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HISTORY

The Seventeen Towns

Rensselaer County

FROM THE

Colonization of the Majtor of Rensselaerwyck
to the Present Time.

A. J. Weise, a. M.,

AS PUBLISHED IN THE TROY DAILY TIMES.

TROY; N. Y.
J. M. FRANCIS & TUCKER.

1880.

History of the Towns of Rensselaer County.

CHAPTER I.

Peculiar Colonization Scheme of the Dutch — Purchases of Kilian
Van Rensselaer — Extent of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck —
Names of Freeholders in 1720 — Public Whipping of Slaves —
The Province of New York divided into Counties — Courts of

PVPOWDER held in THE MaNOR — ERECTION OF RENSSELAER COUNTV

— The first Court held at Platt's Inn — County Officers —
First Censuses.

The history of Rensselaer county properly
begins with the first purpose of the Dutch to
colonize the attractive and fertile country which
bordered the river explored by Henry Hudson,
the English navigator, in 1609. The project. If
we except a possible fear of the Indians inhab-
iting this inviting region, was one that would
readily captivate the attention of speculators,
esi>ecially those living in a land where the labors
of agriculturists were of an extremely arduous
character. A people whose vigilance and
work preserved their fields and homes from the
constant danger of inundation from the high
tides of a troublesome ocean, we may suppose,
would look with favoring interest npon a
scheme of emigration that would release them
from such continuous cares and give them
larger and more satisfying rewards for their in-
dustry and thrift.

PATKOON FBIVILGOES.

In Holland there was in 1639 a guild of
wealthy merchants known as the West India
company. Conscious that by right of discovery
the country adjacent to the river explored by
Hudson 20 years previously was a possession
of Holland, the association petitioned the legis-
lative bodies of the United Provinces to grant
it the exclusive privilege for 34 years of taking
charge of this territory and of developing by
means of emigrants its agricultural and mineral
products. This petition was granted, and by
the powers conferred by it the West India com-

pany issued its charter of liberties and exemp-
tions under which the colonization of the pos-
sessions of the Dutch in North America began.
Inquiring persons will find in this charter of
the West India company valuable information
regarding the inducements offered to emigrants
and what gave the patroons the proprietary
right to such extensive tracts of land, as that
of the manor of Rensselaerwick, from which
Rensselaer county was erected. This important
instrument provided that any person who
wished to become a patroon would be obliged
to give notice of his intention to the company,
and that he would not be entitled to the abso-
lute property right of such lands on which he
intended to settle colonists, if, during the four
years following the giving of this notice, 50
souls, upwards of 15 years of age, were not
living thereon ; one-fourth of the above number
during the first year and the remainder the suc-
ceeding three years. The patroons were allowed
for these colonies a tract of land on
one side of a navigable river, four Dutch or
twelve English miles in extent, or two Dutch or
six English miles on each side of a river, and
which tracts were to extend so far into the
country as the situation of the occupiers per-
mitted. The West India company also agreed
to transport emigrants and their effects from
Holland at a stipulated price ; and the animals
and instruments necessary for farming, free of
freight.

HISTORY OF THE TOWJSTS 0^ EKNSSELAEB COUNTY.

The company also granted to allpatroonswbo
should desire the same the right to hold the
tracts of lands settled by them as an eternal
heritage, which they could transmit to their
heirs by testament. The charter further pro-
vided that the patroons aind colonists should in
particular and in the speediest manner endeavor
to find out ways and means whereby they might
support a minister and schoolmaster, that the
service of tiod and zeal for religion might not
grow cold and be neglected among them.

All the colonies were required, at least once
in every 12 months, to make an exact report of
their condition to the West India company.

The company also stipulated, on certain con-
ditions, that it would use its best efforts to
supply the colonists with as many blacks as it
conveniently could after the land had been oc-
cupied by a colony.

As a means to protect the manufacturers of
Holland, the colonists were not permitted to
make any woolen, linen or cotton cloth, nor
weave any other stuffs, on pain of banishment.

THE MANOB OF KENS8ELABRWTCK.

It was under the liberal provisions of this
charter that Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, a dealer
in pearls and diamonds in Amsterdam, and one
of the wealthy directors of the Dutch West
India company, became a patroon and acquired
by right of settlement a property right to the
extensive territory known as the manor of
Rensselaerwyck, lying on the east and west
banks of the upper Hudson.

The charter of liberties also provided that any
one who should settle any colony out of the
limits of Manhattan island would be obliged to
satisfy the Indians for the land upon which be
should place colonists, and that a patroon
might extend or enlarge the limits of his colo-
nies if he settled a proportionate number of
persons thereon.

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, in order to perfect a
claim to a large extent of land in New Nether-
land, made purchases of the Indians of several
tracts of land, which in time embraced a terri-
tory a miles long and 48 broad, containing as
estimated more than 700,000 acres of land, over
which the present counties of Albany, Rensse-
laer and a portion of Columbia now extend.
The persons who acted as agents of Kiliaen Van
Rensselaer were Sebastian Jansen Krol, who
made the first purchase, April 8, 1630 ; Gillis
Hassett, the second, July 27, 1630, and Brandt
van Slechtenhorst, the third, March 13, 1652.

The English confirmation of a patent to Kili-
aen Van Rensselaer given by Gov. Thomas
Dongan, dated November 4, 1685, describes
the boundaries of the several purchases made
by the agents of Van Rensselaer as follows :

Beeinnlne at the south end of or part of Berrent
island on Hudson's river and extending northwards
UD along both aides of the said Hudson's river unto
a place heretofore called the Kahoos. or the great
falls of the said river and extending itself east
and west from each side of the said river
backwards into the woods 34 English miles,
as also a certain tract of land situate
lying and being on the east side of Hud-
son's river, beginning at the creek by Major Abra-
ham Staet's and so along the said river southward
to the south side of Yaxtrix island by a creek
called Waghankasigh, stretching from thence with
an easterlv line into the woods Zi English miles to
a place called Wawanaquiaslck, and from thence
northward to the head of said creek by Major
Abraham Staet's as aforesaid.

Tbis patent excepted Fort Albany and tde
town of Albany, from the southernmost end of
the pasture lying over against the north end of
Martin Garrittson's island to the post on the
north side of the said town, where it was
formerly marked by Gov. Stuyvesant, and so
backward into the woods northwest 16 English
miles.

THE CONDITION OF THE PROVINCE IN 1678.

It should be remembered that the English dis-
possessed the Dutch, in 1664, of New Nether-
land, as their possessions in America were
called. However, the Dutch, in turn, wrested
the province from the English in 1672, but who,
by the treaty of Westminster, restored it again
to the English in 1674.

Major Edmund Andros, having received the
appointment of governor of the province, he,
in 1678, made a report respecting the condition
and growth of the province of New York,
which, although it shows that little attention
was paid to orthography and punctuation, is so
full of important information as makes It quite
interesting. The governor says :

Albany is a smale long stockadoed forte with
foore bastions in it, 12 gunns, sutScient agt In-
dians.

The Militia is about 3,000, of wch about 140
horse in three troopes the foote formed into com-
panyes, most under 100 men each all indifferently
armed with fire-annes of all sizes.

Our principal places of Trade are New Torke and
Sonth'ton except Albany for the Indyans, our
buildings most wood, some lately stone & brick,
good country houses & strong of their several!
kindes.

Wee have about 34 townes, villlages or parishes
in Six PreclnotB, Divisions, Rydelngs. or Courts of
Sessions.

Our Merch'ts are not many but with inhabitants
A planters about 2,000, able to beare armes, old
inhabitants of the place or of England, Except in
& neere New Torke of Dutch Extraction A
some few of all nations, but few serv'ts, much
wanted & but very few slaves.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OP RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Ministers have been soe scarce and Religions
many that noe acot eann be (riven of Children's
births or christenings.

Scaroity of Ministers and Law admitting mar-
riages by Justices, noe acct can be given of the
numtier marryed.

Noe acct can be given of burialls, formes of burlalls
not being generally observed & few ministers
till very lately.

A mercht worth 1,000 lb. or SOD lb. is accompted a
good substantial! merchant and a planter worthe
haUe that in moveables accompted with all the
Estates may be valued att about £1SO,000.

There may lately have traded to ye CoUony In a
yeare from tenn to fifteen shipps or vessells of about
together 100 tunns each, English new England and
our owne buUt of wch 5 small shipps and a Ketch
now belonging to New Torke foure of them built
there.

There are Religions of all sorts, one Church of
England, Several Presbiterians and Independents,
Quakers & Anabaptists of Several sects, some
Jews but presbiterians & Independts most nu-
merous & Substantiall.

The Duke malntaines a chapllne woh is all the
certaine allowance or Church of England, but peo-
ples free gifts to ye Ministry, and all places ob-
Udged to build Churches & provide for a minis-
ter, in woh most very wanting, but presbiterians
& Independts desierous to have and maintaine
them if to be had. There are abt 30 Churches or
Meeting places of wch above halfe vacant their al-
lowance like to be from 40Ib to 701b a yeare and a
house and garden. Noe Beggars but all poore
cared ffor. If good Ministers could be had to go
thelther might doe well & galne much upon
those people.

It has been estimated that in proportion to
the number of militia that the population of
the province in 1678 must have been about
20,000. A few years afterward the shipping
numbered 10 three-masted vessels, 20 sloops,
and several ketches.

THE PBOTINCE OP NEW TOBK DIVIDED INTO
COUNTIES.

, The first assembly convened in the province
of New York, then a dependency of Charles
II. of England, held its first session at Hamp-
stead on the 17th of October, 1683.

"The act to divide this province and de-
pendencies Into shires and countyes" was
passed by tUs assembly. The preamble to the
bill reads:

Having taken into conslderacon the necessity of
dividing the province into respective countys for
the better governing and settling courts in the
same:

Bee it enacted by the Govemour, Counoell, and
Representatives, and by the authority of the same,
Thatt the said province be divided into twelve
countys, as followeth :

The counties as mentioned in the act were : " The
oltty and county of New Torke ;" " the county of

Westchester;" "the county of Ulster;" "the
county of Albany;" "the Butchesses county;"
" the county of Orange ;" " the county of Rich-
mond;" "King's county;" "Queen's county;"
"the county of Suffolk ;" " Duke's county ;" and
" the county of Cornwall."

The county of Albany, erected by this act,
embraced the following portion of the territory
of the province :

The county of Albany to conteyne the towne of
Albany, the colony of Bensselaerwyck, Schonecte-
da, and all the villages, neighbourhoods and Chris-
tian plantacons, on the east side of Hudson's
river, from Roelef Jansen's Creeke, [six miles be-
low Hudson city] and on the west side from Saw-
yer's Creeke to the Saraagbtoga, [Saratoga.]
THE FREEHOLDERS OF RENS3ELAERWTCK.

As the county of Rensselaer is part of the
territory embraced in the manor of Rensselaer-
wyck, it is interesting to know what methods
were first adopted to give the manor a repre-
sentation in the general assembly, and to pro-
vide for its inhabitants the necessary officers
for the management of its local affairs. "An
act tor defraying the common and necessary
charge, in the manor of Rensselaerwyck, in
the county of Albany, passed August 4, 1705,
permitted the freeholders of the manor to elect
and choose yearly, and every year, one super-
visor, one treasurer, one assessor and one col-
lector for the said manor."

The second section of the same bill recites
" that the wages and charge of their representa-
tive, or deputy in general assembly," should be
"ten shillings per diem," and that the inhabit-
ants should " be liable to defray the wages and
charge of their own representative or deputy."

In 1714 there were in the manor of Rensselaer-
wyck 427 white persons and 181 slaves ; making
a popolatidn of 608 persons.

In a return made on the 11th of Jane, 1720,
by Gerrit Van Schaick, sheriff of the city and
county of Albany, is preserved the names of all
the freeholders in the colony of Rensselaer-
wyck, As many of the present residents of
Rensselaer county are descendants of the per-
sons named in this early census report, it may
be well to mention them in this connection:
Wouter Barheyt, Andries Huyck,

Johannis Valkenburgh, Maes Van Buren,
Jno. Barheyt, Com'lis Van Vechten,

Isaac Van Alstine, Jonat. Wltbeek,

Jacob Schermerhom, Martin Vanburen.
Jacob Schermerhorn, jr., Barent Geritse,
Johns Ouderkirk, Jan Witbeck,

Claes Oardineer, Jonas Dow.

Andries Gardinier, FolcortDow,

Hend. Valkenburgh, Jno. Van Vechten,

Jacob Valkenburgh, Gerrit Lansen,

Tho. Witheek. Volcort Van Vechten,

Luykas Witbeek, Melgert Vandense,

Solomon Van Vechten, Rut Vandense,
Cap. Hendrick Van Ren- Daniell Winne,

selaer, Gerrit Van Wie,

Philip Foreest, Jan Van Wie,

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTY.

SCartln Van Alstine,
Albert Roolifae,
Haite Van AJstme, jnnr.
Jno. Fonda,
Derrick Yanderhyden,
Qerrit Yandenbergb,
Albert Brat,
ComellB Yan Alstlne,
Johns. Wendell,
Jan Yan Alstyne,
Adrian Oothoat,
Peter Coyeman,
Barent Staats,
Andries Coyeman,
Samnell Coyeman,
Jno. Wltbeek,
Coonrod Hoophteellng,
Storm Backer,
Jno. Backer,
Hendrick Yan Wyen,
Wm. Yan Alen,
Jaac. Falkenburgh,
Phillip Wendell,

Claea.

GeiTit Yandenbergb,
Hendr. Dow.
Albert SUneerlant,
Svert Banker,
Wouter Vanderse, '
KllUan Yanderse, v
Johannis Appel,
Peter Hnsyele,
Derrick Bagodom,
Andries Brat,
Storm Brat,
Ome. Legrange,
Jotms. Legrange,
Johannis Simouse,
Nicos. Grewsbeek,
Jno. Oothont,
Mindert Harselis,
Jacob Lansen.
Abram Ouderkirk,
Peter Sohnyler. Esqr.,
Abram Wendell,
William Eetlyne,
Francs Pryn,
Bo vie.

SLAVES AUK SLAVB LAWS.

Slaves were first brought into the New Neth-
erland by the Datcb, under the granting power
of the charter of liberties of 1629. When the
English became possessed of the territory, they,
by importations from Africa, further perpetu-
ated slavery and protected It by different laws.
"Forasmuch," reads an act passed by the gen-
eral assembly, October 89, 1730, " as the num-
ber of .slaves in the cities of New York and
Albany, as also within the several counties,
towns and manors within this colony doth daily
increase, and that they have oftentime been
guilty of confederating together in running
away, and of other ill and dangerous practices,"
it is unlawful "for above three slaves to
meet together at any time," or " at any other
place than when it shall happen they meet in
some servile employment for their masters' or
mistresses' profit, and by their masters' or mis-
tresses' consent, upon penalty of being whipt
upon the naked back, at the discretion of any
one justice of the peace, not exceeding forty
lashes."

The act further provided that each town and
manor might appoint a common whipper for
their slaves, who was to be paid a sum of money
" not to exceed three shillings per head." Five
pounds was the penalty for harboring a slave
for every 24 hours. Free negroes for entertain-
ing slaves had to pay a penalty of £10. This
was in the fourth year of the reign of George

in.

In the act for granting to his majesty the
several duties and importations on goods, wares
and merchandises imported into the colony,
passed December 12, 1753, it was provided there
should be paid " for every negro, mulatto or
other Slave, of four years old and upwards, im-
ported directly from Africa, five ounces of
Sevil, FiUar or Mexico plate, or forty shillings
in bills of credit made current in this colony."

To avoid and clear up disputes that might
happen concerning this duty on slaves, it was
further provided ' ' that all slaves imported from
Africa, in the same vessel which took them on
board on any part of that coast," should pay
no duty greater than 40 shillings, " tho» such ves-
sel had stopp'd at, or entered in any other port
or ports, before her arrival at New York," pro-
vided the master or mate, and some other offi-
cer which came in such vessel from A&ica,
" made oath before the treasurer of the colony
that the slave or slaves so imported had been
actually taken on board of that vessel on the
coast of Africa."

FAIRS AND COUBTS OF PTPOWDBK.

The holding of fairs and markets In each
city and county throughout the province of
New York was as early as the year 1692, com-
manded by law. An act passed by the general
assembly March 8, 1773, directed that there
should be held in the city and county of Albany,
two fairs yearly ; the first fair to be kept at
Albany, commencing on the third Tuesday of
July and ending on the Friday following ; the
second to be held at CrawUer in Rensselaer-
wyck, commencing on the third Tuesday in
October and ending on the Friday following.
These fairs or public markets brought together
the country people, and were made not only
occasions of pleasurable reiinions and of re-
laxation from toil, but also opportunities for
the sale of produce, cattle, clothing and other
articles. The fair was kept open from 10 o'clock
in the morning until sunset.

The governor of the province issued a com-
mission to a proper person who acted as ruler
of the fair and who was also delegated to hold
courts of pypowder, as was the custom at fairs
in England.

As explained by Blackstone the lowest and at
the same time the most expeditions court of
justice known to the law of England was " the
court of piepoudre, ewria pedis pulverizati; sa
called from the dusty feet of the suitors ; or ac-
cording to Sir Edward Coke, because justice is
there done as speedily as dust can fall from the
foot; upon- the same principle that justice
among the Jews was administered in the gate
of the city, that the proceedings might
be more speedy as well as public. But
the etymology given us by a learned mod-
em writer is much more ingenious and satisfac-
tory ; it being derived, according to him, from
pied piddreavx (a peddler, in old French), and
therefore signifying the court of such petty
chapmen as resort to fairs or markets. It is a
court of record, incident to every fair and mar-
ket ; of which the steward of him who owns or
has the toll of the market is the judge, and its

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

juriBdlction extenda to administer justice for all
commercial injuries done in that very fair or
market, and not in any preceding one.

THE DIVIBION OF ALBANY COXJNTY.

When the province of New York in 1683 was
divided Into counties, Albany county embraced
more territory than all the remaining portion of
the province. By an act of general assembly,
passed March 12, 1772, Albany county was
divided into three counties : Albany, Tryon and
Charlotte. On the 24th of the same month it
was divided into districts, among which were
the district of Rensselaerwyck, Schactekoke dis-
trict and the Hoosic district.

By an act, dated March 7, 1788, entitled " An
act for dividing the state into comities," 16
counties were included within the boundaries
of New York, namely : New York, Albany,
Suffolk, Queens, Kings, Richmond, Westches-
ter, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Wash-
ington, OUnton, Montgomery, Cumberland and
Gloucester.

The state convention which assembled at
Poughkeepeie on the 17th of June, 1788, took
into consideration the ratification of the pres-
ent constitution of the United States. On the
a6th of July the question was voted upon and
was carried by a majority of three. The poli-
tics of this body of delegates was distinguished
by certain principles known as federal and anti-
federal.

THE KBBGTION OF BENSSELAEB COUKTT.

Rensselaer county was erected under "An
act for apportioning the representation in the
legislatore according to the rules prescribed by
the constitution, and for dividing the county of
Albany," passed February 7, 1791.

The act provides " that the towns of Cam-
bridge and Easton, in the county of Albany,
shall be and hereby are annexed to and shall
hereafter be considered as part of the county of
Washington, and that all that part of the
leaidue of the said county of Albany which is
on the east side of a line drawn through the
middle of the main stream of Hudson's river,
with such variations as to include the islands
lying nearest to the east bank thereof, shall be
one separate and distinct county, and be called
and known by the name of Rensselaer."

A court of common pleas and a court of gen-
eral sessions of the peace were to be held at
such places as should be designated by the
judges of the court of common pleas
and such justices of the peace as should
be appointed. The first term of the
courts of common pleas and general ses-
sions of the peace were to begin on the first
Tuesday in May and might "continue to be

held until the Saturday following inclusive,"
and the second term, on the second Tuesday of
November and " might continue to the follow-
ing Saturday inclusive."

The act also made it lawful for all courts and
officers in the said counties, in all cases, civil
and criminal, to confine their prisoners in the
gaol of the county of Albany until gaols should
be provided in the said counties.

The act divided the state into four great dis-
tricts, namely, southern, middle, western and
eastern districts. The eastern district compre-
hended the counties of Columbia, Rensselaer,
Washington and Clinton.

The senatorial representation of the districts
was southern 8, middle 6, western 5 and east-
em 5.

The number of members of assembly to be
elected in each county was : The city and coun-
ty of New York 7, Suffolk 4, Queens 3, Kings 1,
Richmond 1, Westchester 5, Dutchess 7,
Ulster 5, Orange 3, Columbia 6, Rensselaer 5,
Washington 4, city and county of Albany 7,
Saratoga 4, Montgomery 7 and Ontario 1.

THE FIRST COUNTT OFFIOEBS.

The first officers of Rensselaer county as-
sembled at Lansingburgh, at the inn of Ana-
nias Flatt, on Tuesday, April 15, 1791, and
there took the necessary oaths of office, and ap-
pointed Tuesday, the third day of May, for the
sitting of the first court.

The following persons were the first county
officers in 1791 :

First Jtatye— Anthony Ten Eyok.

Judgee—Sobn Van Rensselaer, Israel Thompson,
Robert Woodworth and Jonathan Brown.

Assistant Justices— Jobn Eniokerbacker, Jr., John
W. Schermerbom, Jonathan Nlles, Benjamin
Hicks, Nicholas Staats, Robert Montgomery, Hoss
Kent and John E. Van Alen.

Justices of the Peoee— Anthony Ten Eyck, John
Van Rensselaer, Israel Thompson, Robert Wood-
worth, Jonathan Brown, John Eniokerbacker, Jr.,
John W. Schermerhom, Jonathan Niles, Benjamin
Hicks, Nichola^Staats, Robert Montgomery, Moss
Kent, John E. Van Alen, Levlnus Lansing, Jonah
Martin, Hosea Mofflt, Daniel B. Bradt, Joseph
Spencer, Bavid Brown, Moses VaO, James Mo-
Kbwn, Abner Newton, Stephen Gorham, Jacob
Van Alstyne, Ephraim Morgan, Josiah Masters,
Gerritt Winne, Jacob A. Lansing, Rowland Hall,
Hezeklah Hull, William Douglas, Daniel Gray,
Jonas Odell, Benjamin Randall, Benjamin Hanks,
Barman Van Vecbten, Benjamin Milks, Ebenezer
Darling, Jacob Van der Heyden, jr., John C. Scher-
merhom and Nathaniel Jacobs.

Sarroffote— Moss Kent.

5?ie?^— Albert Pawling.

7Vea»arer— Aaron Lane.

Cawniy cfert— Nicholas Schuyler.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

C!iwwi«r»— Silas Weeks, Abraham Ten Eyok,
John De Wandelaer, James Smith and Aaron
Ostrander.

THE SITTING OF THE FIBBT COimT.

There being no county buildings and no par-
ticular site determined upon for their erection,
tbe county clerk's office was first located in
Lansingburgh in a house previously occupied
by N. Jacobs, near that of Col. John Van Rens-
selaer.

The brief record of the minutes of the first
session of the court of common pleas is the fol-
lowing:

Hat Term, 1791.— At a court of common pleas
' held for the county of Rensselaer at Lansingburgh,
on the first Tuesday in Hay, 1791, at the house of
Ananias Flatt. Present: Honorable Anthony Ten
Eyok, Esq., first judge ; John Van Bensselaer,
Israel Thompson, Robert Woodworth, Jon'n
Brown, Esq'rs., judges; Benjamin Hicks, Rob't
Hontgomery, Hoss Kent, Esq'rs., assistant jus-
tices.

On an application of Hr. John Woodworth to be
examined as to his learning and ability to practice
as an attorney and coimselor of this court—

Ordered, That the said John Woodworth be ex-
amined accordingly by Gnert Van Schoonhoven,
John D. Diclcinson and Corn's Van Derbergh in the
presence of the judges of this court.

On motion of Hr. Ten Brook and others for
leaye to be admitted to practice as a counsellor
and attorney in this court on producing their com-
missions from the supreme court, which commis-
sions being produced, ordered that the following
persons be admitted and they were sworn ac-
cordingly : Dirck Ten Brook, Hoss Kent, John V.
Henry, Peter D. V'n Dyck, Ab'm Hun, John Waters
Yates, Nlch's Funda, Guert Wendall, JohnD. Dick-
inson, Gnert V'n Sohoonhoven, Corn's V'n Der-
bergh, John Lovett, Peter E. Elmendorf .

On motion of Hr. Dickinson, in favor of John
Woodworth that this court approve his examina-
tion and he be admitted to practice as a counsellor
and attorney therein. Ordered that he be ad-
mitted and sworn.

William Fenshaw vs. Joseph Kline : A plaint to
the sheriff in this cause with a return of replevin
was made and filed.

On motion of Hr. Dickinson, attorney for plain-
tiff ordered that this cause be entered and the de-
fendant appear and answer, etc., or that an at-
tachment issue against him. Defendant appeared
by Hoss Kent, his attorney.

Thirty-three rules and orders, at this point,
were adopted by the court, to be " observed by
all the officers thereof." The second cause be-
fore the court was that of

Nathaniel Hann vs. Aaron B. Himnan and Livi
nus Lansing, administrators of Gideon HlnmiiTi
Hr. Woodworth, attorney for the plaintiff. The
defendants appeared by John D. Dickinson, their
attorney.

Tbe next actions were :

John Harbeck vs. William Houlton. Hoss Kent
for the plaintiff and John D. Dickinson for the de-
fendant.

Frederick Butler vs. Jehiel Galpln. John D.
Dickinson for the plaintiff and Gnert Van Schoon-
hoven for the defendant.

It was directed by the court " that a seal be
made for the county of Rensselaer and be af-
fixed by the clerk of the court to all process and
records thereof to authenticate the same, and
that the device be a plough, with the words
' Rensselaer county seal' engraved round the
edge thereof."

Court adjourned till 10 o'clock to-morrow morn-
ing.

The court the next morning, the 4th of Hay, met
according to adjournment, all the judges and Jus-
tices being present.

On motion of Hr. Dickinson, for leave that San-
ders Lansing and Francis Silvester be admitted to
practice as counsellors and attorneys in this conrt,
on producing their licenses in the supreme oonrt,
leave was granted accordingly and they were ad-
mitted and sworn.

