
Province for each default, for the behoof of the high sher-
riff, to be recovered in manner aforesaid.
Be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid that
no person or persons within the limits of this city do pre-
sume to build or erect any house, out house or stable front-
ing any street or lane within this city without notice first
given to the mayor or recorder of this city to prevent
irregularity, and that no person or persons do build or
erect any stable or out house to lodge any straw or hay
on any place where it fronts any street or lane without
the approbation of the mayor, recorder, aldermen and
assistants on penalty of ten pounds, to be recovered in
any Court of Record for the behoof of this corporation.
Dated in Albany this 14th day of June A. D. 1729.
48 The City Records.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 25th Day of June Annoq Domini 1729.
By the worshipfull the mayor, recorder, aldermen and
comonality of the city of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Be it ordained, published and declared that no person
or persons shall ride or drive with waggon or cart
any of the farr nations of Indians or any of their wives
or children, or any of their bever, peltry or other effects
from the westward towards this city nearer than two
hundred yards to the west of the city fence upon the hill
behind the fort, upon pain and forfieture of ten pounds,
to be recovered in any court of record within this county
one half thereof for the use of the high sheriff and the
other half for the use and behoof of this corporation.
That no person or persons within the said city shall
at any time after the date hereof suffer any farr Indian
or Indians or Squas coming from the westward to lodge
in his or their houses, warehouses or elsewhere, shall for
every Indian or Squa he, they or she shall svffer to lodge
as aforesd, forfiet the sume often pounds to be recovered
for the use as aforesaid.
That no person or persons whatsoever shall after the
arrival of any farr Indian or Indians or Squas address
themselves or speak to them by signs or otherwise of
and concerning trade at any place without their houses
arid within the city limitts upon pain and forfieture of
three pounds to be recovered and for the use as aforesd.
And that no person or persons make use orimployany
Broker or Brokers, be it Christians or Indians in respect
of such trade within the city limitt upon pain and for-
fieture of five pounds to be recovered in manner and for
the use as aforesd, so that such farr Indians have the
liberty to trade through the whole city where they plese.
Dated in Albany this 25th day of June A. D. 1729.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 2d Day of July Annoq Dom. 1729.
Resolved that the following Letter be sended to the
The City Records. 49
Represents of the city and county of Albany at present
convened in General Assembly:
Gentlemen — By what account we have from Canada
we have reason to believe that an expedition is intended,
weither the designe is against Oswego or Albany is un-
known to us, the great preperation of warr they makes
us belive it may be as well against Albany as against
Oswego, whenever they have the least ceartanty of a warr
to be intended by the King of france : and considering the
circumstances of this city being in no state of Defence,
we think it heighly necessary that this city should be
fortefyed & inclosed as sone as posaball be it this Sum-
mer with Stockados if necessety requires it; and whereas
it can not be done without an act of Generall Assembly
we humbly desire you may move the hono. the Generall
Assembly that it may be enacted accordingly and to the
end that such fortefying may be done on' the most cheap-
est and surest way, we are humbly of opinein that it is
to be done by way of assrnf either how many Stockados
or how many foot each person is to furnish or to inclose
according to their estates and capassity and that if such
incloser should come through any particular mans ground
that the damage thereby sustained be appraised by indif-
erent persons in order that such persons be satisfyd for
such damage and that, such block houses as want to be
removed may be sett on such plases were it be adjudged
for the best defence and that the county may assist the
city in a reasonable perportion in fortefying the city as
aforesd. Time will nott permit us to call a meeting of
Justices as being informed the house will adjourn in a
short time, but we are assured that severall of the county
Justices will gladly join with the Corporation.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 24th July Ao. Dni 1729.
Abraham Vosburgh made applicateon to the common
council to purchage a certain lott of ground lying and
being on the west of the land of Hendrick Halen Beeck,
120 foot to the westward thereof, to contain in length 150
60 The City Records.
foot to the westward and in breadth north and south 50
foot, all Rynland measure.
Which request being considered & thereupon agreed
with the sd Abraham Vosburgh that he shall have the
said lott for the sum of twenty pounds currant money of
the province of New \ ork to be paid within the time of
six months after the date hereof, on payment thereof he
is to have a title for the same to be executed by the
mayor of the city.
Johannis Seger has made application to the common
council to purchage a certain lott of ground lying and
being to the westward of the land of Hendrick Halen-
beeck on the hill on the south side of the lott of Abraham
Vosburgh thereunto adjoyning, to contain in length 150
foot to the westward & in breadth south and north 50
foot, all Rynland measure; which request being consid-
ered and thereupon agreed with the said Johannis Seger
that he shall have the sd lott for the same of twenty
pounds currant money of the province of New York, to
be paid in four years time, every year five pounds on the
first of November, /or which he is to give his bond at the
receipt of his Transport to be executed by the mayor of
the city.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 9th August Annoq Domini 1729.
Mr. Cuyler appeared in common council and proposed
that whereas there is an ordinance made the 14th June
last past for regulating & paveing of severall streets &
lanes within this city that he is intended to make a
fence on the east side of the lott now in dispute between
him and Janetje Cregeer and to pave the street on the
east side of the lott as is directed in said ordinance, and
that he may for the present be excused of paveing the
north side of the sd lott for the reasons aforesaid and
the shortness of the time limited by the said ordinance.
Resolved that the same shall be considered.
The City Records. 51
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 13th day of August Ao. Do. 1729.
In pursuance of an ordinance made the 14th June 1729,
It is ordered and directed in common council yl the street
or lane on the east of Abraham Cuyler, Nicholas Bleecker,
and Johan's Cuyler shall be paved from the one side to
the other by the owners or tenants whose lotts front the
sd lane, as well on the east side as on the west side, in
the manner following, that is to say, at the north corner
of ye stabel of Ruben Van Vechte and opposite to the
south part of the lott of Abraham Cuyler the paveings
are to be raised six inches in the middle of the street &
from thence regularly to have a decent of two inches
and a quarter on every fifteen foot untill you come to ye
north corner of the boulting house of Jacob Lansingh,
from thence with ye same decent of at least two inches
and a quarter of an inche on every fifteen foot in the
street or lane between the houses & lotts of Jacob Lan-
singh and the house & lott of Jacob Vischer, untill you
come into Brewer street, and that there be a decent from
each side of ye sd streets or lanes to the middle of ye sd
streets of 5 inches and that the severall owners or tenants
whose houses or ground fronts or joyns the sd streets or
lanes shall be served with a copy of this minute.
At a Common Council held in the City hall of ye City of
Albany this 19th Day of August 1729.
Whereas severall of the late and present Justices have
made request to the mayor and recorder for to have the
originall City Charter upon theTryall between the Atfy
Gen'l and severall of the present and late Justices of the
city and county of Albany, whereupon the Mayor and
Recorder made answer to the Justices that they woed
calld the comon council and have there oppenion and
resolution upon that metter, whereupon it is Resolved
now in common council that the said Charter be produced
upon the said Tryal if the mayor or cornmonallity shall
thereunto be lawfully compelled by a speciall writ of
subpena and otherwise not.
52 The City Records.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 30th Day of August Annoq Domini 1729.
By the worshipfull Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
Commonalty of the City of Albany.
Whereas by an ordinance made & published the 14th
day of June 1729, It was thereby ordained and declared
that severall streets & lanes within this city shall be
paved as in and by the said ordinance was directed on or
before the first day of September next ensuing, & whereas
severall of the inhabitants of this city have made appli-
cation to several! of the members of the common council
that time for finnissing of the said pavements may be
prolonged by reason of severall impediments they mett
with since the publishing of the aforesaid ordinance,
Be it therefore ordained, published and declared by the
authority aforesd that the Time for finishing of the said
pavement be prolonged untill the first day of October
now next ensuing and that all and every other the arti-
cles, causes and pennaltys specifeyed in the aforesaid
ordinance shall continue in full force and virtue.
Dated in Albany this 30th day of August 1729.
Att a meeting of the Recorder, Aldermen and Common
Council in the City hall of Albany this 29th day of
September Annoq Domini 1729.
In persvance of the directions of the Charter of the
city of Albany two aldermen, two assistants and one
constable being chosen this day in each respective ward
of said city by plurality of votes by the inhabitants of
each respective ward who have rite to chuse and return
being made, who are as follows:
Fir at Ward.
Aldermen. Assistants.
Ryer Gerritse Isaac Lansing
Tobias Ryckman Johannis Van Ostrande
Hendrick Hallenbeck, Constable.
Second Ward.
Cornells Cuyler Gerlyn Ver Planck
Jacob Beeckman Johannis J. Beeckman
Hendrick Vanduersen, Constable.
The City Records. 53
Third Ward.
Samuel C. Pruyn Gerrit G. Lansingh.
Jacob Lansingh, John Vischer
Peter Goewey, Constable.
Barent Bradt is appointed Chamberlain by this meet-
ing for the ensueing year.
Johannis Dirckse Vander Heyden is appointed High
Constable for the ensueing year.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 13th Day of October Annoq Domini 1729.
It is Resollved yl advertisements be put op un the most
usual! places of ye city of Albany that all person or per-
sons who have any just debts or demands due from the
corporation of the city of Albany bring in their accounts
or demands to Barent Bratt, City Treasurer, on or before
the first day of November next.
Whereas Ryer Gerritse, Edward Holland, Isaac Lan-
singh & Gerrit G. Lansingh where appointed by the
Common Council in February last to go to Schaghtekook
for the service of the corporation, which sd service they
have duly performed.
Resolved that they be paid by the corporation for such
their service and expences.
Whereas Gerrit G. Lansingh has according to agree-
ment with the corporation made abridge over the Rutten
Kill near the the Leuteren church for the sum of four
pounds.
Resolved that the said Gerrit G. Lansingh be payd the
sd sum by the corporation.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 14th Day of October Annoq Domini 1729.
The following aldermen, assistants and constables are
sworn for the insuing year (viz.)
The first ward, Ryer Gerritse & Tobias Ryckman Esq's,
aldermen; Johannis Van Ostrande, assistant.
The second ward, Jacob Beekman Esq'r, alderman;
Gerluyn Ver Planck, assistant; Hend. Vanduersen, con-
stable.
54 Tht City Records.
The third ward, Jacob Lansingh & Sam'l Pruyn Esq's,
aldermen; Gerrit G. Lansingh and John Visser, assist-
ants; Peter Goewey, constable.
Barent Bratt, sworn as city chamberlain or treasurer.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this llth Day of November 1729.
John De Peyster Esq. mayor, produced a commission
under the broad seal of this Province for mayor of the
city of Albany, coroner & clerk of the market for the in-
suing year, and toke the oaths appointed by law and the
oaths for the due performance of the sd offices.
Cornells Cuyler was sent for and appeared in common
council and toke the oaths appointed by law and the
oaths for the due performance of this office as alderman
for the sd city.
Isaac Lansingh & Johan's Joha's Beeckman where sent
for and appeared in common council and toke the oaths
appointed by law and the oaths for the due performance
of their office as assistants for ye sd city.
Whereupon the sd Cornelis Cuyler, Isaac Lansingh &
Johan's J. Beeckman where admited as members in com-
mon council.
Att a Common Council held in the hall of Albany this
14th Day of November Annoq Domini 1729.
By the worshipfull Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
Cornality of the City of Albany.
An Ordinance.
Be it ordained by the mayor, recorder, aldermen and
comonality of the city of Albany convened in common
council, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the
same, that the aldermen & assistants of each respective
ward within this city do appoint two sufficient persons
in every ward within the sd city to be viewers of the
chimneys and hearths, who shall view the same once in
every fourteen days and where they find any defective to
give notice, that the same may be swept or mended at
such time as in their discretion they shall think fit, and
The City Records. 55
if any persons shall neglect or refuse their direction
herein they shall forfeit for each offence the sume of three
shillings & that if any chimney shall be on fire after
notice given by the said viewers for the cleaning of the
same, the dweller in such house to whom notice thereof
shall be so given shall forfeit for every chimney that
shall be so on fire the sum of six shillings for the use of
this city, & if the said Viewers shall neglect or refuse to
execute the duty hereby required shall for each offence
forfeit the sum of six shillings for the use of said city.
And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid
that none but such as are list need by the mayor of this
city do persume to keep publick houses to sell any wine,
beer or other strong liquors by retail or a less quantity
at one time than five gallons within this city and county
of Albany, under the penalty of five pounds for the use
of the said city.
By the above ordenance it is ordered that fire masters
shall be appointed for the ensuing year for each respect-
ive ward for the city of Albany who where hereby ap-
pointed & are as followed (viz).
First ward, Abraham Vosburgh & Johannis Reddeliff.
Second ward, Johan's G. Lansingh & Don we Fonda.
Third ward, Gysbert Vanden Bergh & Hendrick Bidder.
The severall acc'ts as debts due from the corporation
here under named where examined by the common council
and allowed are as folloowed, amounting to eighty seven
pounds nine shillings and three pence, and a warrant
issued to the treasurer for the payment thereof accord-
ingly (viz)
To Jeremiah Van Rensselaer for firewood & one
fat sheep £10: 0: 0
To Philip Livingston, - - - 15:18: 0
To Augustinus Turck & Johan's Seger - 8:10: 0
To Johannis Seger, - - - 13:10: 0
To Jacob Egmont - - 13:10: 0
To Ragel wed. of Joh's Radlef - - 5:0:0
To Dirck Bratt for Candels -. 5: 5: 0
Carried over £71:13: 0
56 The City Records.
Brought over £71:13:0
To Rutger Bleecker - • • • 1:13: 9
To John De Peyster ....
To Isaac Lansing ....
To Ryer Gerritse ....
To Gerrit G. Lansingh
To John Rosie
To Mftth'w Flansburgh
To Benjamin Brat
To William Hogan
2:16: 0
0:13: 6
0:12: 0
0:12: 0
0:19: 1J
1:12: 0
0:17: 6
0:15: 9
To Johannis Wendell .... 0: 5: 0
To Gerrit G. Lansingh .... 4: 0: 0
To Edward Holland 0:19: 7J
£87:09:3
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 23th Day of November 1729.
The Commonality have this day sold unto Jacobus
Raddeliffa lott of ground seituate, lying and being at the
foot of the gallows hill on the north side of the house &
lott where Roliff Kiddeny now lives in, containing in
length one hundred and twenty foot wood measure & in
breath thirty foot Ryland measure, having on the eest
the street on the south the lott where the sd Roliff Kid-
deny now lives in, and on the west and north the com-
mons, for which the said Jacobus Reddeliff is to pay
the sume of twenty two pounds in two equall payments,
eleven pounds att or before the first day of May next, at
which said time he is to have a release, and the remain-
ing part which is eleven pounds on or before the first day
of May one thousand seven hundred thirty & one, and for
the last payment he is to give bond.
It is ordered that the mayor in behalf of the common-
ality shall sign the Release for the said lott c f ground,
affix the city scale thereto and that the same be entered
on the public records of the said city and county.
Have also sold this day unto Jonathan Broecks a lott
of ground seituate, lying and being at the foot of the
The City Records. 57
gallows hill on the north side of the lott of Jacobus
Raddeliff, containing in length one hundred and twenty
foot wood measure & in breath thirty foot Ryland meas-
ure, having on the east the street, on the south the lott
of Jacobus Raddeliff and on the west and north the com-
mons, for which the said Jonathan Broecks is to pay the
sume of twenty-two pounds in two equall payments,
eleven pounds at or before the first day of May next, at
which said time he is to have a release, and the remaining
part which is eleven pounds on or before the first day of
May one thousand seven hundred thirty & one, and for
the last payment he is to give a bond.
It is ordered that the mayor in behalf of the common-
ality shall sign the Release for the said lott of ground,
affix the city seale thereto and that the same be entered
on the publick records of the said city and county.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 20th Day of December Annoq. Domini 1729.
This day allowed and approved the following accounts,
and issued a warrant to the Treasurer for the payment
thereof, being four pounds four shillings and three pence.
To Anthony Bogardus £2:13 :6
To Peter Winne - - - 1 : 7 :0
To David Van Dyck - - 3:9
£4:04:3
The commonality have this day sold unto Jan Winne
a lott of ground seituate, lying and being at the foot of
the gallows hill on the north side of the lott of Jonathan
Broecks, containing in length one hundred and twenty foot
wood measure & in breath on the front to the east side of
said lott thirty foot Ryland measure, and on the rear of
said lott twenty-five foot Ryland measure, having on the
east the street, on the south the lott of Jonathan Broecks
and on the west & north the Comons, for which the said
Jan Winne is to pay the sume of twenty-two pounds in two
equal payments, eleven at or before the first day of May
next, at which said time he is to have a release, and the
[Annals, ix.] 6
58 The City Records.
remaining part which is eleven pounds on or before the
first day of May one thousand seven hundred thirty and
one & for the last payment he is to give bond.
It is ordered that the mayor in behalf of the common-
ality shall sign the release for the said lott of ground,
affix the city seal thereto and that the same be entered
on the publick records of the said city and county.
Resolved that no grounds within this city belonged to
the corporation be sold hereafter but in Publick Vendue.
Att a Common Council held in ye City hall of Albany
this 10th Day of February Annoq Domini 17£$.
Hendrick Vander Wercke appeared here in common
council and made his complaint that the Farm formerly
belonged to Dirck Van Der Heyden & now to him, has
lost considerabely by the water streem of the Schaah-
kook Creek, and the commonality heretefore haveing
sued the same to be but seventeen morgaen & hundred
and thirty-two rod instead of twenty morgein, whereupon
it is Resolved that the said Hendrick Vander Wercke
shall hereafter pay yearly and every year in the month
of January or February twenty four bushells and three
pecks good merchantable Winter wheat instead of 30
bushell in the former indenture, and is to enter in new
indenture with the commonality for the same, which the
mayor in behalf of the commonality is to execute.
Whereas John De Peyster Esq'r, mayor, Dirck Ten
Broeck Esq'r, recorder, Ryer Gerritse, Jacob Lansing,
Cornelis Cuyler Esq'rs, aldermen, Johannis Ostrande,
John Vischer and Johannis Joh's Beeckman, assistants,
are appointed to go to the Moquas country to purchase
of the Indians of the Moquas country the flatts on both
side of the Janedorogos Creek heretofore granted by
Governour Dungan to this corporation by the city Char-
ter, Whereupon it is hereby resolved that the said com-
mittee here above named have foull power to act and
agree with the said Indians upon such condition as they
shall judge most beneficial for this city.
The City Records. 59
Alt a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this llth Day of February Annoq Domini 17f^.
Abraham Fort & Isaac Fort appeared here in common
council and made their complaint that the farm formerly
belonged to Dirck Vander Heyden & lately belonged Ja-
cob Fort and now to them has lost considerabely by the
water streem of the Schaahkook Creek & the common-
ality heretofore having fenced and survayed the said farm
and found the same to be but nineteen morgain and one
hundred and twenty seven rod instead of twenty morgain,
whereupon it is resolved that the said Abraham Fort &
Isaac Fort shall hereafter pay yearly and every year in
the month of January or February twenty six bushell
and one peck of good merchantable "Winter wheat instead
of 30 bushell in the former indenture, and they are to
enter in new Indenture with the commonality for the
same, which the mayor in behalf of the commonality is
to execute.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 12th Day of February Annoq Domini 17-ff.
Peter Binneway appeared here in common council and
made his complaint that the farm formly belonged to
Dirck Brat & now to him has lost considerabely by the
water streem of the Schaahkook Creek and the common-
ality heretefore haveing fenced & survayed the said farm
and found the same to be but nineteen morgain and seven-
teen rod instead of twenty morgain, whereupon it is re-
solved that the said Peter Binneway shall hereafter pay
yearly & every year in the month of January or February
twenty-four bushell and three peck good merchantable
Winter wheat instead of thirty bushell in the former in-
denture, and is to enter in new indenture with the com-
monality for the same which the mayor in behalf of the
commonality is to execute.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 24th Day of February Annoq Domini 17-f-JK
John De Peyster Esq., mayor, Dirck Ten Broeck Esq.,
60 The City Records.
Recorder, Ryer Gerritse, Jacob Lansingh, and Cornells
Cuyler Esq'rs, aldermen, Johannis Ostrande, John Vis-
cher and Johannis Joh's Beeckman, assistants, who where
appointed the 10th instant to go to the Moquas country
in order to purchases of the Indians of the Moquas coun-
try the flatts on both side of Janoderogos Creek hereto-
fore granted by Governour Dungan to the corporation
by the City Charter, and made thbir return in writting
of their proceedings in the Moquas country, which return
is lodged with the mayor.
The charges accrued by the occasion of the aforesaid
journey & the severall meetings with the Indians in the
city are as followed:
To Johannis Lansingh, as per ace1 - - £1: 3: 3
To Evert Wendell's as per do. - - 6:8:0
To John De Peyster, as pr do. - - 5:12: 9
To Dirck Tenbroeck, as pr do. - - 7: 2: 7£
To Cornelius Cuyler, as pr do. - - 3:1:6
To Isaac Lansingh, as pr do. - - 1:1:3
To Jacob Lansingh, as pr do. - - 3:11: 3J
To Johannis Ostrande, as pr do. - - 1:4:0
To Ryer Gerritse, as pr do. - « > 1 : 4 : 0
To Johannis Vischer, as pr do. - * 1:16: 0
To Johannis Joh's Beekman, do. - - 2:8:10
To Tobyas Ryckman for a barrell of Bier%- 16: 0
£35:08-9
The severall above accounts amounting to thirty-five
pounds eight shillings & nine pence are allowed and
aproved, wereupon it is Resolved that an order shall be
issued out to the City Treasurer for the payment thereof.
It is ordered that Barent Brat, City Treasurer, shall
pay unto Johannis Seger the sume of one pound two
shillings & six pence for one month service as bellman
from ye 14th October 1729 to the fourteenth of November
last.
Whereas Johannis Dirkse Vander Heyden was ap-
pointed high constable of this city by the commonality
the 29th September last & since the sd Vander Heyden
The City Records. 61
being removed out of this city it is nisessary that an
other high constable be appointed & sworn in his place,
whereupon the said coraonality do appoint Hend. Hal-
lenbeeck high constable of this city in the place and steed
of the sd Vander Heyden, and that he take the oath ac-
cordingly.
It is also resolved that a petty constable be chosen in
the first ward the 28th of this instant, February, in the
room of the sd Hendr. Halenbeeck who was ye late petty
constable of ye first ward.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 24th of March 17-ff.
Abraham Lansingh by his petition dated the 23d day
of March 17|-J setts forth that there is a peice of ground
lying and being within the city lemites on the south side
of Foxes Creek adjoyning next to the lott of Johannis
Pru}'n & Christopher Yates, containing in length ten rod
and in breadth six rod Ryland measure.
Resolved that the said petition be taken in considera-
tion.
Jacob Glen by his petition dated the 24th day of March
17-ff sett forth that there is a lott of ground lying & be-
ing within the city lemites on the west of the lotts of
Johannis Bleecker, Jan Jureaen Hogan, Johan's Rostboom
& Abraham Lansingh, containing in length from the front
of the house of Johannis Bleecker Jun'r, to the rorih
side of the lott of Abraham Lansingh and in breadth
thirty foot Ryland measure.
Resolved that the sd petition be taken in consideration.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 7th Day of April Annoq Domini 1730.
Jochim Bratt appeared here in common council in be-
half of his mother and promised to give bond for 23
pounds for the arrear due to this corporation of the land
now in the possession of Maria Bratt, wed'w of Johan's
Bratt, dec'd.
And it is further taken into consideration for the bad-
62 The City Records.
ness of the land that the sd Maria Bratt shall have the
sd farm hereafter yearly & every year for the rent of 37J
bushell of good merchandable Winter wheat instead of
45 bushell in the former indenture & is to enter in new
indenture with the commonality for the same which the
mayor in behalf of the commonality is to execute.
Dirck Vander Heyden appeared here in common coun-
cil & agreed with the commonality to pay the sum of six
pounds in full of the arrear due to this corporation of the
farm at Schaahkook lately belonged to the sd Dirck Van-
der Heyden & now in possession of Hendrick Vander
Werke and 24 shillings for fees of the lawyer, sheriff and
clerk.
Att a Common Counil held in the City hall of Albany
the 8th day of April Annoq Domini 1730.
Volkert Douw appeared in common council and desired
of the commonality for a certain peice of ground contain-
ing acres belonging to this corporation, lying at the
Ferrebergh on the south side of the creek, which sd creek
is to the south where Isaac Van Valkenburgh now lives,
which is granted for nineteen years to the 3d Volkert
Douw upon condition following:
That he pay unto the commonality yearly & every year
in the month of May, after the month of May 1730, two
scheppel good & merchandable Winter wheat and one
copell of fett hens & is to enter into indenture with the
commonality for the same; which sd indenture ye mayor
in behalf of the commonality is to execute.
Att a common council held within the City hall of Albany
this llth Day of April Annoq Domini 1730.
This day Abraham Lansingh made application for a
certain peice of ground adjoining Foxes Creek within the
limits of this city viz: bounded on the west by ground
of Johannis Pruyn & Christopher Yates & on the north
by sd Foxes Creek, containing in breadth along the said
creek four rod & in length from tbe sd creek to the hill
six rod all Ryland measure, which was granted accord-
The City Records. 63
ingly, he paying for the same the sum of ten pounds cur-
rant money of this Province on the delivery of the inden-
ture or conveyance, which is to be executed by the mayor
of this city, the said Lansingh paying the charges of the
same.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 19th Day of May 1730.
This day published two ordinances viz : the one relating
the insufficiency of the severall streets & alleys, and the
other relateing the carmen for not take upon themselfs
ye function of a carman &c., which sd ordinances are en-
tered in the book made for y* porposs.
It is resolved yf the mayor shall executed an indenture
to Abraham and Isaac Fort for ten morgan of upland
lying and being at Schaahkook on the north side of the
creek upon the hill adjoyning to the upland of the said
Fortts for the consideration to make & keep a good suffi-
cient fence from the fence of Aderjaen Quackenboss at
Schaahkook to the fence of the sd Fortts over the hills
on the place where it now lyes, & that they also main-
taing & keep the half of the sd division fence between the
sd Aderjaen Quackenboss and the Island which is reserved
for the Indians to plant on. so that the s! Island be freed
from all cattle & swyn, and that for the term of twenty
years commensing from the 18th of February, 172-f, and
that they also pay yearly & every year for ever one cuple
fatt hens in the month of January or February, for an
acknowledgement for the sd ten morgan of upland above
mentioned, and that the said Abraham & Isaac Fort give
a bond of a 100X for the performence of the fence above
said.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 30th Day of May, Annoq Domini 1730.
This Day sold unto Joseph Yates a certain small peice
or angle of ground in the city of Albany adjoyning to ye
west of ye lott of ground belonging to the s(l Joseph Yates
being broad behind by his smits shop ten inches & so run-
64 The City Records.
ing northerly along the front of his shop to the north
west corner thereof, & from thence with a straight line
to the north west corner of his house so as it is now
thereon erected by ye sd Joseph Yates.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this ninth Day of July Annoq Domini 1730.
It being agreed upon that a Letter be wrote to Mr.
John Chambers, attorney at law, concerning the land of
Tionnondoroge, the same is in the words following, viz:
Albany the 9th July, 1730.
Mr. John Chambers:
Sir — We being apprehensive that several Persons are
endeavoring by clandestine means to incroach upon our
right and title in a Tract of land called Tionondoroge,
which Tract we the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality
of the city of Albany have his Majesties grant and licence
to purchase from his Ex'cy Thomas Dungan Esq., late
Lieut. Governor of this Province of which you have en-
closed a recitall of the Title, but the mayor, aldermen,
&c. of this city haveing as yet not obtain'd a Purchase
from the native Indian Proprietors of said land thro' the
evill insinuation of some of our people and we being in-
formed that there are several persons treating underhand
with the Indians who would rent it from them or by
some other means obtain an oppertunity of getting into
possession thereof in order to obtain their sinister ends.
Therefore we desire that you'l lodge a Caveat in the pro-
per office to prevent such persons obtaining licence to
purchase the aforesd land or any part thereof, or that
you'l act in this affair as you think most for the security
of the corporation of this city who shall with due care
pay you your costs in this affair.
You must likewise understand that there is some wood
land adjacent to the above Tract very convenient to us
and we conceive that there are people now endeavoring
to make purchase thereof who are gone to N. York for
that purpose, therefore we desire you'l request of his
Ex'cy the Governor that the corporation may have the
The City Records. 65
preference thereof, and that we entreat his Ex'cy may
not give them a grant since we are inclinable to purchase
it; but if you think entring a caveat to prevent that
will be of service, we desire you may do it, for if we
have not that wood land the other will be of little value
in regard that it entirely encloses the tract contained in
our Licence; therefore we hope his Ex'cy will grant us
that favour & we desire that you'l favor us with your
answer herein as soon as you can conveniently, &c.
Sold unto Gerrit Van Sante a small lott triangle of
ground lying in the first ward of this city to the south of
the lott now in said Gerrits possession, containing to the
south in length 48 feet and 9 inches & in the rear of sd
lott to the west 17 feet, all Eng. measure, and to the
north to run as farr to the front as to joyn the lott now
in possession of the said Gerrit Van Sante, for which he is
to pay eight pounds ten shillings upon perfecting the
writeings and the other halfe in three months after date
hereof and John De Peyster Esq. mayor, is hereby deputed
to execute a deed to the said Garret Van Sante of said
lott in behalf of the commonality.
Sold to Jacob Eghmont a lott of ground in the first
ward to the east of his lott where he now lives, con-
taining to the south in the front ten feet, to the north ten
feet and to the east and west 105 feet wood measure,
for which he is to pay fifteen pounds or halfe the 14th
October next the other halfe the 14th October following,
for which the mayor to execute deeds as aforesd.
Whereas Johannis Cuyler Esq. has preferrd a Petition
to us for Licence to purchase 50 morgan part of the land
of Teionondroge, thereupon it shall be taken in consid-
eration next meeting.
Albany the 9th July 1730.
It is agreed and concluded upon by the mayor, alder-
men and commonality of this city that all persons inhabit-
ing in this city who are desirous to purchase any part
of a certain tract of land lying in the Mohawks country-
known by the name of Tionnondroge that they shall
come to the said mayor, aldermen and commonality who
66 The City Records.
will lett it out to such persons on the following terms,
viz:
That for obtaining the licence of this city for three
years such person or persons shall pay for every twenty
five morgan of sd land ten pounds, and after they shall
have purchased land and improved the same then they
shall render and deliver yearly and every year for ever
at the city of Albany aforesd eighteen bushels and three
pecks or twenty five scheppel good merchantable winter
wheat.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 14th Day of July Annoq Domini 1730.
Mrs. Anna Kitchnaers delivered in her ace1 of £4:3:6.
Ordered that the Treasurer do pay the same.
Ordered the Treasurer to pay to Mr. Evert Wendell
the sum of £5:19:0, being in full for his ace1 to this day.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this first Day of August Annoq Domini 1730.
It is Resolved that the following lotts of ground be sold
atapublick Vendue to the highest bidder this afternone:
Which said vendue begun about two a clock accord-
ingly; the following lotts where sold to the following
persons upon condition to pay one third ready money,
one third ihe first of August 1731 and the remainder,
being the other one third, the first of February 173J.
To Jeremiah Pemberton the lott No. two on the Plain
to the east of Jacob Egmond, being broad before and be-
hind 28 feet and in length on the east and west side 98J
feet, all English measure, for the sum of £45:0:0.
To Henry Holland jun'r, the lott No. four on the Plain
to the east of being broad before and behind 28
feet and in length on the east and west sides 98 J feet, all
English measure, for the sum of £48:0:6.
To Isaac Freyar the lott No. five on the Plain to the
east of Henry Holland jun r, being broad before and be-
hind 28 feet and in length on the east and west sides 98 J
feet, all English measure, for the sum of £47:3.
The City Records. 67
To Gysbert Van Sante the lott No. six on the Plain to
to the east of Isaac Freyar, being broad before and be-
hind 28 feet and in length on the east and west sides 98£-
feet, all English measure, for the sum of £45:14.
To Johannis Kiddeney the lott No. seven on the Plain
to the east of Gysbert Van Sante, being broad before and
behind 28 feet and in length on the east and west sides
98 J feet, all English measure, for the sum of ,£45:15.
To John Haton the lott No. eight on the Plain to the
east of Johannis Kideney, being broad before and behind
28 feet and in length on the east and west sides 98 J feet,
all English measure, for the sum of £46:12.
To Johannis Ger1 Lansingh the lot No. nine on the
Plain to the east of John Haton. being broad before and
behind 28 feet and in length on the east and west sides
98 1 feet, all English measure, for the sum of £46:2.
To Edward Holland the lott No. ten on the Plain to
the east of Johannis Gerr1 Lansingh, being broad before
and behind 28 feet and in length on the east and west
sides 98 J feet all English measure, for the sum of £45:7.
To William Walderen the lott No. eleven on the Plain
to the east of Edward Holland, being broad before and
behind 28 feet and in length on the east and west sides
98£ feet, all English measure, for the sum of £47:11.
To Jacob Glen the lott No. one on the hill to the west
of the street. which goes along the lotts of Johannis
Bleecker jun'r, Jurejan Hogan, &c., which said lott being
broad before and behind 30 feet and in length on the
east and west sides J20feet, all English measure, for
the sum of £85: 10.
To Isaac Lansingh the lott No. two on the Hill to the
west of Jacob Glen, being broad before and behind 30
feet and in length on the east and west side 120 feet, all
English measure, for the sum of £55.
To Richart Lansing the lott No. three on the Hill to
the west of Isaac Lansingh, being broad before and be-
hind 30 feet and in length on the east and west sides 120
feet, all English measure, for the sum of £38.
To Cornelis Cuyler the lott No. four on the Hill to the
68 The City Records.
west of Richart Hansen, being broad before and behind
30 feet and in length on east end west sides 120 feet, all
English measure, for the sum of £37:10.
To Abraham Cuyler the lott No. five on the Hill to
the west of Cornells Cuyler, being broad before and be-
hind 30 feet and in length on the east and west sides 120
feet, all English measure, for the sum of ,£62.
To Johannis Cuyler jun'r, the lott No. six on the Hill
to the north of the Jott of Jacob Glen and to the west of
the street, being broad before and behind 30 feet and in
length on the south & north sides 100 feet, all English
measure, forthe sum of £34:01.
To Abraham Lansingh jun'r, the lott No. seven on the
Hill to the north of Johannis Cuyler jun'r, being broad
before and behind 30 feet and in length on the south and
north sides 100 feet, all English measure, for the sum of
£32:10.
Att a Common Council held at the City hall of the city
of Albany the 7th August 1730.
Whereas we have recied two Letters from John Cham-
bers Esq., dated New York 18th & 30th July last and
likewise one from Isaac Bobin Esq., dated 21st Do. month
with the copy of a Petition of Walter Butler, George In-
goldsby, Archibald Kennedy Jun'r, Edward Collins and
John Avery, for 1200 acres of land near Tionondroge,
dated 23d Do. month, to his Ex'y Jno. Montgomerie Esq.
& in Councill, with the order of said Gov'r and Councill
upon said Petition upon the Caveat of the Corporation of
this city.
Thereupon it being maturely considered that its abso-
lutely necessary for the advantage of the city of Albany
in this affair that the Mayor, Recorder and Jacob Beeck-
man, alderman, and Isaac Lansingh, assistant, do forth-
with repair to New York in order to proceed farther for
the interest of this city, It is therefore resolved that they
the sd Mayor, Recorder & Jacob Beeckman, alderman and
Isaac Lansingh, assistant, do forthwith proceed in that
voyage and that they have hereby full power and authority
The City Records. 69
to act, transact and forward all matters and things that
tend most to the advantage of this city in as full and
ample manner as if the full corporate body of this city
was there present, and that they and each of them have
and receive the daily allowance of ten shillings pr. day for
defraying their expences on this voyage, to comence from
to-morrow the 8th instant untill their return in Albany,
the same to be paid by the corporation of this city, and
likewise that there shall be a Canoe provided for the
more ready dispatch in this affair, with persons to padle
the same, if occasion, and in case the said mayor, recorder,
Jacob Beeckman & Isaac Lansing should expend any
money upon necessary occasions in this affair, that the
said charges shall bs paid as aforesaid, clear and exclu-
sive of the daily allowance provided hereby for the said
mayor, recorder, Jacob Beeckman & Isaac Lansing; and
it is further orderd that Barent Bratt, our treasurer, do
pay unto the aforesd mayor, recorder, Jacob Beeckman
and Isaac Lansingh or either of them the sum of twenty
pounds, for which they must render account at their re-
turn.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 22d Day of August Annoq Domini 1730.
The Mayor, Recorder, Jacob Beeckman and Isaac
Lansing returned from New York and made report that
the Gov'r & Councill have referred the petition of Walter
Butler in company for the 1200 acres of wood land near
Tinondroge mentioned in the said Butlers Petition till
the first Thursday in October next.
Whereupon it is Resolved that a petition be presented
to the Gov'r and Councill for four thousand acres of wood
land adjoyning behind the low land at Tionondroge for
this corporation, & that the Mayor, Recorder, Ryer Ger-
retse & Cornelis Cuyler do prepare a petition to his Ex'y
for the same accordingly.
[Annals, ix.} 7
70 The City Records.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
the 2d September Annoq Domini 1730.
Whereas Dirck Van Veghten in behalf of his brother
Leendert Van Vechte, on the 6th of Aug1 last agreed
with the mayor, aldermen and commonalty for a certain
peice of ground scituate, lying and being at Skaaktikook
on the south side of the Creek and to the west down sd
creek about an English mile from the house of Dirck Van
Vechten aforesd, containing in up and low land fifteen
morgan, upon the fol'g Terms: First, he is to pay the
sum of ten pounds upon obtaining the indentures, and
from the receipt of sd Indentures he is to enjoy the same
for six Years free and clear of any rent t>r charge what-
soever, and from and after the expiration of said six years
to pay yearly and every year for ever in the city of Albany
to the corporation of sd city ten skeple good merchantable
winter wheat, which said Indentures the Mayor is to
perfect in behalf of the corporation.
The committee appointed in common councill on the 22d
August last for prepairing a Petition to his Ex'cy Jno.
Montgomerie Esq. in councill, haveing brought in a Peti-
tion accordingly,- Orderd, therefore that Jno. DePeyster
Esq. mayor, do sign the same in behalf of the corporation
of this city.
Whereas there was sixteen lotts of ground sold at
public vendue, as appears by the minutes on the first
August last, ordered that the mayor do perfect Deeds to
the severall persons who have bought the said lotts, and
that he sign & execute the same in behalf of the corpora-
tion.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
the 22d Day of September 1730.
Sold to Gerrit V. D. Bergh, now Deputy Clerk of the
city of Albany, a small peace or thryangle of ground to
the front of his lott in the third ward of this city, being
to the north about three or four foot & to the south about
six or seven inches, and as broad as sd lott whereon his
The City Records. 71
house is now directed, for which he has paid twenty shil-
lings to the corporation.
Resolved that the mayor in behalf of this corporation
execute a deed for the same.
Sold to Marte Beeckman a small peice of ground lying
in the third ward to the front of his lott and to the north
of the house and lott of Gerrit V. D. Bergh, being in
breadth as broad as the lott of the sd Marte Beeckmans
lott, and as far out in the street as the house of the said
Gerrit V. D. Bergh, for which he is to pay the sum of thirty
shillings, and the mayor is to execute a deed for the same.
Sold to Ryer Gerritse a small peice of ground lying in
the first ward behind the lott of sd Ryer Gerritse thereunto
adjoining on the east end of sd lott, being in length six
foot Rynland measure and in breadth thirty-nine foot
wood measure, so as it is now in fence, for which the sd
Ryer Gerritse is to pay twenty shillings; for which the
mayor is to execute a deed for the same.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of the city
of Albany the 24th September 1730.
Abraham Lansing by his petition dated the 24th day of
September 1730, setts forth that there is a peice of ground
about six foot broad and as long as the sd Abraham Lan-
singhs lotts thereunto adjoying.
Resolved that the sd petition be taken in consideration.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 29th Day of September Annoq. Domini 1730.
In persuance of the directions of the Charter of the city
of Albany two aldermen, two asssistants and one consta-
ble being chosen this day in each respective ward of said
city by plurality of voths, by 'the inhabitance of each re-
spective wards who have right to chuse, and return being
made, who are as followed:
First Ward.
Aldermen. Assistants.
Ryer Gerritse Isaac Lansingh
Tobyas Ryckman Johannis Ostrander.
Petrus Ryckman Jun'r, Constable.
72 The City Records.
Second Ward.
Cornelius Cuyler Johan's Beeckman
John Roseboom Nicholas Bleecker
James Bunton, Constable.
Third Ward.
Samuel Pruyn Gerrit Lansingh Jun'r
Jacob Lansingh John Vischer Jun'r.
Joseph Yates jr., Constable.
Barent Bratt chosen & appointed City Chamberlain
or Treasurer for this insueing year.
Peter Goewy appointed high Constable for the insueing
year.
Alt a Common Councill held in the City Hall of Albany
the 10th Day of Octob'r Annoq Domini 1730.
Whereas the Prinsepall Shaims of the Moquas Indians
haveing send three Messengers on the 8th of this instant
to this corporation to desire them to come to the Moquas
Country, that they where now fully resolved to sign over
to this corporation the one thousand acres of low land
on both sides of Teinondoroge Creek or River, granted
to the said corporation by their city charter.
Whereupon it is Resolved that John De Peyster Esq'r,
mayor, Dirck Ten Broeck Esq'r, recorder, Ryer Gerritse,
Jacob Lansing, and Cornelius Cuyler Esq'rs, aldermen,
and John Vischer jr., assistant, are appointed a committe
to go to the Moquas Country and have full power to act
and agree for the said land, with the said Indians upon
such conditions as the said committe shall judge most
beneficiall for this city; and that each person of ye above
named committe shall have for their service six shillings
per day so long as they are upon that service, besides all
reasonable charges,
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 14th Day of October Annoq Domini 1730.
John De Peyster Esq'r, mayor, Dirck Ten Broeck Esq.
recorder, Ryer Gerritse, Jacob Lansingh and Cornelius
Cuyler Esq'rs, aldermen, and John Vischer Jun'r, assist-
ant, who were appointed a committe the 10th instant to
The City Records. 73
go to the Moquas Country, with full power to act & agree
with the Moquas Indians for the flatts on both sides of
Tinnondoroges Creek or River, which said committe be-
ing returned, and produed a deed executed by the sd In-
dians to this corporation, bearing date the 12th of this
instant.
The following aldermen, assistance and constables are
sworn for the insuing year (viz).
The first ward, Ryer Geritse, Tobyas Ryckman, Esqr's,
aldermen; Isaac Lansingh, Johan's Ostrande, assistance;
Petrus Ryckman, Jun'r, constable.
The second ward, Cornelis Cuyler, Johan's Roseboom,
Jun'r, Esq'rs aldermen; Nicholas Bleecker, Jun'r, ass't;
James Bunton, constable.
The third ward, Sarnuell Pruyn, Jacob Lansingh, Esq's,
aldermen; Gerritt Lansingh jun'r, Johan's Vischer jun'r,
assistance; Joseph Yates jun'r, constable.
Barent Bratt sworn as chamberlain or treasurer.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 15th Day of October Annoq Domini 1730.
The severall accounts as debts due from the corpora-
tion to the severall persons hereunder named where ex-
amed and allowed, amounting in the whole to the sume
of one hundred & fourty-nine pounds four shillings five
pence halfpenny.
Ordered y1 a warrant be issued out to the treasurer for
the payment of the same (viz).
To Jeremiah Van Rensselaer for firewood and one fatt
sheep - - - - - £10: 0: 0
To Philip Livingston, for his service as clerk
of ye Comonality for ye year past - - 12: 0: 0
To Johannis Seger, as Marchel and other
service • - - - • - 8:16: 0
To Jacob Eggemont, as Belleman - - 15: 0: 0
To Jeremiah Pemerenten as do. - - - 13:18: 0
To Ragel Radliff, wed. of Joh's Radliff - - 5: 0: 0
Carried over £64:14: 0
74
The City Records.
Brought over
To John De Peyster, per ace1
To Dirck Ten Broeck, Do.
To Ryer Gerritse Do.
To Jacob Beeckman Do.
To Cornells Cuyler Do.
To Jacob Lansingh Do.
To Tobyas Ryckman Do.
To Johan's Vischer J'r Do.
To Isaac Lansingh Do.
To Jan Rosie Do.
To Anna Kitchnaers Do.
To Joseph Clement Do.
To William Hogan Do.
To John Dunbar Do.
To Volkert Douw Do.
To David A. Schuyler Do.
To Henry Holland Jun'r Do.
To Edward Collins Do.
To Johannis E. Wendell Do.
£64:14: 0
12:05:10J
12:14: 0
2:11: 0
7: 2: 3
£149: 4:
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of the city
of Albany this 21st Day of November Annoq Domini
1730.
Whereas John De Peyster Esq., mayor, produced a
commission under the ©road Seal of this Province con-
stituting him, the said John De Peyster, mayor, coroner
and clerk of the market of the city and county of Albany
aforesaid; whereupon the said John De Peyster took the
oaths usuall in such cases, as likewise the oath for true
performanee of his office.
Goose Van Schaick took likewise the oaths of allegiance
as usuall, and likewise the oath for true performance of
his office of sheriff of the city and county of Albany by
virtue of a commission under the broad seal of this Pro-
vince.
The City Records. 75
Johannis Beeckman Jun'r took the oaths as usual as
assistant in comon councill for the second ward.
Peter Goewy sworn as high constable.
Att a Comon Councill held in the City hall of the sd city
of Albany this 5th Day of December Annoq Do. 1730.
By an ordinance this day published the following per-
sons are appointed firemasters in each respective ward as
follows (viz) : First ward, Nicholas Van Schaick, Ben-
jamin Bogart. Second ward, Petrus Vanderlyn, Jacobus
Groesbeeck. Third ward, Gerrit B. Vanden Bergh, Cille-
jan Winne.
Ordered yl hooks & leaders be made with all speed & be
kept in conveniant places within this city for avoiding
the peril of fire.
It is also ordered that weights and measures be sent
for early in the spring from N. York from ye city sealer
or stamper there, which sd weights and measurers to be
and remain for a standert for this city for all other weights
measurers to be regulated thereby.
Whereas James Bunton, constable of the second ward
of this city is removed out of the sd city, wherefore it is
hereby ordered that another fitt person be elected and
chosen in his place on Tuesday next, being the eight inst.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of the said
city of Albany this 10th Day of December Annoq Do. 1730.
The aldermen of the second ward returned Jerem'h
Mandeviel who was chosen for a petty constable in the
rome of James Button and was sworn this day to execute
the said office accordingly.
Whereas by a resolve of the 9th of July last it was
agreed and concluded that all persons inhabiting in this
city who were desireous to purchase any part of a certain
tract of land lying in the Mohawks country, known by
the name of Tionnondroge, that they shall come to the
said mayor, aldermen and commonality who will lett it
out to such persons on terms therein mentioned, which
said Resolve is hereby annuld and made void.
76 The City Records.
A Petition of Mr. Evert Wendell being this day pre-
sented in common councill, It is ordered that the same
be taken into consideration the next meeting. .
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
the 19th December 1730.
This day sold to Richard Hilton a lott of ground in the
first ward on the Plain next adjoynin^ to the east of the
lott No. 2, belonging to Jeremiah Pemerton, being in
breadth in the front & rear tvrenty-eight foot and in
length on the east and west sides of said lott 98 £ foot all
English measure, for the sum of forty-six pounds to pay
in the following manner, viz1, upon perfecting deed of
sale thereof by the mayor £15:6:8, being | part of said
£46, and the next J being £15:6:8, to be paid at or be-
fore the 19th December 1731, and £15:6:8, being the
payment, at or before the 19th day of June 1732 ; and it
is likewise agreed that the said Richard Hilton shall pay
the charges accrewing on the writeings to be made and
perfected on sale of the aforesd lott and to give bond with
security for payment of the two last mentioned payments.
Whereas a lott of ground Number ten on the plain in
this city, seituate to the east of the lott purchasd by Jo-
hannis Gerritse Lansingh, containing in breadth in front
and rear 28 foot and in length on the east and west sides
98J foot, all English measure, was by publick vendue
sold unto Edward Holland on the first of August last and
the sd Edwd Holland declining to have sd lott, now Robert
Kidway having applied himselfe unto us and desired to
buy the said lott, we do therefore sell him the said lott
for the sum of £47 pound to be paid in manner following,
viz1: £15:13:4, being one third of the aforesd sum of £47
upon perfecting a deed of sale of said lott by the mayor,
and the next £15:13:4 at or before the 19th December,
1731, and the last £15:13:4 at or before the 19th June,
1732, and likewise that the sd Robert Kidney shall pay
the charges on the writeings to be perfected of sd lott as
aforesd, and to give bond with security for payment of
the two last mentioned payments.
The City Records. 77
Whereas Johannis Seger^has applyed himselfe unto us
desireing to buy a lott of ground on the plain in the first
ward, scituate adjoyning to the north of the lott of Jacob
Eghmont being in front to the west two rod and halfe,
and in the rear two rod and halfe, and in length nine
rod, all Ryland measure, which said lott we sell to the
sd Job's Seger for the sum of £40, on the following terms:
to pay £10 upon perfecting a deed of sale thereof by the
mayor of this city, and ,£10 in one year after perfecting
sd writeings, and £10 at six months ensuing the sd second
payment, and the last £10 at six months ensuing the
said third payment, and to pay the charge of writeing
the said deed with bond and security for payment of the
aforesd last three payments,
Whereas Andries Brat has applied himselfe unto us
desireing to buy a lott of ground on the plain in the first
ward, seituate adjoyning to the north of the lott of Johan-
nis Seger, being in front to the west two rod and halfe
and in the rear two rod and halfe, and in length nine
rod, all Ryland measure, which said lott we sell to the
sd Andries Brat for the sum of £40, on the foll'g terms:
to pay £10 upon perfecting a deed of sale thereof by the
mayor of this city and £10 in one year after perfecting said
writeings and £10 at 6 months ensuing the said second
payment, and the last £10 at six months ensuing the
said third payment and to pay the charge of writeing the
said deed with bond and security for payment of the said
last three payments. All which deeds it is Resolved that
the mayor of this city for the time being do execute in
behalf of the comonality.
Att a Common Council held at the City hall of Albany
this 5th Day of January Annoq Domini 173^.
The Petitition of Mr. Evert Wendell, dated the 10th
day of December 1730, being taken into consideration,
but finding by experience ye same to be detrimental and
prejudicial to the inhabitance of this city if granted;
Whereupon its Resolved nimne contradisinted that the
said petition be rejected.
78 The City Records.
But this Board taking further into consideration his ser-
vices, treble, writeing & interpreting & assisting in optain-
ing a deed for the land in the Moquas country called Tin-
nonderoge, purchased from the Mohaws Indians, do allow
the said Wendell for ye same service above mentioned the
sum of fifteen pounds.
Ordered that the Treasurer of this city do pay the said
fifteen pounds to the sd Wendell or his orders , he giveing
a receipt for the same to the said treasurer in full for his
services, &c., above mentioned, and yl the treasurer be
served with a copy hereof.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 7th Day of Jan'y 173f.
It is Resolved that a Market house shall be made in
the third ward of this city on the Square in the middle of
the street between the houses of Leendert Gansevoort
and Johannis De Wandelaer.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 27th Day of January Annoq Domini 173-?-.
Whereas Barent Bratt, Treasurer or Chamberlain of
this city havein a considerable sum of money in his hands
of this commonality, and they have at present no occasion
to lay out the same, its therefore Resolved that the said
treasurer to put or lett out the same upon interest for ye
use of this corporation to any sufficient person or persons
with good securities, and that for a year and at seven
persent at least.
Ordered that Barent Bratt, treasurer, doe give William
Walderen credit on his bond due to this comon'ty the
sum of eleven shillings, being allowd him for his paying
ready money before it was due on the bond & part of the
third payment of his lott which he had bought of this
comonality.
At a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 27th Day of March Annoq Domini 1731.
It is ordered that Barent Bratt, city treasurer, do pay
unto Gerrit Van Benthuysen the sum of eighteen shillings
it being for six loods of wood.
The City Records. 79
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this 10th Day of April Annoq Do. 1731.
It is agreed by the comonality that Abraham Fort and
Isaac Fort shall have each of them a morgan of land upon
the Island reserved for the Indians, that is if the said In-
dians have no occation for the sd land, and that for the
term so long as that <he s'1 Abraham and Isaac Fort have
agreed with this corporation to keep the said fence about
the sd Island, reserved for the Indians to plant on.
This day published three ordinances and entered the
same in a book kept for that purpose.
Att a Common Council held in the City hall of Albany
this first Day of May Annoq Domini 1731.
Whereas Evert Wendell has taken in with a fence some
of the city ground lying on the north side of the Beavers
kill and to the west of the fence of the wed'w Casperse,
without leave or lysence of the commonality, & he being
required to take up the said fence, and refuseing so to do,
It is therefore ordered to send two fitt persons to cutt &
take down the sd fence, and the persons agreed to under-
take to execute the same are Roliff Kidney & Richard
Hilton, and this commonality do ingage to indamnify the
said Roliff Kidney & Richard Hilton and to make them-
selfs defend'ts in there place.
Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
this 13th day of May 1731.
This day appeared in common council Aderjan Quack-
enboss and offered to sell the land at Schaahkook now in
his possession to the said common council according to
the tennor of the indenture, but they not thinking meet to
purchase the same have unanimously agreed that the sd
Aderjan Quackenbosc have liberty to dispose of ye sd
land to Daniel Kittlethuyn.
Att a Commonality held in the City hall of Albany this
21st Day of June 1731.
Henderius Vander Wercke haveing offeredr {$
80 The City Records.
land at Skaahkook now in his possessions to the said
common council according to the tennorof the indenture,
but they not thinking neet to purchase the same have
unanimously agreed that the said Henderius Vander-
wercke have liberty to dispose of the said land to Aderjan
Quackenboss.
Mr. John Waters delivered in his account of twenty-
three pounds two shillings and three pence for a treat to
his Excel! 'cy and one upon the Kings birth day, as also
for severall meetings ; ordered that the treasurer pay the
same.
It is Resolved that the inhabitants in each ward have
liberty on their own charges to build and erect a publick
market house in such convenient place as the common-
ality shall order and direct, and whereas the mayor in
behalf of several of the inhabitants of the first ward peti-
tioned for to have liberty to sett the market house for
the first ward on the ground opposite to the house of
Col. John Schuyler, which is granted accordingly.
And whereas the Recorder, Aldermen & assist's in be-
half of severall of the Inhabitants of the third ward peti-
tioned for Liberty to sett the market house for the third
ward on the ground behind the lotts of Geertruy Schuylers
and Domini Van Driese, at the water side, which is also
granted accordingly.
And whereas Johan's Roseboom, in behalf of severall
of the Inhabitants of the second ward petitioned for to
have liberty to build a wal upon their own charge in the
middle of the Cross street opposite the houses of Gerluyn
Verplanck, Johannis Beekman, Juu'r, Anthony Van
Schaick, Jun'r and yelott of ground of Johannis Bleecker
Jun'r, which is granted accordingly.
Whereas the water occasioned by rain running down
the path of Schenectady at the north side of the Fort,
which not only spiles the path but also a great greavons
and detterment to the inhabitants liveing below the same,
Ordered that the sd water be stopt and brought to vent
in the foxes creek at ye charge of the city.
(81)
A LIST OF THE HEADS OF FAMILIES
AND
THE NUMBER OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN EACH
HOUSEHOLD IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OP ALBANY, THE
16TH OF JUNE, 1697.
The references in the left margin are to the nationality of the individuals.
Men. Women. Children.
Joannis Harmense
1
1
1
Myndert Schuyler
1
1
1
Joannes Schuyler
1
1
ii
Aryantie Wendels
0
1
3
Alida Schuyler
0
1
4
Pieter Van Brugh
1
1
1
Marities Lervens
0
1
3
Margaret Schuyler
0
1
0
Melgert Abrahamse
1
1
3
Wouter Van Derzee
— 1
1
0
Pieter Van Olinde
1
1
3
David Schuyler —
1
1
2
Mrs. Bradshaw
0
1
1
William van Alen
1
1
1
William Ketelhyn,
1
1
2
Lucas Lucase
1
1
3
Jan Bratts Widdow
0
1
5
Roelof Gerritse
1
1
6
f Jan Rosie
1
1
0
Isaac Casperse
1
1
3
Hendrick Marselis
1
0
0
Hendrick Haes
1
1
2
Joannis Becker Jun'r,
1
1
3
Jacob Staets
1
1
Dirck Van der Heyde
1
4
I William Hogan
1
3
Joannis Teller
1
3
John Fyne
— 1
0
Hendrick Lansing
1
2
[ Annals , ix.] 8
82 Heads of Families in 1697.
Men. Women. Children,
1 0
1 1
E John Carr 110
E James Parker 100
1 5
1 4
1 0
1 0
1 1
1 1
1 5
1 1
E Joseph Yeats ... . 116
Sp Joseph Janse 112
E Jonathan Broadhurst 114
0 0
1 5
1 0
1 5
1 2
1 7
1 0
0 0
1 6
1 6
1 9
1 0
1 2
1 0
0 0
1 4
0 0
1 1
1 4
1 3
1 1
1 0
0 0
Wouter van der Uythof...
1
Paulus Martinse
1
John Carr ,
... 1
James Parker
1
Hendrick Oothout
I
Colo. Pieter Schuyler
1
Pieter Van Woglom
1
Jacob Winne
1
Teunis Dirkes
1
Abraham Staets
... 1
Benoni van Corlaer
2
Jurian van Hoese
1
Joseph Yeats
1
Joseph Janse
1
Jonathan Broadhurst
1
Jan Verbeeck
1
Eghbert Teunisse
1
Leendert Phillipse
1
Albert Ryckman
4
Fredrick Harmense
1
Jacob Cornelisse Bogart...
1
Omie Lagrange Jun'r
1
WillemHolie
1
Harman Gansevoort
... 1
Jan Quackebosse
1
Jan Salomonse
1
Godefridus Dellius
1
Hendrick Hanse
1
Catelyntie Schuyler
0
Jacobus Schuyler
1
Geart hendrikse
1
Jacob van Schoonhoven
1
Joannis Bratt —
1
Wessel ten Broeck
1
Frans Winne
1
Maria Lookerman
0
Gerrit Ryckse
1
Ryer Gerritse
1
Heads of Families in 1697.
83
Men. Women. Children.
Ja,n Vonda ..
1
1
Harpert Jacobse
1
0
W illem Gysberse
2
5
Takel Dirckse
2
1
Jan Cornelisse Viselaer 1
0
Jacob Teunisse
1
6
Anna Ketelheyn
0
3
Johannis Thomasse
1
1
Effie hanse...
0
1
Johannes hanse —
1
0
Barent Albertse Brat
1
1
Cornells Van
Ness
1
1
Anna Vander
heyden
0
3
Volkert van hoese
1 ]
L 5
Tierck Harmense
1 ]
L 4
Anthony Brat
1 ]
L 4
Jacobus Van Vorst
200
Thomas Harmense
1 1 2
Joannes D'Wandelaer Junior..
1 0 0
Jan Van Ness .
1 ]
L 4
Gerret Van Ness
I 1 2
Willem Claesse —
1 J
I 3
Myndert Fredrickse
4 1 0
Tryntie Carstense
0 1
2
S weer Marcelis
1 0 0
Pieter Bogardus
3 1 3
Hendrick Van
Rensselaer
1 1
L 3
Abraham Wendel
1 0 0
Evert Wendel
212
Dirck Wesselse
2 1
4
Anthony Coster
1 0 0
Isaac Ouderkerk
1 ]
L 1
Bastiaen Harmenss
1 ]
L 5
Thomas Williams
1 1 3
Anthony Van
Schaick
1 ]
L 4
Hendrick Roseboom
1 ]
L 1
Jonathan Janse
1 ]
L 0
Rj^er Jacobse
1 ]
L 4
Cornells Schermerhoorn
1
L 2
84 Heads of Families in 1697.
Men. Women. Children.
Abraham Kip 1 I 3
Jacob Lookerman 110
FransPruyn 314
Anthony Bries 112
Catalyntie Jacobse . . . . .. Oil
Gysbert Marcelis 113
Warnaer Carstense 110
Wouter Quackenboss Jun'r 110
Claes Ryrse Van Dam 110
Abraham Lansing 100
^ « Evert Wendel Junior 1 1 6
Geertie ten Eyck 014
Barent & Hendrick Ten Eyck .200
Abraham Cuyler 113
Steven Groesbeeck 100
Marten Cregier 1 1 5
Jillis Vonda 1 1 0
Johannis Roseboom 113
E John Gilbert 115
DanielBrat 110
Abraham §chuyler 1 1 2
EstherTiercks 0 1 1
Joannes Appel .. 110
Claes Jacobse 211
William Jacobse 112
Lucas Gerritse 311
Johannis Beekman 1 1 6
Isaac Verplanck 2 1 6
So Robert Livingston 315
Phillip d'foreest 1 1 5
Hendrick Van Dyk 1 1 4
Jacobus Turck 114
Harmanus Wendel 100
Phillip Wendel 1 1 3
Melgert Wendel 1 1
Joannes Lucase Ill
Melgert Melgertse Ill
Joannes Bleeker Jun'r -. 112
Heads of Families in 1697. 85
Men. Women. Children.
Joannis Glenn 100
Jan Janse Bleeker 211
Hemlrik Roseboom Junior 112
Nanning Harmense . . 1 1 3
Abraham Tewisse ... 1 0 0
Pieter Mingael 110
Claes Rust 200
Jan Vinhagen 211
Gerrit Lansing 213
JanNack 311
Jan Lansing 214
Gerrit Roseboom 113
Cornelis Slingerland.....-.- .
Albert Slingerland 1 1
Gerret Lucasse . 1 1 1
Cornelis Sherloyn 115
Myndert Roseboom — 100
Dirck Brat 113
Joannes Oothout 114
David Ketelheyn Ill
Maes Cornelisse 1 1 5
Hillegont Rykse 012
Maes Rykse 100
Weduwe Gerritze — . .. . Oil
Jan Gerritze 100
Daniel Ketelheyn Ill
Mees Hogeboom 211
f Pieter Villeroy 117
Marcelis ffranse 1 1 0
Rachel Ratcliffe 0 1-7
So farr in the Corporation.
Kiliaen Van Renselaer 100
Hendrick van Ness 316
Harman Janse .... 214
Andries Gardenier . 116
DouweVonda 213
Wouter Quackenboss — 114
Jan Dirckse . . ... 1 1 0
86 Heads of Families in 1697.
Men. Women. Children.
Evert Ridder 1 1 3
Cornells Teunisse 314
Dorothe Douw Oil
Andries Douw 300
Geertruy Janse ... 0 1 0
Thomas Janse 100
Lucas Janse 112
Marten Corn elisse — 201
Gerrit Gysbertse 1 1 5
Claes va» Petten 215
Joannes Ouderkerck 4 1 0
Joannes Ouderkerck Junior.. . 114
Hendrick Beekman 1 1 5
Barent Coeymans 4 0 3
Pieter van Slyck 114
Teunis van Slyek Ill
Barent Gerritzey 214
Cornells Hendrikse 200
Elisabeth hendrikse Oil
Gerretie Jacobse 016
Jan Spoor.- 116
Levinus Winne 0 2
Casper Leenderse 1 5
Daniel Winne 0 0
Gerrit van Wey 0 0
Ryk Michielse 0 0
Jan huybertz and his Mother.. 110
Claes Sewertse 100
Neeltie van Bergen 015
Richard Janse 100
Matthys hoofttyling 2 1 3
Arent Slingerlant 133
Salomon Van Vechten 100
Cornells Tymese. 310
Joannes Hanse 116
Cornells Stevense 219
Cornells Martense 114
TysJanse 1 1 3
Heads of Families in 1697.
87
Men. Women. Children.
Robert Tewise
1
1
4
Isaac Janse
1
0
2
Nicolaes Janse
1
1
4
Jan Tewise
... 1
1
1
Servis Abrahamse
1
1
3
Jacob Janse
1
1
7
Hans Jurys Wife
0
1
4
Jan Salisbury
2
1
1
Joannis Visbeek
... 1
1
5
ffranck Hardin
1
1
7
Jan Van hoese
1
0
0
Carel hanse
1
1
5
Jochim Lamberts
... 3
1
4
Isaac Vosburgh
1
1
4
Gerret Jacobse . .
1
1
2
Andries Hengh
... 3
1
5
Samuel Gardner
1
1
3
Lambert Jochimse
1
1
2
Edward Wheeler
1
1
3
Jacob Bastiaense
1
1
6
Pieter Vosburgh
1
1
3
Pieter Martense
1
1
3
Jan Tyse
.. 3
1
1
Hendrik De Brouwer
2
1
1
Jan De Wever
1
0
2
Abraham Janse
1
1
2
Lambert Janse
1
1
4
Adam Dingmans
1
1
3
Lowreiis Van Aelen
.. 5
0
2
Jannetie Bevers
.. 6
1
2
Andries hanse
.. 2
1
1
frans Pieterse
1
1
1
Johannes Janse
1
1
6
Coenraedt hooftylingh
1
2
helmer Janse
1
0
Phillip Konnings
1
6
Jan Casperse
1
4
William Janse
I
0
88
Heads of Families in 1697.
Michiel Collier
Men. Women. Children.
113
Jan Alberse
1
1
4
Jacob Casperse
1
5
Andries Bratt
1
3
Pap f John Van Loon
1
6
Jan Bronck
3
6
Andries Janse
3
4
Gerrit Teunisse —
3
0
Jonas Douw
1
5
Jan Baptist
1
2
Dirck Teunisse
4
1
4Gysbert Cornelisse
Willem Jan Shutt
2
..... 3
0
2
Pap Hillebrant
1
1
3
Schanegtade.
Joannis Glenn
1
1
fl
Adam Vrooman
1
1
3 1
Abraham Groot
1
1
1 3
Barent Wemp
1
1
5 1
Isaac Switz
1
1
6
Engeltie Baxter
2
1
1
CJaes Laurense
1
1
5
E Jonathan Stevens
1
1
3
harman Vedder
3
1
1
Dirk Bratt
1
1
3
Gys. Gerritse
1
1
5
E Thomas Smith
1
1
4
Jan Baptist ,
1
0
0
Elisabeth Viele
0
1
1
harmanus Vedder
1
1
3 1
Cornelis Van Slyk
2
0
0
Gerrit Symonse
1
1
3
Geese Vroman
0
1
5
E William Hall
1
1
5
Josias Swart
1
1
4
E Jeremiah Shikstone
1
1
4
Douvve Ankus
2
1
3
the Widdow Makelyk
0
1
0 1
Heads of Families in 1697. 89
Men. Women. Children.
Simon Groot 310
Daniel Janse 216
Jacobus Van Dyck Ill
Hendrick Broer 114
E Daniel .Mathercraft 1 1 2
Jacobus Beeck 116
E Phillip Harris 3 1 0
Jan Mebbee 116
Symon Groot Junior 113
ArentVedder 1 1 4
Elisabeth Brouwer 017
Marten Paulusse 1 1 0
Claes Bockhoven 1 1 05
E Jonathan Dyer 113
Eytie Resting 010
Samuel Bratt 116
DirckHaeffe 1 1 0
Cornells Slingerland 1 0 0
Goose Van fort 102
Phillip Phillipse 1 1
Gerrardus Carrysford -- 114
John Lucasse.. 110
Totall 380 271 805
& 14 Negroes at Schanegtade.
[The MS. has the following memorandum: " List of
the names & number of Inhabitants in ye City and County
of Albany given me by ye Mayor of Albany, 31 July 1698."
The total number is not correctly given. There were :
In the city of Albany 379 279 803
In Schenectady 50 41 133
In other parts of the county. 143 80 277
Exclusive of the fourteen negroes at Schenectady ; there-
fore, according to the foregoing list, the total number of
residents in the city and county of Albany was : men
379, women 270, children 803; making an aggregate of
1452].
(90)
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS
OF
PHYSICIANS IN ALBANY COUNTY.
BY DR. SYLVESTER D. W1LLARD.
WILHELMUS MANCIUS
Was born in the county of Ulster, N. Y., in the year
1738. He was the son of George Wilhelmus Mancius, a
doctor in medicine and a minister of the gospel in Ulster
county, who came from Germany. He studied his pro-
fession with his father, and came to Albany to practice.
He spoke both the high and low Dutch languages.
He was a tall man, measuring over six feet, of command-
ing appearance, of eccentric habits, but possessed of
agreeable manners, and a fund of good humor, which
gave him great popularity. He enjoyed a large and remu-
nerative practice.. His office was situated on what is
now known as 581 Broadway, a property which he owned,
and which is now occupied by his grandson Mr. George
Mancius, as a drug store, he being the last and only
surviving male descendant of the family. Dr. Mancius
was, at the time of his death, a partner of Dr. Hunloke
Woodruff. By careful observation he had attained con-
siderable skill, but he had less knowledge of theory than
his more learned partner. As might be expected, in the
discussions on medical topics which frequently arose be-
tween them, he was most often the weaker party, but
his final retort, in order to close these arguments was,
Ah ! de cure ! Hunloke, de cure is de great ting — I cure.'9
A rebuke so keen the theorist felt, because with all his
philosophy, it is said he possessed the least skill. I may
be pardoned for alluding to another incident which would
scarcely add dignity to a member of our profession at this
day. The doctor, it is said, attended many of the wealthy
Physicians of Albany County. 91
farmers surrounding the city, and never scrupled to draw
liberally upon their well supplied stores. He was punctual
to settle these accounts, but always found out first the
amount of them before presenting his own bill." It was
a strange circumstance that no matter how large the
amounts were, " it was exactly the amount of his bill."
Shoe bills, and others were settled in the same manner.
We are told that on one occasion, Richard Smith, a rich
farmer, who had settled with the doctor in this way before
he made out his bill ; it was found on comparison, ihat the
doctor's "just matched it." He then recollected that he
had omitted certain items which could not escape the
doctor's memory when mentioned. The result was a
balance in his favor, and the doctor promptly paid it over.
Dr. Mancius was chairman at the first meeting of the
County Medical Society, but his name does not appear
again on its minutes. He died on the 22d October, 1808,
at the age of seventy years.
HUNLOKE WOODRUFF
Was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and was a
descendant by his maternal ancestry of Chancellor
Hyde, afterwards Earl of Clarendon, so famous in Eng-
lish politics two centuries ago. He was graduated at
Princeton college about the year 1774. His instructor
in medicine was Dr. Malaci Treat. At the commence-
ment of the revolutionary war, Dr. Woodruff" espoused
the cause of the colonies, and was appointed surgeon
in one of the New York regiments, in which he served
until peace was declared. He accompanied the northern
army to Canada, and was at the siege and taking of Fort
St. John. He was with Col. Gansevoort during the
whole siege of Fort Stanwix, and attended General Sul-
livan in his expedition against the hostile Indians of
western New York. As the army was proceeding toward
Montreal, the doctor and an officer were marching to-
gether. Coming to a tree they passed it on opposite
sides and were almost together again, when a cannon
ball from the enemy whistled between them and struck
92 Physicians of Albany County.
the tree. Neither felt any extraordinary effect from the
passage of the ball, and the circumstance the doctor
used as a practical demonstration against the prevailing
opinion that the passage of a cannon ball would by con-
cussion cause the death of any person near to whom it
might pass. At the siege of Fort Stanwix, Captain
Gregg and several others ventured beyond the lines of
safety, and were surprised by Indians. Some of the
party were scalped and left for dead. A faithful dog
who had accompanied them, licked the blood from his
master's face -a«d then went to the fort and created an
alarm which led to the discovery. Dr. Woodruff was
one of the number who went from the fort in search of
the party. Standing at length beside a body which he
supposed dea.di and whose visage was obscured by
masses of blood, he was startled by a low, sepulchral
voice, exclaiming, " Doctor, don't you know me?" The
scalped and wounded man proved no other than his
friend, Captain Gregg,* the owner of the dog. Dr. Wood-
ruff took him to the fort, where with much care, he
recovered, and survived many years. After the conclu-
sion of the war, Dr. Woodruff settled at Albany, where
he acquired quite an extensive practice. In the last
years of his life, he was greatly afflicted with scrofula,
which gradually increased and finally caused his death,
on the 4th July, 1811, at the age of fifty-nine. He was
a man of philosophic mind, characterized by charity and
hospitality, valuing money only as it contributed to the
comforts of his family and friends. By the public he
was highly esteemed. An excellent likeness of him,
painted by an Albany artist, Mr. Ames, is in possession
of his family.
* Since the above was written, a friend of mine (who is this day
eighty-four years old, Sept. 14, 1857), informs me that she was well
acquainted with Capt. James Gregg, and that she has frequently seen
the two scalps which the Indians had cut from his head, but which
in their hurry to escape the party from the fort they left behind them.
Capt. G. died at Governor Taylor's, in Albany, in the house now oc-
cupied by Gen. John Taylor Cooper. s. D. w.
Physicians of Albany County. 93
WILLIAM MCCLELLAND
Was born in the shire of Galloway in Scotland, in
the year 1769. He received his medical education at
Edinburgh, and immediately afterwards came to Ame-
rica, and began his professional career in Albany. His
talents and his medical attainments secured for him a
large practice, and his position in his profession was de-
servedly eminent. His early advantages had been of a
superior order, and I believe he ranked at that time as
the best educated physician in the city. His social habits
led him into an extreme of living, quite common in those
times, and undoubtedly had an influence in shortening his
days. Upon the organization of the Medical society of the
state of New York, Dr. McClelland was elected its first
President. In 1811, (Jan. 8,) he formed a partnership
with Dr. William Bay, who had a few months previous
taken up his residence here. This was terminated by the
death of Dr. McClelland, which occurred on the 29th Jan-
uary, 1812, at the age of 43.
WILLIAM ANDERSON AND JOSEPH W. HEGEMAN
Were both born and educated at Princeton, New Jersey
where they both received their license to practice. They
removed to Schenectady and were associated as partners
in business. Both were men of gentlemanly and courteous
manners, and were alike esteemed good practitioners. In
1811 Dr. Anderson made a journey to New Orleans, but
on his return passage to New York he was seized with
yellow fever and died. Dr. Hegeman removed to Cincin-
nati a few years subsequently to this event ; and in 1827
to Vicksburgh, Mississippi, where he continued several
years in practice, with a brother of Dr. Anderson. In
1832 he lost his three daughters who died of cholera,
within twelve hours of each other. He deceased in 1837.
CORNELIUS VROOMAN
Was the second son of Simon Vrooman, a citizen of Sche-
nectady, where he was born. His classical education was
obtained at Union college, though his name does not ap-
[Annals, ix.] 9
94 Physicians of Albany County.
pear on the catalogue as a graduate of that institution.