The conrt then adjourned till 8 o'clock in the
afternoon. The conrt having assembled it ad-
journed tUl 10 o'clock in the next morning.

The only business recorded on Friday was :

Ordered, That this conrt stands adjourned to the
second Tuesday in November next, then to meet
at the house of Stephen Ashley In the town of
Troy.

THE FntST CENSUSES OF BENSSELAER OOUNTT.

On March 3, 1795, the legislature ordered a
census to be taken of the freeholders in the
state having property valued at £20 and up-
wards, also of persons renting tenements at a
yearly rent of 40 shillings. The census taken
that year under the act was the first enumera-
tion of the people in the county of Rensselaer.
It was as follows :

A general acoount of the number qf eUctori in M<
counti/ of Setuseiaer motdejfom the returns deliv-
ered mto the secretary's <mce of the slate <if New
York pursuant to an act etMOed an act for vMng a
census in this state, passed theSd<tf March, 1795 :

^§ :

^-§:

•OOD •

till

TOWNS.

si :

fi i

S** :

lis

illl

Troy

358

132

Oreenbush

198

Scbodack

206

158

Stephentown

339

186

119

Petersbugb

278

206

HooBlck

1S4

909

Plttatown

242

156

Scbaghtlcoke

106

112

1,900

413

1,217

HISTORY or THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

In 1801 a second census was taken, which ex-
hibits the number of freeholders as follows :

A general account of the number of electors in the
- " ■ • ■ .(tu ■

_. Jienfselaer, tnade from the returns deliv-
ered into the secretary's office of the state qf New
Tm% pursuant to an act entitled '■'■An act for
teeing a cenms in this state." Passed 7th April,
1801

TOWNB.

it
=1

i,*J°

lectors n
frecliolds
value of
der £100

lectors n
of f reeho
rent tene
yearly va

8chagbtlaoke

Schodack

18S

34!

117

Hooslck

338

195

Stcphentown

420

158

Troy

478

252

Plttstown

294

138

GreenbuBh

357

Pcteraburgh

3S7

819

2,79C 842 1,846

The third census that of 1807 gives the follow-
ing enumeration :

EETUBN OF ELECTOK6 IN THE COUNTY OF RENSSE-
LAER.

•SS :

■ss

a '

^2 2 :

Soo :

possess
8, but w
eiits of t
e of 40s

'A ■

ISSEH

So**

lectors n
of frecho
rent tone
yearly va

Schodack

297

155

Stephentown

241

145

Petersburgh

132

Grecnbush

414

130

Troy

303

268

Schaghtlcoke

FIttslown

213

313

105

Hooslck

254

169

Lanslngburgh

124

Brunswick

204

113

Grafton

1.14

Berlin

243

118

PMllpstown

831

8,103 123 1,502

The town of Nassau, formed March 31, 1806,
was first known by the name of Philipstown,
until April 6, 1808, when the former name was
adopted.

The fourth census of 1811 exhibits the fol-
lowing enumeration :

BETUBN OP ELECTORS (AND OTBER INHABITANTS) IN
THE COUNTY OF BENSSELAEB.

H 05 03 IB t» ►tj >fl a IT" a

lOCtJ

cc «o cc td to to M CO H> A3 i-t ts ^s ^s
i-> aa •-' re » CO 00 o CO -} )&> CO w «s
oa<i-jig;penDCOOi-'Oio5oc

i(^ CO t-i CO CO CD •(• 3 K< ;o >i m •

•lA3OXC0CCMl-*-aOrfi.O-IW

o *L> 3D «.i o CO c:i -1 CO -1 )^ a> C7I en

gc )^«3 Cp to 1^ ;D U •j iF^ tC CO CD CR
^OCCiXCCI-'-.thJ.fr--3-J«^ac

-.1 CO «k. •£> pi 1^ M >U ^S itk M CO GO CO

03 CDOICJl £. 03 lO CO » Ur X Cb 2^ O

KJMMMt-itC MMIO Wt-M
h^ 33 X -^l CD p h-i «1 tC O CD 33 1(> if^

o o to M --1 cor^ to to ocn oo>t IE

o) 1^ ut iCk ^ it. CO A. ^s oi >~* tC>- M CO

cQdoi&.ib.>icoi(^u-JoeDo^o
05xoMCP3>-'ii-'>-'aiogoaD-3

*». » 03 to CO CO i-i to W M ^-i to tC M

"cpWN-mTo't-i'V-iVj'b'tocowio'eD
f^ i£. (s )[• CO p a: if>> m o ^ CO CO CJ1
MOOD <i CO w H» -a o moD 03 com

Electors possessed of
freeholds of tbe value
of £100

Electors posBessed of
freeholds of the value
of £20 and under £100.

Electors not posses-
sed of freeholds, but
who rent tenements of
the yearly value of 408.

Free white males under
18 years of age

Free white males of the
age of 18 years and un-
der 45 years

Free white males of the
age of 45 years and up-
wards

Free white females un-
der 18 years of age

Free white females of
the age of 18 years and
under 45 years

Free white females of
the age of 45 years and
upwards

All other free persons. . .

Slaves. .

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF KENSSELAKK COUNTY.

CHAPTER II.

THE TOWN OF TROY.

The Great Meadow Ground of the Indians — Irs first Dutch Set-
tlers Massacred — Peter Van Woggelum's Transport — Army of
the North at Van Schaick's Island — The Nederduitsch of the
Upper Hudson — The little Hamlet of Ferry Hook — Remark-
able Prophecy concerning Troy — A Thousand Pounds for the
County Seat — The Erection of the First Court House — A
Public Whipping Post and Stocks.

The art ot writing has become a great bles-
sing to man. What innumerable controversies
would arise to disturb his peace and to dis-
possess him of his property had he not some
written instrument providing him with the
proper proof of his ownership and giving him
the sole privilege of the use of the thing held
by him. He is conscious that the details of a
business transaction when written out and
properly attested are of a more satisfying
character than when they are intrusted to the
remembrance of witnesses. It is this pecu-
liarity of man that has left to our examina-
tion in the offices of county clerks and the de-
partments of state a multitude of well pre-
served papers relating to the acquirement and
the disposal of landed property from a very
early period of our history to the present time.
For onr further enlightenment respecting the
situation, limits and designations of such estate
. these valuable papers are frequently accom-
panied with maps, some of which topographi-
cally exhibit the special features of the terri-
tory referred to.

FAFBAETS DAEL.

Washington Irving in his humorous descrip-
tion of the early settlers of New Netherland
misleads his readers into a belief that the Dutch
were a very dull and ridiculous class of people.
The radiant glory of the grand achievements of
the Dutch nation which threw its effulgence
over Europe in the seventeenth century is the
contradiction to any error of opinion founded
on the burlesque of this highly honored Ameri-
can writer. The practical shrewdness of the

Hollanders is most notable in the enormous
profits of their great commercial companies
— ^the East India and the West India com-
panies.

Eiliaen Van Rensselaer and his associated
partners, Samuel Goodyn, Samuel Bloemmaert
and John De Laet, the proprietors of the terri-
tory of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, were as
enterprising in their efforts to settle colonists
in America as any of the men in our day who
have amassed wealth by speculations in landed
property. And it is quite interesting to know
how they accomplished their purpose and by
what means they induced the people of Holland
to emigrate to this newly discovered country
and begin the cultivation of the wild land lying
within the limits of the manor, which they named
Kensselaerwyck. If we study the oldest and
the rarest map of this particular tract, or rather
tracts of land, made by Gillis Van Schendel in
1630, we will perceive that they gave certain
divisions of the territory possessed by them
very flattering designations, and which no doubt
captivated the minds of those persons who
sailed from Holland to seek and settle upon the
land whose fertility was so highly praised.

Ihfraets dael, the paradise of a lazy man, is
the attractive title they bestowed upon the ter-
ritory now occupied by the city of Troy. The
land on the west side of the Noord rivier they
denominated Weelys dad, a valley of luxuri-
ance.

There was, however, more of fact than of
fancy in these names. The virgin soil was sur-
prisingly fertile, game of all kinds abounded in

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

the greatest plenty, fish of finest flavor were to
be caught in the streams, and the woods were
dark with the thick foliage of stately and use-
ful trees.

On the north side of an unnamed water course,
fliat no doubt was Intended to Indicate the
creek which we now call the Poesten Idll, is the
marked site of an Indian stronghold, designated
Umanatt Canteel, probably one belonging to the
last of the Mohegans, a tribe of Indians once in-
habiting the east bank of the Hudson river.
On what appears to be Haver Island, is another
Indian fortification, named Monomins Caateel.
This stronghold may have been in the posses-
sion of the Mohawks, dwelling along the Mo-
hawk river, or rather the Maquas river, as it
was then called.

The three islands opposite the site of the
Bessemer steel works, are named Bloemaert's
Eylanden, Bloemaert's islands. Where now is
the city of Albany, a mark is given, which is
called Fort Orange. On the opposite and west
side of the river, the site of Greenbush, is
De iMtfii Eyland and just below is a stream,
which was Jh LaePs Mauten kill ende watervall,
De Laet's mill creek and waterfall.

The second branch of the Mohawk river is
called Smtidaer's kUl ende watervall, Rensselaer's
creek and waterfall. The third and fourth
aproDts of the Mohawk are each denominated
teater vaU, waterfall.

THE SITE OF TBOT PUKCHASED FSOM THE
INDIANS.

The Indians who claimed the territory, — the
site of the city of Troy, — by right of posses-
sion, it seems, could not resist the temptations
which the acquisitive Hollanders placed before
them In order to obtain the property right of
their land, which they desired for agricultural
purposes. In the oflice of the secretary of the
Btate is preserved the record of the purchase
from the Indians of the land now occupied by
the city of Troy, and as it is a very brief instru-
ment, and has never been published, as we be-
lieve, it may be a pleasure to the readers of the
Troy Itaily Times to peruse it :

A Confirmacon Oraunted unto Sweer Theunissen of
a P'ceU of Land lying neer Albany :

Richard NichoUs Esq &c Whereas there is a Cer-
tain P'ceU of Land lying neer Albany on the other
side af the Creek or Kill beginning from the Mill
on the Creek and to goe on over the Sd Creek unto
the Qreat Meadow Qround whereabout sixty-six
paces the Trees are markt which Sd F'cell of Land
was In the Yeare 1659 Purchased of the Indyan
Proprietrs by Jan Barentsen Wemp with the
Leave and Consent o5-Jan Baptist Van Renselaer
and Arent Van Corlaer Now the Title and Interest
with Sd Land being devolved upon Sweer Theunis-
sen who hath Harried the Widdow and liellct of

the f orenamed Jan Barentsen Wemp Now for a Con-

firmacon &c The Patent is Dated the 13th of Apr

1667:

I do hereby Certify the aforegoing to be a true
Copy of the Original Becord Compared there-
witli By Me Lewis A. Scon, Secretary.

Brodhead, in his history of the state of New
York, referring to the last purchase of land
made by the agent of Eiliaen Van Rensselaer,
March 13, 1652, says :

He [Brandt Van Slechtenhorst] had Just pur-
chased for his patron two large additional tracts on
the east side of the river ; one called " Paanpaack,' '
including the site of the present city of Troy, and
another farther north, called " Par^Monc."

Comparing this statement with the record in
the office of the secretary of state, it is seen
that the two contradict one another. The first
asserts that Jan Barentsen Wemp purchased
the ground from the Indian proprietors with
the lease and consent of Jan Baptist Van Rens-
selaer and Arent Van Corlaer, and that the pur-
chase was made in the year 1659.

Several writers, upon what authority it is not
known, have accepted the word " Bianpaaek" aa
being an Indian designation. Further, in using
it, they assert that its meaning is, " the field of
standing com." From personal inquiry, the
writer of the present article, has found the per-
sons employing the term unable to give any
other reference than that which has already
been carefully quoted from the history of the
state of New York, by Brodhead. This writer
makes no declaration that it is an Indian term,
nor does he give it any interpretation.

Instead of being an Indian designation it has
every evidence that it is a Dutch compound of
the two words I\mi, a ferry, and Bicht or i^<,
a farm, a ferry-farm. The pronunciation of
Bianpaaek and of Pantrpaeht is phonetically
similar. The fact that from a very early date
the farm of the Van der Heyden family, and,
perhaps, when the same was previously owned
by Peter Van Woggleum, had a ferry belonging
to it, seemingly corroborates the correctness of
a conclusion that the names used by Brodhead
are of Dutch derivation. Apparently in the
same way the word JbttAoosic had its derivation :
Pont, a ferry, and Woestijne or Woexlenij, a wil-
derness, a ferry in a wilderness, or where the
country is uncultivated.

THE EABLT SETTLEBS ALONG THE POESTEN KILL.

In the clerk's office of Albany county are seven
volumes of early records written in what is called
"black Dutch." These unique volumes em-
brace in their contents a variety of papers rela-
ting to the transfer of real and personal prop-
erty, contracts, proposals and other transac-
tions made by the early inhabitants of Beaver-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENS3ELAEB COUNTY.

wyck and of the manor of Rensselaerwyck.
Certain papers belonging to other records dis-
close the manner in which the land acquired by
Sweer Theunissen by marriage was subdivided
and sold. It appears that a Hollander named
Pieter Adriaens, either by inheritance or pur-
chase, became owner of a piece of ground in
Lubbede's land, as the territory whereon Troy
now stands was called, which he on the 11th of
February, 1669, conveyed to his son Reter
Pieterse. It is designated as "a certain lot,
with a part of a garden, and the fruit trees,
standing and lying on Lubbede's land in the
colony of Rensselaerwyck, according to the
proofs of his title existing, stretching along and
adjoining the lot of Barent Pieterse, the same
in length and breadth, as it lies in fence."

According to another record " Sweer Theu-
nissen, husbandman, dwelling in the Colonic
Bensselaerswyck," acknowledges that he is
"indebted to Geertruyt Barents, wife of Jacob
Heven, in the number of fourteen whole and
merchantable beaver skins, for money disbursed
and merchandise received." For the payment
of this debt and interest thereon on the 27th of
May, 1669, he pledges "his two lots lying at
Lubberde land, in the occupation of Jacob
Heven."

Besides his former grant of land, Sweer Theu-
nissen, on the ISth of June, 1669, received an-
other portion from Madame Johanna Ebbink,
the heiress of John De Laet, one of the four co-
partners of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, which land
is designated as the granter's certain lot, to the
west the river, lying between Hendrick Reurand
and said Sweer Theunissen at Lubbede land in
the colony Rensselaerswyck, according to the
description thereof made in the contract with
his predecessor Jan BarentseWemp, deceased."

A certain Dirk Hesseling makes an acknowl-
edgment that he has transferred to Jacob Heven
" two certain lots of land lying in the colony of
Rensselaerswyck, the one before this belonging
to Dirk Van Schelluyne, which devolved upon
him by commission of the honorable court, by
virtue of an execution of date the 17th of June,
1670, and the other before this belonging to
Hendrick Reur, deceased, and by the late
director Mons. Jeremias Van Rensselaer, sold at
public sale, of which the granter remained the
highest bidder and buyer, according to the
vendue book in the custody of the vendue mas-
ter, Mons. Provoost, of date the 9th of July,
1670."

HOW THE WYNAUT'S KILL GOT ITS NAME.

Another conveyance shows that the creek
south of the Poesten kill received its name from
the purchaser of a saw mill erected on its banks.
This paper bears date of October 18, 1674, and

recites that " Geertruyt Pieterse, late widow of
Abraham Pieterse Vosburgh, deceased," grants
to " W^ynant Gerritse Van der Poel, her half of
the saw mill, lying in the colony Bensslers-
wyck, on the east bank, opposite the bouwery
of Mr. Philip Schuyler, standing on the kill,
which lies on the south side of the bouwery of
Mr. Jeronimus Elbingh, with all the tools thereto
belonging "

A record of a later date establishes the fact
that on the Poesten kiU, Sweer Theunissen had
built a saw mill, which he on the 25th of June,
1675, sells to Jan Comelise Vyselaer, and Lucas
Pieterse. In addition to the " saw mill, to-
gether with the kill whereon " it stood, he fur-
ther conveys to the same persons " two mor-
gens of arable land lying In the colony Rense-
laerwyck, up the river, on the east bank over
against Stoney point [steene hoeck, now the
site of the "Rock house" in West Troy], before
this called Poesten mill, together with free
egress and a road along the hill, by Pieter Pie-
terse Van Woggelum's, to the shore, as has
been used before this ; which land is a part of
the patent granted to him the grantor, by Qov-
enor Richard Nicols, of date the 13th of April,
A. D., 1667."

On the 7th of July, 1676, " Jeronimus Ebbink,
husband and guardian of Madam Johanna de
Laet," conveys to Jurian Teunisse Tappen "a
certain bouwery, lying in the colony Rensselaers-
wyck, where Jurian aforesaid at present dwells,
with dwelling house, bam and two ricks," * *
" moreover all the land, as well arable as pas-
ture land, as the same lies in fence between two
kills, aU by virtue of the contract and convey-
ance thereof, passed between Mr. Jeremias Von
Renselaer, deceased, late director of the colony
before named, and Madam Johanna De Laet for
her tenth part, being the just tenth part of the
colony, the same being of date of the Slst of
June, 1674." The aforesaid bowery, " together
with horses, cattle, house and bam, grain
sowed, and all that is thereon fast by earth and
nailed" Capt. Philip Pieterse Schuyler pur-
chased of Jurian Teunisse Tappen on the 6th of
November, 1677, for " six hundred merchantable
beaver skins."

A piece of woodland, called Paasquasslck,
which lay south of the Piscawen kill, Peter Van
Woggelum, on the 19th of September, 1681, pur-
chased of Robert Saunders, who held the patent
of Stone Arabia, the site of Lansingburgh. Pre-
vious to this last acquisition of land Peter Van
Woggelum, on the 6th of May, 1679, had become
the sole owner of all the original Wemp property.
It may be here remarked that Sweer Theunissen
is frequently called Sweer Theunissen Van Vel-
sen In some of the old documents.

HISTOKY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

When Sieiir Le Moyne de Sainte Helene with
a i>arty of French and Indians surprised the lit-
tle community of Schenectady in February, 1690,
and massacred the inhabitants, Sweer Theu-
nissen, who had removed thither about the year
1669, was shot and burnt, as also was his wife.
Among the names of those killed is that of
Myndert Wemp, and of those taken prisoners,
that of John Wemp, children likely of Jan Bar-
entsen Wemp. This barbarous and unexpected
attack upon a village so distant from Canada,
in midwinter, created the greatest consterna-
tion among the settlers living along the upper
Hudson.

THE VAN DEK HETDEN PURCHASE.

By virtue of a transport from Peter Van Wog-
gelnm bearing date the 2d day of June, 1707,
which was confirmed by a release of Madam
Maria Van Rensselaer and Hendrick Van Rens-
selaer, two of the executors of the last will and
testament of Eiliaen Van Rensselaer, lord oi
the manor of Rensselaerwyck, bearidg date of
the 15th of December, 1720, Dirck Van der
Heyden became possessed of " all that certain
tract of land" * * » " in the county of Al-
bany on the east side of Hudson's river, about
five miles above the city of Albany, beginning
on the north side of a certain creek called
Poesten creek, where there formerly wa« a saw-
mill (which said mill stood on a straight line 58
chains from the said river)" thence along the
creek to the river, thence along the river " to a
small creek called the Meadow creek," thence
eastwardly into the woods, thence southwardly
"along the west side of the land of Albert
Bratt to the place of beginning, " containing 497
acres and one rood." Dirck Van der Heyden
at the same time also purchased of Peter Van
Woggelum " another parcel of land and meadow
thereunto adjoining, bounded on the north side
by a certain kill or creek known and called by
the name of Piskawen kill, and on the north by
the aforesaid parcel of land, on the west the
river and on the east the hill.

The lease from Maria Van Rensselaer and
Hendrick Van Rensselaer was subject to an an-
nual ground rent, in lieu of all other dues, of
three and three-fourth bushels of wheat, and
two fat hens or capons.

In November, 1731, Dirck Van der Heyden
conveyed the above land to his three sons,
Jacob, David and Mattys.

THE INVASION OF BTTBGOTNB.

In the month of August, 1777, the people of
the manor of Rensselaerwyck became greatly
excited in consequence of the news that Gen.
John Bnrgoyne was rapidly advancing by the
way of Fort Edward with a large body of British

soldiery, Hessian mercenaries and a force of
hostile Indians. It was Burgoyne's intention to
form a junction with that part of the Brit-
ish army commanded by Sir William Howe,
who was to ascend the Hudson and meet him at
Albany. Seemingly assured of accomplishing
this purpose, he wrote to Gen. Howe that he
was Ukely to be in possession of Albany before
the 22d or 23d of the month. Not having a
sufficient force to withstand the advance of the
British Invader, Gen. Philip Schuyler, in com-
mand of the northern department of the
American army, retreated down the river
road, and on the 14th day of the month
encamped his small body of continental
troops upon Haver and Van Schaick islands.
The apparent inability of the American troops
to cope with the British force of Burgoyne spread
a great alarm among the inhabitants of the
frontier towns and among the farmers residing
along the line of Burgoyne's march. The ferry
of the Van der Heyden family became the con-
verging point of the frightened people, who with
their families and flocks were hastening south-
ward to escape massacre and the pillage of their
movable property. The entire country in and
around the confluence of the Mohawk and Hud-
son rivers was filled with stories of burned
homes, of desolated and destroyed households,
of inhuman cruelties, of plunder and of brutal
outrages. Having taken the old Van Schaick
household for his headquarters. General
Schuyler ordered the construction of a
formidable line of earthworks along the
northeastern and northwestern sides of
Haver island, in order to defend the
approaches to the fords at Half Moon
Point, as the site of Waterford was then called.
The chief engineer of the army of the north was
the brave Pole, Thaddeus Kosciusko, and under
his superintendence and direction these defen-
sive works were constructed. These remarkably
well-preserved works attest to this day the care
and labor bestowed upon them by the soldiers
of General Schuyler's little army.

GEN. SCHUTI.EB RELIEVED BT OEN. GATES.

It was at Van Schaick's island that General
Horatio Gates relieved General Philip Schuyler
of the command of the army of the northern de-
partment. The apparent want of success of
General Schuyler Induced Congress to make
this change. General Gates two days after as-
suming the command of the department wrote
the following letter to General Washington, then
with the army, in Bucks county, in Pennsylva-
nia:

Head<)Uabtibs, Van Schaick's Island, August
22, Vm.—Sir: Upon my arrival in this department

HISTOEY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

I found the main body of the army encamped npon
Van Schaick's island, which is made by the eprouts
of the Mohawk river joining with the Hudson
river, nine miles north of Albany. A brigade under
Gon. Poor encamped at Loudon's ferry, on the
south bank of the Mohawk river, five miles from
hence ; a brigade under Gen. Lincoln had joined
Gen. Stark at Bennington, and a brigade under
Gen. Arnold marched the 15th inst. to join the mili-
tia of Tryon county, to raise the siege of Fort
Stanwix. Upon leaving Philadelphia the prospect
this way appeared very gloomy; but the severe
clieoks the enemy have met with at Bennington
and in Tryon county have given a more pleasing
view to public affairs. Particular accounts of the
signal victory gained by Gen. Stark, and the severe
blow Gen. Herkimer gave Sir John Johnson and
the scalpers under his command, have been trans-
mitted to your excellency by Gen. Schuyler. I
anxiously expect the arrival of an express from
Gen. Arnold with an account of the total defeat of
the enemy in that quarter. By my calculation he
reached Fort Stanwix the day before yesterday.
Cols. Livingston's and Courtland's regiments ar-
rived yesterday and immediately joined Qeu.
Poor's division. I shall also order Gen. Arnold,
upon his return, to march to that post. I cannot
suflciently thank your excellency for sending Col.
Morgan's corps to this army. They will be of the
greatest service to it, for until the late successes
this way I am told the army were quite panic-
struck by the Indians and their tory and Canadian
assassins in Indian dresses. Horrible, indeed, have
been the cruelties they have wantonly committed
upon many of the miserable inhabitants, insomuch
that it is not fair for Gen. Burgoyne, even if the
bloody hatchet he has so barbarously used should
find its way into his own head. Gov. Clinton wlU
be here to-day. Upon his arrival I shall consult
with him and Gen. Lincoln upon the best plan to
distress, and I hope finally defeat the enemy. I
am sorry to be necessitated to acquaint your ez-
ceUenoy how neglectfully your orders have been
executed at Springfield— few of the militia demand-
ed are yet arrived, but I hear of great numbers
upon the march. Your excellency's advice in re-
gard to Morgan's corps, etc., etc., shall be careful-
ly observed. My scouts and spies inform me that
the enemy's headquarters and main body are at
Saratoga, and that they have lately been repairing
the bridges between that place and StiUwater. As
soon as time and circumstances will admit I shall
send your excellency a general return of this army.
I am, sir, your excellency's most obedient humble
servant, Hobatio Gates.

His Excellency, Gen. Washinqton.

THE MEN OF BATTLE OF 1777.

In these dark and perilous days the men in
the Tillages and upon the farms along the up-
per Hudson took up arms in defense of their
homes, and were found doing duty in the differ-
ent militia regiments of the county. The fol-
lowing return of a brigade of militia of the
county o£ Albany, of which Abraham Ten Bro-

eck was brigadier general, dated Fort ESdward,
July 18, 1777, designates the different com-
manders and the number of men belonging; to
their regiments, at the time Oen. Schuyler had
command of the department of the north :

Bantc ana jilt.

Col. Jacob Lansing's regiment 6S

Col. Abraham Wimple's regiment ISS

Col. FiancisNlcoirs regiment., 00

Col. ElUlan Van Rensselaer's regiment M

Col, Gerric Vandenberg's regiment 48

Col. Stephen J. Schuyler's regiment 191

Col. Robert Van Rensselaer's regiment 109

Col. Abraham Van Alstyne'B re^ment 36

Col. Peter Van Ness's regiment 238

Col. Feter R. Livingstones regiment 100

Col. Anthony Van Borgeu's regiment 6S

Col. Jacobus Van Scboonboren'B regiment., 118

Col. John McCrea'B regiment ISO

Col. Johannes Knickerbocker's regiment 97

Col. Peter Vrooman's regiment S7

Col. William B. Whiting's regiment 207

Total .1,7H

The Lansingborgh company, of which C!ome-

lius Noble was captain, belonged to Stephen J.