He attended medical lectures at the University of Penn-
sylvania, and began the practice of his profession in his
native city. He rapidly won the reputation of heing a
skillful physician — a reputation which still attaches to his
memory. Like all the Vrooman race, he was over six feet
in height. His manners were easy and agreeable, and he
possessed a fluency in conversation, with a fine, lively ex-
pression of countenance, admirably calculated to gain pop-
ularity. An incident is related which indicates that he
was kmd-heasted and generous to the poor. Having occa-
sion to leave home, he took with him a plentiful supply of
shirts, and finding a man greatly in need of some, he gave
him several. It was a kind of charity which his good sis-
ter did not commend, for it was by her needle that they
were wrought. To her admonition against such alms- giv-
ing, he only replied that " he didn't like to see a poor man
suffer." Dr. Vrooman was passionate, (how unlike physi-
cians of the present day!) but it is said the paroxysms were
exceedingly brief. He relinquished practice at an early
period, on account of being appointed agent for Mrs.
Campbell, then one of the most wealthy persons in Sche-
nectady — a sufficient proof of his integrity and business
capacity. He died of consumption, in December, 181 1, at
the early age of 30 years.
CHARLES D. TOWNSEND
Was born in Goshen, Orange co., in this state, on the
15th April, 1778. He was one of twelve children, who
with a single exception, lived to an advanced age. He
commenced the study of medicine in Albany, under the
supervision of Drs. Mancius and Woodruff, and attend-
ed the medical lectures at Columbia college in 1802.
During the time of his residence in New York, he was
also a pupil of the celebrated surgeon Dr. Wright Post.
He commenced practice in Rhinebeck, but removed to
Albany in 1803. He was the first secretary of the county
medical society and was successively elected to its various
offices. In 1807 he read before it a paper on puerperal
Physicians of Albany County. 95
fever. He was elected permanent member of the State
medical society, and received from it the honorary degree
of Doctor of medicine in 1830.
For many years, until near the period of his death,
which occurred on the 19th December, 1847, he was ex-
tensively engaged in practice, rendering alike service to
the poor and the rich. As a practitioner of medicine and
surgery, he was esteemed prudent and skillful, and acquir-
ed the unlimited confidence of the public. Dr. Town-
send was firm in his religious convictions, and his life was
in accordance with the Christian principles he professed
from his early years.
JOHN G. KNAUFP
Was born in Germany. He was a physician and an apoth-
ecary, confining himself, however, more exclusively to
the duties of the latter. I am informed that he was a
man of sound education, but being retiring and unsocial
in his habits, he made few friends. He was the first trea-
surer of the society. In 1807, he read before it a paper on
the revulsive effects of blood-letting ; and in 1808, one
on the use of hyosciamus niger. In 1809 he resigned
his seat as member of the society. His death occurred
not long afterwards.
CALEB GAUFF
Resided in the extreme south of the town of Bethlehem,
where for many years he was a respectable practitioner.
He is remembered by some of the old citizens of Beth-
lehem ; but little definite information can be given con-
cerning him. He was probably past the meridian of life
when he met with this society, and his career terminated
at a period not distant from the time of its organization.
ELIAS WILLARD
Was conspicuous among the medical men of Albany, at
the time of which we are speaking. He was a descendant
of Major Simon Willard, the common ancestor of the fami-
ly in America of that name. He was born in Harvard,
96 Physicians of Albany County.
Massachusetts, on the 7th January, 1756. His father was
unable to afford him a collegiate education, but placed him
under private instruction, where at an early age he made
a considerable progress in acquiring the Latin and Greek
languages. At the age of eighteen years he commenced the
study of medicine. One year afterwards the war broke
out which separated the colonies from Great Britain, when
he with his father and elder brother promptly responded to
the country's call — and witnessed its first bloody struggle
for liberty in the battle of Lexington. After a brief ser-
vice as a common soldier, he obtained an appointment as
assistant in the military hospital, temporarily established
at Roxbury, under the charge of Dr. Haywood. Subse-
quently, when a new hospital was established at Boston,
Dr. Willard was appointed assistant under Dr. John War-
ren, brother of the lamented patriot General and Dr. Jo-
seph Warren, who fell at Bunker's hill. In 1777, at the
age of twenty-one years, he received the appointment of
surgeon to a regiment from the province of Maine, com-
manded by Colonel Frost, which was brought into active
service by its removal to White Plains, in this state. He
was successively removed with the army to German Flats
and Ticonderoga, continuing with it through the whole of
the contest, and sharing in the sufferings it had to encoun-
ter. After leaving the military hospital in 1785, he pur-
chased Bemis's Heights, the battle ground near Saratoga,
where he commenced private practice, and resided, with
the exception of a year spent in Canada, until 1801, when
he removed to this city. Here he acquired warm friends
and an excellent practice. His manners were agreeable
and courteous, and his deportment always consistent and
dignified. In 1811, the County medical society demand-
ed of Dr. Willard, in no kind spirit, the components of
a certain remedy he used in cancer. For some reason(and
it is probable that he was not as yet himself fully satisfied
as to its positive virtues) , he did not promptly comply with
the demand, and the society passed a resolution by which
he was expelled. This act however did not lessen him in
public estimation, and the Medical society of Massachu-
Physicians of Albany County. 97
setts elected him to honorary membership in 1814, an evi-
dence of the esteem and undirninished confidence in which
he was held by the medical profession of his native state.
He died in this city on the 20th March, 1827, in the sev-
enty-first year of his age having been more than fiftyone
years in professional life. Dr. Willard possessed enthu-
siastic love for his country. But the " distinguishing traits
of his character were his devotion to the duties of his pro-
fession, and his ardent piety. He became at an early age
impressed with the truths of religion and his long life was
that of a consistent and exemplary Christian."
AUGUSTUS HARRIS
Was born in the county of Rensselaer, on the 17th July,
1776. He was the son of Dr. Nicholas Harris, with whom
he pursued the study of medicine. He was licensed by the
Hon. John Lansing, chief justice of the supreme court in
this city, on the 4th August, 1800. He commenced prac-
tice in Bethlehem, in this county, in 1803, and remained
there fourteen years. He then removed to the town of
Van Buren, in Onondaga county, where he continued to
practice until 1821, when he turned his attention to the
pursuit of agriculture. Dr. Harris is now in the 81st
year of his age, and here is a letter in his own hand writing
signifying his desire to be with us to-day, but declaring
that " age and the infirmities attending, prevent his ven-
turing so far from home." His heart is with us, and we
inexpressibly regret his absence.
ALEXANDER G. FONDA
Was born in Schenectady, on the 17th Aug., 1785. He
graduated at Union College in 1804; and obtained his
medical education under the direction of Dr. Archibald H.
Adams of that city, then an extensive practitioner, and re-
ceived his license to practice in May, 1806. For many
years he pursued, in his native city, the profession of his
choice. Several years since, he retired from its active du-
ties to the enjoyment and quietude of domestic life, in the
tranquility of which he is spending a green and vigorous
old age.
98 Physicians of Albany County.
PETER WENDELL
Was a descendant of one of the ancient Dutch families
of Albany, where he was born on the 3d of June, 1786.
He obtained his early and classical education here, and
here he pursued the study of his profession, under the in-
struction of Dr. Wm. McClelland. He attended two
courses of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania,
where he listened with enthusiasm to the teachings of that
distinguished professor and patriot, Dr. Benjamin Rush,
which, says the biographer of Dr. Wendell, "consti-
tuted the guide Trf his practice in after years." Upon his
return from Philadelphia, in the spring of 1807, he opened
an office in this city. The auspices under which he com-
menced his professional career were most favorable. He
was surrounded by a large circle of influential friends,
and it was at a time when there were ' ' not more than five
practitioners of eminence in Albany, and all of them ad-
vanced beyond the meridian of life." Prompt and at-
tentive to his patients he rapidly won reputation, so that
his practice was, it is believed, more extensive and lu-
crative than that of any physician in the city. Dr. Wen-
dell was at*an e'arly period elected a delegate to the State
medical society, where he was in a few years elected per-
manent member, and for a long while filled the office of
censor in that society for this district. In 1813 he read
a dissertation before the County medical society on the
stimulant effects of cold. In 1823 he was elected re-
gent of the university by the legislature of the state. He
was faithful and attentive in the great variety of business
which came before that board, and made himself inti-
mately acquainted with all its details. He at length be-
came, with a single exception, senior member of the board,
and was elected its chancellor in 1842. This honorable
position he continued to occupy until the close of his life.
To the State library and the State cabinet of natural his-
tory he gave while a regent, great care and attention.
Dr. Wendell felt the importance and the responsibility
which the medical profession sustain towards the public,
and it was always his great object to promote its interests,
Physicians of Albany County. 99
and to uphold its dignity. After a practice of forty-two
years, Dr. Wendell died suddenly of disease of the heart,
at his residence on Elk street, October 31st, 1849.
JAMES Low
"Was born at Albany, December 9th, 1781. His early
education was completed at Schenectady. He commenced
the study of medicine with Dr. McClelland, and after
three years spent with him, he went to Edinburgh where
he spent four years, attending the lectures of the univer-
sity. During a part of the time he was a private pupil
of Dr. John Murray, an eminent lecturer on chemistry.
Dr. Low's standing among his fellow students may be
estimated from the fact that he was elected one of the
presidents of the Royal physical society of Edinburgh.
Dr. Low traveled in England and Scotland and returned
to his native city in 1808, and commenced practice with
Dr. McClelland. His reputation as a learned and skillful
physician, an able and expert surgeon, became widely
diffused. He was a man of science." His health during
the last three years of his life became greatly impaired,
and after much suffering he died in Albany, February 3d,
1822, having just completed the fortieth year of his age.
He published several medical works and frequently read
papers before the medical society. " His loss to society
was great. He bid fair at one time to become one of the
first physicians in the state. He lectured during several
years on chemistry, with great acceptance, showing fa-
miliarity with that subject. He was well versed in the
languages, enthusiastic in poetry, and a man of extensive
and varied learning."
JONATHAN EIGHTS
Was born in this city on the 26 November, 1773, and ob-
tained his classical education here under the instruction
of the late George Merchant. In the year 1790 he com-
menced the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Man-
cius and Woodruff, with whom he remained until April
1795. He was then examined by two physicians, and re-
ceived their certificate of his competency to practice.
100 Physicians of Albany County.
This certificate was filed in the office of the clerk of the
county. The first few months of his professional life he
spent in one of the small towns adjoining the city. A
severe bilious remittent and intermittent fever, which was
raging there with great violence, determined him upon
this course. After the disease subsided, he removed to
Canajoharie, in Montgomery county, where he remained
until 1797, when he went to Philadelphia, and spent nearly
a year, with a view to improving himself in surgery. He
returned to Montgomery county, and became engaged in
extensive and laborious practice. On the 1st May, 1810,
he removed to Albany, and soon acquired a varied and
extensive practice, and devoted his whole energy exclu-
sively to it. In 1822 and '23, he was one of the asso-
ciate contributors to the Medical and Physical Journal,
published in New York. In 1830 and '31, he was presi-
dent of the State medical society, having several years
before represented this society as delegate. The subject
of his first annual address before that body was, vaccin-
ation; and of the second, puerperal fever. At the
conclusion of the former, he paid a just and eloquent
tribute to the memory of his friend, the late Dr. Alexan-
der Coventry of -Utica, then recently deceased, and who
was an ex-president of the society. Dr. Eights was well
versed in medical literature, and accumulated a large and
well selected library. His published cases were narrated
with great clearness and brevity, but his almost constant
professional engagements and his love of reading gave him
at first but little time for writing, and this was at length
succeeded by a habitual disinclination to record his valua-
ble observations. Dr. Eights was a man of quiet, digni-
fied manners, of purity of life, a skillful physician, at once
an example and an ornament to the profession. At the
time of his death, which occurred on the 10th August 1848,
he had spent fifty- three years in professional life, and was
the oldest practitioner in Albany.
JOHN STEARNS
Was state senator from the district of Saratoga, and at
the close of his senatorial office he removed to Albany and
Physicians of Albany County. 10 1
formed a partnership with Dr. Bay, Oct. 14, 1810. A
favorable reputation had already preceded him here. He
had acquired considerable celebrity in the profession by
being the first to draw its attention to the wonderful
efficacy of ergot in promoting the contractile power of
the uterus and thus facilitating lingering labor. In a
somewhat extensive and successful practice, Dr. Stearns
became unfortunate in losing a series of cases of puerperal
fever. It was not then, as now, understood that this
disease is contagious and may be communicated from one
lying-in patient to another by the hand or clothing of the
accoucheur. The mystery of its appearance in his prac-
tice only, and the fatality of its termination, keenly
oppressed his truly sensitive mind, and led him at length
to abandon his practice in this city. He removed to
New York in 1818 where he resumed his business with
greater success, and in which he continued until 1849,
when he died of erysipelas, at the advanced age of 75
years.
PLATT WILLIAMS
Was graduated at Williams college in the class of 1804,
and received his diploma in medicine at Columbia college
in New York. He became a member of this society in
1816, and was always devoted to its welfare, and prompt
in his attendance at its meetings. As a physician, Dr.
Williams occupied a prominent position here, and was
strenuous in his efforts to secure to his patients the benefits
accruing from a proper system of diet during their illness ;
a subject that had attracted less attention in the profession
thirty years ago than now. After thirty years of toil in
the discharge of professional duties, in 1845 he removed
to the county of Oneida, where he now resides.
JOEL A. WING
Was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on
the 13th August, 1788, where his early days were spent.
Having determined upon entering the medical profession,
he became a pupil of Dr. John De La Mater (since a dis-
tinguished professor in the Medical school, at Cleveland,
Ohio). During the period of his pupilage he directed his
102 Physicians of Albany County.
attention especially to the science of anatomy, and prose-
cuted private dissections with great zeal. He devoted
himself to surgery also, but in early life he abandoned it
as a speciality, on account of imperfect vision. He be-
came a licentiate of the Medical society of Montgomery
county, in 1811, and the ensuing winter attended the medi-
cal lectures at the College of physicians and surgeons in
New York. He returned to Columbia county in this state
and commenced practice. A few months after, on the
recommendation of Prof. John Watts, he was appointed
surgeon in the army, an appointment he knew nothing of
until he received his commission. This compliment to his
early attainments he seldom mentioned. He remarked,
however, to an intimate friend, " I carried the commis-
sion in my pocket for two days, and then sent it with my
resignation, to the department at Washington." In 1814
having been appointed surgeon to a garrison of the army
stationed near Albany, he removed to this city and assumed
the charge of it. In 1825 Williams college conferred upon
him the honorary degree of Doctor of medicine. He was
for several years, until the period of his illness, one of the
managers of the -New York state lunatic asylum, and was
active in securing to it the services of its late distinguished
superintendent, Dr. Brigham. Dr. Wing spent thirty-
eight of the forty-one years of his professional life in
Albany, and in private practice few physicians became
more extensively engaged. So exact was his system, that
at the close of his practice he could refer to any pre-
scription of importance that he had made within twenty-
five years. In 1832, while engaged nearly every hour in
the twenty-four, scarcely allowing himself any rest or
relaxation during the prevalence of the cholera, he was
violently attacked with that fearful malady. His recovery
was considered by his professional brethren, who were
prompt and unwearied in their devotions to him, one of
the most remarkable that occurred during the season.
But he never afterwards enjoyed uniform good health,
and in 1843 was obliged to relinquish his business under
no flattering prospect of recovery, and repair to the mild
and less variable climate of the West Indies. Here after
Physicians of Albany County. 103
several months, he so far recovered as to return, and once
more plunge into the toils of his profession. With few-
brief interruptions, he continued actively engaged until
the summer of 1851, when he became mentally and phy-
sically prostrated, and at lenght after a weary illness of
nearly a year, he died at Hartford, Connecticut, on the
6th of September, 1852, in the 65th year of his age. Dr.
Wing was a man acute in his perceptions, ready and keen
in his observations. In every respect he was admirably
adapted for the profession of his choice. With great skill
he united untiring energy of body and mind. His manners
were modest, unassuming, unembarrassed. His habits
were social, and in conversation he was winning. He at
once enlisted the confidence of the patient and inspired
him with hope. In the sick room he was kind and affec-
tionate; there he was a model physician, and among his
patients he had most devoted friends. He read much
and possessed an accurate and retentive memory, so that
he was able to repeat pages, almost verbatim, that he had
not seen in years. In health, his spirits were buoyant
and gay; his laugh was contagious, his fund of anecdote
inexhaustible, and used with great aptness. With an ex-
tensive acquaintance his society was much sought, and
in the profession throughout the state he had a multitude
of friends. For political distinction, he had no possible
desire, and was, in his disposition, averse to the turmoils
of such a life. Yet for many years he was intimate with
the leading politicians of the state, and possessed an
unseen influence with them. Dr. Wing had some con-
stitutional peculiarities, but none more annoying to his
professional brethren than his habit of delaying his visits
and appointments for counsel, beyond the time specified.
Indeed so proverbial was this, that years before he died
he was known as " the late Dr. Wing," a title he en-
joyed, whenever he heard it applied. His counsels were
frequently sought, and in critical cases almost uniformly
adopted. The most desperate cases he was unwilling to
abandon as hopeless. To the junior members of the
profession he was uniformly courteous, and exercised
104 Physicians of Albany County.
towards them a kindness of manner, that has not always
characterized seniors in the medical profession. To the
desponding he had always a word of encouragement, and
not unfrequently wholesome advice for the presuming
and impertinent. With a favorite volume, he took no
note of time and was as regardless of the hours of sleep
as of business. At length, with such a habit, sleep came
unwillingly and with broken slumbers, until disease* grew
upon him, and he lost the power of yielding to its soothing
and balmy influence. To the poor he was kind and liberal,
bestowing tipon-them his his best services without ex-
pectation or hope of reward. Dr. Wing was in every re-
spect a self made man; to society, and to the profession to
which his whole life was enthusiastically devoted he was a
great loss.
CHARLES DEKAY COOPER
Was the fourth often sons of Dr. Ananias Cooper, and
was born in Rhinebeck, Dutchess county, in this state,
in the year 1769. His ancestors were among the early
emigrants from England to Massachusetts, mention having
been made of them as early as 1634. His father was a
practicing physician in Rhinebeck, and an active whig
during the revolution. Dr. Cooper commenced the
study of his profession under the direction of his father,
and was afterwards a student of Dr. Crosby, in New
York city. His favorite study was anatomy, and he
made several anatomical preparations. He had likewise
a taste for surgery, but there is only the account of one
minor operation preserved. Dr. Cooper came to Albany
in 1792. Two years afterwards he was appointed by
Gov. George Clinton and the council of appointment,
health officer to the port of Albany. The yellow fever
was at that time raging in New York, and a quarantine
was accordingly established four miles below this city,
and for a length of time " vessels having on board, or
suspected of having on board, any person or persons in-
*His disease was softening of the brain, induced in part beyond
doubt by insufficient sleep.
Physicians of Albany County. 105
fected with any infectious distemper," were detained at
that point. Whatever might have been his attachment
to his profession, he did not Jong continue in professional
life, but entered the arena of politics, indeed as early as
1804, he was warmly engaged as an active partisan in
the electioneering campaign between Burr and Lewis.
In 1806 he had been appointed judge of the county courts,
and in 1808 he succeeded Richard Lush as clerk of the
county, and was reappointed to this office in 1809, 1811,
1812 and 1815. He occupied from time to time other
political offices, and among them was that of Indian
agent. From the Indians of Oneida and Onondaga
Castle, to whom he was commissioned with moneys to
pay their yearly annuities from the state, he received
the name Tight Blanket, because, they said, he held the
money as securely as they did their blankets. In 1817,
he was appointed by Lieutenant Gov. Tayler and the
council of appointment, who came into executive authori-
ty, on the resignation of Governor Tompkins, secretary of
state. Dr. Cooper was a man of great physical force
and power of endurance. He was quick in his move-
ments, and well skilled in the art of fencing. He could
spring upon his feet so quickly as to catch a designated
pigeon in the street, a feat he has often performed. He
excelled in the athletic sports, and could run with re-
markable speed. It is said of his brother, Capt. William
Cooper, that he could run half a mile and return quicker
than any horse. Dr. Cooper died suddenly on the 31st
of January, 1831, in the sixty-third year of his age.
Says that distinguished political historian, Hon. Jabez
D. Hammond, of Dr. Cooper, " I knew him long and
well as a remarkably correct man, and a man of integrity
and honor."
WILLIAM HUMPHREY
Was the son of John Humphrey, and was born in Alba-
ny, on the second day of Feb., 1796. His parents were
both natives of New Hampshire, but at an early period
came to this city. His father died of cholera at an ad-
[Annals, ix.] 10
106 Physicians of Albany County.
vanced age in 1832. William was sent to Union college,
where he was graduated in 1813. Having made choice
of the medical profession he. commenced his preliminary
studies with Dr. Eights, and afterwards attended the
lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and
received the honors of that institution in 1819. He re-
turned to Albany and commenced business here, continu-
ing it as his health would permit until his death. Dr.
Humphrey did not possess a large degree of physical
energy, his health was delicate for several years, and the
disease which terminated his life was consumption. It
was the subject upon which his thesis was written in
1819. Dr. Humphrey possessed a fine mind and keen
reasoning faculties; his education was thorough, and he
excelled as a linguist. His mind was of a reflective
order. His manners were exceedingly mild and amiable.
His conversation was marked by great simplicity and
earnestness. He was uniformly cheerful, but had no ex-
uberant elasticity of spirits. He had gravity in thought
as well as in conversation, and was careful to avoid
everything that appeared like pedantry in private or
professional life; he never volunteered his opinion, and
was unwilling to express it on any subject with which
he was not familiar. His ambition was to do right,
and to be useful to his fellow men, rather than to acquire
fame in his profession. A native modesty and unas-
suming manners prevented that rapid rise in his profession
which is so often incident to the aspiring who possess
less talent and fewer virtues. Says one in noticing his
death: "His virtues were numerous and beamed with
an effulgence which attracted the attention and elicited
the admiration of all who knew him; his benevolence
warmed the hearts and cheered the homes of the comfort-
less. His name was synonymous with all that was
noble and disinterested." He made occasional contribu-
tions to medical journals of the day; his style is said to
have been chaste, simple, and forcible. It is impossible
now to refer to any of the few articles from his pen.
He died on the 12th of March, 1829, in the thirty-first
year of his age.
Physicians of Albany County. 107
SAMUEL STRINGER TREAT
The second son of Richard S. Treat, and grandson of
Dr. Samuel Stringer, a surgeon of distinction in the
American army, was born in Albany, in 1799. He enjoyed
the best advantages the city afforded for laying the
foundation of his education, and he commenced the study
of his profession in the office of his grandfather. He
afterwards attended medical instruction at the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, and graduated in 1822, and
the same year united with this society. Dr. Treat was
a man of more than ordinary intellect, of a quiet, retir-
ing disposition, and with only a moderate love for the
perplexities of the profession he had chosen. Inheriting
the ample estate of his grandfather he felt none of that
necessity that stimulates- and presses young men into the
arena of professional life. He was for a short time the
partner of Dr. Eights, and gained the esteem and confi-
dence of his patrons; this was perhaps less on account of
his attainments and skill as a physician, than the natural
result of intelligence combined with amiability, gentle
and winning manners. He was companionable, generous
and warm hearted; his conversation was spiced with wit
and humor. He was tall and slender in person, and his
dress exhibited extreme neatness; indeed there was some-
thing in his appearance, meet him when and where you
might, that would have impressed even a stranger with
the conviction that he was a gentleman. His social ex-
cellencies endeared him to a large circle of friends. He
was a good student and fond of literature, but had no
particular love for the sciences. The ordeal to profes-
sional distinction was not passed when he became a
victim to disease of the lungs, of which he died on the
29th of February, 1832, at the age of thirty-three years.
He died in the communion of the Protestant Episcopal
Church.
HENRY VAN OLiNDA
Was born in the town of Charleston, Montgomery coun-
ty, in this state, on the 9th of April, 1805. He was the son
108 Physicians of Albany County.
of Cornelius Van OLinda, and descended in the seventh
generation, from Peter Van OLinda, who came from Hol-
land, anddied at Watervliet at an advanced age, in 1715.
Until he was seventeen he spent his time upon his father's
farm. In 1822 he commenced the study of medicine with
his brother, Dr. Peter Van OLinda, of this city, and
under the direction of an elder brother, the Rev. Douw
Van OLinda, he acquired a considerable knowledge of
the Latin and Greek languages, and was thereby enabled
to form the habit to which he uniformly adhered, and in
which he took~g*eat pleasure, of tracing the technicali-
ties of the profession, to their strictest derivations from
those languages. He made good improvement in the
collateral branches of the profession, and during one
course of lectures was the assistant of that learned and
distinguished teacher. Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, in his
chemical lectures. He was licensed to practice by the
Medical society of the county of Montgomery, in 1826,
and shortly after entered into business with his brother.
Albany was the field of his labor. Dr. Van OLinda
was ardent and earnest in whatever he undertook. He
had not the advantages of most of the students at the
present day, but the deficiencies from the want of such
he labored diligently to overcome. He was indefatigable
in his attention to his patients, and counted no sacrifice
on his part too great for them while under his care.
From such faithful attendance a strong friendship often
grew between him and his patients. After ten years of
severe labor, a scorfulous disease began to develop, and
it continued through his life. His health at length failed,
and in the winter of 1835 he sought relief by a short
sojourn in Savannah, and the ensuing winter he spent in
St. Augustine, Florida, with a few of his patients and
friends. The relief to his malady thus obtained was
only temporary and palliative. He made a voyage to
Europe, but his constitution was so much impaired that
he derived but little benefit from it. He returned, and
after a painful illness, died on the 30th of September,
1846, in the forty-first year of his age. Dr. Van OLinda
Physicians of Albany County. 109
was a man of agreeable manners, social habits, and
prepossessing in his personal appearance. He was fond
of rural sports, and sometimes indulged in them by ex-
cursions with a party of friends to the northern counties
for hunting and fishing. He made no pretensions to
being a great man, but he was faithful and diligent in
the duties of his profession, and occupied a respectable
position in it. He had a large practice; and this state-
ment I am allowed to render more definite by saying
that after twenty years in the profession, during ten of
which he was an invalid, at times absent for months
from duty, and at other times unable to perform it,
yet at the time of his death his outstanding accounts
amounted to seventy thousand dollars, of which only
about three thousand could be collected. This vast
amount of service, rendered mostly to the poor, in such
a simple unostentatious manner, should enbalm a man
in the memory of future generations as a benefactor to
his country and his race. But alas! how soon are such
deeds forgotten.
JAMES M. BROWN
Was a native of Albany, the son of Major Brown, and
was born on the 25th February, 1804. His father died
when he was only five years old, but he received careful
and gentle training from his mother, who was a woman
of exceedingly mild and amiable disposition, and of a
consistent Christian character. He received a good
English education, and, when a boy, applied himself
quite diligently to study. At the early age of sixteen
years he began the study of medicine under the direction
of Dr. Christopher C. Yates, and was subsequently a
student of Dr. Platt Williams. In 1823, he attended
lectures at the Vermont Academy of Medicine. He
received his license to practice from this society, of
which he became a member in 1828. He began practice
and met with only indifferent success during a period of
sixteen years. In the autumn of 1844, he was induced to
remove to Delphi, Indiana. Here he found considerable
110 Physicians of Albany County.
business, but continued ill health in his family led him
to return to Albany after a short period. But he was
not successful in the efforts to re-establish himself here,
and pecuniary embarrassments and misfortune followed in
rapid succession, such as were calculated to keep his
mind constantly depressed. Many, indeed most of his
patients were among the poorer classes, from whom it
was quite impossible to obtain remuneration ; still how-
ever an appeal to him for any service that he was able to
bestow was never unanswered.
In disposition Dr. Brown was generous, frank and
sincere. In all his trials he never inclined to charlatan-
ism, or wavered in his adherence to his profession. He
shrank from publicity, and his sense of responsibility,
made him the subject of great mental suffering, whenever
he had a very sick patient. He was rather timid, and
his great respect for the opinion of others, made him
regard his own with too much diffidence; and I think he
lacked confidence in his own abilities. His health was
so impaired that he was unable, during several of the
last years of his life, to make severe physical exertions
or endure great fatigue. He needed health and success
to stimulate and encourage him; sickness and disappoint-
ments abated his ardor. Thus twenty-six years rolled
away. In the spring of 1854 he was appointed resident
physician at the Aims-House hospital. A few weeks
after his appointment, and in the discharge of duties
incident to the office, he contracted a typhoid fever,
which was prevailing there, and by which his life was
terminated on the 23d day of May, 1854. His age was
fifty years.
Says one who well knew Dr. Brown, "The tone of
his last letter to me, written just before his illness, was
unusually hopeful and cheerful; the expressions of Christ-
ian faith which it contained; the glimpses of his habitual
frame of mind, afforded during his illness; and more than
all his Christian life are to us cheering evidences that
the summons, though it came suddenly, was a summons
to immortal joy." I saw him once after his appointment
Physicians of Albany County. Ill
as resident physician, and I thought that his new and
uniform duties had given elasticity to his spirits, and
vigor to his step. In a conversation with me, his at-
tending physician, Dr. Spencer, confirmed, by relating a
touching incident which he witnessed, the allusion just
made to the excercise of his devotional spirit during his
fatal illness.
TEN EYCK GANSEVOORT
Was the youngest son of Conrad Gansevoort, of Alha-
ny. He was born however, in Minden, Montgomery co.,
N. Y., on the 5th of January, 18t3. He was educated at
Union college, and graduated with some distinction as a
scholar, in 1822. He presently commenced the study of
medicine in the office of Dr. Chas. D. Townsend, and was
graduated in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania,
in 1825. For a number of years he pursued his profess-
ion in this city, and became a member of this society.
Subsequently he removed to Bath, in the county of Steu-
ben, where he arose to a prominent rank as a physician
and surgeon; throughout the country his services were
widely sought. As an operator in surgery he had a con-
siderable degree of skill. Dr. Gansevoort had a well bal-
anced mind, a correct judgment, and a good knowledge
of medical literature. There was no rashness, or love of
novelty in him, and he was considered emphatically a safe
and reliable practitioner. But there is nothing so at-
tractive in the physical labors, mental anxieties, and pro-
fessional responsibilties of a physician as to lead men
willingly to assume them. Necessity is the strongest
motive to such duties. In a new and mountainous country
great fatigue and exposure is inseparable from the practice
of medicine, and possessed of a comfortable fortune, Dr.
Gansevoort very naturally began to limit his professional
duties to the circle of his relatives and friends; meanwhile
he became largely interested in mercantile and other busi-
ness operations. Thus with health hitherto uninter-
rupted, and every thing around him by which to make
his life useful and desirable, in September, 1842, he was
112 Physicians of Albany County.
attacked with typus fever; the disease advanced to a fatal
termination. He had not quite completed his fortieth year.
HIRAM A. EDMONDS.
Ridgefield, in Connecticut, the birth place of Dr. Ed-
monds, has furnished Albany with several of its promi-
nent citizens. In that ancient town, Hiram Augustus
Edmonds was born on the 21st of September, 1824. Here,
too, the days of his boyhood and youth glided away. He
attended the academy in Ridgefield, an institution of some
repute and there-continued until he was prepared for the
duties of a teacher. Pursuing these duties he subsequent-
ly went to Southport, a seaport village, in the southern
part of the country, and became principal of the South-
port Academy. * He continued thus occupied from 1846
to 1851. The employment was well suited to his tastes,
arid he found pleasure in devoting himself to it ; he contin-
ued to occupy a portion of his time in classical and philo-
sophical studies with great advantage. The following in-
cident which occurred in the beginning of his instructions
will serve to illustrate his promptness and ingenuity. It
occurred when he was about seventeen years of age. At
an association of teachers he was called upon to illus-
trate upon the black board the rationale of a certain rule
in mathematics. He was taken by surprise, but did not
like to acknowledge that he was not fully prepared to ex-
plain the very thing that a teacher was supposed to under-
stand. He must make the attempt and break down, or
ask to be excused. With peculiar quickness of thought
he walked up to the board and wrote a row of figures,
then turning to the teachers he said: " I have been
requested to illustrate the principle of this rule; but in
order to make the subject more interesting, I propose
that we all should take a part in it. Will some or^ now
tell me the first step?" Of course some one immediate-
ly complied. " Very well," said he. "Will some one
now tell me the reason of this step?" Another gave the
reason. "Do any of you see any thing wrong in this
reasoning, or would you express it differently?" No ob-
Physicians of Albany County. 113
jection being made he said, "Very well. Now will you
tell me the next step?" And so he led them through the
entire thing to be illustrated, making them all do the
work. Afterwards, he received the congratulations of
the President of the Association, for the happy manner
in which he had conducted one of the exercises of the
meeting. While teaching, he made choice of the medical
profession, and began his preparatory studies with Dr.
Sherwood, of Southport, finding opportunity, meanwhile,
to attend some of the lectures at the medical department
of Yale college. His residence of five years in South-
port was a period profitably spent, pecuniarily, as also
in intellectual, social and religious improvement. In the
autumn of 1851, he came to Albany and united with the
Albany medical college. At this institution he gradu-
ated with an excellent standing for scholarship at the
close of the term of 1853. He had decided to make
Albany his place of residence, and at once began busi-
ness here. Dr. Edmonds was in his twenty-ninth year
when he entered his profession ; he brought to it a mind
well developed, disciplined by study, and a mature judg-
ment. In nothing did he act with rashness or presump-
tion. There were no marked eccentricities in his char-
acter, and if he had any remarkable quality, it was that
of common sense, and a knowledge how to use it. He
possessed great frankness and stern integrity. His lan-
guage was simple, unstudied, unaffected; his manners
were affable, but as simple and unstudied as his language.
He was punctual in all that related to business, and was
averse to incurring a debt for a single week, indeed, I
have heard him say that since he lived in Albany he had
not owed a dollar for half of that lime. He abounded in
anecdote, and had great love for the ridiculous. In in-
dulging this passion he played upon his friends without
reserve, but he never hesitated on the other hand to as-
sume the place in the story that might turn the mirth
upon himself. His social and genial humor made his soci-
ety at all times acceptable. He was given to levity, but
never in such a manner as to compromise a Christian
114 Physicians of Albany County.
consistency. He assumed in his profession an honorable
position which his propriety, his judgment, his diligence
to business would have enabled him always to maintain.
In the autumn of 1854 he was seized with a cough which
grew upon him until it became evident that pulmonary
tuberculosis existed. He continued his business with in-
tervals of absence from the city, until 1856, and at length,
on the 1 3th April, 1 857, calmly died. In so brief a period
it would have been impossible for a man to distinguish
himself in the medical profession, but the time was long
enough to indrcale that had life and health been spared,
Dr. Edmonds would have been a prominent physician
and a useful man, as he was a sincere and devoted Christ-
ian. For three years and until the period of his death,
he was Superintendent of the Mission Sabbath School on
Lydius street, and unless absent from the city was uni-
formly present at its exercises.
WILLIAM BAY.
Albany gave birth to Dr. William Bay, nearly three
years before the declaration of our National Independence
(14th October; 1773). Here he passed the days of his
boyhood, and procured his early education. His father
having possessions in Claverack, Columbia county, subse-
quently removed to that town, and from thence his son
after some years, proceeded to Princeton college, then
the great literary school of the Middle states. He re-
mained at this institution until his senior year, when he
was obliged to leave in consequence of ill health. In
1794, having determined to study medicine, he repaired
to New York, and became a private pupil of Dr. William
Pitt Smith, an eminent practitioner of that day. Colum-
bia college was then the only medical school in the state.
Among its professors* while Dr. Bay was in attendance,
were Smith, Post, Mitchell, Rogers, Hosack and Ham-
mer sly. Dr. Smith, in addition to his other offices, held
the arduous and responsible one of health officer to the
port, and in the discharge of its laborious duties fell a
victim to inflammation of the lungs, in 1795. In the
Physicians of Albany County. 115
interval between his death and the appointment of his
successor (Dr. Richard Bailey), being about four months,
the office was temporarily filled by Dr. William Bay.
He next became a pupil of the eminent Dr. Samuel La-
thorn Mitchell, and remained in his office until he gradu-
ated as doctor in medicine, in May, 1797. The subject
of his inaugural thesis was, " The operation of pesti-
lential fluids upon the large intestines, termed by nos-
ologists, Dysentery," This was published by T. & J.
Swords, 8vo., pp. 109, 1797. A review of this disserta-
tion was published in the New York Medical Repository.
Dr. Bay returned from New York to his home in Claver-
ack, where he immediately began the pursuit of his pro-
fession. His business and his reputation alike rapidly
increased, and his skill was sought throughout an exten-
sive district. But he found a country practice exceed-
ingly laborious. He was accordingly induced to remove
to Albany, which he did in 1810, and almost immediately
formed a business relation with Dr. William McClelland;
this however, was terminated in a few months by the
death of the latter. Here in his native city, he soon be-
came a leading practitioner, and so continued until ad-
vancing years led him to retire from the more active duties
of his profession. Dr. Bay is known as a skillful ac-
coucheur, and his has been a large and valuable experience,
and in difficult cases his counsel has frequently been so-
licited by his medical brethren, and always held in high
esteem. In point of professional seniority Dr. Bay ranked
next to Dr. Eights, but since the death of the latter he
has been by many years the oldest practitioner in this
community. There are those present whose memory will
revert with pleasure to the Jubilee dinner given by the
medical profession to our venerable father, on the ac-
complishment of the first half century of his professional
career. But this was nearly ten years ago, and, it is
nearly sixty one years since he was acting as health offi-
cer at the port of New York. Who that sees him moving
about the city with so much vigor and elasticity, would
suppose this?
SCHENECTADT.
[ From Watson's Annals, p. 267. ]
This place was the earliest settlement inland from
Albany, being sixteen miles distant, and was formed at
that place by the Dutch, as the nearest proper landing
at the foot of the Mohawk navigation. It was the pro-
per place of the fur trade, where the Indians brought
their skins and received their supplies in return. It
was also for numerous years, the proper place of ship-
ment of military supplies, going inland up the Mohawk.
Even before the settlement of whites at this place, it
was the great concentration of Indian population, it
having when first known as many as eight hundred war-
riors, and as many as three hundred of them lived
within the space of what now forms only one farm in
the neighborhood. All of the earliest houses were
formed like those of Albany after the manner of the
Dutch construction. 'The first Dutch settler at Sche-
nectady was named Corlaer — before 1666. Its name sig-
nifies beyond the pine plains.
Being essentially a Dutch town, and far off from city
population and city life, they retained their primitive
character unaltered for numerous years. They were
money-making and frugal in their habits ; familiar and
hospitable in their social relations, and being daily in
intercourse with the Indians, they were assimilated to
them in habits and feelings. Their characteristics have
been aptly drawn by Judge Miller, who speaking of
them says, that the story of their lives is only by tradi-
tion and memory — we know that they had industrious
habits, resolute minds, proverbial economy and signal
integrity ; they were not men of learning as that term
is now understood ; they may not have been polite
men in the present acceptation of the word ; and very
Schenectady. 117
certainly were not fashionable men. None have ever
known an old, respectable and sensible Dutchman that
had ever been a fashionable, nor has any ever known a
young Dutch woman whoever made herself disfigured by
her costume, or injured her health for the sake of dis-
play. Their raiment as well as their food was plain,
necessary and useful, and to this day, the plain, straight
coat of the pristine Dutchman, the neat cap, and the
ruddy countenance, smiling under the plain sun bonnet
of the Dutch woman, give delight in the recollection.
But these men and women are seen now no more, — they
are gone, and with them their simplicity, and other in-
teresting qualities which garnished and beautified men
and women in the olden time. To such ancestors and
matrons, the present generation owe an everlasting debt
of gratitude and respect. They encountered all the dif-
ficulties and hardships common to a new country ; they
were a stalwart and hardy set of veterans, who made
the forest fall before them. If our condition is now
more safe and comfortable, let us remember that these
Dutch forefathers have been the instruments and agents
of the most of what we now enjoy.
Schenectady as a frontier post and town had its de-
fences of stockades and palisades, its gates and its block
houses. Prepared for war it was thus enabled to avoid
it, even if hostilities had been apprehended. They how-
ever had no enemies until they became exposed to the
machinations and sinister designs of the French in Can-
ada. These with their Indians, becoming desirous of
avenging the successful assault of the Iroquois on Mon-
treal, undertook a winter surprise in the year 1690, in-
tending, if successful here, to pursue their attack upon
Albany itself. In managing such a winter expedition
through the snow, a party go before in snow shoes, so
as to beat a track for those who follow. At night,
groups would dig holes in the snow, casting the snow
excavated on the side next the wind — then they would
collect branches of fir-trees for their flooring, make
their fire in the centre, wrap themselves in their fur
[Annals, ix.] 11
118 Schenectady.
skins, and lay down with their feet toward the fire. In
the dead of night of the Sth of February, when the
ground was covered with snow, a small expedition of
two hundred French and a number of Indians, arrived
unapprehended, and entering the guard gates before the
inhabitants could be armed for defence, they forced and
fired almost every house, butchering sixty persons of
every age and sex, and bearing off several prisoners.
The rest fled almost naked in a terrible storm and deep
snow. Several of them lost their limbs through the
rigour of the cold. It was an awful—time ; and long,
long was the calamity remembered and related by the
few who survived to keep alive the fearful story. Those
who most felt for the sufferers, and sighed most for re-
venge, had an opportunity in the next year, to join an
expedition under the command of Major Peter Schuyler
of Albany, "the Washington of his day." He con-
ducted about three hundred men, of whom the half
were Mohawks and Schahook Indians ; at La Prare they
encountered twelve hundred men under De Collieres,
and in several conflicts slew thirteen officers and three
hundred men,- returning home in safety. This was cer.-
tainly executing wonders against so superior a force !
It is said to have been a fact that just before the mas-
sacre occurred, Colonel Glen tried to convey intelli-
gence to the Schenectadians of the approach of the
Frenchmen, while they were still on the other side of
the river, and that for this purpose, he used the servi-
ces of a squaw, who had been in the habit of selling
brooms in the doomed village. But when she informed
some of the villagers, they were incredulous, as deeming
it impossible that such an invasion could be meditated in
such an inclement season and from such a distance.
Tradition says, that she paid a visit to a certain widow
who was regaling the pastor of the place with chocolate,
then a luxury. On entering the house, she gave some
offence to the widow by shaking off the snow from her
moccasin on the newly scrubbed floor, which quickly
sent off the squaw, muttering as she went, " it will be
Schenectady. 119
soiled enough before to-morrow !" The name of the
pastor was Tassoraaker, and he was the first ever set-
tled in the place. He took the alarm, however, and
went away saying nothing ; but following his own fears.
He was never seen or heard of afterwards, which led
some of the good people to apprehend that he was spir-
ited away. The widow, too, somehow made her retreat,
and left descendants who used to relate these facts to sub-
sequent generations.
A curious memento of the calamity has been singularly
preserved in a family of Albany, being an original manu-
script, written by Walter Willie, one hundred and fifty
years ago. It is a relic of the olden time in itself ; and
if the poetry flows not in Lydian measures, it was prob-
ably equal to the poetic standard of the day and place.
The writer designed, that it might long survive him, and
it is certainly curious, that his wish has been so well ful-
filled, to wit :
"A ballad, in which is set forth the horrid cruelties
practised by the French and Indians on the night of the
8th of last February. The which I did compose last
night, in the space of one hour, and am now writing, the
morning of Friday, June 12th, 1690. W. W."
God prosper long our King and Queen
Our lives and safties all,
A sad misfortune once there did
Schenectady befall.
From forth the woods of Canada
The Frenchmen tooke their way,
The people of Schenectady
To captivate and slay.
They marched for two and twenty daies.
All thro' the deepest snow;
And on a dismal winter night
They struck the cruel blow.
The lightsome sun that rules the day,
120 Schenectady.
Had gone down in the West ;
And eke the drowsie villagers
Had sought and found their reste.
They thought they were in safetie all,
And draampt not of the foe ;
But att midnight they all awoke,
In wonderment and woe.
For they were in their pleasant Beddes,
And soundelie sleeping, when —
Each Door was sudden open broke
By six or seven Men.
The Men and Women, younge & olde
And eke the Girls and Boys,
All started up in great Affright,
Att the alarming Noise.
They then were murthered in their Beddes,
Without shame or remorse ;
And soon the Floores and Streets were strew'd
With many a bleeding corse.
The Village soon began to Blaze
Which shew'd the horrid sight: —
But, 0, I scarce can Beare to Tell
The Mis'ries of that Night.
They threw the Infants in the Fire,
The Men they did not spare ;
But killed All which they could find
Tho' Aged or tho' Fair.
0 Christe ! In the still Midnight air,
It sounded dismally,
The Women's Prayers and the loud screams,
Of their great Agony.
Methinks as if I hear them now
All ringing in my ear ;
Schenectady. 121
The Shrieks & Groanes & Woeful Sighs,
They utter'd in their fear.
But some ran off to Albany,
And told the doleful Tale:
Yett tho' We gave our chearful Aid,
It did not much avail.
And We were horribly afraid,
And shook with Terror, when
They told us that the Frenchmen were
More than a Thousand Men.
The News came on the Sabbath Morn
Just att the Break of Day,
And with a companie of Horse
I galloped away.
But soone We found the French were gone
With all their great Bootye;
And then their trail We did pursue,
As was our true Dutye.
The Mohaques joynd our brave Partye,
And followed in the chase
Till We came upp with the Frenchmen,
Att a most likelye Place.
Our soldiers fell upon their Reare,
And killed twenty-five,
Our Young Men were so much enrag'd
They took scarce One alive.
D'Aillebout them did commande,
Which were but Thievish Rogues,
Else why did they consent and Goe
With Bloodye Indian Dogges ?
And Here I End the long Ballad,
The Which you have just redde;
And wish that it may stay on earth
Long after I am Dead.
WALTER WILIE.
Albany, 12th of June, 1690.
122 Sclwiectady.
The Dutch of this land, have always been pre-eminent
for their attachment to their church, its ordinances and
their " Domines." It is therefore but matter of neces-
sary consequence, that we should feel a satisfaction in
preserving the little history of their origin and perpetuity.
The church records show, that their first pastor was the
Rev. Petrus Tasschemaker, from Holland, beginning his
charge in the year 1684. Before that time only occasional
service could be performed, in private houses, by visitors
from Albany, and in the meantime the better Christians
made their church visits to the Albany church by going
and returning in two days. This honored Domine, as
has been told, disappeared misteriously in the time of
the massacre, and was succeeded in 1702, by the Rev.
Thomas Brower, also from Holland, who continued his
services till 1728, when he died. The Rev. Bernardus
Freeman and Rynhard Erkson, also from Holland,
served next in order. In 1740, we find the name
of Cornelius Van Santvoord, as the settled clergyman,
he coming from Staten Island. He died in 1754,
and was succeeded by a Domine of the place named
Barent Vroomer, who continued till his death in 1782.
His successors down to the present time were all Ameri-
cans, to wit: the Rev. Derick Romeyn, of New Jersey,
the Rev. John H. Myers, also from New Jersey. The
Rev. Cornelius Bogardus and the Rev. Jacob Van Vechten,
the present pastor.
The first church was built between the years 1684 and
1698. It was located at the south end of Church street
near the head of Water street. In 1733 a more com-
modious one was erected in the center of the street, where
Union and Church streets intersect. This venerable
pile was, by innovation, razed in 1814, like a similar
church in the street in Albany. Before going down, it
fell into secular use, such as a watch house, a school
house, and market. The bell of this church was remark-
able for its silver tones, said to have been because of a
good proportion of that metal in its composition. It is
at all events a fact that it gave out a more distant sound,
Schenectady. 123
than one of twice its size, since used in another and
more modern church of another religious denomination.
It is to be told to the honor and good feeling of Mr.
Jan Rinkhout, that he made this church a donation of
that tract of land now called the "poor pasture," so
called because the avails were formerly applied to the
use of the poor of the congregation. He reserved to
himself a small spot on which he had his hut, partly
under ground, the remains of which are still to be seen.
The good man himself is now under ground, and his
soul we trust is in heaven.
The first English church, called St. George, was
erected under the auspices of Mr. John W. Brown, who
came from England sometime preceding the year 1762,
when the Episcopal church was founded. Its principal
benefactors were Sir Wm. Johnson and John Duncan,
Esq. Previous to the Revolution, this church owned a
valuable library. This together with the organ and a
greater part of the interior work was destroyed by some
Indians and a gang of lawless whites. Strange as it may
seem these whites were Whigs! of such as were all
passion and little sense! It was called and considered
" the English church," and as such their rage was against
every thing English. They of course thought it was
under British influence. They even meditated the de-
struction of the pastor's, Mr. Doty's property; but they
knew not his place of abode, and as none would inform
them, he escaped their ire. Their first pastor was the
Rev. Wm. Andrews, he was succeeded in 1773, by the
Rev. Mr. Doty, who left his charge in 1777, probably as
a Tory. There was no settled minister again until 1791,
when the Rev. Ammi Rogers took the charge, and has
since been succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Whitmore, the
Rev. Cyrus Stebbins, and the Rev. P. A. Proal.
( 124 )
DE VRIES IN ALBANY.
[In 1639, David Pieterzoon De Vries, who had pur-
chased Staten Island and planted a colony there, visited
Albany, and has left the following account of what he
saw at that early day. It is copied from the translation
published in the Collections of the New York Historical
Society, vol. iii, 2d series.]
The 15 of April, I went with my sloop to Fort Orange,
where I wanted to examine the land which is on the
river. Arrived at Tapaen in the evening, where a large
valley of about two or three hundred rnorgens of clay-soil
lies under the moutain, three or four feet above the water.
A creek which, comes from the highland, runs through
it, on which fine water-mills could be erected. I bought
this valley from the Indians, as it was only three miles
above my plantation, and five miles from the fort. There
was also much nraize-land, but too stony to be ploughed.
The 25th opposite Tapaen, lies a place called Wick-
quaes-geck, where there is much maize-land, but stony
or sandy, and where many fir-trees grow. We generally
haul fine masts from there. The land is also mountain-
ous.
The 16th went further up the river. Passed the Aver-
stro, where a kill runs out, formed from a large fall, the
noise of which can be heard in the river. The land is
also very high. At noon passed the highlands, which are
prodigiously high stony mountains, and it is about a mile
going through them. Here the river, at its narrowest,
is about five or six hundred paces wide, as well as I could
guess. At night came by the Dance-chamber, where
there was a party of Indians, who where very riotous,
seeking only mischief, so that we were on our guard.
The 27th we came to Esoopes, where a creek runs
in, and there the Indians had some maize land, but it
De Fries in Albany. 125
was stony. Arrived at evening, as it blew hard, before
the Cats-kill. Found the river up to this point, stony
and mountainous, unfit for habitations. But there was
some lowland here, and the Indians sowed maize along
the Cats-kill.
The 28th, arrived at Beeren (Bears') Island, where
were many Indians fishing. Here the land begins to be
low along the margin of the river, and at the foot of the
mountains it was good for cultivation. At evening we
reached Brand-pylen's Island, which lies a little below
Fort Orange, and belongs to the patroons, Godyn, Rons-
elaer, Jan de Laet, and Bloemart, who had also there
more farms, which they had made in good condition at
the Company's cost, as the Company had sent the cattle
from Fatherland at great expense; and these individuals,
being the commissioners of New Netherland, had made a
good distribution among themselves, and while the Com-
pany had nothing but an empty fort, they had the farms
and trade around it, and every boor was a merchant.
The 30th of April. The land here is, in general, like
it is in France. It is good, and very productive of every
thing necessary for the life of man, except clothes, linens,
woolens, shoes, and stockings; but these they could have
if the country were well populated; and there could be
made good leather of the hides of animals, which mul-
tiply in great quantities. Good tan could be made of the
bark of oak-trees. The land all along this river is very
mountainous; some cliffs of stone are exceedingly high,
upon which grow fine fir trees, which may be discerned
with the eye. There are, besides, in this country, oaks,
alders, beeches, elms, and willows, both in the woods
and along the water. The islands are covered with
chestnut, plum, and hazel-nut trees, and large walnuts
of different kinds, of as good flavour as they are in
Fatherland, but hard of shell. The ground on the moun-
tains is bedecked with shrubs of bilberries or blue-berries,
such as in Holland come from Veeluwes. The level
land, or old maize-land, is covered with strawberries,
which grow here so plentifully that they answer for food.
126 De Fries in Albany.
There are also in the woods, as well as along the river,
vines very abundant of two kinds, one bearing good blue
grapes, which are pleasant when the vines are pruned,
and of which good wine could be made. The other kind
is like the grapes which grow in France on trellisses, —
the large white ones which they make verjuice of in
France; — they are as large as the joints of the fingers,
but require great labor, for these vines grow in this coun-
try on the trees, and the grapes are like the wild grapes
which grow along the roads in France, on vines which
are not pruned, and which are thick wTTh wood, with
little sap in it, for want of being attended to. There was
this year, as they told me, a large quantity of deer at har-
vest and through the winter, very fat, having upon their
ribs upwards of two fingers of tallow, so that they were
nothing else than clear fat. They also had this year,
great numbers of turkeys. They could buy a deer for a
loaf of bread, or for a knife, or even for a tobacco-pipe;
at other times they give cloth worth six or seven guilders.
There are many partridges, heath-hens, and pigeons which
fly together in thousands, and our people sometimes shoot
thirty, forty, and fifty of them at a shot. Plenty of fowl,
such as belong to the river, and all along the river are
great numbers of them of different kinds; such as swans,
geese, pigeons, teal, and wild geese, which go up the river
in the spring by thousands, from the sea-coast, and fly
back again in the fall.
Whilst I was at Fort Orange, the 30th of April, there
was such a high flood at the island on which Brand-pylen
lived, — who was my host at this time, — that we were com-
pelled to leave the island, and go with boats into the house,
where there were four feet of water. This flood con-
tinued three days, before we could use the dwelling again.
The water ran into the fort and we were compelled to
repair to the woods, where we erected tents and kindled
large fires. These woods are full of animals, bears,
wolves, foxes, and especially of snakes, black snakes and
rattlesnakes, which are very poisonous, and which have
a rattle at the end of the tail, with many rattles, accord-
De Fries in Albany. 127
ing to their age. As to what the land produces, the soil,
which on the mountains is a red sand or cliffs of stone,
but in the low plains, often clay-ground, is very fertile,
as Brand-pylen told me that he had produced wheat on
this island for twelve years successively without its lying
fallow. He also told me that here the Indians put their
enemies to death, as horribly as this plate shows, and had
for some time past done justice to their enemies in this
place. They place their foe against a tree or stake, and
first tear all the nails from his fingers, and run them on
a string, which they wear the same as we do gold chains.
It is considered to the honour of any chief who has van-
quished or overcome his enemies, if he bite off or cut off
some of their members, as whole fingers. Afterwards,
the prisoner is compelled to sing and dance, entirely
naked, before them; and finally when they burn the cap-
tive, they kill him with a slow fire, and then eat him up;
the commoners eating the arms and buttocks, and the
chiefs eating the head. When these Indians fasten their
enemy to the stake, he is compelled to sing,and accordingly
begins to sing of his friends, who will avenge his death.
They inflict a cruel death upon him, pricking his body
with hot burning wood in different parts, till he is torment-
ed to death. They then tear his heart out of his body,
which every one eats a piece of, in order to embitter
themselves against their enemies. Along this land runs
an excellent river, which comes out of the Maquas county,
about four miles to the north of Fort Orange. I went
there with some Indians, and passed by a farm upon
which a boor lived, whom they called brother Cornelis.
This river runs between two high rocky banks, and
falls over a rock as high as a church, with such a noise
that it is frequently heard at the farm, and wi:en I was
there it made such a loud noise that we could hardly hear
each other speak. The water flowed by with such force,
that it was all the time as if it were raining, and the trees
upon the hills as high as the dunes at home, have their
boughs constantly wet as if with rain. The water is as
clear as crystal, and fresh as milk, and appears all the
128 De Fries in Albany.
time as if a rainbow stood in it, but that arises from its
clearness. There are a great many Indians here, whom
they call Maquas, who catch many lampreys, otherwise
called pricks. The river is about six hundred to seven
hundred paces wide at this place, and contains large
quantities of fine fish, such as pike, perch, eels, suckers,
thickheads, sunfish, shad, striped bass, which is a fish
which comes from the sea in the spring, and swims up
the river into the fresh water as the salmon does. There
are sturgeon, but our people will not eat them; also trout,
slightly yellow inside, which I myself have caught, and
which are considered in France the finest of fish. There
are several islands in this river, of thirty, fifty, and seventy
morgens of land in size. The soil is very good. The
temperature is in extremes, in the summer excessively
hot, and in winter exceedingly cold, so that in one night
the ice will freeze hard enough to bear one. The summer
continues to All Saints' day, and in December it will
freeze so hard that if there be a strong current, which
loosens it, it will freeze in a night what has run over it
in the day. The ice continues generally for three months,
and although the latitude is forty-three, it is nevertheless
always frozen for that period; for though sometimes it
thaws, in pleasant days, it does not continue to do so, but
it freezes again until March, when the river first begins
to open, sometimes in February, though seldom. The
severest cold comes from the north-west, as in Holland
from the north-east. The reason of this cold is that the
mountains to the north of it are covered with snow, and
the north-west wind comes blowing over them, and drives
all the cold down. This tribe of Indians was formerly a
powerful nation, but they are brought into subjection, and
made tributaries by the Maquas. They are stout men,
well favoured of countenance, body and limb, but all of
them have black hair and yellow skin. They go naked
in the summer, except they cover their privy parts with
a patch; but the children, and youth of ten, twelve, or
fourteen years of age, run entirely mother naked. In
winter they throw over them an unprepared deer-skin or
De Tries in Albany. 129
bear's hide, or a covering of turkey's feathers which they
know how to make; or they buy duffels of us, two ells and
a half long, and unsewed, go off with it, surveying
themselves, and think that they appear fine. They make
themselves shoes and stockings of deer-skins, or they take
the leaves of maize and braid them together, and use them
for shoes. Men and women go with their heads bare.
The women let their hair grow very long, tie it together
a little, and let it hang down the back; some of the men
have it on one side of the head, others have a lock hang-
ing on each side; on the top of the head, they have a
strip of hair from the forehead to the neck, about three fin-
gers broad, and cut two or three fingers long and then
stand straight up like a cock's-comb ; on both sides of this
cock's-comb they cut it off close, except the locks, as may
be seen in the plate. They paint their faces, red, blue, and
brown, and look like the devil himself. They smear their
foreheads with bear's grease, which they carry along with
them in little baskets. It would be much better for
them to wash themselves, if they only thought so, and
they would not be troubled with lice. Whenever they go
journeying, they take with them some maize and a kettle,
with a wooden bowl and spoon which they pack up
together and hang on their backs. When they become
hungry, they immediately make a fire and cook it; they
make the fire by rubbing sticks together, and that very
rapidly.
The 14th May, took my leave of the Commander at
Fort Orange, and the same day reached Esopers, where a
creek runs in, and where there is some maize-land upon
which some Indians live.
[Annals, ix.] 12
(130)
FATHEE JOGUES'S ACCOUNT OF
BENSSELAEESWYCK.
[The following brief notice of Rensselaerswyck is found
in the narrative of the captivity of the Jesuit missionary,
Isaac Jogues, among the Mohawks, which forms a very
interesting paper contributed by J. G. Shea, Esq. to the
New York Hist. Society's Collections, vol. 3, 2d Series.]
Ascending the river to the 43d degree, you meet the
second Dutch settlement, which the tide reaches but does
not pass. Ships of a hundred and a hundred and twenty
tons can come up to it.
There are two things in this settlement (which is called
Renselaerswick, as if to say, settlement of Renselaers,
who is a rich Amsterdam merchant) — 1st, a miserable
little fort called Fort Orange, built of logs, with four or
five pieces of Bretuil cannon, and as many swivels. This
has been reserved, and is maintained by the West India
Company. This fort was formerly on an island in the
river; it is now on the mainland, towards the Hiroquois,
a little above the said island. 2d, a colony sent here by
this Renselaers, who is the patron. This colony is com-
posed of about a hundred persons, who reside in some
twenty-five or thirty houses built along the river, as
each found most convenient. In the principal house
lives the patron's agent; the minister has his apart, in
which service is performed. There is also a kind of
bailiff here whom they call the seneschal, who adminis-
ters justice. Their houses are merely of boards and
thatched with no mason work except the chimneys. The
forest furnishing many large pines, they make boards by
means of their mills, which they have here for the purpose.
They found some pieces of ground all ready, which
the savages had formerly cleared, and in which they sow
wheat and oats for beer, and for their horses, of which
Father Jogues's Account of Rensselaerswyck. 131
they have great numbers. There is little land fit for
tillage, being hemmed in by hills, which are poor soil.
This obliges them to separate, and they already occupy
two or three leagues of country.
Trade is free to all; this gives the Indians all things
cheap, each of the Hollanders outbidding his neighbor,
and being satisfied provided he can gain some little profit.
This settlement is not more than twenty leagues from
the Agniehronons,* who can be reached by land or water,
as the river on which the Iroquois lie, falls into that
which passes by the Dutch, but there are many low rapids,
and a fall of a short half league, where the canoe must
be carried.
There are many nations between the two Dutch settle-
ments, which are about thirty German leagues apart, that
is, about fifty or sixty French leagues. The Loups,| whom
tjje Iroquois call Agotsagenens, are the nearest to Rens-
selaerswick and Fort Orange. War breaking out some
years ago between the Iroquois and the Loups, the Dutch
joined the latter against the former ; but four men having
been taken and burnt, they made peace. Since then
some nations near the sea have killed some Hollanders
of the most distant settlement; the Hollanders killed
one hundred and fifty Indians, men, women and children.
They having then at intervals, killed forty Hollanders,
burnt many houses, and committed ravages, estimated at
the time that I was there at 200,000 liv. (two hundred
thousand livres,) they raised troops in New England.
Accordingly, in the beginning of winter, the grass being
trampled down and some snow on the ground, they gave
them chase with six hundred men, keeping two hundred
always on the move and constantly relieving one another;
so that the Indians, shut up in a large island, and unable
to flee easily, on account of their women and children,
were cut to pieces to the number of sixteen hundred,
including women and children. This obliged the rest of
the Indians to make peace, which still continues. This
occurred in 1643 and 1644.
* Mohawks. jMohegans.
(132)
THE MOHAWK INDIANS.
BY REV. JOHANNES MEGAPOLENSIS.
Translated by J. R. BRODHEAR, Esq. for the New York Hist. Soc. Coll.
[The Rev. Johannes Megapolensis was-the first minis-
ter of the gospel in Albany, an account of whom will be
found in the first volume of these Annals. His pastorate
extended over the Indians, and he was successful in his
efforts for their conversion. His Korte Ontwerp is the
most complete of the early accounts of those Indians.]
The land here is in general like that in Germany, \t
is good, and very well provided with all things needful
for human life, except clothes, linen, woolen, stockings,
shoes, &c., which are all dear here. The country is very
mountainous, some land, some rocks, and so exceeding
high that they appear to touch the clouds. Thereon grow
the finest fir trees the eye ever saw. There are also in
this country oaks, alders, beeches, elms, willows, &c.
In the forests, and in the wilderness along the water side,
and on the islands, there grows an abundance of chesnuts,
plumbs, hazle nuts, large walnuts of several sorts, and of
as good a taste as in the Netherlands, but they have a
somewhat harder shell. The land on the hills is covered
with thickets of bilberries or blueberries ; the ground in
the flat land near the rivers is covered with strawberries,
which grow here so plentifully in the fields, that we go
there and lie down and eat them. Vines also grow here
naturally in great abundance along the roads, paths, and
creeks, and you find them wherever you turn yourself.
1 have seen many pieces of land where vine stood by vine
and grew very luxuriantly, climbing up above the largest
and loftiest trees, and although they were not cultivated,
the grapes were as good and sweet as in Holland. Here
The Mohawk Indians. 133
is also a sort of grapes which grow very large, each grape
as big as the end of one's finger, or a middle sized plumb,
and because they are somewhat filmy and have a thick
skin we call them Speck Druyven. If we would cultivate
the vines we might have as good wine here as they have in
Germany or France. I had myself last harvest a boat
load of grapes and pressed them. As long as the wine
was new it tasted better than French or Rhenish Must,
and the colour of the grape juice here is so high and red
that with one wine glass full you can colour a whole pot
of white wine. In the forests is great plenty of deer,
which in harvest time and autumn are as fat as any Hol-
land deer can be. I have had them with fat more than
two fingers thick on the ribs, so that they were nothing
else than clear fat, and could hardly be eaten. There
are also many turkies, as large as in Holland, but in some
years less than in others. The year before I came here,
[1641] there were so many turkies and deer that they
came to the houses and hog pens to feed, and were taken
by the Indians with so little trouble, that a deer was sold
to the Dutch for a loaf of bread, or a knife, or even for
a tobacco pipe ; but now we commonly give for a large
deer six or seven guilders. In the forests here there are
also many partridges, heath-hens and pigeons that fly in
flocks of thousands, and sometimes 10, 20, 30 and even
40 and 50 are killed at one shot. "We have here, too, a
great number of all kinds of fowl, swans, geese, ducks,
widgeons, teal, brant, which are taken by thousands upon
the river in the spring of the year, and again in the au-
tumn fly away in flocks, so that in the morning and even-
ing, any one may stand ready with his gun before his
house and shoot them as they fly past. 1 have also eaten
here several times of elk, which were very fat and tasted
something like venison; and besides these profitable
beasts we have also in this country lions, bears, wolves,
foxes, and particularly very many snakes, which are large
and as long as 8, 10, and 12 feet. Among others, there
is a sort of snake, which we call rattlesnake, from a cer-
tain rattle which is in its tail, two or three fingers breadth
134 The Mohawk Indians.
long, and has ten or twelve joints, and with this rattle
it makes a noise like the crickets. Its color is variegated
like our large spotted dogs. These snakes have very
sharp teeth in their mouth, and dare to bite dogs; they
make way for neither man nor beast, but fall on and bite
them, and their bite is very poisonous, and commonly
even deadly too.
As to the soil of this country, that on the mountains
is a reddish sand or rock, but in the low flat lands, and
along the rivers, and even in the sides of the mountains
for an hundred or two hundred paces upjthere is often
clay ground. I have been on hills here, as high as a
church, to examine the soil, and have found it to be clay.
In this ground there appears to be a singular strength
and capacity for bearing a crop, for a farmer here told
me that he had clean wheat off one and the same piece
of land, eleven years successively without ever breaking
it up, or letting it lie fallow. The butter here is clean
and yellow as in Holland. Through this land runs an
excellent river, about 500 or 600 paces wide. This river
comes out of the Mahakas country, about four miles
north of us. There it flows between two high rocky
banks, and falls from a height equal to that of a church,
with such a noise that we can sometimes hear it with us.
In the beginning of June twelve of us took a ride to see
it. When we came there we saw not only the river fall-
ing with such a noise that we could hardly hear one
another, but the water boiling and dashing with such
force in still weather, that it was all the time as if it
were raining ; and the trees on the hills there (which are
as high as Schooler Duyn) had their leaves all the time
wet exactly as if it rained. The water is as clear as
crystal, and as fresh as milk. I and another with me
saw there, in clear sunshine, when there was not a cloud
in the sky, as we stood above upon the rocks, directly
opposite where the river falls in the great abyss, the half
of a rainbow, or a quarter of a circle, of the same color
with the rainbow in the sky. And when we had gone
about ten or twelve rods farther downwards from the fall,
The Mohawk Indians. 135
along the river, we saw a complete rainbow, or half a
circle appearing clearly in the water just the same as if
it had been in the clouds, and this is always to be seen
by those who go there. In this river is great plenty of
several kinds of fish, — pike, eels, perch, lampreys, suck-
ers, cat fish, sun fish, shad, bass, &c. In the spring, in
May, the perch are so plenty, that one man with a hook
and line will catch in one hour as many as ten or twelve
can eat. My boys have caught in less than an hour fifty,
each a foot long. They have a three pronged instrument
with which they fish, and draw up frequently two or
three perch at once. There is also in the river a great
plenty of sturgeon, which we Christians do not make use
of, but the Indians eat them greedily. In this river too,
are very beautiful islands, containing ten, twenty, thirty,
fifty and seventy morgens of land. The soil is very
good, but the worst of it is, that by the melting of the
snow, or heavy rains, the river is very likely to overflow
and cover that low land. This river ebbs and flows as
far as this place, although it is thirty-six miles inland
from the sea.
What relates to the climate of this country, and the
seasons of the year, is this, that here the summers are
pretty hot, so that for the most of the time we are
obliged to go in our bare shirts, and the winters are very
cold. The summer continues until All Saints' Day; but
then begins the winter, in the same manner as it com-
monly does in December, and it freezes so hard in one
night that the ice will bear a man. Even the river
itself, in still weather and no strong current running, is
frozen with a hard crust in one night, so that on the
second day we can go over it. And this freezing con-
tinues commonly three months ; for although we are situ-
ated here in 42 degrees of latitude, yet it always freezes
so. But sometimes there come warm and pleasant days.
The thaw however does not continue, but it freezes again
until March. Then, commonly the river first begins to
open, but seldom in February. We have the greatest
cold from the north west, as in Holland from the north
136 The Mohawk Indians.
east. The wind here is very seldom east, but almost
always south, south west, north west, and north.
Our shortest winter days have nine hours sun; in the
summer, our longest days are about fifteen hours. We
lie so far west of Holland that I judge you are about four
hours before us, so that when it is six o'clock in the
morning with us it is ten with you ; and when it is noon
with us, it is four o'clock in the afcernoon with you.
The inhabitants of this country are of two kinds,; 1st,
Christians — certainly so called; 2d, Indians. Of the
Christians I shall say nothing ; my designJs to speak of
the Indians only. These among us are again of two
kinds; 1st, the Mahakinbas, or, as they call themselves,
Kajingahaga; 2d, the Mahakans, otherwise called Agotza-
gena. These two nations have different languages, which
have no affinity with each other, as the Dutch and Latin.
These people formerly carried on a great war against
each other, but since the Mahakanders were subdued by
the Mahakobaas, a peace has subsisted between them, and
the conquered are obliged to bring a yearly contribution
to the others. We live among both these kinds of In-
dians; and, coming to us from their country, or we going
to them , they do us every act of friendship. The prin-
cipal nation of all the savages and Indians hereabouts
with which we are connected, are the Mahakuaas, who
have laid all the other Indians near us under contribu-
tion. This nation has a very heavy language, and I find
great difficulty in learning it, so as to speak and preach to
them fluently. There is no Christian here who under-
stands the language thoroughly ; those who have lived here
long can hold a kind of conversation j ust sufficient to carry
on trade with them, but they do not understand the idiom
of the language. I am making a vocabulary of the Maha-
kuaa language, and when I am among them I ask them
how things are called ; but as they are very stupid, -I can
not sometimes get an explanation of what I want. Be-
sides what I have just mentioned, one will tell me a
word in the infinitive mood, another in the indicative ;
one in the first, another in the second person; one in the
The Mohawk Indians. 137
present, another in the praeter perfect tense. So I stand
oftentimes and look, but do not know how to put it
down. And as they have their declensions and conjuga-
tions, so they have their augments like the Greeks, Thus
I am as if I was distracted, and frequently cannot tell
what to do, and there is no person to set me right; I
must do all the studying myself in order to become in
time an Indian grammarian. When I first observed that
they pronounced their words so differently, I asked the
commissary of the company what it meaned. He an-
swered me that he did not know, but imagined they chang-
ed their language every two or three years ; I told him
in reply that it could never be that a whole nation should
so generally change their language ; — and, though he has
been connected with them here these twenty years, he
can afford me no assistance.
The people and Indians here in this country are of
much the same stature with us Dutchmen ; some of them
have very good features, and their bodies and limbs are
well proportioned ; they all have black hair and eyes,
but their skin is yellow. In summer they go naked, hav-
ing only their private parts covered with a patch. The
children and young folks to 10, 12 and 14 years of age
go mother naked. In winter they hang loosely about
them an undressed deer's, or bear's, or panther's skin;
or they take some beaver and otter skins, of wild cat's,
raccoons, martins, otters, minks, squirrels, or several
kinds of skins, which are plenty in this country, and sew
some of them to the others, until it is a square piece,
and that is then a garment for them ; or they buy of us
Dutchmen two and an half ells of duffels ; and that they
hang loosely on them, just as it was torn off, without
any sewing, and as they go away they look very much
at themselves, and think they are very fine. They make
themselves stockings and shoes of deer skin, or they take
leaves of their corn, and plat them together and use them
for shoes. The women as well as the men, go naked
about the head. The women let their hair grow very
long, and tie it together a little, and let it hang down
138 The Mohawk Indians.
their backs. Some of the men wear their hair on one
side of the head, and some on both sides, and a long lock
of hair hanging down. On the top of their heads they
have a streak of hair from the forehead to the neck, about
the breath of three fingers, and this they shorten until
it is about two or three fingers long, and it stands right
on end like a cock's comb or hog's bristles ; on both sides
of this cock's comb they cut the hair short off, except the
aforesaid locks, and they also leave on the bare places
here and there small locks, such as are in sweeping-
brushes, and then they are very fine.
They likewise paint their faces red, blue, &c., and then
they look like the devil himself. They smear their heads
with bear's-grease, which they all carry with them for
this purpose in a small basket ; they say they do it to
make their hair grow better and prevent their having
lice. When they travel, they take with them some of
their maize, a kettle, a wooden bowl, and a spoon; these
they pack up and hang on their backs. Whenever they
are hungry, they forthwith make a fire and cook ; they
can get fire by rubbing pieces of wood against one another,
and that very quickly.
They generally live without marriage ; but if any of
them have wives, the marriage continues no longer than
they think proper, and then they separate, and each
takes another partner. I have seen those who had
parted, and afterwards lived a long time with others,
seek their former partners, and again be one pair. And,
though they have wives, yet they will not leave off going
a whoring; and if they can sleep with another man's wife,
they think it a brave thing. The women are exceedingly
addicted to whoring; they will lie with a man for the
value of one, two, or three shillings, and our Dutchmen
run after them yeVy much.
The women, when they have been delivered, go about
immediately afterwards, and be it ever so cold it makes
no difference, they wash themselves and the young child in
the river or the snow. They will not lie down (for they
say that if they did they should soon die), but keep going
The Mohawk Indians. 139
about. They are obliged to cut wood, to travel three or
four miles with their child in a wood ; they go, they stand,
they work, as if they had not lain in, and we cannot see
that they suffer any injury by it ; and we sometimes try
to persuade our wives to lay-in so, and that the way of
lying-in in Holland is a mere fiddle-faddle. The men
have great authority over their concubines, so that if they
do anything which affronts them and raises their passion,
they take an axe and knock them in the head, and there
is an end of it. The women are obliged to prepare the
land, to mow, to plant, and do everything ; — the men do
nothing, except hunting, fishing, and going to war against
their enemies. They are very cruel towards their enemies
in the time of war; for they first bite off the nails of the
fingers of their captives, and cut off some joints, and some,
times the whole of the fingers; after that, the captives
are forced to sing and dance before them stark naked ;
and finally, they roast their prisoners dead before a slow
fire for some days, and then eat them up. The common
people eat the arms, buttocks and trunk, but the chiefs
eat the head and the heart.