Schuyler's regiment.

The army of the North, commanded by Oen.

Horatio Gates, having secured the necessary

munitions, broke camp on September 8 and

marched toward Stillwater, where It arrived the

next day. The force under Oen. Oates at this

time numbered about 6,000 men.

DUTCH NAMES.

The Dutch language, Nederduitack, was at the
time of the war of the revolution Vbs common
vernacular of the people residing along the up-
per Hudson, or the North river, de Noord rivier.
Opposite Oats island, Haver EylatU, was in 1778
de nieuw Stadt, the new city of Lanaingburgh,
which name was used to distinguish it from de
oude Stadt, the old city of Albany, incorporated
In 1686. Opposite the ferry farm, pon^>aeia, of
the Van der Heyden family was Stony Point,
Steene Hoeck, a conspicuous ridge of shale rock
projecting into the river, where now is the ter-
minus of Buffalo street, West Troy, a part of
which forms the foundation of the house stand-
ing on the southeast comer of Buffalo street
and Broadway. The Mohawk river, de Maewae*
rivier, then emptied its water by four branches,
vier spruyteti, into the Hudson. On the island,
between the first and second yn-uyten, was a
green wood of pines, een groen botch, from wliich
Green island took its name. On the site of Troy
were the farm houses, pag/U-hiii2en, of Jacob
Van der Heyden, Dirck Van der Heyden, Hattys
Van der Heyden, and below the Foesten-kill
that of Jan Van Beuren. Still southward, in
the river, were three islands, respectively called
Sucker's, YlacMe and Schuyler's eylants. Here
and there along the river, within inclosed spaces
of land of one or two margens in extent (a mor-
gen being equal to two English acres) was a
farm house built of brick, gebaklcen Oem, baked
stone. From their doors, deurm, one could view

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

the arable land, bouw landt, or the pasture-
gronnd, iiiei4andt, and the adjacent creek, kUl,
that belonged to these farms.

After the surrender of Burgoyne, a sense of
secnrlty came npon these scattered homes. No
longer did the frightfal deeds of Indian massa-
cre disturb their peace, nor a threatened deso-
lation add a burden of fear to their quietude.
The goeden morgen, or goeden avoird or hoe vaart
gij? good morning, or good evening, or bow
d' ye do T of the farmers were now more hearty
and cordial. No longer did they with eager
questioning ask each other, is 'er eening nieuws?
is there any news ?

Although in their bams, schuuren, there was
not as much hay, Aoot, nor as much wheat,
tarxK, nor as much barley, garst, nor in their
corn-lofts as much com, koom, as had been in
them in the winter before the invasion of Bur-
goyne, they were none the less thankful that
there still remained shelter and food sufficient
for their horses, paerden, and cattle, ree, which
they in the summer had driven to hiding places
at the approach of the English invader. Many
of these thrifty farmers with their sons, had
joined the army as Krijgs^oolk, war people, or
militia men, and had there ennobled their hum-
ble service with such conspicuous displays of
unconscious heroism and bravery as to call
forth the personal praise of their commanders
and. comrades. Some less martial had by sub-
stitution sent de negers, the negroes, their
damien, slaves, who were to be seen in battle
fighting as bravely as their white coiapanions
in arms.

FBBBY HOOK.

In 1786 the present site of Troy, known by
the name of Ferry Hook, was occupied by the
tliree farms of Jacob I., Jacob D. and Matthias
Ver der Heyden. The first and eldest, whose
farm extended from where is now Grand Divi-
sion street northward to the Piscawen kill, re-
sided in a small, one-story brick dwelling, a
short remove from the junction of the Hoosick
and Biver roads, where now is the building
known as No. 548 River street, between Hoosick
and Vanderheyden streets.

Jacob D. Van der Heyden, known to the
early inhabitants of the village of Troy as the
"Fatroon," lived in a frame building on the
east side of the River road, now the southeast
comer of Ferry and River streets.

Matthias, the youngest of the three farmers,
dwelt in the old brick building still standing on
the southeast comer of Division and River
streets, whose farm extended southward of the
line of Division street to the Poesten kill. At
this time Lansingburgh, known as New City,
had already grown into a village of some im-

portance. The Van der Heydens, observing the
growing wealth of Abraham J. Lansing, who
had in 1771 divided a part of his farm into
building lots, streets and alleys, and had at-
tracted tliither a number of New England emi-
grants, at length consented to part with por-
tions of their farms to a few of the more per-
sistent and far-seeing Rhode Island and Con-
necticut men who persuaded them to lease,
here and there, along the river bank, a lot suf-
ficient for the erection and accommodation of a
dwelling and a store.

Among the first to secure such a place was
Benjamin Thurber from Providence, Rhode
Island. The following advertisement which
appeared in the Northern Gentind and Lansitiq-
burgh Advertiser, June 4, 1787, manifests the
business which engaged his attention at this
early period in the history of Troy :

Benjamin Thurber Hereby acquaints the Public
tliat he continues to sort his New Cash Store, at the
sign of the Bunch of Grapes at the Fork of
Hoosack Head, near Mr. Jacob Vanderheyden's
with East, West-Indian and European goods of all
kinds. For which he will receive, in lieu of Cash,
black Salts, Shipping Furs, Wheat, Com, Eye, But-
ter, Cheese, Flax and Flax Seed, Tallow, Hogs'
lard, Gammons, Pork, Bees-Wax and old Pewter.
He also continues to receive ashes, as usual, to
supply his new erected Pot and Pearl Ash factory,
and will pearl black Salts in the best manner on
Equitable Terms ; and also will give the highest
Price for black salts.

N. B. — A number of New French Muskets for
sale at the above store.

Following him, came Benjamin Covell from
Providence and secured a lot on the west side
of River street, between Ferry and Division
streets. On his arrival he wrote as follows to
his brother Silas :

Pbrkt Hooe, Nov. 16, 1786.— I arrived here the 2d.
This country is the best for business I ever saw. I
will go into my store the 18th of November ; hired
it for six months for £13 lawful money. Done more
business in one day than in one week in Provi-
dence. The night of the 15th, after sundown, took
in twenty dollars. Got my goods first from Al-
bany, but in the spring will go to New York. I am
one mile from Benjamin Thurber's down the river.
They are all well. I board to Stephen Ashley's,
the same man that I hire of. He appears to be a
clever man, and keeps a large tavern, which is a
great advantage to me. Benj. Coveix.

Capt. Stephen Ashley, to whom Benjamin
Covell refers in his letter, was keeping a tavern
in the old brick building of Matthias Van der
Heyden, standing on the southeast comer of
Division and River streets, at that time t>eing
the east side of the river road.

Dr. Samuel Gale of Killingworth, Conn., was
the next person to come to Ferry Hook, who

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENS8ELAEE COUNTY.

bmilt a residence on the second lot sonth of
the southwest comer of Ferry and River streets.
These early settlers in time attracted other New
Englanders to Ferry Hook, or Aahley's ferry,
as it was sometimes called, in consequence of
Capt. Stephen Ashley having leased the fenry
from Matthias Van der Heyden, and which he
held until the summer of 1788.

Elkanah Watson, returning from a journey
in the West in the fall of 1788, thus wrote in his
journal concerning the little hamlet :

From Schenectady, I passed the road to Ashley's
Ferry, six miles above Albany. On the east side
of the river, at this point, a new town has been
recently laid out, named Vanderheyden. This
place is situated precisely at the head of naviga-
tion on the Hudson. Several bold and enterpris-
ing adventurers have already settled here ; a num-
ber of capacious warehouses and several dwell-
ings are already erected. It is favorably situated
in reference to the important and growing trade
of Vermont and Massachusetts ; and I believe it
not only bids fair to be a serious thorn In the side
of New caty, but in the issue a fatal rival. I
think Vanderheyden must, from its more eligible
■ position, attain ultimate ascendancy.

In consequence of the unanticipated rapid
growth of the little hamlet which had for sev-
eral years been known under different names,
the enterprising settlers assembled together on
Monday evening, January 5, 1789, and resolved
that the place should thereafter be known as
Troy. They published this notice in the papers
of Albany and Lansingburgh :

To (he PuNlc : This evening the freekolders of the
place lately known by the name of Vanderheyden's
or Ashley's Ferry, situated on the east bank of the
Hudson river, about seven miles above Albany,
met for the purpose of establishing a name for said
place, when by a majority of voices it was con-
firmed that in the future it should be known by the
name of Troy. From its present improved state,
and the yet more pleasing prospect of its popular-
ity arising from the natural advantages in the mer-
cantile line, it may not be too sanguine to expect,
at no very distant period, to see Troy as famous
for her trade and navigation, as many of our first
towns.

Trot, January 5, 1789.

To this new center of trade and commerce
the tide of emigration from the older Atlantic
coast states turned, contributing men whose
active minds and industrious hands soon gave
to Troy a prestige for the rapid development of
its advantages of situation at the height of nav-
igation, and for the indomitable zeal constantly
manifested to enhance their interests among the
farmers from whom they obtained grain and
produce which formed the chief staples of traffic.
In 1788 Ephraim Morgan, Jonathan Hunt and
' John Boardman were numbered among its mer-

chants. In 1780 Ebenezer and Samuel WlUson
from Mason, N. H. ; Mahlon Taylor, Albert
Pawling, Abraham Ten Eyck, Richard Grinnell,
James Caldwell, Josiah Kellogg, Israel Knapp,
Robert McClellan, Isaac Rogers and Henry Oud-
thont are found among those engaged in busi-
ness in the growing villa^.

OLD WATS OP TBAVBLnJG.

The early merchants of Troy were not slow In
competing with Lansingburgh and Albany for
the trade of the surrounding country. As soon
as the Dutch fanners began bringing their
wheat and other productions to Troy, means
were at once adopted to establish the necessary
transportation of them to New York. This is
quite evident from the following advertisement
in the Northern CeiUind:

The subscribers respectfully inform the public
that the schooner Flora of 60 tons burthen, Oate
from New London) will in future ply between New
York and Mr. Vanderheyden's ferry, two miles be-
low Lansingburgh, from which place she will
freight for New York, or elsewhere, on the same
terms they freight from Albany. The vessel has
good accommodations for passengers. Those gen-
tlemen who have any commands must apply to
Abraham Van Amam, near Benjamin Thurber's
store, who makes it his business to wait on such as
I may please to favor him. Casfbb Frats,

Seftbiibeb 10, 1787. Yailes Masdevilije.

Anyone taking passage in a sloop or schooner
sailing to New York, or from that city to Troy,
at this early day, generally expected, if the
wind was favorable, to make the voyage in two
days at the furthest, but should the wind be
variable and continue to blow in the opposite
direction to that in which he was going, the
journey was often lengthened to several weeks.
When there was a head-wind and the tide
against the vessel, the sloop would be compelled
to lay to. If there was a period of calm weath-
er, she went with the tide six hours and then
anchored six hours. Sailing with "a white-ash
breeze" was a burlesque phrase to express that
the men employed on the vessel were row-
ing with long white-ash oars, or " sweeps," as
they were called. These sweeps were about 20
feet in length, and when used in connection
with the drift of the tide, about 14 miles a day
could be made by a sloop in calm weather.
Oftentimes the large anchor of the sloop was
let go, and a boat sent ahead to a bar, with a
line and a small anchor called a kedge. The
kedge being dropped on the bar, the large an-
chor was taken up and the sloop by means of
the line attached was towed forward. The
operation of moving a vessel in this way was
called kedging. It was a very tiresome and
slow process, slower, in fact, than the move-

HISTORY OF THR TOWNS OF BENS8ELAER COUNTY.

ment of a canal boat. A sloop generally bad
accommodatlona for conTeying from 10 to 15
passengers, having as high as 14 or 10 berths In
aoabln.

THE BTAOBB TO NEW TOBK.

In winter persons going to New York either
went on horseback or took passage In the
stages that at this time tan between Albany
and New York once a week. In 1789 the state
legislatore granted Ananias Flatt, an Innkeeper
In Lanslngburgh, a right to mn a dally stage
between that place and Albany, which going
and retnmlng passed through Troy, stopping
for flTe minutes at Capt. Ashley's tavern. Pas-
sengers were charged four shillings for a round
trip, ao pounds of baggage being allowed to
each person paying full fare. The exclnslTe
right of running a line of stages, on the east
side of the Hudson rlyer, between the cities of
New York and Albany, for a term of 10 years,
was granted by the legislature, April 4, 1786, to
Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Hall and John Kin-
ney. They ware to furnish at least two good
and sufficient covered stages, such to be drawn
by four able horses, the price per passenger
not to exceed four pence per mile, with liberty
of carrying 14 pounds of baggage. The stages
were to proceed at least once each week on the
journey from the respective cities unless they
were prevented by the badness of the roads or
some uncommon accident. In the summer of
1794 the fare by stage from Albany to New York
was t7.25 ; in the following winter t8. In the
winter of 1796 the fare was tlO, but In the
spring .of tl797 It was reduced to (6.

THE TOWS OP TROT FOUNDED.

On the 7th of February, 1791, Rensselaer
county was erected by an act of the legislature.
On the 18th of March following the town of
Troy was formed by a legislative enactment.
The act relating to It reads :

That from and after the first Monday in April
next, all that part of the town of Sensselaerwyck
in the county of Bensselaer which lies north of a
line to be drawn from a point on the east bank of
the Hudson river sixteen miles distant from the
southwest comer of the town of Bensselaerwyck,
and running from thence east to the west bounds of
the town of Fetersburgh, shall be, and Is hereby
created, into a distinct and separate town by the
name of Troy, and that the first town meeting of
tiie said town of Troy shall be held at the dwelling
house now occupied by Stephen Ashley, In the
said town.

On Monday the 4th of April a town meeting
was held at Ashley's tavern, and the first town
officers elected. They were :

5uperci<or— Cornelius Lansing.

Aueuon—DerlBk Lane, Ephralm Morgan, David

DeFreest, Henry H. Gardlnlerand Nicholas Wager.

CbfMtaMw— David Henry, William Hiokok, I«w-
renoe Dorset and Samuel Colamore.

Collector (ff TVtXM— David Henry.

Ovtrieen tf the i^»r— David Henry and Henry H.
Gardinler. <■

Oommittionert of Blghwayt Cornelius Lansing,

Mahlon Taylor and Jacob Wager. i

Town Clerj;— Cornelius Lanslns.

From the territory first embraced in the town
of Troy the section known as the town of Bruns-
wick, and parts of Grafton and Lanslngburgh,
were taken off March 20, 1807, and a portion 6f
Oreenbush in 1836. In 1814 a part of Bruns-
wick was annexed,

TBOT IN 1791.

The farm of Jacob D. Van der Heyden, ex-
tending from the present centre line of Grand
Division street on the north to the middle of
Division street on the south, was surveyed and
laid out Into lots, streets and alleys In 1787 by
Flores Bancker.

We are told that " it was, with a foresight not
always observed, laid out with a view of its ul-
timately being a place of considerable magni-
tude ; and Philadelphia, with its regular squares
and rectangular streets, was selected as Ite
model, by the advice of a gentleman who had
made a then rare visit to that celebrated city."

The farm of Matthias Van der Heyden,
bounded north by Division street and south by
the Poesten kill, was laid out into building lots
by John E. Van Alen in 1793.

The property of Jacob I. Van der Heyden, ex-
tending from Grand Division street to the Fls-
cawen kill, was surveyed and divided Into lots
and streets by John E. Van Alen, also In 1793.

An inquisitive slgbt-eeer could only have
counted about 65 buildings along the newly laid
out streets of the village of Troy in 1791. These
had been erected principally on River street,
between Division and Albany (now Broadway)
streets. The brick building still standing on
the southeast comer of Division and River
streete, stood the farthest south. From that
point northward on the east side of the street
to the comer of First and River streete there
were 16 houses and stores. On the west side of
River street, from the site of the Fulton market
to Division street, were distributed 17 build-
ings. On both sides of First street from Divis-
ion to River streets there were only 12 houses.
On Second street there were two ; one on Third
and one on Fourth. On both sides of River
street from Federal street to the Piscawen kill
only 10 buildings could be counted.

The following persons embraced the heads of
families, the merchants and manufacturers
of the place in 1791 :

HISTOKY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

BUjab Adams,
Asa Anthony,
Zephaniah Anthony,
Capt. Stephen Ashley,
Jesse Benham,
James Betts,
Jacob Bishop,
Daniel Carpenter,
Benjamin Covell,
Jonathan Davis,
John Dickens,
Lawrence Dorset,
Capt. Fellows,
Casper Frats,
Abraham Frear,
Dr. Samnel Qale,
Benjamin Qorton,
Philip Heartt,
Capt. John Hudson,
Christopher Button,
Timothy Button,
Adam Eeeline,
Robert Elncaide,
Israel Knapp,

Bobert HcClellan,

Daniel Ilerritt,

Bphriam Morgan,

Henry Ondthout,

Col. Albert Pawling,

John Pease,

Wait Bathbun,

William Sheldon,

Capt. Squires,

Abraham Ten Eyck,

Jacob D. Van der Hey-
den,

Jacob I. Van der Heyden,

Matthias Van der Hey-
den,

Nanning Van der Hey-
den,

James Wardwell,

Capt. John Warren,

Solomon Wilbur,

Capt. Joseph WUson,

Samuel Wilson,

George Young,

Henry Yonng.

THE INDOMITABLE ZEAI. OF THE TBOJTANS.

The local advantages that would accrue to
the village in which the county court-house and
jail should be built, were plainly apparent to
the people of Troy and Lanslngbuigh. The
Trojans were too zealous and enterprising to
permit the county seat being placed at Lansing-
burgh without a struggle on their part to secure
its location at Troy. They had carefully con-
sidered their means to obtain the county build-
ings and at once began to demand the privilege
of competing for their erection in Troy. Lan-
singburgh as the older village set forth its claims
of age and growth, and Troy argued that its
position was central and convenient of ap-
proach. As the decision in regard to the selec-
tion of the site for the court-house and jail lay
with the legislature, the people of the village
with practical shrewdness nominated as candi-
dates for senator and assemblymen individuals
of unquestioned ability and unequaled popu-
larity. These were Bobert Woodworth for sen-
ator; CSuistopher Hutton, Josiah Masters,
Nicholas Staats, Jonathan Niles and Benjamin
Hicks for assemblymen. This ticket was elected,
although a mixed one, partly Federalist and
anti-Federalist.

To avoid any appearance of partiality, these
members of the legislature announced that the
yillage which would subscribe the more liber-
ally for the erection of county buildings would
have the preference in the decision. " Let no
man despise thy youth," St. Paul enjoined upon
Timothy. The advice of the apostle to the
Gentiles was the quickening thought of the
early Trojans. Lansingburgh was satisfied
that the people of the little village of Troy
were too few in number, young adventurers,
with no capital, and were already burdened
with personal debts. But time provided
another factor of success which the people of
Lansingburgh had overlooked in their estimate

of the ability of the people of Troy to dare and
to do. Quietly and persistently a subscription
paper was circulated and signed, some men
writing their names for more than they were
actually worth, while others gave generously of
their more abundant means.

THE CODNTT BUILDINGS AWARDED TO TROT.

The "act for building a court-house and
gaol in the county of Rensselaer" was passed
January 11, 1793.

The first section reads : " The supervisors of
the several towns in the county of Rensselaer,
for the time being or the major part of them,
shall be and they are hereby authorized and re-
quired to direct to be raised and levied on the
freeholders and inhabitants of the said county
the sum of six hundred pounds, for the purpose
of building a court-house and gaol in said county,
with the additional sum of one shilling in the
pound for collecting the same, which sums
shall be raised, levied and collected in the same
manner as the other necessary and contingent
charges of the said county are levied and col-
lected.

Section three provides " that the said sum of
six hundred pounds shall be paid into the treas-
ury of the said county on or before the first of
October next."

Section four provides " that Cornelius Lan-
sing, Jacob C. Schermerhom, Abraham Ten
Eyck, Mahlon Taylor and Jacob D. Van der
Heyden shall be the commissioners to superin-
tend the building of said court house and gaol ;
and that the said commissioners, or thie major
part of them, shall and maycontract with work-
men and purchase materials for the erecting the
same, and shall from time to time draw upon
the treasurer of the said county for the money
for the aforesaid purpose."

Section five of the act provides "that it shall
and may be lawful for the treasurer to retain in
his hands the sum of three pence in the pound
for his trouble in receiving and paying out the
money to be raised."

Section six. " That the court house and coal
to be built, shall be erected and built within
sixty rods of the dwelling house of Stephen Ash-
ley in the village of Troy, in the town of Troy."

Section seven. " That the aforesaid commis-
sioners or the major part of them are hereby au-
thorized and required to determine and fix upon
some suitable place for erecting and building
the aforesaid court house and goal, within sixty
rods of the dwelling bouse of Stephen Ashley
aforesaid. And whereas it appears to the legis-
lature thatjacob D. Van der Heyden and others,
inhabitants of the village of Troy, in the town
aforesaid, have promised and agreed to pay the

HISTORY OP THE TOWNS OF REN8SELAEE COUNTY.

sum of one thousand pounds for erectlBg and
building a court house and goal, in the said
county of Rensselaer to such commissioners as
should be by law appointed to build and erect
the same ; therefore it was provided in section
eight that the said sum of one thousand pounds
should be paid to the treasurer of the county
for the aforesaid purposes.

TBOT'S PLBDOE.

Three days after the passage of the above act,
the following subscription paper was circulated
among the inhabitants of Troy and its neigh-
borhood:

To all to whom theaepreaenU shaU come or may eon-
cem—Wlureas, By an act of the legislature of the
state of New York at their present session, It was
enacted that a Court House and Gaol should be
erected and built In the county of Ilensselaer with-
in ststy rods of the dwelling house of Stephen
Ashley, In the village of Troy, In the town of Troy,
and that the sum of one thousand pounds should
be made payable to the treasurer of said county
for the time being, for the purpose aforesaid, by
the inhabitants of the said village in the town of
Troy. Now therefore know ye that we whose
names are hereunto subscribed do resiwctively
promise to pay unto Albert Pawling and Christo-
pher Button, or to one of them, to tfaetr or one of
their executors, administrators or assigns, the sum
of money, annexed to our respective names on de-
mand, which money is to be appropriated to the
buildlnc of a Court House and Gaol as aforesaid-
dated this fourteenth day of January, in the year
of our Lord, one thousand and seven hundred and
ninety-three :
JmcobD.Vanderheyden.twohundrcd pounds. £900

Abraliam Ten Ejck & Co., fifty pounds SO

Cbrlst' A Tlm'7 Button, tblr^-flve pounds.... 36

BenJ'n Gorton, twenty pounds 20

Jons' * Alaop Hunt, tmrty-flve pounds 85 6

Benjamin Covell, fifty pounds ISO

John D. Vanderlieyden, thirty pounds SO

IlatblBeVanderbeyden, one hundred dollars.. 40

Hugh 8. McClellan 13

Adam Keeling, elgbt pounds 8

Epta'm Morgan, tblrty-five pounds 35

James Betts IS

Jonathan Piatt 10

CalebRussell : 2

Asa Antbony, five pounds 5

Joalab Sheldon, tbree pounds 8

Bobert Power, five pounds 5

Jotm ft Peter Frear, five ponnds 5

Daniel Harris, two pounds, 40s £2

Jeremlab Felrce, five pounds 5

Lather Walker, lour pounds 4

Humpbrey Clark, sixty sbllUngs 3

JOD'hn Warren, eight pounds £8

John WlUson, four pounds 4

James Wardwell, four pounds In plank 4

Stephen Andres, two pounds 2

Samuel Wilson, four pounds 4

Lawrence Dorset 4

Jobn Fowler, eight pounds 8

Solomon Wllbore, forty shillings 8

Oeoige Greenwood, fifteen shillings OlS

his

Hendrick Coonndt, M twenty dollars 8

mark.

Jobn Anthony, thirty shillings 1 10

Samuel Johnson, aOs 10

Tennis Skabt, forty sblUlngs 2

Bobert McClellan, ten pounds 10

William Sheldon, ten pounds 10

Flact WIckes, five pounds 6

Hedges, WIckes ft Co., fifteen pounds 16

Caaper Frata, ten pounds 10

AbelHonse, four pounds 4

Jobn Warren, eight pounds 8

Jobn De Camp, six pounds BOO

Henry De Camp

Jobn Woodworth, twenty pounds 20

Jacob D. Vanderheyden, one hundred pounds

more 100 6

Jamea Spencer, ten pounds 10

MalilOD Taylor. 100

JohnElncald 10

Joshua Owen, eight pounds 8

Jonathan Larrabee, eight pounds 8

Samuel Miner, five pounds 6

Walt Rathbun, ten pounds 10

Joslah Kellogg, four pounds 4

Philip Hesrtt, four pounds 4

WUllam Wlllard, four pounds 4

Eben'r Wlllson, three pounds 3

Bennljah Wright, twelve pounds 12

Benl.ftB.Gale 15

Anthony Goodspeed, ten pounds 10

GeorgeDlckens, ten pounds 10

Daniel ft M. Merrltt, thirty pounds SO

James Van Blarum, three pounds £3

Moses Bears, eight pounds 8

As a gift, Jacob D. Van der Heyden conveyed
to the supervisors of the county lots 145, 146 and
147, on the southeast corner of Congress and
Second streets, on March 32, 1793, whereon the
building of the court house began that year.

THE EBECTION OF THE OOJiL.

The legislature on March 25, 1794, passed a
second act to raise a further sum of eight hun-
dred pounds for completing the courthouse and
goal, under which act Cornelius Lansing, Jacob
E. Schermerhom, Abram Ten Eyok, Mahlon
Taylor and Jacob D. Van der Heyden, together
with John Van Rensselaer, James Dole, Eph-
raim Morgan and Benjamin Gorton were ap-
pointed to act as commissioners to superintend
the erection of the county buildings.