Our Mahakas carry on great war against the Indians
of Canada, on the river Saint Lawrence, and take many
captives, and sometimes there are French Christians
among them. Last year, our Indians got a great booty
from the French on the river Saint Lawrence, and took
three Frenchmen, one of whom was a Jesuit. They
killed one, but the Jesuit (whose left thumb was cut off,
and all the nails and pieces of his fingers were bitten,)
we released, and sent him to France by a yacht which
was going to Holland. They spare all the children from
ten to twelve years old, and all the women whom they
take in war, unless the women are very old, and then
they kill them. Though they are so very cruel to their
enemies, they are very friendly to us, and we have no
dread of them. We go with them into the woods ; we
meet with each other, sometimes at an hour or two's
walk from any houses, and think no more about it than
if we met with a Christian. They sleep by us,
\&n
f&utaVio
140 The Mohawk Indians.
chambers before our beds. I have had eight at once who
laid and slept upon the floor near my bed, for it is their
custom to sleep only on the bare ground, and to have
only a stone or a bit of wood under their heads. In the
evening, they go to bed very soon after they have supped;
but they rise early in the morning, and are up before
day begins to break. They are very slovenly and dirty ;
they wash neither their face nor hands, but let all remain
upon their yellow skin, and look as dirty as hogs. Their
bread is Indian corn beaten to pieces between two stones,
of which they make a cake and bake it in the ashesj_
their other victuals are venison, turkies, hares, bears,
wild cats, their own dogs, &c. The fish they cook just
as they get them out of the water without cleansing; also
the entrails of deer with all their contents, which they
cook a little; and if the entrails are then too tough, they
take one end in their mouth, and the other in their hand,
and between hand and mouth they separate and eat them.
So they do commonly with the flesh, for they carve a
little piece and lay it on the fire, as long as till one can
go from house to church, and then it is done; and when
they eat it, the'blood runs down their chins. They can
also take a piece of bear-grease as large as two fists, and
eat it up so without bread or anything else. It is natural
to them to have no beards; not one in an hundred has
any hair about his mouth.
They have also naturally a great opinion of themselves;
they say, I hy Otkon (I am the devil), by which they
mean that they are superior folks. In order to praise
themselves and their people, whenever we tell them they
are very expert at catching deer, or doing this and that,
they say,. Tksocks ho, aguweechon Kajingahaga kouaane
Jountuckcha Othkon ; that is, Really all the Mohawks
are very cunning devils. They make their houses of the
bark of trees, very close and warm, and kindle their fire
in the middle of them. They also make of the peeling and
bark of trees, canoes or small boats, which will carry four,
five and six persons. In like manner they hollow out trees,
and use them for boats, some of which are very large.
The Mohawk Indians. 141
I have several times sat and sailed with ten, twelve and
fourteen persons in one of these hollowed logs. We have
in our colony* a wooden canoe obtained from the Indians,
which will easily carry two hundred schepelsf of wheat.
The arms used by them in war were formerly a bow and
arrow, with a stone axe and clap hammer, or mallet;
but now they get from our people guns, swords, iron axes
and mallets. Their money consists of certain little bones,
made of the shells of cockles, which are found on the sea-
beach; a hole is drilled through the middle of the little
bones, and these they string upon thread, or they make
of them belts as broad as a hand or broader, which they
hang on their necks, or around their bodies; they have
also several holes in their ears, and there they likewise
hang some. They value these little bones as highly as
many Christians do gold, silver and pearls ; but they have
no idea of our money, and esteem it no better than iron.
I once showed one of their chiefs a rix-dollar; he asked
how much it was worth among the Christians; and when
I told him, he laughed exceedingly at us, saying we were
fools to value a piece of iron so highly; arid if he had
such money, he would throw it into the river. They
place their dead upright in holes, and do not lay them
down, and then they throw some trees and wood on the
grave, or enclose it with palisades. They have their set
times for going-to catch fish, bears, panthers, and beavers.
In the spring, they catch vast quantities of shad and lam-
preys, which are very large here: they lay them on the
bark of trees in the sun, and dry them thoroughly hard,
and then put them in " notasten," or bags, which they
plait from hemp which grows wild here, and keep the
fish till winter. When their corn is ripe, they take off
the ears and put them in deep pits, and preserve them
therein the whole winter. They can also make nets and
seines, ten or twelve men will go together and help each
other, all of whom own the seine in common.
They are entire strangers to all religion, but they have
* Rensselaerswyck. t A schepel is about three pecks.
Annals ix.] 13
142 The Mohawk Indians.
a Tharonhijouaagon (whom they also otherwise call Ath-
zoockkuatoriaho), that is, a Genius, whom they esteem
in the place of god ; but they do not serve or present offer-
ings to him. They worship and present offerings to the
devil, whom they call Otskon, or Aireskuoni, if they
have any bad luck in war, they catch a bear, which they
cut in pieces, and roast, and that they offer up to their
Aireskuoni, saying the following words: " Oh ! great and
mighty Aireskuoni, we know that we have offended
against thee, inasmuch as we have not killed and eaten
our captive enemies ; forgive us this. We promise that
we, will kill and eat all the captives we shall hereafter
take as certainly as we have killed and eaten this bear."
Also when the weather is very hot, and there comes a
cooling breeze, they cry out directly, Asoronusi, asoronusi,
Otskon aworouhsis reinnuha ; that is, " I thank thee, devil,
I thank thee, Oomke !" If they are sick, or have a pain
or soreness anywhere in their limbs, and I ask them
what ails them ? they say that the devil sits in their
body, or in the sore places, and bites them there ; and
they always attribute to the devil the accidents which
befall them; they have otherwise no religion. When we
pray they laugh at us. Some of them despise it entirely ;
and some, when we tell them what we do when we pray,
stand astonished. When we have a sermon, sometimes
ten or twelve of them, more or less, will attend, each
having a long tobacco pipe, made by himself, in his mouth,
and will stand awhile and look, and afterwards ask me
what I was doing and what I wanted, that I stood there
and made so many words, while none of the rest might
speak ? I tell them that I admonish the Christians, that
they must not steal, nor commit lewdness, nor get drunk,
nor commit murder, and that they too ought not to do
these things; and that I intend in process of time to
preach the same to them and come to them in their own
country and castles (about three days journey from here,
further inland) when I am acquainted with their language.
They say I do well to teach the Christians; but im-
mediately add, Diatennonjawij Assyreoni, hagiowisk, that
The Mohawk Indians. 143
is, "Why do so many Christians do these things ? " They
call us Assyreoni, that is, cloth-makers, or Charistooni,
that is, iron workers, because our people first brought
cloth and iron among them.
They will not come into a house where there is a men-
struous woman, nor eat with her. No woman must touch
their snares in which they catch deer, for they say the
deer can scent it.
The other day an old woman came to our house, and
told my people that her forefathers had told her " that
Tharonhij-Jagon, that is, God, once went out a walking
with his brother, and a dispute arose between them, and
God killed his brother.*' I suppose this fable took its
rise from Cain and Abel. They have a droll theory of
the creation, for they think that a pregnant woman fell
down from heaven, and that a tortoise (of which there
are plenty here, in this country, of two, three and four
feet long, some with two heads, very mischievous and
addicted to biting) took this pregnant woman on its back,
because every place was covered with water ; and that
the woman sitting upon the tortoise grabbled with her
hands in the water, and scratched up some of the earth ;
whence it finally happened that the earth became elevated
above the water. They think that there are more worlds
than one, and that we came from another world.
The Mohawk Indians are divided into three tribes, which
are called Ochkari, Anaware, Oknaho, that is, the bear,
the tortoise and the wolf. Of these, the tortoise is the
greatest and most eminent ; and they boast that they are
the oldest descendants of the woman before mentioned,
these have made a fort of palisades, and they call their
castle Asserue. Those of the bear are the next to these,
and their castle is called by them Banagiro. The last
are a progeny of these, and their castle is called Thenon-
diogo. Each of these tribes carries the beast after which
it is called (as the arms in its banner) when it goes to
war against its enemies, and this is done as well for the
terror of its enemies, as for a sign of its own bravery.
Lately one of their chiefs came to me and presented me
144 The Mohawk Indians.
with, a beaver an otter, and some cloth he had taken
from the French, the which I must receive as a token of
friendship. When he opened his budget there appeared
in it a dried head of a bear, with grinning teeth. I asked
him what that meant? He answered me that he fastened
it upon his left shoulder by the side of his head, and that
then he was the devil, who cared for nothing, and did not
fear any thing.
The goverment among them consists of the oldest, the
most sensible, the best speaking and most warlike men.
These commonly resolve, and then the young and warlike
men execute. But if the common people do not approve
of the resolution, it is left entirely to the determination
of the mob. The chiefs are generally the poorest among
them, for instead of their receiving from the common peo-
ple as among Christians, they are obliged to give to the
mob ; especially when any one is killed in war, they give
great presents to the next of kin of the deceased ; and if
they take any prisoners they present them to that family
of which one has been killed, and the prisoner is then
adopted by the family into the place of the deceased per-
son. There is no punishment here for murder and other
villainies, but every one is his own avenger. The friends
of the deceased revenge themselves upon the murderer
until peace is made by presents to the next of kin. But
although they are so cruel, and live without laws or any
punishments for evil doers, yet there are not half so
many villainies or murders committed amongst them as
amongst Christians ; so that I ofientimes think with as-
tonishment upon all the murders committed in the father-
land, notwithstanding their severe laws and heavy penal-
ties. These Indians, though they live without laws, or
fear of punishment, do not — at least they very seldom —
kill people, unless it may be in a great passion, or a
hand-to-hand fight. Wherefore we go wholly uncon-
cerned along with the Indians and meet each other an
hour's walk off in the woods without doing any harm to
one another.
JOHANNES MEGAPOLENSIS.
( 145)
NOTES FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Continued from vol. viii, p. 164.
1827.
Jan. 1. The common council met and unanimously re-
elected James Stevenson, mayor of the city for the en-
suing year; 18 votes were cast.
At the Capitol, De Witt Clinton was sworn into office
as governor of the state, and Nathaniel Pitcher as lieu-
tenant-governor, for the ensuing two years.
The citizens were occupied in getting up an Athenaum.
On the 20th of January a meeting was held at Knicker-
backer Hall, Chandler Starr in the chair. Upwards of
160 names had been secured, and it was resolved to call
for $1'25 from each, and open the rooms immediately.
It was intended to be the most important literary esta-
blishment ever reared in the city. S. D. W. Bloodgood,
R. M. Meigs, and R. V. De Witt, were appointed to ob-
tain subscriptions to a permanent fund.
Jan. 3. John Butman died.
Jan. 6. John Mancius died, aged 42.
Jan. 7. Lydia, wife of James Linacre, died, aged 78.
Jan. 12. William Morrow died, of the firm of Paddock
& Morrow.
Jan. 21. The thermometer stood at 18 deg. below
zero. The month had been unusually cold, and much
snow had fallen. The following record of one week is
remarkable :
15th, 3 deg. below zero at 7 a. m.,
16th, 19 do above do do
17th, 2 do below do do
18th, 5 do do do do
19th, 2 do do do do
20th, 9 do do do do
21st, 18 do do do do
146 Notes from the Newspapers.
On the 24th December, 1796, the thermometer stood
at 20 deg. below zero. On the llth February, 1818, 26
deg. below zero, and on the following day 20 deg. below.
In 1820 the lowest temperature was 5 deg. below zero.
1821 do do 14 do
1822 do do 14 do
1823 do do 6 do
1824 do do 3 do
1825 do do 6 do
1826 do do 12 do
It was stated at this time, that in extreme cold wea-
ther, the thermometer was lower, by two or three de-
grees, at the eastern part of the city, along the banks of
the river, than it was on the hill, which was supposed
to be the effect of air passing over a large body of ice.
At the corner of Hudson and South Market streets, a
thermometer marked on the 21st, at sunrise, 23 deg.
below zero, and from the 14th to the 21st it ranged from
2 deg. to 10 deg. below zero. A thermometer in Plain
street on the morning of the 22d, marked 24 deg. below
zero.
Jan. 22. At a meeting of the common council, William
Mascraft was appointed city superintendent, Philip Hook-
ar ^declining a re-election.
A law was passed altering the name of Marsh street
to Montgomery street, the former street being considered
a continuation of the latter.
Water street was ordered to be pitched, leveled, filled
and reduced, from Orange street to North Ferry, and
Montgomery from Quackenbush street to North Ferry.
Jan. 24. A meeting of the citizens of Albany friendly
to the adoption of measures for the relief of the Greeks
was held at Knickerbacker Hall: James Stevenson, chair-
man; B. F. Butler, secretary. Without taking any ac-
tion, an adjournment was made to a future day.
At a meeting held for the same purpose in New York,
before the above, a note was read from Christian Miller
of Albany, stating that he was induced, from having read
the speech of Judge Irving, to contribute to the glorious
cause, and enclosing check for $20.
Notes from the Newspapers. 147
The adjourned meeting of the friends of Greece met
at Knickerbacker Hall, and were addressed eloquently
by Gen. Peter Gansevoort, who offered a series of reso-
lutions, which were seconded by Chandler Starr, with
appropriate remarks. A very large number of citizens
composed the committee to procure substantial relief,
and the clergy were requested to preach sermons and
take up collections. An appeal was made to the whole
state for contributions of provisions.
Jan. 26. Catharine, wife of Dr. Elias Willard, died,
aged 71. She was a daughter of John Livingston, born
in New York, and by her parents sent to Montreal, to
complete her education. In 1788, while on a visit to
Boston, she was married to Dr. Willard, a surgeon in
the revolutionary army. Shortly after they removed to
Stillwater, where they resided till 1801, when they re-
moved to Albany.
A committee of the Massachusetts legislature consi-
dered the project of a rail road between Boston and Al-
bany, and reported in favor of the measure. The ex-
pense was estimated at $15,000 per mile, and 160 miles
$2,400,000. The annual income was laid at $300,000.
The mean temperature of the month was 17*16 deg.;
greatest height, 39 deg.; lowest, 18 deg. below zero.
Rain on 2 days, snow on 10 days; 5'40 inches by rain
guage.
Feb. 1. Major James Van Rensselaer died, at his resi-
dence in Bethlehem, aged 81.
Feb. 2. Ann Maria, daughter of John Van Ness, died,
aged 22.
David Jenkins died, aged 56.
Feb. 3. George, son of Daniel Hale, died at Liverpool.
Feb. 9. Pelatiah Adams died, aged 62.
Feb. 12. A law was passed by the common council,
for "reducing, leveling, pitching, and paving North
Pearl street, from State street to Columbia street, agree-
ably to a plan approved and presented by I. & J. Town-
send, Charles R. Webster, and others."
Feb. 16. Capt. James La Grange died, aged 64.
148 Notes from the Newspapers.
Among the donations in aid of the Greeks, which were
numerous, was one from the butchers, of 53 barrels of
prime beef.
Feb. 17. Philip P. Van Rensselaer died, at Cherry Hill,
aged 44.
Edwin A. Caldwell, youngest son of James Caldwell,
died at New Orleans, whither he had gone for the benefit
of his health.
Feb. 19. A resolution passed the common council, di-
recting the sale by auction, on the first Monday in March,
of eleven feet of the watering place, and of eight feet of
the lot north of and adjoining thereto; the purchaser
being required to fill up that part of the watering place.
The sale of property adjoining the watering place, by
the Dutch church, was made to the corporation, on con-
dition that a common watering place of the breadth of
45 feet should always be kept open for the accommoda-
tion of the citizens of Albany, and this condition the
present consistory of the church refused to annul. The
breadth of the watering place at this time was 56 feet.
Matthew Trotter and others petitioned the common
council for a market house on the site of the watering
place, and a committee was appointed to investigate the
subject, consisting of Isaac Denniston, Andrew Kirk, and
Daniel McGlashan. They reported that the consistory
were entirely opposed to making any terms of the kind,
" without receiving an equivalent therefor."
Feb. 20. The library department of the Albany Athe-
neum went into operation. Paul Hochstrasser, librarian.
Feb. 27. Ezekiel Churchill, formerly of Albany, died
in New York, aged 29.
Mean temperature of the month, 27 deg., 10 sec.;
greatest height, 43 deg.; lowest, 8 deg. below zero; rain
guage, 3*007 inches.
March 6. Jane, wife of William Bement, died, aged 50.
An application was made to the legislature for a
charter under which to construct a McAdam road from
Albany to Gibbonsville. It met with a great deal of op-
position, and was condemned by the common council.
Notes from the Newspapers. 149
The citizens of Watervliet, at a public meeting, passed
resolutions against it.
The quantity of snow which fell during the four winter
months, was as follows: December, 4 inches; January,
42 inches; February, 14 inches; March, 3 inches. Total
63 inches.
March 12. A committee of the corporation reported
in favor of selling the property south of the ferry, on the
margin of the river. This property was much of the
time under water.
March 18. Alexander Root, formerly of Albany, died
at Springfield, Mass., aged 28.
Col. Gideon Fairman, sometime a resident of Albany,
and a noted engraver, died in Philadelphia, aged 51.
March 20. Dr. Elias Willard died, aged 71. He was
born at Harvard, Mass., in January, 1756, where he con-
tinued until the 16th year of his age. At that time he
repaired to Boston, and commenced the study of medi-
cine under the direction of Dr. Jarvis, an eminent prac-
titioner of that city. At the commencement of the revo-
lutionar)' war, having completed his education, he was
appointed surgeon to the hospitals of Boston and the
vicinity. Being attached to the army, he was transferred
to White Plains, where he continued a short time, and
then returned to Boston. Here he again remained some
time, and was married. He was afterwards transferred
successively to German Flats and Ticonderoga, continu-
ing with the army during the whole contest. At the
conclusion of the war he settled at Stillwater, where he
continued in the practice of his profession till 1801, in
which year he removed to Albany, and resided there un-
til his death. As an evidence of the esteem in which
Dr. Willard was held by the physicians of his native
state, it may be mentioned that in 1814 he was elected
an honorary member of the Massachusetts medical socie-
ty, over which a brother of the patriot Warren presided.
The distinguishing traits of Dr. Willard's character, were
his devotion to the duties of his profession, and his ar-
dent piety. He became impressed with the truths of re-
150 Notes from the Newspapers.
ligion at a very early age, when he attached himself to
the Presbyterian church, of which he ever continued an
exemplary member. The retrospect of such a long life
spent in the relief of suffering humanity, and the promo-
tion of the cause of religion, can not fail to impart con-
solation to a numerous circle of relations and friends.—
Daily Advertiser, March 23, '27.
March 22. Mrs. Hannah Stafford, mother-in-law of
Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, died, and was buried from the rec-
tory house in Lodge street.
March 28. William McDonald died aged 80.
Julia, wife of John C. Shiffer, died, aged 24.
March 30. The law partnership of John V. Henry and
James McKown was dissolved, and a new one formed
between John V. Henry and Peter Seton Henry.
The mean temperature of the month was 36*39 deg. ;
greatest height, 68 deg.; lowest,. 8 deg.; rain on 5 days,
snow on 2 days; 2J inches of rain fell.
April 3. Thomas Matchett died, aged 32.
April 4. Thos. Lennington, formerly of Albany, died
in New York, aged 80.
April 11. Isabella, wife of Wm. Deyennand, died.
" The splendid steam-boat Sun," Captain Livingston,
which it was announced had been put in perfect order,
arrived with the New York papers several hours before
the Chief Justice Marshall, which carried the mail.
April 12, The steam-boat Albany seems to have com-
menced running at this time, without flourish of adver-
tising. She professed to go through by daylight. On
the 19th, when opposite West Point, in backing to take
in passengers, the pivot that supported the piston, broke,
and the engine was so much damaged, that the Sun had
to take her in tow.
April 13. Jane, wife of Martin Van Alstyne, died, aged
44.
Charles Gould, son of the late Thomas Gould, died in
New York, aged 25.
April 15. David Osborn died, aged 29.
April 17. The legislature adjourned.
Notes from the Newspapers. 151
Gerrit L. Dox was appointed by the governor and se-
nate a justice of the justices' court.
The temperature of the month averaged 50-74 deg.;
greatest height, 76 deg.; lowest 33 deg.; rain on 8 days;
rain and snow, 1 day; rain fell, 4*66 inches.
The places of amusement at this time were : the The-
atre in South Pearl street, the Circus in North Pearl,
which had been closed eight months, and the Museum
corner of South Market and Hudson, which had been con-
siderably renovated.
May 1. John Meads associated himself with William
Alvord, in the cabinet-making business.
May 7. John Whipple was shot at his residence, Cher-
ry Hill, about 10 o'clock in the evening, by Jesse Strang.
He was sitting in a chamber writing, at the time of the
murder. Mr. Whipple was in the prime of life, an en-
terprising man, and an estimable citizen; and at this
time was engaged in executing a large contract on the
Delaware and Hudson canal.
John Denio removed his bookstore from Greenfield,
Mass., to No. 303 North Market street.
May 11. Florent Meline died, aged 37; a professor of
music of great talent.
N. R. Packard, superintendent of the Alms house, re-
ported 53 men, 57 women, and 33 children, in that in-
stitution; and 2 men, 2 women, and 8 children, in the
lazaretto.
May 18. Thomas Acres died, of the firm of Wood &
Acres.
Mrs. Wendell, mother of Dr. Peter Wendell, died.
Two religious papers were commenced at this time :
The Albany Christian Register, by L. G. Hoffman; and
The Antidote, edited by Solomon Southwick, and pub^
lished by Webster & Wood.
The gable of the two story store of Messrs. W. & G.
Humphrey, in State street, fell out, in consequence of
the excavations being made for the foundations of the
building now occupied by the City Bank. In conse-
152 Notes from the Newspapers.
quence of this disaster, three stores were erected of four
stories in height, and made a showy block at that day.
May 19. The steam boat Victory was launched at the
lower ferry, where she was built by Kenyon & Hand,
under the superintendence of Mr. Penoyer. The stock of
this boat was nearly all owned in Albany. It was in-
tended to surpass anything on the river, for elegance and
speed. The cabins were fitted up by John Meads. She
was sailed by Sanford Cobb, and would have had a
splendid success but for the defective construction of the
engine. Her engine was put in by Birkbeck & Co., of
New York, but was too powerful for her hull, and a
series of accidents contributed to her total failure.
May 21. Isabella, widow of William McGill, died.
May 22. The steam boat Swiftsure was employed to
tow the hull of the new boat Victory to New York; the
latter, owing to the high wind, was drifted against a sloop,
and both were considerably injured. The two steam
boats afterwards got aground on Cuyler's bar. " Super-
stitious people," remarked the Daily Advertiser, ' * con-
sider these accidents bad omens for the Victory."
Matthew Colfc published the first number of The Stand-
ard, a weekly literary paper.
Two small buildings in the rear of South Market street,
were destroyed by fire.
May 23. A meeting of merchants doing business on
the dock and pier, wa's held at the Mansion house of
Rockwell, to consider upon the best mode of establishing
an exchange, for holding meetings and transacting busi-
ness in their line.
May 25. A meeting of citizens was held at the Colum-
bian hotel, for the purpose of considering the propriety
of urging the construction of a market at the watering
place, for the accommodation of the southern part of the
city.
It was stated that about twenty years before, the mar-
ket house in Market street was removed, and the one at
the foot of Columbia street substituted. This dissatis-
fej
>
Notes from the Newspapers. 153
fied the residents in the southern and western parts of
the town. A scheme for a general market was soon
agitated in the common council. It agitated the board
during the years 1809, '10, '12, and '13. The site of
the Lutheran church was finally purchased, in 1816, for
the sum of $32,000, and a market house built thereon.
The most rapid increase of population was then on the
hill. Soon after, Colonie became one of the wards of the
city, which the market in Columbia street was well cal-
culated to benefit, and which at once defeated the plan
of a general market. After the completion of the canals,
the current of population was southerly. In 1827 the
project of a commodious new market house was again
agitated. The inhabitants of the southern portion of
the city opposed the measure, and advocated the erection
of a market house at the Watering place.
May 27. Warren B. Cruttenden, the first commander
of the steam boat New Philadelphia, died, aged 20.
May 28. Capt. Joseph Attwood died, aged 52.
A law partnership was formed between Salem Butcher,
Jr., and Ira Harris, at No. 1 Beaver street, corner of
South Market.
At a meeting of the common council, the subject of
markets was discussed with a good deal of spirit. The
committee of three, appointed to investigate the matter,
consisting of John Townsend, Daniel McGlashan, and
Hugh Robison, reported in favor of selling the lots around
the Fly market, corner of South Pearl and Howard
streets, and erecting a marketf building sufficient to ac-
commodate the whole city, and also to serve for the
justices' court. The citizens of the fourth ward were
strenuous for a market at the Watering place, which was
advocated before the board by their aldermen, Jas. Goold
and Lemuel Steele. It was opposed by the recorder,
James McKown, and Wm. Seymour, who doubted the
possibility of such a project being consented to by the
people, as did also Welcome Esleeck. John N. Quack-
enbush asked for a postponement, to examine the subject.
Richard S. Treat advocated a general market. The re-
[Annals ix.] 14
154 Notes from the Newspapers.
corder advocated the erection of a general market on
South Pearl street, as the most convenient place, and one
which had been purchased for that purpose ; he thought
the proceeds of the sale of the spare lots would more than
meet the expense, and that the building would be a credit
and an ornament to the city. The ground proposed to
be sold was worse than useless ; it was unpleasant to the
eye, inconvenient to the public, and rather a nuisance
than otherwise. The subject of both markets was finally
referred to separate committees. A caricature of this
market site was published without date, but probably
soon after its purchase by the city, and is here introduced.
At this meeting, John Dows and others complained of
the blowing of horns and bugles on board of canal boats
in the evening, and praying for a prohibition of said
nuisance between the hours of 7 and 10 p. m. This at-
tempt to wrest Music, heavenly maid, from the hands of
the navigators of the Erie canal, was eminently humane,
for it is doubtful if she ever fell into ruder hands. Those
gondoliers seemed to have been possessed with an unac-
countable furore for bugles and French horns, and the
whole country was serenaded by them to a painful extent.
Mr. Samuel Pruyn exhibited at his store in the Atheneum
Building a ladies' hat manufactured at Ithaca, Tompkins
county, N. Y., which for firmness of braid and excellence
of material, was not often surpassed by those of Leghorn
manufacture then in fashionable vogue.
The exchange, which the merchants were engaged in
forming, had so far progressed, that they now formed
themselves into an association under the name of the
Albany Exchange Association. Chandler Starr, Robert
Gilchrist, Gilbert F. Lush, Willard Walker and Galen
Batcheldor were appointed a committee to prepare suit-
able regulations for the transaction of business. Herman
Hart, George W. Stanton, Newton, Peter Roggt-n,
and Stafford, were appointed to superintend Mr.
Moakley's building on the Pier to be occupied by them.
The mean temperature of May was 59*40 deg.; highest
82 deg.; lowest 37 deg. Rain 7 days; rain and snow 1
day ; quantity of rain 3'43 inches.
Notes from the Newspapers. 155
June 3. Jane Ann, wife of Henry Rector, died, aged 33.
Thomas Herring died, aged 52.
June 4. The following were chosen directors of the
Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank : Benjamin Knower, Peter
Boyd, Richard Dusenbury, Ezra Ames, Russell Forsyth,
Harmanus Bleecker, William Marvin, William Mayell,
Friend Humphrey, John Herman, Robert Dunlop, Henry
Newman (in place of Thos. Herring, deceased), Samuel
S. Fowler (in place of William Fowler, declined).
June 5. An election for directors of the New York State
Bank was held, and the following persons chosen: Fran-
cis Bloodgood, Erastus Corning, John Taylor, Thomas
Russell, Allen Brown, William James, Isaiah Townsend,
John H. Webb, John D. P. Douw, Silvanus P. Jermain,
Robert Boyd, Nathaniel Davis.
Thomas Disbrow died, aged 34.
June 6. Abraham Sickles and John Meigs, police con-
stables, stated to the common council, that their labors
were constantly increasing, insomuch that they were pre-
vented from attending to any other business, and asked
for additional compensation. Alderman Cassidy also
suggested that the salary of the police justice should be
increased, as the business of his office had more than
doubled since the great influx of population within a year
or two.
The board at its last meeting had resolved to construct
a steam ferry boat, at the urgent advocacy of John
Townsend, for the use of the south ferry. Alderman
Gibbons moved a reconsideration of the vote, and offered
estimates to show the economy of horse over steam boats;
and illustrated his position by stating the experience of
Troy, where steam ferry boats had been abandoned, and
the proprietors had restored the horse boats. Mr.
Townsend replied, and maintained that whether facility
or economy was to be considered, a steam boat had every
advantage over a horse boat. He contrasted the differ-
ence by examples, and had no doubt that the boat could
be supplied with coal for fuel at $4 a day. The recon-
sideration was not carried.
156 Notes from the Newspapers.
In discussing the arrangements for the fourth of July,
Mr. John L. Winne thought the corporation should keep
the day in a manner different from that in which it is
usually kept. It ought to be observed as a day of reli-
gious thanksgiving. He did not expect to effect a change
in the common practice; but for himself he would never
.consent to keep this day as it had been kept. If he kept
•it he would keep it religiously.
June 12. At an election for directors of the Commercial
iBank, the following were elected: Joseph Alexander,
Joshua Tuffs, Ira Jenkins, Willard Walker, William Cook,
Kobert Gilchrist, John Townsend, George W. Stanton,
Seth Hastings, Richard Marvin, David E. Gregory, Lewis
Benedict, Oliver Kane (in place of A. H. Center, removed
to New York).
June 18. At a meeting of the common council, a com-
munication was received from Benjamin Lattimore, in-
forming that the citizens of African descent intended to
celebrate the abolition of slavery in this state, on the 5th
•of July, and inviting their presence at the African church
to hear an oration by the pastor, Mr. Paul. The com-
anunication was laid on the table.
Alderman Goold offered a resolution declaring that if
.the consistory of the Dutch church would permit the fill-
ing up of the Watering place, the corporation would do it
•at the expense of the city, and release to the church the
money which might arise from the wharfage. It was
adopted.
The city superintendent was directed to cut down three
large trees at the corner of North Market and Patroon sts.
June 19. The vestry of St. Peter's Church advertised
for sale the lots on which the City Hall now stands.
June 20. Martin Hebeysen died, aged nearly 89, a
member of the Lutheran church, of which he was some-
time a trustee. He was buried from his residence, No.
67 Hudson street.
June 25. The consistories of the two Dutch Reformed
churches sent a communication to the common council,
acceding to the proposition of the latter to release the
Notes from the Newspapers. 157
covenants and restrictions relative to the Watering place,
upon the grant and release of the dockage and wharfage
being duly executed to the said churches by the corpora-
tion.
The steam boat Independence made her first appear-
ance at the landing in this city, having about 200 passen-
gers. She was commanded by Capt. William J. Wiswall,
and exceeded any of her predecessors in the elegance of
the finish of her cabins.
Mean temperature of the month, 67-82 deg.; greatest
height 85 deg.; lowest 51 deg.; rain on 9 days, 3'75
inches fell.
July 2. Rachel Garretson died, aged 77.
July 5. The citizens of African descent celebrated their
emancipation in a becoming manner. By a law passed
March 17, 18 17, it was enacted that every negro, mulatto,
or mustee within this state, born before the 4th day of
July, 1799, should be free from and after the 4th day of
July, 1827. It was enacted by a former statute that
those born after the 4th of July, 1799, were born free,
the males to serve till 27 years of age, and the females
till 25. Many of these people seemed to have entertained
a notion that the remainder of their lives was to be a
season of perpetual rest, for money would not induce
many of them to undertake any labor, until they were
brought by starvation to realize the impossibility of sub-
sisting by idleness.
July 10. A meeting of citizens friendly to the encour-
agement of woolen manufactures was held at the Capitol,
arid were addressed by Martin Van Buren and John S.
Van Rensselaer. The speech of the latter was published
in the Daily Advertiser of July 13. The addresses of
Chandler Starr and Charles A. Hopkins, merchants, were
also published.
July 23. The steam boat North America, built by
Stevens, and intended to run between New York and
Albany in 10 hours from port to port, arrived on the
evening of this day, having been detained by some acci-
dent to her machinery. She was commanded by Capt.
158 Notes from the Newspapers.
Cochran, was 175 feet in length, about 60 in width, in-
cluding the guards, and had two engines.
July 25. A special term of the court af oyer and ter-
miner commenced at the Capitol, Judge Duer presiding.
The commission consisted of Judge Duer, James Steven-
son, mayor, James McKown, recorder, and Richard S.
Treat and Welcome Esleeck, aldermen. The panel of
grand jurors consisted of Israel Smith, foreman, William
Caldwell, Rensselaer Westerlo, Walter Clark, Stewart
Lewis, David E. Gregory, John H. Webb, John Evertsen,
Sybrant Kittle, Hamlet H. Hickcox, Jason Rudes, &c.
The court room was crowded to excess. Jesse Strang,
indicted for the murder of John W hippie, was arraigned
at the bar and plead not guilty. Elsie D. Whipple, the
wife of the deceased, was also arraigned as an accomplice
in the murder, and plead not guilty. Calvin Pepper and
J. T. Oakley were counsel for Strang; Edward Living-
ston, district attorney, assisted by S. A.Foote, conducted
the prosecution. The trial of Strang was concluded on
the 27th, and the jury after a few minutes absence brought
in a verdict of guilty.
July 27. A dirmer was given to the Dutch minister,
Huygens, at Rockwell's Mansion House, Harmanus
Bleeker presiding, who made a speech to the guest in
Dutch, and was replied to in the same language.
July 29. Elizabeth, wife of James Caldwell died, aged 73.
July 30. The trial of Mrs. Whipple came on. She was
defended by Abraham Van Vechten, Elisha Williams and
Azor Taber. The trial continued till the 3d August,
when the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, without
leaving their seats, although it was universally believed
that she was concerned in the murder.
July 31. There were 123 persons in the almshouse, of ^
whom 57 were healthy, 31 intirm, 3 sick, 22 lame, 2 blind, "
and 8 insane.
Temperature of the month, 72-74 mean ; greatest height
86 deg.; lowest 60; rain on 10 days; 5*43 inches fell.
August 4. Judge Duer pronounced sentence of death
upon Jesse Strang.
Notes from the Newspapers.
August 4. A new miscellaneous paper made its appear-
ance from the office of Daniel McGlashan, called The
Comet. It was the experiment of a club of young print-
ers, among whom was John Visscher. It had a very
short life.
Aug. 8. Abraham Van Schaick died, aged 40.
Aug. 9. Mrs. Sophia W. Jenkins died, aged 52.
Aug. 13. Irunna, wife of William A. Kane, died, aged
50.
.Aug. 18. The new steam boat Victory, built in this
city by Moses Kenyon, having received her machinery,
made the first trip on this day, under Capt. Sanford
Cobb. She was 143 feet long, 25 feet broad, and 9 feet
deep ; and of 3 10 tons burthen. For elegance she surpassed
everything that had appeared, and is believed to have
been the first boat furnished with a piano.
Aug. 24. John Robison, who died on the 22d, aged 88,
was buried from his residence, No. 34 Dean street. He
was one of the most noted merchants of the city for a
great number of years, his place of business being the
northwest corner of State street and Broadway.
Jesse Strang was executed in the Hudson street ravine,
a few rods above Eagle street. The hills on either side
were densely crowded with spectators, as many as 40,000
having collected, some of them from a great distance.
He was attended upon the gallows by the Rev. Wm. B.
Lacey, and the cord which sustained the drop was cut by
by the sheriff, Conrad A. Ten Eyck. It was the last
public execution in Albany. The principal avenues to
the city were thronged during the fore part of the day
with people from the country. The number of vehicles
entering from the north was 1100 by count, and 175 were
left by the road side above the Patroon's bridge. The
citizens had never seen anything to equal it.
A new steam boat called the Emerald, commanded by
R. G. Livingston, commenced running between Albany
and New York. " One who is not an eye witness of the
fact," says the editor of the Advertiser, "can scarcely
160 Notes from the Newspapers.
imagine the immense number of persons who daily arrive
at and depart from this city in steam boats, and the vast
quantity of produce that is shipped from our wharves, and
conveyed to market by steam and wind. Last Sunday
evening (Aug. 26) within one hour, there arrived six steam
boats with passengers, and three of these also having in
tow two barges each with freight and passengers. To-
gether they must have landed some sixteen hundred pas-
sengers. There were never more sloops than at present
employed upon the river, and they all go hence fully
freighted."
It having been stated that the trip of the steam boat
Independence from New York to Albany in llh. 32m.
was the quickest passage on record, Capt. James Benson
of the New Philadelphia asserted that he had made the
passage in 1 Ih. 12m., including the stops at all the regular
landings. Sept. 5, the'Independence arrived in 1 1 hours.
Aug. 31. Ann, wife of John Ewart died, aged 32.
Sept. 6. John Cosgrove died, aged 56.
Sept. 8. Amalonia R., wife of James Ostrander, died,
aged 31.
Sept. 9. Adrian Day died.
The mean temperature of the month was 6T62 deg.;
greatest height 80 deg. ; lowest 42. Rain on 7 days ; 5'67
inches fell.
Oct. 10. Margaret, wife of G. V. S. Bleecker, died,
aged 38.
Oct. 25. George W. Spaulding died, aged 26.
The mean temperature of the month was 51*4^deg. ;
highest 66 deg.; lowest 33 deg. Rain on 10 days; 4 65
inches fell.
Nov. 5. Joshua Gray, late keeper of the Pier Exchange,
died, aged 25.
Nov. 7. The polls closed after a strife of three days and
resulted in a democratic victory. Moses Warren was
elected to the senate by 2957 votes; John Gebhard, his
opponent, received 2575. The vote for assemblymen
was as follows:
Notes from the Newspapers. 161
Democratic. Republican.
David I. D.Verplank, 2771 William N. Sill, 2748
Benjamin F. Butler,. 2866 Isaac Hamilton, 2617
Barent P. Staats, 2696 Daniel Dorman, 2502
Nov. 10. A fire on the pier destroyed a block of four
stores belonging to William James, and occupied by Mat-
thews Brown, Joseph H. Greene, Slacks & Roggen and
F. Van Home. Mr. James was present and bailed water
with great perseverance, but the buildings being of wood,
were completely destroyed.
John Knickerbacker died at his residence in Schaghti-
coke, aged 76 years, 9 months and 19 days. On the 10th
Nov., 1826. at the same hour and moment, his wife died,
with whom he had lived 61 years.
Nov. 16. Sally, wife of Matthew Crannel, died, aged 37.
Nov. 20. The morocco factory of Covert & Jones, in
Fox street was burnt; loss about $6000, of which §4000
were insured. The morocco factory of Mr. Peterson,
adjoining, was also destroyed; loss §3000; $1800 insured.
Nov. 21. Sarah, wife of John C. Draper, died, aged 29.
John T. Norton, Jeremiah Clark, Jacob Mancius, Jared
L. Rathbone, Israel Smith, John I. Godfrey, Edward C.
Delavan, Lyman Root, E. F. Backus, Rufus H. King,
Aaron Thorp, David Wood, Chandler Starr, Henry L.
Webb, and Jarnes Goold, gave notice in the state paper,
that they intended to apply to the next legislature for a
new bank in the city of Albany, to be called the Canal
Bank of Albany, with a capital of $500,000.
The mean temperature of the month was 33'87 deg.;
greatest height 52 deg. ; lowest 22 deg. Rain and snow
on two days; 2'76 inches of water fell.
Dec. 10. The trustees of St. Mary's church petitioned
the common council for the grant of a piece of ground
adjoining the church, for the purpose of erecting thereon
a new edifice.
Dec. 13. Catharine, wife of Thomas Gough, died, aged
37.
Dec. 12. Cynthia, wife of Elias Mather, died, aged 37.
Dec. 17. Robinson's Corner, the northwest corner of
State and North Market streets, was sold by auction, and
162 Notes from the Newspapers.
purchased by Thorp and Sprague for $33,500; with very
indifferent buildings on it. The lot comprised an area
of 2461 superficial feet.
Susan, wife of Francis Spalding, died, aged 32.
Dec. 18. Robert McElroy died, aged 43.
Dec. 27. A fire broke out in the druggist store of Rus-
sell D. Shaw, corner of Pearl and Beaver streets, which
destroyed the contents of the store, insured for $1000,
and considerably damaged the building, which was also
occupied by William J. Van Zandt as a dwelling.
Dec. 30. Bridget Smith died, aged 85.
The mean temperature of the month was 29'77 deg.;
greatest height 46 deg.; lowest 3 deg. Rain on 7 days;
snow on 4; rain guage 3'91 inches.
The mean temperature for the year was 48*13 deg.;
highest 90 deg.; lowest 18 deg. below 0. Rain on 79 days;
snow 22 days ; rain and snow 6 days. Rain guage 49'80
inches.
1828.
Jan. 7. At a meeting of the common council, Dr. Peter
Wendell declined the appointment of almshouse physi-
cian, and the board balloted for a successor to the former
incumbent, Dr. S. S. Treat, whose place Dr. Wendell had
been elected at a former meeting to fill, when Dr. Barent
P. Staats received 15 votes and Dr. Alden March 5.
At the same meeting John S. Van Rensselaer and others
petitioned that State street might be paved from the
Capitol west to the centre of Lark street.
Jan. 14. The stockholders of the Albany steam boat
association held a meeting for the election of directors.
The board elected was as follows:
Joseph Alexander, John Dowse,
George W. Stanton, Daniel Wilcox,
David P. WTinne, 0. R. Van Benthuysen,
Hallenbake Stafford, Agur Wells,
John Taylor, George Marvin,
William Stead, Daniel Powers.
William Bay,
This company owned the Victory. They resolved to
Notes from the Newspapers. 163
build a new boat, and Capt. Cobb having resigned, they
promoted him to the captaincy of the new boat, and ap-
pointed Thomas Wiswall captain of the Victory.
Jan. 20. The steam boat Saratoga arrived from New
York in the afternoon, but left her dock in about an hour
after her arrival.
Jan. 21. The river was closed by ice.
Jan. 22. It having been determined by a number of
citizens, principally episcopalians, to have another fe-
male school in the city, a meeting was held at thejDo-
lumbian Hotel, on this day, at which Henry Trowbridge
presided, and James G. Mather was secretary. At this
meeting the following persons were chosen trustees:
Barent P. Staats, Richard McMichael, William B. Lacey,
James G. Mather, Henry R. Weed, Peter Van OLinda,
Agur Wells. At a subsequent meeting Rev. Wm. B. Lacey
was chosen president, and Peter Van OLinda secretary
and treasurer.
Jan. 24. Capt. Angus McDonald died, aged 55.
Jan. 26. Mrs. Pamelia Davis died, aged 30.
Dr. Joseph B. Stewart died.
Tobias V. Cuyler died.
The temperature of the month averaged 29'92 deg. ;
greatest height 45 deg.; lowest 0 deg.; rain 4 days, snow 6.
Feb. 1. Elbert Willett, formerly city chamberlain, died,
aged 90, and was buried from No. 69 Hudson street.
Feb. 3. Peter Donnelly, Jr. died, and was buried with
military honors. He entered the army at an early age,
and served with distinction. He was at the taking of
Fort George and Little York, and was also with the 18th
regiment which fought gallantly at Forty-mile creek.
Feb. 6. Mary Van Allen died, aged 72.
Feb. 7. Adam J. Van Allen, consort of the above, died,
aged 70.
Feb. 11. De Witt Clinton died at his residence, corner
of North Pearl and Steuben streets, aged 59, and was
buried with great ceremony on the 15th.
Rev. George Upfold, formerly of Albany, was elected
rector of St. Thomas's church, New York.
164 Notes from the Newspapers.
Feb. 19. The steam boats Olive Branch and Matilda
arrived from New York.
Feb. 27. Samuel Webster, son of the late George
Webster, died, aged 25.
Elizabeth Bell died, aged 80.
James Havves, a cooper, was drowned at the lower end
of the Pier.
Feb. 27. Jane C. Eights died.
Thomas Marvin died, aged 28.
Solomon Southwick was nominated for governor of the
state by citizens of Batavia, anti-masons in politics; which
nomination he accepted.
Feb. 29. A meeting of citizens was held in the session
house of the First Presbyterian church, to devise measures
for the promotion of the due observance of the sabbath.
Lieut. Gov. Taylor presided, and John F. Bacon acted as
secretary. A pledge was drawn up and signed by sixty
persons, to use their best endeavors to dissuade the owners
of steam boats, canal boats, stages and hacks, from trav-
eling on the sabbath, and to encourage and patronize
such of them as should cease running on that day.
The mean temperature of the month was 34'81 deg. ;
highest 55 deg.; lowest 18 deg. Rain on 6 days, snow
on 4 ; 2 J inches rain fell.
March 2. Jacob Vandenberg, of the firm of H. & J.
Vandenbergh, died.
March 3. Catharine, wife of Henry Fryer, died, aged 43.
John W. Dana, formerly a merchant of Albany, died
at Gibbonsville, aged 40.
March 5. John Hansen died, aged 27.
March 6. The copartnership of S. P. and A. Jermain
was dissolved; the business continued by the latter.
March 9. Thomas Fitzsimmons, Jr. died, aged 23.
William Dey Ermand died.
March 16. John McGivney died.
March 18. The theatre opened under the management
of George Vernon, recently from the Theatre Royal, Hay-
market, London.
Capt. James Cheeney died, aged 31.
Notes from the Newspapers. 165
March 20. William Clench died.
March 21. Moses Guest died at Cincinnati, Ohio, aged
73. Captain Guest was a native of Albany, bore an
active and zealous part in the conflict of the revolution;
and during his long life sustained the character of a pa-
triot, a philanthropist and a Christian.
March 24. On the petition of John S. Van Rensselaer
to have the " small street running diagonally from Hud-
son to Liberty street" paved, it was proposed to call it
Diagonal street, and it was so called until the delta was
formed into a square, by taking in that street and some
additional ground. The common council at the same
time directed the city attorney to prepare a law to change
the name of Frelinghuysen street to Franklin. A peti-
tion was made for pitching Union street from Lydius to
Hamilton.
March 29. John W. Yates, cashier of the New York
State Bank, died, aged 58. He received a liberal educa-
tion, having graduated at Columbia College in 1787.
Although educated for the bar, he became a clerk in the
Albany Bank, were he continued until the incorporation
of the New York State Bank in 1803, when he was ap-
pointed cashier. He held the office twenty-four years,
and sustained the character of a man of integrity and
business talents. Hp was a scholar in the largest and
best sense of the word; one who showed to the commu-
nity that liberal studies were not incompatible with the
ordinary pursuits of life; and as a classical student he
had no superior in the city.
Finlay McNaughton died.
March 31. The law changing the name of Frelinghuy-
sen street to Franklin street, passed the board of com-
mon council. This street, like many others laid out in
the Pasture, was named after one of the domines of the
Dutch church.
Allen Brown having leased the Watering place for $720,
three hundred dollars were allowed him to improve the
same.
The mean temperature of the month was 38*58 deg. ;
[Annals, ix.] 15
166 Notes from the Newspapers.
the highest 68 deg. ; lowest 19 deg. Rain on 5 days;
snow on 3. Nearly 2 inches of rain fell.
April 9. The celebrated Clara Fisher made her first
appearance at the Albany theatre, as Clari in the Maid
of Milan.
April 13. Cornelius Brower died, aged 90. He lived
on the site of the Female Academy.
April 16. James Anderson, a native of Lanark, Scot-
land, died, aged 40.
The ladies of the city were actively employed at this
time in making up clothing for the Greeks struggling
against the Turk.
April 17. A fire broke out in the bell foundry of Lewis
Aspinwall, in Beaver street, about midway between Green
and South Market, which communicated rapidly to the
adjoining buildings, and before it was arrested, swept
down nearly all the buildings on both sides of Beaver
street, and on the north side of Hudson street. It was
the largest fire that had occurred in the city for many
years. The loss of property was perhaps $40,000, upon
which the whole amount of insurance was $20,000.
Mrs. Elizabeth Davis died, aged 77; formerly of New
Bedford, Mass.
April 22. At a meeting of the common council it was
proposed to widen and improve Beaver street at the place
of the recent fire. Moses Phillips, manager of the theatre,
presented $50 for the benefit of the sufferers by the fire,
the proceeds of one night set apart by him for that pur-
pose. Gerrit Y. Lansing tendered his resignation as an
alderman of the third ward, being about to remove from
the city.
April 26. Alexander McKay died, aged 47.
The mean temperature of the month was 44-94 deg. ;
highest 62; lowest 31 deg. Rain on 10 days, rain and
snow 2 days. Rain guage 2'52 inches.
May 1. A partnership in the dry goods business was
formed between Samuel Pruyn and John I. Olmsted, un-
der the firm name of Pruyn & Olmsted.
Dr. J. Eights and S. S. Treat formed a partnership as
physicians.
Notes from the Newspapers. 167
May 5. A meeting of citizens was held at the Atheneum
to take measures for the erection of a monument to the
memory of De Witt Clinton. Hon. William A. Duer
presided and Peter Gansevoort, Esq., was secretary.
Committees were appointed to solicit subscriptions in each
ward. The meeting was well attended by the magnates
of the city and much enthusiasm prevailed, but nothing
more was accomplished.
May 6. An election was held with the following
result:
First Ward.— Supervisor, B. P. Staats, 397; J. V. N.
Yates, 56. Assessor, Gerrit Lansing, jr.
2d Ward. — Supervisor, William Seymour, 256; T. A.
Bridgen, 2. Assessor, Ichabod Judson.
3d Ward. — Alderman, Gerrit Gates, 99; Asaph Preston,
45. Supervisor, Nicholas Bleecker. Assessor, Teunis
Slingerland.
4th Ward.— Supervisor, William Mayell, 220; James P.
Gould, 224; W. Mayell, 5. Assessor, Philip Hooker.
5th Ward. — Supervisor, John N. Quackenbush, 255.
Assessor, Benj. Wilson, 249.
Mr. Gates was elected alderman to fill a vacancy occa-
sioned by the resignation of Gerrit Y. Lansing.
Orrin Fuller died, aged 42.
May 8. John Easton died, aged 23. He was the grand-
son of John Easton, who many years before came to this
country from Scotland, and lived and died in this city, a
worthy and respectable citizen. The deceased was the
hope and promise of the family, and only male descend-
ant in the second degree. He was to have been married
at the time the winding sheet claimed him for its own.
May 12. Daniel Skinner, of the firm of Webster &
Skinners, died in Hartford, Ct.
May 13. A sale of lots below Ferry street took place.
Upwards of a hundred were sold, and brought over $21,-
000. It was a tract which had always lain waste, and
was much of the time under water. It extended from
Ferry street to the south line of the city, was bounded
on the west by Court street and on the east by the river,
168 Notes from the Newspapers.
being 1900 feet in length on the river, and divided into
28 blocks, comprising in all 130 lots, not all of which
were sold.
May 14. Jonathan Fryer, formerly of Albany, died at
Norwich, Chenango county, aged 33.
May 16. Sidney Chapin and Hugh Cruikshank took the
hotel known as Skinner's Mansion House, 402 North
Market street, which they called the City Hotel.
May 18. Thomas Andrews died, aged 50.
May 19. An infant school was established and went
into operation, under the management of the benevolent
ladies of the city of different denominations, called the
Infant school society.
May 19. At a meeting of the common council John T.
Norton resigned his place as foreman of Engine company
No. 1, and Sylvanus B. Pond was appointed in his stead;
ar,d Joseph Davis was appointed first assistant in the
place of Mr. Pond.
The recent post office on the northeast corner of North
Market street and Maiden lane was fitted up by Samuel
Fuller for a public house, and called the Clinton Hotel.
May 21. The canvassers having declared that there
was a tie in the vote of the fourth ward for supervisor, a
new election was held this day, when both parties put
forth their utmost strength, and the election was pro-
nounced to have been without exception the most warmly
contested that had ever been known. The result was
that William Mayell, the Jackson or democratic candid-
ate received 320 votes; Jamts P. Gould, the Adams or
republican candidate received 289. Mayell's majority 3 1 .
Nathaniel S. Skinner, who left the Mansion House on
the east side of North Market street, took the house ad-
joining the Commercial Bank, in State street, which had
been known as Hazard's Boarding house.
May 23. The sheriff advertised for sale all the personal
property of De Witt Clinton, consisting of household furni-
ture, library, carriages, harness, &c. The Daily Adver-
tiser had these comments: "It was a mortification from
which we hoped to be spared. We did not think a few
Notes from the Newspapers. 169
weeks ago that sufficient money could not be raised in
this great state to save to the children of its greatest
benefactor, the little that he left. But the loud de-
clarations of what should be done, ceased with the breath
which created them; and we fear that in many cases the
intention did not go beyond the declaration. The word
of promise has been kept to the ear but broken to the
hope."
James Stevenson, who had held the office of mayor two
years and a half, with credit to himself and to the entire
satisfaction of the people, sent in his resignation, alleging
a pressure of private business.
May 29. The common council elected Charles E. Dudley
mayor, unanimously.
The steam boat De Witt Clinton was launched from
the yard of Hand & Kenyon, at the south ferry ; she was
143 feet in length, 27 feet frame, and 10 feet hold, and
was the fourth steam boat built in this city.
Mean temperature of month 60*87 deg. ; highest 78 deg.;
lowest 46 deg. Rain on 11 days; rainguage 4*48 inches.
June 3. The sheriff's sale of the property of De Witt
Clinton, to satisfy a judgment of $6000, was closed. The
celebrated vases were bid off at §600. Nothing was left
but some carriages which would have brought perhaps
$200.
A fire destroyed the buildings on the northeast corner
of South Pearl and Hudson streets, belonging to William
McHench.
June 11. A fire at 12 o'clock at night destroyed a sta-
ble and several other buildings opposite the Catholic
church, which was with difficulty saved.
June 12. Hillitje Cantine, widow of Gen. Moses Can-
tine died, aged 66.
June 15. Adolphus Solomons died, aged 22.
An attempt was made to put up the steam boat fare to
$4 a passenger. But the competition was too great,
and it fell to $2.
Mean temperature of the month 73*19 deg.; highest 88
deg.; lowest 54 deg.; rain on 10 days; rain guage 2'87inches.
170 Notes from the Newspapers.
July 2. A fire at half past 2 o'clock in the morning,
destroyed the machine shop of Horatio Hanks on the pier,
by which he lost about $6000.
July 4. Cornelius Van Schoonhoven died, aged 61.
July 21. The trustees of the Methodist episcopal
church, having resolved upon an innovation, advertised
that they would attend at 12 o'clock on the 22d iiist., for
the purpose of renting the seats. This proceeding gave
great dissatisfaction to some of the members of the church,
probably to the majority, who contended that it was built
by subscription to be a free church, and that the sale of
pews was contrary to the statute 'and discipline of the
society.
July 26. William Duffey advertised that he had fitted
up the Albany circus as a spacious and commodious
Summer theatre.
July 28. It had rained on 16 days of this month, during
which 4'94 inches fell.
1827, July, rain on 10 days, 5 43 inches fell.
1826, " 12 5-53
1825, " 6 1-13
1824, " 10 4-84
Solomon 'Southwick declined being a candidate for
governor.
Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, of St. Peter's church, published
An Illustration of the Principles of Elocution, designed
for the use of schools.
Elijah Hosford, of the late firm of E. & E. Hosford,
died, aged 48.
The common council proposed to pave Eagle street
from the Lancaster school house, now the Medical col-
lege, to the arch over Rutten kill. They also raised the
salaries of the chamberlain, city superintendent and mar-
shal each 100 dollars, and the alms house physician 50
dollars. It was alleged that, the sum allowed them was
much lower than in former years, owing to the embar-
rassed state of the city funds, that their salaries had been
reduced from time to time, until in some cases the pay
was inadequate to the services rendered.
SH^PfT ^
Notes from the Newspapers. I'M
Mean temperature of the month, 71-36 deg.; highest
95 deg.; lowest 59 deg. Rain on 17 days; rain guage
5*40 inches.
August 8. Benjamin Robinson died, aged 43.
Benjamin Ford died, aged 43.
The common council were at this time discussing the
excavation of Orchard street, and the draining, leveling
and paving of Westerlo street.
Aug. 18. Ephraim Starr, deputy comptroller of the
state died at Buffalo, aged 44. He formerly belonged to
the house of Starr, Sheldon & Co., which transacted an
extensive business in this city. He was succeeded by
Philip Phelps.
John Lewis died, aged 74.
Aug. 21. Renette M. C., wife of T. W. Ford, died, aged
50. -
Margaret Ann, wife of Nicholas Van Schaack, died,
aged 20.
Aug. 22. The trustees of the Albany Female Seminary
invited the stockholders and citizens to call and examine
the new edifice erected by them at 65 Division street.
A writer in the Daily Advertiser proposed to convert
Robison's hill into a monument to De Witt Clinton, by
carrying up a stone wall on the east, north and south
sides, extending from Hudson to Lydius streets, and lev-
eling the upper surface, forming an-extensive square, with
an appropriate pillar in the centre.
Aug. 25. Propositions were received by the common
council for digging down Robison's hill, from persons
interested in filling the lots south of the ferry. One was
to take away the hill for three-fourths of the property.
Aug. 26. Sarah, wife of James Gourlay, Jr., and daugh-
ter of Isaac Denniston, died.
Aug. 27. Algernon S. Sherman died, aged 30.
Aug. 28. James Maher, from the select committtee on
the subject of digging down Robison's hill, reported to
the common council that the property belonging to the
corporation on said hill contained 44 lots of from 16 to 27
feet by 99 to 100 feet; to excavate which would require the
removal of 150,700 cubic yards of earth, which at 9 cents
172 Notes from the Newspapers.
a yard would amount to $13,500. The committee re-
commended the acceptance of the proposition of Clark &
Rose, to give them three-fourths of the lots for excavating
the whole, which was agreed to.
The mean temperature of the month was 75*35 deg. ;
highest 98 deg.; lowest 54 deg. Rain on 4 days; rain
guage 0-88 inches.
Sept. 1. Wilson Williams died, aged 23.
Sept. 4. There was a heavy fall of rain during the first
four days of this month, when nearly 6 inches fell, nearly
as much as fell in all the months of July and August.
The river was so much swollen as to submerge the pier
and docks.
Nicholas Wheeler died.
Sept. 8. The common council resolved to allow Clark
& Rose to lay a rail road from Lydius street through Pearl
and Ferry, for the purpose of removing Robison's hill.
A memorial was sent in by Israel Smith and Joseph
Alexander, commissioners to superintend the improve-
ment of the Hudson river, stating that the channel had
been excavated through the Overslaugh 1500 feet in length,
and 160 in width, affording 10 feet of water at ordinary
high water during the lowest state of the river, previous
to the late rains ; having removed and deposited on the
west side of the river, 1 100 scow loads of about 24 cubic
yards each, and requesting a further appropriation.
Sept. 9. The legislature assembled at the Capitol for
the purpose of revising the laws.
Sept. 11. The steam boat North America made the
trip from New York in lOh. 53m. The fare was $2, in-
cluding meals, and the North America alone advertised
to go through by day light.
The Carolina, Capt. H. Keeler, ran between Albany
and Troy, fare 12 J cents.
Sept.*17. Cornelius Griswold Dorr died, aged 30.
Sept. 18. John Platt died.
Sept. 20. Israel W. Clark died at Rochester, aged 39.
He had been a resident of this city for the last eleven
years, and had been connected with the newspaper press
20 years. He established a journal at Cherry Valley in
Notes from the Newspapers. 173
1810, became editor of the Watch Tower in 1812, re-
vived the 'Albany Register in 1818, and for the last five
years, until his removal to Rochester to assist in the
editorial charge of the Daily Telegraph, was employed as
associate editor and legislative reporter of the Albany
Daily Advertiser. He was a man of singular disinterest-
edness and fidelity. His private and political sentiments
were entirely guileless. His aim through life seemed to
be to adorn that bright maxim of Franklin, which teaches
us to do " as much good and as little evil to our fellow
citizens " as was possible. Politically Mr. Clark labored
to purify the character and elevate the standard of our
public journals. He never uttered a venal sentiment or
traced a servile line. Though contributing largely to
produce important political results, he derived personally
none of their advantages. No man labored more zeal-
ously with such generous disregard of pecuniary or po-
litical reward.
Sept. 21. A fire destroyed a wooden tenement in Mal-
colm street.
Sept. 25. The steam boat North America arrived from
New York in lOh. 20m.
Sept. 27. The steam boat DeWitt Clinton having been fin-
ished, Ihe directors gave an excursion to about 350 guests.
The boat proceeded to Hudson and back. This was the first
steam boat that was entirely built in this city. Her hull
was built by Hand & Kenyon; her engine was made and
put up by Hall & Newman, and her joinery was done by
James Telfree. She was 380 tons burden, and was com-
manded by Capt. Thomas Wiswall. Her first trip to
New York was made on Monday, Sept. 29, as a morning
boat. She was built by the same company which had
constructed the Victory. The stockholders anticipated
large dividends, but the enterprise was attended with
loss, and ruined several men of considerable fortune.
The steam boats plying the river at this time were the
Victory, Captain Hart,
De Witt Clinton, Captain T. Wiswall,
Constitution, Captain M, Bartholomew,
174 Notes from the Newspapers.
Constellation, Captain R. G. Cruttenden,
Chief Justice Marshall, Captain I. Ford,
Commerce, Captain E. Seymour,
New Philadelphia, Captain James Benson,
Swiftsure, Captain D. Peck.
Albany. Captain J. G. Jenkins. Fare $2.
North America, Captain W. L. Cochran.
John I. Van Rensselaer died at Greenbush, aged 66.
Sept. 30. The charter election was held. The political
parties were now termed Adams and Jackson, those being
the candidates for president of the United States, although
the Jackson party claimed to be democratic and the Adams
party republican. The result was as follows:
ADAMS. JACKSON.
First Ward.
dldermen. Ralph Pratt, 290 Friend Humphrey, 373
John V. N. Yates, . . 291 John Townsend., 356
Assistants. Peter Bain, 289 C. A. Waldron, 361
Joseph Fry, 274 John M. Cuyler, 372
Second Ward.
Aldermen. Fr. Bloodgood, 231 John Cassidy, 365
Jer. Waterman,.... 272 D. McGlashan, 361
Assistants. Samuel Russell, ... 243 Wm. Seymour, 3SO
Roland Adams,.... 241 James D. Wasson, 372
Third Ward.
jJldermen. Gerrit Gates, 254 No oppposition.
Isaac W. Staats, . . . 255 No opposition.
Assistants. Cornelius Egberts,. . 158 Henry Vandenbergh, .... 102
Harm. Bleecker, Jr., 146 Asaph Preston, 107
Fourth Ward.
dldermcn. James P. Gould, 230 Philip Phelps, 317
S. S. Fowler, 240 H. McCulloch, 284
Assistants. George Percival, . . . 228 James Maher, 304
Ashley Scovel, 101 Lemuel Steele, 335
Fifth Ward.
jSldermen. John L. Winne,. ... 68 Fr. I. Bradt, 303
M. Van Alstyne, .. 65 James Gibbons, 305
Assistants. Francis I. Bradt, ... 72. John Van Ness, Jr., . . . . 305
James Gibbons, 2) L. C. Beck, 290
There is some obscurity about the motives which led
the Adams party to support the rival candidates for
aldermen for assistants.
The old board of common council met on the same
Notes from the Newspapers. 175
evening, and after receiving the returns from the different
wards reelected the following officers for the ensuing year :
Henry W. Snyder, chamberlain; William H. Sniffer,
marshal; John Meigs, Abraham Sick els, high constables.
The temperature of the month averaged 62'19 deg. ;
highest 89 deg. ; lowest 47 deg. Rain on 8 days ; rain
guage 8'8 inches.
Oct. 7. Reynolds, who advocated the theory of the in-
terior of the earth being hollow, delivered a lecture at the
Atheneum, on the utility of a voyage into the interior of
the globe by an entrance at the north pole.
Oct. 10. Lawrence L. Van Kleeck entered his name as
an independent candidate for the office of county clerk.
Oct. 17. James Matchett died, aged 25.
Oct. 18. Daniel Hale, jr., died.
S. W. Johnson, whose bookstore was for several years
on the corner of South Market and Beaver streets in a
one story building, where the Atlas office now stands,
removed to 514 South Market street, near the Eagle
tavern, where he carried on binding also, his regular bu-
siness.
Oct. 23. James McKay died, aged 28.
Oct. 24. Walter R Morgan died, aged 28.
Oct. 25. Jacob C. Cuyler died, aged 63. He held vari-
ous public stations with ability.
Richard Lush died, aged 30.
Oct. 29. Moses Hobson, died, aged 27.
The mean temperature of the month was 48*64 deg. ;
greatest height 75 deg. ; lowest 23 deg. Rain on 6 days ;
rain guage T56 inches.
Nov. ». Charles Walsh died in Virginia, aged 21, while
traveling for his health.
John Seymour, formerly of Albany, died at Onondaga.
Nov. 20. John Veeder died at Princeton, Schenectady
county, formerly of Albany.
Nov. 21. Mrs. Catharine, widow of George Klinck,
died in New York, and was buried in Albany.
Nov. 24. Catharine Wiltsie died, aged 35. Mrs. Susan
Waggoner died.
176 Notes from the Newspapers.
Nov. 25. The steam boat North America, while on her
passage from New York to Albany, sprung aleak, and was
run ashore above West Point, where the passengers got
safely ashore to the number of about 300. A part of
them went on board the Constellation and proceeded to
Albany ; others overcome by the alarm of the accident,
took the De Witt Clinton and returned to New York.
The water was 90 feet deep under the stern of the boat
where she was run ashore.
The common council enacted that bread should be sold
in loaves weighing one, two and three pounds avoirdupois.
Nov. 25. The following were elected officers of the St.
Nicholas Society:
Abraham Van Vechten, president.
Harmanus Bleeker, 1st vice president.
Stephen Van Rensselaer, jr., 2d vice president.
Isaac W. Staats, 3d vice president.
Egbert Egberts , treasurer.
Jacob J. Lansing, secretary.
Managers. — Peter Lansing, jr., G. V. S. Bleecker,
Richard Van Rensselaer, Cornelius J. Cuyler, Wm. Lush,
Staats Cuyler, Volkert P. Douw, H. S. Van Ingen, W.
W. Staats, John Van Schoonhoven.
Nov. 27. John Millway died, aged 39.
The common council resolved to build a new market
house in Pearl street, and ordered certain lots'to be sold
for that purpose, lying between Howard and Beaver
streets. They were sold as follows:
Lot No. 1, to Fassett & Hallenbake, for $810.
2, toP.Cassidy, 1190.
3, do 975.
4 , to Tobias Van Schaick , 850.
5, to Charles R. Webster, 825.
6, do 825.
7, to Philip Wendell 750.
$6120.
The temperature of the month averaged 40'34 deg. ;
greatest 64 deg.; lowest 18 deg. Rain and snow on 14
days; rain guage 4'91 inches.
Notes from the Newspapers. 177
Dec. 3. John Denio and Seth Richards, who had re-
cently discontinued the Albany Morning Chronicle, pro-
posed to publish a tri-weekly paper instead at $5 per
annum, under the title of the Albany Commercial Adver-
tiser and Farmers1 and Mechanics1 Journal.
Dec. 9. It was proposed to revive the Signs of the
Times, under the title of the Albany Times and Literary
Writer.
Dec. 11. Gilbert F. Lush, died, aged 35.
Mary Ann McNab died, aged 22.
Dec. 16. The election in the first ward for an assistant
alderman in the place of John M. Cuyler, removed from
the city, resulted in the success of William L. Osborn,
the democratic candidate. The following votes were cast :
William L. Osborn, 272
William Barney, 238
Total vote, 5.10
Osborn's majority, 34.
Dec. 15. An affray took place in Capitol street be-
tween two black men, named James Brown and George
Thomas, in which the former was killed.
Dec. 16. Ann, widow of Nicholas N. Quackenbush,
died.
Dec. 23. The river closed; the steam boats advertised
for this day, anticipating the event, departed on the pre-
vious evening.
Dec. 24. A fire destroyed the morocco factory of
William Fowler in Ferry street.
Dec. 27. The Albany Times and Literary Writer, a
quarto paper, was issued from the office of Daniel Mc-
Glashan, 44 Dean street. It was edited principally by
S. De Witt Bloodgood. Terms, $3.
Dec. 27. William W. Crannell died, aged 80.
Dec. 29. Jacob F. Sternbergh, Peter Mclntosh, Duncan
Robertson, J. Smith, David Newlands, Daniel Carmi-
chael, Archibald Campbell and James Carmichael stated
to the common council that they had formed an associa-
tion for the purpose of making a vault in which bodies
of deceased persons might be placed for a sufficient length
[Annals ixJ\ 16
178
Notes from the Newspapers.
of time to prevent their being taken up for dissection,
before being buried in their respective burying grounds,
and petitioning to be permitted to purchase a part of
what was formerly Pottersfield to erect thereon the pro-
posed vault.
The common council, on the 12th January following,
granted the association two lots for the purpose specified,
at $25 each.
Dec. 29. Israel Smith, Samuel Pruyn and others peti-
tioned the common council for the improvement of North
Pearl street from Orange to Patroon street. It was at
this time a miserable collection of hovels. The improve-
ment contemplated the formation of what is now Clinton
Square — which was effected principally through the
efforts and perseverance of Mr. Pruyn. It is said to have
given the first impulse to all the northern improvements
since made in that part of the city. The tendency be-
fore this .was southward of State street.
Statement of the Number of Vessels arriving at the City
of Albany, 1828.
Where from.
Total Number
of Vessels.
Total Amount
of Tonnage.
Aggregate
Amount of
Tonnage.
City of Albany, including Tow boats,
65
6 669
102 141
City ot New York,
45
2,740
5,480
Steam boats belonging to Albany and N. York,
Places south of Albany, exclusive of N. York..
20
155
53
5,002
7,836
3.323
5,002
15,672
6,646
Total State of New York
338
25 570
134,941
86
5,134
10,268
53
2,954
5,908
Rhode Island,
9,9
1,400
2,800
23
1,069
2,138
13
722
1,444
8
594
1,148
•
The tonnage multiplied by the average number of trips
Notes from the Newspapers. 179
made by the Albany vessels paying wharfage by the sea-
son, being sixteen, and the tonnage of such as pay wharf-
age by the day multiplied by three, being the average
number of trips, makes the aggregate tonnage. Vessels
from other places and states average two trips; the ton-
nage of the several places other than Albany, multiplied
by two, will give the aggregate tonnage for such places.
Computing the number of trips, and multiplying #s has
been done to produce the result in the year 1828, the
other years were also ascertained.
The following estimate, therefore, exhibits the tonnage
of vessels in the Albany trade, for the years 1821, 1824
and 1828:
Tonnage.
1821, 81,802
1824 97,895
1828, 158,647
Judicious and experienced men estimate the burthen of
Albany vessels to average 20 per cent more, and the tow
boats forty per cent more than their registered tonnage ;
should this per centage be added and multiplied by the
number of trips, together with the tonnage of six oyster
and fruit boats, averaging fourteen tons (not included in
the above estimate), the result would be for the year
1828, 188,957 tons, or by doubling the amount for going
and returning, 377,914 tons.
The temperature of the month averaged 34*57 deg.;
greatest height 54 deg.; lowest 5 deg. Rain on 3 days;
rain guage 0*24 inch.
The mean temperature of the year was 51*06 deg,;
highest during the year 98 deg.; lowest 0 deg. Rain
on 97 days; rain and snow on 6 days; snow on 13 days;
rain guage 37*66 inches.
1829.
Jan. 1. The common council met at 9 o'clock in the
forenoon, all the members, 21, being present, and unani
mously reelected Charles E. Dudley mayor for the ensuing
year.
The members of the board innovated upon the ancient
180 Notes from the Newspapers.
custom of making their annual New Year's calls on foot,
and, although the weather was pleasant, they provided
themselves with carriages at the public expense.
The new governor, Martin Van Buren, and lieutenant
governor, Enos T. Throop, were sworn into office. A
salute of thirty-three guns, one for each thousand major-
ity, was fired by Jonathan Kidney's old Clinton field
piece,. on Clinton hill (i. e. Robison's hill).
There was a sale of pews at St. Mary's catholic church,
which was far too small to contain all the congregation.
Forty-four pews brought $1475.
Jan. 8. Miss Ann Wendell died, aged 61.
Jan. 10. Mahala, wife af Samuel Utter, died, aged 19.
Jan. 11. Sarah, wife of Heber Stone, died, aged 45.
Jan. 12. Rev. John Chester, pastor of the Second Pres-
byterian church, died at Philadelphia, aged 43. He was
born in Weathersfield, Ct., and was regarded as one of
the most able and useful preachers of the day, was affec-
tionately esteemed by his people, and highly respected
by the community at large. His constitution, naturally
strong and vigorous, had for the last two years yielded
to the attacks of disease, and for a great part of the last
year he had been unable to preach.
Jan. 15. Mary, widow of Gen. Goze Van Schaick,
died, aged 79.
Jan. 15. Charles E. Dudley was chosen by the legisla-
ture a senator in congress.
Jan. 19. Charles E. Dudley resigned his office of mayor
of the city on account of his appointment to the United
States senate.
Jan. 25. Helen Maria, wife of John Keyes Paige, and
daughter of Joseph C. Yates, died.
Jan. 26. The committee of the common council to
which was referred the petition of Israel Smith, Samuel
Pruyn and others for the widening and improving of Pearl
street from Orange to Patroon, reported in favor of the
petition, and recommended that the square which would
be formed thereby be denominated Clinton square. It
was laid on the table. The law was subsequently passed.
Jan. 29. Samuel Wigton died, aged 61.
Notes from the Newspapers. 181
The mean temperature of the month was 22*97 deg.;
highest 48 deg. ; lowest 10 deg. below 0. Rain on 3 days,
snow on 5; rain guage 4*56 inches.
Feb. 1. James Caldwell died, aged 83.
Feb. 2. The common council met for the purpose of
balloting for a mayor. The vote stood John Townsend
10, Francis Bloodgood 10. After two ballotings, the
board adjourned one week.
James Mason died at Greenbush, aged 106, leaving a
widow aged 85. He left 6 children in Ireland, and had
11 by Ms second wife, and 41 grand children. He was
for the last five years of his life entirely blind; but about
a year before his death his hair began to turn of a dark
brown color.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer died in Canandaigua, aged 60.
Feb. 9fc At a meeting of the common council Philip
Phelps resigned his seat in the board.
The recorder presented a letter from Francis Blood-
good, declining to be a candidate for mayor. The board
then proceeded to ballot, when John Townsend received
18 votes, and was declared elected.
Feb. 13. A wooden house in State street, two doors
above the State hall, was destroyed by fire. It was
occupied by John Ferguson as a tavern, except the base-
ment, which was used by Gray & Osborn as a grocery.
It was noted as something new, that the ice in the Hud-
son river was frozen so thickly that loaded sleighs came
from Newburgh, forty miles above New York, to Albany
on the ice, 120 miles. The stages that ran on the west
side of the river came on the ice at Kingston, and ran
through to Albany with perfect safety.