By a third act passed April 3, 1797, the super-
visors of the county were authorized to raise a
further sum of $3,500, together with an addi-
tion of five cents on the dollar for collecting
the same, and one cent on each dollar for treas-
urer's fees.

By a further act, passed April 4, 1798, a sum
of $500 was authorized to be raised for making
certain necessary accommodations for the goal
and certain repairs for the court house.

On November 11, 1794, Benjamin Gorton,
clerk of the supervisors, advertised for propo-
sals for the building of the county jail. The
new court house, in which the court of com-
mon pleas was the first to convene on the second
Tuesday in June, 1794, was a two-story brick
building, with a cupola for a bell, occupying
the site of the present court house. In 1795
the gaol was completed, being built of brick,
two stories high, with iron barred windows. It
was erected on the southwest comer of the
alley, at the rear of the court house.

In the court house yard were erected a whip-
ping post and stocks. Here, at intervals, a
class of criminals were publicly whipped, re-
ceiving from the sherifi or his deputy so many
lashes, less than 40, as a punishment for their
misdeeds. The unfortunates who were placed
in the stocks were made the objects of the ridi-
cule of passers-by, and were often pelted by
the village children with the most disagreeable
missiles that tbey could find for the purpose.

HI9T0BT OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAEK COTTNTT,

CHAPTER III.

THE TOWN OF TROY.

The first Meeting - House Erected in it — Secrets Concerning the
Location of the Farmers' Bank — The Early Physicians of the
County — Inaugural Procession of the Agricultural Society 7—
New County Buildings Erected — The Competitive Spirit of the
Troy People — Their Manufacturing Enterprises — The Calami-
tous Fires of 1820, 1854 and 1862 — An Honorable War Record
— Statistical Summary.

One is no little soiprised to find such a qnick-
eninj; spirit of enterprise in so small a Tillage
as Troy was in 1794. Eight years before this
date on its site were only three houses— the
homes of three Dutch farmers ; one built in
1752, now standing on the southeast comer of
Division and River streets ; one erected in 1756,
now forming a part of the brick building known
as No. 548 River street, between Hoosick and
Vanderheyden streets ; the third, a two-story
frame house, built, perhaps, about the middle of
the eighteenth century, opposite the ferry, be-
longing to the old homestead. In 1830, this last
house, formerly occupied by Jacob D. Van der
Heyden, on the southeast comer of Ferry and
River streets, was rented by John Barney and
kept as a boarding-house. South of Division
street was the farm of Matthias Van der Hey-
den, which was still under cultivation, while
northward the farm of Jacob D. Van der Hey-
den, extending to Grand Divlaon street, ad-
joining the river, was a barren plain covered
with small pines and scrub oaks. Where is now
Sixth street or the railroad track, there was a
small stream that ran southwardly to the Poes-
tenkUl.

THE FIBST MKBTINO-HOUSB.

While the active-minded, diligent and sanguine
men of this small community were doing with
their might the things they deemed the most im-
portant for the development of the local advan-
tages of the place, they were also respecters of

the

" DiTinity that shapes onr ends,
BouKh-hew them how we will."

Without any clergyman to direct or to lead
them, they with common accord met together
on Sundays at the sound of the conch shell
used at the ferry, in the ball-chamber of Capt.
Stephen Ashley's tavem, near the northwest
comer of Ferry and River streets, where Dr.
Samuel Qale or CoL Albert Pawling would read
to them selected sermons. When the number
of the inhabitants had increased, desiring a
more united organization, the citizens assem-
bled at Ashley's tavem on the Slst of Decem-
ber, 1791, and organized the Presbyterian con-
gregation of the town of Troy, and selected for
its irst trustees Jacob D. Van der Heyden, Dr.
Samuel Qale, Ephraim Morgan, John McChes-
ney, sr., Benjamin Covell and Benjamin Ctorton.
A frame bnilding for a meeting house having
been erected a short distance south of the
southeast comer of Congress and First streets,
and the trustees desiring to complete it, the
following memorial was drawn up on the 20th
of November, 1792, and presented to the peo-
ple of Troy :

Whereat, The inhabitants of the town have began
and partly completed a church bnilding, but by
reason of the almost Infant settlement, and a vari-
ety of other public expenses, which mnst neoes-
sarily attend a newly settled town, they And it
burdensome for them to carry their wishes into
effect without calling in the aid of their friends
and fellow-ChristiaDs ; we therefore, the tmstess
of said eongregation, have and do hereby appoint
Jacob D. Van derBeyden to present this onr me-
morial to all whom he shall think proper, request-
ing their aid and asslstanoe in the completion of
the above undertaking.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EBNSSELAER COTJNTT.

Safflcient money having been subscribed, a
contract for doing the wood-work was let to
Abel House, Robert Powers, Henry and John
DeCamp and Benjamin Smith for "forty-six
pounds, thirteen shillings, York money, in
cash ; and ninety-three pounds, seven shillings,
in European and West Indian goods at the re-
tail prices in Troy." When the Rev. Jonas Coe
was ordained in the new meeting-house on the
25th of June, 1793, blocks of wood were brought
into the unfurnished building, and boards were
placed on them for the seating of the people in
attendance. The installation services, a news-
paper of that time, says, were "conducted
with propriety and dignity becoming the
solemnity of the occasion." '

THE PIBBT VILLAGE OFFICERS.

The first village oflScers were created by an
act of the legislature, entitled " An act to ap-
point trustees to take and hold certain lands
therein mentioned, and for other purposes,"
passed March 25, 1794. The first part of the
act relates to the village of Lansingburgh. Sec-
tion six relates to Troy :

Arid be it further enacted, by the auUiority aforeiaid.
That Jacob D. Van der Heyden, Benjamin Covell,
Anthony Goodspeed, John Pease, Ephraim Hor- .
gao, Christopher Button and Samuel Gale, shall
be, and they are hereby declared to be the first
tmstees for the freeholders and inhabitants of
tbatpartof the town of Troy, in the county of
Bensselaer, residing within the limits following,
viz : Beginning on the north side of a certain
creek called Poesten creek, where there was for-
meriy a saw-mill fifty-eight chains from Hudson's
river, and runs from thence down along the said
eroek to the said river, thence up along the said
river to a small creek called the Meadow creek, [a
little north of Hoosick street,] thence along the
aald creek into the woods, south seventy degrees
easterly, forty chains, thence south twenty-three
degrees and thirty minutes westerly, along the
west side of the land of the late Albert Bratt, one
hundred and six chains to the place of beginning.
The above courses to be run as the magnetic nee-
dle pointed In the year one thousand seven hun-
dred and twenty. And shall continue to be
trustees as aforesaid until the first Tuesday in
May next, and until others shall be chosen In their
place ; and It shall and may he lawful to and for
the freeholders and inhabitants for the time
being, residing within the village of Troy, within
the boundaries aforesaid, and qualified by law to
vote at town meetings, to assemble on the second
Tuesday of May next, and annually on the second
Tuesday of May thereafter, at such place, and at
such time of the day as the tmstees for the tbne
being, or the major part of them, shall by public
advertisement appoint, and under the direction of
the said tmstees, or snch of them as shall be pres-
ent, who are hereby made inspectors of such eleo-
tion, then and there, by a majority of voices, to

elect seven Inhabitants, being freeholders, to be
trustees as aforesaid, who shall continue in office
until the second Tuesday of Hay in the next ensu-
ing year, and until others shall be chosen in their
place.

The same act empowered the freeholders and
inhabitants of the village to ordain and estab-
lish prudential rules and orders relative to the
cleansing and keeping in order and repair the
oommon streets and highways of Troy; also,
"to compel the housekeepers in Troy" to fur-
nish themselves with a sufficient number of fire
buckets, and with necessary tools and imple-
ments for extingoishing of fires, and to impose
such penalties on offenders as the majority of
the freeholders and inhabitants should from
time to time deem proper, not exceeding forty
shillings for any one offense.

The trustees also, "with all convenient
speed," were to elect a sufficient number of
men willing to accept, not exceeding 15 in num-
ber, to have the caie, management, working
and use of the fire engine belonging to the vil-
lage.

EVIDBKCES OF OBOWTB.

Before Troy became a post-village letters to
its inhabitants were directed to " Albany " and
were brought to the village by a postman. After
Lansingburgh, in 1792, obtained a postofflce
letters for the people of Troy were directed
thither. Early in 1796 Nathan Williams, at
that time a law student In the office of John
Woodworth, was appointed postmaster of the
village of Troy.

In the following year, Troy's first newspaper,
the Farmers^ Orade, was published by Luther
Pratt & Co. The first issue of the paper was
announced in the Americari Spy, of Lansing-
burgh:

Luther Pratt & Co. inform their old customers
that they have removed their printing material
from Lansingburgh to Troy, and commenced pub-
lishing a newspaper at their printing office in Water
street, opposite the ferry, entitled Farmert^ Oracle,
printed every Tuesday, at 12 shilllngB per annum.

Tbot, January 31, 1797.

THE FIBBT PABTICULAB BAITI8T CHUBOH.

Among the early inhabitants of the growing
village were a number of families which had
previoualy been connected with Baptist socle-
ties in the places where they formerly resided.
Of these persons were Silas Covell and wife, of
Providence, R. I., Adam Keeling, Ebenezer
Wilson and John Howard. Social worship was
held at first at the dwellings of the Baptist
people. At length a room was rented in a
building near the comer of Albany and River
streets, which was used as a place of assem-
blage. On the 15th of October, 1795, a church

HISTOEY OP THE TOWN'S OF BENS8ELAEE COTJNTY.

oiganizatlon was effected under the name of
" The First Particular Baptist church In the vil-
lage of Troy." Through theliberality of Jacob
D. Van der Heyden, the society became pos-
sessed of lot number 331, south of the old Third
street burying ground. On January 4, 1804,
Adam Keeling, Edward Tylee, Silas Corell,
Ebenezer Wilson, Kbenezer Jones and Noble S.
Johnson w«e elected trustees, who with other
members of the congregation made contribu-
tions for the erection in 1805 of a small meeting
house. The society in a few years had so in-
creased in numbers that a large room for con-
ference meetings was needed and built. In
1846 the old church edifice was removed and the
present building erected.

Referring to the taking of the census in 1800,
the editor of the Troy weekly paper says of the
village :

To exhibit, however, some idea of the rapidity
of onr growth, it will he suffiolent for as to ob-
serve that 15 years ago there were in this village
(now compriBing somewhat more than u mile
square) but two dwelling houses, and probably
not more than 15 inhabitants : and that, at the
present time it contains about SOO dwelling-honses
(independent of stores, etc.,) and 1,803 Inhabitants.
A population so rapid has, we believe, but seldom
been witnessed in the United States. Situated as
we are at the head of the sloop navigation of an
extensive river, and surrounded on every side by
a fertile country, whose population has also ex-
perienced a rapid Increase, our commerce has In-
creased in at least an equal ratio with our Inhab-
itanU.

At this time the land, from the month of the
Poesten kill southward to within 20 rods of the
Van Buren house, belonged to the farm of Ste-
phen I. Schuyler. From the latter point to
the Mathiss kill Mrs. Van Buren's farm extended.
From the last named kill, southward about 70
rods, was the mill-property of Thomas L. Wit-
beck, leased from David DeFriest. The mills of
Thomas L. Witbeck occupied the present site of
the Bessemer steel works.

STBIFB FOB TOE SITE OF THE FARMEBS' BANK.

When the state legislature, on the 31st of
March, 1801, passed the act to Incorporate the
Farmers' bank, with a capital stock of {300,000,
it provided that the bank should be located 'at
such place In the town of Troy as Hosea Mofflt,
Jonathan Brown, John E. Van Alen and James
McKown, or any three of them, should desig-
nate and point out, which location, when so
made, should be unalterable, and the said
place should be near the road leading from Troy
to Lansingburgh, and not further north than
the Mill creek, nor further south than the house
of Joshua Raymond ; and that the bank should
be erected and so far completed as to admit the

transaction of the business of the bank by the
first day of December, 1801.

The first directors of the Farmers' bank
were:

?Voy— John Woodworth, Daniel Herritt, Benja-
min Tibbits, Christopher Button, Townsend If o-
Coun and Ephralm Morgan.

XaMini^&ur^A— Elijah Janes, Charles Selden, John
D. Dickinson, James Hickok and WUUam Bradley.

IFa/t^ord— QnertVanSchoonhoven and Samuel
Stewart.

When the time came to determine upon the
location of the bank building it seems that the
majority of the directors favored the selection
of a site convenient to the village of Troy. To
accomplish this wish tactics of a most unbnsl-
ness like character were adopted. As a full
but brief record of the proceedings of the direc-
tors respecting the selection of a site has never
been heretofore published, it may be interest-
ing to the readers of the Troy SaOy Timet to
know what was the course pursued to obtain
the location of the bank as near to the village
as the law allowed. At a meeting of the direc-
tors, held at Jacob's hotel in Lansingburgh,
June 29, 1801, the following action was taken :

On motion of Mr. Woodworth—

Setolved, Unanimously, that in case the lot for
the temporary place of establishment of the bank .
shall fall to the village of Troy, that we will point
ont to the commissioners the bouse of Joshua
Raymond, In the village of Troy, as the house con-
templated in the act, and that In case It should
fall to the village of Lansingburgh, we will Imme-
diately cause a temporary building to be erected
on the middle ground at or near the place contem-
plated by the commissioners for transacting the
business until the legislature shall have decided on
the petition of the directors.

Setolved, unmtimouely. That we will unite in a pe-
tition to the legislature at the next session for ob-
taining the alterations In the act of Incorporation
to enable the directors to carry Into efFect the mat-
ters contemplated in the resolutions of the board
respecting the permanent and temporary place for
the buildings, and that we will, unitedly and sev-
erally, use our best exertions In the premises.

On motion of Mr. Selden :

Beeolved, That we will teverally keep tecret the rent
of the lot for the temporary place of establishing
the bank, and our resolutions this day passed re-
specting the same, until the farther order of the
board on the same.

On motion of Mr. Woodward, seconded by Mr.
Bradley:

Setolved, That this board do pledge themselves
individually that they will adhere to and perform
the several matters contained In the preceding
resolutions, and that the president put the same to
the several members of the board.

This was done by the president, John D.
Dickinson.

HISTORY OF THE T0WK8 OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

On motion of Mr. Woodward, seconded by Mr.
Button :

Setolved, vnanimouily. That this board will im-
mediately proceed to determine by lot agreeable
to the resolutions of the 6th day of June as amend-
ed, the temporary place for the establishment of
the bank, and that Mr. Bradley do prepare and
roll np for the purpose five ballots with the word
" Lanslngbnrgh" written thereon, and five ballots
with the word " Troy" written thereon ; that the
same be placed and shook together in a hat by Mr.
Button and drawn by Mr. Herritt blindfold In the
presence of the board, and that the said tempor-
ary place shall be at the village, the name of which
shall be written on two of the three first ballots so
to be drawn.

The ballots having been prepared by Mr. Button
and Mr. Bradley, Mr. Merritt drew one after an-
other three ballots out of the hat so prepared, on
opening which it appeared that the word " Lan-
slngbnrgb" was written on the two first and the
word "Troy" on the third. Mr. Merritt then pro-
ceeded to draw the residue of the ballots which,
having been all opened, were found to be prepared
agreeable to the preceding resolution.

At a subsequent meeting it was determined
that a banking house should be buUt 30 by 40
feet and a kitchen 18 by 21 feet, and that
Hessrs. Hntton, Hlckok and Merritt should be
the bnllding committee. Jacob D. Van der
Heyden having presented the bank with two
lots on the northwest comer of Middleborgh
and River streets, two other adjoining lots were
purchased from him, and the foundations of
the banking house built directly over the
boundary line of Troy and Lanslngbuigh.

On the 1st of December, 1801, the Tanners'
bank, Hugh Peebles cashier, commenced busi-
ness in its newly-erected building. The bank-
vault, built of brick, is still to be seen in the
cellar, as it was left November 15, 1808, when
the bank was removed to a new building
erected on the second lot south of the south-
west comer of First and State streets.

A. TDBHPIEB TOWARD THE WEST.

Aware that much of the trade of the country
west of the Hudson was drawn to Albany, the
enterprising merchants of Troy determined to
attract by means of a good and direct road the
Dutch fanners living toward Schenectady to
bring their grain and produce to Troy. For
this purpose they petitioned the legislature to
grant them the right of making a turnpike to
Schenectady. "An act for establishing a turn-
pike road from opposite the village of Troy to
the city of Schenectady " was passed April 2,
1808. By it Ephraim Morgan, Oeorge Tibbits,
Abraham Oothoudt and their associates were
constituted a body corporate and politic by the
name of " the president, directors and compa-
ny of the Troy and Schenectady turnpike."

The capital stock consisted of 350 shares of 150
each. The first officers of the company were :
President, Ephraim Morgan ; directors, Qeorge
Tibbits, Abraham Oothoudt (of Schenectady),
Derick Lane, Abraham Ten Eyck, Albert Pawling,
John Bird, Silas CoveU and Daniel Merritt.

Alluding to the enterprise of the people of
Troy in constructing this road, a writer says :

The expense of first opening the road west was
then quite an onerous one, and drew heavily upon
their spare resources. The whole expenditure for
the first three miles out was raised and paid for by
the subscriptions of those interested in trade at
the village, but this improvement amply repaid
them for the outlay and returned its cost in a few
years, while great subsequent remuneration came
with the Increased trade directed from Albany to
this point.

ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The first Protestant Episcopal church in Troy
was organized at the court house, January 16,
1804, at which Eliakim Warren and Jeremiah
Pierce were elected church wardens, and Nich-
olas Schuyler, David Buel, Lemuel Hawley,
Thomas Davis, Thomas HiUhonse, John Bird,
William S. Parker and Hugh Peebles vestry-
men. Two lots on the northwest comer of
Congress and Third streets — the site of Sand's
hall— were purchased, on which the bnllding
committee was instructed "to contract with
proper workmen to put np the building of the
church, the frame to be well put up and filled in
with brick, one thick."

On the 2d of July, 1804, the comer stone of
the building was laid, the Rev. Jonas Coe,
pastor of the Presbyterian church, assisting the
Rev. David Butler. Early in the summer of
1805 the church was completed. On the 17th of
July, the Rev. David Butler was granted his let-
ter of institution as rector of St. Paul's parish
by the Right Rev. Bishop Benjamin Moore.

The present church building on the northeast
comer of State and Third streets was erected in
1827, and consecrated August 16, 1828.

THE RENSSELAER MEDICAL SOCIETy.

For the purpose of protecting the people of
the state against impostors and quacks in the
medical profession, the legislature, April 4,
1806, passed a law by which candidates desiring
to enter upon the practice of physic and surgery
were to be examined by censors of the medical
societies throughout the state, and licensed by
the judges of the county courts.

It was in accordance with the provisions of this
law that the physicians and surgeons of the vil-
lage of Troy and the towns of the county assem-
bled in the court house, at Troy, on Tuesday,
July 1, 1806, and there organized the Rensselaer
medical society.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

The minntea of this first meeting are aa fol-
lows:

In oonf ormtty to an act of the legislatare of the
state of New York, entitled an act to incorporate
medical societies for the purpose of regulating the
practice of physio and snrgery in this state, passed
April 4, 1806, the physicians and surgeons of the
county of Rensselaer to the number of twenty,
viz : Benjamin Woodward, Aaron T). Patchin, Ben-
jamin Bowe, Abner Thnrber, Moses Willard, Asher
Armstrong, Ely Burrltt, I. ffi. Wells, Hezekiah Eld-
ridge, Samuel Qale, David Oleason, Edward Davis,
Alexander Bonsseau, U. M. Gregory, John Loudon,
Sanford Smith, Edward Ostrander, David Doo-
llttle. Hoses Hale, James H. Ball, convened in the
court bouse in Troy and proceeded by ballot to
elect their olBcers, when the following gentlemen
were declared duly elected :

President, Dr. Benjamin Woodward ; vice presi-
dent. Dr. John Loudon ; treasurer. Dr. Samuel
Gale ; secretary, Dr. I. H. Wells ; censors. Dr. Ely
Burritt, Dr. Hoses Willard, Dr. Hezekiah Eldridge,
Dr. David Doollttle, Dr. Benjamin Rowe ; delegate
to the medical society of the state of New York,
Dr. Hoses Willard. Benjamin Woodwabd,

Tbot, July 1, 1806. Secretary, pro. tern.

Semlved, That a committee of five be appointed
to draft a code of by-laws for the use of the Rens-
selaer medical society, and that Dr. Ely Burrltt,
Dr. Hezekiah Eldridge, Dr. Moses Willard, Dr.
Hoses Hale and Dr. Aaron D. Patchin to be the
committee.

Setolved, That the annual meeting of the Rens-
selaer medical society be the first Tuesday of July,
and that it bs held at the court house in Troy.

Betolvtd, That a tax of twenty-five cents be lev-
ied upon every member for the use of the society,
Ac, &c.

The licenses of the early physicians, accord-
ing to the law of the state.were in the following
form :

Stati of Nbw Yohk, Rensselaer County—
Whenat, Samuel Gale of Troy, in the said county,
physioian and surgeon, hath made application to
me, Thos. Sickles, one of the judges of the
court of common pleas for the said county, to ob-
tain B certificate in conformity to a law of this
state, entitled " An act to regulate the practice of
physick and surgery, passed the twenty-third of
March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-
seven, and having produced to me satisfactory
evidence, that he, the said Samuel Gale, hath been
regularly in the practice of physick and snrgery
for more than two years last past, I do in conform-
ity to the said act, certify the same. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my band and alBzed
my seal this thirteenth day of October, 1797.

Thos. Sickles.

The licenses of some of the other early physi-
cians of Troy and in the towns of the county,
bear the following dates :

Dr. Barnabas Scott, September 0, 1T97.
Dr. Thomas Hartwell, September 21, 1797.
Dr. Felix Greene, September 23, 1797.

Dr. David Hillen, September 27, 1797.

Dr. Lewis Beebe, October 1, 1797.

Dr. Benjamin Lyon, October 1, 1797.

Dr. James H. Ball, October 2, 1797.

Dr. Francis Smith, October 8, 1797.

Dr. Ezekiel Baker, October 12, 1797.

Dr. David DooUttle, October 13, 1797.

Dr. Nicholas Schuyler, October IS, 1797.

Dr. John Loudon, October 14) 1797.

Dr. Alexander Rousseau, October 14, 1797.

Dr. Jacob Campbell, October 16, 1797.

Dr. Jason Bannister, October, 17, 1797.

Dr. Jonathan P. Sill, October 20, 1797.

Dr. Jacob Holt, October 21, 1797.

Dr. Christopher Dillen, November 9, 1797.

Dr. Elisha Baker, November 20, 1797.

Dr. James HcClung, November 23, 1797.

Dr. William Brown, November 29, 1797.

Dr. Nehemiah King, December 4, 1797.

Dr. Nicholas Harris, January 4, 1798.

Dr. Edward Ostrander, January 13, 1798.

Dr. William Baker, February 23, 1798.

Dr. Job Tripp, February 23, 1798.

Dr. Charles Beckwith, March 15, 1798.

Dr. Samuel Gale, jr., December 11, 1796.

Dr. Jedediah Pendergast, Hay 6, 1800.

Dr. Hulbert Smith, May 16, 1800.

Dr. Abner Armstrong, May 27, 1800.

Dr. David Gleason, July 15, 1800.

Dr. John Robinson, August 4, 1800.

Dr. William C. Froutt, August 14, 1800.

Dr. Samuel Porter, March 26, 1801.

Dr. SUas Goodrich, Hay 2, 1601.

Dr. Martin Smith, July 15, 1801.

Dr. Ely Burritt, March 29, 1802.

Dr. George W. Paige, April 22, 1802.

Dr. Uriah M. Gregory, September 15, 1802.

Dr. Benjamin Woodward, December 11, 1802.

Dr. Nicholas B. Harris, February 20, 1803.

Dr. Thaddeus Sweet, March 15, 1803.

Dr. Simon Newcomb, jr.. Hay 30, 1803.

Dr. Ira Gregory, June 8, 1803.

Dr. Thaddeus Waugh, June 8, 1803.

Dr. David Bliss, July S3, 1803.

Dr. Paul Maxson, November 23, 1808.

Dr. Abner Thnrber, December 17, 1803.

Dr. Jared Hitcock, February 18, 1804.

Dr. John Ward, Hay 29, 1804.

Dr. Abel Hovey, June 21, 1804.

Dr. Hoses Hale, July 12, 1804.

Dr. Hezekiah Eldridge, February 8, 1805.

Dr. JetFrey W. Thomas, Harch 21, 1805.

Dr. Joshua Griggs, April 4, 1806.

Dr. Aaron J. Mfler, April 4, 1805.

Dr. John Hilton Stewart, April 15, 1805.

Dr. Augustus Burgoyne, April 25, 1805.

Dr. Daniel Bemus, June 5, 1805.

Dr. Ebenezer Stratton, November 2, 1805.

Dr. Rufus A. Burritt, April 21, 1806.

Dr. Jacob Eingsley, April 21, 1806.

Dr. Israel P. Baldwin, April 25, 1806.

Dr. Theodore Hay, July 24, 1806.

Dr. Jacob Burgess, Ang. 15, 1806.

Dr. Stephen Ingham, August 29, 1806.

THE FIBaT METHODISTS OF TBOT.

Followers of Wesley were at a very early date
nmnbered among the inhabitants of the Tillage
of Troy. Stephen Andres, Caleb Curtis, Samuel
Goodrich, Benjamin Betts, Archibald Gray and
a number of other New England people were
among the first congregations that gathered to
hear thediSerent itinerant preachers who visited
Troy. About the year 1803, by removal, death
and other causes, the first Methodist society
was broken up. In 1805 the Rev. Elijah Chi-
chester revived the society, and enrolled seven
persons in a class. At a meeting at the house
of Samuel Scoby in November, 1808, David
Canfield and Morris De Camp were chosen to

HISTOBY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

preside over a meeting held on the Ist of De-
cember. At this meeting David Canfield, Eli-
phalet King and Samuel Scoby were elected
" trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church of
the village M Troy." On the 25th of December
two lots on State street, Nos. 743 and 744, were
rented of Jacob D. Van der Heyden, on which
in 1809 a frame building two stories in height
was erected as a place of worship. This church
had a few years thereafter a large membership.