Feb. 20. The Massachusetts legislature resolved, 120
to 115, that it was expedient for the state to aid and en-
courage by its funds the construction of a rail road from
Boston to the Hudson, and that the period had arrived
when both the dignity and interest of the state required
that the people should be called upon to make up their
opinions definitely, so that their representatives may at
the June session finally dispose of the subject.
182 Notes from the Newspapers.
The congregation of the Second Presbyterian church
gave a call to the Rev. Asa T. Hopkins to become their
pastor.
Feb. 22. Mrs. Maher died, aged 80; mother of James
Maher.
It was estimated that 42,000 barrels of beer were
annually manufactured in Albany, of which 30,000 bar-
rels were exported.
The following estimate was made of the tonnage of
vessels employed in the trade between Albany and the
eastern states :
1821, 9,936 tons.
1824, 16,802 "
1827, 41,560 "
In 1821 only 41 vessels visited Albany from eastern
ports. In 1824 the number was 59. In 1827 the num-
ber had increased to 123.
These facts were obtained in the course of investiga-
tions made by the projectors of the rail road between
Boston and Albany.
Feb. 24. Barent P. Staats was elected without opposi-
tion, an alderman of the first ward in the place of John
Townsend, chosen mayor.
Feb. 25. The Mohawk and Hudson Rail Road Company
advertised that they would receive proposals till the 10th
of March for timber to be used in the construction of the
road.
Feb. 26. Anna widow of Henry Staats, died, aged 82.
The temperature of the month averaged 19*98 deg. ;
highest 42 deg. ; lowest 5 deg. below 0. Rain on 2 days;
snow on 6 days. Rain guage 3- 26 inches.
March 2. At a meeting of the common council, the
chamberlain was directed to pay the Dutch churches
their proportion of dockage for 45 feet of dock at the old
Watering place, amounting to $66'60, conformably to an
agreement entered into September 10, 1827.
March 3. Mrs. Hale, widow of Daniel Hale, died in
New York.
The firm of Corning & Norton was dissolved.
Notes from the Newspapers. 183
March 6. John R. Tillman died in New York, aged 53;
formerly of Albany.
March 9. At a meeting of the common council, Her-
man V. Hart took his seat as alderman of the third ward
in place of Isaac W. Staats, resigned; and Obadiah R.
Van Benthuysen, alderman of the fourth ward, who had
been elected to fill the place of Philip Phelps, resigned.
March 10. Fidler & Taylor's soap and candle factory,
in Green street, between Hamilton and Lydius, was de-
stroyed by fire about 9 o'clock at night, together with
three vats containing about 1000 barrels of beer. The
insurance was $6000, about one half the loss.
March 12. Martin Van Buren resigned the office of
governor of the state.
March 14. John Skerritt died, aged 69.
March 19. John Tayler, formerly lieutenant governor
of the state, died, aged nearly 87. He had filled a large
space in the political history of the state during the last
thirty years of his life, and was the first president of the
State Bank, where his portrait is seen.
March 22. John Meadon died.
March 27. David Bromlee died, aged 30.
March 29. William C. Cottam, baker, died.
Jesse Randall died, aged 41.
March 30. James Maher was appointed state librarian
in the place of Calvin Pepper.
Isaac Fondey announced that he had relinquished the
earthen ware and glass business and commenced the lot-
tery and exchange business.
March 31. John Pruyn, hardware merchant, gave no-
tice that he had sold his stock in trade to Lansing Pruyn
& Co. (Isaac W. Vosburgh and Abram F. Wilson.
The copartnership of John H. & H. L. Webb was dis-
solved, and a new one formed consisting of Henry L. and
Charles B. Webb and Alfred Douglass.
The mean temperature of the month was 32*57 deg.;
highest 59 deg. ; lowest 14 deg. Rain on 2 days ; rain
and snow on 1 day; snow on 3 days. Rain guage 2'78
inches.
April 1. The ice broke up gently before the city and
184 Notes from the Newspapers.
disappeared without damage. The water was over the
docks. The first boat came up on the 4th, the Constel-
lation, Capt. Cruttenden.
April 2. A meeting of citizens friendly to temperance
was called to form a state temperance society. It was held
at the Capitol, and Reuben H.Walworth chosen president.
April 3. Jonathan Brooks died, aged 91. He was born
on the 13th May, 1738, in the first ward, where he lived
during his whole life; was remarkable for honesty and
industry, and preserved the simplicity of ancient times.
April 6. Malhiot, a Canadian weighing 619 pounds,
arrived in the city. He measured 6 feet ten inches round
the body, and 3 feet 4 inches round the calf of his leg.
April 9. Joseph Lancaster visited the city, and de-
livered a lecture at the Capitol on the rise and progress
of knowledge and civilization among mankind, and its
tendency to exalt states and nations in point of intellect-
ual greatness, national prosperity and moral character.
Ezra C. Gross, "a distinguished member of the assembly
at this time in session at the Capitol, died after a few
days' illness. He was from Essex county.
April 13. Samuel Tibbals died, aged 77.
April 16. Stewart Lewis died, aged 54, and was buried
from his residence 76 State street.
April 22. The water in the river was higher than had
been known since 1818. There were at the same time
213 sail of vessels at the docks, many of which were from
eastern ports, evincing a rapid increase of trade and
commerce.
April 22. William Van Antwerp died, aged 31.
John Johnson died, aged 53.
Abram A. B. Quackenbush, formerly of Albany, died
at Schoharie.
The mean temperature of the month was 48*05 deg.;
highest 78 deg.; lowest 32 deg. Rain on 10 days; rain
and snow on 1 day; rain guage 4.77 inches.
May 5. The legislature adjourned.
A town election (as it was then called) was held in
which the first antimasonic candidates were voted for, as
follows :
Notes from the Newspapers. 185
First Ward. ANTI-MASONIC.
Supervisor . Barent. P. Staats, . . 315 Ralph Pratt 24
dssessor... Greene Hall, 217 John C. Fredenrich, 110
Second Ward.
Supervisor. Wm. Seymour, .... 507 Moses Depuy,
•Assessors.. James D. Wasson,. . 318 Joseph S. Clark, 39
IchabodL. Judson,. 193
Third Ward.
Supervisor. Nicholas Bleecker, . 187
Assessor.*. Teunis Slingerland, 188
Fourth Ward.
Supervisor. Joseph Alexander, . 269 William Mayell 33
Daniel P. Marshall, 178
Assessor . . . Philip Hooker, 462 Salem Butcher, 36
Fifth Ward.
Supervisor. J. N. Quackenbush, 126 Some persons had been put on
dssasor... Benjamin Wilson, .. 127 the anti-masonic ticket with-
out their consent.
The following law was passed by the legislature rela-
tive to the Capitol :
There shall be paid to the corporation of the city of
Albany the sum of $17,500, on condition that all right
and interest in the Capitol, and the park in front of the
Capitol, bounded by Washington and State streets, and
the lots on which the Capitol is erected (such park to be
occupied as a public Park, and for no other purpose),
shall be released to the state by the said corporation, and
the supervisors of the city and county of Albany, under
the direction of the attorney-general, before the first day
of June next.
Two remarkable children were exhibited at the Mu-
seum, one 5 years 8 months old, weighing 203 Ibs.; the
other 2 years 10 months old, weighing 119 Ibs. Their
names were Susan and Deborah Tripp, and they were
born in Freedom, Dutchess county.
May 21. Mrs. Mary Hawkins died, aged 80 ; well known
as the proprietress of the Molly Scott tavern on the hill
in Patroon street.
May 23. J. & A. McClure, No. 70 State street, adver-
tised a new establishment dealing in dye stuffs and paints.
The corporation were engaged in building two Markets,
186 Notes from the Newspapers.
one in South Pearl street, and the other at what was
called the Watering place, now the Steam boat landing,
which was dignified with the name of Clinton market.
The contract was awarded to Vanderlip & Huxley at
$2,404.
May 26. Samuel Wendell died of yellow fever in New
Orleans, aged 34.
May 28. The supervisors at a meeting called for the
purpose of considering the law passed by the legislature
in regard to the purchase of the Capitol Park, approved
of the terms of the act, and agreed to appropriate
$15,000 towards the erection of a county building. The
common council also appointed a committee to purchase
a site for a public building with a view to its being used
for city and county purposes. The site of the present
City Hall, between Maiden lane and Pine street was se-
lected, belonging to St. Peter's church, for which $10,-
259'95 was paid.
Mrs. Mary Sickles died, aged 89.
Mean temperature of the month, 64'17 deg.; highest
90 deg.; lowest 40. Rain on 7 days; 2-68 inches fell.
June 3. Anna, widow of William Staats, died, aged
81, mother of Isaac W. Staats.
June 7. Peter C. Gansevoort, son of Conrad Ganse-
voort, died at Bath, Steuben county, aged 35.
The debt of the city in 1828 was as follows;
To Commissioners of the Canal fund, $150,000
James Stevenson, 20,500
Trustees of Lutheran church, 15,000
New York State Bank, . 37 ,500
223,000
On the 1st May, 1829, it was reduced to 155,500
$67,500
This reduction was made by money received from
Yates & Mclntyre on account of the lottery which they
undertook the management of, and from the sale of city
lots. As the City Hall was about to be erected at an
Notes from the Newspapers. 187
expense of forty or fifty thousand dollars, it was thought
this was the last time the present generation would be
gratified with a statement of a diminishing debt.
June 8. The common council passed a resolution per*
mitting the owners of lots at the upper end of Columbia
street, on the north side, to enclose an area in front of
their property, in such a manner as to form a straight
line with the range of the street below Chapel.
June 9. Catharine, widow of Abram Eights, died, aged
80.
June 14. Several stores and dwellings in Beaver street,
near South Market street, were burnt, supposed to have
been fired by an incendiary.
The Second Presbyterian church gave a call to the
Rev. Dr. William B. Sprague to supply the pulpit lately
occupied by Dr. John Chester, deceased.
June 21. The new steam boat Ohio made her first ap-
pearance at the dock in this city, with upwards of 400
passengers. This boat was 157 feet in length, 30 feet
beam, and 9^ deep, with 150 berths. She was com-
manded by Capt. Martin Bartholomew, late of the Con-
stitution. It was said that "all her wood would -be
housed out of sight, under the houses which cover the
engines."
June 24. The subscription books for the stock of the
Canal Bank were closed. There was found to be an ex-
cess of 6488 shares subscribed for. The capital of the
bank was $300,000, divided into 15,000 shares of $20
each. John T. Norton was elected president.
John K. McChestney died, aged 32.
The mean temperature of the month was 68'03 deg. ;
highest 86 deg.; lowest 54 deg. Rain on 11 days; rain
guage 3 90 inches.
July 2. Numa Hempstead died, aged 35.
James Cooper died, aged 56.
July 4. The day was celebrated by the citizens and
military as usual; the oration by Thomas W. Harman,
Esq. The military companies consisted of the following:
Capt. McCabe's Horse Artillery.
188 Notes from the Newspapers.
Capt. Watson's Albany Republican Artillery.
Capt. Fry's Albany Independent Volunteers.
Capt. Wright's National Guards.
Capt. Fassett's Washington Guards.
Capt. Duesler's City Guards.
There was continued rain throughout the day, for the
first time in the memory of man on a fourth of July.
July 8. Alida, wife of John Evertsen, died, aged 52.
July 12. Jacob Evertsen died, aged 62.
July 20. At the first election of directors of the Canal
Bank, the following were chosen: John T. Norton,
Jeremiah Clark, James Porter, Israel Smith, James
Gould, Edwin Croswell, John I. Godfrey, David Wood,
Lyman Root, Edward C. Delavan, Aaron Thorpe, R. V.
DeWitt, Henry L. Webb, Alex. Marvin, Lyman Chapin.
The corporation directed High street to be extended
from Lancaster to Hudson street.
July 21. Jeremiah V. R. Ten Eyck died at Detroit,
aged 37.
July 25. Hannah, wife of Giles Spencer, died, aged 63.
July 27. Morgan James Hall, merchant, died at New
Orleans ; formerly of Albany.
July 28. A premium of $100 having been advertised
for the best plan of a city hall, the committee on this day
adopted parts of two plans ; the cupola and attic windows
from the design of Mr. Cutts of Boston, and the rest of
the building from the design of Philip Hooker of Albany.
The premium was divided between them.
July 29. Eliza, wife of John F. Porter, died, aged 23.
July 30. Charles Gilfert, the original lessee of the
Theatre in South Pearl street died in New York, aged
42. He was a native of Germany, had attained a high
eminence as a musical composer, and was indefatigable
in his profession as a manager, having the Bowery
Theatre under his charge at the time of his death.
July 31. Joseph Lancaster appealed to his friends in
Albany against injurious charges published in the New
York Journal of Commerce affecting his character.
The mean temperature of the month was 67*28 deg.;
highest 85 deg.; lowest 55 deg. Rain on 11 days; rain
guage 3 '22 inches.
Notes from the Newspapers. 189
August 1. The mansion house of Gen. Abraham Ten
Broeck, deceased, on Arbor hill, was sold by auction.
The plot on which it stood was 759 by 292 feet: the
house 52 by 44 feet. It is now owned and occupied by
Thomas W. Olcott Esq.
Aug. 9. Conrad Gansevoort died at Bath, Steuben co.,
while on a visit there, aged 69.
Aug. 17. The common council resolved to lay out
Clinton square in North Pearl street, the area being 200
by 60 feet.
A traveler by steam boat and stage performed the fol-
lowing feat, which was pronounced the most extraor-
dinary instance of rapid traveling that had been heard of,
and it was questioned whether a similar distance could
be performed in the same time on any other route in the
Union.
From Newbern, N. C. to
Elizabeth City, 225 miles, in 28 hours.
Norfolk, 40 " 6
Baltimore, 210 " 18
Philadelphia, 100 " 15 "
New York, 95 " 12 "
Albany, 160 " 13 "
830 " 89 "
Aug. 20. Eliza, daughter of John Meadon, died, aged
20.
Aug. 24. St. Paul's church, corner of Ferry and Dallius
streets, was consecrated by Bishop Hobart. The sale of
pews took place on the following day, when 16 sold for
$3482-50. Ten pews were leased at sums varying from
$10-25 to $52-50.
The trustees of St. Mary's church petitioned the com-
mon council for the abrogation of certain restrictions
contained in the deeds from the corporation for their
church ground.
At the same meeting it was resolved to open Jay street,
from Eagle to Hawk. This ground had been purchased
[Annals, ix.] 17
190 Notes from the Newspapers.
of the city in 1807 by I. & J. Townsend, upon whose
petition it was opened.
Aug. 26. The Rev. Wm. B. Sprague was installed pas-
tor of the Second Presbyterian church.
Mary Ann, wife of Jacob Goeway, died, aged 31.
Aug. 27. Elizabeth Abel died, aged 45.
Aug. 31. The corner stone of the City Hall was laid
by the mayor, John Townsend, with the customary cere-
monies. The mayor, recorder, and members of the com-
mon council having met at the Capitol, proceeded with
the architect, builder and workmen, and a number of
citizens, in procession to the site of the building. A
large stone having been made hollow by the workmen and
placed at the northeast corner, according to established
usage, a heavy leaden box was let into the opening, in
which was placed a number of articles, consisting of an
inscription on a massive plate of copper, the City Direc-
tory, city Charter, city Map, &c., &c. The leaden box
containing the deposit was then closed and a heavy stone
let down upon it. The mayor then, according to custom,
applied the plumb, square and level, and declared the
whole " well laid, true and trusty." He then addressed
the assembly in a speech of considerable length upon the
object of the occasion and the purposes of the edifice to
be erected.
The common council having determined to allow the
police justice an assistant, Daniel McGlashan, an assist-
ant alderman, received the appointment. Both police
justices were printers.
Mean temperature of the month, 69 '71 deg.; highest
87 deg. ; lowest 49 deg. Rain on 5 days ; rain guage 1*46
inches.
Sept. 7. A gentleman left Newport, R. I., Saturday
afternoon at 3 o'clock and arrived in Albany on Sunday
afternoon at 8 o'clock; distance 350 miles. There was
no more speedy journeying than this at the time, although
the same distance had been traveled before in two hours
less time.
Sept. 14. The demolition of the Catholic church corner
Notes from the Newspapers. 191
of Chapel and Pine streets was begun. It was the first
Catholic edifice erected in Albany, and had become in-
adequate for the increasing number of worshipers. It
was built of brick, and had stood more than thirty years.
(See Annals m, 191.) The Fourth Presbyterian church
was being built at this time, and the Universalists had a
church nearly completed in Herkimer street — a frame
building 30 by 50 feet.
Sept. 14." The justices court convened for the first
time in the new building in Pearl street, still used for
that purpose. Present, Daniel L. Van Antwerp, Gerrit L.
Dox, and Christian H. Shear, justices ; John G. Wasson,
clerk. David Hosford, being the senior member of the
bar in that court, delivered an address, a copy of which,
on motion of Calvin Pepper, seconded by John I. Ever-
son, was requested for publication. On motion of John
B. Southwick, seconded by Seymour Tracy, the thanks
of the court, bar and audience were presented to Mr.
Hosford.
Richard Thomas and others petitioned the common
council for permission to circulate a subscription paper
to procure means with which to erect a Methodist church,
north station, which was granted.
The chamberlain reported that on the 8th instant he
had sold the cellars under the Centre market for a term
of three years and seven months for $728*50 ; and those
under the South market for $305.
A law passed to repeal so much of the law of May 26,
1828, as required the paving of Hudson street from
South Pearl to Eagle street.
Kilian I. Winne died at Cazenovia, aged 64.
Sept. 21. Mary H., wife of John T.Norton, died, aged
27.
Sept. 23. The butcher stalls of the two markets re-
cently erected were sold at auction for one year and seven
months. The Centre market stalls were sold for $158*50,
being 10 in number. The South market stalls, 8 in num-
ber, brought $628.
Sept. 25. Benjamin Thayer died, aged 36.
192 Notes from the Newspapers.
Sept. 29. A charter election was held and the follow-
ing persons elected:
DEMOCRATIC. REPUBLICAN.
First Ward.
Aldermen... K. P. Staats, 477
E. Corning 349 Ralph Pratt, 188
Assistants.. W. L. Osborn, 320 Wm. Barney, 198
John 0. Cole, 429 Angus McDuffie, 55
Second Ward.
Aldermen... John Cassidy, 307 Wm. Newton, 216
D. McGlashan, 318 H. G. Wheaton, 209
Assistants. .Wm. Seymour, .... 317 Teh. L. Judson, 213
Jas. D. Wasson, . . . 316 B. Lansing, Jr., 203
Third Ward.
Aldermen. ..K. V. Hart, 89 T.Russell, 23
G. Gates, 87 J. H. Ten Eyck, 27
Assistants.. E. Egberts, 90 T. Van Schaick, 20
G. W. Ryckman, . . 113 Scattering, 5
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen. . .James Maher, No opposition.
Lemuel Steele,
Assitants. . .B. Whipple, 265 Clark Durant, 1 04
S. S. Fowler, 185 J. C. Deming, 82
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen. ..James Gibbons, Jr., 297 S. Van Rensselaer, Jr.,. . 140
Wm. Stilwell, 174 J. N. Quackenbush, 7
Assistants. J. Van Schoonhoven, 295
John Van Ness, Jr., 291
At a meeting of the common council in the evening of
the same day. the certificates from the aldermen who
presided at the election during the day were received and
ordered to be filed. The following officers were elected
for the ensuing year :
Henry W. Snyder. chamberlain.
Wm. H. Schiffer. city marshal.
John Meigs and Abraham Sickles, high constables.
Sept. 30. The famous Sam Patch, who astonished the
people by leaps from great heights into the water, arrived
in the city on his way to Niagara.
Temperature of the month averaged 57 deg.; highest
84 deg. ; lowest 38 deg. Rain on 9 days; 2'78 inches
fell.
JOHN V. HENRY.
Notes from the Newspapers. 193
Oct. 1. Elizabeth, wife of Charles J. Taylor, died,
aged 27.
Oct. 3. Isaac L. Staats died.
Oct. 5. Governor Throop removed John Becker, sheriff
of Albany county, for numerous acts of misconduct.
The North Methodist church and the Fourth Presby-
terian church, newly formed societies, applied to the
common council for burial grounds.
Mr. Packard, 'superintendent of the almshouse, re-
ported that there were 63 men, 63 women and 53 children
in the institution.
The city surveyor presented a profile of Hallenbake
street, from Hudson to Hamilton street, which was
adopted. No vestige of a street had yet been made there.
Proposals were accepted for excavating Capitol street,
at 10 cents a yard.
Oct. 11. The Universalist meeting house in Herkimer
street, between Green and Franklin, was dedicated. It
was announced that " this temporary building had been
erected by the friends of the heart-cheering doctrine of
universal salvation, to answer their purpose a few years,
till they should have it in their power to build a large,
substantial edifice.
Helena Lansing died, aged 69, mother of Peter and
Jacob J. Lansing.
Oct. 13. The corner stone of the new Catholic church,
corner of Chapel and Pine streets was laid, by Alderman
Cassidy, president of the board of trustees.
Jeremiah P. Jones died, aged 37.
Oct. 14. Elihu Lewis died, aged 51.
Oct. 20. James Dunn, of the firm of Douglass & Dunn,
died, aged 32. f
Oct. 21. John B. Swan died, aged 52.
John V. Henry, a distinguished lawyer, fell in the
street from apoplexy, and died on the following day, aged
64.
Oct. 22. Frances Wright delivered the first of a series
of lectures at Atheneum Hall.
Oct. 25. Jeremiah Cutler died, aged 26.
194 Notes from the Newspapers.
»
Oct. 31. Chauncey Mills died, of the firm of Mills &
Rider, aged 49.
The mean temperature of the month was 51*28 deg. ;
highest 74 deg.; lowest, 29 deg. Rain on 5 days; 2'41
inches fell.
The city chamberlain reported that the amount of
money received into the treasury during the year ending
the second Tuesday of October, was $320,878-53 J. The
amount of payments $3 17, 126- 15 J. Two markets had
been built, and the City Hall commenced during this
year. The expenses of the city poor had been $9,804-43.
The whole amount paid for salaries was $5,952.
Nov. 1. A vault was built near the Presbyterian ground
for the purpose of depositing bodies for safety against the
depredations of the resurrectionists, during decomposi-
tion. The first body was deposited in the vault on this
day. A few hours afterwards the person having charge
of the vault returned for the purpose of getting some-
thing which he had forgotten. While he was opening
the outer door he heard a noise inside, and supposed it
was caused by the person who had just been interred.
Though his hair stood erect with affright, his humanity
prompted him to save the unfortunate imprisoned being,
and he unlocked the inner door which was of iron. He
then ensconced himself behind the outer door, and called
to the supposed ghost within, to push open the door and
thus liberate himself. The confined person did so, and
on making his appearance, proved to be, not the dead
man, who had been buried, but a real living being, who
from some cause had remained in the vault when it was
closed, and who, had it not been for the fortunate cir-
cumstance of the sexton's returning, would very likely
have perished in his gloomy prison house.
Nov. 3. Townsend's furnace took fire and was con-
siderably damaged before it could be extinguished.
Nov. 5. The annual election for members of assembly
took place, and resulted as follows:
Peter Gansevoort, 3333 Democrat.
Samuel S. Lush, 3200 Republican.
Erastus Williams, 2973 do.
Notes from the Newspapers. 195
This was the vote of the whole county. The anti-
masons also ran a ticket, which received 193 votes in
the city.
Asa Colvard was elected sheriff of the county by 3709
votes; James Maher, his opponent, received 1963, and
S. B. Pond, the antimasonic candidate, 443.
Nov. 10. Joseph Cummings, late of Boston, died, aged
35.
Nov. 15. Alonzo W. Kinsley died at Savannah, Ga.,
whither he had gone for the promotion of his health.
" He was a man of amiable feelings and great goodness
of heart; and was high in the love of his friends and the
esteem of the public."
Nov. 16. At a meeting of the common council a me-
morial to congress was presented and approved, with the
object of obtaining aid from the general government to
improve the navigation of the Hudson river.
The following is a list of the churches in the city at
this period:
Reformed Dutch, North Pearl, Rev. Dr. Ludlow.
Beaver, " Mr. Ferris.
Episcopal, State, " Dr. Lacey.
Ferry. " Mr. Bury.
Presbyterian, South Pearl, " Mr. Weed.
Chapel, " Dr. Sprague,
" Montgomery, " Mr. Williams.
North Market, " Mr. Kirk.
United Presby'n, Fox, " Mr. Martin.
Reformed " North Pearl cor.
or Cameronian, Orange, " Mr. Christie.
Lutheran, Pine, " Mr. Mayer.
Baptist, Green, " Mr. Welch.
" African, " Mr. Paul.
Catholic, Chapel. " Mr. Smith.
Methodist, Division, " Mr. Green.
Universalist, Herkimer, no pastor settled.
Friends, worshiped in a large room corner State and
Lodge.
There were two other congregations of Methodists, one
of which worshiped in a building on the corner of Chapel
196 Notes from the Newspapers.
and Columbia streets. The other was an African society
worshiping in State street continued.
Six of these churches were of stone, and seven of brick.
A sermon was preached at the Baptist church by Rev.
B. T. Welch, and a collection made for the African
Baptist Society, which amounted to $116' 16.
Nov. 17. William Cummings died, aged 39.
The streets were lighted by 586 lamps at this time.
The cups of 100 of these lamps contained half a pint of
oil; the others a gill.
The steam boats Victory and De Witt Clinton were
sold by auction in New York. The former cost $56,000;
her engine cost $20,000; she sold for $17,500. The De
WittCJinton cost $44,000; her engine cost $25,000; she
sqld for $5000, and was bid in by some of her owners.
Nov. 28. Philip Featherly died, aged 74.
Nov. 30. The common council accepted the proposals
of Thomas Hurst for excavating Lancaster and High
streets.
The temperature of the month averaged 39*52 ; highest
58 deg. ; lowest 23 deg. Rain on 7 days; snow on 4
days; rain guage 3'86 inches.
Dec. 6. John Wilkes .died, aged 67.
The president's message was delivered at Washington,
at 12 o'clock on Tuesday, Dec. 8 ; it arrived in New York
in 15^ hours, and was brought up by the stearn boat Al-
bany, and published in the Albany Daily Advertiser on
Thursday morning at the usual hour. This was deno-
minated unprecedented despatch. The steam boat Albany
left New York with the message at 8 o'clock in the morn-
ing of Wednesday, but broke her shaft, and did not arrive
till 2 o'clock Thursday morning.
Dec. 11. There was lying at the dock foot of Hamilton
street, a steam boat, unfinished, intended to ply between
Albany and New York, which was described as follows:
150 feet long on deck; depth of hold 9 feet; breadth of
beam 24 feet; tonnage about 300; promenade deck 120
feet (usual length of promenade deck, 50 feet). Her
engine, made at Pittsburgh, on the Mississippi plan,
Notes from the Newspapers. 197
occupies 5 feet in width on deck, and occupies none of
the cabin, which is therefore very large and commodi-
ous, and in which tables can be set of the length of 225
feet; engines usually take up one-third of the cabin.
There are 150 berths and 50 hammocks. She was built
at Hyde Park by Wm. Brown, and has a round stem.
Her joinery work is to be done in this city during the
winter by Webster & Wells. She will be ready to sail
early in the season, and is to be commanded by the ex-
perienced and obliging Capt. Peck. [Novelty ?]
Dec. 10. Mrs. Hannah McCoy died, aged 86.
Gen. John H. Wendell resigned the office of county
treasurer, which he had held twenty-one years.
Dec, 12. John Lansing, Jr., formerly chancellor of the
state disappeared in the city of New York, and was never
more heard of; supposed to have been drowned. No
event had caused a deeper sensation in the city since the
death of De Witt Clinton. At an early period of his
life he entered the office of Robert Yates, afterwards
chief justice, as a clerk in the study of the law. He
afterwards became a member of the military family of
Gen. Philip Schuyler, and during the revolutionary war
was a distinguished member of the state convention that
conducted the civil and military operations of the state.
He soon after was appointed mayor of the city, and in
1787, was, with Chief Justice Yates and General Hamil-
ton, delegated by the state as members of the convention
which formed the constitution of the United States. It
is well known what part those gentlemen took in the
discussions connected with that subject. Chief Justice
Yates and Chancellor Lansing withdrew from the con-
vention, and were known as anti-federalists. They op-
posed the adoption of the constitution principally because
it did not more effectually secure the rights of the indi-
vidual states ; and to those men and their copatriots we
are indebted for the ten amended articles which were
subsequently made a part of that constitution. On his
return he was made a judge of the supreme court, chief
justice, and finally chancellor of the state.
198 Notes from the Newspapers.
Dec. 14. At a meeting of the common council E. Col-
lum petitioned the board for the restoration of hogs which
had been taken up in the streets and conveyed to the
almshouse for not being ringed. A resolution was passed
for restoring all hogs taken up since the 1st December,
upon the payment pf charges by the owners.
Dr. Barent P. Staat.s, almshouse physician, reported
that there were 214 paupers in that institution, of whom
74 were citizens of this state, 19 residents of other states,
40 Irish, 7 English, 3 Scottish, 5 Canadians, 1 Welsh, 4
Hollanders, 3 Germans, 1 West Indiaman.
Dec. 17. The circus property in North Pearl street
was advertised to be sold by public auction. The lots
were described as forming a front of 66 feet on North
Pearl street, and 138 feet deep.
Dec. 21. John Townsend was reelected mayor of the
city by the common council.
A large wooden building in Fox street, occupied by
Barney Rhines as a grocery, was consumed by fire at 6
o'clock in the morning. It was supposed to have been
fired by an incendiary, and the major advertised a re-
ward of $100 for the discovery of the perpetrator.
Dec. 24. A fire destroyed four brick dwellings on
Westerlo street, belonging to Amos Fanning, which were
insured. They were supposed to be set on fire. The
hose of two engines was cut to prevent the extinguish-
ment of the flames.
Dec. 25. James Humphrey died, aged 37.
Dec. 28. The whole quantity of down freight received
by the Erie and Champlain canals at Albany, during the
year 1829, was 75,500 tons, consisting principally of the
following articles:
260,520 barrels flour.
18,558 barrels ashes.
13,241 barrels provisions.
39,218 bushels salt.
18,194 barrels whiskey.
3,744 hogsheads whiskey.
9,493 boxes glass.
Notes from the Newspapers. 199
9,132 barrels lime.
266,287 bushels wheat.
206,251 bushels corn, rye and oats.
132,164 bushels barley.
Also, 18,008 cords of wood.
32,156 feet timber.
17,130 M. shingles.
28,180,844 feet lumber.
The amount of property conveyed from the city of
Albany was 33,090 tons; the tolls on which were $161,-
418-64.
The tonnage of vessels that paid wharfage at Albany
in 1821, was 8,802 tons; 1824, 97,895 tons; 1828, 158,-
647 tons. This would be increased about 30,000 tons by
the oyster and fruit trade, not registered.
Dec. 25. Capt. Henry Brown died at Charlton, Sara-
toga county, aged 80. He had formerly resided in
Albany; was an officer in the revolutionary war, and
present at the siege of Quebec by Montgomery, and sub-
sequently at the battles of Monmouth and Trenton.
Dec. 30. Mrs. Marinda, wife of Ira Murphy, died, aged
31.
The superintendent of the almshouse submitted to the
common council an abstract from the register, showing
the number of paupers entered each year since 1806, as
follows :
148
161
159
137
189
225
233
174
261
368
285
420
1807
2
1819
1808..
1
1820
1809..
... . 1
1821
1810
9
1822 . .
1811..
8
1823
1812..
15
1824
1813
72
1825
1814.
84
1826
1815
145
1827
1816
176
1828
1817..
143
1829
Total
3418.
Births, 30;
deaths, 264.
200 Notes from the Newspapers.
Jasper S. Keeler, inspector of flour in Albany, reported
that he had inspected 34,913 barrels during the year
1829.
1830.
Jan. 1. The new year day was remarkable for its
mildness. The weather was as mild as spring ; the river
was quite clear of ice, and the steam boats were running
at 50 cents fare; there was no frost in the ground; the
trees were budding, and the winter wheat had the ap-
pearance it usually puts on in the latter part of March.
In consequence of the temperance movement many houses
served coffee to their guests instead of liquors, for the
first time.
January 2. There was a violent rain storm in the
evening, accompanied by vivid lightning, and tremendous
peals of thunder.
Jan. 3. Martha H., wife of Robert Swain, died, aged
34.
Jan. 4. A tannery in Lumber street, and several dwell-
ing houses, were burnt.
Jan. 5. The legislature met. The senate was called
to order by John F. Bacon, Esq., clerk, and the annual
message received from E. Throop, governor, and read.
In the house Erastus Root was elected speaker by 93
votes ; Francis Granger receiving 30.
Arthur N. Sherman issued a new literary paper called
The Albanian, which the literary characters of the city,
male and female, had undertaken to fill semi-monthly
with original articles.
Jan. 9. The day was very cold with flurries of snow,
and the steam boats did not arrive till about five hours
after their usual time, having been much impeded on
their way by ice.
Jan. 10. It commenced to rain, with the wind from the
south, and the steam boats came up much as usual.
Jan. 11. Dr. Alden March delivered a lecture intro-
ductory to his course of anatomy, in which he discussed
at length the importance and feasibility of establishing
Notes from the Newspapers. 201
a hospital and medical school in Albany. He has lived to
see them both.
The trustees of the African Baptist church got per-
mission of the common council to circulate a subscription
to obtain money to pay off their debt.
Gov. Lincoln in his annual message to the Massachu-
setts legislature, urged the adoption of energetic measures
for establishing the proposed rail road from Boston to
the Hudson river.
Jan. 11. The river closed for the season. The new-
Philadelphia came up to within 26 miles of the city, but
in consequence of the ice, was obliged to be stopped, and
her passengers reached the city by land conveyance.
The river had very seldom been open to so late a period.
In 1810 it closed on the 19th, and in 1825 on the 5th of
January.
Jan. 12. The German Benevolent Society held its first
annual meeting in the Lutheran church. The following
officers were elected for the ensuing year:
Rev. F. G. Mayer, president.
John I. Ostrander, vice president.
Christian Miller, treasurer.
Paul Hochstrasser, secretary.
Daniel Pohlman, agent.
Henry Newman, Henry W. Snyder, John Feltman,
Frederick Van Wormer, George Young, acting commit-
tee.
The acting committee made a report of their proceed-
ings for the past year: that from the time the agent com-
menced his duties, Nov. 25, 1828 to the 25th Nov. 1829,
93 families and 33 unmarried persons, all German immi-
grants, arrived in this city. That 17 of the families had
received pecuniary aid from the small funds of the society.
That this aid, and the counsel, assistance and advice of
the agent, in forwarding them to their respective places
of destination was in every instance received with the
warmest expressions of gratitude; and that of the whole
number, 8 families only now remained in the city. The
[Annals, ix.] 18
202 Notes from the Newspapers.
accounts of the treasurer showed that the receipts had
been $102*50, and the disbursements $100'62. Several
of the families that remained were unable to proceed, and
the society had not funds to aid them. It therefore ap-
peared that with very trifling pecuniary means, a large
number of strangers, ignorant of our language, have been
assisted and comforted, and the city relieved of many
who would otherwise have become a burden to it. The
society proposed to get up a concert of sacred music at
the church in aid of its funds.
Jan. 19. William W. Williams died, aged 62.
The New York State Temperance Society held its first
anniversary in the assembly chamber, Reuben H. Wai-
worth, president.
Jan. 22. Jane Pruyn, wife of Cornelius W. Groesbeeck,
died, aged 43.
Levi Sexton died.
Jan. 24. James Matchett died, aged 80.
Jan. 29. A fire destroyed two buildings on the dock
near Lydius street, owned and occupied by one Marks.
Jan. 31. John C. Sickles died.
The committee of a temperance society, after making
a thorough investigation of the subject, arrived at the
following statistics of intemperance in the city of Albany :
Estimated population, 25,000.
415 taverns and groceries.
200,000 gallons of spirits sold to be used in the city.
500 habitual drunkards.
4,000 tipplers.
2,000 who practice total abstinence.
200 families do.
9 groceries declining the sale of liquors.
2 taverns do.
200 deaths by intemperance.
100 widows by do.
170 orphans by do.
$100,000 expended for liquors at the lowest estimate.
Feb. 1. Dr. Caleb Child died, aged 71, father of Ed-
mund B. Child.
Notes from the Newspapers. 203
Feb. 2. Rev. John Sellon died and was buried from
Congress Hall on the 4th.
Ruby, wife of Joseph Walker, died, aged 37.
Feb. 6. A stage coach of Thorp & Sprague's line left
the American Hotel in Albany at 20 minutes past 9 A. M.,
with 9 passengers, and arrived in Utica at 35 minutes
past 5 P. M., performing the route in 8h. 15m., which
was at the rate of 12 miles an hour, including stops.
A meeting of the Lancaster school society was held at
the Capitol, Archibald Campbell chairman, Joseph Henry
secretary, when it appeared by the report of the trustees
that for a little more than $1700 nearly 1300 children
had enjoyed the privileges of the school. The officers
of the society consisted of Simeon De Witt president,
Gideon Hawley vice president, Charles R. Webster treas-
urer, and Joseph Henry secretary.
Feb. 7. Thermometer 15 deg. below zero.
Feb. 9. Sarah Tully died, aged 72.
Feb. 13. Moses Hayden, a senator from the 8th dis-
trict, died at the Eagle tavern, aged 44.
Feb. 15. A concert in aid of the German Benevolent
Society was given at the Lutheran church. The expenses
were said to have been so great in getting up this con-
cert, that although that small church was well filled, a
very small balance was left. It was proposed to repeat
it in St. Peter's church for the joint benefit of the German
Benevolent Society and the Rev. Mr. Bury of St. Paul's
church, which was done with better results.
[This was one of the first exhibitions of sacred music
that had been given in Albany for many years. It had
been got up almost entirely by amateurs, at the instance
of the Rev. F. G. Mayer, himself an adept in the art. It
succeeded admirably, and was said, at the time, to have
been the best musical performance ever before heard in
Albany. It is doubtful which party was the most sur-
prised and delighted, the audience or the musicians; the
first, that so much musical talent existed and had lain so
long dormant among them ; and the other to find them-
selves all at once so much more highly gifted than they
204 Notes from the Newspapers.
had ever dreamt of. The impulse was thus given, and
concert after concert for benevolent objects succeeded
each other for more than a year with increasing popularity
and success, until it eventuated in the formation of the
ALBANY SACRED Music FUND SOCIETY, under the leader-
ship of Isaac P. Cole and afterwards of S. B. Pond and
others, which existed for some 10 or 12 years, accumu-
lating a large musical library and other property, and
becoming extremely popular, They attempted , with good
success, a higher and more classical order of music than
had been produced in Albany before.
To this society belonged all the musical professors and
amateurs of any note, both male and female, of the day;
many of whom still survive and are among our best citi-
zens.
As an instance of the attractiveness and excellence
of their performances, it may be stated, that on one occa-
sion (in aid of the Orphan Asylum) in 1833, the gross re-
ceipts were upwards of $700.]
Feb. 17. Daniel Reading died, aged 43. At his funeral
Rev. E. N. Kirk, from some information he had received,
pronounced him a drunkard, but afterwards publicly
retracted the charge.
Eli Roberts, an eminent instructor of sacred music,
died, aged 63 (father of Azor C. Roberts).
Feb. 18. A convention of mechanics was held, which
organized a political association, known as the Working-
men's party. Hawthorn McCulloch was chairman of the
executive committee, Henry Rector corresponding secre-
tary, and John F. Porter, recording secretary.
Feb. 19. Capt. William Ensign died in New York.
Robert Martin died, aged 54.
Feb. 21. Edwin Moseley died, aged 46, formerly of
Westfield, Mass.
Feb. 25. Nancy, wife of Robert McFarlan, died, aged
38.
A Unitarian preacher by the name of Thompson, is
supposed to have been the pioneer of that sect in this
city. His first sermon was delivered on the 21st Feb.,
Notes from the Newspapers. 205
and on the 28th he preached in the Capitol morning and
evening.
Feb. 27. A state antimasonic convention, which had
been in session three days, adjourned.
At a meeting of the common council, Gerrit T. Bradt,
superintendent of the south ferry, reported the receipts for
two years to have been $17,013-96; expenses $4,227*62 :
balance $12,786*34.
The committee for building the City Hall reported that
they had contracted with the agent of the Sing Sing pri-
son for marble for three sides of the building for $11,500.
The committee on the Albany Academy and Lancaster
School reported a plan by which ten district schools
could be supported. They estimated that there were
3200 children in the compact part of the city, between
the ages of 5 and 16 years ; of which number the
Albany Academy instructed, - 200
Female Academy and Seminary, 400
Lancaster School, 400
Catholic Schools, 400
Private Schools, 500
Children attending no school, 200
2200
Leaving 1000, or 200 for each of five district schools.
The expense of five more schools was estimated at $8,100,
and a resolution was passed by the board that a com-
mittee should be appointed to draft a law for the estab-
lishment of district schools.
March 19. Elizabeth Waters, wife of Cornelius Egberts,
died, aged 24.
March 20. The steam boat Constellation arrived at
her dock, the first boat of the season.
March 22. The Albany Evening Journal, published by
B. D. Packard & Co. and edited by Thurlow Weed, made
its first appearance, as a political antimasonic organ.
Herman M. Hardenburgh died; a member of assembly
from Sullivan county.
March 25. A snow storm commenced, which continued
206 Notes from the Newspapers.
throughout this and the following day, accompanied by a
high wind, leaving 28 inches of snow on the ground, 12
inches more than had fallen during (he whole winter.
Pigeons had begun their migration, and thousands of
them were overwhelmed in the storm, and they were
taken in great abundance in the valley of the Buttermilk
creek.
March 27. Abigail, wife of Charles K. Strong, died.
Ezekiel Scott Smith died, aged 31 years, a hatter, and
a man of considerable literary celebrity.
March 31. Jenkin Jenkins died, aged 35.
Aprils. The Farmers', Mechanics' and Workingmen's
Advocate was first published by McPherson & McKercher,
as the organ of a new political party.
April 5. Paul Hochstrasser resigned the office of clerk
of the common council, and John W. Hyde was appointed.
The finance committee, consisting of Messrs. Corning,
Hart, Seymour, Fowler, and Wasson, reported that the
business of the chamberlain's office had increased in the
item of receipts and expenditures in the last nine years
$265,864*77. In 1820 they were $54,923; in 1829 they
were $320,788'33. They proposed some changes in the
mode of managing the city business, and to increase the
salary of the chamberlain from $600 to $750; and that
of the clerk of the board from $350 to $450.
April 10. Gertrude Abel, wife of Ryer Schermerhorn,
died, aged 43.
April 13. Daniel McGlashan died, aged 39. He was
alderman of the second ward, overseer of the poor, and
one of the justices of the peace, and enjoyed the reputa-
tion of an honorable and upright citizen.
Elizabeth, wife of James Taylor, died, aged 24.
April 15. Roswell Steele and George Warren formed a
copartnership in the hardware business.
April 16. George R. Hendrickson died, aged 29.
Anna, wife of Abraham Gould, died, aged 26.
April 20. The legislature adjourned, having passed 300
laws.
The first canal boats left for the west.
Notes from the Newspapers. 207
Sarah Wendell died, aged 59.
Calvin Edson exhibited himself as the living skeleton.
He was 42 years old, five feet two inches in stature, and
weighed 60 Ibs.
April 21. The Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank declared
a dividend of fifty per cent upon its capital stock.
Margaretta, wife of Kilian K. Van Rensselaer, died,
aged 66.
April 22. An explosion took place on board the Chief
Justice Marshall on her upward trip, near Newburgh, by
which several persons were badly injured, of which num-
ber six died.
April 23. John Cassidy, alderman of the second ward,
died, aged 46. He had held the office of alderman several
years, was actively interested in all measures intended
to advance the prosperity of the city, and greatly respected
for his benevolence and humanity.
By a law of the legislature, the Capitol was placed in
the hands of trustees, who appointed Henry Weaver su-
perintendent.
Joshua De Graff died, aged 48.
John Y. Staats was buried from the house of his brother
W. W. Staats, 195 North Market street.
April 24. Capt. John Leake died, aged 82.
The steam boat Victory was withdrawn from the Hud-
son river, and ran on the East river between New York
and Hartford. The fare on that route had been $5; the
Victory ran for $3 ; whereupon the old boats came down
to $1'50.
May 3. At a meeting of the common council Garret
Gates reported in favor of changing the name of Capitol
street to Park street.
May 4. An election was held for town officers. The
Workingmen's ticket succeeded in all but the first ward.
In the third and fifth wards there was no opposition to
their candidates, and in the second and fourth every inch
was contested. It was about this time that Mr. Cros-
well of the Argus claimed that, as goes the fourth ward
so goes the state. The antimasons polled 25 ballots in
208 Notes from the Newspapers.
the first ward, 21 in the second, and 44 in the fourth;
in all 90. They had no ticket in the other wards.
The following vote was cast :
WOKKINGMEN. DEMOCRATS.
First Ward.
Supervisor, John Taylor, 187 Barent P. Staats, 279
Assessor. Green Hall, 485 No opposition.
Second Ward.
Supervisor, Josiah Winants, .... 260 Wm. Seymour, 245
Assessor. I. L. Judson, 273 James D. Wasson, 236
Third Ward.
Supervisor, N. Bleecker, 104
Assessor, H. V. Hart, 105
Fourth Ward.
Supervisor, S. S. Fowler, 303 Joseph Alexander, 226
Assessor, Robert Boyd, 283 Philip Hooker, . 253
Fifth Ward.
Supervisor, J. N. Quackenbush, . 8]
Assessor, Benjamin Wilson,. ... 84
May 8 and 9. There was frost at night, and the days
were unusually cold for May.
May 9. Maria A. Winne, wife of Dr. Barent P. Staats,
died, aged 26.
May 11. Peter Brooks died, aged 54.
May 12. Israel Williams advertised that he had re-
moved from Washington county, and opened an office at
388 Broadway, a few doors north of the City Hotel.
Louisa Maria, wife of Silas B. Howe, died, aged 23.
May 18. An election took place in the second ward for
two aldermen to fill the places of Messrs. Cassidy and
McGlashan, deceased, and of assistant alderman in place
of William Seymour, who had resigned in order to be a
candidate for alderman. The result was as follows:
WORKINGMEN. DEMOCRATS.
Aldermen, John Lossing, 344 Wrn. Seymour, 360
Abra'm Covert, 352 Seth Hastings, 357
Assistant, Jacob Downing, 332 Oliver G. De Graff, 368
May 19. Ann, wife of Sybrant Kittle, died, aged 52.
May 20. The Fourth Presbyterian church was dedi-
cated ; the Rev. Mr. Beman of Troy delivering thejser-
mon.
Notes from the Newspapers. 209
There were both frost and ice in the vicinity of the
city on this night.
May 21. The New Philadelphia, Capt. Seymour, arrived
from New York in 1 Oh. 53m.
Jane, wife of Millington Lockwood, died, aged 45.
May 24. Israel Smith, president of the Fourth Pres-
byterian church, sent a communication to the common
council declining a lot which had been appropriated to
that society for a burial ground.
The land committee appropriated a lot of ground to
the Second Methodist Episcopal church, bounded by Hud-
son, Snipe and Lancaster streets on three sides, and by
the burial ground of the Reformed Presbyterian church
on the west.
May 29. The banks depreciated the value of pistareens,
which were worth 20 cents to 16 cents ; the coin having
become worn.
June 1. Mrs. Gertrude Vandenburgh died, aged 73.
June 2. Margaret, wife of Nathan Manson, died, aged
16.
June 4. Jacob I. Lansing died, aged 77.
June 4. Frederick Matthews, of the firm of A. W.
Kingsley & Co., died, aged 38.
June 5. Eleanor, wife of John 0. Cole, died aged 37.
The northern stage made the trip from Whitehall to
Albany, 81 miles, in 8h. 30m., the speediest passage
ever made by stage.
June 7. The First Presbyterian church gave a unani-
mous call to the Rev. John N. Campbell, of Washington
city, to become its pastor, with a salary of $1600 per
annum.
Janetje Cook died in Bethlehem, aged 105. She resided
at Saratoga when that settlement was burnt by the In-
dians. Her husband Adam Cook, with whom she had
lived upwards of seventy years, died about ten years be-
fore her, aged 96.
June 8. Miranda, wife of John C. Deming, died, aged
38.
Mrs. Margaret Welch died, aged 59.
210 Notes from the Newspapers.
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Among the improvements recently made in the city, is
the Fourth Presbyterian church, just finished in the fifth
ward. This building is situated in the centre of a hand-
some open area, extending from North Market to Orchard
street, between Patroon and Wilson streets. The grounds
about the church are tastefully laid out in paved and
graveled walks and parterres. The edifice is substantially
built with stone and brick, marbleized, and designed in
the most simple style of Grecian architecture ; dimen-
sions 90 by 60 feet, having a tower in which is a belfrey
surmounted by a dome and small turret — a high base-
ment, which contains a lecture room and two capacious
school rooms — the body of the church is lighted by one
tier of oblong windows ; the ceiling a cylindric paneled
arch, being a small segment of a large circle ; a gallery
on three sides; the nave divided by three aisles, the
whole seated in a neat modern style. The chancel is
enclosed with bold paneled work, screening the stairs to
the pulpit, which rises in the centre in the form of an
altar, in the same bold style, producing a pleasing and
fine effect. The principal entrance is from North Market
street, by a glacis and flight of stone steps thirty feet in
length, terminated at each end by solid stone blocks or
socles, supporting the lamp piers, which are of heavy
ornamental iron work. What renders this building par-
ticularly interesting, is the novelty and simplicity of the
design, which was founded on economy, and which has
rendered it, and perhaps justly, the subject of criticism.
The small windows over the entrances were not in the
original design ; blank recesses would have supplied their
places with better effect. The original design was made
by Philip Hooker. The congregation is under the pas-
toral care of Rev. Edward N. Kirk.
The North Dutch church was enclosed by an iron rail-
ing, a new fabric in this city.
June 10. The house of John Townsend was robbed of
its silver plate. The robber was soon after arrested
and the plate recovered.
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Notes from the Newspapers. 213
An ox weighing 4000 pounds was exhibited in the city,
supposed to have been the largest ever seen in this country.
June 13. George Vernon, formerly manager of the
Theatre, died at Woodstock farm, near Albany, aged 33.
Besides his talent as a comedian, he was also eminent in
scientific, particularly in architectural, knowledge.
Julia Radcliffe Cantine died, daughter of the late Moses
Cantine.
June 15. Elizabeth, wife of Moses Kenyon, died, aged
47. Mrs. Abigail Adams died, aged 70.
June 30. Nicholas F. Beck, adjutant-general of the
state, died, aged 34.
July 5. Solomon Southwick advertised a course of
lectures on the importance and utility of studying the
scriptures, in a scientific and intellectual as well as moral
and spiritual point of view, to be delivered in the North
Pearl street Methodist Episcopal church.
The anniversary of independence was celebrated on
this day. William Parmelee delivered the oration,
July 7. Joseph Robinson died, aged 70.
July 10. Mrs. Isabella Orr died, aged 84.
July 15. Abiel Bugby died, aged 42.
July 24. John Reynolds died.
July 29. The ceremony of breaking ground for the
Albany and Schenectady rail road took place near the
city of Schenectady.
The report of the marshal upon the census of the city
was as follows:
White males, 11,533
White females, 11,632
Colored males, 421
Colored females, 630
Of these 3199 were aliens. 24,216
The city was divided into iive wards, as it had been
for many years. The population of the Colonie, forming
the fifth ward, was included in the census of 1810 for the
first time. The following is the census of the city at
five different periods :
[Annals, ix.] 19
214 Notes from the Newspapers.
1790 3,506 1820 12,241
1800 5,349 1825 15,974
1810 10,762
In 1790 the white population was less than 3000.
Aug. 14. George Merchant died, aged 73. His father,
a native of Stuttgard in Germany, came to America in
1745,* and settled at Princeton, N. J., where his son
George, the youngest of eleven children, was born in
1757. He received a liberal education at Princeton col-
lege, under the celebrated Dr. Witherspoon, and was
graduated in 1779. He was a classmate of President
Madison, and his attainments were so great, that he was
placed immediately in charge of the Princeton academy.
During the time he pursued his studies at Princeton, the
British invasion disturbed that seat of science, and roused
in the bosom of young Merchant, those strong and patri-
otic emotions against tyranny and usurpation which in
after life maintained their force and intensity in his bo-
som. The students were for some time under military
discipline, and he took the lead of the youthful band. In
the spring of 1780, the mayor and common council gave
him an invitation to take charge of a grammar school or
academy then about to be established here, which he ac-
cepted, and continued in the discharge of that office for
about two years, when he returned to Princeton. In
1786 he received a second invitation to take charge of
an academy in this city, which he accepted, and resided
* George Merchant was an energetic, self-made man, of great in-
fluence in Albany. His real name was Koopman (or Kaufman),
equivalent to Chapman or Merchant in English. Either he, or his
father anglicized the name. His school, or Academy, was at one time
kept next door south of the Vanderheyden house in North Pearl street.
He, himself, lived in State street near the present Geological Hall.
Some years after Gen. Ten Broeck's death, he purchased his mansion
and grounds (now the residence of Thomas W. Olcott) which had long
lain waste, for a mere song, and he resided and (I believe) died there.
His sons were remarkable for both their mental and physical activity,
particularly the latter, but did not succeed in life as well as their fa-
ther. One of them was an engraver and published a map of the city
of Albany. A grand-daughter, of fine musical ability, is now (1858)
the organist of the North Dutch Church. — P.
Notes from the Newspapers. 215
here from that time until his decease. Under his care
were educated a number of young men who afterwards
became the leading and most distinguished characters of
the city. He held several offices during this time, among
which were those of alderman, police justice, county
clerk, lottery manager, commissioner of bankruptcy, and
during the war of 1812, paymaster of the United States
army. The latter office was conferred upon him without
solicitation, on account of his well known attachment
and devotion to the interests and honor of the country at
that trying period. For many years he was a warden of St.
Peter's church. His unaffected piety and exemplary
morals, united with a high sense of honor and gentle-
manly deportment, secured him the regard and esteem of
all who knew him.
Aug. 17. The firm of Kirk and Mitchell was dissolved,
Andrew Kirk retiring, and William Mitchell continuing
the business.
Au£c. 21. Ann, widow of Alexander Clark, died, aged
78. She was a native of Scotland, but had resided in
Albany more than half a century.
Aug. 23. Cornelius McKelvey died, aged 44.
The population of Troy in
1810 was 3,895 1825.... 7,879
1820 5,066 1830.... 11,405
The treasurer of the New York State Colonization
Society acknowledged the receipt of the following dona-
tions from the collections made in the churches of Albany:
Second Reformed Dutch church, Mr. Ferris, $5T59
Second Presbyterian church, Dr. Sprague, 91*80
Third Presbyterian church, Mr. Williams, 20*00
Fourth Presbyterian church, Mr. Kirk, 35'00
Second Methodist church, Mr. Matthias, 4 -00
Aug. 29. The new Catholic church, corner of Chapel
and Pine streets was opened for divine service, and a
collection taken up.
Aug. 29. Samuel Wilson, of the firm of James Wilson
& Sons, died at Schodack.
Aug. 31. Samuel Starr died, aged 65.
216 Notes from the Newspapers.
The chamberlain reported to the common council that
the receipts of the south ferry were $942'68 for the month
of August, and the expenditures $505*25; leaving an in-
come of $437*43 for the month.
Sept. 3. Mary, wife of Thomas Roorback, died, aged 28.
Mary, widow of Henry C. South wick, died in New
York. She was a daughter of Capt. Isaac Wool.
Sept. 4. The pattern shop of Francis Low, in the rear
of the theatre, was partially destroyed by fire.
A writer in the Daily Advertiser recommended the
.purchase of a clock for the Second Dutch church ; although
there were two public clocks, one in St. Peter's and one
an the North Dutch church, it was complained that they
were almost useless to the business and laboring part of
-community, from the circumstance of their not being heard
•throughout the city.
While St. Mary's church was being demolished and
' >rebuilt, the services of the congregation were held in the
Lancaster school house. When they returned to their
snew church, on the 8th of September, the trustees passed
the following resolution:
Resolved, That we entertain, in common with the en-
tire congregation, a deep sense of the obligation which
*we are under to the trustees of the Lancaster school, for
'the liberality they have shown in granting the use of their
school room to the Catholics of Albany, while their
church was erecting, and that they deserve our warm and
sincere thanks.
The resolution was communicated to the board of
trustees of the school, with the accompanying note:
To the President of the Board of Trustees of the Lan-
caster School.
Sir: At a meeting of the board of trustees of St. Mary's
church, held on the evening of the 8th instant, we were
appointed a committee to convey to you a copy of a reso-
lution unanimously passed by them, expressive of their
gratitude for the favor conferred on the Catholics of
Albany, by the trustees of the Lancaster school, in
affording them an opportunity of continuing their reli-
ST. MARY'S CHURCH,
Corner of Chapel and Pine Streets, erected 1831.
Notes from the Newspapers. 217
gious exercises. Such acts of courtesy and liberality are
duly estimated by the Catholics, for they characterize, in
an especial manner, the lovers of pure religion, and can
not fail ultimately to promote the sound principles of
civil and religious liberty. PETER M. MORANGB,
Sept. 10, 1830. WM. MCDONNELL.
Sept. 8. Seymour Tracy died, aged 46.
Wm. H. Guest died, aged 22.
Sept. 12. John C. Johnson died, aged 27.
Sept. 14. Joseph D. Shiffer died, aged 35.
Mrs. Hannah Sheldon died, aged 67.
The stock of the rail road in process of construction
between Albany and Schenectady, was 10 per cent above
par. The editor of the Daily Advertiser, in the excite-
ment of the moment', boldly predicted the speedy arrival
of the time when trains would traverse the track to
Schenectady in three quarters of an hour, and reach
Utica in four hours! The stages had by the utmost ex-
ertion performed the distance in 12 hours.
Sept. 26. Edward A. Le Breton died at Detroit, aged
55 ; formerly of Albany, where he had a brewery.
Sept. 28. The Charter election took place with the
following results :
WORKINGMEN. DEMOCRATS.
First Ward.
Aldermen. Ralph Pratt, 461 Erastus Corning, 386
Willard Walker, ... 439 John Keyes Page, 337
Assistants. Francis Low, 478 Artemas Fish, 344
Jas. W. Robinson, . . 464 Homer R. Phelps, 331
Second Ward.
Aldermen. John Lossing, 334 William Seymour, 350
John Boardman, .... 334 Seth Hastings, 342
Assistants. Josiah Winants, 328 James D. Wasson, 342
Jotham Hancock,. . . 326 P. G. DeGraff, 348
Third Ward.
Aldermen. Gerrit Gates, 117 In this ward all the candid-
G. Y. Lansing, 139 ates were of the Workingmen's
E. W Skinner, .... 123 party, and the divisions were
Thos. Russell, 69 of a local character. Mr. Rus-
jlssistants. Arnold Nelson. 227 sell declined to be a candidate,
James Campbell, jr. Ill and urged his friends not to
H. G. Wynkoop. . . . 118 vote for him.
218 Notes from the Newspapers.
WOKKINGMEN. DEMOCRATS.
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen. S. S. Fowler, 339 James Maher, 367
S. T. Rice, 362 Lemuel Steele, 381
Assistants. Henry Rector, 361 Ebenezer Murdock, 357
James Robison,.... 390 Daniel P. Marshall, 329
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen. James Gibbons, Jr., 276 J. N. Quackenbush, 174
S. V. Rensselaer, jr. 263 John L. Winne, 139
Assistants. J. Van Ness, jr 411
Daniel Carmichael,. 249 H. A. Fay, 168
Nathaniel P. Willis, seated in an upper story of Titus's
Hotel in Troy, had a glimpse of "Albany, looking so
well in the distance," he said, " that you half forgive it
for its hogs, offals, broken pavements, and the score of
other nuisances more Dutch than decent." Mr. Willis
was reprimanded by the editor of the Daily Advertiser
at this return for certain hospitalities he had received
here, and it is believed that he made some apology for it.
Sept. 28. Alexander McGlashan died, aged 67, and was
buried on the 29th from the house of Paul Clark, corner
Lydius and Lark streets.
Oct. 1. The steam boat Ohio, arrived at her dock at 2
minutes before 3 o'clock, having made her trip in 9h.
58m., and performed the most rapid sailing on record in
the world.
Oct. 2. Philip Fetherly, Jr. died, aged 46.
Oct. 8. Capt. Richard Dusenbury died, aged 71.
Oct. 9. Christopher Dunn died, aged 67, famous as the
keeper of Dunn's City Coffee House, corner of Green and
Beaver streets. Green street at this time was much
narrower than at present, and thronged with stages.
When the street was widened, the old Tavern was cut
through its centre.
Oct. 11. The common council passed a law for exca-
vating, pitching and paving Lodge street, from Maiden
Lane to Pine street.
Oct. 12. Samuel Hascy died, aged 53.
Oct. 16. Henry H. Hampton died, aged 23.
Oct. 21. Joseph W. Clark died, aged 29.
John C. Porter, son of Giles W. Porter, died in Wilkin-
Notes from the Newspapers. 219
son county, Mississippi, aged 23. He commenced his
education at the Albany Academy, where he distinguished
himself by his acquirements; and completed his studies
at the Episcopal General Theological Seminary, and
received deacon's orders about two years ago. He shortly
after went to the south, and officiated first at the Episco-
pal church at Woodville, and afterwards became rector
of Trinity church at Natchez. He was actively engaged
in the service of the church at the time of his death.
Oct. 22. Sarah Ten Eyck, wife of John Trotter, and
daughter of the late Dr Elias Willard, died, aged 41.
Oct. 25. P. V. Shankland was appointed clerk of the
common council, in place of John W. Hyde, removed.
Oct. 30. Wm. S. Handel died at Paris Hill, Oneida
county, aged 38.
The city expenditures for the year ending Oct. 12, were
$174,442-93* ; the receipts were $165,546*02£.
Nov. 1. Sarah, wife of John W. Winne, died, aged 24.
The grand Jury, viewing the increase of crime, recom-
mended the erection of a work house.
Nov. 3. The election resulted in the success of the
democratic ticket. There were two other parties in the
field, namely, the national republicans and the anti-
masons, which were a little mixed up with the working
men's party.
DEMOCRATIC. ANTIMASONIC.
Governor. Enos T. Throcp, . . .. J667 Francis Granger, 1420
Lt. Gov. Edw. P. Livingston, 1656 Samuel Stevens, 1451
Senator. Her. I.Quackenboss, 1568 Jabez D. Hammond, ... 1662
Assembly. Peter Gansevoort, . . 1742 Ehsha Dorr, 1586
Congress. G.Y.Lansing,.... 1585
Nov. 9. Nancy Grant died, aged 29.
Nov. 10. Maria Hagadorn died, aged 25.
Nov. 15. Elisha Hosford, formerly of the firm of E. &
E. Hosford, printers and booksellers, died at Hartford,
Conn., aged 50.
Nov. 17. The citizens having undertaken to collect
money by subscription for the purpose of gilding the
dome of the new City Hall, a meeting was held on this
day, to hear the reports of the committees, wh ich was as
follows :
220 Notes from the Newspapers.
First ward $73'50
Second ward 16T75
Third ward 120-75
Fourth ward 9825
Fifth ward, no report
The committees obtained further time to collect, and
the subscriptions having been limited at $2 each, they
were authorized to receive whatever sums should be
offered, to makeup the amount supposed to be necessary.
Nov. 22. A meeting of the printers was held at Bement's
Recess. Charles R. Webster Chairman, Edwin Croswell
and John B. Van Steenburgh, assistants, and Thomas S.
Ranney and John Visscher secretaries. It was resolved
to send delegates to the celebration in New York of the
recent French revolution, which arose from the abolition
of the liberty of the press.
The common council resolved to raise by tax $4000
for lighting and repairing lamps, $6000 for night watch,
$8500 for contingencies; and $8000 on account of the
city debt; total $26,500.
A side walk was ordered to be made on the south side
of Lydius street from Pearl to Hallenbake street. This
portion of Lydius street was often impassable by reason
of the gullies that were made by rains.
The finance committee were authorized to let the old
Court House for such rent and length of time as the
interest of the city should seem to require.
Nov. 9. Ann, wife of John Gansevoort, died in Water-
vliet; daughter of John C. Cuyler.
Dec. The marshals having completed their canvass of
the city reported the following as the population of the
wards.
Firstward,.. 6855
Second ward, 6266
Third ward, 2011
Fourth ward, 5878
Fifth ward, 3206
24,216.
The increase in five years was 8245.
Notes from the Newspapers. 221
The population of the whole county was 53,537, being
an increase of 10,716 since 1825.
Dec. 2. Eliza, wife of Nathaniel Paul, died at St.
Thomas, Canada ; formerly of this city.
Dec. 9. Thanksgiving day was observed agreeably to
the memorable proclamation of Governor Throop, com-
mencing " Whereas the wisdom of man is but a small
light, shining around his footsteps, showing the things
that are near, while all beyond is shrouded in darkness."
Gen. Matthew Trotter died. He was an officer of the
revolution, and was with Gen. Gansevoort and Col.
Willett at Fort Stanwix. He was afterwards aid to
Lord Stirling. At the close of the war he entered upon
mercantile business, and was for some years captain of
a sloop which ran between Albany and New York. He
held several municipal offices, and commissions in the
militia, and throughout his long life commanded the re-
spect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mrs. Sarah Sands, formerly of Albany, died at Johns-
town, aged 38.
Dec. 13. Mrs. Sarah Van Zandt died, aged 84.
The level of Eagle street from Beaver to Lydius street
was established.
An apportionment for pitching, paving and flagging
Orchard street, from Patroon street north, was confirmed.
Dec. 16. John Le Breton died, aged 28. He was one
of the most active men engaged in the erection of St.
Paul's church in Ferry street, and junior member of the
firm of Mancius & Le Breton.
Dec. 18. David Williams, the surviving captor of
Andre attended the Theatre under the escort of Capt.
Watson's artillery company, where he spoke a narrative
of the particulars of the event in which he so highly
distinguished himself, and was received with much
applause by a large audience.
Dec. 22. The river was closed by ice, and the steam
boats did not get above the city of Hudson, and no mails
were received from New York.
Ann Eliza, wife of John Groesbeck, died, aged 30.
222 Notes from the Newspapers.
Dec. 25. Donald Rose died, aged 60.
Dec. 29. The common council made the following
appointments.
John 0. Cole and Wm. Stilwell, police justices.
John E. Lovett, city attorney.
Philip Hooker, city surveyor.
Alden March, city physician.
On balloting for mayor Frajicis Bloodgood received 12
and John Townsend 9 votes.
Dec. 30. Catharine widow of Gen, Peter Gansevoort,
died, aged 79.
The steam boats arrived from New York again.
Dec. 31. The Museum was removed from the old City
Hall, corner of South Market and Hudson streets, to the
new marble building of Messrs, Thorpe & Sprague, corner
of State and North Market streets, and made ready for
opening on the 1st January.
1831.
Jan. Notices were given of applications to the legisla-
ture for the construction of a bridge over the Hudson at
Albany; to incorporate a medical college and hospital.
Jan. 1. The new mayor, Francis Bloodgood, was sworn
into office; and signalized the event by liberating all the
debtors confined in the jail by paying their debts.
The rains had swollen the streams to such an extent
that the water was two feet above the pier and docks.
Jan. 2. A sermon was preached in the Second Dutch
Church by Rev. J. N. Campbell, and a collection taken
for the Infant School society, which amounted to $180*80.
Jan. 9. Elizabeth, widow of Abraham Ellison, formerly
a bookseller in this city, died, aged 79. She is character-
ized in an obituary notice as " one of the best women
that ever lived."
Jan. 10. No steam boat arrived from New York. The
Commerce left her dock for that port, and succeeded with
difficulty in working a passage through the accumulating
ice, which reached to Hyde Park, in 13 hours, and arrived
at her dock on the afternoon of the llth.
Notes from the Newspapers.
223
Jan. 11. Garret Evertsen died, aged 29.
Jan. 15. Mary Clark died, aged 35.
Jan. 21. Thermometer 10° below zero.
"William Brower died, aged 68.
Delia B., wife of E. C. Mclntosh, died.
N. R. Packard, superintendent of the alms house, in
answer to some complaints of the expense of that estab-
lishment, published the following table:
Years.
Total Expenses.
Number
Admitted.
Average.
Average week-
iy expenses per
individual.
1824
1825
1826
4027-45
4449-83
5345-48
233
174
261
102
94
123
77-0
91-0
81-5
13822-76
668
107
83-1
1827
1828
1829
5214-82
6119-72
6599-79
368
285
420
163
155
205
61-5
75-2
61-4
17934-33
1073
174
66-1
Jan. 28. Janet Shields died, aged 29.
A soup house was opened in the basement of the City
Hall, and more than 400 persons were supplied on this
and the following day. It was the first experiment of
the kind for the relief of the poor at an inclement season.
Jan. 30. Hannah, widow of Thomas Douglass, died,
aged 70.
Jan. 30. Dr. Charles D. Cooper died, aged 61.
Feb. 1. William L. Marcy resigned his office of judge
of the Supreme court, and was elected by the legislature
United States senator for six years.
Abraham Keyser was elected state treasurer.
Feb. 7. The common council authorized the chamber-
lain to license four chimney sweepers.
Proposals were received for excavating Patroon street.
Feb. 10. John B. Robinson died, aged 25.
224 Notes from the Newspapers.
Feb. 11. Elizabeth, wife of Stephen J. Rider, died, aged
42.
Feb. 12. A partial eclipse of the sun took place, which
had created great expectations with many.
Feb. 14. Anna, wife of George Loomis, died, aged 80.
Feb. 21. The common council passed a law to excavate
and pave Lydius street from Pearl street west.
Feb. 23. George W. Hurst died at Elmira, aged 35.
Feb. 28. Benjamin F. Russell died, aged 23.
There were during the year ending with this month
but two fires, and seven alarms; " which is perhaps unpre-
cedented in the annals of any other city of the same
amount of population."
March. 2. Clarissa, wife of Charles B. Dean, died, aged
46.
March, 3. The copartnership of Seneca Mabbett & Co.
(Lewis Woodburn) was dissolved.
The dwelling house of Gen. John H. Wendell, in North
Market street, about 32 feet front and rear, and running
back 84 feet to Middle lane, was sold for $7000. It was
one of the gable enders, and the old general himself
adhered to the ancient burger costume till his death.
March. 7. Wm. James, B. P. Staats and others
petitioned the common council to widen Green street
between State and Beaver streets. Remonstrances were
made by Margaret Cooper and Ann Dole.
Mr. Seymour, from a select committee on schools,
reported, recommending that lots be set apart whereon
to build school houses, and in favor of levying a tax«for
school purposes. It was reported that 1694 scholars had
been instructed in the district schools since the 1st June
last.
A resolution offered by Barnum Whipple in July, 1830,
was called up by James Maher, and passed, as follows:
Resolved, That the chamberlain advertise a reward of
$500 to be paid to any person who shall discover a coal
mine of a good quality and quantity sufficient to supply
this city, within five miles of any of the navigable waters
of the Hudson north of Poughkeepsie.
Notes from the Newspapers. 225
An effort was made to have Pine street opened from
Chapel street to North Market. The expense was
estimated by one at $45,000, by another at $60,000. By
some it was denounced as a useless project, "equaled
only by the opening of Clinton square, which had had a
tendency to reduce rents in that quarter, and had become
a monument of the stupidity of its originators."
March 10. The common council resolved to widen
Green street by taking a certain number of feet from the
east side.
It was also resolved to raise money by tax for the
support of schools.
March 11. Hannah, wife of Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, died,
aged 38.
March 14. Mrs. Mary Wendell died, aged 78.
March 17. The Swiftsure and Constitution, the first
boats of the season, arrived from New York.
Rutger Bleecker died.
March 24. The corporation passed a resolution to
widen Green street from State to Division streets.
March 25. A fire destroyed the tin shop of Wm. Austin,
near the corner of Hudson and South Market streets.
March 28. A meeting of citizens was held at the
Capitol to discuss the project of a branch rail road from
the main road down Washington street. Harmanus
Bleecker introduced a resolution to that effect. John la.
Wendell, in behalf of the turnpikes interested, also ad-
dressed the meeting, and was voted down.
Paul Clark, owner of the well known tavern, still
called Paul Clark's corner, died after an illness of more
than 18 months, aged 67.
March 30. George Webster died, aged 55.
April 1. Jonah Scovel died, aged 81, a soldier of the
revolution. Rejoined the regiment of Col. Lattimore, who
raised a company of patriotic yeomanry in the state of Con-
necticut and marched them to Stillwater. In the battle
of Saratoga he received two balls in his side, which he
carried to his grave.
[Annals, ix.] 20
226 Notes from the Newspapers.
April 4. David E. Gregory retired from the firm of
Gregory & Bain, and Peter Bain continued the business
with the two sons of his late partner, William M. and
Stephen B. Gregory.
April 4. The common council granted two acres of
Washington square, on the north end, to the purposes of
an orphan asylum, requiring that the directors should
remove the Powder house.
April 5. A fire in Washington street destroyed several
buildings above Hawk street.
The governor nominated Anthony Blanchard to the
senate as surrogate of Albany in place of T. A. Bridgen,
resigned.
April 7. The water was 2£ feet deep on the pier and
dock.
April 9. The military, officers, subalterns and privates,
assembled at Crosby's hotel, corner of Beaver and South
Pearl streets, in large numbers, to express their disap-
probation of the use of any part of Washington square
for any other purpose than a military parade ground, to
which it was set apart. They passed a column of reso-
lutions, and appointed a committee of thirty-seven to
move the town to rise against the project. They suc-
ceeded.
April 14. Elizabeth S., wife of Walter R. Morris, died.
She was the youngest daughter of Dr. Elias Willard.
Jacob R. Griffen died, aged 72.
April 16. Patrick Hector, formerly of Albany, died in
Troy, aged 60.
April 18. Myndert Winne died, aged 25.
April 26. A. M. Strong advertised fancy and staple
dry goods at the old stand of James Clark, whom he suc-
ceeded, corner of State and South Market streets.
The legislature adjourned after a session of sixteen
weeks. Thev passed an act to abolish imprisonment for
debt.
April 29. Patrick, son of Paul Clark, died, aged 33.
May 1. Elizabeth, widow of John McKenney, died,
aged 80.
Not e8 from the Newspapers. 227
May 3. The election for town officers resulted as fol-
lows: The National Republicans and Workingmen voted
as one party, against the Democrats, who were styled
the Regency.
DEMOCRATS. REPUBLICANS.
First Ward.
Supervitor. Barent P. Staats,. . . 333 John Taylor, 10
Assessor... No opposition. Green Hall, 52 T
Second Ward.
Supervisor. Wm. Seymour, .... 345 Josiah Winants, 16?.
Assessor... James D. Wasson,. . 339 I. L. Judson 1C6
Third Ward.
Supervisor. No opposition. Nicholas Bleecker, 231
Assessor ... do. Herman V. Hart, 217
Fourth Ward.
Supervisor. Lemuel Steele 323 Frederick Porter, 184
Assessor. . . B. Van Benthu-'sen, 295 Philip Hooker, 200
The Antimasons supported a ticket of their own in this ward, and
their candidates received about 50 votes.
Fifth Ward.
Supervisor. J. N. Quackenbush, . 89 Robert Shepard, 132
Assessor. . . No opposition. Benjamin Wilson, 218
May 4. Margery, wife of Donald McLeod, died, aged
80.
May 9. Catharine Louisa, daughter of Isaac Hamilton,
died, aged 22.
May 10. Isaac J. Fryer died, aged 64.
May J2. A fire destroyed the fur shop of Packer,
Prentice & Co. on the Pier, occasioning a loss of over
$12,000, of which $10,000 was insured.
May 16. James Radcliffdied, aged 72.
May 19. At a sale of stocks by the comptroller, the
stocl^ of the Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank sold at
$141 J. At the same time United States Bank stock, the
highest sold in the New York market, brought $128|.
May 23. Mary, wife of Gen. Anthony Lamb, died in
New York, aged 56 ; formerly of Albany.
The board of directors of the Albany and Schenectady
turnpike took all the incipient measures for the con-
struction of a rail road from Albany to Schenectady on
the site of their turnpike road.
228 Notes from the Newspapers.
May 29. John Teazey died, aged 77. He was a native
of Hanover, and came to this country with the British
^army, in the time of the revolution. He remained in
this city after the close of the war, following the trade
of a tobacconist, and was for some time the sexton of the
Lutheran church.
...iay 29. Gerrit G. Lansing died at Oriskany, aged 70.
He was born in Albany, in 1761, and while a youth en-
•tered the revolutionary army at its commencement. At
Yorktown, under Col. Hamilton, he led the forlorn hope
as lieutenant. He went to Oriskany in 1802, then in-
'habited by the Indians. He was a brother of Chancellor
'Lansing; and in the various offices which he held, civil
.and military, distinguished himself by his ability and
.patriotism.
May 30. The steam boat Constellation, Capt. Robert
'G. Cruttenden, made her first appearance this season,
enlarged, refitted and with a new engine. This boat had
:never lost a trip nor the life of a hand or passenger:
during the seven years she had plied the river. The fol-
lowing statement was given of the number of her trips
.and the passengers she had carried:
1825 92 trips 1 1,633 passengers
1826 230 " 31,919
1827 196 " 27,020
1828 198 " 32,381
1829 210 " 35,221
1830 236 " 33,736
1162 171,910-av'ge, 148
June 1. John W. Ryan, an old citizen, was drawned
in the Norman's kill.
June 6. Gerrit Van Schoonhoven died, aged 29.
June 7. A fire broke out in a house adjoining the fur-
nace in Beaver street.
Augustine P. Beers, youngest son of William P. Beers,
late of this city, died at Fairfield, Conn., aged 28. He
was a young gentleman of great merit, .acting as a sur-
geon in the United States navy.
Notes from the Newspapers. 229
Wm. Landon announced that he had taken the estab-
lishment formerly known as Park Place House, and kept
for many years by L. Cruttenden. It had 40 rooms, and
was called Congress Hall.
June 12. Gertrude, wife of O.Lovell, died, aged 27.
June 18. Ann, wife of Andrew Williams, died at Wor-
cester, Otsego County, aged 27.
June 23. James Visscher died, aged 29.
June 24. A fire took in the carpenter's shop of Mr.
Van Zandt, corner of South Pearl and Hudson streets.
The steam ferry boat which had been procured for the
south ferry by the urgent advocacy of John Townsend,
made J80 crossings on this day, ferrying 344 teams, 8
stages and 14 horses.
June 26. Margaret N. Quackenbush died.
June 27. The Reformed Presbyterian Church applied
to the common council for permission to circulate a
subscription paper to raise funds to build a new house of
worship in Westerlo street, the sale of the old church not
being sufficient for the purpose. Granted for 90 days.
John H. Wendell and William B. Winne petitioned
that the name of North High street might be changed to
Ten Broeck street, in memory of the late Gen. Abraham
Ten Broeck.
A law passed to pitch Hallenbake street from Beaver
to Lydius street.
June 28. John Robison Townsend died, aged 27.
June 29. Philip S. Parker died, aged 55; late city
recorder.
July 2. Ann widow of Thomas Barry died, aged 93.
She arrived in this country with her husband more than
sixty years previous to her death. He became an
eminent merchant, and resided here until his decease,
except a few years during the revolutinary war when he
removed his family to Philadelphia. Mrs. Barry is repre-
sented to have been "fair and beautiful beyond the usual
years of female personal charms, and extremely interest-
ing and pleasing in conversation and manners until disease
confined her to a sick bed."
230 Notes from the Newspapers.
July 4. The day was celebrated with unusual eclat.
The trades turned out with cars on which the manipu-
lations of each handicraft were exhibited.
A canister containing powder was placed on the steps
of the residence of the mayor, Francis Bloodgood, with a
slow match attached to it, which exploded and shattered
the windows of the house. A reward of one hundred
dollars was offered for the discovery of the perpetrators,
and several persons were apprehended, tried and con-
demned for the misdemeanor.
July 6. Daniel Stewart died, aged 39.
The dome of the new City Hall had been gilded by
Joseph Davis, and was disclosed to the citizens on the
4th July, by the removal of the scaffolding.
July 10. A fire broke out in a carpenter's shop corner
of Plain and Hallenbake streets, which destroyed several
other buildings also.
July 11. William Barney and others applied to the
common council to have Lydius street excavated from
Eagle to Lark street.
Joseph Pierce died, aged 54.
The First Presbyterian church was enlarged and
remodeled internally, when it became the most elegantly
finished church in the city.
July 25. The common council, which had for a long
time held its meetings in the Capitol, met for the first
time in their chamber in the new City Hall.
The trustees of the Primitive Methodist church
obtained permission to circulate a subscription for thirty
days, to obtain funds with which to build a church.
The Third Presbyterian church applied for a donation
in lands or otherwise to assist in building a church
between State and Ferry streets.
The name of North High street was changed to Ten
Broeck street. Clinton street was ordered to be exca-
vated; also^Lydius street from South Pearl street to
Lark; also Hudson street from South Pearl to Eagle, and
a part of Hamilton street.
Notes from the Newspapers. 231
July 27. The Mansion House (formerly Rockwell's)
was reopened by J. P. Bradstreet, as a public house.
A fire destroyed the bakery of Daniel Carmichael in the
north part of the city.
A bell was cast at the foundery of Mr. Aspinwall in
Beaver street, for an Episcopal church in Rochester,
weighing about 2600 pounds, which was pronounced the
largest in the northern or western part of the state. It
was 4 ft. 2 in in diameter, and 3 ft. 3 in. in height.
July 29. The New Philadelphia having been repaired,
made her reappearance at the landing place foot of Lydius
street.
Aug. 1. Dolly, wife of Samuel Holmes, died.
Aug. 4. William Naylor died, aged 53.
Aug. 5. A row of wooden buildings in North Market
street near Orange, were burnt.
Rev. Geo. Upfold resigned the rectorship of St. Thomas's
church in New York, and accepted that of Trinity church,
Pittsburgh. Pa.
Aug. 6. Eleanor, wife of James Radcliffdied, aged 41.
Epigram on the new buildings going up in North Pearl
street, owned by two physicians:
These doctors who wi'h death do wrestle,
Perchance to make life shorter,
After years' labor with the pestle,
Go largely in the mortar.
On a military election between A. V. Fryer and Wm. G.
Fry, which was controverted:
THE COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE.
Our modern troops by name do try,
To use themselves to fire;
The 2, 4, 6 declares for Fry,
The 89th for Fryer.
Aug. 15. Mrs. Benjamin Tullidge died, aged 47.
Aug. 19. Peter Skerritt died, aged 32.
James Cassidy died, aged 25.
Aug. 22. Mary Willett died, aged 23.
Aug. 28. Miranda wife of Jabez D. Hammond died,
aged 42.
232 Notes from the Newspapers.
Sept. 3. Heber Stone died at Esperance, aged 45.
Sep. 7. The Albany Literary Gazette was published by
James D. Nicholson, and^ edited by John P. Jermain.
Sept. 11. Eliza G., wife of Jason Paige, died.
Charlotte Maria, wife of James G. Mather, died.
Sept. 13. William Campbell died, aged 60.
Sept. 14. Huldah P., daughter of the late Daniel Hale,
died, aged 31.
Sept. 15. Mrs. Martha Wilson, for many years a school
mistress, died, aged 85.
Nicholas Van Schaack died, aged 29.
Sept. 19. Justus Wright and others, trustees of the
Society of Friends in Albany, applied to the common
council for the grant of a lot on which to build a house
of worship.
Sept. 22. The stockholders of the Schenectady turn-
pike began the survey of their road with a view of
converting it to the purposes of a rail road. Wm. M.
Cushman made the survey.
Sept. 27. The charter election was held, and resulted
in the triumph of the democratic ticket in three of the
five wards.
DEMOCRATS. REPUBLICANS.
First Ward.
Aldermen, Barent P. Staats, . . . 386 Ralph' Pratt, 235
Erastus Corning, ... 403 Aaron Thorp, 235
Assistants, Stephen Putnam, . . . 384 Edward Kirkpatrick, 278
George M. Stevens,. 385 Angus McDuffie, 314
Constable, Abraham Sickles, 703
Second Ward.
Aldermen, William Seymour,. . 351 Dyer Lathrop, 296
Seta Hastings, ...... 342 John Meads, 273
Assistants, James D. Wasson,. . 347 George J. Loomis, 296
0. G. DeGroff, 347 Matthews Brown, 273
Constable. Isaac O. Davis, 338
Third Ward.
Aldermen, Peter Gansevoort, .. 119 Elisha W. Skinner, 159
Gerrit Gates, 125 Isaac W. Staats, 158
Assistants, James Campbell, Jr. 108 Arnold Nelson, JS1
Juhn F. Porter, .... 123 H. W. Wynkoop, 105
Notes from the Newspapers. 233
DEMOCRATS. REPUBLICANS.
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen, James Maher, 394 Wm. Adams, 302
Lemuel Steele, 407 Henry Rector, 284
Assistants, Ebenezer Murdoch, . 391 James Robinson, 307
B. Van Benthuisen, . 383 Frederick Porter, 297
Constable, Seth Green, 238 Asaph Preston, 397
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen, Isaac H. Bogert, 175 James Gibbons, 247
Francis I. Bradt, ... 176 S. Van Rensselaer, 246
Assistants, J. Van Schoonhoven, 202 Daniel Carmichael, 193
Daniel Shaw, 220 John Van Ness, Jr. ..... 237
The common council appointed Peter V. Shankland,
chamberlain.
Sept. 29. The annual military parade of the 89th
regiment, Col. John Osborn, and the 246th regiment,
Col. A. V. Fryer, took place, when a considerable number
of privates appeared in the most ludicrous and fantastic
costumes imaginable. The object of the persons engaged
in this affair was to bring the militia system into contempt ;
it gave the officers much annoyance.
The Mohawk and Hudson rail road was in operation
at this time, a locomotive running from the junction of
Lydius street to the brow of the hill east of Schenectady.
Sept. 30. James E. Thompson, a soldier of the revolu-
tion, died, aged 71.
Oct. 4. Asa Colvard, sheriff of the county, died
suddenly, aged 64.
The Mayor's court was held in the new City Hall for
the first time, Recorder McKown presiding. John Van
Ness Yates, who was engaged as counsel in the first cause,
made appropriate remarks on the occasion.
Oct. 6. Jacob Lansing died, aged 49.
Oct. 7. A movement was made by the merchants for
closing stores at 8 o'clock in the evening, and a meeting
was called at the City Coffee House, where the Delavan
House now stands. The call was signed by the following
firms, which have all passed away, or been changed.
Isaac W. Staats, J. & II. Meacham & Co.,
T. W. Ford & Son, Humphrey & Co.,
W. S. Shepherd & Co., Little & Cummings,,
Gregory, Bain & Co., Friend Humphrey.
234 Notes from the Newspapers.
W. S. & E. C. Me Intosh, J. Sherman & Co.,
C. & A. W. Johnson, Smith & V* illard.
But three individuals of the above firms are now in
active business here. Mr. W. C. Little, Mr. H. Meacham
& Mr. Bachelder, of the firm of J. Sherman & Co.
Oct. 8. A meeting of citizens opposed to the militia
system was held at the Capitol, Thomas Me Mullen chair-
man. A speech was made by S. W. Hutchinson, and an
address to the people of the state of New York reported
by a committee consisting of Giles D. Winne, S. Hutchin-
son, Philo K. Cole, and Benj. R. Spelman.
Oct. 9. Mary, wife of Capt. Andrew Bartholomew, died.
Oct . 11. At a meeting of the common council a petition
was presented for widening State street from Market
street to the Quay, to the width of 70 feet. The width
of the street at this time was 35 feet at Market street,
and 43 feet at Quay street, and the buildings on each
side were mostly of wood, and in a wretched condition.
Oct. 12. Rev. JohnDe Witt, D. D., formerly pastor of
the Dutch Church in Beaver street, died at Brunswick,
N. J. aged about 42. He was born in Catskill.
Oct. 15. There was a grand parade of the Fusiliers, a
burlesque regiment, accoutred in all sorts of fantastic
costume, in ridicule of a militia muster, as required by
the laws of the state. After going through the usual
farce of a parade and review, they were dismissed before
Bradstreet's Mansion House in a speech from the general,
Thomas Me Mullen, which was so well timed and apropos
that it received the plaudits of the multitude gathered
there on the occasion.
Oct. 18. James Trenor, a clerk in the office of the
Secretary of state, and a man of some literary and musical
pretensions, died suddenly at the Mansion House, aged
about 50.
Oct. 24. A ship having been built in New York intended
for a Havre packet, and named Albany by the owners, in
honor of this city, at a meeting of the common council a
committee was appointed to provide the vessel with colors
at the expense of the city. The Albany was launched
Notes from the Newspapers. 235
on the 25th, on which occasion Gen. S. Van Rensselaer,
Jr. performed the ceremony of breaking a bottle of wine
over her bows and pronouncing her name.
Oct. 25. Maria Angelica, wife of Hiram Fanning, died,
aged 26.
Almira, wife of Amos Gay, died.
The mayor, Francis Bloodgood, proposed to the common
council the purchase of a quantity of wood for the benefit
of the poor. He said it had long been the custom to
distribute wood to the poor, and that the cost to the city
the past winter was $600, in consequence of purchasing
it to disadvantage. Mr. Corning offered a resolution
which was passed, appropriating $500 to the purchase of
wood to be stored for the coming winter.
Oct. 31. Martha, wife of Lewis Clark, died.
The chamberlain, H. W. Snyder, reported the city
finances for the year ending Oct. 11, as follows:
Receipts during the year $242,76 1«59
Amount of payments, 239,866' 18 J
Among the expenses were, payments on city debt, $85,
500; opening streets $65,345; salaries, $4,946; lamps,
$5,546; city watch, $5,514; schools $2,476; poor, $11,
312; erection City Hall, $27,810.
Nov. 1. Edward Blackall died, aged 25.
The grand jury visited the jail, and finding it very
much out of repair, recommended to the board of super-
visors the building of a new jail without the compact
party of the city, inasmuch as this building, which had
stood twenty-two years, was fast decaying, very illy
constructed, too small in order to health, comfort and
convenience, and situated in too thickly settled a locality.
There were 56 persons in confinement.
Nov. 9. The election closed, giving large majorities to
the democratic candidates. William Seymour was elected
to the assemby, Albert Gallup sheriff and C. A. Ten Eyck
county clerk. The city vote stood as follows:
For Assembly.
William Seymour, democratic, .. . 1802
Samuel S. Lush, national republican, 785
Azor Taber, antimasonic, 690
236 Notes from the Newspapers.
County Clerk.
C. A. Ten Eyck, union, 2533
Sanford Cobb, antimasonic, 562
The common council at its meeting on the 3d Novem-
ber, resolved to open a street from North Market to
Montgomery by taking 33 feet from the Arsenal lots, and
14 feet from the north side of Gilbert Davis's lot, the
ground being offered by the owners without charge, and
the new street was called De Witt street. Soon after the
state offered the vacant arsenal lots for sale.
Nov. 12. Amy, wife of John N. Fisher, died, aged 41.
Nov. 14. Notwithstanding the remonstrances of nearly
all the property owners on Little State street, as it was
called, the common council resolved to widen it, which
was done by a vote of 12 to 4. At the same meeting, on
motion of Mr. Corning it was resolved to raise the
following sums by tax for city expenses.
City lamps, $5,500
Night watch, 6,000
Contingencies 8,500
City debt, 8,000
$28,000
Nov. 16. Vincent King died. John Evertsen died.
At a meeting of the board of supervisors, on motion of
Dr. B. P. Staats:
Whereas James Van Ingen, the present clerk of the
board, was appointed to that office on the 6th day of
October, 1807, in the room of Jacob Bleecker, Jr. deceased,
and has been unanimously continued as clerk ever since
his appointment, and has uniformily given satisfaction,
therefore
Eesolved, that the said James Van Ingen be continued
as clerk of this board for the current year.
He was somo time clerk of the assembly.
Nov. 17. The mayor, recorder and several aldermen
presented the suit of colors ordered for the Havre packet
Albany. The ceremony took place on board the packet,
in presence of a distinguished company, after which they
Notes from the Newspapers. 237
all went below to partake of a collation prepared for the
occasion.
Nov. 21. Hosford & Wait having purchased the Christ-
ian Register and Telegraph of Lewis Hoffman, united
with it the Journal of Utica, and published the first
number of a religious paper under the title of Journal
and Telegraph.
Nov. 25. Luther Plumb, formerly of Stockbridge,
Mass., died, aged 53.
Nov. 26. Ann, wife of Thomas Boyd, died, aged 27.
Nov. 27. Snow fell to a depth sufficient for sleighs,
which were brought out on the occasion.
Nov. 28. The common council ordered a cross walk to
be laid across State street on the east side of Lodge
street. The board had been importuned for this cross-
walk for a long time. The recorder, James McKown,
opposed it; said the one opposite St. Peter's church:
answered all necessary purposes. Dr. B. P. Staats hoped1
the walk would be made, although it had been so often,
rejected by the old board. The new board perhaps was
more regardful of the interests of the people than the old
one. It was true that there was another cross walk
near the one proposed, called the church and state walk,.
because it had been placed there at the joint expense of
St. Peter's church and the state.
The committee which had been appointed to investigate-
the subject of improving the Academy park, reported that
$3200 had been subscribed by individuals for that
purpose, and recommended that on the payment of that
sum into the city treasury, the superintendent of the
district be directed to proceed with the work. The-
improvement contemplated grading the park and enclosing,
it with an iron fence. The project was advocated with
much zeal by Dr. B. P. Staats and James Maher, and;
passed with but one dissenting voice.
At the same meeting apportionments were confirmed
for paving Lydius street from Pearl to Hallenbake (now
Grand).
Nov. 28. Capt. Peter Dox died at Hopeton, Yates,
[Annals, ix.] 21
\
238 Notes from the Newspapers.
county, aged 89. He was born in Albany in 1742, saw
the struggle that was made in the old French and Indian
war, and was actively engaged in the war of the
revolution.
Dec. 1 . A fall of 2 inches of snow.
Walter B. Roberts died, aged 40.
Mrs. Elizabeth Van Vechten died, aged 78, and was
buried from her residence corner of North Market street
and Maiden lane.
Dec. 2. The severe weather closed the canal, and
rendered the navigation of the river extremely difficult.
John Stilwell died, aged 52. He was for many years
an alderman and in 1824 was a representative in the
assembly. He was also major general of artillery, and
by his energy did much to advance the discipline of the
division under his command.
A meeting of citizens was held, Francis Bloodgood
chairman and Gideon Hawley secretary, to consider the
propriety of appointing delegates to represent them at a
convention to be held at Leedsville to consider the project
of a rail road on the east side of the river from New York
to Albany.
Dec. 4. The Primitive Methodist church in State street,
near Dove, was dedicated. It was announced that the
Rev. Mr. Kirk would preach at 10 o'clock in the morning,
Rev. Mr. Brindle in the afternoon, and that two sermons
would be delivered in the evening, one of which by Miss
Watkins.
Dec. 5. The frost was severe, snow fell, and the river
was closed so that no boat arrived.
George Me Elcheran died, aged 68. He was for many
years a school teacher, and published a spelling book
which was much used in the schools of this city.
A new religious society termed the Fifth Presbyterian
church was organized, and the Rev. Alfred Welton of
Poughkeepsie was elected pastor. They held their meet-
ings in the old City Hall, corner of South Market street
and Hudson, and proposed to erect a church on the corner
of Green and Hamilton streets.
Notes from the Newspapers. 239
There was a bitter controversy at this time between
the supervisors from the country towns and those of the
city in relation to the county poor. The city had estab-
lished a poor house which was alleged to have cost $20,
000. The revised statutes required that the distinction
between town and country poor should be abolished, and
in arranging the union, the country supervisors would
allow the city property to be worth only $1500. The
city members proposed to divide the county, and thus
get rid of the country. They finally adjourned to Feb-
ruary.
The Watervliet supervisor made a motion to borrow
$80,000 to purchase the Watervliet turnpike, which was
also laid over.
Dec. 6. Hannah, widow of Christopher Dunn, died at
Fishkill.
Dec. 11. Thomas Kendall died, noted as the first
manufacturer of thermometers in this country, which he
constructed with so much accuracy that the regents of
the university gave him an order to supply all the acade-
mies in the state.
Dec. 16. The dry goods store of Parsons £ Baker in
North Market street near Steuben, was destroyed by fire.
The dwelling part of the building was occupied by Earl
P. Pease as a boarding house.
Dec. 19. John W. Hyde, clerk of the common council,
died, aged 33.
Dec. 24. Margaret, widow of Richard Dunn, died, aged
95.
Dec. 26. Ann, wife of Thos. L. Pemberton, died.
John Kent died, aged 47.
Dec. 27. Robert Babcock died, aged 78. His widow
died on the 4th January following, aged 72. They were
on a visit to this city from Cobleskill.
Dec. 27. Helen Law died, aged 78, and was buried
from her residence 75 State street.
Dec. 29. The common council met for the annual
election of officers.
John Townsend, mayor.
Gerrit Gates, clerk.
240 Notes from the Newspapers.
John 0. Cole, police justice.
Thomas L. Pemberton, high constable.
John E. Lovett, city attorney.
Wm. Mascraft, supt. southern department.
Harman V. Hart, supt. northern department.
Nathaniel R. Packard, supt. alms house.
Gerrit T. Bradt, supt. Ferry.
Peter P. Staats, city physician.
Dec. 29. Charles D. Bulkley died at Matanzas, Cuba,
;aged, 22 ; son of Chester Bulkley.
Dec. 30. Sarah Willet died, aged 80, and was buried
ifrom the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Catharine
"Visscher, corner of Columbia street and Middle lane.
The following is a statement of the arrivals at this port
&y canal during the year 1831.
427,021 barrels of flour.
19,342 " ashes.
16,805 " provisions.
25,306 bushels of salt.
18,681 barrels whiskey.
1,875 hhds
2,924 boxes of glass.
254 barrels lime.
134,321 bushels of wheat.
127,533 " corn, rye and oats.
177,624 " barley.
15,193 cords of wood.
18,087 feet timber.
12,290 M of shingles.
40,569,719 feet of lumber.
The quantity of merchandise that was conveyed from
the city during that year was 47,968 tons, which paid
$269,431-33 tolls.
The whole number of canal boats that arrived at and
departed from the city of Albany during 1831 was
14,960.
The whole number of paupers which had received
assistance at the alms house during this year was 795, of
whom 460 were American and 335 foreigners; of this
Notes from the Newspapers. 241
number 547 were admitted during the year, showing an
increase of 107 over the year 1830. The expenditures
of the year, including salary of superintendent, were
$8006-18, averaging $37-23 per head.
1832.
Jan. 4. A carpenter's shop and three dwellings were
burnt at the upper end of Orange street.
Ann, wife of Capt. John B. Fanning, died, aged 32.
Jan. 5. The first number of the Daily Craftsman was
published, Roberts & James editors.
Jan. 7. Garrit Hogan, jailer, gave notice that Francis
Bloodgood, late mayor, had liberated all the debtors
confined in the jail by paying the amounts of the debts
for which they were confined.
Jan. 8. G. H. Belden died; a lieutenant in the United
States army during the war of 1812.
Jan. 11. Norman Hart died; a teacher of sacred music
from Berlin, Conn.
Jan. 12. Alexander H. Glen died, aged 27.
Jan. 14. John Boom died, aged 84.
Peter H. Becker died, aged 22.
John Walker, member of assembly from Clinton county,
died, aged 56.
Jan. 16. A number of persons were brought before the
police justice and fined for rioting and threatening the
sexton at the Fourth Presbyterian church on the Sunday
evening previous.
Jan. 20. Mrs. Lydia Parmele, died, aged 49.
John McWilliams, for a long time a resident of this
city, died at Schoharie, aged 78.
Jan. 23. At a meeting of the common council, Philip
Hooker tendered his resignation as city surveyor. Dr.
B. P. Staats offered an amendment to the law, by .which
thereafter there should be two surveyors, one for the
southern and one for the northern district. The law was
passed, and George W. Carpenter and William M. Gush-
man were elected to the offices.
Ebenezer Wright and others petitioned for the filling
242 Notes from the Newspapers.
and paving of Hudson street from Eagle to Hawk street.
Very few who now pass over this street can have a just
conception of its appearance thirty years ago.
Abraham Van Vechten, Wm. James and others peti-
tioned that the corporation would unite with them in
applying to the legislature for a law that no property
should be taken for opening a street unless two thirds
of the persons interested therein should consent thereto.
This had its origin in the widening of State street below
Market, a very great improvement.
About 400 firemen petitioned that the ringing of bells
for week day evening meetings at churches might be pro-
hibited, or some peculiar mode of ringing be prescribed.
They were subjected to numerous fines by mistaking
these alarms. A law was introduced, prescribing the
mode of ringing bells at all times, and providing that no
bell should be rung after twilight, but tolled, except for
fires and the 8 o'clock bell.
Jan. 24. Cuyler Staats died, aged 25.
John B. Young died, aged 22.
Jan. 28. The boarding house of Mr. Gourlay was
damaged by fire.
Allan Mellville died, aged 49.
The Rev. James R. Willson, of the Associate Presby-
terian church, was expelled from the house of Assembly
as one of the chaplains, for contempt. He published a
pamphlet on the occasion.
The Mohawk and Hudson rail road company reported
to the legislature that the amount actually paid and dis-
bursed in the construction of the road was $483,215, that
by estimates it would require $156,693 to complete it.
Jan. 30. Gessen G. Holt died, aged 45.
Margaret, wife of Timothy Gladding, died.
Jan. 31. Mrs. Maria Groesbeck died, aged 52.
Robert S. Van Rensselaer died.
The subscription books for the stock of the Firemen's
Insurance Company were opened, and in six hours
$112, 000 were subscribed.
Feb. 1. John Duffau, a native of Bordeaux in France,
died, aged 54.
Notes from the Newspapers. 243
Feb. 2. The firm of Campbell, Storrs & Co., consisting
of James Campbell, jr. and Dvvight Storrs, was dissolved.
Feb. 7. Margaret, wife of Rufus Brown, died.
Feb. 11. The copartnership of Godfrey & Walsh, con-
sisting of John I. Godfrey and John S. Walsh, was dis-
solved.
A new partnership consisting of John S. Walsh, Her-
man Leonard and William Jackson was formed, under
the name of Walsh, Leonard & Jackson, dealing in hard-
ware at No. 62 State Street.
Feb. 12. Guy C. Webster died, aged 27.
The copartnership under the name of Little & Cum-
mings was dissolved, Jarnes M. Curnmings retiring. The
book and stationery business was continued by Weare
C. Little.
Feb. 22. The military celebrated the centennial anni-
versary of the birthday of Washington. The 89th and
246th regiments sat down to dinner at Crosby's Long
Room, and the Albany Republican Artillery at Foot's
Fort Orange Hotel.
Col. Peter Gansevoort on this occasion presented to
the Artillery a large brass drum, a trophy of the revolu-
tion, taken from the British on the 22d August, 1777, at
Fort Stanwix, by his father, Gen. Peter Gansevoort.
Feb. 29. Dr. Samuel S. Treat died, aged 33.
March 6. William Johnson died, aged 41, a lieutenant
in the war of 1812.
March 11. Erastus Youngs, died, aged 48 ; for a long
time one of the most extensive stage proprietors in the
city, at a time when stages were the vehicles of travel to
every point of the compass.
March 12. Hugh Robison and others petitioned the
common council to open Dean street to Maiden lane.
James L'Amoreux and Joseph Alexander petitioned to
have Hamilton street opened from Eagle to Hawk street.
The heavy rains of the previous two days produced a
flood which not only carried away the ice, but did a great
amount of damage, particularly by destroying buildings
on the Pier, and the bridges across the basin.
244 Notes from the Newspapers.
March 15. The first boat that arrived was the Fame
of Hudson, the river being blocked up above Redhook.
March 17. Robert Bell died, aged 58.
March 18. Jared Weed, formerly of this city, died at
Tully, Onondaga county, aged 29.
March 21. Leonard Wesfcott died, aged 40.
March 23. The managers of the Washington centen-
nial ball presented John Meads with a silver pitcher or-
namented with an appropriate inscription, and a silver
salver having an engraved head of Washington in the
centre, as a testimonial of their approbation of the refined
taste and architectural skill which he evinced in deco-
rating the City Hall on the 22d of February. The ball
of that evening far surpassed any thing of that kind which
had ever been witnessed in the city.
March 25. The ice gave way at Kinderhook, and left
an open current from Albany to New York.
March 26. The Constitution steam boat arrived from
New York, the first boat of the season.
Nathaniel S. Foster, formerly of Boston, died, aged 25.
March 28. James Howell died, aged 22.
Mrs. Susan Williams died, aged 62.
March 29. Conrad Moore died, aged 44 ; formerly a
merchant at .Redhook.
March 31. Margaret, wife of Joseph Roby, Jr., died,
aged 28.
April 1. The firm of Rice & Baker was dissolved, Silas
T. Rice retiring and Ellis Baker continuing the business
of staging on all the routes which they had run with so
much success.
April 2. Robert Cameron died, aged 57.
April 3. The jury empanneled for assessing and ap-
portioning the damages sustained by the owners of pro-
perty required for the opening of Little State street, re-
ported as follows:
Bank of Albany, $47,000
Barent Sanders, 17,000
Misses Garrison, 16,000
Leasehold interest.. 200
Notes from the Newspapers. 245
Alley, 900
Forsyth and Benedict, 5,000
Estate of Thomas Gould, 10,000
Russel Forsyth 1,450
$98,250
Expenses, 458-55
$98,708-55
The sum was apportioned upon State, North and South
Market and Dean streets, and upon the Pier between
Columbia and Hamilton streets.
April 4. John Holt died, aged 36.
John Van Zandt, who had held the office of cashier of
the Bank of Albany fifteen years, resigned, and was suc-
ceeded by Jellis Winne, Jr.
An effort was made at this time to induce the common
council to restrain the running at large of hogs. They
had been allowed the freedom of the streets, as will be
found by the city records, from the time of the organiza-
tion of the city government, and they formed one of the
city institutions which Mr. N. P. Willis pronounced more
Dutch than decent, in his memorable observation, made
from the eligible stand-point of the Troy House. The
following discussion took place in the council chamber,
April 9 :
The recorder called up the law, which was laid on the
table last autumn.
Mr. Maher was opposed to the law. Hogs were the
best scavengers for removing the garbage, which if left
in the streets or yards would produce sickness. Besides
the passage of this law would be an injury to many poor
people who kept swine.
Mr. Wasson said that if two or three hogs were shut up
together, in the hot season, they would be a much greater
nuisance than if they ran at large. There were many
poor persons whose whole winter's food consisted of the
swine which they kept, and he was not disposed to de-
prive them of this means of sustenance. He offered an
246 Notes from the Newspapers.
amendment requiring that hogs running at large should
be well ringed.
Dr. B. P. Staats remarked that the pork fatted by the
garbage in the streets, was not wholesome, and it would
be beneficial to the public if they were restrained for no
other reason. He knew that their running at large had
a demoralizing effect, as it was the cause of much per-
jury by people who claimed hogs. If this law were to
pass, theie would be people to go to all the houses to
take away the garbage.
Mr. Stevens observed that it was strange how doctors
disagreed. The New York physicians in 1823, gave the
opinion that hogs were the best scavengers, and stated
that their running at large was eminently beneficial to
the health of the city. If they were of advantage in other
cities, they must be so here. Their free running was an
old Dutch privilege, and we must be careful how we in-
fringe it.
Mr. Steele was for postponing this subject till we could
get proposals for removing the garbage without much
expense. He would sincerely deprecate the leaving of
vegetable matter in the streets.
Mr. Wasson moved that the bill be laid on the table.
The Recorder opposed this motion. The question
ought to be decided. It had been delayed long enough,
and he should continue to bore the board with this mat-
ter until it was decided.
Mr. Skinner also opposed the motion, and it was lost.
The question was then taken on Mr. Wasson's amend-
ment to have hogs ringed, and it was lost by the follow-
ing vote :
Ayes — DeGraff, Maher, Murdock, Seymour, Stevens,
Van Benthuysen, Van Ness and Wasson — 8.
Nays — Corning, Hastings, Nelson, Recorder, Shaw,
B. P. Staats, I. W. Staats, Skinner, Steele, Van Rensse-
laer, Wynkoop — 11.
The law then passed, to take effect on the first of June.
The fine for a hog running at large was to be $2. If the
ownerwas not known they were to be taken, by persons
Notes from the Newspapers. 247
employed for that purpose, to the pound at the Alms-
house, and were subject to redemption within sixty days.
The law, however, is believed to have been a dead
letter, or if enforced for a while, soon became a nullity.
April 14. The cabinet warehouse of Teunis Morrell,
corner af North Market street and Maiden lane was de-
stroyed by fire, and the adjoining buildings south, includ-
ing the postoffice, considerably damaged.
Evert Van Alen proposed to publish his improved map
of the city.
April 16. Visscher Ten Eyck and Solomon M. Parke
formed a copartnership in the dry goods business at No.
60 State street, lately occupied by Young & Ehle, who
retired first March.
The committee for building the Orphan Asylum adver-
tised for proposals for erecting a house 96 by 50 feet.
April 20. Lorenzo H. Kinsley died*
The common council presented the Methodist church
in Division street a lot on which to build a church, at
the corner of Plain and Hallenbake streets. They now
applied for a quit claim deed of it, for the purpose of sell-
ing it, which was granted.
April 26. Mrs. Lydia Van Deusen died.
April 29. John B. Van Steenbergh died, aged 41.
May 1. The annual town election was held with the
following result :
DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN.
First Ward.
Supervisor, B. P. Staats, 366 J, V. N. Yates, 18i
Assessor,.. G.M.Stevens, 371 Green Hall, 182
Second Ward.
Supervisor, J. I. Burton, 287 Josiah Winants, 241
Assessor, . . J. D. Wasson, 276 I. L. Judson, 256
Third Ward.
Supervisor, (No opposition). Nicholas Bleecker, ...... 241
Assessor,.. Gerrit Gates, 122 Elihu Russell, 117
Fourth Ward.
Supervisor , S. S. Fowler, 2SO Friend Humphrey, 274
»$sscscort . . (No opposition ). Philip Hooker, 558
Fifth Ward.
Supervisor^ J , N. Qaackenbush.. 127 Robert Shepherd, 125
. (No opposition). Benjamin VVilson, 234
248 Notes from the Newspapers.
May 2. Fitch Lamphire died, aged 30.
May 3. The subject of widening Little State street,
which was opposed by the owners of the property pro-
posed to be taken, came before the Mayor's court, and
the assessment was confirmed by that tribunal.
May 5. The workmen engaged in tearing down the old
Stone House tavern in Beaver street, discovered a quan-
tity of bones in the basement wall, masoned in with new
Holland bricks. Considerable curiosity was caused by
the discovery, as the work was supposed to have been
done a century before, at least, no Holland brick having
been imported within a century. The bones on examina-
tion were pronounced to be those of a quadruped.
May 7. The common council, by resolution offered by
Mr. Nelson, voted themselves 25 copies of Williams's
Annual Register.
May 8. Mrs. McNab, widow of Peter, died, aged 50.
May 12. Mrs. Mary Andrews died, aged 64.
May 14. The first train of the Mohawk and Hudson
rail road made a trip over the whole line. A train ar-
rived from Schenectady at the termination in -the south
part of the city, and was received by a large assemblage
of citizens and the firing of cannon.
A house between Beaver and Howard streets, on a
range with Lodge street was entirely demolished by a
number of persons living in the vicinity, who had long
been annoyed by the noises of the occupants thereof. It
was tenanted by several families, black and white, and
it was found that no other effectual measures could be
taken to abate the nuisance, but to demolish the house.
The mayor and high constable, and a number of watch-
men attended the scene, but were unable to quell the
disturbance until the building was razed to the ground.
Several persons were arrested and held to answer for the
offence.
James Mcllvaine died, aged 50.
May 16. Catharine M., wife of Henry D. Hunter, and
daughter of the late John C. Cuyler, died at Congress
Hall.
Notes from the Newspapers. 249
Dr. Sprague published his Lectures on Revivals.
A cenotaph was placed in the 2d Dutch church to the
memory of the Rev. John De Witt, who was the first
sole pastor of the church, as which he had officiated nearly
eight years. The inscription was furnished by Simeon
De Witt, and the monument was conceived and executed
by J. Dickson of this city. It consists of a plinth or base
of white marble, surmounted by an obelisk of a darker
hue; against which is an urn, also in white marble, in
alto relievo; the base having on either side pilasters, sup-
ported by carved brackets, and the whole finished in the
simple style of the Grecian models.
May 21. Mrs. Eveline, widow of Dr. Benjamin De
Witt, died at the residence of her brother, Francis Blood-
good.
May 25. Barnet C. Humphrey died, aged 50.
May 27. Maj. Jacob Fredenrich died suddenly at Be-
ment's tavern in State street, aged 38.
May 31. The steamboat Novelty made the trip to
New York in 9h. 47m., which was the quickest of the day
boat trips, although it is believed some of the night
boats had done better. This was a creation of Dr. Nott,
and soon after made the trip in 9h. llm.
John Thomas announced that he had taken the Ameri-
can Hotel, being recently from Orange Springs, N. J.
Joseph Alexander resigned the office of president of
the Commercial Bank, and John Townsend succeeded
him.
A New Methodist Protestant Church worshiped at Ma-
sonic Hall, corner of State and Lodge streets, Rev. Mr.
Gibson, officiating.
June 12. The new steam boat Champlain, made her
first trip from New York in 9h. 54m., making but one
landing.
June 13. A rumor having reached the city that the
Asiatic cholera had made its appearance at Quebec and
Montreal, the common council was convened and resolu-
tions passed, the board taking active measures to prevent
[Annals, ix.] 22
250 Notes from the Newspapers.
its lodgment here. All canal boats from the north were
to be overhauled and made to perform quarantine. A
committee was appointed to investigate the condition of
the city as to cleanliness, &c., the physicians reported on
the subject, and the utmost anxiety and consternation
prevailed. Mr. James D. Wasson was sent to Whitehall
and to various points on the canal and lake to. observe
closely the condition of the emigrants which were ap-
proaching from that quarter. The papers were filled
with the subject to the exclusion of almost every thing
else. An effort was made to liberate the hogs again, as
public scavengers, and on the plea that confinement was
the worst nuisance. Guards were placed to preven
emigrants from approaching the city from the north until
they had performed quarantine.
June 21. The legislature met in extra session.
June 29. Ann, wife of Thomas Gough, died, aged 40.
July 2. The legislature adjourned after a session of
two weeks.
July 3. It having been reported that the cholera had
made its appearance in New York, the mayor of Albany
issued a proclamation forbidding any vessel or steam boat,
having any sick persons on board, from approaching the
city at any place nearer than one mile from the south
ferry.
The board of health reported that two persons of very
irregular habits had died of symptoms resembling malig-
nant or spasmodic cholera.
John Bradford died, aged 22; the first undisputed death
by cholera.
July 5. The firm of Fidler & Taylor was dissolved, and
the business continued by John Taylor.
July 6. The house of William Stilwell in Colonie street
was destroyed by fire.
July 8. Levy Solomons died, aged 22.
July 10. The Theatre, which had been opened for a
new season on the evening of the 4th, closed this evening
on account of the excitement about the cholera.
July 10. A great quantity of tar was burnt in the
Notes from the Newspapers. 25 L
streets with a view to abate the cholera. It served to
render the deserted streets most dismal and gloomy.
Gen« John H. Wendell died, aged 80, of an apoplectic
attack which occurred at church on the previous Sunday.
In 1776, at 24 years of age, he abandoned the profession
of the law, and became an ensign in the 1st New York
regiment, but soon entitled himself to promotion, and was
made captain under Col. Van Schaick, and commanded
a company at the battle of Monmouth. He was with the
army during the whole period of the war, and was sub-
sequently raised to the rank of major-general of the
militia, and also filled various civic offices with talent
and ability. He continued to wear the costume of the
era of the revolution to the time of his death.
July 10. David Tinker died of cholera, aged 30; the
first victim of good habits and character.
July 13. The citizens were invited to join South Market
street and the Dock in burning tar and rosin, at 9 o'clock
in the morning.
Great complaints were made of the filthy condition of
the Foxen kill, much of which was still an open creek,
and the receptacle of all the filth of the district which it
traversed. It was docked by the owners of the adjoin-
ing lots, and an estimate was made that a dock cost §40,
and that it might be converted into a drain of mason
work at an expense of $75 to each owner.
Harmanus Henderer died, aged 68. He was a native
of Columbia county, but had resided in this city more
than forty years ; was one of the trustees of the Lutheran
church, and maintained a high character for honesty and
worth. He was a victim of the cholera.
July 13. The board of health reported 28 new cases of
cholera this day, deaths 7.
July 14. New cases cholera, 27, deaths 6.
15. do do 17, 6.
Some of the churches abandoned Sunday evening meet-
ings, and the common council met in the afternoon, under
the impression that there was unwholesome influence
from night assemblages.
252 Notes from the Newspapers.
July 16. 29 new cases of cholera, 7 deaths; among
which was that of Ira W. Scott, publisher of the Direct-
ory, aged 38.
July 17. 23 new cases of cholera, 8 deaths; among
which was that of Robert Rusk, a clerk in the comptrol-
ler's office, aged 45.
Josiah Sherman, aged 63, died of a lingering illness.
He was one of the most respected merchants of the city,
;and a man of amiable demeanor.
Harriet, wife of Wm. Ostrander, died, aged 42.
July 18. 23 new cases of cholera, 5 deaths.
July 19. 20 new cases of cholera, 6 deaths; among
which was that of Henry Abel, aged 55.
July 20. 22 new cases of cholera, deaths 7; among
which was that of Brockholst Livingston, and Mrs. Keyes,
•an estimable woman, wife of Julius Keyes, who kept the
tavern, corner of Daniel and Eagle streets.
John R. Bleecker, Jr. died, aged 28.
July 21. 40 new cases of cholera, 11 deaths; among
which were Daniel Lloyd, aged 24; and on" Sunday, the
:22d, his mother, widow of James Lloyd; also Mrs. Scott,
widow of Ira W., who died on the previous Sunday;
Mrs. Wm. H. Sniffer, aged 27; Mary, wife of John Wil-
liamson, aged 72, who in her youth was made prisoner
by the Indians (her family being murdered), and taken
to Detroit, where she obtained her liberty through the
interference of a French officer. She had resided in
Albany 60 years, and was very highly respected and
esteemed. Deaths on the 22d, 14; new cases, 19.
July 23. 27 new cases, 5 deaths; among them John D.
Kearney, aged 25.
Mrs. Elizabeth, widow of Jona. Brooks', died, aged 92.
July 24. New cases 19, deaths JO; Mrs. Sophia Edick,
aged 58; Thomas Van Benthuysen, aged 67.
July 25. New cases 27, deaths 7.
Nahum Rice died in New York.
July 26. New cases 32, deaths 7. Mrs. Elizabeth
L'Amoreux died, aged 80; Amelia D. Garling, 20.
July 26. George Lewis died of consumption, aged 42.
Notes from the Newspapers. 253
July 27. New cases 40, deaths 13. Charity Cass,
aged 92.
July 28. New cases 28, deaths 16.
July 29. New cases 35, deaths 17.
Christina, widow of Richard Alanson, died.
July 30. New cases 26, deaths 10. Ellis W. Boyden,
died.
July 31. New cases 29, deaths 6.
Cases of Cholera during July.
Cases. Deaths. Cases. Deaths.
July 3. 2 2 July 18. 21 5
4. 1 0 19. 20 6
5. 7 4 20. 22 7
6. 12 2 21. 40 11
7. 10 3 22. 19 14
8. 11 3 23. 27 5
9. 18 5 24. 19 10
10. 22 7 25. 27 7
11. 28 9 26. '32 7
12. 10 3" 27. 40 13
13. 28 7 28. 28 18
14. 27 6 29. 35 17
15. 17 6 30. 26 10
16. 29 7 31. 29-387 6-136
17. 23 8
The population at this time was about 26,000.
Aug. 1. New cases 32, deaths 8. The mayor, John
Townsend, issued -a proclamation for a day of fasting,
humiliation and prayer, on the 3d.
Aug. 2. New cases 19, deaths 7. The city at this time
wore a most gloomy appearance. Many stores were
closed, and thousands of people had gone away, so that
the business portion of the streets had the aspect of a
Sunday. Scarcely any one from abroad visited the place,
the steam boats ran empty, and the hotels were deserted.
The usual supplies of provisions were cut off, farmers
not daring to trust themselves in the city, and prices
were excessively high, potatoes having risen from 25
cents to $1 a bushel.
254 Notes from the Newspapers.
New cases 26, deaths 8. Salem Butcher died of cholera,
aged 60. This day was observed as a day of fasting
and prayer, and abstinence from business avocations.
Aug. 4. New cases 19, deaths 6 among which was
Andrew H. De Witt, aged 38.
Aug. 5. New cases 19, deaths 2.
6. " 26, " 14.
7. " 20, " 7. Sarah, widow of
Charles Z. Platt, formerly state treasurer, died, aged 48.
Aug. 8. New cases 18, deaths 6.
Capt. Peter Donnelly died of typhus, aged 65.
Aug. 9. New cases 16, deaths 7. '
10. «' 19, " 6.
11. " 15, " 8.
C. W. Groesbeeck & Co. sold by auction " the property
at the head of State street on the north side, commonly
designated as the Old Jail property," in behalf of the
trustees of the Albany Academy. The premises were
80 feet on State street, and 84 on Maiden lane, and 116
feet on Eagle street.
Aug. 12. New cases 22. deaths 7.
13. «' 14, " 7.
14. " 16, " 6.
15. " 18, " 4.
Aug. 15. A stranger fell off the State street bridge into
the basin and was drowned.
Aug. 16. James Boyd died, aged 91.
Aug. 16. New cases 8, deaths 3.
17. " 12, " 5.
Aug. 17. Jacob F. Sternbergh died of cholera, aged 43.
Aug. 18. New cases 26, deaths 14. Edward Fay died.
He came to Albany in 1816 from Westborough, Mass.
Aug. 19. New cases 12, deaths 10. A violent rain storm
overflowed Beaver street, filling the cellars and under-
mining buildings.
Aug. 20. New cases 11, deaths 5.
21. " 17, " 5.
The south hospital was closed, and the north hospital,
which was in the Arsenal, had been closed some time
Notes from the Newspapers. 255
before this. The Lancaster school house in Eagle street
was still used as a hospital, and near the cemeteries on
the hill a large number of shanties had been erected,
where emigrants performed quarantine, under the charge
of William Cammeyer, Jr. The number gathered there
on the 14th August was 445.
Aug. 22. New cases 23, deaths 8. Mary, wife of Wm.
Cammeyer, Jr. died, aged 38.
Aug. 23. New cases 28, deaths 14; John McHench,
aged 40; David Martin, 45; both of cholera.
Aug. 24. New cases 20, deaths 5.
25. " 9, " 3.
26. " 12, " 6. Hugh Fraser, aged
35; John Humphrey, 82; Mrs. Esther Hanford, aged 55;
Mrs. S. Baker, aged 34.
The steam boat Champlain arrived in 9h. 49m. from
New York ; the quickest trip that had been made.
Aug. 27. New cases 13, deaths 4. Magdalen, wife of
Wm. Humphrey died, aged 35.
Aug. 28. New cases 9, deaths 3.
The cholera having been attributed to the impurity or
peculiarity of the water in the city wells, the board of
health had the waters of fourteen wells examined by Drs.
T. Romeyn Beck and Philip Ten Eyck, who pronounced
them all free from any impurities which could be injurious
to health.
Aug. 29. New cases 7, deaths 1; John McDuffie, 34.
Mary, wife of Edward Brown, died, aged 45.
Martha, wife of Captain S. W. Johnson, died,
aged 76; " long distinguished for her charitable and ex-
emplary manners, and as one who in an extraordinary
degree had acquired the respect and love of all who knew
her."
Aug. 30. New cases 5, deaths 3.
Ann, widow of Joseph Jewell, died, aged 81.
Aug. 31. New cases-4, death 1; Mrs. Thos. Smith, 42.
Total cases for the month 525, deaths 193.
do do July 632, do 208.
1147 401
256 Notes from the Newspapers.
Sept. 1. The board of health made a general report of
the epidemic for the past month, and the newspapers
omitted the daily report of cases and deaths. The prin-
cipal merchants united in an address to the public, as-
suring their friends and customers abroad that they could
now visit the city with safety . The same day E. Crocker
and his wife died of cholera within a few hours of each
other; Samuel Baker, aged 23, and Maria Lewis, wife
of Marshal Scott, aged 31.
Sept. 2. John Wiggins and his wife died of cholera at
the same hour.
Sept. 7. Charles Madden died of Cholera, aged 35.
Sept. 8. The board of health reported 16 deaths by
cholera during the last week.
Sept. 14. Edward G. Gracie died.
Sept. 15. The board of health reported 3 deaths by
cholera since the 8th.
The improvements of the Academy park, including the
iron railing around it, were now completed. The popu-
lation of the city was estimated at over 30,000.
The famous tobacco factory of Levy Solomons, near
the patroon's residence, was purchased by Charles
Chapman.
Sept. 22. The steam boat North America, racing with
the Champlain, arrived in 9h. 18m. from New York.
Sept. 24. The charter election was held and resulted
in what had not occurred before in some years, the de-
feat of the democratic party in four of the five wards, and
the election of a national republican majority in the com-
mon council. The two parties are styled in the Daily
Advertiser, Jackson and Anti-Regency.
ANTI-REGENCY. JACKSON.
First Ward.
Aldermen. David E. Gregory. .. 327 Erastus Corning, 393
Green Hall, 336 Jesse G. Brush, 372
Attistants. Baily G. Hathaway, 329 George M. Stevens, 376
Jas. W. Robiso ., ... 333 Stephen Putnam, 380
Constable. Abraham Sickles, 714 (on both tickets).
Second Ward.
Aldermen. John T. Norton,... 451 Wm. Seymour, 311
Dyer Lathrop, 445 James D. Wasson, 312
Notes from the Newspapers. 257
ANTI-REGENCY. JACKSON.
Assistants. Ichabod L. Judson, . 455 Daniel S. Kittles, 314
John Groesbeck, ... 443 Amos Fassett, 318
Third Ward.
dldcrmcn. E. W. Skinner,.... 181 Isaac H. Bogert, 95
Teunis Van Vechten, 181 Allen Brown, 102
Assistants. Arnold Nelson,.... 190 John F. Porter, 114
George McPherson, 173 William White, 84
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen. Friend Humphrey,. 367 James Maher, „--«,.. 348
James P. Gould, ... 364 Lemuel Steele, 349
Assistants. James Robinson, . . . 369 Ebenezer Murdock, 342
Frederick Porter, . . 365 James G. Mather, 342
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen. James Gibbons,.... 261 John L. Viele, 143
S. Van Rensselaer, Jr. 342
Assistants. John Van Ness, Jr. . 266 John Trotter, 127
Daniel Carmichael,. 262 J. Patterson, 148
Sept. 26. William Lawrence died, aged 30.
Sept. 27. Stephen Loker died, aged 84.
Sept. 30. Louis Lemet, formerly keeper of the State
street House, 82 State street, died in New York, aged 53.
He had also been an engraver, and a noted copperplate
printer. He was a Frenchman by birth.
Oct. 2. Daniel L. Van Antwerp died, aged 60.
Oct. 8. Melinda, wife of Jared Scovel, died, aged 49.
It was stated that the Watervliet turnpike cost $16,666
a mile. The Daily Advertiser conceived that it would
have been better to have built a rail road at a cost of
$10,000 a mile.
Oct. 13. Frances, wife of Mr. Wm. Neill, formerly
pastor of the First Presbyterian church, died at German-
town, N. J., aged 45. She was the daughter of Gen.
Joshua King, of Ridgefield, Conn.
At this time William L. Mary was made responsible
for the obstructions in the river at the Overslaugh, and
the state of the navigation was daily chronicled at low
water, for his political disadvantage. The Daily Adver-
tiser also presented to its readers the picture of a pair
of breeches, said to have been a true portraiture of the
ones repaired at the expense of the state in the sum of
258 Notes from the Newspapers.
fifty cents while he was judge. Even Kelvin Grove, a very
popular song of the day, was brought to bear against him,
and was parodied, as follows:
Let us haste to Marcy's Grove,
Bonnie laddie O$
Through its mazes let us rove,
Bonnie laddie O;
Where his farm* in all its pride
Spreads across the Hudson's tidea
And the sloops lie side by side,
Bonnie laddie 0.
Another parody was as follows :
Deserted by the famed small light,*
When all around proclaims it night,
On Marcy's farm all snug aground,
The skipper looks distressed around,
And hears the ripple, far away,
And sighs for tides, and coming day.
" What sticks there, captain? quickly tell!"
UA sloop."
"The deuce!
"Goodnight! all's well."
Or sailing towards the Bucken Plaat,
The Overslaugh awhile forgot,
The careful crew patrol the deck,
To guard the sloop from threatened wreck,
And while their thoughts oft homeward veer,
They find the vessel will not steer.
" What depth there, Captain? quickly tell !"
4t Why, none!"
"What! none!
"Goodnight! all's well."
Mr. Marcy, while in Congress, had voted with his party
against all appropriation's for the improvement of har-
bors and rivers as being unconstitutional.
Oct. 18. Alexander Cameron died, aged 50.
Oct. 19. John L. Viele died, aged 45. He represented
Saratoga county in the Senate two terms, and was an
intimate friend of De Witt Clinton.
Oct. 20. Hamilton Blanchard died, aged 27.
Oct. 25. Wm. McGlashan died at Catskill, aged 35.
Oct. 26. Aaron Hand died, aged 59.
*0verslaugh. fGovernor Enos T. Throop*
Notes from the Newspapers. 259
Nov. 1. Peter S. Schuyler died.
Nov. 7. The great struggle of three days for the elec-
tion of a governor, presidential electors, and congress-
men, terminated in the defeat of the National republicans
and Anti-masons, who combined against the Democrats
and Andrew Jackson. The vote in the city was as fol-
lows :
NATIONAL REPUBLICANS. DEMOCRATS.
Governor. Francis Granger, .. 1931 Wm. L. Marcy,* 2804
Lt. Gov. Samuel Stevens,... 1919 John Tracy, 1836
Senator. Fr. Bloodgood, .... 1 900 P. Gansevoort, 3 865
Congress. Ambrose Spencer,. . 1925 G. Y. Lansing, 1863
Assembly. S. V. Rensselaer,Jr. J 907 Livingston, 1885
Nov. 9. It was announced that Mrs. Thompson, a lady
of eminent talent, would preach in the building corner
of State and Lodge streets, used temporarily as a Method-
ist Protestant church, and that the meeting was expected
to continue for three or four days.
Nov. 13. Snow fell.
A meeting of citizens was held at the City Hall, to
consider upon a mode of relief for the citizens of the Cape
De Verd islands, who were suffering from famine. Com-
mittees were appointed to solicit donations in money and
provisions.
Nov. 18. Margaret, wife of James Gough, died, aged 21.
John Lovejoy died at Gray, Me., aged 69.
Nov. 26. Peter P. Van Wie died, aged 48.
Dec, 3. The common council held an election of offi-
cers and appointed
Levi Palmer, clerk,
H. G. 0. Rogers, marshal,
John Davis, attorney.
Dec. 11. Spencer S. Rudes died, aged 25.
Dec. 13. Jesse G. Brush died, aged 33; of the firm of
Morgan & Brush, and an alderman of the first ward.
Dec. 19. William James, an eminent Albany merchant,
died, aged 63. He had long occupied a conspicuous po-
*The county gave Mr. Marcy 49 majority; Gansevoort 96; Lan-
sing 181; Jackson electoral ticket 104.
260 Notes from the Newspapers.
sition among the merchants of the city, and as a liberal
and enlightened citizen. Prosperous almost beyond par-
allel, his career exemplified how surely strong and prac-
tical intellect, with unremitted perseverance will be
accompanied by success. Of unaffected manners, gener-
ous, hospitable, public-spirited, open ever to the claims
of charity, prompt to participate in any enterprise of
general utility or benevolence, Mr. James enjoyed, as he
deserved, the sincere respect and esteem of his fellow-
citizens, and his loss was rightly considered as a public
calamity.
Dec. 20. Joseph Rasey, a soldier of the Revolution,
died, aged 70.
Dec. 27. At a meeting of the common council, the re-
corder presiding, Francis Bloodgood was elected mayor.
The cost of the City Hall was reported at $92,336-91,
of which the county paid $7,500.
Dec. 29. Prudence, wife of John F. Bacon, died, aged
40.
1833.
Jan. 1. The legislature met, and the message of Gov.
Marcy was read.
Francis Bloodgood, on being inducted into office as
mayor, made a speech, of which the following is a part :
The anticipations which we have formed of the growth
and prosperity of our city, seem fast realizing. None in
the Union of its class, has surpassed it, either in the
augmentation of its business, wealth, or population. The
construction of extensive wharves, the removal of hills,
the opening of streets, the erection of private and public
buildings, the increase of our commerce, the general
soundness of our public institutions, all speak a language
not to be misunderstood. Connected with this interest-
ing view of our prosperity, is another subject, that a
regard to further improvement should induce us par-
ticularly to watch over and regulate — the expenditure of
the public money, and the diminution of the city debt, as
far as practicable. Heavy taxes retard the growth of
Notes from the Newspapers. 261
any place, and they have been severely felt by us in many
instances, on former occasions. At one time our debt
was very large. In the year 1816 it amounted to $271,
392. From that period to 1824, it was gradually reduced
to the sum of $243,667. In the following year it was
again increased to the sum of $255,400, and from that
time to the first of May 1831, it was diminished to the
sum of $142,000, of which, at that time, $60,000 bore
an interest of 5 per cent, and the residue of 6 per cent;
when $75,000 was by a financial arrangement reduced to
a 5 per cent interest also, leaving $7000 only, payable in
1839, at an interest of 6 per cent. The city debt has no
doubt increased during the past year, owing to the
calamity which afflicted it; but the corporation have it
within their power, I trust, with their resources, as from
the receipts of the ferry, from excise, from the city tax,
from dividends on stocks, from the avails of the lottery,
and from the repayment of the sums advanced and ex-
pended for the repairs and improvements of streets,
gradually to diminish the amount.
By the death of Jesse G. Brush, the partnership under
the name of A. M. Strong was dissolved, consisting of
Samuel Morgan, J. G. Brush, and A. M. Strong, dealing
in dry goods, corner of State and South Market, streets,
now Douw's Building.
Jan. 5. A steam boat arrived from New York with the
mails. A severe rainstorm began in the evening.
Jan. 8. The cars of the Hudson and Mohawk railroad
commenced running from State street. A car was drawn
by a single horse to the junction of the road with Lydius
street, about two miles, when the train was taken by the
locomotive. The stock at this time was selling at $!•
25; that of the Schenectady and Saratoga road at $1*05.
Jan. 10. The steam boat Wadsworth left at noon for
New York, warned by the rapidly falling of the thermome-
ter, and the river was again closed a few hours afterward.
Jan. 13. William Nutt died, aged 48. He was the
second husband of the famous Mrs. Pye — (see Annals,
v. 11.)
[Annals, ix.] 23
262 Notes from the Newspapers,
Jan. 14. Abraham Bice died, aged 28.
Jan. 15. Mary, daughter of John Hazard and wife of
TilJy Allen, died, aged 41.
Jan. 19. Catharine, wife of C. T. Van Alstyne and
daughter of Isaac Burton, died at Stuyvesant.
Jan. 21. A fire in Orange street destroyed the malt
house of Robert Dunlop.
At a meeting of the common council the chambeilain
submitted a report of the expenses incurred during the
prevalence of the cholera, which amounted to $18,000.
Jan. 24. Anthony Egberts of Coeymans died, aged 80.
A large meeting was held at the City Hall, on the
subject of the president's message, concerning South
Carolina, and the tariff. Judge Savage officiated as pre-
sident, Jesse Buel and Benj. Knower as vice presidents,
and John Townsend and Rufus H. King as secretaries.
It was as usual termed the greatest public meeting ever
held in the city, and seems to have been participated in
by all parties. But two sets of resolutions having been
framed for the occasion there was a disagreement, and a
party left the City Hall and went over to the Capitol to
organize another meeting.
Jan. 25. Henry Yates died, aged 37.
Jan. 27. Winfield Scott Yates, son of Dr. C. C. Yates,
died in New "iork, aged 18; a native of Albany, and an
extraordinary proficient in various branches of learning.
Jan. 29. Simeon Adams died, aged 61.
Feb. 3. Anna Pruyn died at her residence corner of
North Pearl street and Maiden lane, aged 70 years and
six months; she was a member of the Second Dutch
church, and universally esteemed for her devoted piety
and Christian virtues.
The Mission House in Spring street was established
about this time. The first trustees were Charles Dillon,
Levi Silliman and John Lossing.
John B. Quackenbush, formerly of Albany, died at
Gettysburg, Pa.; a printer.
Feb. 13. Robert Gibbeny died, aged 62.
Mrs. Eliza Le Breton, daughter of Nathan Sanford,
died, aged 30.
Notes from the Newspapers. 263
Yates & Me Intyre announced that they would dis-
continue the lottery business after the present year.
At a meeting of the common council, in arguing the pro-
position to divide the city into ten wards, it was stated
that the object of the movement was that the city might
have 10 supervisors ; that there were 9 supervisors from
the country, and only 5 from the city, which was disad-
vantageous to the latter.
James P. Gould was appointed assistant engineer of
the fire department.
Feb. 19. Sarah, wife of Benjamin Knower and mother-
in-law of governor Marcy, died, aged 56.
Sarah S., wife of Calvin Pierson, died, aged 35.
It appears by a report to the legislature that the cost
of constructing the Mohawk and Hudson rail road was
$42,600 per mile; while the Schenectady and Saratoga
cost $22,000.
March 1. A copartnership was formed between James
and Archibald Me CJure and George Dexter, in the drug
and medicine business.
March 2. Clarissa L., wife of John Pemberton died,
aged 25. Wm. Harrison Jr. died, aged 23.
March 4. Sarah Maria, wife of Gilbert Vandenbergh,
died.
Walter Cornell, member of assembly from Washington
County, died.
Subscriptions were now being procured to erect a new
edifice for the Albany Female Academy in Pearl street,
which were successful; the efforts of the principal, Mr.
Crittenton, resulting in the erection of the present
Academy.
March 7. Richard Clench died in Bethlehem, aged 26;
son of Benj. V. Clench, formerly of Albany.
The courts having set aside the apportionment of $98,
808-55 for widening State street below Market street, a
new one was submitted to the common council, amount-
ing to $91,010.
March 10. Charles J. Reese died, aged 22.
March 13. Susanna Ann Brown died, aged 26.
264 Notes from the Newspapers.
John C. Van Schoonhoven and Henry Rawles purchased
the establishment recently conducted by George Dexter
at No. 57 State street.
March 18. John Wilson died, aged 39. It was claimed
-for him that he was the best artist in the making of
globes, not only in this country, but in the world; that
he had improved the art to such an extent as to elicit the
admission of even English manufacturers, that his globes
•were geographically and mechanically superior to their
own. To this extraordinary skill he added the virtues
Df honesty, humanity and generosity in an equally
eminent degree.
March 19. Maria, wife of Asa H. Centre, died in New
York, aged 42.
March 21. The ice moved away from the space before
the city, and the water rose above the pier and docks.
March 23. Nancy C.} wife of William Whipple, died,
aged 26.
March 28. Paul Cushman died, aged 78.
April 10. Mrs. Charity Oakey died, aged 73.
April 13. Ruth Dakin, wife of Lynot Bloodgood, died.
April 17. Samuel T. Penny* died. He was a native of
England, had resided in this city about thirty years, and
was noted for his biblical knowledge and eccentricities,
*Penny married a widow — Rebecca Rhino — (rather a curious con-
junction of names), who had considerable property, some of which he
soon squandered; in consequence of which and his vagaries besides,
she obtained a divorce from him in the state of Vermont, whither she
went to reside for a while with that purpose. On her return to Al-
bany she opened quite a large dry good store in the building now No.
585 Broadway, where she transacted an extensive business, while
Penny kept a store a few doors above in the same street. Both of
their names appear, as merchants, in Fry's Directory of 1S13. She
resumed her ibrmer name, and many of our oldest citizens will remem-
ber Mrs. Rhino's Cheap Store, and the crowds of customers she at-
tracted thither.
In his latter days Penny became quite poor, and mended umbrellas
for a living. He went from house to house collecting them, and was
rarely seen except with a bundle of old umbrellas under his arm,
striding along the streets and clearing the sidewalks of all the young-
sters in his way. With them, Old Penny and Old Umbrellas were
synonymous terms. — P.
Notes from the Newspapers. 265
the latter the effect of partial insanity. He was buried
in the cemetery of the First Methodist church.
April 18. Hannah, wife of Joseph Badgley, died,
aged 52.
April 22. Wm. Meadon died, aged 46.
The proprietors of the Athenaeum determined to close
that institution for want of adequate patronage.
April 25. Elizabeth, wife of Reuben Fuller, died, aged
43.
April 26. Staats Cuyler died, aged 32.
May 1. Azor Taber and Amos Dean formed a law
partnership.
May 2. Mary Ann, wife of George G. Johnson of Cana*
joharie and daughter of Robert Ruby, died, aged 26.
May 11. The Rev. Horatio Potter was installed rector
of St. Peter's Church, by Bishop Onderdonk.
May 16. A freshet which began two days previous
was now at its greatest height and produced much loss
and damage. South Market street was impassable below
Hamilton street, and carts and yawls plied their amphi-
bious vocations at the rate of 6d a passenger. The vege-
tation on the island was wholly destroyed. Besides the
damage to property, which was serious beyond reccollec-
tion, there was also loss of life.
The island at the south part of the city consisting of
about 160 acres, was at this time occupied by 11 families,
deriving their support from the vegetables raised thereon.
The recent flood entirely destroyed the crops, and they
sustained a loss of nearly $6000. They were equally
unfortunate in the previous year when owing to the
prevalence of cholera, they were unable to dispose of the
products of their gardens.
May 17. Norris Fabell died, aged 30.
Dr. G. V. Z. Platt died, aged 25.
Charles, son of B. D. Packard, died, aged 18.
May 18. Benjamin D. Packard, of the firm of Packard,
Hoffman & White, died, aged 54. He was a bookseller,
and had recently begun the publication of the Albany
Evening Journal, of which he was the founder and sole
proprietor, at the time of its commencement.
266 Notes from the Newspapers.
May 20. The common council determined by a vote of
10 to 8, to allow the Ark to remain in the basin. An
effort had been made for some time to remove it as a
violation of law, and on the 1st July the board resolved
that it should be removed, 8 to 7.
The Ark was an immense floating store-house construct-
ed in the basin, between the State street and Hamilton
street bridges, capable of holding a large number of
canal boat cargoes at one time. It was built by the
Tow Boat companies to save storage on shore. When
there were no river vessels on hand to receive freight
from the canal it was deposited in the Ark until the tow
boats arrived from below to take it in. The merchants
and storers who hired warehouses on the wharves at high
rents, complained loudly of this unfair interference with
their legitimate business, and insisted on its removal.
The defense was that it could not be taken out of the
basin, there being at that time no outlet sufficiently large
for the purpose. The Ark was finally broken up and
taken away piece-meal.
May 25. Eveline, wife of Cornelius Van Rensselaer
and daughter of Leonard Gansevoort, died, aged 40.
May 26. John, son of Chester Bulkley, died at Amherst,
Mass., aged 19.
May 28. Diana, wife of Wm. Me Clure, died, aged 25,
June 2. John C. French died, aged 50.
June 4. James L. Boardman died, aged 30.
A fire in State street destroyed several rear buildings
and spreading to Washington street, destroyed fifteen
stores and dwellings.
June 4. The common council raised the salary of the
chamberlain to $1000, and that of the poor master to
$500. At the same meeting they made arrangements for
the reception of President Jackson, who was expected
here on his northern tour.
June 5. The demolition of the Vanderheyden house in
North Pearl street was commenced, in order to make
room for the Baptist church which now stands partly
upon its site.
Notes Jrom the Newspapers. 267
June 7. Mary B., wife of Rev. David Brown and
daughter of L. Cruttenden, died, aged 35.
June 9. James Van Bramer died, aged 41.
June 18. Joannah, wife of Cornelius A. Waldron, died,
aged 41.
June 23. John B. Southwick died, aged 28. He was
a son of Solomon Southwick.
June 24. The common council resolved, 8 to 5 to widen
Hudson street from Union to Market streets, by taking
14 feet on the south side. Spring street was directed to
be opened from Hawk to Swan street.
June 26. Mrs. Rachel Slingerland died, aged 83.
June 30. Frederick Slecht died at Coeymans, aged 79.
He was born at Helmstadt, in the dutchy of Brunswick,
Lower Saxony, and served in the British army under
Burgoyne, with whom he was taken at Saratoga. He
was characterized as " a man of real merit, who by his
industry acquired a good property, which he left to be
enjoyed by a respectable family."
June 31. William Martin died, aged 32.
July 1. William Dunkley died, aged 76.
July 2. Naomi, wife of H. A. Bancraft, died, aged 31.
July 3d. Hezekiah Skinner, of the firm of Webster &
Skinners, died at Hartford, aged 48.
July 4. The day was celebrated with unwonted enthu-
siasm and display. The declaration was read by J. V.
L. Pruyn, and the oration was delivered by adjutant
general Levi Hubbel. Twenty-four young ladies from
Schenectady, each representing a state, sung Hail Colum-
bia. Marshal of the day Col. Peter V. Shankland. The
military, firemen and civic societies were out in fine
display.
July 10. Amantha, wife of Charles T. Smyth, died.
The editor of the Daily Advertiser, from observation
and inquiry, formed the opinion that the manufacture of
iron castings was brought to greater perfection in Albany
than in any other place in the country, or even in Europe.
The hollow ware of Bartlett, Bent & Co., was preferred
to the best Scotch; the stoves of Dr. Nott received the
268 Notes from the Newspapers.
preference wherever they were known, and the machin-
ery castings of Many & Ward were equal to those of
any foundery in the world. The quantity of castings
produced was stated as follows:
Howard, Nott& Co., 1000 tons.
Bartlett, Bent & Co., 350
I.& J. Townsend, 300
Rathbone & Silliman, 200
Many & Ward, 450
2300
About one thousand persons were employed in these
establishments. Besides these productions, the house of
Heermans, Rathbone & Co. sold annually 750 tons of stove
plates brought from Philadelphia, and Gill, Cooper & Co.
about 300 tons, from the same place. From the best in-
formation that could be obtained, it was found that there
were about 2300 tons manufactured and sold in the city,
and about 1250 tons imported and sold here, making in
all 3,550 tons.
July 11. Thomas Atwood Bridgen died, aged 40.
The subscription books for the stock of the New York
and Albany rail road were opened at the Eagle tavern.
July 16. The chamberlain of the city of Albany vs.
James Blackall,was the title of a suit brought before the
police court to recover the sum of $6 as a penaly for
permitting three of the defendant's swine to go at large
in the city of Albany. The jury consisted of Warner
Daniels, foreman, James Hunter, Robert Strong, Robert
Gill, Chester Judd, and Joseph Brown. The prosecu-
tion was conducted by David Hosford ; the counsel for
the defendant was Calvin Pepper. These were for a long
time the most eminent counsel at the bar of the police
and justices courts. There were many who professed
strong doubts of the propriety and constitutionality of
the law restraining swine from running at large, and
who regarded the presence of hogs in the streets to be
conducive to the general health of the city. They were
particularly hostile to one John Baker, who brought this
suit, and who had undertaken to impound all hogs found
Notes from the Newspapers. • 269
in the streets as a chosen profession, and it was one which
it was thought he was adapted to by nature as well as
inclination.* The counsel for the defendant argued that
the ordinance under which Baker acted, professed to be
for the abatement of nuisances, when in fact it promoted
infinitely greater nuisance by compelling owners to con-
fine their hogs in narrow pens near their own dwellings
and those of their neighbors; while it left the offal to
rot and putrify either in houses or in the public streets,
which these animals had been accustomed to consume.
The unconstitutionality of the law, the hardships it im-
posed upon the owners of the swine, the malpractices of
the swine driver under the law, were all forcibly pre-
senteo. The counsel for the complainant contended that
if the Ikw was distasteful to the public, they must peti-
tion for its repeal; but he repelled with becoming indig-
nation the insinuation that Mr. Baker, the efficient,
vigilant and faithful agent of the corporation, would
himself impound the swine found at large, and afterwards
turn them out of the pound for the purpose of making a
further complaint: and that it was much more reason-
able to suppose that the owners had themselves broken
open the pound for the purpose of liberating their own
property.
Justice Cole submitted the cause to the jury without
any charge or expression of opinion, and the jury forth-
with returned a verdict for the defendant.
July 18. James Dunlap died, aged 66.
July 20. Eliza, wife of Hiram Perry, died.
July 22. At a meeting of the common council, the
mayor delivered a long speech concerning the proceed-
ings of the Mohawk and Hudson rail road company in
tearing up the street for the purpose of laying another
track in State street, and concluded by recommending
the prosecution of the company for an unlawful proceed-
ing. The trial came on before Justice Cole on the 1st
day of August, when the company was fined $10.
*He received the name of Pig Baker, by which he goes lo this day.
270 Notes from the Newspapers.
July 25. The corner stone of the Universalist church
in Green street was laid with appropriate ceremonies.
An address was delivered by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Wil-
liamson.
The steam boat Fanny ran between Albany and New
York, professedly in opposition to imposition ; fare $1,
meals 25 cents.
Aug. 5. At a meeting of the common council the mayor
presented a long communication concerning the rail road
entering the city through State street. It was submitted
to a committee who reported that they thought the com-
pany might safely be allowed to approach the basin from
Gansevoort street under proper restrictions.