BENSSZXAXB COrNTT BIBLE SOCIETT.

Pursuant to a notice given throughout the
county, persons from the different towns as-
sembled in the court house on the 11th day of
July, 1815, for the purpose of organizing a
county Bible society. After the meeting was
organized an election was held for the first
ofBcers of the Rensselaer county Bible society,
which resulted in the selection of the following
persons :

Fresident, the Key. Jonas Coe ; first vice presi-
dent, the Key. Balph Westervelt; second vice
president, the Key. Samuel Blatchtord ; corre-
sponding secretary, David Buel, jr.; recording sec-
retary, the Rev. Francis Wayland ; treasurer, Der-
ick Lane ; board of managers, the Bev. Parker
Adams, the Kev. Tobias Spicer, the Rev. John
Yonnglove, jr., the Rev. Justus Hull, Dr. Ely Bnr-
rltt, the Hon. Josiah Hasteis, Jabob A. Fort, the
Hon. Hosea Hofflt and James L. Hodgeboom.
THE VILLAGE GROWS INTO A CITT.

By an act of the legislature, passed February
16, 1798, the freeholders and inhabitants were
incorporated under the name of " the trustees
of the village of Troy."

On the 2d of April, 1801, the provisions of the
former act were somewhat altered. Another
act of March S, 1803, particularly described the
west bounds of the village, carrying the south-
em limits " due west to the east bounds of Al-
bany county, thence northwardly along the
boundary line between the county of Albany
and the county of Rensselaer to the southern
bounds of the village of Lansingburgh."

By an act of the legislature passed April 4,
1806, the village was divided into four wards
and four trustees were authorized to be elected
to represent each of these wards. Under this
act a president of the board was annually ap-
pointed by the governor of the state and the
council of appointment. This act authorized
the trustees to annually raise by tax the sum
of $1,500 to defray the expenses of the city, and
also to support a night watch and to light the
streets at night. Among the acts of the trus-
tees of the village in 1806 was the making of
appropriation of (25 to have the names of the
streets painted on small boards and placed on
buildings, at the intersection of the streets.

The population of Troy in 1805 had increased
to 2,255 ; in 1810 to 3,395, and in 1815 to 4,254.

On the 12th of April, 1816, a city charter was
granted by the legislature incorporating " the
mayor, recorder, aldermen and commonalty of
the city of Troy." An election for charter offi-
cers of the city was held on Tuesday, May 14.
At this election the following persons were elect-
ed aldermen :

Wards. Aldermen. AaaUtants.

First George Allen. AmoB SsllBbury.

Second Hugh Peebles. John Loudon.

Third Townsend McCoun. Gurdon Corning.

Fourth Stephen Ross. Henry Mallory.

Fifth Samuel Hawley.

Sixth PhUlp Hart, Jr.

The 'governor and council of appointment
designated Albert Pawling mayor and William
L. Marcy recorder.

KEHSSELABR COUNTT AGBICULTUEAL SOCIETy.

As early as the year 1818 the subject of organ-
izing a county agricultural society engaged the
attention of the farmers and other persons in-
terested in the products of the soil. Early in
the summer of 1819 a notice was inserted in the
village newspapers that a meeting would be
held on June 3, in the court house, to take
into consideration the organization of such a
society. On the day fixed, a respectable num-
ber of the leading men of the county interested
in farming assembled and adopted a constitu-
tion and elected officers of the Rensselaer coun-
ty agricultural society. The following persons
were elected:

President, George Tlbbita ; first vice president,
H. Knickerbacker ; second vice president, Simon
Newoomb, jr. ; third vice president, Edmund C.
Genet; treasurer, Philip Heartt; corresponding
secretary, George K. Davis ; recording secretary,
Henry Hogle.

At a second meeting, July 14, 1819, the follow-
ing board of managers were elected :

Troy— John P. Cushman, Hugh Peebles, Thomas
aowes, Thomas Turner, Stephen V. K. Schuyler,
Stephen Boss.

ianiinftarffft— Jacob C. Lansing, Wooster Brook-
ins. Smith German.

Sruntwiek^kaa. Gardner, Samuel I. McChesney,
Martin Springer.

SchagMicoke— Bethel Mather.

fi^totoWTj— Michael S. Van der Cook.

Soosick—Tioaes Warren, John Carpenter, jr.

Fetemburgh— 3 oaeph Case.

rffrfj/toTC— Ziba Hewitt.

Berlin— Barton Hammond.

5<^Aentoi«»— Henry Piatt.

SoTMHafe— WUUam Carmichael.
6i Mnbueh— John Breese.

SWiodact— Cornelius I. Schennerhom.

Naesau— Vernier Palmer.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSEIiAEE COUNTY.

The first fair was held on the common south
of Hoosick street and east of River street, on
Tuesday and Wednesday, October 12th and
13th, 1819. Each day was ushered in by the
tinging of bells and the discharge of cannon.
A procession was formed at the court house on
the first day of the fair, at 9 o'clock, which
marched to the gronnds. As described by a
Troy newspaper the fair was a great success.
It says :

In the interior a very large oolleotion of rival
fanners had arrived on the ground and bro't with
them the best cattle of the oonnty— exhibiting the
interesting spectacle of the finest oxen, cows,
bulls, calves, sheep, swine, horses, colts with their
dams, &c., engaging the curiosity and employing
the observation of both practical men and ama-
teurs. » • * At 4 o'clock p. M. the ploughing
match took place, and for novelty and effect
proved itself most interesting. The crowd, large
as it was In the morning, had now increased to 3
or 4,000, occupying the adjacent eminences, and
pressing in upon the ground designated for the in-
teresting strife. * * * In 80 minutes the quick
moving team of Mr. Filldn completed its quarter
acre of unusually tough sward, amid the shouts of
the spectators. A minute more brought in the
cattle of Mr. Harrington, who received the pre-
mium, having turned up the sward either deeper
and better than his swifter competitor. * * *

On the second day the society again formed at
the flag-staff, accompanied by the clergy of the
city and neighboring towns, under the direction
of the Marshal Col. Enickerbacker, Assistant Mar-
shal Gen. Carr, and escorted by the line company
from the United States arsenal, commanded by
Lients. Morton and Walker, preceded by the ex-
cellent band. The procession moved down River
and First streets to the Presbyterian meeting
house, where had assembled a large audience of
females from the city and country. The services
at the church were commenced by an appropriate
ode sung by the large choir under the direction of
Mr. Hastings, in a style of unrivalled excellence.
* * * The throne of grace was then addressed
by the Rev. Dr. Coe in his peculiarly impressive
and appropriate manner. A second ode was fol-
lowed by a very able, instructive and interesting
address from the president. * * »

The premiums which had been awarded by the
committee were then announced, after some per-
tinent prefatory remarks by Elkanah Watson,
Esq.

After the distribution of premiums an appro-
priate prayer by the Rev. Mr. Sommers concluded
the services at the church.

The society then again formed and proceeded to
Barney's hotel— where they partook of an excel-
lent farmers' dinner.

The Rensselaer county agricultural society,
after many years of usefulness, holding its an-
nual fairs at different places in the immediate
vicinity of Troy, at length became embarrassed,

which culminated in the sale of its grounds and
buildings under foreclosure of mortgage, in
October, 1874.

THE GBEAT FIKX OF 1820.

The most calamitous event that befell the
small city of Troy was a devastating fire, which
occurred June 20, 1820. It originated in a bam
in the rear of Col. Thomas Davis's house, No.
35, west side of First street. The wind was
blowing from the south, and the fire jspread
rapidly northward. Fire engines from Lansing-
burgh, Waterford, the United States arsenal
and from Albany came to aid in the suppres-
sion of the devouring flames. All the build-
ings on the west side of Biver street, north of
Dr. Samuel Gale's store, in which was the x>08t-
offlce, now the site of the drug and medical
warehouse of J. L. Thompson, Sons & Co., were
burned down as far north as the store of
Coming & Co., now Fisk, Cowee & Co.'s, on
the east side of Biver street ; all the buildings
from H. & G. Vail's store, opposite the post-
offlce, northward as far as the comer of River
and First streets, where now is the Hall build-
ing, then southward along the west side of
First street to the middle of the block between
State and Congress streets. The total number
of buildings burned was 69 stores and houses,
atiout 12 stables, and outhouses, in all 93. The
loss was estimated to be from $700,000 to tl,-
000,000.

From all parts of the state and neighboring
states money and other contributions were
with immediate liberality forwarded to the dis-
tressed people.

The 12th of July was observed in Troy by all
the churches as a day of humiliation and
prayer.

THE ERECTION OF NEW COUNTY BUILDIN03.

In 1821 action was taken by the common
council of the city of Troy towards raising by
tax money to pay the city's proportion of the
expense of purchasing the necessary land and
of erecting thereon buildings for the accommo-
dation of the indigent, infirm and insane of the
county. The board of supervisors January 10,
1822, made a report to the common conncil that
the entire cost of the property purchased and
the new biiildings erected was S9,064.84^Troy's
proportion being $4,647.94. The land purchased
for this purpose embraced about 146 acres. The
several buildings on it are known as the house
of industry.

At a meeting of the common council, held
May 17, 1825, a committee consisting of Ephraim
Morgan, Thomas Clowes and Jeremiah Danchy,
was appointed to confer with the board of su-
pervisors in regard to the erection and selec-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAER COUNTY.

tlon of a site for a new jail. By agreement it
was decided to erect the needed building on lot
No. 435, on the northeast corner of Ferry and
Fifth streets. When the building was com-
pleted, the old jaU in the alley back of the
court house was torn down and the prisoners
lemoyed to the new structure. By a resolution
passed by the common council August 2, 1832,
the old bell on the court house was ordered to
be transferred to the cupola of the jail, to be
used as a fire-alarm bell.

The old court house building not being suffi-
ciently commodious for the purposes of the
people of the county the board of supervisors,
at a meeting held at William Pierce's inn, No-
vember 15, 1826, resolved to petition the state
legislature for an- act empowering it to raise
sufficient moneys by tax for the erection and
furnishing of a new building. The board also
made an agreement with the common council
of the city of Troy to provide certain rooms in
the new court house for the use of the city of
Troy. The new building was first occupied in
1831, the entire cost of the structure being
about tlO,000. The city of Troy had what was
designated as " the mayor's court room " and
the "common council room" on the second
floor of the building, and three rooms in the
basement, assigned it by the board of super-
visors. The style of the architecture of the
court house building, it is said, is that of the
temple of Theseus.

SBW WATS OP TRAVEL ANB TRANSPOBTATION.

The project of connecting the waters of the
western lakes with the Hudson by a canal was
at a very early date looked upon with much
favor by the enterprising people of Troy. Early
in 1816 this card appeared in one of the weekly
papers of the village :

Cakai.— The inhabitants of the village of Troy
are requested to meet at the Court House on Sat-
urday evening [February 24], at 6 o'clock, to take
Into consideration the propriety of memorializing
the Legislature on the subject of the contemplated
Western Canal.

At this meeting, which was largely attended
by the enthusiastic citizens and which was pre-
sided over by the Hon. Qeorge Tibbits, a com-
mittee of four i>ersons was appointed from each
of the four wards to obtain signatures to a pe-
tition to the legislature setting forth the im-
portance of the canal :

First ward— Mheit Pawling, J. Sampson, I. M.
Wells and ^hraim Morgan.

Second ward— Samnel Gale, J. Hallory, John P.
Coshman and Hugh Peebles.

TMrd ward— Stephen Warren, Townsend Hc-
Conn, Francis Adancourt and Gurdon Coming.

Fourth ward— v.. Arnold, 3. Hammil, Stepbeu
Boss and J. Beed.

When the " Great Canal Bill " was passed,
George Tibbits, John D. Dickinson and Albert
Pawling were appointed agents of the commis-
sioners to secure donations, land and moneys
to aid in the construction of the two public
works — the Erie and the Champlain canals.

The steamboat Fire-fly, one of Robert Ful-
ton's, commenced plying twice a day between
Troy and Albany, in the fall of 1812. Immedi-
ately the steamboat monopoly on the Hudson
was broken down by a decision of the supreme
court in 1824:, a number of the citizens applied
to the legislature for an act incorpor-
ating "the Troy steamboat company." This
company was chartered March 81, 1825.
The persons first interested in its organization
were John D. Dickinson, George Yail, Nathan
Warren, Alsop Weed, Samuel Gale, Nathan
Dauchy, Philip Hart, jr., Gurdon Grant, George
Tibbits, John Faine,- Townsend McCoun, James
Van Brokle and Richard P. Hart.

On Saturday, March 12, 1825, Troy's first
steamboat, the Chief Justice Marshall, made
her first appearance at the steamboat landing.

The Citizens' steamboat company was organ-
ized in January, 1872. The articles of associa-
tion were signed February 19, 1873. The City
of Troy was built in 1876 and the Saratoga in
1877.

Previous to the construction of a railroad to
Troy, stages were the means of public convey-
ance. In 1829 the Troy and Schenectady line
of stages left Troy twice a day at 8 o'clock a.
M. and 2 o'clock p. m., and at the same hours
Schenectady. The Troy and Boston stages
every morning at 3 o'clock, Sundays excepted.
The Troy and Albany line twice a day, 8 o'clock
A. M. and 2 o'clock p. m. The Phoenix line,
Troy and Boston, via WiUiamstown and Green-
field, at 2 o'clock A. H. on Mondays, Wednes-
days and Fridays.

The first railroad project which interested the
people of Troy was the building of a road from
Troy to Ballston. The act to incorporate the
Rensselaer and Saratoga railroad company was
passed April 14, 1832. The capital stock was
fixed at 300,000 shares of $100 each. The first
officers were :

President, Richard P. Bart ; directors, Eltaha
'nbblts, George Griswold, John Cramer, John
Enickerbacker, Richard P. Hart, Townsend Mc-
Conn, Nathan Warren, Stephen Warren, George
Vail, LeGrand Cannon, Moses Williams, John P.
Cusbman and John Paine.

The railroad was completed October 6, 1835,
and trains crossed the new bridge from Green
Island to Troy for the first time that day. On
the arrival of the cars at the west side of the
river, horses were substituted for the engine.

HISTOKY OF THE TOWNS OF KENSSELAF-R COUNTY,

and the cars were drawn over by them and
down River street to the Troy house, the ter-
minus of the road.

tbot'b spirit op competition.
A correspondent of a leading New York
paper wrote as follows in 183.5 regarding the
competitive spirit of the Troy people :

There is something remarkable in the character
of the people. No matter where they come from,
or what have been their previous habits, the mo-
ment they become residents of this place, they are
Trojans. They not only look well to iiheir own in"
dividual interests, but imbibe the same spirit of
enterprise which they find prevailing, and nnite as
one man in sustaining the interests and advanc-
ing the prosperity of Troy. * * * No sooner,
for instance, had the steamboat monopoly been
broken up by the supreme com-t, and Albany placed
a line of steamboats on the river of her own, than
Troy did the same. When a railroad brought the
valley of the Mohawk within an hour's distance
from Albany, Troy united herself with Vermont by
the process of macadam. * * * At last, though
not least, a railroad having in effect brought
Ballston and Saratoga health springs within two
hours of Albany, another railroad brings the same
fountains within an hour and a half of Troy. * *
* It was originally intended that the Troy road
should run along the eastern margin of the Hud-
son, through Lansingburgh, crossing the river
upon the old bridge at Waterf ord. Obstructions,
however, of various kinds were thrown in the way
of the company, and prices demanded for the use
of the bridge— under the impression that the rail-
road must be carried across it and nowhere else,
which induced the directors to change the route.

Trains on the Schenectady and Troy railroad
began running between the two places In No-
vember, 1842.

The first through train from New York
reached Troy December 19, 1851.

The formal opening of the Rutland and Wash-
ington railroad, and the Troy and Boston rail-
road from its junction at Eagle Bridge, was
celebrated June 28, 1852.

THE DEVBLOPMENT OF TROT'S MANOTACTUMNQ

* rNTEBESTS.

The immense manufacturing establishments
of H. Burden & Sons, in which more than 1,400
men are employed, and who receive over 1500,-
000 annually in wages, had their beginning in
1809, at which time John Converse and several
associates erected a rolling and slitting mill at
the upper fall of the Wynant's kill. The mile of
mills, which now annually send out $2,000,000
of horseshoes, is a notable triumph to *he en-
terprise and inventive genius of Henry Burden,
whose fame as an inventor and machinist is
world-wide.

The extensive works of the Albany and

Rensselaer iron and steel company, where steel
rails of the finest quality, merchant steel, horse
shoes, etc., are manufactured in such large
quantities as to astonish those who first hear
of the thousands of tons produced annually,
and at which over 2,000 men obtained work and
are annually paid wages amounting to $1,000,-
000, had their origin in a rolling mill erected in
1807 by John Brinokerhoof , on the north bank
of the Wynant's kill, at its second fall.

The manufacture of collars, cuffs and shirts,
which affords employment to more than 12,000
persons, who receive annually almost $2,000,-
000 in wages, began in a very humble way in
1829. The sales of the productions of this one
branch of manufacture exceed $5,000,000 an-
nually.

Stoves were first made in Troy about the year
1831 by the firm of Starbucks & Gurley. The
fame which Troy stoves have secnred through-
out the United States is well known, and which
has made the value of their annual production
reach nearly to $3,000,000. Besides these lead-
ing branches of manufacture the casting of
church bells, car wheels, the making of fire-
brick, paper, valves, car coaches, hosiery, ma-
chinery, surveying instruments, flour and other
mentionable and useful articles, add to the wel-
fare and wealth of the industrious people of
Troy.

THE TROT TOUNQ MEN'S ABSOOIATION.

After several preliminary meetings which
were largely attended by the people of Troy, the
young men's association was organized Decem-
ber 19, 1834, by the election of John T. McCoun
president. The first rooms occupied by the
association, February, 1835, were on the second
fioor of the building No. 197 Kiver street. On
the completion of the Athentenm building, on
First street, the library was transferred to it.
By an act of legislature, passed May 8, 1880,
amending the act incorporating the association
April 20, 1835, the control and management of
the property of the association were placed in
the hands of 23 trustees. The number of vol-
umes in the library is about 23,325. Since De-
cember, 1870, De Witt Clinton has been the
efficient librarian of the young men's associa-
tion.

THE LARGE FIRE OF 1854.

The second large fiie, which rendered three
hundred families houseless, occurred on the
afternoon of August 26, 1854. About 1 o'clock
that day a brick planing mill on the southwest
comer of Front and Division streets was dis-
covered on fire, and although the fire compa-
nies of the city arrived early, the flames spread
rapidly southward among the lumber piles in
the adjoining yards. A strong northwest wind

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

was blowing, and the conflagration in a short
time assume such alarming proportions that
fire engines from the neighboring places were
solicited to aid in its suppression. Fire com-
panies Nos. 1, 8 and 11 of Albany, with
their apparatus, promptly responded, as
did companies from West Troy, Co-
hoes, Waterford and Lansingburgh. The
area of the fire included the blocks south
of DiviBion street and west of River street, as
far as Liberty street. The fire then extended
on the south side of Liberty street to First
street, where it crossed to the east side about
the middle of the block between Liberty and
Washington streets, and thence southward,
having its eastern margin along the east side
of the alley, between First and Second streets,
to Jefferson street. All the buildings westward
to the river were consumed by the fire, which
was not under control of the firemen until 6
o'clock in the evening. The day was extreme-
ly warm and the firemen labored under many
disadvantages. About 80 acres of ground were
burned over by this fire. The total loss was
estimated at $1,000,000.

The frame work of the steeple of St. John's
Episcopal church, on the southeast comer of
First and Liberty streets, during the progress
of the conflagration was set on fire by a flying
brand, but James Stantial, seeing the great dan-
ger the newly erected church was m, daringly
climbed to the dizzy height, and with uncovered
hands seized the flaming brand and threw it to
the ground and then extinguished the fire
spreading along the frame work. The sufferers
by this fire were generously aided by the people
of this and neighboring places in the time of
their need and distress.

THE OREi.T FIRE OF 1862.

A third fiery scourge visited the city on Satur-
day, May 10, 1862. The fearful and rapid
ravages of this devastating conflagration ap-
palled the stoutest hearts, desolatingin the short
space of six hours seventy-five acres of prop-
erty and reducing to ashes five hundred
and seven buildings. To aid in extin-
goishing this conflagration the firemen
of Albany, West Troy, Cohoes, Waterford
and Lansingburgh came with their engines
and toiled with great efBclency in saving prop-
erty exposed to the spreading flames and flying
brands.

The fire had its beginning in the Rensselaer
and Saratoga railroad bridge. This structnre,
it was supposed, was set on fire by a locomo-
tive. The wind was from the northwest, and
blowing a stiff gale, which carried burning cin-
ders southeastwardly to the buildings adjacent

to the bridge. The irresistible fury of the
fiames and the dense smoke made it a most dif-
ficult task to suppress this extensive confiagra-
tiou. During the progress of the fire several
persons lost their lives in the flames. Thomas
O'Donnell, an aged blind man, living on Green
street, above Grand Division, was burned to
death. Ransom S. Haight, while trying to es-
cape from the path of the fire along Seventh
street, was suffocated by the smoke and per-
ished in the flames issuing from the neighbor-
ing dwellings. Mary Dunlop and child also lost
their lives in a burning building. Dr. Zenas
Gary died the following day from bums
received while endeavoring to escape
from the fiames enveloping his residence.

Among the principal buildings consumed
were the Second Presbyterian church, on the
southeast comer of Sixth and Grand Division
streets ; the Scotch Presbyterian church, on the
east side of Seventh street, between Broadway
and State street ; the North Baptist church, on
the southeast comer of Fulton and Fifth streets ;
the Rensselaer polytechnic institute, on the
north side of State street, between Sixth and
Seventh streets ; the Troy City bank, on the
southeast comer of Grand Division and Fourth
streets ; the orphan asylum, on the south side
of Federal street, opposite Harrison place ; the
church asylum, west of the orphan asylum, and
the Union railroad depot,. The total loss by
this fire was estimated at {3,000,000, with an in-
surance of $1,000,000.

In a very short time the undaunted spirit of
enterprise of the Troy people asserted its former
power, and new buildings rapidly rose up over
the desolated space of the great conflagnttion.
In the month of July following the fire, 181
buildings were in course of erection. From all
parts of the country came kind benefactions of
sympathizing people, which were gratefully re-
ceived by those suffering in basket and store
from the impoverishing effects of this calam-
itous fire.
tbot'b fatbiotish in the war of sbcb^on.

In 1861 Troy reared its altars of loyalty on
which brightly burned the fires of its patriot-
ism until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox
in 1865. On the evening of April 16, 1861, the
first great war meeting was held in Harmony
hall. The Hon. John A. Griswold was chosen
chairman of the meeting. A committee was
appointed, consisting of William E. Eissel-
burgh, Isaac McConihe, jr., and Robert A. Lot-
tridge, which reported a series of patriotic res-
olutions, in which it was declared that Troy
was ready to contribute a part of the means
necessary to defend the government and to
maintain the permanency of its institutions ;

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELABB COUNTY.

that a regiment of volunteers would at once be
formed whose serrices would be offered to
the executive of the state, to be transferred to
the support of the federal government.

In consequence of the immense concourse of
people assembled in and outside of the build-
ing, the meeting was adjourned to the Union
depot, where addresses were made by Isaac Mc-
Conlhe, jr., Martin I. Townsend, George W.
Demers, Clarence Buel, Gen. John E. Wool and
others.

A second large meeting was held on April
18th, at Harmony hall, at which a committee of
five was appointed to wait upon the common
conncil and solicit the subscription of $10,000
for the support of the families of volunteers.
The common council at once complied with this
request. The spirit of loyalty to the country's
flag was everywhere apparent among the peo-
ple. Union cockades and diminutive banners
were buttoned and pinned to the hats and
clothing of men, women and children ; and in
the churches, on Sundays, the services of the
day were appropriately patriotic and filled with
loyal aspirations for the preservation of liberty
and law.

The first corps of volunteers which left Troy
for the seat of war in 1861 was the second New
York regiment, which departed from the city
on the 18th of May. This fine body of soldiers
was under the command of Col. Joseph B.
Carr.

The need of more men to suppress the rebel-
lion called into the field from Troy, on the 30th
of August, 1868, the one hundred and twenty-
fifth regiment. George L. Willard was the
colonel of this noted regiment.

The one hundred and sixty-ninth regiment,
the third contribution of Troy's patriotism, re-
ceived its marching orders September 28, 1862.
The command of this regiment was first held by
Clarence Buel. It won a splendid record daring
the war.

trot's chcbchbs.

The date of the organization of the different
religious societies of Troy and of the erection
of the houses of worship is shown in the fol-
lowing table :

First ct. Present

Name ani Oate of oraaniiatton. built, ck. built.

Flret Pres., Dec. 31, ini 1792-3 1S3S-6

Second Pres., Sept. 2S. IS27 18«7 -1884-5

Tblrd Frea., Jan. le, 1831 18S1 ISill

Second itreet Fres., Sept. 23, 1S34 IXU ISM

United Free., Feb. 6, 1^ 1836 187!J

Libeny street Frea., Jan. 17, 1810 1834 1834

Fark Frea., Aug. 24, 1854 1854 1854

Woodalde Free., June 19, 1887 1868 1869

Oakvood avenue Free., July 1, 1S6S.. 1868 1868

Ninth Frea., Sept. SO. 1869

Westmlnater Frea.. Nov. S, 1871*

Memorial Frea., Oct. 18, 1878

Flrat Baptlat, Oct. 15,17%

Second Baptlat, Feb. 4, 1SS4

North Baptist, June 6, 1S4S

South Troy Baptist, March, 1868

Vail avenue Baptlat, April, 1871

St.FauraP. E., Jan. 16,1804

St. John's P. E., 1830

Chrlat Church, P. E., Dec. 3, 1898

Church of Holy Croaa, F. E., 1844

St. Luke's P. E., 1866.