Aug. 6. The mayor's court met, the recorder and
aldermen B. P. Staats and E. W. Skinner on the bench.
The jury was composed of the following persons : Rens-
selaer Westerlo, foreman, John Trotter, John W. Bay,
Jesse Howe, John Laisdell, Walter Clark, Edward R.
Satterlee, Wm. W. Groesbeeck, Asaph Sykes, Wm. G.
Fry, Benjamin Gilbert, John Norton, jr., Caleb N. Bement,
Charles A. Hopkins, Joseph Webster, George T. Clark,
James Hunter, John Gates. Twenty-seven indictments
were found for various offences. The following resolu-
tion was passed, ayes 12, noes 6:
Resolved, That this grand jury do recommend to the
corporation to change the Lancaster school house, into
a work house for the benefit of the city and county of
Albany.
Among the structures that were being erected in un-
usual numbers, at this time were the Stanwix Hall,* the
^Stanwix Hall was first named The Pavilion, which was cut on a
large stone tablet, on the Broadway front. After the buiding was
nearly completed, the owners, whose father (Brig. Gen. Gansevoort,
who died 1812) had distinguished himself in the defense of Fort Stan-
wix (now Rome, Oneida co.) during the revolutionary war, changed
it to its present name in his honor. Workmen were employed to
alter the tablet accordingly. It was done rather privately behind a
screen, so that very few knew what was going on until the screen
was removed. — P.
Notes from the Newspapers. 271
Female Academy and Baptist church in North Pearl street,
the Universalist church in Green street, the Friends'
meeting house in Plain street, the large building for a
rail road depot in State street, now known as Van
Vechten Hall. Messrs. I. & J. Townsend were building
up Jay street, and Harmanus Bleecker was erecting a
block of dwellings from Pearl to Chapel streets on Steu-
ben street. Wm. P. Van Rensselaer was erecting a fine
house in Elk street, and Charles L. Webb on the corner
of Park place and Fayette street. Nothing had been
seen before on so grand a scale.
Aug. 7. John Malcolm died.
Aug. 8. Charles F. Durant, the aeronaut, made an
ascension in a balloon from Meeks's garden, corner of
Swan and Fayette streets, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon;
he was wafted in a southwesterly direction, and attained
an altitude of about 5000 feet; alighting in New Scotland,
12 miles from the city, at 6h. 47m.
Aug. 15. Jane Keown died, aged 43.
Aug. 19. At a meeting of the common council the
navigation committee recommended the removal of the
obstructions in the river at the Overslaugh ; whereupon
the board appropriated $1000 to that purpose to be paid
when a like sum should be raised by subscription.
The city surveyor reported that the expense of raising
the grade of that part of the city lying below Ferry street
and east of South Pearl would be" from $50,000 to $60,000.
Duncan McLachlan died, aged 55.
Aug. 20. James McGlashan died, aged 30.
In digging the foundation for the new livery stable of
Wasson & Jewell in Middle lane, the workmen found a
quantity of bomb shells which were charged with pow-
der. A building, occupied as a military store house,
stood here in the revolutionary war. It was owned by
Philip Van Rensselaer, who atterwards lived at Cherry
hill. He was a commissary during the revolution, and
had charge of the public stures for the northern army,
particularly during the years 1776 to 1778. After the
war, this building was suffered to fall into decay, and
272 Notes from the Newspapers.
the cellar filled with water, It was said that when tbe
old artillery company was formed, soon after peace was
restored, the state having no field pieces to supply them,
with, a suggestion was made by some one who had been
in Mr. Van Rensselaer's service, that there was probably
one or more iron cannon among the rubbish in this old
store house, and search having been made, two iron four
pounders were found in the cellar and taken out. They
were- fitted up and used until the state replaced them
with brass field pieces. It was one of these guns which
became famous in the hands of Jonathan Kidney, and
was long used for firing salutes from Robison's hill on
all suitable occasions. He called it The Clinton, in honor
of George Clinton. It was drawn up in Green street in
1788 to be discharged upon the federal procession. (See
vol. i, 335.)
Wasson & Jewell bad been obliged to give up their
location on the corner of Maiden lane and Dean street
in consequence of the erection of a part of Stanwix Hall
upon it. These premises had been in use as a livery
stable by various persons since 1807, and it was proba-
bly the first establishment of the kind in Albany. Pre-
vious to that time a brewery stood there. Before the
revolution and up to the period of its demolition in 1807,
it was known as Harme (Harmen) Gansevoort's brewery,
and many a barrel of good beer, made of wheat, has been
brewed on that spot. It was a pleasantry with the old
people of those times, to say that when the brewer
wanted to give a special flavor to a choice brewing, he
would wash his old leather breeches in it; showing that
the slanders against Albany brewers and Albany ale is
not a new thing but of considerable antiquity. So late
as 1833, when the dome of Stanwix Hall was raised, the
Dutchmen of that day called it old Harme Gansevoort's
brew kettle turned upside down. The business appears
to have been as lucrative a century ago as it now is, for
old Harme Gansevoort died a very rich man.
Sept. 4. Wiliam C. Sloan, formerly of Albany, died in
New York, aged 37.
Notes from the Newspapers. 273
Sept. 5. At a meeting of the common council a reso-
lution was offered to permit the rail road company to
continue their road through the streets from Gansevoort
to the basin. It was opposed by Messrs. Groesbeck and
Van Vechten; the vote was adverse, as follows: Aye,
Messrs. Cornell, Corning, Norton, Staats, Stevens, 5;
No, Messrs. Gould, Groesbeck, Porter, Robison, Skinner,
Van Vechten, Van Rensselaer, Van Ness, 9.
Sept. 6. Margaret, wife of John H. Boyd, died, aged 34.
The old brick dwelling at the northeast corner of State
and North Pearl streets, well known as the Lydius house,
owned by Messrs. James and George Dexter, was taken
down for the purpose of erecting upon its site Apotheca^-
ries Hall.
Sept. 13. James Farrel died, aged 35.
Sept. 24. Deborah G. Fry died, aged 30; daughter of
Joseph Fry.
Richard Briggs died, aged 27 .
Sept. 24. The charter election took place, and the re-
sult was a tie in the board of aldermen, each party hav-
ing ten members in the board.
REPUBLICAN. DEMOCRATIC.
First Ward.
Aldermen. J. L'Amoreux, 360 John E. Lovett, 395
Joseph Fry, 365 Levi Cornell, 399
Assistants. Angus McDuffy, . . . 389 George M. Stevens, ..... 370
Wm. Lyons, 343 Wm. I. Winne, 373
Second Ward.
Aldermen. I. L. Judson, 325 Seth Hastings, 392
John Meads, 307 James D. Wasson, 383
Assistants. Josiah Winants, .... 309 Thomas Lee, 389
S. V. R. Humphrey, 327 Hiram Perry, 377
Third Ward.
Aldermen. Tennis Van Vechten, 166 Peter Gansevoort, 134
Israel Williams, 160 C. A. Ten Eyck, 142
Assistants. Arnold Nelson, .... 179 William White, 137
Geo. McPherson,,... 166 J. Schoonmaker, . .... 121
Fourth Ward.
Aldermen. Friend Humphrey,. 388 Lemuel Steele, 400
Jared L. Rathbone, . 402 James Maher, .„ . . 411
[Annals, ix.] 24
274 Notes from the Newspapers.
REPUBLICAN. DEMORATIO.
Assistants. James Robinson, ... 402 James G.Mather, 404
W. W. Dougherty,. 391 F. Murdock, 399
Fifth Ward.
Aldermen. S. Van Rensselaer, Jr. 224 J. N. Quackenbush, 229
James Gibbons, 233 Harman V. Hart, 211
Assistants. John Van Ness, Jr. . 233 Heman A. Fay, 215
Wm. Gillespie, .... 228 J. V. Volkenburgh, 220
Sept. 25. Allen Murphy died at New Orleans, formerly
proprietor of the Adelphi hotel in Albany. The Adelphi
hotel was in the old Commercial bank building. The
entrance to the hotel was on the east side, towards South
Market street. The whole building, excepting the bank-
ing room and one store in front, was occupied by the
hotel.
Sept. 29. A sermon was preached in the Second Dutch
church by the Rev. B. T. Welch, and a collection taken
up for the Orphan Asylum, amounting to $245*57.
A petition of citizens having been made to the common
council to abolish the Lancaster school and establish nine
school houses in as many districts of the city, Mr. Corn-
ing, chairman of the special committee on the subject,
reported in favor of the project. It appears that the
trustees of the several school districts had taken a census
of the children over 5 and under 16 years of age, and
found 6,217, of which 3,575 had been taught by 34 teach-
ers, in the schools under the care of the board of school
commissioners, at an expense of about $6000. As it was
evident that the whole 6,217 could not be taught in the
Lancaster school and the three district school houses
already erected, the committee thought it expedient and
economical to erect six more buildings, which should serve
for school and engine houses, after the plan of the one
then in use for those purposes in the second district, and
submitted a resolution "That the committee on applica-
tions to the legislature be instructed to apply for a law
authorizing the corporation to dispose of the Lancaster
school house and lots, and apply the proceeds to the
erection of a smaller Lancaster school and school district
and engine buildings, and to exempt them from the pay-
Notes from the Newspapers. 275
ment of $500 per annum from the excise fund for the
support of the same."
The memorialists reminded the board that by the acts
of the legislature of 1818, 1820, 1822, 1826, and 1828,
and donations of the common council, the sum of nearly
$200,000, principal and interest, had been contributed to
establish the Academy, which gave an education to one
or two hundred young men of rich families, while the
great body of the 6000 youth of humble rank, were neg-
lected. They suggested that as the number which at-
tended the Lancaster school had decreased to about 127,
that the building should be sold, together with two engine
lots and buildings, which it was thought would net
$23,000, and that six school houses could be erected for
$15,000, and a building for the Lancaster and African
schools for $2,500 more.
Oct. John Nugent died.
Oct. 14. Mrs. Sarah S. Curtis died, aged 26.
Oct. 15. Eliza, wife of Robert Harris, died.
Oct. 18. John E. Evertsen died, aged 48.
Oct. 28. Janet Grant died, aged 58.
Oct. 29. Hugh Bradford died, aged 49.
Oct. 31. Charles Herne died, aged 31.
The trustees of the Albany Library gave public notice
that by the timely contributions of several of their fel-
low citizens they had been enabled to release their in-
stitution from debt; and that, having received from the
trustees of the Albany Female Academy a grant for four
years of the free use of a very suitable room in their new
building for the future accommodation of the library, its
income would in future be appropriated to its support
without being subject to any diminution for rent. This
was the last of the Albany library. The trustees are
not known to have acted since. The books belonging to
it, some of which were valuable, were merged in the
library of the Female Academy, where they still re-
main.
During this month, the great moral paintings, as they
were termed, of Adam and Eve, were exhibited at the
276 Notes from the Newspapers.
City Hall, and attracted universal attention. The pro-
fits of one day's exhibition were set apart for charitable
uses, and the proceeds, $38, sent in to the common coun-
cil, who entrusted the fund to the mayor for distribution.
Nov. 2. John Me Gourkey died, aged 75. He took an
active part in the revolution, and throughout his life
maintained the character of an upright and respectable
tiitizen.
Nov. 4. The common council, on the remonstrance of
nearly all the property owners interested, resolved to
-suspend the opening of Hudson street above Eagle.
Nov. 6. The election, which at this time was held
three days, terminated in the success of the democratic
ticket. The vote for members of assembly was as
follows.
DEMOCRATIC. REPUBLICAN.
B. P. Staats, ............ 1500 H. G. Wheaton, .......... 1588'
.A.Livingston, .......... 1717 S. Veeder, ............... 1620
P.Williams, ............ 1708 D.Gallup, .............. 1414
The returns from the towns in the country swelled the
democratic majority to over 500.
Nov. 7. Jacob Mancius, an old merchant, and formerly
ipost master, died at his residence in Montgomery street.
Nov. 9. Addison Mandell, formerly an attorney in this
city, died at his residence in West Florida, aged 41.
Nov. 12. A fire broke out in the wooden building of
Aaron Lyon, in Pine street, which destroyed also Archer's
"tavern on the corner of Pine and Eagle, and two other
wooden buildings adjoining on the east. These buildings
occupied the site of the State Hall. The loss was about
Eliza, wife of James Taylor, died.
Nov. 14. Henry Clay arrived in the city and was
received with great ceremony by his friends and the
people. He was escorted to the Eagle Tavern where he
was addressed by the mayor in behalf of the board, by
Ambrose Spencer in behalf of the elder citizens, and by
J. B. Van Schaick in behalf of the young men of the city.
On the following day he visited the City Hall and other
places, and left the city in the afternoon. At the City
Notes from the Newspapers. 277
Hall he was presented by the young men of the city
through Amos Dean, Esq., with a splendid cloak of
American cloth, made up in the short space of three
hours, by Messrs. Relyea & Wright, which was much
admired by Mr. Clay, but is not paid for to this day.
Nov. 15. A fire in Water street destroyed a wheel-
wright shop and stable.
Notice was given of an application to the legislature
for the incorporation of the City Bank of Albany, with
a capital of $500,000. The following names were signed
to the notice : Chauncey Humphrey, John H. Prentice,
Albert Gallup, James Horner, S. S. Fowler, Egbert
Egberts, Martin Van Alstyne, William Seymour, G. W.
Ryckman, James Roby Jr., Thomas M. Burt, John L.
Schoolcraft, John Knower.
The Mohawk and Hudson rail road company extended
their track down the center of State street. The common
council had relieved them of this unnecessary expense,
but the majority of the stock was owned in New York,
and the directors found that the law of the legislature re-
quiring the track to be laid could not be annulled by the
city board, and they were apprehensive that their failure
to comply strictly with the terms of their charter, re-
quiring the track to be laid before a certain day, would
reinvest the turnpike company with rail road privileges.
The inhabitants of the upper part of Washington street
inclosed the gore formed by the divergence of the turn-
pikes, with a fence, and named the inclosure Washington
park, contemplating a statue of Washington to ornament
the same. But the city laws designated the place as
Townsend park.
Nov. 26. A large number of prominent citizens, learn-
ing that Benjamin F. Butler was about to leave the city
to fill an important office under the general government,
tendered him their regrets.
Nov. 29. Dorothy, wife of Job J. Williams, died,
aged 30.
Nov. 30. Sally, wife of William Simpson, died, aged 52.
Dec. 1. A meeting of citizens was called at the City
Hall to take into consideration the propriety of memori-
278 Notes from the Newspapers.
alizing congress for an appropriation to remove obstruc-
tions in the river. At a meeting of the common council
on the following evening it was determined to send an
agent to Washington to present a memorial to congress
and to use his influence to promote the passage of an
appropriation. The board designated William Seymour
such agent unanimously.
Dec. 4. Charles B. Webb died, of the firm of H. & C.
Webb & Co.
Israel Smith, treasurer of the Infant school society,
reported that the society maintained three schools, having
in general attendance nearly 400 scholars; that the
salaries of the six teachers amounted to $1050 per annum ;
other expenses $100.
Dec. 5. Abraham Oake, late of Albany, died in New
York, aged 85.
Dec. 8. John T. Rockwell died, aged 30.
Dec. 10. Mrs. Ann Doyle died, aged 85.
A person, who enshrouded himself with some mystery,
under the name of the Wandering Piper, appeared in
Albany, and gave two exhibitions at the Lancaster school
house, Dec. 13 and 14.
A meeting of the young men of the city was held at
the Mayor's Court room, for the purpose of organizing a
young men's association for mutual improvement. On
motion of Amos Dean, Esq., Charles A. Hopkins was
called to the chair, and Win. Greene and Sidney Sawyer
appointed secretaries. Mr. H. Hart explained the objects
of the meeting, and a constitution was adopted and
presented for signatures.
At an adjourned meeting of the association, held at
the same place on the 13th, 220 members present, Amos
Dean was elected president.
Robert E. Ward, 1st. vice president.
William Jackson, 2d vice president.
Robert L. Kearney, 3d vice president.
Theodore Olcott, treasurer.
William Greene, recording secretary.
John B. Van Schaick, corresponding secretary.
Notes from the Newspapers. 279
Philo K. Cole, Daniel Campbell, William Parmalee,
Sidney Sawyer, Walter R. Bush, Dennison Worthington,
Samuel B. Woodruff, Charles Woodhouse, William E.
Bleecker, Henry Hart, managers.
Dec. 13. The river closed.
Dec. 18. The committee of the board of supervisors
appointed for the purpose, advertised that they would
receive proposals for a suitable plot of ground for the
erection of a workhouse and jail; the plot to be from 100
to 200 feet wide, and from 200 to 300 feet long, not ex-
ceeding half a mile from the City Hall.
Dec. 20. John Bleecker died, aged 70.
Dec. 24. Emily, wife of Wm. Carpenter, died, aged 37.
Dec. 30. Hannah, wife of Jonathan Kidney, died, aged
69.
George McPherson, alderman of the third ward, died.
1834.
Jan. 1. A meeting of the common council was held, at
which Erastus Corning was qualified as mayor.
William S. Shepherd died, aged 26.
Duncan Me Leod died.
Jan. 7. Hon. D. D. Barnard delivered the introductory
lecture before the Young Men's Association, in Knicker-
backer Hall.
The legislature met, and the governor, William L.
Marcy, transmitted his annual message to the senate,
and Azariah C. Flagg, secretary of state, administered
the oath of office to the members of assembly.
A fire near the corner of South Market and Church
streets destroyed a clothing store.
Jan. 8. A petition was presented to the legislature for
the incorporation of the Albany City Bank.
Jan. 9. Sarah, wife of John Cross, died, aged 41.
Jan. 21. Francis Low died, aged 53.
John Charles died, aged 32.
A fire destroyed the morocco factory of Abram Covert
in Fox street. Loss estimated at $7000; insured for
$5000.
280 Notes from the Newspapers.
Jan. 24. Cornelia, widow of the late Chancellor Lan-
sing, died, aged 76.
Jan. 27. At a meeting of the common council Hezekiah
Sage, who had a contract for excavating Gallows hill,
petitioned the board to release him one eighth of that
territory.
A deed of confirmation was granted to the Roman
Catholic church of their lot.
George W. Welch was appointed superintendent of the
Alms house.
Ann, widow of Dr. Wm. Van Beuren, died.
Jan. 30. An election for alderman and assistant was
held in the third ward to fill vacancies occasioned by the
death of assistant Me Pherson, and the resignation of
alderman Van Vechten. The following is a report of
the votes.
I. W. Staats, 139 AllenBrown, 134
John W. Bay, 143 W. White, 130
Jan. 31. Peter Me Intosh died, aged 66.
Feb. 5. Mary, wife of Benj. V. Clench, died, aged 67.
She was the only daughter of William Shepherd, a well
known armorer for the American forces in the revolution-
ary war, although a loyalist.
Feb. 8. A fire broke out in the upper story of the old
City Hall, corner of South Market and Hudson streets,
in a dissecting room, where the unusual phenomena of
two bodies were found by the firemen.
Feb. 19. Mrs. Ann Clark died, aged 60.
Feb, 24. The river was open, and the Constellation
arrived on the day following.
Eliza, wife of Nicholas Efner, died, aged 24.
Feb. 28. A fire broke out in Washington street, No 55,
occupied by James Brown & Sons, tailors; loss $1000.
March 3. A brick house in State street continued was
damaged by fire to the amount of $500.
William Forest, sometime associated with William
Duflfey in the management of the Albany theatre, died at
Philadelphia. He was a brother of Edwin Forest, the
tragedian.
Notes from the Newspapers. 281
March 5. The paper hanging establishment of Lemuel
Steele was partially destroyed by fire ; loss nearly $3000.
March 10. At a meeting of the common council Peter
Allenson, who represented himself to be in poor circum-
stances, and to have been long a resident, petitioned to be
employed in making coffins for the poor, and lamp posts
when needed.
Alderman Wasson reported a bill to amend the law
preventing hogs from running at large, providing a fine
of $3 for hogs running at large unless ringed. Great
stress was laid upon the hardships imposed upon the
poor by shutting up the swine.
March 16. Asenath, wife of Henry Hoyt, died, aged 31.
March 18. A very large meeting of citizens opposed to
the measures of the administration of Andrew Jackson,
more particularly in respect to the removal of the public
deposits from the United States bank, was held at the
Capitol at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The names signed
to the call embraced a great many who had long sided
with the democratic party. To render the occasion more
impressive many merchants in the business streets
closed their shops during the meeting.
March 22. Frances H., wife of Henry L. Webb, died,
aged 20.
March 23. Nathan Allen, late of Albany, died at Hud-
son, aged 30.
April 5. Hunter & Hoffman issued a new daily paper,
under the title of The Daily News, intended to be issued
at 12m., and to contain the leading items of news, and
to be entirely divested of a party character.
April 7. At a meeting of the common council George
W. Carpenter was elected city surveyor, and Joseph
Fisk city marshal.
The masons at work on the new jail had a strike.
April 18. John Fraser died, aged 22.
April 19. William Johnson died, aged 52.
April 20. Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Lightbody,
died, aged 18.
April 21. William Mesick died, aged 38.
282 Notes from the Newspapers.
April 22. Jane, daught. of Rob. Cameron, died, aged 21.
April 23. The bill to incorporate the Albany City
bank passed the senate 23 to 7 ; it had previously passed
the house of assembly.
April 25. Solomon D. Townsend died, formely a
merchant in this city.
The national republicans and anti masons having
united against the democrats took the name of whigs and
denominated their opponents tories.
Solomon Southwick published A Layman's Apology
for the Appointment of Clerical Chaplains by the Legis-
lature, a series of letters which he had published originally
in the newspapers under the signature of Sherlock. It
was intended to refute the arguments of Thomas Hertell,
who attempted to procure the exclusion of chaplains
from the legislature.
May 1. The firm of Webster & Skinners was dissolved,
Charles R. Webster retiring from business, and the other
partners, E. W. & C. Skinner continuing.
May 6. At an election held on this day, the following
officers were chosen:
WHIG. DEMOCRATIC.
First Ward.
Supervisor. Angus McDuffie, . . 609 Barent P. Staats, 404
Assessor . . . Green Hall, 605 George M. Stevens, 411
Second Ward.
Supervisor. Ichabod L. Judson, . 459 John I. Burton, 377
Assessor. . . Hazael Kane, 467 Daniel S. Kittle, 365
Third Ward.
Supervisor. Egbert Egberts, ... 202 E. R. Satterlee, 117
Assessor. . . Efihu Russell, 195 John F. Porter, 123
Fourth Ward.
Supervisor. Daniel Wilcox, .... 479 Samuel S. Fowler, 420
Assessor . . . Philip Hooker, 483 Lewis Farnham, 415
Fifth Ward.
Supervisor. John Van Ness, Jr., 298 John N. Quackenbush, . . 256
Assessor. . . Benjamin Wilson, on both tickets.
The aggregate number of votes cast was 3,621.
The legislature adjourned, after a session of four
months and six days.
William Stilwell died, aged 64 years 8 months.
Notes from the Newspapers. 283
The stable of John Townsend was burnt in the evening,
and about midnight a fire broke out in the shop of Mat-
thew Kline in Middle lane, which destroyed several
dwellings and stores adjoining on North Market and Co-
lumbia streets.
May 7. George Ramsey died, aged 36.
May 11. A sermon was preached by the Eev. Dr.
Sprague and a collection taken up in aid of the Polish
exiles which were in this city. In consequence of the
inclemency of the weather, the sermon was repeated at
the Second Dutch church.
May 12. The Albany Female Academy in North Pearl
street was opened.
May 17. Barent Visscher died, aged 22, son of the late
John B. Visscher.
May 18. George Scott died, aged 25.
May 19. James Gough died, aged 84.
June 9. The books for subscription to the stock of the
Albany City bank, were opened, and $283,300 was sub-
scribed, towards its capital of $500,000. The next day
the subscriptions ran up to $678,200. On the third day
the books were closed, the subscriptions amounting to
$1,142,900.
June 16. Sarah Ann, wife of Levi N. Bowlsby, died,
aged 22.
June 22. Donald McLeod died, "an old and respecta-
ble inhabitant."
June 24. Mrs. Mary Merrifield died, aged 78.
June 25. Elizabeth Hun, wife of Bernard S. Van Rens-
selaer, died.
June 30. Capt. Stepen W. Johnson died, aged 86.
(284)
J. S. BUCKINGHAM IN ALBANY.
[The British traveler, J. Silk Buckingham, who had
visited during thirty years of an active life, a great por-
tion of Europe, Asia and Africa, in the year 1837 began
a tour of the United States, and on his return to Eng-
land published his observations in eight volumes. He ar-
rived in Albany in the latter part of June, 1 838, and gives
the following account of the things he saw, and how they
took his fancy.]
From Catskill to Albany the river appeared narrower
than below, and the banks become more tame in scenery;
but they everywhere preserve the most exuberant fertility,
and are thickly interspersed with towns, villages, ham-
lets, and single dwellings.
At five o'clock we came in sight of Albany, having
passed several small villages and landing places on the
way and rapidly approached the town. The appearance
presented by it was interesting, and full of promise.
The slope of the western bank, on which it stands, repre-
sents a city rising upward from the shore of the river to
an elevated ridge of land, and the number of towers
and domes scattered among the general mass of dwellings
one of them, that of the City Hall, having its surface
gilded, and several others of a burnished and dazzling
white, being overlaid with plating of zinc and tin, gave
to the whole a very brilliant aspect.
At half past five we reached the wharf, the boat having
accomplished her voyage from New York, of about 150
miles in a period often hours and a half, going therefore
nearly fifteen miles an hour the whole way. This tri-
umph of steam navigation is felt in its fullest force by a
voyage upon the Hudson, and especially on arriving at
Albany, as it is the very route on which the first
experiment was made, the record of which is at once so
affecting and so instructive that it can not be made too
widely known.
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 285
If Fulton and his then doubting friends could but be
raised from the dead, and witness now the triumphs of
steam on the Hudson and the Mississippi, the Ganges, the
Indus, the Tigris, the Euphrates, and the Nile, and still
later, across the broad Atlantic, the sensations of both
would be very different to those by which they were
animated on the first experimental voyage.
We landed at the outer wharf at Albany, amidst a
crowd of competitors for the favor of conducting us to
the hotel, the stage, or the rail road; and after crossing
the long wooden bridge, which stretches across the basin
of the great Erie canal, we drove to an excellent house in
Pearl street, No. 59, formerly the residence of the late
governor De Witt Clinton, in which, indeed, he ended
his useful and honorable life — and having comfortable
accommodations provided for us there by Mrs. Lockwood,
we took up our abode in one of the most agreeable homes
that we had yet found since our landing in the United
States.
Albany ranks among the very earliest settlements of
the Europeans on the continent of North America, hav-
ing been first settled by the Dutch so early as the year
1612. It was but three years before this, 1609, that the
celebrated English navigator, Hudson, then in the service
of the Dutch East India Company, set sail from the
Texel in Holland, in search of a northwest passage to
India. He was unable to accomplish this object, and oa
abandoning it as impracticable, he steered southward,
and entering the bay of the Chesapeake, there saw the
first settlement of the English at Jamestown, in Virginia;
He afterwards sailed for the Delaware, off which he
anchored, and proceeded from thence to Long Island;
entered the bay of New York, and sailed up the Nortb
river, as it was first named, or Hudson, as it is now
called after its first discoverer.
While we were on our passage up from New York
to Albany, I was repeatedly led to consider what must
have been the feelings of the intrepid commander and his
enterprising crew at the scenes of beauty and fertility
[Annals, ix.] 25
286 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
which were perpetually opening upon their sight during
their advance up the stream, which they had every reason
to believe that they were the first among Europeans to
see and admire. Their delight must have been excessive;
and the enthusiasm and triumph of the moment must have
been worth a year of peril to purchase.
It is said, that though at the first entrance of Hudson
into the bay of New York, some of the tribes then occu-
pying Long Island, evinced their hostility to his further
progress, by attacks in which some of his men were
killed and others wounded, yet that as he advanced up
the river, he found the Indians less hostile; expressing by
looks and signs, their disposition to give him welcome ; and
testifying their spirit by presents of fruits and flowers.
The report which Hudson and his companions gave,
when they returned to Holland, of the size and character
of the river, induced the Dutch merchants to form an
association for opening a traffic upon it; and the Dutch
government granted to this association a monopoly of
this trade for a certain period.
It was by this company, that the first settlement was
formed where Albany now stands, on a spot then called
by the Indians Schaunaugh-ta-da, or Once the Pine
Plains. The Dutch here built a fort which was command-
ed by Henry Christiaens. It was first called Aurania,
till 1620, then Beverwick till 1625, then Fort Orange
till 1647, and then Williamstadt, till 1664. It was at
once a fort and a factory of trade, and, like other places
of this description, advanced gradually in population,
and commerce.
It is worthy of remark, that the English puritans who
first settled in Massachusetts, originally intended to have
sailed from Leyden where they were in exile in 1620, for
the Hudson river, on whose banks they contemplated
making their home. But the Dutch, anxious to prevent
English settlers intruding upon their own colonists, and
at the same time unwilling to make any formal opposition
to their voyage, for fear of offending the British, are said
to have bribed the Dutch captain, in whose ship they
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 287
embarked from Holland, to carry them so far to the
northward that they could not reach the river; and hence
their first landing and settlement was made on the coast
of the Massachusetts.
It was in 1621 that the foundation of the city of Albany
was first laid by the Dutch West India Company, who
about the same time, founded the city of New Amsterdam ,
on the island of Manhattan, where New York now stands,
The Dutch settlers at Albany extended themselves
gradually from hence eastward into Connecticut, and
coming there into collision with the English, disputes
arose- among them on subjects sufficiently trivial and
ludicrous. A formal record of the alleged grievances
was kept by the Dutch, and Mr. Grahame* has preserved,
in a note to his interesting and valuable history, an
extract from this chronicle, in which, as he truly says,
"the insignificance of many of these complaints, and the
homeliness of the subject matter of others, contrast some-
what ludicrously with the pompousness of the titles, and
the bitter gravity of the style." Among them are the
following:
"April 25, 1640. Those of Hartford have not only
usurped and taken in the lands of Connecticut, but have
also beaten the servants of their High Mightinesses and th e
honored company, with sticks and plough-staves — in
hostile manner — laming them ; and among the rest, struck
Evert Deukings a hole in his head with a stick, so that
the blood ran very strongly down his body."
" June 24, 1641. Some of Hartford have taken a hog out
of the common, and shut it up out of mere hate, or other
prejudices, causing it to starve for hunger in the stye."
" May 20, 1642.— The English of Hartford have violently
cut loose a horse of the honored company that stood
bound upon the common."
" May 23, 1642.— The said English did again drive the
company's hogs from the common into the village and
pounded them."
* Grahame's History of the United States, vol. ii. p. 165.
288 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
"September 16, 1642. — Again they sold a young pig
which had pastured on the company's lands."
While these grievances were complained of by the
Dutch, the same historian records a curious ground of
complaint against the latter, and the Swedes, who had
settled parts of the country, with them. It was said that
several of the Indians attended the religious assemblies
of the Europeans, " but with so little edification, that they
expressed their amazement at the ill-breeding of the
orator, who could exercise the patience of his tribe with
such lengthened harangues, without repaying their civility
«by a distribution of brandy."
In 1664, Charles the second, most unjustly seeking to
(provoke the Dutch into a war, asserted a claim to the
whole of their settlements on the Hudson, under the title
of the New Netherlands, and made a grant, by charter,
of the territory then actually occupied by the Dutch, to his
brother, the Duke of York. Stuyvesant, the Dutch
govenor, when he heard of this, and of the subsequent
intention to enforce the claim by arms, put himself in the
'best posture of defense he could; and when he received
the summons of the English commander to surrender,
communicated to him by a deputation, aft er remon-
strating with them in vain as to their unjust pretensions,
lie ended by saying, "As touching the threads in your
conclusion, we have nothing to answer, only that we fear
nothing, but what God (who is as just as merciful) shall
lay up on us; all things being in his gracious disposal; and
we may be as well preserved by him with small forces, as
by a great army: which makes us to wish you all happiness
and prosperity, and recommend you to his protection."
The issue was, however, the ultimate surrender of New
York and Albany, to the British authorities, which to*bk
place in October, 1664, and in 1667 the territory was
formally ceded by the Dutch to the British, in exchange for
the colony of Surinam, which the Dutch had taken from
the English.
The increase of population in Albany, from the
earliest period at which any census appears to have been
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany- 289
taken, up to 1830, the last year of the decennial num-
bering of the people, may be seen from the following
figures. In 1790, it was 3,498— in 1800, 5,349— in 1810,
9,356— in 1820, 12,630— in 1830, 24.?38. At present it
is thought to exceed 30,000; and by 1840, the next year
of the census, will probably be 40,000, more than, ten
times its numbers 50 years ago.
The rapid prosperity of Albany is not so much to be
attributed to the fact of its being the legislative capital of
the state of New York, for which its position is well
adapted, as to the advantage it enjoys as the chief port
of entrepot for almost all the exports and imports of the
great maritime emporium at the mouth \>f its river, New
York. This was the case to a certain extent, before the
opening of the internal canals; but since these great
channels have opened a highway from the Hudson to the
lakes of the West, and by them to the noble rivers, Ohio
and Mississippi, down to the gulf of Mexico, and by the
Arkansas and Red river to the foot of the Rocky moun-
tains, while Lake Champlain extends its water carriage
towards the banks of the St. Lawrence, and the Hudson
opens a way to the Atlantic; since these united advantages
have been enjoyed by Albany, her wealth and population
have grown with greatly increased rapidity ; and the name
of De Witt Clinton, the first projector of the internal
communication, and of Fulton, the originator of steam
navigation, are justly held in the highest veneration in
the spot so much benefited by their joint labors.
The state of New York, of which Albany is the capital,
is called, by all Americans, the Empire State, from its
territorial extent, its vast resources, its enlarged com-
merce,its population, and consequent legislative influence.
Its territory is 316 miles in length, and 304 miles in
breadth. It contains 47,000 square miles, or 31,080,000
acres. It is, therefore, larger in area than England,
Wales and the Isle of Man united, as these are computed
by Arrowsmith, in his Geography, to contain only 43,990
square miles.
The records respecting the early history of Albany are
290 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
very scanty, and the field of the antiquary is consequently
very limited. In a journal called the Schenectady Re-
flector, some extracts are given from the earliest minutes
of the Albany corporation, of which the following are
examples.
In 1746 the corporation ordered 6J to be paid to John
Bell, the city whipper, for six months' services.
In 1747 they direct a receipt to be signed by their
clerk " for half a barrel of powder received from Sybrant
G. Van Schaick, in lieu of the powder he borrowed from
the corporation when the governor was here last."
In 1748 they/>rdered '* Mr. Santvoort to pay Eobert
Lottridge for two gallons of wine .that Mr. Miller bought
upon the corporation account, when the governor came.''
These and many similar orders demonstrate that our
Dutch burghers were good and faithful subjects to their
English governors, besides paying a pretty good salary to
their city whipper.
Of the topography of this city, the legislative capital
of the Empire State, it may be said, that its site is well
chosen, being on the west bank of the river Hudson, with
the lower portion of the city on a slightly ascending plain,
near the stream, which makes it commodious for the
transaction of business; while the gradually ascending
angle by which it at length attains a steep ascent, and
terminates in a lofty and commanding hill, is also favor-
able to the imposing appearance of the city on approaching
it, to the display of its public buildings at different
degrees of elevation, to the convenience of the more
opulent inhabitants who desire spacious and airy situations
for their dwellings, and also to the general cleanliness
and consequent salubrity of every part of the town.
The plan of arrangement and subdivision is not so
regular as many of the American cities, but, like New
York and Baltimore, while its older parts are remarkably
irregular, all its more modern laying out is as symme-
trical as could be desired. The principal street, which
ascends from the banks of the river and terminates at the
foot of the Capitol on the hill, is a noble avenue of at least
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 291
120 feet in breadth; Market street and Pearl street, by
which this is intersected at right angles, as these streets
run nearly parallel to the river, are also as fine streets
as can be desired, of ample breadth, from 80 to 100 feet,
shaded on each side by rows of trees, and containing
many spacious and excellent mansions, interspersed with
places of worship and public buildings, which produce a
most agreeable effect.
Here and there are some striking contrasts, to impress
on the spectator the difference which a century has made
in the style of building and scale of domestic comfort.
The house we occupied at the southeast corner of
Pearl and Steuben streets, was a most commodious and
delightful mansion; it had formerly been the residence of
the late governor, De Witt Clinton, and was equal in
size and accommodation to some of the best houses in
Baker street, Harley, or other similar streets in the
northwest of London. Next door to us was the resi-
dence of governor Marcy, the present governor of the
state; and next to him was anew mansion, belonging
to the president of the Albany bank, Mr. T. W. Olcott, as
well finished and fine a building as could be seen in any
part of the world — indeed, a sumptuous abode; while on
the opposite, or north side of the street, were, in addition
to the noble private dwellings, the two projecting Ionic
porticos of the Female Academy and the Baptist church,
which, with the graceful dome and turret of the latter,
made a most beautiful architectural picture, which even
an inhabitant of Rome, or Venice, or Genoa, would
admire.
In contrast with all this, however, there stood at the
northeast corner of Pearl and Steuben streets, and right
opposite the house we dwelt in, a Dutch burgher's resi-
dence, bearing the date of 1732; its yellow and ill-
cemented bricks, its small windows and doors, its low
body, and immensely disproportioned sloping roof, covered
with tiles of all shapes and fashions, shewing what
descripton of city Albany was likely to have been a
century ago, and enabling one to judge of the amazing
292 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
advance in opulence, taste and comfort, which had been
made since that humble dwelling had been first reared;
in this respect the occasional presence of such relics, as
land marks, or indexes of the progress of time, and cor-
responding progress of improvement, is useful, and no-
where more so than in this country.
In the laying out of the new or upper part of the city,
care has been taken to appropriate some portion of the
space to public squares, for the recreation and health of
the population, and public baths are spoken of as being
likely to be undertaken by the city authorities.
The shops, or stores, as they are here universally
called, are not equal to those of any of the larger cities
we had visited, except Washington, which are decidedly
inferior to those of Albany; but there are well furnished
warehouses here of almost everything needed, and an air
of great activity and bustle prevails in the principal busi-
ness streets.
The hotels are not many in number, but they are on a
large scale, and have the reputation of being among the
most comfortable in the country. Of the boarding houses
we heard also a very favorable account; and if they at all
resembled the one in which we had the good fortune to
be placed, they must be of the best description, as we had
found nothing so much like a comfortable English homej
as the house of Mrs. Lockwood, at 59 Pearl street, where
we remained for several weeks, and enjoyed ample ac-
commodation in rooms, good fare, and, above all, great
kindness and courtesy, and genteel and agreeable society.
There is a large Temperance hotel in North Market
street, well furnished, supplied with baths, and conducted,
as we had heard from competent and impartial authorities,
in a manner to afford great satisfaction to all who fre-
quented it.
In connection with the state of education in Albany,
it should be mentioned, that in addition to an ample
number ofthe common schools, for the general instruction
of the humbler classes, and Sunday schools attached to
every church in the city, there are two first-rate institu-
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 293
lions; one called the Albany Academy, for the education
of male youths only ; and the other called the Albany
Female Academy.
The Albany Academy was first instituted by the mu-
nicipal body of the city, about the year 1813; and the
munificent grant of 100,000 dollars was made from the
city funds, for the purpose of erecting the building. This
is a large and substantial edifice of stone, with a centre
and two wings, occupying a front of 90 feet, of three
stories in height; the centre is surmounted by a turret
or small steeple, and the whole is surrounded by an open
space of green lawn. Its position is advantageous and
commanding, occupying a portion of the hill on the
north, while the Capitol occupies a corresponding site on
the same hill on the south, with the great avenue of
Washington street running between them.
The mayor and recorder of the city are trustees, ex-
ofncio, to whom are added others from the gentry and
clerd rofthe city to the number of sixteen in all; and
thes( constitute the governing body of the institution.
Tho faculty consists of the principal, a professor of
Latin and Greek, a professor of mathematics and natural
philosophy, a professor of English literature, and a pro-
fessor of modern languages; to which are added the
assistants and tutors in each department, and these are
bound to adhere to the printed statutes, of which a copy
is put into the hands of every student on entering.
The students are admitted from the age of six years
and upwards, and are taught such branches of learning
as their parents or guardians may prescribe. For this
purpose, the course of tuition is divided into four branches.
In the fourth class or department, the one into which
the pupil first enters, he is taught reading, writing, arith-
metic, grammar, geography, natural history, and general
history. In the third class are taught the higher branches
of geography, and grammatical construction of style, in
prose and verse — the belles lettres, and elements of
criticism, and exercises, composition and declamation.
In the second class are taught the higher branches of
294 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
arithmetic, book-keeping, algebra, mathematics, natural
philosophy, architecture, mathematical geography, and
drawing. In the first class are taught Latin and Greek,
Roman and Grecian antiquities, mythology, ancient his-
tory, and biography.
The expense of each pupil, of which there are now
about 300 in the several classes, is as follows: 28 dollars
per annum for the first class; 20 dollars per annum for
the second and third class; and 16 dollars per annum for
the fourth class; and, as the building was provided by
the funds of the state, it is found that this low scale of
expense, from £3. 3s. to £5. 12s. per annum, is quite
sufficient to remunerate handsomely the principal, the
professors, and the tutors, besides admitting the gratu-
itous education of a certain number of the best scholars
of the common or district schools, who are selected from
year to year, according to their merit, by the trustees of
the institution.
The Albany Female Academy, was commenced about
the year 1817. The funds for its establishment were
raised in shares of proprietors, amounting to 30,000
dollars; with this a very fine and commodious building
was erected in North Pearl street, where its noble
projecting portico, of the Ionic order, the pillars of
which are about 6 feet in diameter, and 50 feet in height,
add greatly to the architectural beauty of the street.
This institution was intended to give to female youths
all the advantages of the best classical and mathematical
education which is afforded in other institutions to male
youths only ; and its whole arrangement is well adapted
to this end.
It is under the goverment of 13 trustees who are elected
annually by the stockholders, and who according to the
charter, for both of these academies are incorporated,
have the general management of its affairs. Its officers
are, a president, secretary, and treasurer; and its faculty
consists of a professor of mental philosophy and rhetoric,
a professor of natural philosophy, chemistry and botany,
a professor of the French and Spanish languages, and a
professor of elocution and composition, in addition to
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 295
which are teachers of sacred music, of the organ, harp,
and piano forte, of drawing, and of Latin and Greek.
There is a large and well chosen library attached to
the institution with maps, charts, globes, models, and an
excellent chemical and philosophical apparatus. It
contains also a cabinet of specimens in natural history,
mineralogy and botany ; and the principal, Dr. Campbell,
who lectures on Biblical and Jewish antiquities, and the
professor who lectures on physiology, have each an
extensive set of well executed transparent drawings for
the illustration of their respective subjects.
There are two classes of pupils — those who come from
the country, and board with the family of the principal
or with the teachers — and those whoseTamilies reside in
town. The former consist of about 140; and the expense
of their board and education is from 200 to 225 dollars
per annum. The number of the latter is about 250; and
the cost of their education is from 12 to 32 dollars per
annum, according to the class in which they may be;
the lowest or 6th class being 3 dollars per quarter, and
the highest or first class being 8 dollars per quarter.
This experiment, which has now been continued for
upwards of twenty years, has proved abundantly what
many still affect to disbelieve or doubt, that the female
intellect is in no degree whatever inferior, in its capacity
to receive and retain instruction; in the highest and most
difficult branches of learning, to the male; that their
powers of application, and their zeal for information, is
also quite equal to that of the other sex; and that such
differences as have hitherto existed between the intellect-
ual condition of male and female youths, have been
wholly owing to their being subjected to different modes
of education.
The same defect which belongs to every plan of schol-
astic training that I have yet witnessed, characterizes
this, namely: that no portion of time seems to be allotted
to physical training. There is neither walking, riding,
gymnastics, nor any other fixed and regular exercises for
the body. The consequence is, that among the 400
296 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
pupils of the Academy there did not seem a single
example of vigorous or robust health. Slender forms,
pale cheeks and feeble physical powers, were the general
characteristics: were the constant drain upon the mental
powers, in the study of most of the subjects taught in
the Academy, and particularly in geometry and the
mathematics tended still more to enfeeble frames of great
delicacy: and was calculated, as it seemed to me, to
shorten life, as well as to make that portion which re-
mained less healthy for the individuals themselves, and
less favorable for their offspring, than if they had two
or three hours less of learning per day, and two or three
hours of walking, riding, or gymnastic exercises, suited
to their years and sex, in the open air.
It is a very general belief among the more elderly
people of America, that the present race of female youths
are greatly inferior in physical stamina to the preceding
generation; and considering the mode of life they lead,
with little or no systematic plan of exercise in the open
air; with very early and severe application to studies
while at school ; correspondingly early introduction into
life, passing fron 15 to 17 amid the late hours and
dissipation of fashionable parties, thinly clad, and es-
pecially during the most inclement parts of the winter;
early marriages, from 16 to 18; and early bearing of
children, with the drain upon the strength, of nursing;
insufficient sleep, ill-prepared food, hasty and unmas-
ticated meals, profusion of pastry, sweetcakes, and ice-
creams, which destroy the appetite for more simple, and
more nourishing food, and require frequent recourse to
medicine; it is hardly to be wondered at, when all these
deteriorating causes are considered, and their accumu-
lated force from generation to generation, taken into
account, that the effect should be a declining stamina in
every succeeding race.
Next to the establishments for education, those for
religious worship deserve attention; and these are here,
as everywhere that we had yet visited, numerous, well
furnished, and well sustained. The Methodists have the
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 297
greatest number of churches, there being six belonging
to that body of Christians. The Presbyterians come
next, having five churches. The Dutch reformed relig-
ion has three, and the Baptist, three. The Episcopalians
have two, St. Peter's and St. Paul's; the Catholics have
two, one of them a very fine building, and the German
Lutherans, the Universalists, and the Quakers, one each.
There are thus 24 large churches, containing, in the
whole, perhaps, accommodation in seats for 24,000 per-
sons out of a population of 30,000, of which, taking into
account the infants, the very aged, the sick, and the
infirm, there will be always at least 6,000 or one-fifth
that could not attend public worship; so that the means
of religious observances are amply sufficient for every
individual, who could possibly profit by them ; and it is
believed that at least 20,000 persons out of the 30:000,
do really attend the places of public worship on the
Sabbath in Albany.
The contrast which this offers to England is very
remarkable. I have seen estimates, by which it appeared
that not more than one in one hundred attended public
worship in London; and I think that in Norwich, where
the churches are very numerous, and much zeal exerted
to procure attendance, not more than twelve in one
hundred, or about an eighth of the whole population fre-
quented any church. It is probable, that in no part of
England is there accomodation in the churches or chapels
of the towns or districts for one half the population of
such places; and it is doubtful where there is any town
in England in which one third of the entire population
really attend regularly any place of worship; while here
at Albany, two thirds of the whole community are found
in attendance in one or other of the churches every Sun-
day. The whole of these establishments are sustained by
the voluntary system of support — each congregation first
choosing, and then maintaining, its own pastor, which
they do with great liberality — no minister receiving less
than 1,000 dollars, or 200Z. per annum as regular stipend,
besides presents at baptisms, weddings, &c., sometimes
[Annals, ix.] 26
298 Buckingham" s Sojourn in Albany.
equal, on the whole, to the salary itself; and others
receiving 2,000 dollars per annum, with the sam addi-
tional perquisites; the scale of which may be inferred
from the fact, that while we were at Albany, a marriage
was solemnized between two members of the same congre-
gation, and a present of 500 dollars, or 100/. was sent to
the minister on this occasion. The voluntary system of
supporting religion, while it is certainly more agreeable
to the parties who have to make the payments, is, on the
whole, more uniformly beneficial to those who are paid;
as the average incomes of religious teachers in America
greatly exceeds the average incomes of the established
clergy in England. Besides this, it leads to great care
and circumspection on the part of the people who are to
choose and pay their pastor, to see that he is in every
respect an honor to their choice and worthy of their
reward.
The estimation in which the clergy are held here, and
the influence which they consequently exercise over the
taste and conduct of the community, is much greater
than it is in England; and thus it is that the churches
are more uniformly filled, the services are altogether
more decorous, more impressive, and more efficient; the
seats more commodious, the furniture more substantial,
the singing and music more refined, as well as devotional;
the prayers more earnest, the sermons more searching
and the congregations more influenced by religious mo-
tives or respect to religious principles and observances
in their general conduct in society.
I remember to have heard here a curious anecdote of
one of our distinguished legislators, which is worth re-
cording. In a conversation, which I had with one of the
state judges, resident in Albany, as to the opposite
opinions entertained in England, on the subject of support-
ing religion by a state establishment, or by the voluntary
system, I mentioned that I had myself heard debates in
the English House of Commons, in which it was boldly
asserted on the one side, that the flourishing condition
of the churches of every sect in America, was sufficient
proof of the excellence of the voluntary system of
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 299
support for religion ; while on the other hand, it was as
warmly contended by those who were in favor of a
state establishment, that the voluntary system had
entirely failed in America, where there was a great
deal less of religion and religious observances, than in
England. I added, that these counter assertions stag-
gered the doubting, who could not decide on the relative
value of the conflicting evidence, especially when a
nobleman of great talents, one of the ablest supporters
of the state church, and who, in addition to his rank,
station, and ability, added the advantage of having
traveled in America, allied himself to the latter party.
Upon hearing this, the learned judge said, " I do not
wonder that this noble lord saw so little of the religion
and the religious observances of the Americans, when he
traveled among them; because I happen to remember
being at Utica, where the court was then sitting at the
period of his arrival in that city, accompanied by two
other gentlemen now in the British legislature ; and on
the Sunday when our religious observances are most
apparent, these young English statesmen, and friends
and advocates of an established church, set off in their
carriage to the West, with their dogs and guns on a
shooting or sporting excursion, to the no small surprise
of those who thought they might have all been much
more appropriately employed."
To every one of the churches in Albany, a Sunday
school is attached, in which are educated and trained up
in respect for religion, about 5,000 children; the duty of
teachers in these schools is performed by young persons
of the first families of the city, of both sexes, who appear
to take a great delight in this pure exercise of benevolence,
by gratuitously instructing those who would otherwise
remain ignorant, and devoting themselves for years to
this service.
It appears from the ancient records of the corporation,
that the first church in Albany was erected in the year
1656, the corner stone of which was laid by Rutger
Jacobson. It was of course a Dutch church. The bell
and pulpit were sent from Holland in April, 1657.
300 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
Previous to this time, divine service was performed in
"The Fort," and afterwards in a small block house erected
for the purpose. This church, for which the bell was
sent, continued to be used till the year 1715, a period
of 59 years. At that time the church was found too
small, and the inhabitants determined on erecting a
larger one. But with characteristic fondness for preach-
ing, and for divine service generally, it was resolved
that the old church should be used during the period that
the new church was erecting over it. it was accordingly
so managed, that while the new church was in progress,
enclosing the old one, not a single Sunday was lost in
preaching in the latter. In 1806, the new church was
opened, and the old one demolished; and it is stated, that
a Dutchman of the name of Onderkirk, was the first
person christened in that church, and the last one buried
at the sound of its bell.
The next oldest place of worship in Albany, was St.
Peter's church, the foundation of which was laid in 1705,
in the reign of Queen Anne, who presented it with plate
for the communion service. The inscription on the new
one erected in its stead in State street, is as follows:
"Glory to the Lord, for he is good — for his mercy endureth
for ever — Saint Peter's Church — formerly standing in the
centre of State street, at its intersection with Barrack
street; built A . D. 1705—incorporated A. D. 1802."
Of the other public buildings, the Capitol, or Legisla-
tive Hall, is one of the most prominent. It stands on the
summit of the hill, or highest part of the city of Albany,
and terminates the upward vista of State street, from
the river, as the Albany Academy terminates the vista of
Steuben street, each having their foundations at an
elevation of 130 feet above the Hudson. It is a fine
building of stone, 115 feet in front, 90 feet in depth,
and 50 feet in height, independently of the small tower
arising from the centre, on the summit of which stands
a figure of justice. It has a basement of 10 feet and two
stories above that. The east front looking down State
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 301
street, towards the river, has an Ionic portico of 4 pillars,
about 33 feet in height ; and in the interior are the two
halls of legislation, for the senate and the assembly, with
the Supreme court of justice, and the court of Chancery
for the state, the State Library consisting of 30,000 vol-
umes, and other rooms for committees and public bus-
iness. The various rooms are well proportioned , and well
adapted to their respective purposes: they are adorned
with full length portraits of Washington, of the several
governors of the state, in succession, of the several
chancellors of the state also, with portraits and busts of
other public characters of America.
The City Hall which is not far from the Capitol, and
which is used for municipal business transacted by the
mayor and corporation, who form the local government
of the town, is also a fine edifice, built of white marble,
and surmounted by a dome, which is giljded, and is a
conspicuous object from afar on approaching the city.
A new State Hall is now in progress of building,
constructed also of white marble, and in the neigh-
borhood of the Capitol, the Academy, and the City Hall.
This is to contain all the public offices for the various
state officers, such as the secretary of state, comptroller,
treasurer, surveyor-general, attorney-general, and others.
Of newspapers, there are four in Albany — three daily,
and one weekly. Of the daily, there are two morning
and one evening paper. " The Argus," published in the
morning, is conducted by the gentleman who holds the
office of state printer, which is very lucrative; and he,
of course supports the existing administration, or is in
other words, highly democratic, the local government of
the state according with the general government of the
Union, it being in the hands of the democratic party at
present. The other morning paper," The Daily Adver-
tiser," is Whig, or opposed to the present administration,
so is "The Evening Journal," while " The Family Week-
ly Newspaper" is on the democratic side; so that in
number of organs, the forces are well balanced; and in
ability, the talent 'appears as equally divided. Here,
however, as everywhere else in America, the most
302 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
violent language is used by the writers of one party
towards those of another; and so entirely partial are
both, that no stranger could ever arrive at the truth,
without comparing the statements of the one side with
those of the other, which, however, are often so directly
opposite, even in matters of fact, that it is difficult to
know how much to allow for misrepresentation in both.
As an instance, the following may be cited. The state
authorities being in want of a house for some public
purpose, and the state printer (the editor of the Argus)
having one well adapted to such purpose, it was pur-
chased of him by the authorities for what was considered
a fair and just price. If the house had belonged to any
person else, the matter would, perhaps, never have been
heard of more ; but belonging to the democratic editor, it
became the subject of the most unsparing attacks, and
imputations of corruption, bribery, fraudulent misappli-
cation of the public money, and so on, for days and weeks,
in succession ; the papers on each side making it the
subject of a bitter partisan warfare throughout the state.
The following, from a neighboring journal, is the
shortest specimen that can be given of the sort of lan-
guage used by the editors, of and towards each other in
this criminating and recriminating kind of controversy:
"The Cooperstown Freeman's Journal concludes a
brief notice of the misrepresentations on this subject,
with the following remark:
" 'We ought not to close our passing notice of this
without, at least, adverting to the character ofthesowrce
whence these black and damning charges, upon gentle-
men equal-in integrity and respectability to any in this
or any other state, proceed. They have their origin
with the Albany Evening Journal; a paper which, in its
dealings with the character and conduct of others, and
with matters of fact repudiates as well the binding
force of the received obligations of honorable courtesy,
as the still higher obligation of a sacred regard for
truth. With such characteristics, it is not surprising
that it has earned the contempt of all honorable men.' "
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 303
The population of Albany was, at the last census of
1830, ascertained to be 28,109; and at present it is
estimated to exceed 30,000. Among these there are
fewer colored persons than we had yet seen in any part
of America, the domestic servants being mostly Irish,
from among the emigrants who pass through this city on
their way to the West.
There is also less of inequality in the condition of the
families residing here, than in the larger cities on the
sea coast. There are much fewer who are very rich —
and scarcely any who are very poor. The individual of
the greatest wealth, perhaps, in the state, it is true, re-
sides here, but he is only one: the fortunes of most of the
other wealthy men here being much more moderate.
This is the celebrated Stephen Van Rensselear, known
by the name of the Patroon, a word derived from the
Dutch and corresponding in its meaning, it is said, to
our English phrase <&f " lord of the manor." This
gentleman's ancestor was one of the earliest of the Dutch
settlers here ; and had a grant of land, extending for 24
miles along the banks of the river, and 24 miles inland,
at that time an uncleared wilderness, but now a princely
domain. This has descended, by the custom of primo-
geniture, to the present possessor: but a law of the state
of New York, passed some time since, having prohibited
such custom in future, the property will, at his death, be
divided among his children.
In addition to his territorial and patrimonial wealth,
the Patroon some years since was obliged to take, in
payment of a bad debt of 50,000 dollars then owing to
him, a tract of land near New York; and another in the
west of this state, which he then considered a great
hardship, as it was comparatively valueless. Increased
population, and the progressive improvement of the
country, have made these tracts, however, so valuable,
that, it is said, his whole property, patrimonial and
otherwise, yields him a clear income of more than a
million of dollars, or £200,000 sterling per annum. I
have no means of ascertaining whether this is strictly
304 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
true; but such is the general opinion; and the extent of
the territory, and the number of farms and houses belong-
ing to him, render it extremely probable.
This old gentleman is now upwards of 70 years of age,
and feeble. He has led, however, so just and virtuous a
life, and been so generous and liberal with his wealth,
that he is universally respected and beloved. He has
been also most happy in the honorable conduct of his
children, whose large expectations have not made them
at all less anxious to recommend themselves to the esteem
of their neighbors, with whom they mingle on terms of
the most friendly equality, and lead the most rational,
and least ostentatious life imaginable. Altogether their
presence and influence seems to be felt as a blessing to
the community.
Besides the family of the Van Rensselears, there are
many others of Dutch descent, more, perhaps, than in
any other community in America^ These, in their number
and ramifications, give a great gravity and decorum to the
general tone of society here.
There is less of show, in houses, carriages and horses;
less of formal visiting, and large and expensive parties;
less of ceremony and etiquette in visiting, very early
hours for meals — seven for breakfast, two for dinner, and
six for tea; plainer and more simple fare at each, than
in the larger towns ; and instead of persons living, as they
too frequently do in the large commercial cities, at a
rate beyond their income, and then winding up, after a
career of extravagance, in a state of insolvency, every
family here lives much within its income, and lays by
accumulated means for the succeeding generation.
The winter is the period when Albany is fullest of resi-
dents and strangers, for at that season of the year the
legislature and the courts are in session; and at that time,
besides the families of the legislators, and the members
of the bench and the bar, a great number of families come
in from the country to stay for the winter. There is then
somewhat more of gaiety than in the summer, though
even then there is less than in most other cities.
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany 305
The theatre is rarely frequented, except when Mr.
Forrest, or some very attractive performer, comes, and
then only by a small class of the population. Concerts
are not often given ; and it may serve to show the feelings
of a large portion of the influential classes towards public
singers generally, to mention that Madame Caradori
Allen, who gave- a concert at Troy, six miles off, with
only half the population of Albany, was unable to give a
concert here, because the only eligible room for that
purpose, which is a spacious hall, forming the chapel of
the Female Academy, was refused to her by the trustees,
on the ground of her being also an actress, though it had
been granted to Mr. Russell, a vocalist, who was only a
singer! Balis are not frequent, nor very largely attended ;
and, in short, the grave influence of Dutch descent,
mingled with the religious influence of the Puritan settlers
of New England, many of whose descendants reside herft
engaged in business, contribute jointly to give a more
quiet and sober air to everything done in the city, than
even the Quaker influence spreads over Philadelphia
During our stay in Albany, we witnessed, for the first
time, the celebration of the great national festivity of
America — the anniversary of the declaration of inde-
pendence, on the 4th of July, now observed for the 62d
time; and we were much gratified by what we saw. The
day was extremely fine — all business appeared to be
suspended; and every one was devoted to the enjoyment
of holiday. The day break was announced by a discharge
of cannon; and at sunrise, a salute of 13 guns was fired,
in honor of tjie 13 original states that united in the
declaration of independence. This was followed by the
ringing of the bells of all the churches; so that as early as
five o'clock, the whole city was awake, and in motion.
At ten o'clock, the prcession(formed to march through
the town, on their way to the First Reformed Dutch
church, where the " exercises," as all proceedings of public
meetings are here called, were to take place) was put
in motion; and as they passed before our window in
Pearl street, we saw the whole to great advantage. The
306 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
procession was under the direction of the adjutant-
general of the state and the marshal of the day, assisted
by several military officers, and moved in the following
order:
MILITARY ESCORT.
Captain Strain's Albany Republican Artillery.
Captain Brown's Albany Union Guards.
MILITARY AND CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS.
Officers of the United States Army and Navy.
Albany Military Association.
Orator and Reader.
Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers, in carriages.
The Reverend the Clergy.
Executive of the State.
PHILADELPHIA STATE FENCIBLES.
Albany Burgesses Corps.
The Common Council, preceded by its officers.
Sheriff and his officers.
Heads of the Departments of the State, Chancellor, Judges of the
United States, State and County Courts, preceded
by their Marshals.
Fire Department, and the several Engine Companies with their
Engines, Hook and Ladder, and Axe Companies under
the direction of the Chief Engineer.
The Van Rensselaer Guards.
St. Andrew's Society.
Union Benevolent Society of Journeymen Tailors.
Albany Mechanics' Benefit Society.
Hibernian Provident Society.
Saddle and Harness Makers' Society.
St. Patrick's Benevolent Society.
Citizens and Strangers.
The Military had really a fine appearance, being well
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany . . 307
dressed, well equipped, and well disciplined; the bands
of music, of which there were several, were all good,
and one very superior; the various companies and
societies, all habited in some peculiar costume, or
distinguished by some peculiar badge looked, remarkably
well; and the populace, who thronged the foot pavement
on each side of the street while the procession filled the
centre, were as well dressed as orderly, and as evidently
interested in the proceedings of the day, as the best
friend of the republic could desire. What we missed
was, the waving of handkerchiefs from the windows and
balconies, and the shouts and cheers of the multitude,
which usually accompany such processions in England.
But the Americans are more decorous than enthusiastic;
and the staid and grave manners derived from the Dutch
at Albany, make them quite as grave and silent on all
public occasions, as the Quaker population of Phil-
adelphia.
The part of the procession which touched us most,
and made unbidden tears, not of joy or sorrow, but of
mere exuberance of sympathy and feeling, start invol-
untarily into our eyes, was the sight of the veteran
heroes of the revolution, as they passed us in the open
carriages that contained them. As sixty- two years have
passed away since the declaration of independence,
the number of those who actually fought in the war of
the revolution is now very small, and they are, of course,
every year diminishing; so that in a few years more
they will all have descended to the tomb. The veterans
we saw were all above 80 years of age, and the oldest of
them was 96. The hoary locks which were visible on
each, with the associations which their years and services
awakened, impressed us more powerfully than anything
we had yet witnessed in the country ; and it was evident,
from the demeanor and bearing of all parties, young
and old, toward these veterans as they passed, that one
universal sentiment of veneration and respect for their
age and character, pervaded all classes.
In the church, which was crowded in every part, the
308 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
exercises consisted of music by the choir, prayer by the
pastor, the reading of the declaration of independence
by one of the citizens, and an oration in honor of the
day by another — all of which were well performed; and
on the procession passing from the church, it marched
to the City Hall, and after a discharge of volleys
dispersed.
In the afternoon, a second public procession was
formed by the members of the Young Men's Association,
a body combined for mutual instruction; and this, while
it was less military, was more literary — in keeping with
the character of the institution. They marched from
their rooms in the Knickerbocker Hall to the second
Presbyterian church, in regular order; and in addition to
the usual exercises of the day, similar to those performed
in the morning, there were three original odes, all written
expressly for the occasion by ladies of the city, one by a
pupil of the Female Academy, and each highly credit-
able to the talents of their writers; with a longer poem,
by a gentleman of Albany, and member of the associa-
tion.
In the evening, the public places of amusement were all
open, and illuminations and fire works were exhibited
at different quarters of the city. There was also a great
public dinner held in one of the domed edifices, about
500 yards from our dwelling, from whence the cheers
and huzzas came so loud and so frequent over the toasts
that were drank, so as to excite some apprehension for
the perfect sobriety of the guests. There were, indeed,
some instances of intemperance visible in the streets,
but they did not amount to half a dozen, and were among
the humblest class of laborers; so that the general
sobriety of the day was one of its most remarkable and
most pleasing features.
The day was closed b}r a delightful serenade of music
opposite the house of the governor, W. L. Marcy, which,
as it adjoined our own residence, we enjoyed in perfection.
The night was delicious, after the warmth of the day;
and the moon, now just about the full, was really brilliant.
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 309
The busy hum of the streets was hushed ; for though
there were still hundreds of well dressed persons, of
both sexes, taking their evening walks beneath the trees
that here, as at Philadelphia and most other American
cities, line the pavement on either side, yet the sound of
their footsteps could scarcely be heard. The band was
of first-rate excellence: we understood that it came up
from Philadelphia with the State Fencibles : that it was
under the training of a colored man, named Frank John-
son, who was an able musician, and who having recently
been in Europe, had come back greatly improved. The
only military bands I ever remember to have heard
superior to it were the royal band that attends at the
Palace of St. James's in London, and the band of the
National Guards at Paris. The music, too, was as well
chosen as it was well executed; and our only regret was
when it ceased, which was not, however, till nearly
midnight.
One of the causes, if not the principal cause, of the
general temperance of the people of Albany, is the
influence exerted by the operations of the New York State
Temperance Society, of which this has for many years
past been the head-quarters. Mainly through the philan-
thropy, zeal, and liberality, of one individual, Mr. E. C.
Delavan, who, having acquired a handsome fortune in
trade, devoted the leisure of his retirement, and the use
of his funds, to various benevolent objects, the attention
of the American public was first roused to the tremendous
evils which intemperance inflicted on the country, and the
importance of checking its further progress.
It was here the first temperance journal was estab-
lished by him, and conducted with so much ability and
success, that it attained to the possession of 300,000 sub-
scribers throughout the Union. Here also temperance
conventions were held, resolutions adopted, circulars,
and agents despatched, funds provided, and all the great
machinery of the temperance reform set in motion. It
was to have been expected that the large class of persons
who are interested in the importation, manufacture, and
[Annals, ix.} 27
310 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
sale of intoxicating drinks — a powerful array of num-
bers who fatten on the miseries which their traffic inflicts
on others — should be violently opposed to him as they
were; but it was hardly to be expected, that because he
considered wine to be as much an agent in producing
intemperance among certain classes, and beer and cider
among certain others, as ardent spirits among that class
who alone can consume them — and because he boldly
proclaimed this truth, and based on it his advocacy of
total abstinence from all that can intoxicate, as the only
safe rule of action for those who desire to add example
to precept in favor of temperance reform — it was hardly
to be expected that because of this, he would be'set
upon and persecuted by the opulent and influential
among the laity, and the professed friends of temperance
even among the clergy. Yet so it was ; and this persecu-
tion, for it was nothing short of it, deserves to be
numbered among the dark chapters of the history of
Albany.
But their triumph was but for a season. The true
principle of hostility to intemperance, and all that can
occasion it, is gaining ground among the rational of all
classes, as much more consistent with Christian virtue,
and with social expediency, than the absurd, and selfish
war of the rich against ardent spirits, which are drank
chiefly by the poor, while indulging the free use of wine,
beer and cider, because these are consumed by them-
selves ; thus realizing the picture of the class described
by Hudibras, who,
" Compound for sins they are inclined to,
By damning those they have no mind to."
Mr. Delavan, nothing daunted by this opposition, still
devotes nearly all his time, and a very large portion of his
ample fortune, to the promotion of the temperance cause ;
and his labors are abundantly rewarded with success.
The field, however, is still ample for the exercise of
all the exertions that can be used, to rescue the country
and the people from the curse of intoxicating liquors.
Th6 climate of Albany is characterized by the two
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 311
extremes of excessive cold in the winter, and intense
heat in the summer. In the winter, which often lasts
six months, the river is for a great part of the time frozen
over so hard, that the most heavily laden wagons pass
daily in numbers over the ice. In some severe winters the
thermometer is said to have stood at 35 deg. below zero;
but no winter ever passes without its falling some degrees
below it. The spring and autumn do not exceed a month
each: and the short summer of four months is remarkable
for intense heat. During the three weeks of our stay here,
the thermometer was always above 80 deg., frequently
above 90 deg. and on three or four successive days, nearly
touched 100 deg. in the shade, while the dead calm that
prevailed made the night almost as oppressive as the day.
It was admitted, however, that the summer of this year
was unusually sultry, not merely at Albany, but in all
parts of the Union.
There is one circumstance which greatly increases the
effect of the heat, in driving through the American
streets, namely, the excessive roughness of the pavement,
and the consequent shaking and jolting experienced even
in the best made carriages. It had several times the
effect of producing in me double the amount of suffering
(uniting the heat of violent motion with the heat of the
atmosphere) which would have been felt on a smooth
road. I had frequently before thought that there was
nothing in which American cities were so inferior to
English towns of a similar size, as in their central pave-
ments— the side or foot pavements are quite as good:
but I was never so forcibly struck with this as at Albany,
where the steepness of the streets ascending from the
river to the Capitol hill, and the excessive rudeness and
roughness of the pavements, caused such an incessant
and deafening din, in the noise of carriages and carts, as
they rattled over the rounded and uneven points of the
projecting stones, and shook me with such sudden and
violent oscillations from side to side, and backward and
forward in constant motion, as to produce more fatigue
and discomfort in a ride of one mile, than would be felt
312 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
at the same temperature in a ride of ten, through any
of the streets of London. The rattling noise, indeed,
often reminded me of the quaint conceit of Monk Lewis
in his poem of the Fire King, in which, when describing
that personage, he says, if I remember the words rightly.
"His teeth they did clatter, as if you should try,
To play the piano in thimbles."
This evil might be easily remedied by the use of wooden
pavements in perpendicularly inserted octagonal blocks,
such as have been partially, but successfully, tried in New
York and Philadelphia: and, considering the cheapness
and abundance of wood in this country, there is little
doubt that before long this mode of pavement will be
very generally adopted in all level streets ; while a much
more smooth pavement of granite, such as is used in the
best streets of London, might be adopted for ascending
or descending streets, for this material is also abundant
in most parts of the country.
Albany is singularly deficient in the number of its
benevolent institutions, compared with the other cities
of America, or with the extent of its own population,
wealth, and resources. The only one of interest or
importance is the Orphan Asylum, which I went to visit,
with one of the directors, and with which I was much
pleased. The building is a large brick edifice on the
western edge of the town, advantageously situated for
the health and comfort of its inmates. The edifice cost
about 20,000 dollars, which was raised by private
subscription; a few individuals contributing half of the
sum required, in payments of 2,500 dollars or 500Z.
sterling each; and the rest being readily obtained from
the inhabitants generally.
The building is enclosed with a spacious and excellent
garden of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which the
orphans cultivate themselves : and about five acres of
ground afford them pasture for cows, and spacious and
airy play grounds.
Though called an orphan asylum, the directors have
found it advisable to take in destitute little children,
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 313
who had one parent living, but that parent unable to
provide for its offspring, as in the case of destitute
widows; and sometimes, where both parents were alive,
but where the father being a drunkard and the mother
scarcely able to maintain herself, the little children were
really as bad off as if both father and mother had been in
the grave. I was assured by the director, Mr. Wood,
that in an investigation which he deemed it his duty to
make, previously to preparing one of the last annual
reports, he had found that in fully nineteen cases out of
every twenty, the little children, whether orphans or
otherwise, were destitute and helpless, entirely because
their fathers, or mothers, or both, had been persons of
intemperate habits, and expended what they ought to
have bestowed on their children in intoxicating drink.
There are at present about 100 children in the Asylum,
from 3 to 10 years of age. At their entry, if there be
any persons who have a claim to them by relationship
or otherwise, the consent of such person is obtained to
the giving up the child wholly to the direction of the
Asylum till it shall be 21 years of age. The child is
then provided in food, raiment, and receives a plain, but
religious, education. Their diet is wholly vegetable;
and this is found, by some years' experience, to be not
only sufficiently nutritious to ensure all the required
strength, but superior to animal diet in its being less
likely to engender diseases, the average health of the
children, notvvithstarrding the destitute condition in which
many of them are taken in, being greater than the average
condition of any similar number not so fed. They work
in the garden with great cheerfulness, cultivating their
own food; and this again, while it is a pleasurable and
even instructive recreation, is found to be highly favor-
able to their health.
During our visit, which was just before sun-set, the
little children were assembled to go through some of
their exercises; and a little fellow about seven years old,
being directed to step out of the ranks for the purpose,
was requested to commence the examination. He began
314 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
to question them on Geography, and they really evinced
considerable knowledge for their age. They sang, also,
prettily, and in good time. At the close of these exercises,
another youth , of about the same age, was invited to
repeat an address which he had delivered at the last
anniversary; and as it is characteristic of the style of
thought and sentiment with which all the early lessons
of the American youth abound, I transcribe it, from a
copy furnished at my request. The young orator advanc-
ing to the front of the floor said:
"America, my native country, was unknown to the
white man a little more than 300 years ago — but now,
what is her history? It is but 217 years since our
pilgrim fathers fled from their homes, in the storm of
persecution, and found, in this then wilderness world, an
asylum, a peaceful retreat. It was for Christian liberty
they fled; and it was then that they first sowed in this
soil those seeds of freedom which have since so fertilized
our happy land. Though England held her sovereign
power to rule awhile, her dominion was but short; and
we bless the glorious day when our patriot fathers,
aroused by noble indignation, broke the chains of tyranny
that were too long imposed upon them; and then liberty,
sweet liberty, smiled on all these states. But what has
our freedom cost? The toils, the sufferings and the death,
of many a valiant friend of human rights. Their sacri-
fices dearly purchased for us the gift which we can not
too highly value. And will you, our fathers now,
continue to guard her sacred rights till we, your sons,
shall stand up in your stead, to defend her cause? Yes?
I know you will ; and though war and tumult rage both
north and south of us (alluding to the insurrection in
Canada, and the Indian warfare in Florida), yet on us
shall peace and plenty still continue to smile."
After this, a hymn was sung by all the children stand-
ing, to the air of God save the King, the first stanza
of which was as follows :
14 My country!— 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 315
Land of the pilgrim's pride.
Land where my fathers died,
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring."
Such are the sentiments of love of country, venera-
tion for its founders, and respect for those who, follow-
ing after, established its independence, that are every-
where implanted in the infant mind of America. The
subsequent exercises of their school books, reiterate all
this in later youth, and early initiation into political
doctrines follows soon after, by pupils, almost as soon
as they have completed their studies, becoming members
of Young Men's Conventions, held from time to time, to
declare adherence to certain political principles, and
organize plans of action. The impressions thus become
so deep and permanent, that there is no subsequent
danger of their obliteration; for in politics, as in morals
and religion, more depends on the first impressions
planted in early youth, and the frequent repetition of
them, from thence to manhood in one unbroken chain,
than upon the reasoning powers of individuals ; and thus
it is that national faiths, habits and forms of government,
are so continuously preserved from generation to genera-
tion.
The annual expense of this Asylum, for feeding,
clothing and educating 100 orphans, is about 3,000 dol-
lars, or £600 annually; being about 50 cents, or two
shillings sterling, per head, per week; and the funds for
this are readily obtained by subscriptions in the city, as
the Asylum is a favorite charity. Every suitable op-
portunity is taken to place the children out at the proper
age in advantageous situations in life; and hitherto the
institution has been a great blessing to the destitute
objects of its care, and an honor to its directors and
supporters.
The last of the public institutions we saw in Albany,
was the Museum, which has been spoken of as one of
the best in the country. We found it inferior, however,
to any we had yet seen, in the limited extent and variety
316 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
of its collections, as well as in the defective arrangement,
and inferior quality of almost everything belonging to it.
On Sunday, the 15th of July, we left Albany, at nine
in the morning, on a visit to the establishment of the
religious sect called the Shakers, at Niskayuna, a dis-
tance of eight miles from Albany, in a northwest direc-
tion. Having a comfortable, open carriage, and a good
pair of horses, our journey was easy and agreeable. A
great part of the road was bordered with a rich variety
of wood, and other parts showed extended tracts of cul-
tivation; while the range of the Catskill mountains, to
the south, formed an interesting feature in the general
picture. The sky was bright — the heat not oppressive —
the thermometer at 80 deg. in the town, and 75 deg. in
the country, and the perfume of the shrubs and flowers
delightful.
We arrived at the village of Niskayuna about half past
ten, just as the community were assembling for worship,
and saw several lines or files of males and females,
walking in pairs, through the fields towards the place of
meeting. We entered with them the place of worship,
which was a plain room of about 50 feet long, by 25 feet
broad, without pulpit, pews, curtains, or any kind of
furniture; plain benches being provided for seating the
Shakers themselves, as well as the»strangers who came to
see them. Every part of the building or room was in
the utmost perfection of cleanliness, and not a spect or
particle of dust or dirt was anywhere visible.
For the strangers a number of benches were placed to
accommodate about 200; and there were fully that num-
ber of visitors, from the neighboring country, present.
Of these, the males had to enter by one door, and the
females by another, and each to remain separate during
the service. Of the Shakers who joined in the worship,
there were about 100 males, and 100 females. These
entered also by different doors, and ranged themselves
on benches in oblique lines from each end of the room,
till they nearly met each other, when the space between
the front row of each sex was triangular, the apex of the
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 317
triangle being the place from whence the speakers ad-
dressed the assembly on the floor. The constantly
widening space caused by the diagonal lines of the two
front rows, left an opening by which all the strangers,
who came as spectators, could see the persons and coun-
tenances of those who joined in the worship clearly and
distinctly.
The males included several boys from 7 or 8 years
old to 14 — and so upwards to young men of 20; middle
aged of 30 and 40, and elders of 50, 60 and 70 ; and there
was the same diversity of ages among the females. But
notwithstanding the difference of age in each, they were
all dressed in one uniform fashion.
The dress of the men consisted of a white shirt, collar
and white cravat, loose trowsers, and large wraistcoat of
deep, maroon colored stuff, like camlet or bombazin;
the trowsers were so long as to touch the shoes, but
there were neither straps to keep them down, nor braces
to suspend them upwards. The waistcoat was of the
old fashioned cut of the court dress, used a century or
two ago — single breasted, with a deep waist cut away
diagonally in front, and with long, low pockets. The
waistcoat was not buttoned, but hung loose, showing
the entire front or bosom of the shirt, and no coat or
jacket of any kind was worn, so that all the men were
literally in their shirt sleeves.
The dress of the women was entirely white ; the gown
was long and narrow, and the waist short, the sleeves
tight, the bosom plain, and all attempt at gracefulness of
form, or decorative ornament, scrupulously avoided. A
small, clean muslin handkerchief or cape, was worn over
the shoulders; and a cap of clean muslin, fitting closely
to the face, with long descending lappets, covered the
head; while the hair was put up in the plainest manner,
and almost entirely concealed from view. On the left
arm each female had a white napkin, neatly folded, and
hanging over the arm ; and the whole appearance of the
congregation, notwithstanding its singularity, was im-
pressive, from the purity and simplicity of their costume.
318 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
The physiognomy of the men was more indicative of
the enthusiastic temperament than that of the women;
and they were also characterized by better animal con-
dition as to health and strength, with less appearance of
intellect. Among the women there were a few, especially
among the younger portion, that were handsome; but the
greater number were very plain, and the whole were
even more pallid than American women, generally, with
an appearance of langor, that betokened a morbid state
of feeling, and very imperfect health.
The first half hour of the worship was passed in a
profound silence ; the men, as they entered, stepping as
lightly as possible across the floor, to hang up their
broad brimmed straw hats on the wall; and the women,
as they entered, disposing of their plain straw bonnets,
all of the same pattern, in a similar manner, and then
taking their seats ; the eldest of each sex occupying the
front rows, opposite to each other, and the younger fill-
ing up the benches behind them, and some sitting on the
ground.
At the end of this half hour, one of the male elders
rose, which was the signal for forming in ranks, when
the benches were removed by the parties who sat on
them, and ranged close to the wall, so as to leave the
central part of the room clear. The lines were then
formed, the men standing in rows, at one end of the
room, and the women at the other, the front ranks of
each nearly meeting in the centre.
One of the elders then addressed the worshipers, as
dear brethern and sisters, and spoke for about five min-
utes. The substance of his remarks was, that they
ought all to rejoice at having the privilege to meet and
worship God in their own way without interruption, and
at the still greater privilege of being among the number
of those who were especially called by God to come out
from the world, and to put aside ungodliness and all
worldly lusts. They were engaged in the work of God,
and not in that of the world, and their happiness con-
sisted in knowing and doing his will.
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 319
The first speaker was followed by a second, who ex-
pressed nearly the same sentiments in other words; and
after a pause of a few minutes, the whole body sang to-
gether a short hymn, of which I could only catch the
first verse, which was thus:
"Oh! the precious work of God —
It is pure! — it is pure!
I will rejoice, and lift my voice,
To serve the Lord for evermore."
The singing was loud and harsh, without the least at-
tempt at harmony, and the air was rude and wild. Not
more than half the number of the congregation joined in
this exercise, though there was no particular body as a
choir to whom it was restricted; but every one seemed
to pay the most devout attention.
Another elder then stepped into the front, and ad-
dressed the strangers present. He said that it was very
much the custom for strangers to come and visit them
on the sabbath, though they rarely came on any other
day; and as there were undoubtedly some pecularities in
their worship, it was more than probable that curiosity
was the leading motive that brought us there. To this
they offered no impediment; for as they were not
ashamed either of their opinions or practices, but rather
rejoiced in them, they did not closs their doors against
any persons, but willingly admitted and accommodated as
far as their space and means would allow, all who choose
to remain, provided they were silent and respectful ; and
when they found they could not be both, it was desirable
they should withdraw.
He said, the world regarded them as madmen and
fools, but so did the world esteem the early Christians.
They knew, however, that they were sober and sincere;
and the only difference between themselves and the world
was, that the people of the world continued still to see
things as through a glass, darkly, while God had called
them out of the world to see things with all the fullness
of the brightest day ; and that when our eyes were opened
(for a day would come in which each would receive a
320 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
call, and by his acceptance or rejection of that call his
future destiny would be settled), we should look back
upon the things of the world just as they themselves now
did, as being nothing but a heap of vanities and empti-
ness.
Another pause ensued; and then the whole assembly
fell on their knees, and elevating their hands and aims,
and making signs of beckoning or invitation, they sang
in concert this verse:
41 Come, holy angels, quickly come,
And bring your purifying fire;
Consume our lusts, in every home,
And root out every foul desire."
Some of the spectators looked at the female portion of
the worshipers while they were singing this, and then
at each other significantly; but upon the countenances
of the singers themselves, whether male or female, not
a trace could be seen of any other sentiment or feeling
than that of the deepest gravity and devotion. At every
close of this verse, which they repeated several times,
they bowed their heads to the ground, those of the two
front ranks of males and females almost touching each
other; and at the termination of the whole, they remained
OIL their knees for a few minutes, looking steadfastly on
the ground, and buried in the most profound silence.
When they rose, another elder came forward, and a
second time addressed the strangers; whether he was
induced to do so from the significant looks interchanged
among the spectators while the last verse was singing, I
could not positively say; but it seemed to me probable,
because he opened his speech, by observing, that many
persons who came to see them, went away and calumni-
ated them. Among other things, he said, it had been
alleged that they did not live the life of purity which they
pretended, but that their practices were contrary to their
professions. This he declared to be untrue, and called
heaven to witness the accuracy of his assertion. He said
they labored honestly with their own hands to maintain
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 321
themselves independently; and that between labor for
subsistence and the worship of God, their time was
wholly occupied, while they avoided and resisted all
temptation, and kept themselves pure from all carnal
defilement.
When he had ceased, one of the elders among the
females, who appeared to be about sixty years of age,
broke silence ; and, addressing the assembly, said, she
had been forty years a member of the community, but
had never felt herself inspired to speak till the present
moment. Now, however, she felt it her duty to unloose
her tongue, and declare that these aspersions upon their
purity were altogether unwarranted; that their brethren
gave them only protection, for which they felt duly
grateful; but that they neither sought for, nor asked,
nor desired any thing from them in return; that the
female part of the body on whose behalf she could speak,
regarded themselves as chosen vessels set apart for the
use and service of God alone; and they neither had, nor
wished to have, any communication with men. This
defense of the purity of the order was received by the
females with the loudest and most enthusiastic acclama-
tions and clapping of hands.
The assembly then formed itself into another order for
the dancing, which is called by them labor, and from the
zeal and animation with which all their movements are
performed, it may well deserve that name. The males
were first arranged in pairs, following each other like
troops in a line of march; and when their number was
completed, the females followed after, two and two, in
the same manner. In this way they formed a complete
circle round the open space of the room. In the centre
of the whole was a small band of about half a dozen
males and half a dozen females, who were there stationed
to sing the tunes and mark the time; and these began
to sing with a loud voice, and in quick time, like the
Allegro of a Sonata, or the Vivace of a Canzonet, the
following verse:
[Annals, ix.] 28
322 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
" Perpetual blessings do demand,
Perpetual praise on every handj
Then leap for joy, with dance and song,
To praise the Lord for ever."
The motion of the double line of worshipers, as they
filed off before us, was something between a march and
a dance. Their bodies were inclined forward like those
of persons in the act of running; they kept the most
perfect time with their feet, and beat the air with their
hands, to the same measure. Some of the more robust
and enthusiastic literally * ' leaped" so high, as to shake
the room by the weight with which they fell to their feet
on the floor; and others, though taking the matter more
moderately, bore evident signs of the effects of the
exercise and heat united on their persons. This first
dance lasted about five minutes, and during the pause
which succeeded, another short speech was made by one
of the male elders, repeating the duty of congratulating
themselves on the privileges they enjoyed.
The first dance was performed to the air of "Scots wha*
ha'e wi' Wallace bled," but sung with great rapidity, such
as is sometimes done, when it is converted into a quick
march by a military band. The second dance was of still
quicker measure ; and to the much less respectable old Eng-
lish tune of "Nancy Dawson," which I had not heard for
thirty years at least, though it was a popular song in
my boyhood, among sailors especially; and the last place
on earth in which I should have expected to hear it
revived, would have been among the Shakers in America.
Yet so it was ; and to this lively and merry tune, the
whole body, now formed into three abreast, instead of
two, literally scampered round the room in a quick gal-
lopade, every individual of both choir and the dancers,
singing with all their might these words :
" Press on, press on, ye chosen band,
The angels go before ye;
We're marching through Emanuel's land,
Where saints shall sing in glory."
This exercise was continued for at least double the
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 323
time of the former; and by it the worshipers were
wrought up to such a pitch of fervor, that they were evi-
dently on the point of some violent outbreak or paroxysm.
Accordingly the whole assembly soon got into the "most
admired disorder," each dancing to his own tune, and
his own measure, and the females became perfectly un-
governable. About half a dozen of these whirled them-
selves round, in what opera dancers call a pirouette,
performing at least fifty revolutions each, their arms ex-
tended horizontally, their clothes being blown out like
an air balloon all round their persons, their heads some-
times falling on one side, and sometimes hanging forward
on the bosoril, till they would at length faint away in
hysterical convulsions, and be caught in the arms of the
surrounding dancers.
This, too, like the singing and dancing which preceded
it, was accompanied by clapping of hands, to mark the
time, while the same verse was constantly repeated, and
at every repetition, with increased rapidity. Altogether
the scene was one of the most extraordinary I had ever
witnessed, and except among the howling dervishes of
Bagdad and the whirling dervishes of Damascus, I re-
member nothing in the remotest degree resembling it.
It was well that the assembly was speedily after this
dispersed; because I think another half hour would have
carried the fervor so high, that it might have ended in
scenes which would have astonished and disgusted the
spectators, and not have been very honorable to the
performers.
During the whole period of this worship, which lasted
about two hours, I was endeavoring to settle in my mind
the debatable question, of whether the people, whom I
paw before me, were practicing a delusion on themselves,
or endeavoring to impose upon and deceive others. I
had had the same difficulty before in witnessing the fol-
lies of the Christian devotees at Jerusalem and through-
out the Holy Land, where the various sects of eastern
Christians endeavor to outvie each other in the extrava-
gancies of their penances and ceremonies. I had felt
324 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
similar doubts when seeing the fantastic conduct of Mo-
hammedan fakirs and dervishes in Egypt and Arabia,
and Hindoo devotees in Bengal and Bombay. The con-
clusion to which I came in all these cases was the same,
namely, that there was much more of sincerity in their
belief and conduct, 'than the world generally supposed;
and that instead of attempting to dupe others, they were
deluding themselves. The exceptions to this rule are so
rare, as to form an inconsiderable fraction of the whole
number; and, strange as such infatuation may appear,
there has never yet been an age or country free from it,
in some shape or other, as the history, of the world
abundantly testifies.
When the assembly had broken up, I sought and ob-
tained an interview with one of the male elders, who
readily answered all the inquiries I made of him; and on
my expressing a desire to procure any authentic publica-
tions which might be in existence, relative to the history
aud peculiar views of their community, he referred me to
the office of the village, where I went for that purpose. We
were received here by one of the female Shakers, a well-
grown and pretty young woman, of about twenty, with
some color yet remaining in her cheek, dark and express-
ive eyes, and a very cheerful and smiling countenance.
Her conversation was intelligent, free from any appear-
ance of restraint, and her manner most easy and natural.
She readily answered our inquiries, and furnished me
with four different works, published under the sanction
of the community, and, therefore, to be relied on for their
occuracy, as regarded the history, doctrines, and prac-
tices of the sect. I expressed a wish, however, to obtain,
in addition to these, a copy of the hymns sung by them
during their worship; but she said, no copies of these
had been published for the world. I requested her to
ask of the elders, whether one used by themselves could
be lent me for a few days, when it should be returned ;
but her application was unsuccessful, as the elders had
objections to their being seen or circulated beyond the
limits of their own community.
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 325
On Monday, the 16th of July, we left Albany, to pay
a visit to Mr. E. C. Delavan, at his country residence,
near Ballston Springs, in Saratoga county, with whom
we had promised to spend a week before going to the
springs at Saratoga. We left Albany at 9 o'clock, by
the rail road cars for Schenectady, and after a ride of
about 16 miles, through a pleasant and fertile country,
which occupied nearly an hour, we arrived at this city
about 10 o'clock. On entering it we descended over a
steep hill, by an inclined plain, which commences about
a mile from the town, and the view from this elevation
is commanding and agreeable.
Schenectady, which retains the Indian name of the
settlement on which it was first built, is one of the oldest
cities in the United States. Some authorities give it
precedence, by a year or two, over Albany, make it
therefore equal in antiquity with Jamestown, in Vir-
ginia, which was settled in 1608; others consider it
a year or two posterior to Albany, which was settled in
1612; either account, therefore, making it more than two
centuries old, which, for America, is a high degree of
antiquity.
Schenectady is seated on the banks of the river Mo-
hawk, which winds in great beauty along the level plain
whereon the city stands. Its incorporated extent is very
considerable, comprehending, as we were told, a square
of fifteen miles on each side; but, like Washington,
neither occupied, nor ever likely to be built on, to one-
third of its chartered dimensions.
The present population of Schenectady, after its two
centuries of existence, does not embrace more than 6,000
persons; and there is perhaps no city of the same amount
of inhabitants in all the state, that has been so stationary
of late years, as this. It was burnt down by the Indians
in 1690; and suffered considerable injury by a large fire
in 1819 — since which the buildings have assumed a more
modern appearance than those of the old Dutch settlers,
of which the town was before chiefly composed.
There is a Lyceum in the city, of a curiously mixed
326 Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany.
gothic architecture, but the principal establishment here
is Union College, the president of which, the Rev. Dr.
Nott, was the companion of our journey from Albany to
Schenectady. This establishment is built on an eminence
to the eastward of the city, of which, and the Mohawk
river, it commands a fine view. The expense of its erec-
tion and furniture, with all the necessary apparatus of
education, has cost upwards of 300,000 dollars, or £60,-
000, the funds for which were partly advanced by the
state, and partly raised by lotteries for that purpose,
authorized by the state. The number of students in the
college exceeds 200; and the expense of each student,
including all charges, is about 150 dollars, or £30 per
annum. Its religious and literary character ranks high
among the public institutions of the Union, and it is
consequently very popular with the community.
As the rail road for Utica and the west, branches off
from this place, while that for Ballston and Saratoga goes
on to the north, we had to change our cars, and found
the facilities for this quite as great as any similar esta-
blishment in England. By this train, which traveled
at about the same rate as the former, twenty miles in the
hour, we reached our destination about eleven o'clock;
and finding Mr. Delavan waiting for us with a carriage,
we were taken by him to his farm at Ballston Centre,
and were cordially welcomed by his amiable wife and
himself, as to our own home.
We remained at this agreeable and happy abode for
about ten days, in the full enjoyment of the most de-
lightful weather, pleasant rides and walks, books, occa-
sional visitors, and frank hearted and intelligent enter-
tainers, full of elevated thoughts and benevolent feelings,
and never more happy than while projecting plans and
indulging hopes for the improvement of the condition of
society.
Mr. Delavan had been one of the first to commence the
great work of temperance reform, in America, and had de-
voted about seven years of active service, to the editorship
of the Temperance Intelligencer and Recorder, published
Buckingham's Sojourn in Albany. 327
at Albany. In addition to this, he had expended, from
his own private purse, upwards of 50,000 dollars, or
£10,000 sterling, in support of the cause; and on resign-
ing his situation as chairman of the executive committee
of the Temperance society, in 1836, he presented the
funds with a donation of 10,000 dollars more, to be ex-
pended in establishing agencies for promoting temperance
within the state of New York alone. During our stay
here, he had been called off to Philadelphia to meet his
colleagues, or brother members of the American Tem-
perance Union, some of whom came from Virginia, others
from Maryland, and others from equally distant points of
the country, to confer together on a plan for exending
the benefit of their labors to Europe, for placing some
temperance documents in the hands of all the emigrants
leaving England and elsewhere for the United States, and
for bringing some plan to bear on the numerous class
engaged in steam navigation on the western rivers of
America.
(328)
CITY OF ALBANY, 1823.
[From the Albany Daily Advertiser.]
It can not have escaped the observation of any intel-
ligent citizen that Albany has of late years been rapidly
yet steadly improving in wealth and commercial and
local advantages ; the simple fact that the population has,
without any artificial impulse, doubled since the last
government census, is an unanswerable proof of solid
prosperity.
Ten years ago and Albany was just beginning to recover
from the effects of the pressure of the immediately preced-
ing years — we have no doubt that in the extent and va-
riety of alterations and improvements since then, no city
in the Union has undergone greater changes.
Ten years ago and the now proud and beautiful Acade-
mic square was a barren clay bank, variegated by an
occassional saw-pit, or a group of reclining cows — then
the whole of the upper part of Columbia street was a high
hill unoccupied and impassable as a street, and the great-
er part of Chapel street was in rainy wether a complete
mud-hole.
Ten years ago, of the whole row of handsome dwellings
now standing on the south side of the Capitol square,
only one was then erected; then Daniels street did not
exist, and the whole south part of Eagle street was a
most unpromising ravine.
Ten years ago and juvenile sportsmen used to shoot
snipe and other small game where now the grand canal
pours its waters into the Hudson; of all that city that
has since sprung up in that neighborhood, not a house
was then standing, while in the south pasture, over whose
vacant fields the various city regiments used to manoeu-
vre, we now see orderly platoons of handsome brick
City of Albany, 1823. 329
houses, and battalions of streets " dressed" with a beauti-
ful regularity unattainable by their animated predeces-
sor. In short, every quarter of the city, north, south,
east and even the abused and despised west, gives token
of sound and healty improvement.
Increased prosperity is accompanied by increased en-
terprise. Thus we have witnessed the erection of the
pier, the reclaiming of a very large extent of corporation
lands from under water, and the readiness with which
they were purchased and built upon, the leveling of hills,
the opening and paving of new streets, the incorporation
of banks, insurance and rail road companies, the
opening of Clinton square, the institution of the Athe-
neum and the Institute, the vast number of new build-
ings, including churches, theatre, assembly rooms, cir-
cus, the increased number of hotels of the first order,
both as it regards size and internal arrangements, the
city baths, the gradual enlargements of an admirable
museum, the increased number and high standing of our
clergy, advocates and physicians, the institution and
successful operation of various societies, the patronage
given to a large number of steamboats and traveling
coaches, the erection of an extensive and costly City Hall,
&c.
All these naturally resulted from the growth and ad-
vancement of the city, and were accompanied by corres-
ponding changes in commerce and mechanic arts. For
some years past nearly every arrival in New York from
foreign ports has brought large amounts of every species
of merchandise for importers in this city, and thus the
country merchants are enabled to purchase goods to as
good advantage here as in New York, without the time,
trouble and expense of a steamboat trip.
The manufacture of household furniture has been
brought to a great degree of excellence in this city, and
there no longer exists any other than an imaginary neces-
sity for incipient housekeepers to resort to New York to
make their purchases.
Ten years ago there were not four families in the city
330 City of Albany, 1823
who used grates and burned coal fires — their winter fuel
was laid in at a high price and procured at great trouble
in New York. Now there is a manufactory here which
turns out beautiful grates of every variety of patterns,
and all kinds of coals can be bought in the city at any
season of the year — consequently a great number of
families consume coals, as more comfortable, safe and
economical than wood.
Increased attention has been paid to education for
some years past; a new seminary for females has been
erected in the south part of the town, for the greater
convenience of the enlarged population of that vicinity;
this institution, and the female academy, managed by
judicious trustees, and under the care of competent in-
structors, deserve and doubtless will receive their fair
proportions of encouragement.
The guardians of the city academy have reason to con-
gratulate themselves on the success of the extended and
liberal plan which they adopted some years since. They
have enlarged the circle of studies and added to the pro-
fessorships, and may anticipate an improving reputation
so long as the institution remains under the supervision
of the present principal, whose good sense, attainments,
and fine literary taste, have contributed materially to its
present standing and welfare.
Albany generally strikes a stranger unfavorably, on
account of the miserable state of pavements, which un-
like every thing else have not improved, but remain a
constant theme of complaint and execration. If the
pavements were once put in good repair (not laid down
with a view to a good job in a year afterwards), they
might be kept in first rate condition, with very little
trouble and expense. It was a maxim of Dr. Franklin
that a tile in time saves nine, and it is equally true that
a stone in time will save a whole street. A hole that
might be repaired by one man in half an hour, if left for
a month, will take five men as many days. We are
sorry to say that true policy in paving appears to be ter-
ribly misunderstood in this city.
City of Albany, 1823. 331
"VVe can not close these remarks with adverting to the
commendable spirit and enterprise displayed by the pro-
prietors of the building now going up at the corner of
State and Market streets; it will be, when completed, an
exceedingly fine specimen of tasteful architecture and
beautiful American marble. We anticipate the time
when the opposite corner at the intersection of South
Market street, shall be improved in some similar
manner, that part of the city will then be very handsome
and of striking effect. [This is in allusion to the corner
now known as Douw's Building, which was then occu-
pied by low two story buildings.]
(332)
ANNALS OF THE TEAR 1857.
JANUARY.
1. Gov. King was escorted from Congress Hall to the
Capitol by the Burgesses Corps, where he was sworn into
office by the Secretary of State Patrick Kelly died,
aged 60 Mrs. Mary McNulty died, aged 50.
2. Mrs. Judith, widow of George Pearson, died, aged
80 Michael Sullivan died, aged 57.
4. J. B. Palmer died, aged 50 Miss Elizabeth
Eights died, aged 75; daughter of the late Abraham Eights.
5. Eliza S., wife of Charles T. Smyth, died, aged 49.
6. Edward Brinckerhoff died, aged 48 Magdalen,
widow of Wm. H. Bradstreet, died.
7. George W. Scott was killed by the accidental dis-
charge of a gun; age 23 0. H. Chittenden, formerly
surrogate of the county, died, aged 37 Louisa Ball
died, aged 21.
8. Thermometer 10° below 0. The roads leading to the
city were blocked up with snow, the drifts in some places
being ten feet high. In consequence the State street
market was lean and bare, being supplied almost entirely
by the city farmers.
11. James Gardener died, aged 74 Margaret, wife
of David Terry died, aged 68 Mary Ann, wife of
Robert Homer, died, aged 20*
14. A fire damaged the saw factory of Gregory & Co.,
in Liberty street.
15. There were 520 persons in the Alms House, of
which 84 were insane.
16. A fire in Weil & Allen's clothing establishment;
less, $300.
Annals of the Year 1857. 333
18. Thermometer 21 deg. below zero James D.
Burt died, aged 35.
19. Extremely cold, with much snow and wind
Railway trains delayed on all the roads Mrs. D.
Bundy died, aged 29.
20. Nathaniel Davis died, aged 77. He came to this
city early in life, and was at first engaged in navigating
a sloop on the river, and afterwards, from 1811 to 1830
composed one of the firm of Davis & Center, doing a large
forwarding business. He was an upright merchant and
an amiable and popular man. He was one of the original
board of trustees of the Second Presbyterian Church,
with which he had been connected about forty years.
The delegates of the Sabbath School Convention of the
State of New York, met at the Hudson Street Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which Hon. John 0. Cole was
elected president The rail roads being blocked with
snow in almost every direction, prevented so full an at-
tendance as was expected.
21. Jeremiah C. Mahoney, aged 25, died at the Hospital
of injuries received by a rail road accident Mrs. Ann
Cameron died, aged 65 John Collins died, aged 25.
22. John G. Gill died, aged 59 Thermometer at
4 o'clock p. m. 4 deg. below zero; at 9 o'clock 10 deg.
below zero.
23. Thermometers at different points indicated 20 to
26 deg. below zero in the morning. At 3 p. m. 4 deg.
below zero. The winter had scarcely a parallel in the
annals of temperature John Hartness died, aged 43.
24. The thermometers ranged from 21 to 28 deg. in the
morning George W. Hosford, formerly of Albany,
died at San Francisco, aged 24.
27. Richard E. Street died, aged 23 Samuel J.
Rose died, aged 27.
28. Henry Lewis died, aged 79 Dr. Charles F.
Goss died, aged 41.
29. A fire at 2 o'clock in the morning destroyed th6
carriage factory of Long & Silsby in South Pearl street.
Another fire at 10'clock at night destroyed G. 0. Shaw's
[Annals, ix.] 29
334 Annals of the Year 1857.
tailor shop in South Pearl street, and a milliner's shop.
Elizabeth C. Hance, sometime an efficient teacher
of the State Normal School, died at Porterage, Ohio.
30. Giles Sanford died, aged 59.
FEBRUARY.
2. Jasper Moore, died, aged 65.
3. The New York State Medical Society had its 50th
Anniversary meeting, at the City Hall. It is the oldest
medical society in the United States.
4. Mrs. Sarah Wright died, aged 54 The State
Medical Society had a semi-centennial supper at the
Delavan House.
5. A fire slightly damaged a house on the corner of
Hawk and Washington streets The election for offi-
cers of the Young Men's Association, resulted in the choice
of Clinton Cassidy as president.
6. Richard Cramer died, aged 52.
8. The river was so much swollen by the rain which
fell during the day, and the breaking up of the upper
rivers, that the ice started about half past 10 in the
evening, and choking up below the water set back, rising
so rapidly as to submerge stores and dwellings, causing
an unprecedented amount of suffering and loss. Three
establishments in which lime was stored were set on
fire by the slacking of the lime, and being surrounded
by water so as to be unapproachable by the fire com-
panies, were consumed.
9. At 8 o'clock in the morning the water covered
Broadway above Maiden lane, and entered the stores on
the west side which were a foot above the side walks,
where water had never been seen before. It was full
three feet higher than the great deluge of 1839, which
was higher than had been remembered before Corne-
lia Groesbeeck died, aged 90.
10. William Merrifield died, aged 33 The State
Agricultural Society held its annual meeting at their
rooms, in the Geological Hall.
Annals of the Year 1857. 335
11. William Murdock died, aged 28 Charles Davis
died, aged 52.
12. Mary, wife of P. Mclntyre, died, aged 31 Up-
wards of $5100 had been subscribed for the sufferers by
the flood The State Agricultural Rooms were dedi-
cated by the governor Wm. Forby died, aged 62.
13. John S. Walsh died, aged 62, formerly a hardware
merchant, son of Dudley Walsh, an eminent merchant
of the last century.
14. AndrewS. Huxley died, aged 25 William K.
Cole, formerly of Albany, died at Jacksonville, Florida.
17. The ice which had formed in the river immediately
after the late freshet, again broke away, and the water
began to rise A man on board the Hudson River
Rail Road ferry boat jumped into the river and was
drowned.
18. Melandea Deuel, wife of Ph. Snyder, died, aged 27.
19. Elizabeth Morehead died, aged 20 Mrs. John
S. Mulligan died, aged 40 Wm. Daum died, aged 27.
20. A convention of abolitionists met at the Young
Men's Association Rooms, at which William H. Topp, a
colored gentleman, presided, and Miss Susan B. Anthony,
a white woman, officiated as secretary. .1.. At 8 o'clock
in the evening, during a hail storm there was a flash of
lightning and heavy thunder.
21. A committee of the Board of Trade visited the
barrier of ice below the. city, and found it to extend from
Van Wie's point to Castleton, and so thick and solid, as
to defy any attempt to open the channel while the ice re-
mained firm below Charles Galpin, the originator of
the Albany Microscope, died, aged 57.
22. Samuel Lee, formerly of Albany, died in New-
York, aged 77.
23. The military celebrated the day. The custom-
ary oration was delivered by W. S. Heavenor The
members of Fire King Engine No. 11, had a trial of the
machine at the City Hall, and succeeded in throwing
water to the top of the flag staff, a hight of 152 feet.
24. The water had receded so far that the pier was
336 Annals of the Year 1857.
approachable by pedestrians for the first time since the
8th inst Four wagon loads of provisions and other
necessaries, were contributed by the Shakers to the suf-
ferers by the high water.
25. During the early hours of the day the ice dam
disappeared in the gorge below the city, and the entire
channel was found to be unobstructed, except by floating
masses. The retiring water disclosed the unshapen mass
which remained of the State street bridge.
26. Martha, wife of John Rea, died William Wat-
son owner of the Unadilla Bank, died at his residence in
Columbia street, aged 53.
27. The steamboat Hendrick Hudson reached the
landing from New York at an early hour in the morning,
being the first boat up.
28. Capt. Barnum Whipple died on Staten Island,
aged 77. His remains were removed to the family
burying ground in this city.
Commodore Whipple was born at Sunderland, in Ver-
mont ; but for nearly 60 years was a resident of Albany.
He was engaged in the commercial marine, on the river
and coast, and was captain of a vessel upon the Hudson
before the age of steam, and when that river was the
great avenue of commerce and travel. He thus became
acquainted with most of the distinguished men of the age,
and in after life his reminiscences of early times were in-
teresting and instructive.
While thus engaged, he directed his efforts and suc-
ceeded in calling the attention of the U. S. government to
a system of light houses upon the river for the protection
of vessels. With the same eye to the interests of the
commerce, in which he had been engaged, he projected
the system of dykes, by which the waters of the river
were concentrated, and the channel at the Overslaugh
deepened. His experience in the navigation of the river,
and his strength and clearness of observation, gave great
weight to his recommendations.
He retired from active business with a sufficient for-
tune; but though he was not destined to retain this, he
Annals of the Year 1857. 337
was active in the promotion of schemes for the improve-
ment of the city. The project of supplying the whole
city with an adequate supply of water was first actively
agitated by him, and he succeeded by appeals through
the press, and calls of public meetings, in forcing public
attention to the subject.
He was appointed by President Van Buren, inspector
of customs, was harbor master under the city government,
and held other offices of trust and honor.
He was a man of great native force of intellect — eccen-
tric in opinions, and hearty in their utterance — but of a
fine gentlemanly presence and interesting conversation.
He had been a partial invalid for many years ; but his
death at last was quiet and serene. — Atlas and Argus.
MARCH.
1. William Thompson died, aged 78.
2. Winter returned, covering the earth with snow
again, and closing the river so that no boat arrived from
New York; three boats left the docks here, but got
aground at Castleton, and remained there all the next
day A fire took place in a Washington street bakery.
3. Thermometer 2 deg. below 0, in the morning, and
the steam boats were frozen in at various places in the
river above Poughkeepsie.
4. The Board of Trade held a meeting to consider the
state of the sand bar at Castleton. They resolved to ap-
ply to the legislature for $100,000 to remove it.
5. A fire occurred about 1 o'clock a. m., which de-
stroyed a carpenter's shop and dwelling house on Arbor
hill Elizabeth, wife of John Halferty, died, aged 34.
6. Catharina Aloysius, wife of Cornelius Droogan, died,
aged 31 Elizabeth A., wife of Michael Pettingill,
died. George Waugh died, aged 40 The steam
boats which had recently visited Albany, were laid up
till the river should be clear of ice, except the Isaac
Newton, which attempted the passage with a heavy load
of freight.
7. The Burgesses Corps returned from Washington,
338 Annals of the Year 1857.
where they were the guests of Cornelius Wendell, form-
erly a member of the corps The steamboat Isaac
Newton, left New York at 3 o'clock Friday morning, but
did not reach Albany till Saturday afternoon.
8. An alarm of fire in the morning, at a house in South
Pearl street; damage trifling, Another alarm in the
evening, caused by the burning of a chimney. The
river was closed over with ice again for 130 miles below
this city.
9. A fire in the morning at a bone factory in the lower
part of the city; damage light.
11. James Leonard died, aged 33 L. A. Chase
died at Charleston, S. C., whither he had gone for the
recovery of his health.
13. Jane McBride died, aged 50 Eliza A., wife of
G. W. Ryckman, died at San Francisco, aged 54.
15. Anna S. Wendell, daughter of the late Harmanus
Wendell, died, aged 59 John I. Godfrey, formerly an
Albany merchant, died at Sandlake.
17. Services in all the Catholic churches, and a pane-
gyric upon St. Patrick was pronounced at the Cathedral
by the bishop of Louisville, Ky.
18. The steam boat Oregon arrived from New York
during the forenoon, reporting the channel free from ice,
and the Isaac Newton, which had been ice bound since
the 7th, proceeded to New York George Wood died,
aged 61; formerly of the firm of Webster & WTood, print-
ers Charity Weaver died, aged 92 Inquests were
held on the bodies of John Naughton of Washington street,
and James Sanders in State street, both of whom died of
disease of the lungs very suddenly Dr. Henry S.
Steele died at Roxbury, Mass., aged 29.
19. Mrs. Elizabeth Ann, widow of Leverett Crutten-
den, died, aged 82 Edward Everett repeated his
eulogy on Washington in the Second Presbyterian
Church, realizing by both readings about $1500.
20. William Jones died, aged 69.
21. Peter Conine died at Lexington, Ky., aged 43.
A man named Grady was killed by the falling in of the
sides of a pit in which he stood.
Annals of the Year 1857. 339
22. Charles Blackall died, aged 62.
23. William Pine died, aged 24.
24. Benjamin Westervelt died in Watervliet, aged 75;
sometime since a resident of Albany.
25. The steam boat Isaac Newton, on her way up the
river from New York, ran on a rock in a fog, and sunk
after her passengers and cargo were removed. James
Luther Spencer died, aged 27.
26. Anna M. Bridgen died in New York, aged 69. She
was born in Albany, and is recollected as a person of
extraordinary intellectual faculties.
27. A fire in South Broadway destroyed a junk shop
and plumbing establishment of Chauncey Whitney &
Son. Loss about $4000 Mrs. Mary H. Haskell died,
aged 63.
30. A match between two horses, $2500 stakes, from
Albany to W7hitesboro, 100 miles. One of them gave out
at Frankfort, the other reached Whitesboro in 12J hours,
performing the greatest feat on record. Of the distance
82 miles were made in 7h. 50m. But we understand a
Mr. Brown once drove a horse from Utica to Albany
between sun and sun, and drove the same horse back the
next day between sun and sun; and he drove the same
horse the same season to Sackett's Harbor and back on
successive days, from sunrise to sunset. It is on re-
cord also that a hack team has been driven from Utica
to Albany in a single day Jonathan Wood died in
New York, aged 62; for 30 years connected with the
Swiftsure line of tow boats at Albany.
APRIL.
1. The felly manufactory of Winne, Link & Co. was
partially burnt; loss small.
2. The grocery of Henry Hendler, 221 South Pearl
street was burnt.
3. An Albanian, named Charles Wilson, was found
dead in his bed at a hotel in New York, supposed to
have taken poison Henry Laney died aged 20.
340 Annals of the Year 1857.
4. A fire occurred in the Yellow Block, on South
Broadway; damage slight Frederick H. Mayer died,
aged 39 Hosea Knowlton died A merchant
named Glickstone fell dead in South Pearl street.
8. Mrs. Elizabeth Goodland died, aged 65 years.
9. John Sheridan died, aged 48 William Kings-
bury died, aged 33.
11. William McMurdy died, aged 29 Mrs. Mary,
wife of William Mayell, died, aged 53.
12. William Shey died, aged 48 An alarm of fire,
caused by the burning of a dwelling in Dallius street,
which was extinguished without much damage The
old depot of the Mohawk and Hudson rail road, at the
southern extremity of the city, fell down from decay. —
James S. Brown, died, aged 57.
13. Dr. H. A. Edmonds died Mrs. Anna, wife of
Walter Van Vechten, and daughter of Abram Van Vech-
ten, died at Schuylerville.
14. Mrs. Ann Vaughan, wife of Alexander Nicholl,
died, aged 24 Mrs. Mary, wife of John Relyea, died,
aged 24.
18, Eleanor Peterson died, aged 75 Robert W.
Dunbar, died, aged 84 Thos. A. Moore died, aged 26.
20. Extensive snowstorm William Mayell died,
aged 57. (See p. 172, vol. 3.)
21. Mrs. Frederic W. Hoffman died, aged 22.
23. John Bussy died, aged 64.
24. Edward T. Bedell died, aged 27 Wm. Gaston
Costigan died, aged 22.
25. David Kay died, aged 82.
26. Mrs. Thomas Ranney, formerly of Albany, died at
Burmah.
27. Hugh Gillespie died, aged 78 Owen Rodgers
died, aged 82.
29. Hannah Leedings died, aged 25.
30. A fire in Lydius street damaged the house of J. N.
Keeler Mrs. Henrietta, wife of Martin Deahl, died,
aged 21 Asa H. Centre, formerly an Albany mer-
chant, died in New York, aged 79. (See p. 333.)
Annals of the Year 1857. 341
MAY.
I. The sheds on the west side of Townsend's furnace
were destroyed by fire. Another fire damaged but too
slightly an old building in Green street.
4. The Albany Morning Express was issued by Stone
& Henly who formerly published a paper under the same
title Bridget, wife of John Butler, died, aged 28
Harriet, wife of Charles H.Radcliffe, died, aged 25
The common council resolved to pay the interest on the
Northern Rail Road bonds, which at a previous meeting
it was determined to suspend the payment of. They
also increased the pay of laborers in their employ to
$1- 12 £ a day.
5. John Carson died, aged 44 George B. Thomp-
son died, aged 28,
6. The heavy rains and melting of the snow at the
west and north swelled the river so as to inundate the
pier and docks. The tillers of the, island lost all their
labor in preparing their gardens, and farmers in the up-
lands were still unable to prepare their grounds for sow-
ing and planting In taking down the building in
South Pearl street, formerly occupied by Ezra Ames as a
portrait gallery, a part of the wall fell, injuring several
persons, among whom was a lad named Roseboom, who
died in consequence.
7. Mrs. Catharine Metz died, aged 66 The steam
boat Baltic caught fire at an early hour in the morning,
but was soon extinguished.
9. Mrs. Mary Gleason died, aged 46.
II. Elizabeth Janes died, aged 83 John Webster
died at Detroit ; son of the late George Webster of Albany.
12. Thermometer at 34 degrees on Arbor hill Wil-
liam Maxwell died, aged 55.
13. Mrs. Abby, wife of Elihu Russell, died, as^ed 71.
Barbary Luscom died, aged 21 Wm. Edward Hickcox
died, aged 38 Thomas Mallen died, aged 60.
14. Erastus R. Phelps died, aged 36 John Steven-
son died, aged 80.
342 Annals of the Year 1857.
15. The Mansion House, kept for several years by
William Griffin, was suddenly closed, by the failure of
the proprietor.
16. The newly appointed governor of Kansas, Robert
J. Walker, and his suite, arrived in this city, on his route
to that territory George Harrison died, aged 37.
17. Horace B. Day died, aged 21 Thomas Walker
died, aged 30.
May 19. The Bank of Albany was removed from its old
banking house, 44 State street, to the new one in Broad-
way, above State.
21. Kebecca Fredendall died, aged 70.
23. Mary Shultz died, aged 83.
24. The news rooms, which had always been open on
Sunday since their establishment, were closed by unani-
mous consent of all the dealers in newspapers and maga-
zines.
25. Mrs. Mary, wife of Robert Boyd, died, aged 74
E. S. Bliss died, aged 60.
26. Mrs. Phebe King died, aged 60.
27. Christopher Shultz died, aged 84 A fire de-
stroyed a wooden dwelling in the south part of the city,
known as Groesbeckville, from John Groesbeck, who
built the village.
29. A fire damaged the dry goods store of McMichael,
Gordon & Co., to the amount of several thousand dol-
lars... . .Isaac Thayer, formerly" a resident of Albany,
died at Cincinatti, aged 65.
30. A fire was discovered in the bedstead factory, cor-
ner of James street and Maiden lane; damage slight.
31. Laura H., wife of George W. Beardslee, died,
aged 41.
JUNE.
1. Gansevoort Quackenbush died, aged 56 Patrick
Hopkins died, aged 85 Simon V. Olney, a native of
Albany, died at Utica, aged 56. He removed to that
city in 1823, and became one of its wealthiest and most
respected citizens.
Annals of the Year 1857. 343
3. J. E. H. Moore died, aged 30.
6. Fanny Chollar, wife of Henry Richmond, died, aged
66.
9. Abraham R. Ten Eyck died, aged 82. He came to
this city in 1796, a protege of Hugh Gaine, the noted
New York bookseller, and opened a book store in Broad-
way, under the firm name of Gaine & Ten Eyck. He
retired from business in 1820. At the time of his death
he was the oldest resident in Broadway. He died in the
same house in which he commenced business 61 years
before.
10. Mrs. P. Cunningham died, aged 36 Charlotte
A., wife of Thomas Goldwaite, died, aged 22.
11. Patrick Brennan died, aged 47.
12. Catharine Roach died, aged 73.
13. Nelson Salisbury died, aged 46.
14. A new Baptist mission chapel was dedicated in
North Pearl street, between Wilson and Lumber, sermon
by Rev. Dr. Hague A society termed the Ranters,
worshiping in Philip street, were so noisy as to disturb
the services in the First Presbyterian Church, and the
police were called upon to restore order. The society
was not an offshoot of any one church, but was made up
of members from every methodist church in the city. It
numbered eighty members, and was known as the Free
Central Methodist Episcopal Church. The new church
was started for the purpose of affording citizens one
church, besides the Bethel, where seats in all parts of
the edifice could be had without money and without
price.
15. Louisa, wife of Dr. Albert Ritchie, and daughter
of the late Benj. D. Packard, died at Frederick, Md.
16. Richard Farley, aged 32, fell into the canal and
was drowned The semi-annual convention of the
State Temperance Society was held at the capitol, E. C.
Delavan, president.
17. The new chapel attached to the First Presbyterian
Church was dedicated in the evening Lynot Blood-
good died at Enfield, Ct., aged 76. He was born in
344 Annals of the Year 1857.
Albany, and belonged to one of those families whose
names are associated with the early history and progress
of our city, and was familiarly known to most of its in-
habitants. He had lived for some years in Utica,
whither his remains were carried at his own request, to
be deposited by the side of other members of the family.
18. The steam saw mill of Winne & Link was disco-
vered to be on fire about 12 o'clock at night, and extin-
guished before it had made much progress Jane, wife
of Patrick Scott, died.
19. Mary Lennard died, aged 49.
22. Henry Link died, aged 36 Allen H. Weaver
died, aged 25.
23. John J. Finn died, aged 57 Mrs. J. W. St. John,
formerly of Albany, died at Bern, aged 65.
27. Mary, wife of John Scace, died, aged 47 Jas.
McDonald and W. W. Wright took the contract for lay-
ing the substructure of the rail road bridge across the
river, at $300,000.
28. Thomas Taylor died, aged 45.
29. Martin Hillebrant was killed by being run over
by a loaded wagon The Albany Evening Herald was
merged in the Albany Evening Union.
30. John Langrish died, aged 29.
JULY.
1. Public school No. 12, situated in Robin street, was
dedicated appropriately. J. Prentice, principal.. . . .Jane
Ann Hurdis, wife of H. N. Weaver, died at Petersburg,
Va., formerly of Albany A fire in Dallius street,
about 7 o'clock in the evening, considerably damaged a
dwelling house Louisa Page died, aged 31.
2. Thomas Heffernan died, aged 55 Philip Dunn
died, aged 72.
3. Ellen, wife of John Dummery, died, aged 27
Henry Carey died, aged 68 Margaret, widow of John
Campbell, died, aged 44.
4. William L. Marcy died at Ballston, aged 71. He
Annals of the Year 1857. 345
was struck down by a disease of the heart and expired
in a short time after the attack. The unhappy event
was totally unlocked for. Since the ex-governor retired
from the cabinet he had enjoyed a return of health that
made his friends hope that he would be spared to the
world for many years yet. Providence had ruled other-
wise, and taken from our midst one of the great minds of
the age. Ex-gov. Marcy had been a prominent citizen
for nearly 40 years, and has ever played a manly,
straightforward part in the political history of this state,
As a writer Mr. Marcy was at once vigorous and good
natured. He never attacked a person without cause.
He always fought on the defensive, not because he lacked
courage and firmness, but because he preferred the ame-
nities of life to its thorns and satire. In his correspond-
ence with Austria and Great Britain, Mr. Marcy exhibited
a power which marked him as one of the most skillful
diplomatists that the world has ever seen. It is to these
papers that his friends will ever point as the true monu-
ments of his greatness.
He was born in Worcester county, Mass., December
12, 1786 ; at the time of his death therefore, he was in
the 71st year of his age. He graduated at Brown uni-
versity in 1808. He studied law in Troy, and served
with distinguished ability in the war of 1812. In 1816
he was appointed recorder of Troy. He held that office
two years and was then removed by the Clintonians. In
1821 the Democrats honored him by making him comp-
troller. During the year 1821 he removed from Troy to
Albany. In 1829 he was made judge of the supreme
court. He was elected to the United States senate in
1831. In 1832 he was elected governor, and retired
from the senate. He held the office of governor six
years. In 1845 President Polk honored him by making
him secretary of war. He filled this office during the
whole Mexican war, and with an ability that commanded
the admiration even of his enemies. In 1848 Zachary
Taylor was elected president. Mr. Marcy retired from
the war office in 1849. President Pierce made Mr. Marcy
[Annals, ix.] 30
346 Annals of the Year 1857.
secretary of state. It is doubtful whether the laborious
duties of this office were ever discharged with more
honor to the republic. On the accession of President
Buchanan Mr. Marcy retired from public service with
the intention, we believe, of becoming a private citizen
for the remainder of his life. — Atlas and Argus.
5. A fire occurred in the attic of Newitter's dry goods
store, in South Pearl street; damage slight ... .Patrick
Smyth, formerly of Albany, died at Milwaukie, aged 39.
6. An unknown man was found drowned at the foot of
Lydius street.
7. Christian Rapp died, aged 74. .. .The corpse of Gov.
Marcy arrived from Ballston by the 2 o'clock train, and
while minute guns were firing under charge of the Em-
mett Guards, a procession, preceded by the Burgesses
Corps, consisting of citizens of Saratoga and Schenec-
tady, to the number of nearly two hundred, proceeded to
the Capitol. .. .Wm. H. Robinson, recently of Albany,
died at Watertown, aged 33.
8. Funeral of ex-governor Marcy, by far the largest
funeral procession ever witnessed in Albany. Several
of the former governors of the state, and two ex-pre-
sidents, Van Buren and Pierce, were present. There
were 27 military companies and 17 fire companies in the
procession, which exceeded two miles in length. The
corpse was taken to the Cemetery on the Watervliet road.
9. David Callender died.
10. A fire caught in the cupola of Vose & Go's fur-
nace, and called out the machines.
11. An alarm of fire was raised by the burning of an
old canal boat used as a carpenter's shop, in the basin.
12. A fire destroyed a number of cattle sheds belong-
ing to the Bull's Head tavern, on Washington avenue.
Loss about $4,000. Several other buildings were con-
siderably damaged. A fireman was badly injured. . . .
This was the first warm day of the season; temperature
90 to 94 deg.
13. Jacob Kluteman died, aged 35. . . .Faustino Can-
toni died, aged 30,... A cricket match was begun be-
Annals of the Year 1857. 347
tween 18 of the State of New York and 11 of the City of
New York, on the grounds of the Albany club. The
heat was oppressive ; 94 deg. in the shade.
14. Angelica Kidney died, aged 57.... Mrs. Rhoda
Dubois died Thermometer 98 deg. in the shade.
15. A fire on the Shaker road destroyed a dwelling
house ; the city bells were rung on the occasion, about 1
o'clock in the morning. .. .Jasper Ackerman, who had
been sometime missing, and was supposed to have been
murdered, was found in Albany. His friends had just
offered a reward for him of $200. An innocent man had
been imprisoned under suspicion of being the murderer.
16. Thomas Fitz Simmons died, aged 47 William
Griffin, late proprietor of the Mansion House hotel, died
at Schenectady, of mental aberration.
17. Mrs. Rhoda Webster died, aged 80 The steam
boat Isaac Newton, which sunk in the river some months
before this, made her appearance at the dock in all the
freshness of new paint.
18. James E. Thompson died, aged 40.
19. John W. Cluett died, aged 53.
21. Rebecca, wife of John Brown, died, aged 57.
22. A dwelling house in Orange street, took fire about
2 o'clock in the morning ; damage nearly $1000. . . .Es-
ther M. Gibbons, wife of S. B. McCoy, died A fire in
the evening destroyed a mill in Tivoli hollow, of small
value. . . .The Bank of the Interior went into operation;
capital $600,000.
24. William Green died, aged 37 Mrs. Maria Ro-
bertson died, aged 57. . . .Francis J. Jacobs died, aged 38.
25. Great rain storm, which burst the drains, and
tore up the streets, doing great damage in every part of
the city; 2^ inches rain fell. ...The Clinton Hotel was
sold for $12,300, to Henry Blatner.
26. A fire at 163 Hamilton street, about noon, dam-
aged the premises to the amount of about $1300.
27. One of the first fruits of discovery made at the
Dudley Observatory, was that of a comet, seen by Dr.
Peters, in the first hour of the morning.
348 Annals of the Year 1857.
28. Edward Mulhall died, aged 26.
29. Intelligence was received that Judge Nelson had
granted an injunction restraining the Hudson River
Bridge Company from building their bridge at Albany,
under act of the Legislature of 1856, on the ground of
the unconstitutionality of the act.... Mrs. Catalina,
widow of Isaac Arnold, died, aged 94. . . .Johanna, wife of
Timothy Taafe, died, aged 49.
30. Rebecca Winne died, aged 21.
AUGUST.
2. A military funeral cortege, from West Troy, passed
through the city to the cemeteries on State street, with
the body of James Dinnigan, of Port Schuyler.
4. John J. Shuffelt died, aged 72.
5. Wm. P. Pepper died, aged 35.
7. A pair of elks was driven through the streets, at-
tached to the wagon of a patent medicine vender.
8. Jesse P. Mitchell died, aged 71. His funeral was
attended by the Republican Artillery, of which he had
been captain a number of years, and by the Masonic fra-
ternity of which he had long been a prominent member.
9. Jarvis Streeter died, aged 81.
10. A fire destroyed several cattle sheds belonging to
the Bull's Head tavern, in Washington street; supposed
to have been purposely fired by an incendiary.
11. Mary Hicks, known as Granny Hicks, the oldest
inmate of the Alms House, died. She had been an in-
mate of the institution thirty-five years, and was well
known to visitors as a vender of rag birds, which she
made up and sold to such as would buy.
12. Cyprian Bertrand was drowned, while on an ex-
cursion, aged 29.
13. Julia E., wife of John Grattan, died, aged 28.
14. A car on the Northern rail road burnt. . . .Margaret
McPherson died, aged 81 ... .Sarah, wife of David Bur-
hans, died, aged 83. .. .John Johnston died, aged 35.
Annals of the Year 1857. 349
15. James Horton killed on the Northern rail road, aged
28.
17. John T. Crew, formerly of Albany, died at New-
ark, N. J., aged 64.
19. Workmen commenced demolishing the old Rock-
well Mansion House in Broadway.
20. Catharine Tobin died, aged 67. . . .Bridget, wife of
Thomas Masterson, died, aged 43.
21. Bridget, widow of James^Curran, died, aged 46.
22. Mrs. Mary Lane died, aged 57. .. .Susan, wife of
J. J. La Grange, died, aged 38.
23. The sheds of the Bull's Head tavern were fired for
the third time within a few weeks. . . . George Fredenrich
died, aged 35 Margaret, wife of John Malone, died,
aged 35.
25. Elizabeth, wife of Edward Walker, died, aged 30.
26. Mrs. Catharine Cochran, died at Oswego, aged
76. Although from her advanced age and impaired
strength it was known her years could not be much lon-
ger protracted, her decease is the occasion of general and
sympathizing interest. She was among the oldest of our
inhabitants in years, and among the oldest of the resi-
dents of our city. She was born at Albany on the 20th
February, 1781, the daughter of Major-General Schuy-
ler, the great revolutionary patriot, whose name is so
illustrious in our revolutionary annals, and for one-half
of the last century, in all the great events which have left
their records in the history of New York. The infant
years of Mrs. Cochran's life were passed in Albany, and
in the period of the revolution she was exposed to the
thrilling incidents of the Mohawk frontier. In 1794 — we
believe at the instance of President Washington — Gen.
Schuyler passed through the Oneida wilderness to Oswego,
then still in occupation of a British garrison. His daugh-
ter accompanied him and shared in the adventures of
what was then a difficult and romantic expedition.
Her first husband was Samuel Malcolm, Esq., son of
Gen. Malcolm, an eminent citizen of New York, and a
distinguished soldier of the revolution. He died in early
350 Annals of the Tear 1857.
life some forty years since, at Utica, where he with his
family then resided. Several years subsequently, she
married our late venerable townsman, Major James
Cochran, son of Dr. Cochran, the surgeon general of
the revolutionary army, and with him and her family
settled in this place in the year 1825. They cleared the
forest for the habitation, which, with her family, she
has continued to occupy to the hour of her death. There
she has lived for thirty-three years, honored, beloved and
respected by all around her. Honored for her noble
family connexion, made illustrious by great deeds in our
colonial and revolutionary history. He was closely al-
lied by blood to the families of Van Rensselaer, Van
Cortland, and Livingston, and sister-in-law of the late
Gen. Alex. Hamilton. Beloved, for her estimable vir-
tues, and her kind and courteous manners; respected,
for her mental culture and high intellectual accomplish-
ments.
Mrs. Cochran was baptized on the 4th March, 1781,
by the Rev. Eilardus Westerlo, of the Dutch Reformed
Church, Gen. and Mrs. Washington, James Van Rens-
selaer and Margarita Schuyler being her sponsors in bap-
tism. For the last forty years she has belonged to the
communion of the Episcopal Church, and has meekly
adorned her Christian profession by a life of faith, obe-
dience and resignation. — Oswego Times.
Robert L. Jones died, aged 44.
27. George T. Richardson died. . . .Jane Ann, wife of
Isaac W. Staats, formerly of Albany, died at St. Louis,
Mo., aged 67.
28. Simeon Fitch, formerly of Albany, died at Oswego,
aged 83.
31. The telegraph was completed to Cohoes, and the
first despatch came over from that place.
SEPTEMBER.
2. Mrs. Rachel, widow of Israel Williams, died at
Blandford, Mass., aged 71. .. .John McMurdy died, aged
40.
Annals of the Year 1857. 351
3. Lurinda, wife of Dr. F. L. R. Chapin, died.
4. Mrs. Jemima Fisk died, aged 61.
5. Mrs. Hannah Parsons, widow of John Cutler, died,
aged 69 A balloon ascension was attempted from Lan-
caster street above Hawk, but from the bad management
of filling, it was unsuccessful, Marion, the aeronaut, bare
ly escaping with his life. It was the fourth attempt of
the kind that had been made in this city, without success,
whence he1 was called Marian, the airy-naut.
6. John Hinkley died, aged 89.
7. A frost was perceptible in the morning in some
localities. The thermometer was at 48 deg. in the city.
8. William B. Williams died, aged 37 John Lud-
low, formerly pastor of the North Dutch church, died in
Philadelphia, aged 64.
12. Charles M. Van Rensselaer, first officer of the
Central America steamer, lost with that vessel on her
return from Panama to New York.
14. David G. Russell, of Suspension Bridge, died,
aged 29.
15. A. J. H. Wengerman died, aged 43 A fire
damaged a house corner of Green and Lydius streets.
17. Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Robinson, died, aged
29.
18. Francis McQuade died, aged 38 Rev. Reuben
Jeffrey, pastor of the First Baptist church, resigned that
office.
19. Sarah, widow of William Campbell, died, aged
58 John Fay died, aged 75, one of the original pew-
holders in the Second Presbyterian church. He was in
business during the war of 1812, and at that time was
one of the leading merchants of Albany. During the
war he became connected with the commissary depart-
ment of the army, and for two years furnished all our
troops with all their boots and shoes, by which he made
a large fortune. At the close of the war he held about
$100,000 worth of tea. Peace caused a fall in this arti-
cle of about a dollar a pound, which was so severe a loss
to the house of Fay & Co., as to force it into a com-
352 Annals of the Year 1857.
promise. Until the year 1838, Mr. Fay was in the grain
business on the dock, in the store now owned and occu-
pied by the Messrs. Sanders. He was a member of Dr.
Sprague's church, and had been so for nearly half a
century, having aided in building that structure, and as
long as fortune favored him was one of its best friends.
20. Louis Ertzberger died, aged 68.
22. Martha J., wife of S. V. R. Young, died Ann,
wife of J. L. Roser, died,, aged 27.
23. Robert Orssin died, in the 23d year of his age. ...
Joseph S. Colt, formerly an attorney in this city, died in
New York, aged 58.
24. Thos. G. Spicer died, aged 43 William Stevens
died of the town of Knox, aged 102, the oldest inhabit-
ant in Albany county. Mr. S. was born in England on
the first day of April, 1756, and came to this country in
1775. Both he and his father took part in the war of
the Revolution. He lived in the town of Knox from 1780
till his death, a period of 77 years. During all that
time he was never farther from home than to this city.
25. Harriet Rowley, wife of Robert Munger, died.
27. Thomas Gillen died, aged 67.
28. The depositors in the Albany Savings Bank, made
a run upon that old and safe institution, which continued
all day; the amount withdrawn was about $35,000. It
subsided on the following day.
29. The common council re-elected Robert Thompson
chamberlain for the ensuing year. . . ,Prof. Marion as-
cended in a balloon from Castle Garden, making a daring
adventure, in consequence of the balloon being imper-
fectly filled, and only partially equipped fora safe ascen-
sion. He landed in Nassau, 18 miles distant, in 25
minutes time.
30. First considerable frost of the season; thermome-
ters varying from 32 deg. to 36 deg. in different localities.
OCTOBER.
1. Julia W. Dowd died, aged 19.
3. Robert Neely died, aged 22.
Annals of the Year 1857. 353
7. Richard J. Knowlson aged 60, formerly a mer-
chant in this city, but residing at Sandlake, the last 30
years, was killed by falling under the locomotive at
Troy.
9. Benjamin Fassett died, aged 71. ... Charles S. Mer-
chant died, aged 37 Thomas B. Ridder died in New-
York, aged 60. He was a native of Albany, became a
Hicksite Quaker in Philadelphia, afterwards became a
member of the society of Shakers at Lebanon; returned
to Albany about 1830, and was successful in business as
a tobacconist, and became a prominent politician. He
removed to New York several years since.
11. John Laisdell, formerly a fashionable dry goods
dealer, died.
14. All the banks in Albany suspended specie pay-
ments, the banks in the city of New York having first
closed their vaults Eliza Buck died, aged 21 Gar-
ret O'Shaughnessy died, aged 65. .. .Margaret, wife of
James Shields, died, aged 41.
17. Janet, widow of Daniel Sickles, died.
18. Harriet, wife of Charles Joy, formerly of Albany,
died at Newark, N. J., aged 43.
19. Randall Roberts died, aged 27.
20. Maria M., wife of Matthew Brown, Jr., died, aged
27.
23. A fire about four o'clock in the morning destroyed
the contents of the large stove establishments of Messrs.
Rathbone & Co., and McCoy & Clark, on Green street,
below Norton; damages about f 15,000. . . .William Sack-
ett died, aged 21.
26. A fire in Lumber street; damage slight.
27. Hannah, wife of Thomas Adams died, aged 60. ...
Andrew Kirk died, aged 65. .. .The docks and pier were
submerged by a rise of the river caused by a storm of
more than 48 hours coutinuance.
28. Johannah White died, aged 79.
29. Margaret Wiseman, widow of Benj. Lodge, died,
aged 76.
30. Edward Buckley died, aged 80.
354 Annals of the Year 1857.
NOVEMBER.
6. Nancy Wilkinson died, aged 68.
7. A fire in Exchange street, destroyed part of a store
used for manufacturing roofing cement; damage $200.
....Mercy G.Valentine died, aged 60.... Eliza Jane,
wife of D. De Graff, died, aged 28.
9. A fire, corner of Lumber and Swan streets, dam-
aged a grocery to the amount of $300. . . . Josiah Gillespie
died, aged 56
11. Rosannah, widow of Joseph Parker, died, aged 37.
14. Mary, widow of Job Gould, died at Northville,
Cayuga county, aged 84.
16. A fire on Arbor hill burnt the grocery store of
Thomas Quinn. He was arrested on suspicion of setting
fire to it.
17. Andrew White died, aged 55. .. .Mary, wife of J.
W. Phillips, died, aged 26.
18. Payne, having gone upon the roof of a house
in Ten Broeck street to look at a fire in Troy, fell to the
ground, a distance of nearly 40 feet, and was killed.
19. Richard Burke died, aged 38.
20. Mrs. Catharine Daniels died, aged 60.
21. Emily Hopkins died, aged 36. ... Henry A. Veazie
died, aged 31.
22. Henry A. D. Gray, of Charleston, S. C., died,
aged 19.
24. David Chambers died, aged 78 Charles N.
Bleecker died. . . . A. Yates Lansing died.
25. A thanksgiving sermon was delivered at the North
Dutch church by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Rogers, in which
the history of the church was given from its origin, in
1642. A very large audience attended, among which
was Mr. Jacob Ten Eyck, one of the members of the
Great Consistory, which met on the 25th May, 1805.
(See Annals i., p. 89.) Rev. Dr. Wyckoff read a chap-
ter from the ancient Dutch Bible, which had been used
nearly a hundred years in the old State street church.
The church was well filled, and the discourse was lis-
tened to with great interest.
Annals of the Year 1857. 355
26. Peter Van Guisling died, aged 85.
27. Calvin K. Pool died, aged 22 Mary Frank,
wife of A. B. Durand, died, aged 46.
28. Josiah Eaton died, aged 78.
30. Sarah A., widow of James M. French, died.
DECEMBER.
1. Fire in Swan street; small wooden tenement burnt;
damage $300.
2. Great interest was taken by the citizens of Albany
in the election of mayor of the city of New York. The
defeat of the incumbent, Fernando Wood, accused of
gross improprieties, was made the occasion for more bon
fires then were before seen at one time, and the firing of
a hundred guns... James Angus, formerly of Albany,
died at Cambridge, Mass., aged 48.
6. James Freckleton died, aged 58... Mrs. Jane G.
Woodward died, aged 58.
9. David W. Groesbeeck died in the city of New York,
aged 86. He was buried from the North Dutch church,
in this city, on the llth.
10. John Keyes Paige died in Schenectady, aged 70.
He commenced his" career as an officer in the army, and
served in the war of 18 12 as captain. He afterwards held
for nineteen years the office of clerk of the supreme
court of the state of New York, which he relinquished-
in 1842. In 1845 he was elected mayor of the city of
Albany, and was at the time of his death a regent of the
university of this state, to which he had been chosen in
1826. Notwithstanding this long career of public service
he was singularly reserved and retiring in his manners,
and attached to domestic life, and neither professed the
arts of popularity,, nor that knowledge of the world
which is otten necessary for a man of business. His
first wife was a daughter of Gov. Yates; his second a
daughter of Francis Bloodgood. After leaving Albany,
on the failure of the Canal Bank, of which he was presi-
dent, he resided in Schoharie, and later in Schenectady
Catharine, widow of John C. Vanderbilt, died, aged
71.
356 Annals of the Year 1857.
11. John Dunlop died, aged 25.... Wm. H. Topp
died, aged 45. .. .Sophia, wife of James Connelly and
daughter of the late Selick Whitney, died in New York,
aged 43.
13. John Rosekrans died, aged 65.
14. Joseph P. Briare died, aged 47.
15. John Myers died, aged 81.
18. A house was burnt in Morton street. . . .Sarah A.,
wife of John A. La Grange, died, aged 31.
19. Eunice W., wife of Wm. Mascraft, died, aged 58.
21. Jane, wife of Henry Paddock, died, aged 68....
Mary Emily, wife of Peter B. Serings, died, aged 26. ...
Charlotte Louisa, wife of James Gray, died, aged 36.
25. Alida, widow of Lawrence L. Van Kleeck, died in
New York, aged 72.
26. A frame house in Spencer street was burnt. The
number of fires since July 1, was 27; alarms 13; false
alarms 8; losses, $16,285. During the corresponding pe-
riod of last year, 12 fires ; 8 alarms ; 3 false alarms ; losses,
$72,200.
27. The Hudson street Baptist church having intro-
duced an organ, the congregation listened to the first in-
strument of that kind in a Baptist church in this city.
. . . .The river was closed during the last night to every
kind of craft but the steam boat Hero, which armed as
an ice boat, forced her way up with great difficulty.
28. Mrs. MaryH. Phelps died, aged 30 Sybrant
Kittle died, aged 42.
29. Oliver Wallace died, aged 52. . . .Mrs. Jane Hilson
died, aged 70.
30. Harriet, wife of Cornelius Schuyler, died, aged 59.
31. Rachel, wife of Henry G. Wheaton, died in New
York.
Crime in Albany County. — The following table has
been made up with great care by Mr. Mack, showing the
convictions for the last twenty years. It will be found
to differ somewhat from previous statements, made in
haste and with less pains taking: 1838,29; 1839,40; 1840,
28; 1841,32; 1842,40; 1843, 49; 1844, 31; 1845, 26;
Annals of the Year 1857. 357
1846, 31 ; 1847, 31 ; 1848, 22; 1849, 31 ; 1850, 33; 1851,
39; 1852,33; 1853,34; 1854,43; 1855,41; 1856,64;
1857, 60; total, 737.
Murder, 9; manslaughter, 1st degree, 2; 2d do. 3; 3d
do. 8; 4th do. 5; arson, 2d degree, 2; 3d do. 6; 4th do.
2; robbery, 1st degree, 9; 2d do. 5; burglary, 1st degree,
6; 2d do. 14; 3d do. 124; burglary and grand larceny,
16; do. with intent to ravish, 1; grand larceny, 249; do.
after a felony, 2; do. after petit larceny, 1; do. and re-
ceiving stolen goods, 1; assault with intent to kill, 26;
do. with a dangerous weapon, 5 ; do. with intent to rav-
ish, 11; do. with intent to rob, 4; do. with a felonious
intent, 1 ; attempt to commit burglary, 5; do. grand lar-
ceny, 3; forgery, 2d degree, 32; do. 3d degree, 37; petit
larceny, second offence, 68; do. second offence after a
felony, 1; do. after a felony, 11; false pretences, 7 ; do.
and petit larceny, 3; do. and conspiracy, 1; receiving
stolen goods knowingly, 20; accessory before a felony, 2;
fraud, 1; decoying a child under 12 years of age, 2;
rape, 12; incest, 1; bigamy, 11; seduction, 2; poisoning,
3; mayhem, 1; embezzlement, 2.
[Annah, ix.\ 31
INDEX.
Abel, Elizabeth, 190.
Henry, 252.
Abolitionist convention, 335.
Academy park improvement,
237, 256.
square, 328.
Ackerman Jasper, 347.
Acres, Thomas, 151.
Adam and Eve painting, 275.
Adams, Mrs. Abigail, 213.
Mrs. T., 353.
Pelatiah, 147.
Roland, 174.
Simeon, 262.
William, 233.
Address voted to Gov. Montgo-
merie, 30.
Adelphi hotel, 274.
Affray, 177.
African Baptist church, 195, 196,
201.
celebration, 156, 157.
Methodist church, 196.
Agricultural rooms dedicated,
335.
society, state, 334.
Alanson, Mrs. R., 253.
Albanian, 200.
Albany academy, 205, 254, 275,
293 330
City Bau'k, 277, 279, 282,
283.
Christian Register, 151.
Daily Advertiser report-
er, 173.
Evening Journal, 205,
265, 301.
Albany Evening Herald, 344.
Union, 344.
Independent Volunteers,
188.
Library, 275.
Literary Gazette, 232.
Microscope, 335.
Morning Chronicle, 177.
Morning Express, 341.
packet ship, 2~34, 236.
Register revived, 173.
Repub. Artillery, 188,
221, 243.
Sacred music fund so-
ciety, 204.
Savings Bank, run upon,
352.
steam boat, 150.
steam boat brought mes-
sage, 196.
Times and Literary Wri-
ter, 177.
Aldermen, 1726, 10.
1727, 21.
1728, 34.
1729, 52.
1730, 71.
1828, 167, 174.
1829, 192.
1830, 217.
1831, 232.
1832, 256.
1833, 273.
sued, 16.
Alexander, Joseph, 172, 185,
208, 249.
Allanson, Peter, 281.
360
Index.
Allen, Caradori, 305.
Nathan, 281,
Mrs. Tilly, 262.
Alms house, 280.
expenses, 1829, 194.
number of inmates,
151, 158, 193,
198, 332.
statistics of 24 y'rs,
199, 223, 240.
American hotel, 249.
Ames's buildings, 341.
Amusement, places of, 151.
Ancient edifices, 291.
Anderson, James, 166.
William, 93.
Andrews, Mrs. M., 248.
William, 123.
Angus, James, 355.
Anthony, Susan B., 335.
Antidote, the, 151.
Antimasonic convention, 205.
party, 185.
ticket, 195.
vote, 207, 227, 235.
Antimasons, 259, 282.
Anti-regency party, 256, 259.
Apothecaries hall, 273.
Archers tavern burnt, 276.
Ark in basin, 266.
Armorer, 280.
Arnold, Mrs. Isaac, 348.
Aspinwall cast large bell, 231.
foundry burnt, 166.
Atheneum, 145, 148.
closed, 265.
Attwood, Capt. Joseph, 152.
Auction sale city lots, 67, 70.
Austin's tin shop burnt, 225.
Babcock, Robert, 239.
Bacon, John P., 164, 200.
Mrs. J. F., died, 260.
Badgley, Mrs. Joseph, 265.
Bain, Peter, 174, 226.
Baker, Ellis, 244.
John, 268.
Mrs. S., 255.
Samuel, 20G.
Bakery burnt, 337.
Ball, Louisa, 332.
Balloon ascension, 271, 351, 352.
Baltic steamer burnt, 341.
Bancroft, Mrs. H. A., 267.
Bank of Albany, 244.
removed, 342.
of Interior, 347.
Banks suspended, 353.
Baptist church, 195.
new, 266, 271.
organ, 356.
mission, 343.
Barnard, D. D., 279.
Barney, Wm , 177, 192, 230.
Barry, Mrs. Thomas, 229.
Bartholomew, Capt. Martin, 187.
Mrs. A., 234.
:Bartlett, Bent & Co., 267, 268.
Bass drum presented to artillery,
243.
Batchelder, Galen, 154, 234.
Bay, John W., 280.
William, 93, 101, 114.
Beardslee, Mrs. G. W., 342.
Beaver kill mill, 40.
street, proposed to widen ,
166.
fire, 187.
overflowed, 254.
Beck, L. C., 174.
Nicholas F., 213.
T. R., 255.
Becker, John, sheriff removed,
193.
Peter H., 241.
Bedell, E. T., 340.
Beeckman, Jacob, 52.
John J 34, 52.
Johannis, Jr., 80.
Marte, 71.
Beer manufacture, 182.
Beeren island, 125.
Beers, Aug. P., 228.
Belden, G. JL, 241.
Bell, Elizabeth, 164.
large cast, 231,
John, 290.
Index.
361
Bell, Robert, 244.
Bellman, 13, 14, 24, 38.
duties of, 24.
salary of, 21, 38.
Bells, ringing restrained, 242.
Bement, Mrs. William, 148.
Benevolent institutions, defici-
ency of, 312.
Bertrand, Cyprian, 348.
Bible, ancient Dutch, 354.
Bice. Abraham, 2(52.
Binneway, Peter, 59.
Blanchard, A , surrogate, 226.
Hamilton, 258.
Blackall, Charles, 339.
Edward, 235.
Blatner, Henry, 347.
Bleecker, Charles N., died, 354.
G. V. S , 176.
Harmanus, Dutch speech,
158, 176, 225, 271.
Harmanus, Jr., 174.
Jacob, Jr., 236.
Johannis, 9, 10.
Johannis, Jr., 80.
John, 279.
John R., 25 2.
Mrs. G. V. S., 160.
Nicholas, 167, 185, 208,
227, 247.
Rutger, 9, 36, 225,
W. E,, 279.
Bliss, E. S., 342.