1888
1878
1872
1805
1823
1844

1873

1804-5

1838

1848

1880

1870

1810
1835
18SB

Free ch. of Aacen., P. E., Feb. 14. 1888.
St.Faul'a Free Chapel.P. E., Nov. 1869

SUte street M.E.,Dec. 8,1803

North Second atreet M. E., May, 1835.

Levlng'B Chapel, M. E., 1883

ZIonM. E., 1841

Third atreet M. E., 1843 1848

Congreas atreet M. E., 1847 1848

Yall avenue M.E., April. 1854 1858

Pawling avenue M. £., 1827 1827

German M, E., July 25, 1857 1856

St. Feter'a Roman Catholic, 1824 1829

St. Mary'a Soman Catholic, 1844 1844

St. Joseph'a Roman Catholic, 1847. . . . 1852

St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic. 1850 1880

St. Fisncla, Roman Catholic, 1862 1863

St. Lawrence, Roman Catholic, 1880

St. Michael Roman Catholic, 1872 .... 1873

St. Fatrlck'a R. Catholic, Jan. 1, 187S. 1872

Quaker society, Nov., 1803 1804

tinlveraallat church

Bethel church, 1821

Flrat Congregational church

First Unitarian church, 184S

Church or Chrlat, 1865 1868

Trinity. Lutheran, 1870 18TO

Berlth Sholom, Jewlah, 1866 1870

TROT'S BANKS.

The following table shows the date of the in-
corporation of the different banking institutions
of Troy :

1888
1870
1878
1846
1860
1883

1973
1827
1864
1838

1848
1880
1670

1B98-71

1870

1880

IMS
1848
1858
1888
1881
184B
1844
1852
1880
1883

1^
1872

1823 1875

18S3

1837

1875
1888
187S
18W

Names. Actofincorp.

Farmers' bank March 31, 1801.

Began business.

Dec. 1, 1801.

ISll.

Aug. SO, 1823.

Bank of Troy March 22, 1811.

Troy Savlnga bank. April 23, 1823.
Merchants* and Me*

chanlca' April 20, 1829. 1820.

•Troy City bank. . . . April 19, 1SS3. July 11, 1888.
Troy Exchange

bank Dec. 7, 1838.

Commercial bank of

Troy Aug.,1839. 1839.

Howard Trust and

Banking Co Feb 1,1839. 1839.

*Unlon bank of

Troy Jan., 1851. April, 1851.

•State bank of Troy 1852. Sept. 2, 1852.

•Mutual bank of

Troy N0T.24,1S52. Jan. ' IS, ISSS.

•Central Bank of

Troy Dec, 1852. Dec. 29, 1862.

•Manufacturers'

bank 1852. May, 1852.

Market bank Jan., 1S53. Sept. 18BS.

Troy Savings Co.... June 29, 1854. 1854.
First National bank. Oct. 24, 1863. Jan. 1,1864.
tUnlted National

bank ...^,.... March, 1885. April IS, 1866.

National Exchange

bank 1865. From Market bank.

•Changed to national banks In 1885, except the Manu-
faeturera' which became a national bank In 1864.
tFormed from Farmera' bank and Bank of Troy.

TH» POPCLATIOir 0» TBOT.

1795 460

1800 1,802

1805 2,251

1810 3,805

1815 4,2«

ISaO 6.284

1825 7,869

1830 11,551

1836 18,959

1840 10,884

1846 21,700

1850 28,786

1855 33.280

1860 30,235

1865 Se,2«8

1870 44,633

1876 40,631

1880 66,731

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAEB COXTNTT.

CHAPTER IV.

THE TOWN OF LANSINGBURGH.

The Original Patent of Stone Arabia — The Old Indian Designa-
tions — A Big Fish in the River — De Nieuw Stadt on the Upper
Hudson — The First Settlers of Lansingburgh — No Slavish
Submission to Great Britain — Commodore Macdonough Present-
ed with Plate — Lansingburgh in 1824 and 1836 — Summary of
the History of its Churches — Manufacturing Interests — Cen-
sus OF the Town from 1770.

Theold, original, parchment patents relating to
the possession of landed estate by the first settlers
of the province of New York are quite impres-
sive in the manner in vrhich they are worded.
These documents translate us to a period when
the people living in this part of the continent
of America were loyal subjects of English
kiogg, whose favor was sought through depu-
ties to give the necessary legal confirmation to
the patents by which they acquired ownership
of tracts of land once possessed by the Indians.
The patent of Steene Arabia, — the first name
given by the Dutch to a part of the territory
now mcluded in the present bounds of the
town of Lansingburgh, — ^is a large parchment
manuscript, to which, by a red and blue cord,
a large disk of figured wax, the royal seal, pre-
served in a silver box, is attached.

TASCAMCATICK.

The grand, monarchical phraseology with
which the instrument is worded is rather pecul-
iar to our democratic ears :

Thomas Dongan, lientena>t-govenior and vice-
admiral of New York and its dependencies under
his majesty, James the Second, by the grace of
Ood, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland,
king, defender of the faith, &e., supreme lord and
proprietor of the colony and province of New
York and its dependencies in America, &c., to all
whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting :
• * * Whereas, Francis Lovelace, Esq,, one of
the gentlemen of his majesty's honorable privy
chamber and late governor of the province as
aforesaid, did by patent nnder his hand and sealed
with the seal of the province, bearing date the

first day of September, 1670, did give, grant, ratify
and confirm onto Robert Saunders of Albany a
certain tract or parcel of land called by the Indi-
ans Tascamcatick, lying on the east side of the
North river, and stretching alongst the said river
from the second to the third spring which mnnc
over to the west side of the river, striking into the
woods np to the high hills and including within it
a piece of the * • • ground or hoog valley ; * *
the said Robert Saunders, his heirs and assigns,
* * paying as a quit rent for the same, yearly and
every year, two bushels of winter wheat, if de-
manded unto his royal highness.

PASBqlTASSICK.

And whereas Sir Edmund Andross, late governor
of this province, as aforesaid, did likewise by pat-
ent nnder his hand and sealed with the seal of the
the province, bearing date, 22d March, 1679 and 80,
did give, grant unto the said Robert Saunders of
Albany, a certain parcel or piece of woodland ly-
ing on the east side of the North river, above Al-
bany, to the sonth of the said land above recited,
called by the Indians Passqnassick, as also a small
Island; near thereunto, commonly known by the
name of the whale fishing island, containing in
breadth to the north, one hundred, seventy rod,
and to the sonth one hundred rod, in length four
himdred and ninety rod, amounting in all to one
hundred and one quarter pf a morgan or abont
two hundred twenty acres and a half, * * the
said Robert Saunders, * * » paying therefor
yearly and every year unto his majesty's highness
as a quit rent, one bushel of good winter wheat,
<Sec.

From the above tract there was excepted " a
certain piece of woodland, which he, the said
Robert Saunders, did sell and alienate to Peter
Van Woggelnm, lying to the southward of

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Fiskawen kill, which creek or kill separates and
makes the bounds between the above recited
land, and what was sold unto the said Peter
Van Woggelum as by Kobert Saunder's deed
under hand bearing date the 19th September,
1681."

PABNSICK.

The patent which also transfers this property
of Robert Saunders to Johannes Wendell, a
farmer, of Albany county, further recites that
the said Johannes Wendell did by Governor
Dongan's license "purchase of the native In-
dians another piece of woodland adjoining to
the northermost part of the several tracts of
land above recited and stretches along the river
side, northward to a certain kill or creek called
by the Indians Faensick, over against Jan Van
Wessel's land, that lies in the Half-moon, and
from the said creek unto the woods as far as
the high hills, and from thence southward to
the bounds of the lands above said."

The above patent, which conveyed the
property of Robert Saunders to Johannes Wen-
dell, was signed by Gov. Thomas Dongan, July
32, 1686, and afterwards confirmed May 28,
WSS, by Gov. James De Lancey.

WALVISCH EYLANT.

Whale island, or as the Dutch called It,
WalviKh eylard, purchased by Robert Saun-
ders, has, by the building of the state dam,
been submerged by the higher waters of the
Hudson. The story as related by Van der
Donck, in his description of New Netherland,
runs as follows : The winter of 1646-7 was ex-
tremely cold, and the river closed November
the 35th and remained so for four months
thereafter. In the month of March a great
freshet occurred, "by which the water of the
river became nearly fresh to the bay, when at
ordinary seasons the salt flows up from 20 to 24
miles [a Dutch mile is about three English
miles] from the sea. At this season two
whales of conmion size swam up the river
40 miles, from which place one of them
returned and stranded about 12 miles
from the sea, near which four others
stranded the same year. The other ran fiuther
up the river and grounded near the great Cha-
hoos falls, about 43 miles from the sea. This
fish was tolerably fat, for, although the citizens
of Rensselaer wyck broiled out a great quantity of
train oil, still the whole river, (the current being
still rapid) was oily for three weeks, and cov-
ered with grease. As the fish lay rotting, the
air was infected with its stench to such a degree
that the smell was offensive and perceptible for
two miles leeward. For what pui-poso those
whales ascended the river so far, it being at the

time about 40 miles from all salt or brackish
water, it is difBcult to say, unless their great
desire for fish, which were plenty at this season,
led them onward."

The citizens of Rensselaerwyck, of whom
Van der Donk speaks, did not live in the imme-
diate vicinity of Whale island, for at the early
date mentioned, the land at the confluence of
the Mohawk and Hudson rivers was still unoc-
cupied by settlers.

THE FUBCHASE OF ABRAHAM JACOB LANSINO.

The conveyance of the territory embraced in
the Stone Arabia patent, by Robert Wendell,
jr., heir of Johannes Wendell, to Abraham
Jacob Lansing, begins with these words : " This
indenture made and concluded the 31 day of
June in the 3 year of the reign of King George
the third & of our Lord 1763, between Robert
Wendell of Steene Arabia, in the county of
Albany, in the province of New York,
yeoman of the one part, and Abraham
Jacob Lansingh of the same place, gentleman,
of the other part." The price paid for the
land was " the sum of three hundred pounds
currency money." From the above tract was
excepted a part which had been sold prerionsly
to Simon Van Antwerpe, but which was then
owned by William Rogers.

The name Steene Arabia, or Stone Arabia,
given to this land was bestowed most likely on
account of the great quantity of coarse gravel
and water-worn stones which were thickly em-
bedded by deposition in its surface soil. It was
perhaps, this peculiar condition of the land that
induced Abraham Jacob Lansing to have a
part of it surveyed and laid out into building
lots in 1771.

NEW CITT.

The map of this survey is to be seen in the
Albany county clerk's ofBce. A description of
thie city of Lansingburgh is engrossed upon it,
as follows :

This map describetb a tract of land lying on the
east side of Hudson's river, about eight miles
above the city of Albany, and is layed out in a
regular square for the erecting of a city by the
name of Lansingburgh ; the lots are one hundred
and twenty feet long and fifty wide. The streets are
seventy feet wide, and the alleys 20 feet wide ; the
oblong square (the Green or Park) in the center Is
reserved for publick uses. Laid down by a scale
of ninety feet to an inch. June 7, 1771. Joseph
Blanchard, surveyor. May 11, 1771. A. Jacob Lan-
sing.

Undoubtedly the purpose of Abraham Jacob
Lansing in thus dividing up his estate, eight
years after purchasing it, was of a speculative
character. His shrewd discernment was well
rewarded when the tide of emigration from the

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

New England provinces set towards it, and
made the newly laid out city a notable place of
trade and commerce at the head of navigation.
The Dutch name, de Nieuw Stadt, the New City,
in contradistinction to de Oude Stadt, the Old
City, as Albany was called, was, either in its
Dutch or English form, the most common term
by which Lansingburgh was at first known.

TEE NAldE OF ITS FIBST SETTLEBS.

The growth of Lansingburgh is in part
marked by the sale of the lots exhibited on the
old map. The limits of the new city were
North, East and South streets, and on the west,
the river. The names of the first settlers, and
the time of their purchase of lots, are given in
the following list :

JTome and time qf purchase. No. qf lot or lota.

Bobert TiiteB, Marcb 7, 1770 fl

JobnDonbar.Marcb 0,1770 81,83,152

BenJ. Frencb, March 80, 1770 17,18

Elinor Taylor, Hay 25,1770 1,2

Jacob A. Lansing, Oct. 7, 1770 13,216

Ab'm Blaau, Oct. 25, 1770 5,211

Isaac Lansing, Oct. 26, 1770 65

Jonatban WicKwlre, Dec. 9, 1770 31

Bamnel Halstead, Dec. 10,1770 102

Jobn Barber. Jan. 26,1771 240

Anne Hamersley, Marcb 30, 1771 225,288

(189 to 183, 185, 186, 187.
Flores Bancker, June 8, 1771. . \ to 192. and water lot

I 25.

CbarlesMeal, Jnne 8, 1771 11

Antbony Bntgers, Jnne 8, 1771 105.129

Evert Bancker, June 11, 1771 118

Feter Cnrtlnus, .Tune 11,1771 8

Alex. HcClean, June 18, 1771 7,257

Waldron Blaau, June IS, 1771 5,184

Jonathan Brewer, Aug. 24, 1771 66,212

Eldart Fnnda, Dec.3,1771 50

John D.Funda, Dec. 27, 1771 97 to 99

HayeUe McCoy, Dec. 27, 1771 213

Isaac H. Lansing, Dec. 30,1771 27. 51

Ab'm K. Van Vleek, Jan. 31, 1772.. | ^^atl'r totsfi toi

Jonathan Severs, Feb. 22,1772 200,210

Charles Reed,Fel). 28,1772 288

Francis Lansing, April 24. 1772 14, M of 15, 261

Hendrlck Lansing, April 24, 1772 16

James Abeel, June 20, 1772 3,153,154

Ab'm Brlnkerboot, June 22, 1772 159, 160

Ab'm NUson, July 21, 1772 263.264

Thomas Hlatt, July 22, 1772 60

Comellns S. Bebrlng, July 22, 1772 96

James Van Varlck, July 22, 1772 89

Joba D. Witt, Jnly 22, 1772 237

BametDeClyn, July 28, 1772 12

James Moran, MOT. 13, 1772 59

Volkort Dawson, Feb. 3. 1772 206

tenia Elpp, July 19, I'm 206

Cftrrlt and Catherine Van WIe, Aug. 27, 1772.... 180, 181

Ralph vratson, Sept. 14, 1772 68

Joseph NorrlB, Oct. 22, 1772 68

.TohnSkUBngton. April 7. 1774 127

Patrick Smjlh, June 3,1774 10

.John TllmBn,Ang.8, 1774 56

MaigRt Tllman, Aug. 8,1774 55

Amos Graves, Nov. 25.1774 38, 3!)

Peter Weaver, Dec. 9, 1774 70, 80

Peter Qoewy, Feb. 21, 1775 lOO

Ab'm J. Onderklrk, March 6,1775 121

Joseph Tonng, April 6, 1775 128,124

Franclscns Lansing. April 27, 1775 25, 26, 44, 45

Wynkoop and Ten Eyck, May 3, 1775 285

Moses Holt. Sept. 20, 1776 24

WUUam Nichols. Feb. 5. 1777 SS

Patrick McNlff, Feb. 8, 1777 35

WUUam McGUI. April 9,1777 32

Wmiam Conkltai, June 28, 1777 9, 10

James Tbompson, April 15. 1778 68

Lyman Hitchcock, May 3, 17S0 84

John Tlbblt, Oct. 27, 1780 41, 42

Cornelius Cooper, Oct. 30, 1780 71, TC

Ezra Httchcodc, Jnne 16,1783 40

Joy Chambers, March 9, 1784 4S

Hoogland and Seymour, March 7, 1785 47, 48

Thomas Knight, ADril28,1785 48

John Van Cortland, Nov. 1, 1785 , 85,88

Piatt and Williams, April 24, 1788 Water lot 17

Maria Rosa, March 7, 1786 20

John Von Rensselaer, June 1, 1786 Water lot 16

Caleb Carr, June 10, 1786 37

Aaron Ward, July 17, 1786. 67

Benjamin Snyder. July 28, 1786 275

Cornelius Vandebureh, Sept. 10, 1788 193,11)4

Agnus Murry, Sept. 23, 1786 69

Nathaniel JacobB, Nov. 16, 1787 Water lot IS

Ebenezer Cooley, March 11. 1788 19

James Boggs, Jr., Nov. IS, 1788 231,232

Levlnns Lansing, J»n. 14,1790 115

wmiam Adams, no date 101

.Toshua Bumham, no date 91

James Caldwell, no date 29, 30

Jeremiah Comstock, no date 81

Peter Hpgle, no date 188

Hugh Mccarty, no date 116

•Tames McMurray, no date 70

Aaron Noble, no date 92

School lots, no date 108,109,132,183

Wllltom Scott, no date 184,185,136

Smith and Whitney, no date 90

Bamt Ten Eyck, no date 140

Hendrlck Van Amam, no date 76

Frederick Weaver, no date S3, 54

Jonathan Wood, no date 114

Peter W. Yates, no date 34,62,104

THE TOVTN AND BOROUGH OF STONE ABASIA.

The local government of the town and bor-
ough of Stone Arabia was in 1771 vested in a
committee of five persons, chosen by the inhab-
itants and freeholders yearly. The other of-
ficers elected annually were a moderator, a
town clerk, a pathmaster and three fence-
viewers.

The first officers of the town and borough in
1771 were :

Moderator, Ebenezer Marvin ; clerk, Tbomas S.
Diamond; committee. Abraham Jacob Lansing,
Isaac Bogart, John Barber, Ebenezer Marvin and
Benjamin French ; pathmaster, Abraham Wen-
dell; fence viewers, Kobert Wendell, Levinus
Lansing and Isaac Van Amum.

The records of these town meetings con-
tribute the following names to the list of the
inhabitants of Stone Arabia at this early
period:

1772— William Spotten, William Pemberton,
Ralph Watson, Joshua Austin, Josiah Hose, Abra-
ham Stephens, Nathaniel Oaks, John Walker,
Archibald Campbell, Aklah Fonda, Anthony Van
Schaick.

1778— Roger Noble, John Breezing, Stephen Mar-
vin, William Carr, James Wilson, Beniamin Evans,
Joseph Joy, Obediah Benthouse.

1774— David Callinder, Christopher Tillman, John
D. Wynkoop, Cornelius Lansing, Michael House-
wirt, John Follett, Daniel Toneray, John Clark,
Adonijah Stambonrgh, Cornelius Noble, Frederick
Weaver.

1777— James Williams.

1784— Albert Pawling, Jeremiah Hoogland.

1785-John Van Rensselaer, Horace Seymour,
Sidney Berry, Samuel Cogswell.

A PATBIOTIC PLEDGE.

The news of the battle of Lexington, fought
on the 19th of April, 1775, when heard by tlic
people, of Lansingburgh, awakened all their
pride i md love of country. They felt the neces-
sity 01' defending themselves against the ag-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSBELAEB COUNTY.

1.V

greasions of the British soldiery. They held
meetings and discussed the questions affecting
the interests of the people. They pledged one
another in an agreement which is remarkable
for its patriotic fervor and loyal sentiments. It
was as follows :

LAHsiHeBUBGH, Hay 22, 1775.— A general assoota-
tion airreed to and sabscribed by the freemen,
freeholders and Inhabitants of the town of Lan-
slngburgh and patent of Stone Arabia :
Persuaded that the Bolvation of the rights and
liberties of America depends, mider Qod, on the
firm onion of its Inhabitants in a Tlgorons prose
cation of the measores necessary for Its safety,—
convinced of the necessity of preventing the an-
archy and conf asion which attend a dissolntion of
the power of government, we, the freemen, free-
holders and inhabitants of the town of Lansing-
bugh and patent of Stone Arabia, being greatly
alarmed at the avowed design of the British min-
istry to raise a revenue In America, and shocked
by the bloody scenes now enacting In Hassaohn-
setts bay government, in the most solemn manner.
Resolved, Never to become slaves, and do associ-
ate onrselves under all the ties of religion, honor
and love to our country, to adopt and to endeavor
to carry into execution whatever measures may be
recommended by the continental congress, or re-
solved by our provincial convention, for the pur-
pose of preserving our constitution, and opposing
the execntion of the several arbitrary and oppres-
sive acts of the British parliament, until a reconcil-
iation between Great Britain and America, on con-
stitutional principles can be obtained, than which
we wish for nothing more ardently, and we do
hereby covenant, promise and agree that we will
in all things follow the advice of our general com-
mittee respecting the purpose aforesaid, the pres-
ervation of peace, good order and safety of the in-
dividuals and private property.

Abraham Jacob Lansingh, Christopher Tillman,
John D. Wynkoop, Daniel Toneray, Jonathan Se-
vers, Henry Pollock, Hichael Housewirt, John
Fine, Stephen Marvin, James Boggs, Abraham
Ouderkirk, Ephralm Griswould, Samnel Ulggins,
James Willson, Justus Brown, John Clark, David
Layton, Francis Hogle, John Sloan, Gerry Lane,
Samuel Bums, Isaac Van Amum, Robert Wendell,
Pennell Brown, Frederick Weaver, Levinus Lan-
singh, William Thompkins, Joseph Bacon, John
Dunbar, Peletlah WInchell, John Young, Levinus
Leverse, Gershom French, Joseph Jones, John
Skiffington, Thomas Cook, William Nichoils, Alex-
ander Boyd, John Winn, Josiah Bose, Daniel
Shaw, Aaron Ward, William Conkling, Edward
Bmster, Samuel Bmster, Jacob A. Lansingh.

A line copy of the original association paper,
drawed this 16th day of June, 1775.

Chb. TiixaAK, Town Clerk.
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION.

LansingbuTgh, in the dark hours of the revo-
lutionary war, sent forth, from their new homes,
bands of patriotic men, who with willing hearts

defended, while connected with the army of
the North, the frontier towns on the upper
Hudson, from the invading army under Bor-
goyne. Under Gens. Schuyler and Gates they
won honorable mention. The following muster
and pay-rolls exhibit the names of the officers
and privates of two Lansingburgb companies
doing service as militia men of Albany county
in 1777:

A roll of the Lansingburgb company of Col.
Stephen L Schuyler's militia, Feb. 17, 1777 :

Christopher Tillman, captain.

Abraham Ten Eyck, Jonathan Severs, Uenten-
ants.

John Clark, ensign.

Daniel Toneray, Aaron Ward, William Conklln,
Jonathan Douglas, sergeants.

William Willoughby, James Barber, James Sloan,
Stephen Harvin, Jr., corporals.

George liSne, Abraham J. Ouderkirk, Henry Van
Amum, Bobert Thompson, Samuel Bums, Levlnns
Lansingh, William Thomkins, Samuel Bennett, V
Iflchael Housewirt, Comfort Shaw, George Hastln,
Bobert Armstrong, Conrad Hentlebeeker, John
Dunbar, Bobert Dunbar, John Hogg, Peletlah
Winchell, Henry Campbell, Benjamin Bmster,
Samuel Bruster, John Young, Levlnns Leverse,
Solomon Goewy, Francis Hogel, Isaac Van Aranm,
Thomas Blartin, Ephraim Gnswould, Jebez Gris-
would, William Carr, John Wool, Christopher
Pasiser, John Barber, Job Paddock, William Spot-
ton, Nicholas Fisher, Justus Brown, James Per-
kins, Joseph Perkins, John Walker, George Van
Vleck, George Boyd, Leonard HUler, William
Boyd, John Follet, Phhieas Bacon, William Dong-
las, privates.
Pay-roll of Capt. Cornelius Noble's company in

Stephen I. Schuyler's regiment of Albany mlUtla,

to August 11th, 1777 :

Cornelius Noble, captain.

Samnel Shaw, John Clarke, lieutenants.

John Byly, ensign.

Hugh HoHanus, William Greenfield, Samuel
Lape, Hezeklah Hull, William Norton, sergeants.

James Barber, Stephen Harvin, Samuel Frazer,
John S. Fine, corporals.

Emanuel Hennloke, drummer.

Hercules Kronckhyte, Abraham Kronckhyte,
William Crannell, Uendrlck Strunok, Jacob Fel-
low, William Cooper, John Van Ostrander, Hen-
driok PlosB, Jr., Jacob Smith, William Horris,
John Hannah, Isaac Crannel, Samuel Evans, Job
Paddock, William WUloughby, John Paget, Matthew
Marvin, Andrew Colehammer, Daniel Qroyberger,
John Van der Warken, Ephralm Griswould, David
Randel, Joseph Doay, Bethnel Greenfield. Solomon
Griffiths, Stephen Millard, Joshua Bandal, Stephen
liandal, Benben Bompis, Ephralm Jackson, Israel
Brooks, Jacob Van Every, Philip Haner, Joseph
Benson, Sleazer Hill, Andreas Barott, Ebenezer
Baker, Francis Hogel, John Frazer, John Camer,
Folket Miller, Peter Minigh, Andreas Parker, Cas-
paris, Valentine, Jost Harwlck, John Walter,
Frederick Conrad, John Craver, Garrit Peck,

HI8T0KT OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTY.

BneU OstnuD, John Lansing, Thomas Martin, John
Kelly, Solomon Battler, Hendrick Floss, Peter
Coons, Isaiah Dorham, privates.

THE OLD liANSHABKS.

The sites of several of the homesteads of the
earlier settlers of Stone Arabia are marked on
the map of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, made
by Jno. B. Bleeker in 1767. The north line of
the manor, north 88° east, is placed north of the
fourth branch of the Mohawk river, about where
is now the Union bridge between Waterford
and Lansingburgh. On Santhier's map of the
proyince of New York, 1779, the inclosing
boundary lines of the patent of Stone Arabia
are soath of this line. A map of Rensselaer-
wyck, drawn by Robert Yates, alderman of the
city of Albany, who made a survey of the manor
lines in 1773, assisted by Gterardns Lansing, a
baker of Albany, and Nicholas Marselius, a
silversmith of the same city, as chainman,
the north line of the manor is located sonth
of the second branch of the Mohawk river.
This liin, instead of being the north line of the
manor, was most likely the south line of the
patent of Stone Arabia. This Inference is well
supported by the lines given by Sauthier.
Bleeker and Yates agree in the location of the
points. On the latter's map appears a small
stream north of Lansingburgh, named Koele
Killitie, south of this creek Iser Berg creek,
south of it Iser Berg, then the fourth
spruyt of the Mohawk, then the third
spruyt, then Stone Arabia, or Lansing-
burgh, opposite of which is an island,
on which is the name of Anthony
Van Schaick, then Whale Fish island, then the
middle or second spruyt, on the south line of
which, extended to the east side of the river,
is the house of William Rogers, then a long
line, erroneously drawn as the north boundary
of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, which is de-
scribed as " a line north 70° west as the needle
pointed, 1737, from the present northwest
comer of Massachusetts bay to Hud-
son's river, 21 miles, 21 chains, 75 links."
This line appears to be about 1,500 feet north
of the Piscawken kill. The residence of Abra-
ham Jacob Lansing is still to be seen on the
east aide of State street, No. 405, north of the
oil doth manufactory of Deborah Powers &
Sons. The three sons of Jacob A. Lansing
were Jacob A. Lansing, who died February 25,
1801 ; Comeltus Lansing, who died April 23,
1812, and Levinus Lansing, who died In 1837.
Comellns Lansing's residence was what is now
known as the Abbey property ; and that of
Levinus Lansing, where now is the home of
David Judson, No. 3 Grove street. Jacob C.

Lansing, the son of Cornelius Lansing, and
father of Charlea J. Lansing, Esq., died July
10, 1852.

THB OBOWTH OF THE NEW CITT.

In 1788 Elkanah Watson, while making a tour
through New York, visited New City and wrote
as follows concerning it : "I spent a day in ex-
amining this locality, [Vanderheyden, the site
of Troy,] and then walked on the banks of the
Hudson, a distance of three miles to New City,
where I continued several days. This place is
thronged by mercantile emigrants, principally
from New England, who have enjoyed a very
extensive and lucrative trade, supplying Ver-
mont and the region of both banks of the Hud-
son, as far as Lake George, with merchandise ;
and receiving in payment wheat, pot and pearl
ashes and lumber."

Elkanah Watson was at this early date in-
specting the country and examining the river
for the purpose of ascertaining the cost of a
canal to the west. Alluding to this project, he
further writes :

In the view of ascending by locks from the Hud-
son Into the Mohawk river, it appears to me that
the obstacles at this place [Cohoes falls] will be
much greater than to cut a canal across the pine
plains, Into a grand basin, back of Albany. I took
passage In a batteau at New City to Albany,
for the purpose of sounding the river. The result
of my examination satisfied me that in ordinary
tides five or six feet may be carried to within a
mile of New City, and from thence to that town
15 or 18 inches.

Respecting the navigableness of the river to
New City, the following paragraphs from the
American S/^, March 8, 1793, published in Lan-
singbugh, show the size of the vessels which
ascended the river to that height :

The sloop Arabia, of 90 tons burden, arrived at
this place yesterday and !« now loading for New
York.

It Is of great importance to the bnsiness of the
place that vessels of 80 or 90 tons can generally
load at onr docks through the spring season, at
which time the most of the produce of the country
is shipped off ; and it is contemplated that the
same advantage will continue through the whole
season after the present year, as dams are to be
erected next summer to give a sufttcient depth of
water up to this town to navigate vessels of 40 and
60 tons burthen.

Previous to the establishment of a postofflce
at Lansingburgh letters were transmitted to the
postofflce at Albany by post-riders or stage-
drivers. Ananias Piatt, to whom had been
granted in 1789 by the state legislature the ex-
clusive right to run a line of stages between
Lansingburgh and Albany, advertised in the
Feder<a Herald that " the public will please take

HISTOTIT OF THE TOWNS OP RENSSELAER COUNTY,

notice that f ovirpence will be required, as post-
age, for each letter which may be conveyed
by the stage from Lansingborgh to Albany, or
from Albany to Lansingburgh. Those who
wish to have their letters conveyed by the year,
will make their arrangements with A. Piatt."

In April, 1791, Stephen Gorham was ap-
pointed deputy postmaster for Lansingburgh,
but a po8to£9ce was not established in the place
until June, 1792.

The increase of travel between Lansingburgh
and the neighboring places was thus spoken of
in 1796 :

A few years ago there was but one stage between
this town and Albany. It was established and
maintained at great expense by A. Flatt, and for a
considerable time had little encouragement. He,
however, persevered, and at this day, this mode
of traveling has so increased, that 30 stages pass
and repass daily between the neighboring towns
of Lansingburgh, Troy, Waterford and Albany,
averaging more than 190 passengers per day, a
proof of our growth and prosperity.

LAKSINOBtmOH rNCOKPOBATEO.

The preamble to the act under which the first
trustees of Lansingburgh were appointed
passed April .5, 1790, begins with a historical
statement that "whereas, in that part of the
town of Rensselaerwyck, in the county of Al-
bany, hereinafter descrilied, a considerable
number of houses are already erected and oc-
cupied by merchants, mechanics and others, to
the advancement of commerce and manufactures
in the state ; and in order to enable them to
regulate their internal police and secure the
benefits of certain commonable lands lying
within the same, have prayed that they might
be enabled to appoint trustees."

It was then enacted that John Van Kens-
selaer, Christopher Tilliman, Elijah Janes,
Aaron Ward, Stephen Gorham, Ezra Hickok
and Levinus Lansing should "be the first
trustees for the freeholders and inhabitants of
that part of the town of Rensselaerwyck com-
monly called Lansingburgh."

The powers conferred upon the freeholders
and inhabitants at their annual town meetings,
made it their duty to direct the use and man-
agement of their common lands, and respecting
the cutting of the wood on the same ; to estab-
lish prudential rules relative to the cleaning
and keeping in order and repair the common
streets and highways of Lansingburgh; to
compel the housekeepers of Lansingburgh to
furnish themselves with a sufficient number of
proper fire-buckets, and with necessary tools
and implements for extinguishing fires.

The trustees appointed by the act were to act
as inspectors of election ; the first one to be

held on the third Tuesday of May, 1790, at
which time " seven discreet inhabitants, being
freeholders," were to be elected " by a majority
of voices," to hold office for one year ; and an-
nually thereafter, the same number was to be
elected.

Since that time the following persons have
filled the offices of president, clerk and
treasurer :

1790, President, Abraham J. Lansing; clerk,
John b. Dickinson ; treasurer, Aaron Lane.

1791, President, Abraham J. Lansing; clerk,
John D. Dickinson ; treasnrer, Aaron Lane.

1792, President, Levinus Lansing ; clerk, John D.
Dickinson, treasurer, Aaron Lane.

1798, President, Aaron Lane; clerk, John D.
Dickhison ; treasurer, William Bell.

179i, President, John Van Bensselaer; clerk,
John D. Dickinson ; treasurer, William Bell.

1795, President, James Hickok; clerk, Joseph
Alexander ; treasnrer, Joseph Alexander.

179(S, I>resident, James Hickok; clerk, Joseph
Alexander ; treasurer, William Bell.

1797, President, James Hickok; clerk, Joseph
Alexander; treasurer, William Bell.

1798, President, James Hickok.

1799, President, Elijah Janes; clerk, Joseph
Alexander ; treasurer, Charles Selden.

1800, President, Elijah Janes; clerk,. 'Joseph
Alexander; treasurer, Charles Selden.

1801-5, President, John D. Dickinson: clerk,
Joseph Alexander ; treasurer, Charles Selden.

1806-8, President, David Allen ; clerk, Charles
Selden ; treasurer, B. W. Walbrldge.

1809, President, E. W. Walbrid^ ; clerk, James
Dougrey ; treasurer, E. W. Walbrldge.

1811-31.— Records lost.

1832-S. President, John U. Caswell ; clerk, Mar-
cus L. ,Filley ; treasurer, Horace Janes.

1834, President, John H. Caswell ; clerk, Harons
L. Filley ; treasurer, Jabez F. Parmelee.

1835, President. Wm. HcHurray ; clerk, Marcus
L. iiilley ; treasurer, Jabez F. Parmelee.

1836, President, John M. Caswell ; clerk, Bichard
McDonald ; treasurer, Jabez F. Parmelee.

1837, President, John M. Caswell; clerk, M. L.
Filley ; treasurer, Jabez F. Parmelee.

1838, President, B. W. Walbrldge ; clerk, B. Mc-
Donald ; treasurer, Jabez F. Parmelee.

1839, President, Nicholas Weaver; clerk, Corne-
lius L. Tracy ; treasurer. Gerrit Fort.

1840, President, John B. Chipman ; clerk, Bich-
ard McDonald ; treasurer, Gerrit Fort.

1841, President, Nicholas Weaver ; clerk, Bichard
McDonald ; treasurer, Gerrit Fort.

1842, President, JohnB. Chipman ; clerk, Stephen
S. Hunt ; treasurer, Gerrit Port.

1848, President, John 8. Fake; clerk, Walter
Chipman ; treasurer, Gerrit Port.

1844, President, John 8. Fake ; clerk, Stephen S.
Hunt ; treasurer, Gerrit Fort.

1845-6, President, John S. Bake ; clerk, Charles
C. Parmelee : treasurer, Gerrit Fort.

1847, President, John C. Fllkin ; clerk, Charles C.
Parmelee ; treasurer, B. G. Hathaway.

1848, President, John B. Chipman; clerk, Isaac
Bansom ; treasurer, B. G. Hathaway.

18^, President, John G. MoMurray ; clerk, J. F.
Knickerbocker ; treasurer Charles Hitohoook.

1850, President, John E. Whipple : clerk, J. F.
Knickerbocker ; treasurer, Charles Hltokoook.

1851, President, Bailey G. Hathaway ; clerk, Isaac
Bansom ; treasurer, John Mains.

1852, President, John G. MoMurray ; clerk, Hiram
Bleekman ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1858, President, Henry A. Mercer ; clerk, B. Q.
Hathaway ; treasurer, Stephen Heimstreet.

1864. President, Joseph Fox ; clerk, B. G. Hatha-
way.

1855, President, F. B. Leonard ; clerk, B. G. Hath-
away.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COTTNTY.

1866, PreBident, John G. McMurray ; clerk, WU-
liam J. Lamb ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1857, President, Thomas Curran ; clerk, James D.
Comsiook ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1858, President, Henry A. Mercer ; clerk, Daniel
Kins ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1850, President, B. G. Hathaway ; clerk, Daniel
King ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1860, President, Charles Clark; clerk, Daniel
King ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1861, President, J. E. Whipple; clerk, Daniel
Ktne ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

IMS, President, Bobert Dickson ; clerk, Daniel
Kine ; treasurer, Patrick Fltzeerald.

1868, President, Bobert Dlokson ; clerk, Daniel
King ; treasurer, Ed. P. Pickett.

1864, President, Edward P. Pickett ; clerk, Daniel
King ; treasurer, Edwin Adams.

1865-6, President, Bobert Dickson ; clerk, Louis
Bansom ; treasurer, H. L. Fancher.

1867, President, William Alien ; clerk, John W.
Gaston ; treasurer, B. G. Hathaway.

1868, President, William Allen ; clerk, John Hig-
gins ; treasurer, Bd. P. Pickett. •

1869, President, Seth P. Welch ; clerk, S. B. Kirk-
patrlok ; treasurer, Edwin Adams.

1870-71, President, Seth P. Welch ; clerk, John
M. Chambers ; treasurer, Edwin Adams.

1872, President, Seth P. Welch ; clerk, John B.
Burke ; treasurer, Edwin Adams.

1873, President, Bobert Dickson; clerk, Milo
Thompson ; treasurer, Edwin Adams.

1874-S, President, Bobert Dickson ; clerk, C. W.
Witbeok ; treasurer, Thos. Bourk.

1876, President, James McQulde; clerk, C. W.
Witbeck ; treasurer, Thos. Bourk.

1877, President, Chas. H. Dauchy ; clerk, John
Quinn : treasurer, Thos. Bourk.

1878, President, Chas. H. Dauchy ; clerk, C. W.
Witbeok ; treasurer, Thos. Bourk.

1879, President, Frederick E. Draper ; clerk, C.
W. Witbeck; treasurer, J. E. West.

1880, President, Frederick E. Draper ; clerk, C.
W. Witbeck; treasurer, J. E. West.

THX DUTIES OF ASSESSOBS LA.BT CENTUBT.

Under the act providing for the yalnation of
lands and dwelling houses, and the enumera-
tion of slaves, within the United States,
Ephraim Morgan was appointed in October,
1798, principal assessor, andEliphalet W. Close,
Joseph Alexander, Jacob A. Fort, John Knick-
erbacker, Jonathan Brown and John Carpenter
were appointed assistant assessors for the sev-
enth district of the fifth division, comprehend-
ing the towns of Troy, Hoosick, Schaghticoke
and Pittstown. The assessors gave notice of
their beginning the assessment in this viclmty
and of the peculiar requirements of the law gev-
eming their duties. It ran thus :

The inhabitants of the villages of Troy and Lan-
singburgh are earnestly requested immediately to
prepare their lists, — desoribing the size and num-
ber of their lot or lots, as they are known on the
charts of said villages ; also, the size and height of
their dwelling houses, with the particular dimen-
sions of all the windows therein contained— and
also, the number, age and sex of aU their slaves,
If between the ages of 12 and 50 years.

The assessors think it their duty to mention, that
in case any fraudnlency or omissions are discov-
ered In the aforesaid lists, the offender will be sub-
ject to a fine of not more than $500, nor less than
•100, to be recovered with costs of prosecution.

The prosperity of Lansingburgh at the close
of the year 1799 was quite notable and attracted
considerable comment both from travelers visit-
ing the place and from newspapers reviewing
Its rapid growth and local interests. Lansing-
burgh had now a population of 1,200 inhabi-
tants ; there were two churches ; from 1787 five
newspapers had successively been printed and
issued weekly to the citizens of the thriving
village ; a postofflce had been established ; and
a very remunerative traffic in grain and other
agricultural products was compensating the ac-
tive and indefatigable efforts of the New Eng-
land men who had become its leading mer-
chants.

THE WAS OP 1812.

During the war of 1812 the people of Lansing-
burgh, besides contributing men to the defense of
the northern border often hospitably entertained
United States soldiers, who, while on the march
to the scene of hostilities, bivouacked over night
in the village. Several British officers having
been taken prisoners and being paroled, were
for a time, quartered in Lansingburgh. At the
termination of the war the inhabitants cele-
brated the ratification of peace with a proces-
sion and an illumination. A great bonfire
blazed upon Diamond rock ; a decorated bal-
loon fioated away from the village, and apnbUc
supper at the hotel, were special features of the
occasion.

The presentation of an elegant service of silver
plate to Commodore T. Macdonongh, the hero
of Lake Champlain, by the citizens of the pat-
riotic village, was an event of no little
interest to the inhabitants of Lansing-
burgh. Commodore Macdonongh, having ar-
rived in the village on Saturday, April 8, 1815,
on his way to Washington, a committee met him
at the hotel, and in the presence of a large
number of the principal citizens of the place
presented him with two large silver pitchers
and twelve goblets. The Inscriptions on the
pitchers were : "Commodore T. Macdonongh,
with an inferior force, captured the British
squadron on Lake Champlain, Sep. 11, 1814 ;"
and, ''Presented by the aitizens of Lansing-
burgh to the Hero of Lake Champlain." On
the silver goblets : " The citizens of Lansing-
burgh to Commodore Macdonongh."

To the presentation committee, consisting of
James Hlckok, Daniel Smith, Ellas Parmelee,
John Topping, Elijah Janes, Gardiner Tracy,
James Adams and James Reid, the commodore
returned the following reply :

Oaitlemen : It is with much pleasure and satis-
faction I receive the several pieces of plate which
you, on behalf of the citizens of Lansingburgh,
have been pleased to present me. This handsome

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EEN8SELAER COtrNTT.

testimonial of your approbation of my eeirioes on
Lake Cbamplain is liiglily valued, and shall be care-
fully preserved among other precious and flatter-
ing presents with which my countrymen have
honored me. Permit me to reciprocate your con-
gratulations on the return of peace to our country.
With sentiments of the highest respect and esteem,
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

T. Macdonough.

THE TOWN OF LANSINGBUItaB.

The village of Lansingburgh, after the erec-
tion of the town of Troy, In 1791, was within
the bounds of the latter, until March 20, 1807,
when the town of Lansingburgh was formed
from parts of the towns of Troy and Peters-
burgh. A part of the town of Schaghticoke
was annexed in 1819; in 183C a part of the
town was added to the town of Troy, and a part
to the town of Brunswick in 1839. The min-
utes of the town meeting in 1807 are in part as
follows :

At an annual town meeting of the freeholders
and iuhabltants of the town of Lansingburgh, be-
gan and held at the house of Robert Wand on the
7th day of April, A. D., 1807, the following persons
were elected to office for the ensuing year, viz. -.

Town clerk, Bbenezer W. Walbridge ; super-
visor, Cornelius Lansing ; assessors, Ellas Farme-
lee, Aaron B. Hinman, David Henry ; collector,
John Williams ; overseers of the poor, James
Adams, David Henry ; commissioners of highways,
John Gaston, Shubael Gorham, Allen McLean ;
commissioners of schools, Charles Selden, Thomas
Wallace ; constables, John Williams, John Wol-
cott, William Bancker ; fence viewers, Aaron B.
Hinman, John Wolcoft ; poundmaster, Asa Burt ;
overseers of the highways, David Thomas, district
No. 1, James Hickok, district No. 2, Aaron B. Hin-
man, district No. 3.

LAKSINGBUSOH IN 1834.

To what importance I^ansingburgh had grown
in 1824 is briefly disclosed by Horatio Gates
Spofford, LL. D., in his gazetteer of the State
of New York of that date. He says :

It is regularly laid out in blocks or oblong
squares, 400 by 260 feet, bounded by capacious
streets in right lines, and it is two miles long and
a half-mile wide. There is a bank with a capital
of t2S0,000, and a handsome banking house ; five
churches ; a flourishing academy, occupying two
academical buildings with about 200 students.
The whole number of houses and stores, including
public buildings, 830 ; population of the village,
1,650. Upwards of 8,000 beeves were slaughtered
and packed here during last year, and it is ac-
knowledged that as a pork market this town does
more business than any other on the Hudson
north of the city of New York. There are two ex-
tensive breweries, which sold 6,000 barrels of ale
last year. There are large tanneries also, and nail
works, and a brush factory, that produces about
t8,000 to $12,000 worth a year. It has a very re-

spectable printing establishment, a weekly naws-
paper, and some book stores.

I snpimse I must also mention Batestown, half-
way between Troy and Lansingbor^ for it bas a
tavern, and, if I mistake not, a few shops.

In 1836 the village contained i Fiesbyterian,
1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, 1 Episcopal and 1 Dni-
versalist churches; an excellent academy, 7
schools, a printing office, where was published
the Lansingburgh Gazette, i hotels, 6 wholesale
and 40 retail stores. Of manof aotories there
were 2 oil cloth, 1 brush and bellows, 1 tin, 1
gun, 2 breweries, 3 maltsteries and 2 grist
mills. Also a bank and several slaughtering
and i>acking houses. The number of buildings
in the place was estimated at 500.

On Sunday •afternoon, July 9, 1813, a Are,
which originated in the stables of the Rens-
selaer house, destroyed between SO and 40
buildings on State, Congress, Bichaid and
Elizabeth streets.

On Sunday night, July 23, the same year,
another flre consumed 12 buildings on State
street, between Richard and Elizabeth streets.

THE WAB OF BBBEIXION.

When the dark clouds of war again lowered
over the land in 1861, many of the citizens of
Lansingburgh left their peaceful occupations to
stand in their loyalty before the enemy for the
defense of the union of the states. The first
full company formed was organized for the
thirtieth regiment, New York state volunteers,
Col. Frisby commanding. It was mustered In
as company A, Samuel King captain ; John H,
Campbell lieutenant, and Francis Itergen en-
sign. Capt. King and Ensign Dargen were both
killed at the first battle of Bull Run, as were
also five privates of the same company. Capt.
King is buried in Qreenwood cemetery, and
Lieut. Dargen in St. John's cemetery.
A number of Lansingburgh's brave sons also
joined company A of the twenty-second regi-
ment. New York volunteers. Chauncey F.
Vandeusen, of this company, lost his left arm
at the second battle of Bull Run. Company K,
one hundred and sixty-ninth regiment was
raised by Captain Daniel Ferguson, who was
killed at the explosion of the mine at Fort
Fisher. There were also many who were con-
nected with the one hundred and twenty-fifth,
one hundred and ninety-second regiments, the
Griswold cavalry, and other military organiza-
tions.

The first war committee in 1862, consisted of
A. E. Powers, J. E. Whipple and E. P. Pickett.
On the 23d of August, the town resolved to levy
a tax of 16,000 for bounty moneys, |50 being
paid for an enlistment. In September follow-
ing an additional bounty of fSO was voted.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Tbis was followed, during the progress of the
war, by other public contributions.

THE VILLAGE OF DORT.

The territory which now forms the north part
of the town of Lanslngburgh previous to the
year 1819 belonged to the town of SchaKbticoke.
The site of the hamlet of Spiegletown, which'is
about two miles north of Lanslngburgh, was in
1796 called the village of Dort. The village
plat, as it was "laid out and constructed by a
scale of 100 feet to an inch by F. Bancker, May,
1796," on a piece of parchment, is stiU pre-
served. On It are marked three roads, which
diverge from a common point, a little south of
which was a building, the site of which is now
occupied by the residence of James H. Rice.
The road to the north is designated " St. Coick
road;" the one leading eastwardly "Cooks-
buigh road," and the one to the south
"Lansigbnrgh road." On the northeast
part of the plat appears the name
of John FoUet; on the southeast that
of WllUam Douglas ; on the south that of
Rattoon & Von der Spiegel ; on the southwest
that of William Douglas, and on the northwest
that of Charles Follet.

On another map appears the names of John
Ciab, Crab & Boos, Leonard Wager and Abra-
ham Francisco, who were residents of the im-
mediate vicinity at that time.

The name of Spiegletown no doubt derived
its name from the Van der Spiegel who was a
partner of Rattoon in 1796. Of the score of
buildings which form the hamlet of Spiegel-
town, there is a hotel, the Union church, school
house No. 2, a blacksmith and wagon-making
shop. The Germondville Union church of
North Lanslngburgh was incorporated July 23,
1841. The first trustees were John Storm, Aaron
Perry, Nicholas Lape, Charles T. Overocker
and William Mills. The church is now con-
nected with the Cooksburgh charge of the
Methodist Episcopal church. ,

OHUBCHES.

The first religious society organized in Lan-
slngburgh was "The Protestant Reformed
Dutch church," on the asth of September, 1784.
Its first officers were Zachariah Garnrych and
Flores Bancker, elders, and Albert Pawling and
Christopher Tillman, deacons. The Rev.
Brandt Schuyler Lupton was ordained pastor of
this church on the third Sunday of November,
1788. Traditionally it is said that a building
once standing on the west side of State street,
between Lansing and South streets, was first
used as a meeting house by the membership of
this church. After the organization of the first

Presbyterian church the Dutch church rapidly
lost its members, and about the close of the
century its pulpit was no longer filled by minis-
ters of the latter denomination.

The record of the incorporation of the First
Presbyterian church of Lanslngburgh affords
us the principal facts concerning the early his-
tory of this society : " Be it remembered, that
on the 9th day of August, A. D. 1792, the in-
habitants of Lanslngburgh, in consequence of
due notice, convened in general meeting for
the purpose of organizing themselves in a re-
ligious society, agreeably to the direction of an
act of the legislature of the state of New York,
etc., and in pursuance of the directions of said
act, did, on this day, elect Levinus Lansing,
John Lovett, John D. Dicldnson, James
Dole, Jonas Morgan and Shubacl Gorham
trustees for said congregation ; and
the said inhabitants did vote and agree that the
said corporation should be known by law by
the name of the trustees of the First Presbyte-
rian church and congregation of Lanslng-
burgh." It was determined that a house for
worship should t>e built of brick, 50x64 feet, at
the north end of "The Green," the rear of the
building toward Hoosick street. The corner-
stone of the edifice was laid on Thursday after-
noon, July 5, 1793, by the Rev. Jonas Coc,
pastor of the United Presbyterian congrega-
tions of Lanslngburgh and Troy. On the 2'2d
of June, 1794, the church was dedicated.

In 1844-45 the present Presbyterian church
was erected on the east side of Congress street,
between Elizabeth and Market streets. The
Rev. Jonas Coe, D. D., was pastor of this
church from June 35, 1793, to 1804. His
successor was the Rev. Samuel Blatchford,
D. D., who began his pastorate July 19, 1804,
which he held to March 18, 1828. The Rev.
A. M. Beveridge, the present pastor, entered
upon his ministry in this church on the third
Sunday of July, 1858.

The first Protestant Episcopal church In Lan-
slngburgh was duly organized on the fifth of
January, 1804, by the election of the following
persons as officers ; John Young and
David Smith, wardens ; John Rutherford,
William Bradley, Stephen Ross, John
Walsh, Joseph S. Mabbett, Jonathan Burr,
John Stewart and Henry Davis, vestrymen.
The organization took the name of Trinity
church of Lansingbnrgh. A frame building, 45
by 50 feet, it is said, was built the same year, on
the northwest corner of John and Market
streets. The Rev. David Butler, D. D., was
rector of this church, and also of St. Paul's,
Troy, from January 9, 1806, to 1814. As rector
of Trinity church, in 1814, he was succeeded by

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTY.

the Rev. Parker Adams. A new church edifice
was built in 1869-70 on the northwest corner of
John and Market streets. The Rev. Byron J.
Hall has been the rector of Trinity church
since December 16, 1867.

The first Baptist society of Lansingburgh
was formed on the 11th day of June, 1803. The
first tmstees were Daniel Seymour, Aaron B.
Hinman, Francis Choate, Nathaniel Jacobs and
William Spafford. The meeting house was erect-
ed on the comer of North and John streets. A
reorganization of this society was effected July
28, 1858. The present church building, on the
east side of John street, between Kichard and
Elizabeth streets, formerly belonged to the Sec-
ond Presbyterian chu^h. The present pastor,
the Rev. A. C. Ferguson, entered upon his min-
istrations over this society October 1, 1878.