Bloemendal, John Masen V., 29.
Bloodgood, Francis, 174, 222, 230,
241,259, 26C,355.
Lynot, died, 343.
Mrs. L., 264.
S. D. W., 145,177.
Board of Trade, 335, 337.
Boardman, James L., 266.
John, 217.
Bobin, Isaac, 68.
Bogardus, Anthony, 43.
Cornelius, 122.
Bogart, Benj.. 75.
Bogert, Isaac H., 257.
I. H., 233.
Bogert, Peter, 28.
Bomb shells, 271.
Bolting house, 51.
Boom, John, 241.
Boston rail road, 201.
Bowlsby, Mrs., 283.
Boyd, James, died, 254.
Mrs. John H., 273.
Robert, 208.
Mrs. R., 342.
Mrs. Thomas, 237.
Boy den, d. W., 253.
Bradford, Hugh, 275.
John, first cholera death,
250.
Bradstreet, J. P., 231.
Mrs. Wm. H., 332.
Bradt, Bareut, 9, 10, 36.
Gerrit T., 205, 240.
Francis L, 174, 233.
Brand-pylen's island, 125.
Bratt, Anthony, 28.
Barent, 53; 72.
Marie, 61.
Jochim, 61.
Bread, weight of, prescribed, 176.
Brennan, P., 343.
Brewery, ancient, 272.
Briare, Joseph P., died, 356.
Brick kiln, lease of, 29, 30.
Bridge over Hudson, 222, 348.
over Rutten kill, 53. ,
Bridgen Anna M., died, 339.
Thoa. Atwood, 167, 22$,
268.
Bridges repaired, 32.
Briggs, Richard, 273.
Brinckerhoof, Edward, died, 332.
Broecks, Jonathan, 56.
Brokers, 48.
Broomlee, David, 183.
Brooks. Jonathan, 184.
Mrs. Jon., 252.
Peter, 208.
Brower, Cornelius, 166.
Thomas, 122.
William, 223.
Brown, Allen, 165, 251, 280.
362
Index.
Brown, Mrs. David, 267.
Mrs. Edward, 255.
Capt. Henry, 199.
James, 177.
James M., 109.
Jam*s S., 340.
John W., 123.
Mrs. John, 347.
Matthews, 232.
Mrs. M., 353.
Mrs. Rufus, 243.
Susanna Ann, 263.
Brown's tailor shop burnt, 280.
Brush Jesse G., 256.
died. 259.
Buck, Eliza, 353.
Buckingham, J. Silk, 284.
Buckley, Edward, 353.
Buel, Jesse, 262.
Bugby, Abiel, 213.
Buildings, regulations concern-
ing, 47.
Bulkley, Charles D., 240.
John, 266.
Bull's Head cattle sheds burnt,
346, 348, 349.
Bundy, Mrs. D., 333.
Buntin, James, 36.
Bunton, James, 72, 75.
Burhans, Mrs. David, 348.
Burgesses corps, 337.
Burghers' residence, 291.
Burial grounds, 193.
Burke, Richard, 354.
Burt, James D., 333.
Burton, J. I., 247, 282.
Bury, Rev. Mr., 195.
Bush, W. R., 279.
Bussy, John, died, 340.
Butchers aid Greeks, 148.
Butcher stalls in new market?,
191.
Butler, B. F., 146, 160, 277.
Mrs. John, 341.
Walter, 69.
Butman, John, 145.
Button, James (see Bunton).
Cald well, Edwin A., 148.
Caldwell, James, died, 181.
Mrs. James, 158.
Callender, David, 346.
Cameron, Alexander, 258.
Mrs. Ann, 333.
Jane, 282.
Robert, 244.
Cameronian church, 195.
Carnmeyer, William, 255.
Mrs. William, 255.
Campbell, Archibald, 177, 203.
Daniel, 279.
James, 217.
James, Jr., 232.
Mrs. John, 344.
Rev.Jno.N.,209,222.
Storrs & Co., 243.
William, 232.
Mrs. William, 351.
Canada, prospect of war with, 49.
Canadian giant, 184.
Canal Bank, names of applicants
for, 161.
stock subscribed, 187.
first election for di-
rectors, 188.
Canal closed, 238.
commerce, 240.
freight 1829, 198.
music complained of, 154.
open, 206.
Canoe voyage to New York, 69.
Cantine, Julia R., 213.
Mrs. Moses, 169.
Cantoni, Faustino, 346.
Cape de Verde meeting, 259.
Capitol, 207, 293.
described, 301.
released to the state, 185,
186.
square, 328.
street excavation, 193.
street called Park street,
207.
Carey, Henry, 344.
Carmen, ordinance respecting,
44, 63.
Carmichael, Dan'l, 218, 233, 257.
Index.
Carmicliael, bakery burnt, 231.
Carolina, steamboat, 172.
Carpenter, G. W., 241, 281.
Mrs. William, 279.
Carpenter shop burnt, 337.
Carson John, 341.
Cartmen (see carmen).
Cass, Charity, 253.
Cassidy, Clinton, 334.
James, 231.
John, 174, 192, 193.
died, 207.
Castleton bar considered, 337.
Catholic church, 195.
first, 191.
churches celebrate St.
Patrick's, 338.
schools, 205.
Cemetery association, 177.
vault, 194.
Census, 289.
1830, 213, 220.
of children attending
school, 274.
(see population.)
Centennial ball, 244.
Centre, Asa H , 156.
died, 340.
Mrs. AsaH., 264.
Centre market, 191.
Chambers, David, 354.
John, 64, 68.
Chamberlain vs. Blackall, 268.
salary raised, 206,
266.
Champlain, quick trip, 255, 256.
first trip, 249.
Chapel street, a mud hole, 328.
Chaplains, exclusion of, 282.
Chapin Sydney, 168.
Mrs., 351.
Chapman, Charles, 256.
Charles, John, 279.
Chase, L. A., 338.
Charter called for, 51.
election, 10, 22, 52, 71,
174, 192, 2! 7, 232,
247, 256, 273, 282.
Cheeney, James, 164.
Chester, Rev. John, died, 180.
Chief Justice Marshall, explosion,
207.
steam boat
co., 150.
Child, Dr. Caleb, 202.
Children, number of, 1697, 81.
Chimney sweeps, 223.
viewers, 54.
Chittenden, 0. H., 332.
Cholera, 249, 256.
expenses, 262.
Christian Register and Telegraph,
237.
Christiaens, Henry, 286.
Christie, Rev. M., 195.
Church donations to coloniza-
tion society, 215.
first erected, 299.
meetings discontinued
by cholera, 251.
and state cross walk,
237.
Churches, 297.
of brick and stone,
196.
list of in 1829, 195.
Churchill, Ezekiel, 148.
Circus, 151.
changed to theatre, 170.
sold, 198.
City Bank, 151.
stock subscribed, 283.
charges, petition to raise
£40 to defray, 23.
Coffee House, 233.
debt, 1829, 186.
called in, 9, 11, 35, 53.
deserted on account of cho-
lera, 253.
fence, 34.
finances, 206, 219, 235.
foundations, laid, 287.
Guards, 188.
improvements, 260, 271.
debt, 261.
Hall, 284, 301.
364
Index.
City Hall, corner stone laid, 190.
cost of, 260.
new, court first meets
in, 233.
decorated, 244.
dome gilded, 219, 230.
first meeting in, 230.
plan adopted, 188.
progress of, 205.
proposed to build, 186.
site, 156.
old, 220,222.
burnt, 280.
Hotel, first so called, 168.
improvements, 1823, 328.
receipts and expenditures,
1829, 194.
records, 9.
whipper, 290.
Clark, Mrs. Ann, 280.
widow of Alexander, 215.
Israel W., died, 172.
James, 226.
Joseph S., 185.
Joseph W., 218.
Mrs. Lewis, 235.
Mary, 223.
Patrick, 226.
Paul, died, 225.
& Rose excavate Robin-
insou'.s hill, 172.
Clay, Henry, arrived, 276.
Clench, Mrs. Benj. V., 280.
Richard, 263.
William, 165.
Clergy, influence of, 298.
Clergymen, salaries of, 297.
Climate, 310.
1642, 135.
Clinton, De Witt, 145.
died, 163.
house of, 291.
field piece, 272.
hill, 180.
hotel, 168.
sold, 347.
market, 186.
meeting on the erection
of a monument to,
167.
property sold, 168.
square, 178, 180, 189,
329.
street excavated, 230.
vases sold, 169.
Clocks, town, 216.
Cluett, John W., died, 347.
Cooper, James, 187.
Coal fires, increase of, 330.
reward offered for discovery,
224.
Cobb, Sauford, 152, 163, 236.
Cochran, Capt., 158.
Mrs. Catharine, died,
349.
Cohoes falls, 134.
telegraph, 350.
Cold, 145, 203, 223, 332, 333,
337.
Cole, Isaac P., 204.
J. 0., 192, 222, 240, 333.
Mrs'. John 0., 209.
Matthew, 152.
Philo K., 279.
William K., died, 335.
Collins, John, 333.
Colonie, became a ward, 153.
census, 213.
names of inhabitants,
1697, 85.
Colonization Society, donations,
215.
Colored people, 303.
Colt, Joseph S., died, 352.
Columbia street, improvements at
upper end, 187.
up hill, 328.
Colvard, Asa, sheriff, 195, 233.
Comet, discovered, 347.
newspaper, 159.
Commerce, 289.
Commercial Bank, directors.
1827, 156.
Common Council, met in new
City Hall,230.
voted them-
Index.
365
selves books,
248.
Concert, German benevolent so-
ciety, 203.
Congress hall, 229.
Conine, Peter, 338.
Connelly, Mrs. James, 356.
Constables to patrol on Sundays,
15, 40.
Constellation, 184.
refitted, 228.
statistics of her
business, 228.
Constitution, 244.
(see steamboat.)
Cook, Jannetje, 209.
Cooper, Charles Dekav, 104.
Dr. Charles D.~, died, 223.
John Tayler, 92.
Margaret, 224.
Corlear, 116.
Cornell, L<>vi, 273.
Walter, 263.
Corning, E., 192, 217, 232, 246,
235, 256, 274.
Mayor, 279.
Corning & Norton, 182.
Corporation debts, 73.
Cosgrove, John, 160.
Costigan, W. G., 340.
Cottam, William C., 183.
County medical society, 91.
Court of common picas, commis-
sion for, 10.
Covert, Abram, 208.
movoco factory burnt, 279.
& Jone.s, morocco factory
burnt, 161.
Crannel, Mrs. M., 161.
William W., 177.
Cramer, Richard, 334.
Creditors of city, 11. 33, 35, 55.
Cregeer, Janet je, 50.
Crew, John T., died, 349.
Cricket match, 346.
Crime, increase of, 219.
statistics of, 356.
Crittenton, Alonzo, 263.
Crocker, E., 256.
Crosby's hotel, 226.
long room, 243.
Cross, Mrs. Jobn, 279.
Cross walk in State street, 237.
Croswell,E.,220.
Cruiksbank, Hugh, 168.
Cruttenden, L., 267.
Mrs. Leverett, died,
338.
Warren B., 153.
Cummings, Joseph, 195.
William, 196.
Cunningham, P., 343.
Curran, Janirs, 349.
Curtis, Mrs. S. S., 275.
Cushman, Paul, 264. '
W. M., 232, 241.
Cutler, Jeremiab, 193.
Mrs. John, 351.
Cuyler, Abraham, 68.
Cornelius, 52, 67.
Cornelius J., 176.
Jacob C., 175.
John M., 174, 177.
Johannis, 9, 68.
Staat, 176.
Tobias V., 163.
Daily, Craftsman, 241.
News, 281.
Dana, John W., 164.
Daniels, Mrs. C., 354.
street, 328.
Daum, William, 335.
Davis, Charles, 335.
Mrs. Elizabeth, 166.
John, 259.
Joseph, 168, 230.
Nathaniel, diVd, 333.
& Centre, 333.
Pamela, 163.
Day, Adrian, 160.
Horace B., 342.
Deahl, Mrs. M , 340.
Dean, Amos, 265, 277, 278.
Mrs. Charles B., 224.
street, petition to open, 243
Deaths by cholera, 255.
366
Index.
Debtors liberated, 222.
Delavan, E. C., 309, 325, 343.
residence at Ballston,
326.
Deming, J. C.^ 192.
Mrs. John C., 209.
Democratic party defeated, 256.
majority, 235.
seceders, 281.
Democrats array against president
Jackson, 262.
Denio, John, 151.
Denniston, Isaac, 148.
Depot, fell down, 340.
Dexter, George, 263. 264.
J. & G., 273.
Dey Ermand, William, 164.
Mrs. William, 150.
De Garmoy, Jellis, 10, 12, 22.
De Graff, Mrs. D., 354.
Joshua, 207.
O. G., 208, 232.
P. G., 217.
De Peyster, John, mayor, 54, 10,
72, 74.
Depuy, Moses, 185.
De Vriesin Albany, 124.
De Witt Clinton, steam boat,
launched, 169.
finished, 173.
sold, 196.
De Witt. Andrew H., 254.
Rev. John, died, 234,
249.
Mrs. Benjamin, 249.
R. V., 145.
Simeon, 203, 249.
street opened, 236.
Diagonal street, so called, 165.
Dickson, John, 249.
Dillon, Charles, 262.
Dinnigan, James, 348.
Disbrow, Thomas, 155.
Dissecting room burnt, 280.
District schools, proposal for 9,
274
Docking lots on river, 23.
Dole, Ann, 224.
Dominies, 122.
Donnelly, Capt. Peter^ 254.
Peter, jr., 163.
Dorr, C. W,, 172.
Elisha, 219.
Doty, Rev. Mr., 123.
Dougherty, W. W., 274.
Douglass, Alfred, 183.
& Dunn, 193.
widow Thomas, 223.
Douw, VolkertP., 176.
Douw's building, 331.
Dow, Volkert, 10.
Dowd, Julia W., 352.
Downing, Jacob, 208.
Dows, John, 154.
Dox, Garret L., 151, 191.
Capt. P., died, 237
Doyle, Mrs. Ann, 278.
Draper, Mrs. J. C., 161.
Droogan, Mrs. 337.
Dubois, Mrs., 347.
Dudley, Chas. E., major, 169, 179
senator, 180.
Observatory, 347.
Duer, W. A., 167.
Judge, 158.
Duesler, Capt., 188.
Duffau, John, 242.
Duffey, Wm., opened circus as a
theatre, 170.
Dummery, Mrs. 344.
Dun bar, Robert W., died, 340.
Dunkley, Wm., 267.
Dunlap, James, 269.
Dunlop, John, 356.
Dunlop's malt house burnt, 262.
Dunn, Christopher, died, 218.
Mrs. Chris , 239
James, 193.
Philip, 344.
wid. Richard, 239.
Durand, Mrs. A. B., 355.
Durant, Chas. F., 271.
Clark, 192.
Dusenbury, Richard, 218.
Dutch church, owners of water-
ing place, 148 .
Index.
367
Dutch church paid dockage, 182.
minister, dinner to, 158.
Dutch and decent, 218,
Dutcher, Salem, 185, 254.
Salem, Jr., 153.
& Harris, 153.
Eagle street a ravine, 328.
proposal to pave, 170.
graded, 221.
Early history, 289.
Easton, John, 167.
Eaton, Josiah, 355.
Eclipse of sun, 224.
Edick, Mrs., 252.
Edmonds, Hiram A., 112.
H. A., 340.
Fdson, Calvin, 207.
Education, 292.
Efner, Mrs. N., 280.
Egberts, Anthony, 262.
Cornelius, 174.
Mrs. C., 205.
Egbert, 176, 192, 282.
Egmont, Jacob, 14, 24, 38, 65, 77.
Eights, Elizabeth, 332.
Jane C., 164.
Jonathan, 99, 106, 115,
166,
widow of Abram, 187.
Elcheran, George, died, 238.
Election, 160r 167, 192, 194, 207
208, 219, 227, 235, 259, 276
280.
to fill vacancy, 177.
4th ward, 168.
in New York, interes
in, 355.
(see charter election.)
Elks, 348.
Ellison, Mrs. Abraham, 222.
Emancipation of slaves, 157.
Emerald, new steam boat, 159.
Ensign, Captain William, 204.
Epigram, 231.
Episcopal churches, 195.
Erkson, Rynhard, 122.
Ertzberger, Louis, 352.
Esleeck, Welcome, 153.
Everett, Edward, eulogy, 338.
Evertse, Evert Jacobse, 22.
Evertsen, Garret, 223.
Jacob, 388.
John, 236.
Mrs. John, 188.
John E., 275.
Ewart, Mrs. John, 160.
Exchange, meeting to establish,
152, 154.
Execution, last public in Albany,
159.
Expenditures of city, 220.
Fairman, Gideon, 149.
Families, equality in condition
of, 303.
heads of, 81.
Fanning, Mrs. H., 235.
Mrs. J. B., 241.
Fanning's block burnt, 198.
Fanny, steam boat, 270.
Fantastic among military, 233.
Farley, R., 343.
Farmers', Mechanics' and Work-
ing men's Advocate. 206.
Farnham, L<jwis, 282.
Farrel, James, 273.
Fassett, Amos, 257.
Benjamin, 353.
Captain, 188.
Fast day for cholera, 253, 254.
Fast driving prohibited, 14, 39.
Fay, Edward, 254.
H.A., 218,274.
John, died, 351.
Featherly, Philip, 196,
Felo-de-se, 335.
Feltman, John, 201.
Female Academy, 263, 271, 275,
283, 291, 294, 305.
seminary, 163, 171.
Females, deficient in physical
stamina, 296.
Fence, indemnity for destroying,
Ferguson's tavern burnt, 181.
Ferrebergh, 62.
Ferris, Rev. Mr., 195.
368
Index.
Ferry receipts, 216.
statistics, 205.
Fetherly, Philip, 218.
Fidler & Taylor's candle factory
burnt, 183.
dissolution, 250.
Fifth Presbyterian church, 238.
Finn, John J., 344.
Fire, 152, 161, 162, 166, 169, 170,
173, 177, 181, 183, 187, 194,
198, 200, 202, 216,224, 225, i
226, 228, 229, 230, 231, 239,
241, 242, 250, 262, 266, 276,
277, 279, 280, 283, 332, 333,
337,338,339,340,341,342,
344, 346, 347, 348, 351, 353,
354, 355, 356.
Fires in 1857, 356.
1856, 356.
Fire king engine, feat of, 335.
Firemasters, 14, 23, 38, 55, 75.
Firemen's Insurance Co., 242.
First Presbyterian church, 209.
enlarged, 230.
chapel dedicated, 343.
Fish, Artemas, 217.
Fisk, Joseph, 281.
Fisher Clara. 166.
Mrs.J. N.. 236.
Fitch, Simeon, 350.
Fitzsimmons, Thomas, 347.
Fitzsimmons Thomas, 164.
Flagg, A. C., 279.
Flansburgh Matthew, 24.
Flood, 10.
1639, 126.
greatest known, 334, 335.
sufferers by, 335.
Flour statistics, 200.
Fly market, 153.
Fonda, Alexander GL, 97.
Douw, 55.
Isaack, 9, 10.
Pieter, 27.
Fondey, Isaac, 183.
Forby, William, 335.
Ford, Benjamin, 171.
T. W. & Son, 233.
Ford, Mrs T. W., 171.
Forest, Edwin, 305.
William, 280.
Foray th & Benedict, 245.
Russel, 245.
Fort, A. & I., 59, 63, 79.
Fort, 80.
Fort Orange built of logs, 130.
Hotel, 243.
Fortt, A. & I., 43.
Foster, N. S., 244.
Fourth of July, 187, 213, 267.
discussed by com-
mon council, 156
great celebration,
230.
described, 305.
Fourth Presbyterian church, 191,
215.
dedicated, 208, 211,
burial lot, 193, 209.
riot, 241.
Fourth ward, 207.
Fowler, S. S., 174, 192, 208, 218,
247, 282.
Fowler's morocco factory burnt,
177.
Foxenkill, filthy, 251.
Foxes creek, 19, 28, 31, 32, 61,
62,80.
Franklin street, so called, 165.
Frazer, Hugh, 255.
John, 281.
Freckleton, James, 355.
Fredendall, Rebecca, 342.
Fredenrich, George, 349.
Jacob, 249.
J. C., 185.
Free Central Methodist Episcopal
church, 343.
Frelinghuysen st. , name changed,
165.
Freeman, Bernard us, 122.
French, John C., 266.
Mrs.J. M., 355.
Freshet, 172, 184, 222, 226, 243,
264, 265, 341, 353.
Freyar, Isaac, 66.
Index.
369
Friends, apply for lot to build
on, 232.
meeting, 195.
Frost, 351, 352.
in May, 208, 209.
Fry, Deborah G., 273.
Joseph, 174, 373.
William G., 188, 231.
Fryer, A. V., 231, 233.
Mrs. Henry, 164.
Isaac J., 227.
Jonathan, 168.
Fuller, Orrin, 167.
Mrs. Reuben, 265.
Samuel, 168.
Fusileer parade, 234.
Gaine, Hugh, 343.
Gallo hill, 29, 30.
Gallows bill, 56, 57, 280.
Galpin, Charles, 335.
Gansevoort, Catharine, widow of
Gen., 222.
Conrad, 189.
Harme, 272.
Mrs. John, 220.
Peter, 147, 167, 194,
219, 232, 243,
259, 273.
Peter C., 186.
Ten Eyck, 111.
Gansevoort's brewery, 272.
Gardemoy, Yellis (see Garmoy).
Gardner, James, 332.
Garling, Amelia D., 252.
Garretse, Ryer, 21.
Garretson, Rachel, 157.
Garrison, Misses, 244.
Gates, Gerrit, 167, 174, 192, 217,
232, 239, 247.
Gay, Mrs. Amos, 235.
Gauff, Caleb, 95.
German benev. society, 201, 203.
immigrants, 201.
Gerritse, Ryer, 34, 52, 71.
Giantesses, 185.
Gibbenny, Robert, 262.
Gibbons, James, 174, 192, 233,
257, 274.
[Annals, ix,] 32
Gibbons, James, Jr., 218.
Gibson, Rev. Mr., 249.
Gilchrist, Robert, 154.
Gilfert, Charles, 188.
Gill, Cooper & Co., 268.
John G., 333.
Gillen, Thomas, 352.
Gillespie, Hugh, 340.
Josiah, 354.
William, 274.
Gladding, Mrs. T., 242.
Gleason, Mrs. M., 341.
Glen, A. H., 241.
Jacob, 61, 67.
Glickstone died, 340.
Globe manufactory, 264,
Godfrey, John L, died, 338.
& Walsh, 243.
Goewey, Peter, 53, 72, 75.
Mrs. Jacob, 190.
Goldwaite, Thomas, 343.
Goodland, Elizabeth, 340,
Goold, James, 153.
proposes filling wa-
tering place,
156.
Gould, Mrs. Abraham, 206.
Charles, 150.
James P., 167, 174, 257,,
263.
Mrs. Job., 354.
Thomas, 245.
Goss, Charles F., 333.
Gough, James, 283.
Mrs. James, 259.
Mrs. Thomas, 161, 250.
Gourlay, Mrs. James, 171.
Gourlay's house burnt, 242.
Governor, entertainment of, 290,
treat to, 80.
Gracie, E. G., 256.
Grady killed, 338.
Grant, Janet, 275.
Nancy, 219.
Grapes, 132.
Grates, manufactory of, 330;.
Grattan, Mrs. John, 348.
Gray, H. A. D., 354.
370
Index.
Gray, Mrs. James, 356.
Joshua, 160.
& Osborn, store burnt, 181.
Green, Rev. Mr., 195.
Seth, 233.
William, 347.
street, effort to widen, 224,
225.
Greene, William, 278.
Gregg, Capt, 91, 92.
Gregory, Bain & Co., 233.
David E., 226,256.
Gregory's saw factory burnt, 332.
Greeks, ladies aid, 166.
meeting in aid of, 146,
147.
Griffin, Jacob R., 226.
William, 342, 347.
Groesbeck, John, 257, 342.
Mrs. John, 221.
Mrs. M., 242.
Groesbeckville, 342.
Groesbeeck, Jacobus, 75.
Cornelius, died, 334.
Mrs. C. W., 202.
David W., died, 355.
John, 26.
Gross, E. C., 184.
Guest, Moses, 165.
William H., 217.
Hagadorn, Maria, 219.
Hague, Rev. Dr., 343.
Hale, Huldah, 232.
Daniel, 232.
widow Daniel, died, 182.
Daniel, Jr., 175.
George, 147.
Halferty, Mrs. John, 337.
Hall, Green, 185, 208, 227, 247,
256, 282.
Morgan James, 188.
Hallenbake, street, 193, 229.
Hallenbeck, Hendrick, 52, 61.
Hamilton, Catharine Louisa, 227.
Isaac, 161.
Hamilton street, petition to open,
243.
Hammond, J. D., 219.
Hammond, Mrs. J. D., 231.
Hampton, Henry H., 218.
Hance Elizabeth C., died, 334.
Hancock, Jotham, 217.
Hand, Aaron, 25S.
& Kenyon, 169, 173.
Hanford, Mrs. E., 255.
Hanks, machine shop burnt, 170.
Hansen, John, 164.
Richard, 34.
Hardenburgh, Herman M. 205.
Harman, Thomas W., 187.
Harris, Augustus, 97.
Ira, 153.
Mrs. Robert, 275.
Harrison George, 342.
William, Jr., 263.
Hart, Harman V., 183, 192, 208.
227, 240, 274.
Henry, 278, 279.
Norman, 241.
Hartford, complaints against.
287.
Hartness, John, 333.
Hascy, Samuel, 218.
Haskiil, Mrs. Mary H., 339.
Hastings, Seth, 208, 217, 232,273.
Hathaway, Baily G., 256.
Haton, John, 67.
Hawes, James, 164.
Hawkins, Mary, 185.
Hawley, Gideon, 203, 238.
Hayden, Moses, 203.
Hazard's boarding house, 168.
Heads of families 1697, 81.
Heavenor, W. S., 335.
Hebeysen, Martin, 156.
Hector, Patrick, 226.
Hegemau, Joseph W., 93.
Hempstead Numa, 187.
Heffernan, Thomas, 344.
Henderer, Harmanus, 251.
Hendler Henry, 339.
Hendrik, Hudson steam boat,
336.
Hendrickson, George R., 206.
Henry, John V.,L93, 150.
Peter S., 150.
Index.
371
Henry Joseph, 203.
& McKown, 150.
Herman, Rathbone & Co., 268.
Herne, Charles, 275.
Hero, steam boat, 356.
Herring, Thomas, 155.
Hickcox, W. E., 341.
Hicks, Mary, 348.
High street excavation, 196.
extended, 188.
water, 334, 335.
Hillebrandt, Martin, 344.
Hilson, Jane, 356.
Hilton, Richard, 76.
Hinkley, John, 351.
Hobson, Moses, 175.
Hochstrasser, Paul, 148, 201, 206.
Hoffman, Benjamin, 265.
Mrs. F. W., 340.
L. G., 151, 281.
Hogs, attempt to restrain, 245,
246.
restrained, 268, 281.
set at liberty, 198.
Hogan, Garret, 241.
William, 13, 17.
Holland, Edward, 34, 67, 76.
Henry, 21, 66.
Holmes, Mrs. S., 231.
Holt, Gessen G., 242.
John, 245.
Hooghkerck, Luykas, 29.
Hooker, Philip, 146, 167, 185,
188, 208, 210, 222, 227, 241,
247, 282.
Hopkins, Charles A., 157, 278.
Emily, 354.
William, 13.
Homer, Mrs. Robert, 332.
Horse artillery, 187.
match, 339.
Horton, James, 349.
Hosford, David, 191, 268.
Elijah, died, 170.
Elisha, died, 219.
George W., 333.
& Wait, 237.
Hospitals closed, 254.
Hospital contemplated, 222.
Hotels, description of, 292.
House rent, 21.
torn down by mob, 248.
Howard, Is'ott & Co., 268.
street, mob demolished
house, 248.
Howe, Mrs. Silas B., 208.
Howell, James, 244.
Hoyt, Mrs. Henry, 281.
Hudson River R. R., 238, 268.
bridge, 344.
street improvement, 230.
paving of, 191,242.
opened, 276.
ravine, 159.
widened, 267.
Hudson, voyage of, 285.
Humphrey, B'. C., 249.
& Co., 233.
Friend, 174, 233, 247,
257, 273.
James, 198.
John, 255.
S. V. R., 273.
William, 105.
Mrs. William, 255.
W. & G., 151.
Hunter & Hoffman, 281.
Mrs. H. D.,248.
Hurst, George W., 224.
Thomas, 196.
Huxley, Andrew S., 335.
Huygens, Dutch minister, 158.
Hyde, John W., 206, 239.
Ice barrier, 335.
broke up, 183.
unusually thick, 181.
Imprisonment for debt abol., 226.
Independence, steam boat, 157,
160.
Indians in 1642, 136.
not to go armed, 15, 39.
traveling, 138.
women, 138.
cannibals, 139.
prisoner, 252.
purchase, 60.
372
Index.
Indians, regulations concerning,
15, 39, 48.
reservation, 63.
Infant schools, 168, 222, 278.
Intemperance, 202, 308.
Interest on money, 78.
Invasion, preparations for, 49.
Iron manufacturers, 267.
Isaac Newton steamboat, 337, 338.
sunk, 339.
re-appearance, 347.
Island drowned, 265.
losses on, 265.
Jackson, president, arrangement
to receive, 266.
William, 278.
Jacobs, Francis J., 347.
Jail, old, 254.
condemned, 235.
new one proposed, 279, 281.
James, William, 161, 224, 259.
Janederogas creek (see Tiononde-
rogas).
Janes, Elizabeth, 341.
Jay street, resolve to open, 189,
271.
Jeffrey, Rev. R., 351.
Jenkins, David, 147.
Jenkin, 206.
Sophia W., 159.
Jermain, J. P., 232.
S. P. & H., 164.
Jewell, Mrs. Joseph, 255.
.Jogues's account of Rensselaer-
wyck, 130.
Jones, Jeremiah P., 193.
R. L., 350.
William, 338.
Johnson, C & A. W., 234.
John, 184.
John C., 217.
Mrs. G. G., 265.
S. W., 175, 283.
Mrs. S. W.,255.
William, 243.
W., 281.
Johnston, J.. 348.
Journal and Telegraph, 237.
Joy, Mrs. Charles, 353.
Ju'dson, Jchabod L., 167, 185,
192, 208, 227, 247, 257, 273,
282.
Jury, Mayor's court, 270.
in hog case, 268.
Justices' court, 153.
new, 191.
Kane, Hazael, 282.
Mrs. W. A., 159.
Kansas, governor of, arrived. 342,
Kay, David, 340.
Kearney, John D., 252.
R. L., 278.
Keeler, Jasper S., 200.
Keeler's house burnt, 340.
Kelley, Patrick, 332.
Kelvin grove, 258.
Kendall, Thomas, 239.
Kent, John, 239.
Kenyon & Hand, 152, 169, 173.
Mrs. Moses, 213.
Keyes, Mrs. Julias, 252.
Keyser, Abraham, 223.
Kiddenie, Johannis, 27.
Kiddeny, Roliff, 56.
Kidney, Angelica, 347.
Jonathan, 272.
Mrs. Jonathan, 279.
Roliff, 79.
Kidney's field piece, 180.
Kidway Robert, 76.
King's birthday treat, 80.
King, Gov., 332.
Mrs. P., 342.
R. H., 262.
Vincent, 236.
Kingsbury, William, 340.
Kinsley, A. W., 195.
L. H., 247.
Kirk, Andrew, 148.
died, 353.
& Mitchell, 215.
Rev. Mr., 195, 204, 238.
Kirkpatrick, Edward, 232.
Kirchnaers, Anna, 66.
Kittle, D. S., 257, 282.
Sybrant, died, 356.
Index.
378
Kittle, Mrs. Sy brant, 208.
Kittlethuyn, Daniel, 79.
Klinck, Mrs. George, 175.
Kline's tin shop burnt, 283.
Kluteman, Jacob, 346.
Knauff, John G., 95.
Knickerbacker, Johannis, 26.
John, 161.
Knower, Benjamin, 262.
Mrs. Benjamin, 263.
Knowlson, R. J., died, 353.
Knowlton, Hosea, died, 340.
L'Ainoreaux, J., 273.
Mrs., 252.
Lacey, William B., 150, 170, 195.
Mrs. W. B., 225.
LaGrange, Capt. James, 147.
Mrs. J. A., 356.
Mrs. J. J., 349.
Laisdell, John, 353.
Lamb, Mrs. Ant., 227.
Larnphire, Fitch, 248.
Lamps, street, 196.
Lancaster, Joseph, 184, 188.
school, 203, 205.
proposal to abo-
lish, 274.
house, 270.
school a hospital, 255.
street, excavation, 196.
Landon, William, 229.
Lane, Mrs. M.,349.
Laney, Henry, 339.
Lansing, A. Y., 354.
B., Jr., 192.
Chancellor, disappeared,
197.
widow of chancellor, 280.
Gerrit J., 167.
G. Y., 166, 167, 217,
219, 2f 9.
Helena, 193.
Isaac, 34, 52, 67.
Jacob, 233.
Jacob J., died, 176, 209.
John, 97.
Peter, jr., 176.
Richart, 67.
Lansingh, Abraham, 68, 71.
Gerrit A., 22.
Gerrit G., 22, 34, 53,223.
Jacob, 53.
J. G., 67.
Lathrop, Dyer, 232, 256.
Lattimore, Benjamin, 156.
Law, Helen, died, 239.
Lawrence, William, 257.
Layman's apology, 282.
Leake, John, 207.
Lectures on revivals, 249.
Lee, Samuel, 335.
Thomas, 273.
Leedings, Hannah, 340.
Legislative capital, 290 .
Legislature adjourned, 150, 184,
206, 226, 282.
extra session, 250.
met, 172, 200, 260.
Lemet, Louis, died, 257.
Lennard, Mary, 344.
Lennington, Thomas, 150.
Leonard, James, 338.
Lewis, Elihu, 193.
George, 252.
Henry, 333.
John, 171.
Stewart, 184.
Le Breton, Edward A., 217.
Eliza, 262.
John, 221.
Library, Female Academy, 295.
Licenses, 55.
License regulations, 24, 37.
Ltghtbody, Elizabeth, 281.
Lightning in winter, 335.
Linacre, Mrs. James, 145.
Link, Henry, 344.
Liquors, amount expended for
202.
licenses, 24, 37, 55.
Little, W. C., 234.
& Cummings, 233, 243.
Little State street (see S ate st.)
Livery stable, ancient, 272.
Living skeleton, 207.
Livingston, Brookholst, 252.
374
Index.
Livingston, Capt,, 150.
Edward, 259.
Lloyd, Daniel, 252.
Lockwood, Mrs. 285, 292.
Mrs. Millington, 209
Lodge, Mrs. Benjamin, 353.
Lodge street graded, 218.
Loker, Stephen, 257.
Long & Silsby's carriage sho]
burnt, 333.
Longevity, 181, 209, 352.
Loomis, G-. J., 232.
Mrs. George, 224.
Lossing, John, 208, 217, 262.
Lots below ferry, sold by cor
poration, 167.
sold by auction, 66.
not to be sold at vendue, 58
Lotteries discontinued, 263.
Lottery, city revenue from, 186.
Lovejoy, John, 259.
Lovell, G-ertrude, 229.
Lovett, J. E., 222, 240, 273.
Low Francis, 217, 279.
James, 99.
Low's pattern shop burnt, 216.
Ludlow, Rev. John, 195.
died, 351.
Lush, Gilbert P., 154, 177.
Richard, 105, 175.
Samuel S., 194, 235.
William, 176.
Luscom, Barbara, 341.
Lutheran church, 153, 195.
Lydius house demolished, 273.
street improvement, 230.
paved, 224, 237.
side walk in, 220.
Lyons, William, 273.
Lyon's house burnt, 276.
Mabbett, Seneca & Co., 224.
Madden, Charles, 256.
Maher, James, 174, 183, 192, 218,
224, 233, 245, 257, 273.
Mrs., 182.
Mahoney, Jer. C., 333.
Malcolm, John, 271.
Malhiot, Canadian giant, 184.
Mallen, Thomas, 341.
Malone, Mrs. John, 349. '
Mancius, George, 90.
Jacob, died, 276.
John, 145.
Wilhelmus, 90, 94, 99.
Mandell, Addison, 276.
Manieviel, Jeremiah, 75.
Manners and customs, 304.
Mansion house hotel closed, 342.
Manson, Mrs. Nathan, 209.
Maques flatts, 58.
Many & Ward, 208, 267.
March, Alden, 162, 222.
anatomical lectures,
200.
Marcv, William L., 223, 257, 259,
260, 279, 308.
died, 344.
funeral, 346.
Marcy's farm, 258.
Marion, aeronaut, 351, 352.
Market, Columbia street, 152,153.
Market street, 152.
Pearl street, 152.
house, 78, 80, 191.
at watering place,
148, 152.
built in 1829, 185.
lots sold, 176.
house, resolution to
build, 176,
Marks's block burnt, 202.
Marsh street, 146.
Marshall, D. P., 185, 218.
Martin, David, 255.
Robert, 204.
Rev. Mr., 195,
William, 267.
Marvin, Thomas, 164.
Mascraft, William, 146, 240.
Mrs. William, 356.
Mason, James, 181.
Masonic hall, 249.
Massacre of Schenectady, 119.
Vlasterson, Mrs. Thomas, 349.
Matchett, James, 175, 202.
Thomas, 150.
Index.
375
Mather, Mrs. Elias, 161.
J. G., 257, 274.
Mrs. J. G.. 232.
Matilda, steamboat, 164.
Matthews, Frederick, 209.
Maxwell, William, 341.
May ell, William, 167, 168, 185.
Mrs. William, 340.
William, Jr., died, 340.
Mayer, Rev. F. G., 195, 203.
F. H., 340.
Mayor sent to New York, 69.
unsuccessful balloting for,
181.
election in New York, 355.
Major's court, 270.
McBride, Jane, 338.
McCabe, Captain, 187.
McChestney, J. K., 187.
McClelland, Wm., 93, 98, 99, 115
McClure, J. &A., 185, 263.
Mrs. William, 266.
McCoy, Hannah, 197.
Mrs. S. B., 347.
& Clark's stove store
burnt, 353.
McCullock, Hathorn, 174, 204.
McDonald, Angus, 163.
William, 150.
& Wright, 344.
McDuffie, Angus, 192, 237, 273,
282.
John, 255.
McFarlin, Mrs. Robert, 204,
McGill, Mrs. William, 152.
McGivney, John, 164.
McGlashan, Alexander, 218.
Daniel, 148, 159, 174,
177, 190,192,206.
James,. 271.
William, 258.
McGourkey, John, 276.
McHench, John, 255.
William, houses burnt,
169.
McRvaine, Jamese, 248.
Mclntosh, W. S, & E. C., 234.
Mrs. E, C., 223.
Mclntosh, Peter, 280.
Mclntyre, Mrs. P., 335.
McKay, Alexander, 166.
James, 175.
McKelvey, Cornelius, 215.
McKenney, widow John, 226.
McKown, Jane, 271.
James, 150, 153, 233,
237, 246.
McLachlan, Duncan, 271.
McLeod, Donald, 283.
Mrs. 227.
McMichael & Gordon's store
burnt, 342.
McMullen, Thomas, 234.
McMurdy, John, 350.
William, 340.
McNab, widow Peter, 248.
McNabb, Mary Ann, 177.
McNaughton, Fonday, died, 165.
McNulty, Mary, 332.
McPhersou, Geo.. 257, 273, 279.
& McKercher, 206.
Me Williams, John, 241,
Meecham, H., 234.
& Co., 233.
Meadon, Eliza, 189.
John, 183.
William, 265.
Meads, John, 151, 232, 273.
fitted up Victory, 152.
present to, 244.
& Alvord, 151.
Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank,
dividend, 207.
directors 1827,
155.
stock, 227.
Medical College contemplated.
222.
society, state, 334.
Meeks's garden, 271.
Megapolensis's account of Mo-
hawks, 132.
Meigs, John, 155, 175, 192.
R. M., 145.
Meline, Flo rent, 151.
Mellville, Allan y 242,
376
Index.
Memoirs of physicians, 90.
Men, list of 1697, 81.
Merchant, Charles S., 353.
George, 99.
died, 214.
Merrifleld, William, 334.
Mrs. M., 283.
Mesick, William, 281.
Message, extraordinary, 13.
Methodist church, lot granted,
247.
north station, 191.
seats rented, 170.
churches, 195.
Episcopal church, 2d
burial lot, 209.
primitive, 230.
Protestant church,
249, 259.
Methodists indicted for noise, 343
Mete, Mrs. C., 341.
Military anniversary, 243.
celebration, 335.
companies, 306.
election, 231.
meeting, 226, 234.
parade, 233.
store house, 271.
Mill on Beayerkill, 40.
Miller, Christian, 146, 201.
Mills, Chauncey, 194.
Millway, John, 176.
Minutes of common council, 290.
Mitchell, Jesse P., died, 348.
Moakley's building, 154.
Mohawks, 132.
Mohawk and Hudson Railroad,
182, 213, 217, 233, 242, 261,
269, 270, 277.
cost of, 263.
first trip, 248.
Moore, Conrad, 244.
Jasper, 334.
J. E. H., 343.
Thomas A., 340.
Morehead, Elizabeth, 335.
Morgan & Brush, 259, 261.
W. R., 175.
I Morrell's cabinet shop burnt, 247.
1 Morris, Mrs. Walter, 226.
Morrow, William, 145.
Moseley, Edwin, 204.
Mullhall, Edward, 348.
Mulligan, Mrs. J. S. 335.
Munger, Mrs. R., 352.
Murdock, E., 218, 233, 257, 274.
William, 335.
Murphy, Allen, 274.
Mrs. Ira, 199.
Museum, 151, 315.
removal, 222.
Music on canal boats a nuisance,
154.
Myers, John, 356.
John H., 122.
Myndertse, Johannes, 16.
National Guards, 188.
republicans, 219, 282.
vote of, 235, 256, 259.
Naughton, John, 338.
Naylor, William, 231.
Neely, Robert, 352.
Negroes in Schenectady, 1697, 89.
regulations concerning,
15, 39, 48.
Neill, Mrs. William, died, 257.
Nelson, Arnold, 217, 232, 273,
257.
Newman, Henry, 201.
New Philadelphia steam boat,
153, 231.
quick trip, 209.
Newspapers, account of, 301.
News rooms closed on Sunday,
342.
Newton, William, 192.
New Year's 1830, 200.
New York election, 355.
rail road, 268.
state bank, 165.
directors 1827,
155.
medical society, 334.
Nicholl, Mrs. Alex., 340.
Nicholson, J. D., 232.
Niskayuna, account of, 316.
Index.
377
North America steam boat, 157.
accident to, 176.
quick trip, 172,
173, 256.
North Dutch church, iron rail-
ing, 2 10.
history of, 354.
North High street, 229, 230.
North Pearl street, 147.
improvement,
178, 180.
North Methodist burial ground,
193.
Northern R. R. bond?, 341.
car burnt, 348.
Norton, John T., 187, 256.
retired from fire
company, 168.
Mrs. J. T., 191.
Notes from the newspapers, 145-
283.
Nott, Dr., 249, 267.
Novelty steam boat, 196, 249.
Nugent, John, 275.
Nutt, William, 261.
Oakey, Abraham, 278.
Charity, 264.
Obstructions in river (see Over-
slaugh).
Officers of city sworn in, 12, 36,53.
Officials sent to New York by
canoe, 69.
Ohio steam boat first appeared,
187.
quick trip, 218.
Olcott, Theodore, 278.
Thomas W., 189.
house of, 291.
Olive Branch, steam boat, 164.
Oliver, John, 29.
Olney, S. V., died, 342.
Orchard street opened, 221.
proposed to exca-
vate, 171.
Organ, first in Baptist church,
356.
Oregon, steam boat, 338.
Orphan asylum, 226, 247, 274,
312.
Orr, Mrs. Isabella, 213.
Orssin, Robert, 352.
Osborn, David, 150.
John, 233.
William L., 177, 192.
O'Shaughnessy, G., 353.
Ostrander, J. L, 201.
Mrs. James, 160.
Johannis, 22.
Mrs. William, 252.
Ouderkirk, 300.
Overslaugh, 257.
excavated, 172.
proposal to remove.
278.
appropriation to re-
move, 271.
Ox, great, 213.
Packard, B. D., 205, 265, 343.
Charles, 265.
Hoffman & White, 265.
Packard, N. R., 151, 240.
Packer & Prentice's fur shop
burnt, 227.
Paddock, Mrs. Henry, 356.
& Morrow, 145.
Page, Louisa, 344.
Mrs. J. K., 180.
Paige, J. Keyes, 217.
died, 355.
Mrs. Jason, 232.
Paintings, Adam and Eve, 276
Palmer, J. B., 332.
Palmer, Levi, 259.
Park place house ,229.
street, 207.
Parker, Mrs. J., 354.
Philip S., 229.
Parniele, Mrs. L., 241.
Parmelee, William, 213, 279.
Parmiter, Jeremiah, 10.
Parral street (see Pearl).
Parsons & Baker's store burnt,
239.
Pastors, list of 1829, 195,
Pasture, condition of, 328.
378
Index.
Pasture cost of grading, 271.
lots, 149, 167.
Patch, Sam, 192.
Patroon, 303.
street, excavation of,223.
Patterson J., 257.
Paul, Mrs. N., 221.
Rev. Mr., 156, 195.
Pavements, defects of, 311, 330.
Paving streets, 9.
Pay for public service, 72.
Payne, Henry, killed, 354.
Pearl street drain, 20.
Pearson, Mrs. George, 332.
Pease, Earl P., 239.
Pedlers restrained, 25.
Pemberton, Jeremiah, 66.
Mrs. John, 263.
T. L., 240.
Mrs. T. L., 239.
Pemerton, Jeremiah, 76.
Penny, Samuel T., 264.
Penoyer, Mr., 152.
Pepper, Calvin, 183, 268.
William P., 348.
Perceval, George, 174.
Perry, Hiram, 273.
Perry, Mrs. Hiram, 269.
Peterson, Eleanor, 340.
Pettingill, Mrs., died, 337.
Phelps, Philip, 171, 174, 181.
Erastus R., died, 341.
Philips, Homer R., 217.
Mrs. M. H., 356.
Phillips, Mrs. J. W., 354.
Physicians, memoirs of, 90.
Piano, first on steam boat, 159.
Pier, erection of, 329.
submerged, 335.
Pierce, Joseph, 230.
Pierson, Mrs. Calvin, 263.
Pigeons in snow storm, 206.
Pine street, effort to open, 225.
Pine, William, 339.
Pistareens depreciated, 209.
Pitcher, Nathaniel, 145.
Platt, G. V. Z., 265.
John, 172.
Platt, Mrs. C. Z., 254.
Plumb, Luther, 237.
Pohlman, Daniel, 201.
Police justice salary, 155.
constables ask for increas-
ed salary, 155.
Polish exiles, 283.
Political parties, names of, 1828,
174.
Pond, S. B., 168, 195, 204.
Pool, Calvin K., 355,
Poor controversy, 239.
master, salary raised, 266.
wood for, 235.
Population, 256, 303.
increase of, 288.
1697, 81.
1790, 214.
1830, 213, 220.
Porter, Frederick, 227, 233, 257.
John C., 218.
John F., 204, 232,257, 282.
Mrs. J. F., 188.
Porters to be licensed, 44.
Potatoes, high price, 253.
Potter,Rev.Horatio,installed,265.
Potters field, 178.
Powder explosion before mayor's
house, 230.
house, 226.
Pratt, Ralph, 174, 185, 192, 217,
232.
Presbyterian churches, 195.
President's message, 196.
Preston, Asaph, 167, 174, 233.
Primitive methodists, 230, 238.
Printers' delegation, 220.
Private schools, 205.
Proal, P. A., 123.
Pruyn, Anna, 262.
Johannis, 9.
John, 183.
J. V. L., 267.
Lansing & Co., 183.
Samuel, 154, 178.
Samuel C., 53.
& Olmsted, 166.
Public debt, 73.
Index.
379
Public deposits, meeting on re-
moval, 281.
house licenses, 55.
money, loan of, 78.
school No. 12, 344.
square, 292.
worship, remarkable at-
tendance on, 297.
Puritans sailed for Hudson river,
286.
Putnam, Stephen, 232, 256.
Pye, Mrs., 261.
Quackenboss, Adrian, 63, 79.
Quackenbush, Abram A. B., 184.
G., 342.
John B., 262.
J. N., 153, 167,
185, 192, 208,
218, 227, 247,
274, 282.
Mrs. N. N., 177.
Margaret N., 229.
Quinu's grocery burnt, 354.
Radcliffe, Mrs. C. H., 341.
James, 227.
Mrs. J., 231.
Raddecliff, Johannis, 56.
Rail road from Boston, 147, 181,
201.
depot fell, 340.
depot erected in state St.,
271.
extended to river, 277.
first trip, 248.
meeting, 225.
to New York, 238, 268.
obstruct'd by snow, 333.
in operation, 233.
prediction, 217.
to Schenectady, 182, 213,
217, 242,
261, 273.
cost of, 263,
269, 270.
Rain, 172.
on 4th of July, 188.
long and hard, 10.
storm, 254, 347, 353.
Rain table, 170.
in winter, 200.
Ramsay, George, 283.
Randall, Jesse, 133.
Ranney, Thomas, 220.
Mrs. Thomas, 340.
Randel, William S., 2X9.
Ranters, 343.
Rapp, Christian, 346.
Rasey, Joseph, 260.
Rathbone, J. L., 273.
& Silliman, 268.
Rathbone's stove store burnt, 353.
Rawls, Henry, 264.
Rea, Mrs. John, 336.
Reading, Daniel, 204.
Records, city, 9.
Rector, Henry, 204, 218, 233.
Mrs. Henry, 155.
Reddcliffe, Johamiis, 55.
Reese, Charles J., 263.
Reformed Dutch church, 195.
Presbyterian ch., 195, 229.
Religion, advantages of voluntary
support, 297.
Relyea, Mrs. John, 340.
& Wright, 277.
Renssel'rwyck by Father Jogues,
130.
Revolutionary heroes, 307.
Reynolds, John, 213.
lecture, 175.
Rhines's grocery burnt, 198.
Rhino, Rebecca, 264.
Rice & Baker, 244.
Nahum, 252.
S. T.,218.
Richardson, George T., 350.
Richmond, Mrs. H., 343.
Ridder, Hendrick, 55.
T. B., 353.
Rider, Mrs. S. J., 224.
Riding down hill prohibited, 14,
39.
Rinkhout, Jan, 123.
Riot at Fourth Presbyterian ch.,
241.
Ritchie, Mrs., 343.
380
Index.
River closed, 163, 177, 201, 221.
238, 261, 279, 337, 338,
356.
high, 184.
improvements, 172.
navigation, congress peti-
tioned to aid, 195.
obstruct'n (see Overslaugh),
open, 184, 205, 222, 225,
243, 246, 261, 264, 280,
334, 335, 336, 338.
trade and tonnage, 178, 182.
184.
Roach, Catharine, 343.
Roberts, Eli, 203.
& James, 241.
W. B., 238.
Randall, 353.
Robertson, Mrs. M., 347.
Robinson, Benjamin, 171.
James, 233, 257.
Jared, 274.
J. W., 217.
John B., 223.
Joseph, 213.
Mrs. Thomas, 351.
Robison, Hugh, 243.
James, 218.
James W., 256.
John, 159.
Robison's corner sold, 161.
hill, 272.
proposal to convert
into monument
to Clinton, 171.
excavation of, 171.
Roby, Mrs. Joseph, 244.
Bockwell, John T., 278.
Rockwell's mansion house, 231.
demolished, 349.
Rodgers, Owen, 340.
Rogers, Ammi, 123.
H. G. 0., 259.
Romeyn, Derick, 122.
Roorback, Mrs. Thomas, 216.
Root, Alexander, 149.
Rose Donald, 222.
Samuel J., 333.
Roseboom, Gerrit, Jr., 22, 34.
Gysbert, 22, 28, 34.
Hendrick, 9, 10, 22, 34.
Johannis, 10, 42, 80.
killed, 341.
Rosekrans, John, 356.
Roser, Mrs. J. L., 352.
Rudes, Spencer S., 259.
Runners, 285.
Rusk, Robert, 252.
Russell, Benjamin F., 224.
David G., 351.
Elihu, 247, 282.
Mrs. Elihu, 341.
Samuel, 174.
Thomas, 192, 217.
Vocalist, 305.
Rutten kill bridge, 53.
mill, 40.
• proposal to arch, 107.
Ryan, John W., 228.
Ryckuian, G. W., 192.
Mrs. G. W., 338.
Petrus, 71.
Tobias, 9, 10, 21, 52.
Sabbath, meeting to promote ob-
servance of, 164.
school convention, 333.
remarkable observance
of, 297.
Sackett, William, 353.
Sage, Hezekiah, 280.
Sail, 134.
Salisbury, Nelson, 343.
Sanders, Barent, 9, 10, 22, 34,43.
lot in State St., 244.
James, 338.
Sands, Sarah, 221.
Sanford, Giles, died, 334.
Sai-atoga steam boat, 1st trip, 163.
Satterlee, E. R., 282.
Savage, Judge, 262.
Saw mill, petition to erect, 26.
Sawyer, Sidney, 279.
Scace, Mrs. John, 344.
Schackkook (see Schaghticoke).
Schaghticoke, 16, 25, 43, 53, 58,
59, 62, 63, 70, 79,
Index.
381
Scaunaughtada, 286.
Schenectady, 116.
described, 325.
ladies at 4th July ce-
lebration, 267.
names of inhabitants,
1698, 88.
negroes at, 89.
path, 80.
rail road, 213, 217,
242.
first trip, 248.
261, 273.
cost of, 263,
269, 270.
(See Mohawk
& Hudson).
& Saratoga R. R., cost
of, 263.
Schermerhorn, Mrs. Ryer, 206.
Schifler, Wm. H. (see Shifler.)
Scholars in 1831, 224.
Schooling, defects of, 295.
Sch'l houses recommended, 224.
School tax, 225.
Schools, 292.
radical change proposed,
274.
Statistics of, 205.
Schoonmaker, J., 273.
Schuyler, Geertruy, 80.
Col. John, 80.
Mrs. C., 356.
Peter C., 28.
Peter S., 259.
Philip, 349.
Scott, George, 283.
George W.. 332.
IraW., 252.
Mrs. Ira W., 252.
Mrs. M., 256.
Mrs. P., 344.
Scovel, Ashley, 174.
Jonah, died, 225.
Mrs., 257.
Seager, Johs., 13, 24, 38, 50, 77.
Second Dutch church, 215.
cenotaph, 249.
[Annals, ix.]
Second Methodist ch., 209, 215.
Presby. church, 182, 187,
190, 215, 333, 351.
Sellon, Rev. John, 203.
Serings, Mrs., 356.
Settlement, early, 285.
Settlers, collision with English,
287.
Seymour, John, 175.
William, 153, 167, 174,
185, 192, 208, 217,
227, 232, 235, 246,
256, 277, 278.
advocates school houses,
224.
Sexton, Levi, 202.
Shaker establishment described.
316.
Shakers relieve sufferers, 336.
Shankland, P. V., 219.
Chamberlain, 233, 267.
Shaw, Daniel, 233.
R. D., store burnt, 162.
Shaw's tailor shop burnt, 333.
Shear, Christian H., 191.
Sheldon, Hannah, 217.
Shepard, Robert, 227.
Shepherd, Robert, 247.
William, 280.
W. S. & Co., 233.
William S., 279.
Sheridan John, 340.
Sherman, Algernon S., 171.
A. N., 200.
Josiah, 252.
J. & Co., 234.
Shey, William, 340.
Shields, James, 353.
Janet, 223.
Shiffer, Joseph D., 217.
Mrs. John C., 150.
W. H., 175, 192.
Mrs. W. H., 252.
Shuffeldt, JohnJ., 348.
Shultz, Christopher, 342.
Mary, 342.
Sickles, Abraham, 155, 175, 192,
256.
33
382
Index-
Sickles, Mrs. D., 353.
John C., 202.
Mary, 186.
Signs of the Times, newspaper,
Silliman, Levi, 262.
Simpson, Mrs. William, 277.
Skerritt, John, 183.
Peter, 231.
Skinner, Daniel, 167.
Charles, 282.
E. W., 217, 232, 246,
257, 270, 282.
E. W. & C., 282.
Hezekiah, 207.
Nathaniel S., 168.
Mansion House, 167.
Slaves emancipated in this state,
157.
Slecht, Frederick, 267.
Slingerland, Rachel, 267.
Teunis, 167.
Sloan, William C., 272.
Sloops, business of, 160.
Smith, Bridget, 162.
Ezekiel Scott, 206.
Israel, 172, 178.
Rev. Mr., 195.
Richard, 91.
Mrs. Thomas, 255.
& Willard, 234.
Smith's shop, 63.
Smyth, Mrs. Charles T., 267.
Mrs. C. T., 332.
Patrick, 346.
Snow, 149, 237, 238, 259, 332,
333, 337.
storm, great, 205, 340.
Snyder, H. W., 175, 192, 201.
Mrs. Ph., 335.
Societies in procession, 306.
Solomons, Adolphus, 169.
tobacco factory, 256.
Soup house, 223.
South Market, 191.
South wick, John B., 267.
Solomon, 151, 267,
282.
Southwick, Solomon, nominated
for governor,
164, 170.
lectures, 213.
widow of R. C., 216.
Spalding, Mrs. P., 162.
George W., 160.
Spelman, B. R., 234.
Spencer, Ambrose, 259, 276.
Mrs. Giles, 188.
J. L., 339.
Spicer, Thomas G., 352.
Sprague, Dr. W. B., 195, 249,
283.
called, 187.
installed, 190.
Spring, duration of, 311.
street mission house, 262.
street opened, 267.
Squaws, ordinance concerning,
48.
St. George's church, 123.
St. John, Mrs., 344.
St. Paul's church consecrated.
189, 221.
St. Mary's church, 161, 180, 189,
280.
corner stone laid,
193.
opened, 215, 216.
St. Nicholas society, 176.
St. Patrick, panegyric, 338.
St. Peter's church, 265.
built, 300.
Staats, B. P., 161, 162, 167, 182,
185, 192, 198, 208,
224, 227, 237, 246,
247, 270, 273, 276.
282.
elected to assembly, 161.
Mrs. B. P., died, 208.
Cuyler, 242, 265.
Mrs. Henry, 182.
Isaac L., 193.
Isaac W., 174, 176, 232,
233, 280.
Mrs. I. W., 350.
JohnY., 207.
Index.
383
Staats, P. P., 240.
W. W., 176.
widow of William, 186.
Stafford, Mrs, Hannah, 150.
Stage coach speed, 203.
speed, 209.
ran on river to Newburgh,
181.
Standard, newspaper, 152.
Stauwix Hall erected, 270.
Starr, Chandler, 145, 154, 157.
Ephraim, died, 171.
Samuel, 215.
Sheldon & Co., 171.
State Agricultural Rooms, dedi-
cattd, 335.
area of, 289.
hall, 301.
library, 301.
temperance society, 343.
street, 291.
damages assessed, 244.
new apportionment for
widening, 263.
proposal to pave to
Lark street, 162.
bridge, 336.
widening, 234, 236, 242,
248. '
Steam ferry boat, 155, 229.
boat association directors,
1828, 162.
fare, 169, 172.
first built in Albany,
173.
great business of, 160.
obstructed, 200, 337.
landing, 186.
through by daylight,
172.
quick trips, 160, 172,
173, 218, 249, 255
256, 284.
Stearns, John, 100.
Stebbins, Cyrus, 123.
Steele, Henry tf ., 338.
Lemuel, 153, 174, 192, 218,
227, 233, 246, 257, 273.
Steele, Lemuel, paper hanging
store burnt, 280.
& Warren, 206.
Steenbergh, JohnB., 220.
died, 247.
Sternbergh, Jacob P., died, 254.
Stevens, GK M., 232, 247, 256,
273, 282.
Samuel, 219, 246, 259.
William, died, 352.
Stevenson, James, 145, 146, 158,
169, 186.
John, 341.
Stewart, Daniel, 230.
Joseph B., 163.
Stillwater, 34.
Stillwell, John, died, 238.
William, 192.
died, 282.
house burnt, 250.
Stockadoes, 49.
Stone, Heber, 232.
Mrs. Heber, 180.
& Henly, 341.
house taken down, 248.
Stores, character of, 292.
movement for closing
early, 233.
Strang, Jesse, trial of, 158.
executed, 159.
Straw hat, lady's, 154.
Street, Richard E., 333.
Streeter, Jarvis, 348.
Streets and alleys, insufficient, 63.
law regulating opening,
242.
ordered to be cleared, 17,
45, 33.
ordered to be repaired, 18,
19.
ordered to be full paved,
18, 19, 46, 51, 52.
Strike among masons, 281.
Stringer, Samuel, 107.
Strong, A. M., 226, 261.
Mrs. C. K., 206.
Sullivan, Michael, 332.
Sun, steam boat, 150.
384
Index.
Sunday regulations, 15, 40.
schools, 292, 299.
Supervisors, controversy about
paupers, 239.
preponderance of
country, 263.
1828, 167.
1829, 185.
1830, 208.
1831, 227.
1832, 247.
1834, 282.
Surrender to English, 288.
Surveyors, 241.
Swain, Mrs. Robert, 200.
Swan, John B., 193.
Swifture line, 339.
steam boat, 152.
Taafe, Mrs. T., 348.
Taber, Azor, 235.
& Dean, 265.
Tannery burnt, 200.
Tan yards, 28, 31.
Tarbell, Norris, 265.
Tar burnt to dispel cholera, 250,
251.
Tariff meeting, 262.
Tasschemaker, Petrus, 122.
Tax for revenue, 220, 236.
schools, 225.
Tayler, John, 92, 164.
died, 183.
Taylor, Mrs. Charles J., 193.
Mrs. James, 206.
Mrs. James, 276.
John, 208, 227.
Thomas, 344.
Teazey, John, 228.
Telegraph to Cohoes, first, 350.
Temperance hotel, 292.
meeting, 184.
of people, 309.
society, state, 202.
Temperature, 145, 146-, 147, 148,
150, 151, 154, 157, 158, 160,
161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166,
169, 171, 172, 175, 176, 179,
181, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187,
188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 203,
222, 332, 333, 337, 341, 346,
347, 351, 352.
Ten Broeck, Dirk, 9, 10, 22, 58.
Gen. A., 189.
Johannis, 9.
street, 229, 230.
Ten Eyck, Abraham R., died, 343.
C. A, 159, 236,273.
Jacob, 354.
J. H., 192.
J. V. R., 188.
& Parke, 247.
Philip, 255.
Terry, Mrs. David, 332.
Thanksgiving, 221.
sermon, 354.
Thayer, Benjamin, 191.
Isaac, died, 342.
Theatre, 151, 164, 305.
benefit to sufferers by
fire, 166.
closed by cholera, 250.
Thermometer (see temperature).
manufacturer, 239.
Third Presbyterian church, 215,
230.
Thomas, John, 249.
Richard, 191.
Thompson, James E., 233, 347.
tfeorge B., 341.
Mrs., preacher, 259.
Rev. Mr., 204.
Robt., chamberl'n, 352.
William, 337.
Thorp, Aaron, 232.
& Sprague, 162, 203, 222.
Throop, Enos T., 180.
Tibbals, Samuel, 184.
Tight blanket, 105.
Tillman, John R., 183.
Tinker, David, 251.
Tiononderoge, 64, 65, 68, 69, 70.
creek, 58.
purchased of Indians,
72.
resolution annuled, 75.
Tobin, Catharine, 349.
Index.
385
Tonnage at this port, 178, 182.
Topography of city, 290.
Topp, William H., 335.
died, 356.
Tories, so called, 282.
Townsend, Charles D., 94, 111.
John Robison, 229.
I. & J., 190, 268, 271.
stable burnt, 283.
furnace burnt, 194.
John, 174, 190, 198,
222, 229, 239, 262.
John, mayor, 181.
house robbed, 210.
advocates steam
ferry boat, 156.
pres. Com. Bank,
249.
proclamat'n, 253.
Solomon D., 282.
park, 277.
Tracy, Seymour, 217.
Trade with Indians regulated,
48.
monopoly granted, 286.
Traveling, rapid, 189, 190.
Treat, Richard S., 153.
S. S., 107, 162, 166.
died, 243.
Trees cut down, 156.
Trenor, James, died, 234.
Tripp children, 185.
Trotter, Mrs. John, 219, 257.
Matthew, 148.
Gen. Matthew, died, 221.
Troy census, 215.
road (see Watervliet turn-
pike).
Truax, Isaac, 12.
Tally, Sarah, 203.
Tullidge, Mrs. B., 231.
Turck, Augustinus, 13.
Turnpike co. proposes to build
rail road, 227, 232.
Unitarian, first meeting, 204.
United Presbyterian church, 195.
Universalist church, 191, 195,
270.
Universalist church, corner stone
laid, 270, 271.
dedicated, 193.
Upfold, fcev. George, 163, 231.
Utter, Mrs. Samuel, 180.
Valentine, M. G., 354.
Van Allen, A. J., 163.
Mary, 163.
Van Allen's map, 247.
Van Alstyne, Mrs. C. T., 265.
Martin, 150, 174.
Van Antwerp, Daniel L., 191.
died, 257.
William, 184.
Van Benthuisen B., 227, 233.
Van Benthuysen, Gerrit, 78.
Obadiah, R., 183.
Thomas, 252.
Van Bramer, James, 267.
Van Buren. Martin, governor,
130, 157, 183.
Mrs. William, 280.
Vandenberg, Jacob, 164.
H. A., 174.
Garret B., 75.
Gerrit, 70.
Gysbert, 55.
Wilhelmus, 30.
Wynant, 28.
Mrs. Gertrude, 209.
Mrs. Gilbert, 263.
Vanderbilt, Mrs. J. C., 355.
Vanderheyden, Joachim, 26.
Johannis, 21, 34.
Johannis Dirckse,
53, 60, 62.
house demolish-
ed, 266.
Vanderlip & Huxley, 186.
Vanderlyn, Petrus, 75.
Vauderwercke, Heudrick., 58,62,
79.
Vanduersen, Hendrick, 52.
Van Duezen, Lydia, 247.
Van Driese, Dom., 80.
Van Guisling, Peter, 356.
Van Ingen, H. S., 176.
James, 236.
386
Index.
Van Kleeck, Lawrence L., 175.
Mrs. L. L., 356.
Van Ness, Ann Maria, 147.
John, Jr., 174, 192,
218,233,257,274,
282.
Van OLinda, Henry, 107.
Peter, 107.
Van Ostrande, Johannis, 52.
Van Sante, Garret, 10.
Gerrit, 65.
Gysbert, 67.
Van Santen, Gerrit, 27.
Van Santvoord, Cornelius, 122.
Van Schaack, Nicholas, 232.
Van Schaick, Ab., 159.
Anthony Jr., 80.
J. B., 276, 278.
Gosen, high sher-
iff, 36, 74.
widow of Gosen,
died, 180.
Nicholas, 75,
Sybrant, 290.
T., 192.
Van Schoonhoven, Cornelius,
170.
Gerrit, died, 228.
John, 176, 192,
233.
& Rawles, 264.
Van Rensselaer, Mrs. B S , 283.
Chas. M , died,
351.
Mrs. C., 266.
James, 147.
Jeremiah, died,
181.
John L, 174.
John S., 157,
162, 165.
Mrs. KK., 207.
Philip, 271.
Philip P., 148.
Robert S , 242.
Richard, 176.
Stephen, 176,
192, 233.
Van Rensselaer, S., Jr., 218,235,
257, 259,
274.
Wm.P.,271.
Van Valkenburgh, J., 274.
Van Vechte, Dirck, 26.
Leendert, 70.
Van Vechten, Abraham, 176, 242.
Mrs. Elizabeth, died,
238.
Jacob, 122.
Teunis, 257, 273.
Mrs. Walter, 340.
Van Wie, Peter, 259.
Van Wormer, Frederick, 201.
Van Zandt, John, 245.
Sarah, 221.
William, J., 162.
Van Zandt's carpenter shop
burnt, 229.
Vault for dead, 177, 194.
Veazie, H. A., 354.
Veeder, John, 175.
Venison, price of, 1642, 133.
Vernon, George, 164, 213.
Verplanck, Abigel, 29, 42.
Gerluyn, 52, 80.
Philip, 13.
Verrebergh (see Ferrebergh).
Vessels arrived in 1828, 178.
tonnage of, 1829, 199.
Victory, steam boat, 152, 162.
first trip, 159.
withdrawn, 207.
sold, 196.
Viele, John L., died, 257, 258.
Lewis, 26.
Visscher, Barent, 283.
Catharine, 240.
James, 229.
John, 53, 159, 220.
Visger, Jacob, 34.
Vosburg, Abraham, 30, 50, 55.
Vose & Co., furnace burnt, 346.
Votes, number cast, 282.
Vroomer, Barent, 122.
Vrooman, Cornelius, 93.
Waggoner. Susan, 175.
Index.
387
Walderen, William, 67, 78.
Waldron, C. A., 174, 267.
Walker, Mrs. Edward, 349.
John, 241.
Mrs. Joseph, 203.
R. J., 342.
Thomas, 342.
Willard, 154, 217.
Wall in Cross street, 80.
Wallace, Oliver, 356.
Walsh, Charles, 175.
John S., 243, 335.
Dudley, 335.
Leonard & Jackson, 243.
Wai worth, R. H., 184, 202.
Wandering piper, 278.
Ward, R. E., 278.
Ward divisions, 213.
Wards, proposition to make 10,
263.
Warm day, 346.
Warren, Moses, 160.
Washington eulogy, 338.
birthday Celebration,
243, 244.
park, 277.
square, 226.
Wasson, James D.,' 174, 185, 191,
192, 208, 217, 227,
232, 245, 247, 256,
273, 281.
& Jewell, 271, 272.
Water, high, 10.
in wells examined, 255.
street, 146.
Waters, John, 80.
Watering place leased, 148, 156,
165, 182.
Waterman, Jeremiah, 174.
Water vliet turnpike, 148.
cost of, 257,
239.
Watson, Capt., 188.
Watson's artillery, 221.
William, died, 336.
Waugh, George, 337.
Weaver, A. H., 344.
Charity, 338.
Weaver, Henry, 207.
Mrs., 344.
Webb. Charles B., died, 278.
Charles L., 271.
Mrs. H. L., 281.
J. H. & H. L., 183.
& Douglass, 183.
Webster, C. R., 203, 220, 282.
George, 225.
& Skinners, 267.
firm dissolved,
282.
Guy C., 243.
John, died, 341.
Mrs. R.,347.
Samuel, 164.
& Wood, 151, 338.
Wedding fees, ample, 298.
Weed, Jared, died, 244.
Rev. Mr., 195.
Thurlow, 205.
Weights and measures, 75.
Weil & Allen's clothing store
burnt, 332.
Welch, B. T., 195, 196, 274.
George W., 280.
Margaret, 209.
Wendell, Ann, 180.
Anna S., 338.
Cornelius, 338.
Evert, 10, 34, 43, 77,
78, 79.
Gen. John H. 229.
resigned office, 197.
house sold, 224.
died, 251.
John L., 225.
Hermanns, 10, 21.
Mrs., 151.
Mrs. Mary, 225.
Peter, 98, 162.
Samuel, 186.
Sarah, 207.
Wendell's mill, 40.
Well water analyzed, 255.
Wengerman, A. J. H., 351.
Westcott, Leonard, 244.
Westerlo, Eilardus, 350.
388
Index.
Westerlo street, proposed to
pave, 171.
Westervelt, Benjamin, 339.
Wheaton, H. G., 192, 276.
Mrs. H. G., 356.
Wheeler, Nicholas, 172.
Whigs, so called, 282.
Whipple, Barnum, 192.
died, 336.
reward for coal, 224.
Elsie D., trial of, 158.
John, shot, 151.
Mrs. William, 264.
White, Andrew, died, 354.
Johannah, 353.
Wm.. 257, 273, 280.
Whitmore, Rev. Mr., 123.
Whitney, Chauncey, shop burnt,
339.
Wiggins, John, 256.
Wigton, Samuel, 180.
Wilcox, Daniel, 282.
Wild animals, 133.
Wilkes, John, 196.
Wilkinson, Nancy, 354.
Willard, Dr. Elias, 95, 147, 149,
226.
Mrs. Elias, 147.
Dr. S. D.T90.
Willett, Elbert, 163.
Mary, 231.
Sarah, 240.
Williams, Annual Register, 248.
Mrs. A., 229.
David, 221.
Edward, 34.
Erastus, 194.
Israel, 208, 273.
Mrs. Israel, 350.
Mrs. J. J., 277.
Platt, 101, 109.
Mrs. Susan, 244.
Thomas, 13.
William B., 351.
William W., 202.
Wilson, 172.
Williamson, Mrs. John, 252.
Rev. Mr., 195, 270.
Willie, Walter, 119.
Willis, N. P., 218, 245.
Wilson, Benjamin, 167, 185, 208,
227, 247, 282.
Charles, 339.
John, 264.
Mrs. Martha, 232.
Samuel, 215.
Willson, Rev. J. R., 242.
Wiltsie, Catharine, 175.
Winants, Josiah, 208, 217, 227,
247, 273.
Wing, Joel A., 101.
Winne, Cillejan, 75.
Jan, 57.
Jellis, Jr., 245.
J. L., 156, 174, 218.
Mrs. J. W., 219.
KilianL, 191.
& Link, burnt out, 339,
344.
Myndert, 226.
Peter, 10, 22, 34.
Bebecca, 348.
William B., 229.
William L, 273.
Winter gaiety, 304.
rigor of, 311.
Wiswall, W. L, 157.
Women, number of, 1697, 81.
Wood & Acres, 151.
Bradford R., 313.
George, died, 338.
Jonathan, 339.
Woodburn, Lewis, 224.
Woodhouse, Charles, 279.
Woodruff, Hunloke, 90, 91, 94,
99.
S. B., 279.
Woodward, Jane G., 355.
Woollen manufactures, meeting
upon, 157.
Work house proposed, 219, 270,
279.
Working men's party, 204, 207.
217.
Worthington, Denniston, 279 .
Wright, Frances, 193.
Index.
389
Wright Ebenezer, 241.
Justus, 232.
Sarah, 334.
Wyngaert, Luycas J , 10.
Wynkoop, H. G., 217.
H. W., 232.
Yates, C. C., 109.
Christopher, 31.
Henry, 262.
J. V. N., 167, 174, 233,
247.
John W., died, 165.
Joseph, 63.
Yates & Mclntyre, 263.
Robert," 19 7.
W. S., 262.
Young, George, 201.
& Ehle, 247.
John B., 242.
Mrs. S. V. B., 352.
Men's association, 279,
308, 334.
organized, 278.
men's convention, 315.
Youngs, Erastus, 243.
Zeeger, Johannis (see Seager).
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