In 1810 the members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church in Lansingburgh erected their
first house of worship on the river bank, at the
foot of Elizabeth street. In 1827 the following
persons were the trustees of the church : Eph-
raim Goss, Jacob Heimstreet, Edwin Filley,
Alexander Van Pelt, jr., Thomas Ward, Benja-
min Case and Alexander Van Felt, sr. The
present house of worship, on the northeast cor-
ner of Congress and Elizabeth streets, was
erected in 1818. The Rev. Joel W. Eaton is the
present pastor of the church.

The first Universalist society of Lansingburgh
was formed December 15, 1832. A small church
was erected in 18S4 on the comer of John and
North streets. The property subsequently was
purchased by the tmstees of St. John's Roman
Catholic church.

The Second Presbyterian church was organ-
ized June 2i, 1835. A bouse of worship was
erected on the east side of John street, between
Elizabeth and Richard streets, which is now oc-
cupied by the Baptist society. The first tms-
tees of the Second Presbyterian church were :
William Van Vleck, Jonathan Wickware,
Nathan Stmtton, Lemuel Kennedy, William
McMurray and Chauncey Ives. The Rev.
Samuel P. Spear was the first pastor of the
church. This congregation since the resigna-
tion of the Rev. Q«orge P. Tyler, D. D., in June,
1874, has not continued its organization. Some
of the members of this body, however, erected
amission chai>el on the northwest comer of
Congress and Clinton streets, which was dedi-
cated September 1, 1877.

St. John's Roman Catholic church was or-
ganized about the year 1841. On June
5, 1842, James B. Smith, James Halligan,
Keating Rawson, John Higgins, George T.
Gillespie, Barnet Evers, John Dooley, John
Driscoll and Daniel Murray were chosen trust-

ees. The church was dedicated in 1844, by the
Right Rev. John MisCloskey, D. D. The present
edifice used now by the old congregation
of St. John's church, known as St. Augustine's
church, is on the east side of John street, be-
tween Market and Elizabeth streets, and was
erected in 1864-65 at an expense of $40,000.

The Free Methodist church was organized at
Whipple hall, October 15, 1867. That year a
house of worship was erected on Ann street,
south of Elizabeth street. The Rev. George E.
Ferrin was the first pastor of this church.

Among the early religious societies organized
in the village, one knovm as the Scotch Seced-
ers is said to have occupied about the year
1790, as a place of worship, a building on the
northwest comer of John and Richard streets.

The African Methodist Episcopal church of
Lansingburgh was incorporated May 18, 1841.
Twenty-five years after its organization the so-
ciety dissolved.

MANtrPACTUKING INTEBBSTB.

The most prominent manufacturing business
of the place is the making of oil cloths. Early
in the year 1817 William Powers advertised that
he had engaged in the business of manufactur-
ing oil cloths. The extensive establishment of
Deborah Powers & Sons and that of R. C. Haa^
kell, in the southern part of the village, indi-
cate the local importance of the business.

WilUam McMurray, in 1818, began the manu-
facture of brushes in the village. His business,
since that date, has grown into one of the lead-
ing industries of Lansingburgh. The wide
reputation which the various factories of the
village enjoys throughout the United States for
the excellent quality of the various kinds and
styles of brushes made by them is quite nota-
ble. The principal brush manufacturers are J.
G. McMurray <fc Co. ; George Scott, Peter B.
King, E. & C. Wood, J. C. Pushee & Co., James
McQuide, FUnn Brothers, Comeskey Brothers,
F/Hoytand Thomas Curran.

The manufacture of crackers in the village
dates back to 1806, when the father of Joseph
Fox was engaged in the business. The large
steam cracker establishment of Joseph Fox and
the weU-known cracker bakery of R. M. DeFreest
enhance the value of Lansingburgh's manu-
facturing interests. The firm of Edward Tracy
& Co. has long been established in the manu-
facture of malt. The Ludlow valve manufac-
turing company, which since 1872 has been
extensively engaged in making the celebrated
" Ludlow sUding stop valves," for the safe and
economical distribution of water, steam and
gas, and also the " Ludlow patent friction hy-
drants," at the extreme south part of the vil-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENS8BLAER COUNTY.

lage, gives employment to a large number of
workmen. The carriage factory of Edwin
Chamberlain, the knit goods mlU of Harder &
Co., the scale works and foundry of Arnold
& Bowe, and the brewing establishment of
Samuel Bolton & Sons add industry and pros-
perity to the place.

LAssniaBnitOH newsfafebs.

The Northern Centind and Lansingburgh Adver-
iiter, issued on Monday, May 21, 1787, as a
weekly, by Claxton & Babcock, King street, be-
tween Hoosick and South streets, Lansing-
burgh, was the first newspaper published within
the territory now embraced in the county of
Bensselaer.

The Federal Herald, weekly, by Babcock &
Hickok, succeeded the Nmihem Ceniind May
5,1788.

The American Spy was the name of the news.
paper which followed the former, April 8, 1791,
published by Silvester Tiffany.

The NorOiem Budget, by Robert MofStt & Co.,
became the successor of the Spy, Jime 30, 1797.

The liansingburgh Gazette, after the removal
of the Budget to Troy, May 15, 1798, had its
first issue on September 12, 1798, and was first
edited and printed by Gardiner Tracy. A. B.
• Elliott is the present editor and proprietor of
this well known jonmal.

The ParmerU Begister was Issued for the first
time January 25, 1803, by Francis Adanconrt.

The Democratic Press and LanHnglmrgh Adoer-
tiaer had its first publication January 13, 1838,
by William J. Lamb

The Literary Cabinet was the nex' paper,
November, 1841.

The Oddem Rule, January 1, 1844, monthly,
by the Bev. Bolla J. Smith.

The Antiguarianand Oenerai Semew, a month-
ly, by the Bev. Wm. Arthur, March, 1847.

The Lansingburgh DaUy Gazette, by Mitchell
& Eirkpatrick, January 3, 1860.

The Semir-WeeUy Chronicec, April 6, 1864, by J.
D. Comstock.

Our LitOe Ptper, September 13, 1872, by E. D.
Ayres.

The Enlerpriae, November 29, 1873, by J. D.
Comstock.

The lAnsingbnrgh Courier, December 84,
1875, by Isaac L. VanVoast and William H.
EngeL

33ANK3.

The first banking institution of the village
was the bank of Lansingburgh, incorporated
March 19, 1818. The building in which the
bonk began business was the one now known as
No. 531 State street. The first board of directors
was : Elijah Janes, ShubaelOorham, Abraham C.
Lansing, James Dennison, Gardiner Tracy,

James Hickok, James Adams, Jonathan
Burr, Thnothy Leonard, Silvanus J. Penni-
man, Ellas Farmelee, John Stewart, Calvin
Barker, James Dougrey and Asa Burt. Elijah
Janes was chosen president and James Beid
cashier. The amount of capital authorized was
t200,000. This institution, by the depreciation
of the value of its assets, disconttiued business
March 19, 1877.

The Bensselaer county bank was established
in Lansingburgh January 1, 1853. John 8.
Fake was the first president of the institution.
On the 13th of July, 1872, the bank disco -
tinned business.

Bank of D. Powers & Sons was establijihed
March 20, 1877. Deborah Powers, Albert E.
Powers and Nathaniel Powers being sole part-
ners in the institution.

LOOAI. OBOAIIIZA.TION8.

The first masonic organization that was
formed in Lansingburgh was Hiram lodge, No.
35, the warrant granteo it by the grand lodge,
bearing date of August 16, 1787. The lodge
room in the year 1795 was on the second fioor
of Hanmer's tavern, which stood where now is
the Phoenix hotel. Early in this century Hiram
lodge ended its work.

Phoenix lodge No. 861 has its warrant dated
Jnne 23, 1823. Under a dispensation of the

gBnd lodge in September, 1^, Benjamin W.
orr, Chauncey Ives, Nathan Morey, Alvan
Hawley, Samuel H. Mnlford, Samuel S. Bing-
ham, David Beading, Ephraim Goss, B. B.
Stearns and JonathanChoate met together for the
first time on September 26. The poUtlcal crusade
against masonic bodies about the year 1884 led
the few remaining members of Phcenix lodge
to surrender its charter on January 6, 1886. In
1838 the grand lodge was petitioned for a new
charter, which was granted, and on June 7,
1839, Phoenix lodge No. 58 assumed its second
existence. The lodge room Is in the Masonic
hall, No. 685 State street.

In 1854 Jerusalem lodge No. 355 was or-
ganized.

Phoenix chapter No. 183 received its dispensa-
tion Nov. 22, 1849.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is
represented by Bethl^em Bebecca degree lodge
No. 49.

The temperance cause is advocated by Dia-
mond Bock Temple of Honor No. 85 and by the
Christian Temperance Union of Lansingburgh.

The Lansingburgh academy was incorporated
February 20, 1796.

CENSUS or THE TOWN OF LANSINOBUBGH.

18S5 8,388

1840 8,880

184S 8,982

18S0 5,762

18S6 5,700

1800 5,577

1865 6,072

1870 6,804

1875 6,984

1880 7,774

17T0 60

1780 400

1790 609

17B5 900

1800 1,200

1805 1,400

1810 1,800

1816 1,800

1820 2,035

1826 2,428

1830 ......2,868

From 1771 to 1815 the population of the vil-
lage is estimated. From 1820 it is the census of
the town of Ltuisingburgh.

HISTOBT OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COTJNTT.

CHAPTER V.

THE TOWN OF GREENBUSH.

The Ground of the Indian Nawanemitt— The Arable Land of De
Laet's Burg— The Flight of the Settlers to Fort Cralo— The
Division of Rensselaerwyck— The Sale of the Lots of the Akin
Mile Square — The Burial of Thirty-three Persons in One Day —
The Incorporation of the Village — The History of its Churches
— Historical Memoranda.

In the month of May, 1633, while the Indians
inhabiting the east and west banks of the Hud-
son Were busily engaged with their spring fish-
ing, they beheld a Dutch ship, with all its sails
spread, moving slowly past them, going north-
ward. It was the New Netherland, which
had left Holland, in March, for the fertile coun-
try bordering the beautiful river recently ex-
plored by the English navigator, Henry Hud-
son. There were 18 families on board that in-
tended settling about the rudely built outpost,
named Fort Orange, which had just been
" thrown up and completed" near the river, on
a part of the ground that is now occupied by
the city of Albany.

It is said that shortly after these emigrants
had built themselves " some huts of bark," the
Mohegans, the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the On-
ondagas, the Cayugas and the Senecas, with the
Ottawawa Indians, " came and made covenants
of friendship" with the Dutch commander,
Adriaen Joris, " bringing him great presents of
beaver or other peltry, and desired that they
might come and have a constant free trade
with them, which was concluded upon." It is
further related that for years thereafter the In-
dians "were all as quiet as lambs, and came
and traded with all the freedom imaginable."

DG LAST'S BURQ.

This early settlement at Fort Orange, it
should be remembered, was previous to the year
1629. Afterward, in 1629, the Dutch West In-
dia company permitted persons of wealth to
become permanent possessors of large tracts of

land, who, within four years, should settle on
them colonies of 50 adult persons. Among the
several purchases of tracts of lands from the
Indians made by the agents of Eiliaen Van.
Rensselaer, under this charter of exemptions
and privileges, was one which embraced the
ground on which Greenbush is now built. This
part of the manor of Rensselaerwyck along the
Hudson belonged to an Indian sachem named
Nawanemitt, and was " called Semesseeck, ly-
ing on the east side of the aforesaid
river, opposite the Fort Orange, as well above
as below, and from Foetanock, the mill creek,
northwards to Negagonce, being about 12 miles
large measure." Among the shareholders of
the West India company considerable dissatis-
faction was caused by these large acquirements
of landed estate by Eillaen Van Rensselaer.
This wealthy patroon in order to have his pa-
tents confirmed by the legislative chambers of
Holland, was obliged to divide the territory ob-
tained from the Indians with three other di-
rectors of the Amsterdam chamber : the Dutch
historian, John de Laet, Samuel Godyn and
Samuel Blommaert. The latter had associated
with him Adam Bissels and Toussaint Mous-
sart.

The several divisions of the manor of Rens-
selaerwyck are in a general way designated on
the old map of the manor made by Gillis van
Schcndel in 1630. That portion of land occu-
pied by the raUroad companies' freight houses
and car shops is named on this old chart De
LacCs Hylandt—Tie Laet's island ; the stream
south of it is called De LaeVs mueUn kiS, ende

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY,

vxUerval — De Laet's mill creek and waterfall.
On the south side of the creek, and on the hank
of the river, there are several houses delineated
which no doubt were intended to mark the
probable site of a future village, and which is
denominated De Laet's Burg. This was the
local name given 230 years ago to the land on
which the village of Oreenbush is situated.

THE PIKST SETTLERS.

The bouw landt, arable land, opposite Fort
Orange, on the east bank of the river, soon at-
tracted the attention of the Dutch fanners im-
migrating from Holland. The several streams
of water emptying contiguously into the river
very likely reminded them of the fatherland,
where numerous canals diversified the dyke-
protected country. Gerrit Teunissen de Reus,
acliepen, sheriS, as early as 1631, had built him-
self a home and had a well stocked farm, in the
vicinity of the Oroenen boaeh, the green or pine
woods, which formed a part of the landscape
in the vicinity of De Laet's mill creek. At
the south end of this wood, Tennis
Comelissen van Yechten was living in
1648. North of him. Tennis Dircksen van
Yechten had a farm. He had emigrated from
Holland in 1638, having taken passage in the
Arms of Norway with his wife, child and two
servants. In 1643 Evert Pels van Steltyn, a
brewer, was living near the river, on the bank
of Mill creek. For the purpose of facilitating
communication between the people living on
the west and east banks of the river, as early
as 1643 a ferry was established between Fort
Orange, or Beaverwyck, as the village around
the fort was early called, and Groenen bosch,
nowGreenbusb. HendrickAlbertsen had charge
of it.

FOBT OUALO.

As a means of protection against any sudden
attack of the Indians the patroon of Rensse-
laerwyck had a small fort constructed on his
farm at Greenbush. This newly built fort, in
June, 1663, when the news of the massacre of
the people living at Esopus reached the ears of
farmers dwelling in the vicinity of it, be-
came a very important place of safety to them.
The alarm at the time was widespread, and the
entire neighborhood was deserted by those who
for weeks found a home within its walls. The
following extract from the " Resolutie boek der
Colonie Rensselaerwyck," refers to what took
place among the early settlers who had fled to
Fort Cralo :

12th Juki, 1663,— Information rec'd of murders
and bnniing which occnred at Esopus, last Thurs-
day, 7th inst, the Conrt of RensBelaerwyck re-
newed the resolution of the Ist of April, 1660, for

the establishment of a night watch. Ciomelis van
Neswas appointed captain, and Willem Freder-
icks Bout, corporal. List of colonists in Oreen-
bush ; Under the chief ofacer Cornells van Nes :
Comelis Stevensen Hullen, Adam Dingermans,
Gerrit van Nes, Jan Juriaensen, Jan van Nes, Ja-
cobus Jansen, Tymon Hendrickseu. Under Cor-
poral WiUem Bout : Jan Ootbout, Hendrlck van
Nes ; Hendiick Maessen [van Buren} Gerrit Teu-
nissen, Frans Jacobsen, Hendriok Willemsen, Claes
Claessen. The ofScers shall take good care that
' none of the watch shall fire unless when necessary,
under the penalty of six guilders for the first,
twelve for the second, and an arbitrary correction
for the third offence. Actum in Greene Bos in the
Colonie Bensselaerswyck, this 12th June 1663.

In July, 1664, war broke out among the In-
dians, and the Mohawks inhabiting the west
side of the river drew the hatchet against the
Mohegans, or Mahicans as the Dutch called
the Indians living on the east side. Jeremias
Yan Rensselaer, writing to Director Stuyvesant
from Fort Orange, July 14, says that the latter
"are fled from the Mohawks, and the next con-
sequence was that the Indians of the colonic
have, on last Monday, the 7th instant, at one
onslaught, killed nine head " of cattle "in Di-
rector Rensselaer's bouwerie in Greenbush."
Subsequently the Indians became quite friendly,
and for a long time gave no occasion to the set-
tlers to fear any secret attack from them.

THE FBENCH AND INDIAN WAR.

In 1689 the people were once more alarmed
by fears of incursions from the French and
Indians, who, by rapid marches, made sudden
descents from Canada upon the New England
colonies and the farmers of northern New
York. The following minutes of a convention
assembled at Albany, August 21, 1689, exhibit
the apprehensions of the people residing along
the upper Hudson :

Resolved to acquaint ye Inhabitants of ye County
ye news yt we received of Col. Pynchen,

That Pemmaqnid was taken by ye Indians and
french 45 People Eild & Taken— also that there
shonld be a ship be come to Quebek of ye french
with news of wars Between Engld & france &
therefore nothing can be Expected but yt ye
french will doe all ye miechietTe they can to this
govemmt & therefore every one to be npon
there guarde & take care that they be not sur-
prized. Mr. [D.] Wessels and Eeynier Barentse
were Desynedto Commmiicate this to the farmers
of kinderhook & daverack. Capt. [J.] Wendel A
John Lansing the People above. Richd Pretty &
Evert Banker at Skeneehtady & Canasta^ome.

Two days afterward the people of Greenbush
it seems were thrown into great alarm by a sup-
posed attack upon them by the Indians. This
is apparent from the records of the convention
held at Albany :

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF KENSSETiAER COUNTY.

The 24th day of Augast, 1889. BetUted, That ye
Inhabitants of ye County be Informed of ye alarm
which was last night at ye green Bnsh oooasioned
by some Halitlons Persones fyreing of Severall
ganns with Baale throw ye Door and honse of
John Witment wUoh was done by letters accord-
ingly.

The 28th of August, 1689. Setolved, yt Barent
Gerritse of Bethlehem who is suspected to have
had a hand in ye late distnrbance yt was at Qreen
Bush, or least Privy to It yt he give 80 £ security to
answer when he shall be called for to be Kzamlned '
about yt Bnsslnesse.

In time the disturbing elements of hostility
were repressed by the strong arm of the Eng-
lish government and peace and prosperity
blessed the province.

THE TOWN OF GBEENBU8E.

On the lOtb day of April, 1792, the state leg-
islature passed " An act for dlvldlngthe several
towns therein mentioned," by which the town
of Greenbush was formed. The territory em-
braced was the following :

All that part of the town of RensseUderwyok,
which Ilea north of aline to be drawn from a point
on the east bank of the river Hudson, eight miles
distant from the southwest comer of the town of
Bensselaerwyck, and running from thenee east to
the west bounds of Stephentown, shall be and is
hareby erected into a separate town, by the name
of Greenbush ; and that the first town meeting in
Greenbush shall be held at the dwelling house of
Abraham M. de Forest, In the said town. And
that all the remaining part of the town of Bens-
selaerwyck shall be and remain a separate town
by the name of Rensselaerwyok ; and that the
first town meeting in Bensselaerwyck shall be held
at the dwelling house of John J. Miller In said
town.

A second act relatint; to the town was passed
March 17, 1795. A portion of the town was
taken off June 19, 1812, to form the town of
Sandlake. To make the towns of Clinton (now
East Greenbush) and North Greenbush, an-
other part was subtracted February 23, 1855.

THE AKIN MII/E SQUABS.

The ground on which the vUlage of
Greenbnsh is situate was on the S9th
day of March, 1810, conveyed by Stephen
Van Rensselaer and Stephen N. Bayard,
the surviving trustees of John J. Van
Rensselaer, to William Akin of Pawlings-
town, Dutchess county, Titus Goodman and
John Dickinson of Pittsfleld, Mass., for
the sum of $60,000. It was purchased
for speculative purposes, and was laid
out Into building lots and streets. Em-
bracing an area of ground a mile square, it
was thereafter designated "the Akin mile
square." The lots near the river were 100 feet

wide in front and in the rear 66 feet. The
greater part of the blocks contained three and
two-third acres of land. In the smaller blocks
the lots were generally 200 feet long by 60 feet
wide. In 1773, this portion of the manor of
Rensselaerwyck appears on a map made by
Robert Yates. The residence of John Van
Rensselaer, esq., widow Ten Broeck, widow
Lumbus, John Yates, John McLallan, Henry
Cuyler and Jacob Van Schaick seem to form the
embryo hamlet which grew into the village of
Greenbnsh. The first sale of lots was quite re-
munerative, but the second attracted only a few
buyers, and the project of the purchasers
ended in a long litigation. In 1813, it la said that
50 buildings had been erected on this plot.

A HXIuUICHOLT DAT.

Among the events connected with the growth
of Greenbush was one which was long remem-
bered by its inhabitants. In the spring of 1807
the ferry-boat plying between the little hamlet
and Albany was swamped by a south wind and
3S persons on it were drowned. Among the
lost were a large number of leading persons liv-
ing In the vicinity and in Albany, and their
funerals made one of the most melancholy days
known in the history of the two places.

THE yiLLASE OF OBXENBUBH.

The act incorporating the village of Green-
bnsh was passed April 14, 1815. Subsequent
acts were passed April 5, 1828 ; March 22, 1851,
and April 26, 1863. The present bounds of the
village are found in the act passed April 25, 1871 :

Beginning at a point in the Hudson river, op-
posite the city of Albany, on the division line be-
tween the counties of Albany and Bensselaer, on
a line running ISO feet north of the northerly Une
of Catharine street, thenoe running easterly, and
parallel to, and 150 north of the northerly line of
said Catharine street, to its terminus; thenoe
easterly on the same parallel, across the lands now
owned by Dr. James HoNanghton, to a point 160
feet east of the westerly line of the lands known as
the Mason farm ; thence southerly, IGO feet east of
the westerly hue of the said Mason farm, to a point
IGO feet south of the southerly Itaie of Partition
street; thence westerly, parallel to and 150 feet south
of the southerly line of Partition street, to a point
150 feet east of the easterly line of Cottage Hill
street ; thence southerly, parallel to and 150 feet
east of the easterly line of Cottage Hill street, to a
point 160 feet south of the southerly line of Hill
street ; thenoe west, parallel to and 150 feet south
of the southerly line of said Mill street, to a point
Where the said Une will intersect the west bounds
of the county of Bensselaer ; thenoe north along
the said west bounds to the place of beginning,
shall be known and distinguisbed as the village of
Greenbush. • * • « The officers shall be a
president, eight trustees, clerk, street commls-

HISTORY OP THE TOWNS OF EENS8ELAER COUNTY.

Bioner and treasurer, and three Inspectors of elec
Hon in each ward.

CHCBCHBB.

As eturly as the year 18i30 the people of Green,
bosh were accnstomed to meet together In the
Tillage school honse to hear on Sundays various
preachers discourse upon selected Bible texts.
The certificate of incorporation of the First
Presbyterian church of Greenbush declares
that "a meeting of the male inhabitants of
full age who haye been statedly in the habit of
attending public religious worship at the upper
room In the school house in the village of
Qreenbnsh ♦ • « was held at said room on
the 27th day of April, 1835, pursuant to a no-
tice read at said room for two Sabbaths
preceding said 27th day of April, imme-
diately after divine service ended and
the first notice given more than 15 days previ-
ous to said 27th day of April, 1825, for the pur-
pose of choosing a board of trustees with a
view to the incorporation of a religions society
in said village according to the statute." The
trustees chosen were Samuel Cheever, Hugh
Gordon, Jacob S. Miller, Samuel Tibbals, jr.,
John Alden, Solomon Cone and Merrick Ross.
The organization took the name of " The First
Presbyterian church in Greenbush."

In 1827 a house of worship was erected on
land donated by William Akin. The Rev. Ed-
ward Stratton, the present pastor, was installed
June 25, 1874.

The organization of the First Methodist
Episcopal church of Greenbush took place in
the village school-house, February 22, 1833. At
this meeting the following persons were elected
trustees : James Walker, Enos Northnp, Ben-
jamin Bradbury, Robert D. Kemp and James
Hallenbeck. In 1833 the congregation began
the erection of a frame building for a place of
worship on Washington street, which was first
used for worship May 11, 1834, the Rev. Joshua
Poor being the first pastor. In 1853 the old
building was torn down, and a handsome struc-
ture of brick, 65x42 feet, erected near its site, at
a cost of about $8,000. It was dedicated in Janu-
ary, 1854. Inl862thebuilding was enlarged by
the addition of a transept 24x62 feet, at a cost
of $7,000. The Rev. R H. Robinson became
pastor of this congregation in 1879.

The first Protestant Episcopal church organ-
iced in Greenbush was that of the " Church of
the Meesiah." The congregation, which had
been meeting since 1851 in the village school
house, assembled on the evening of the 19th
of July, 1853, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer,
chairman. A vote being taken, Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer and Henry Finch were elected church
wardens, and George S. Weaver, Alexander H.

Henry, Thomas R. Mather, Frederick G. Lane,
Francis Van Rensselaer, Benjamin B. Eirtland,
John M. Boudy and Squire Oreenhogh vestry-
men. The present church edifice, on the comer
of Third avenue and Washington street, was
erected in 1853-4. The Rev. Edgar T. Chapman
is the present rector of this church.

St. John's Roman Catholic church was organ-
ized about the year 1850 by the Rev. John
Cory, who became the first resident priest. A
small church was erected shortly afterward,
which in 1857 gave place to a new building,
built at an expense of $12,000. The Rev. James
E. DufEy is the present pastor and the Rev. M.
Scanlon assistant. The church has about 2,000
communicants.

The Greenbush Baptist church sprang from
a mission established by the Albany Baptist
missionary union. A congregation was organ-
ized in 1870. The society was formally incor-
porated May 27, 1874. The following trustees
were then elected: Merritt H. Waterbury,
Thomas Garrison, D. 0. Denison, William
Brooks, Sylvester Waterbury, James E. Aiken
and James A. Campbell. The present pastor,
the Rev. Adoniram Waterbury, was installed
February 1, 1874.

The second Protestant Episcopal church or-
ganized in Greenbush was the body known as
the "Church of the Epiphany," in 1873. Sev-
eral years after a church building was erected
on the comer of Catharine and Third streets.
The Rev. Richard Temple is the rector.

The Greenbush Congregational church was
organized in 1879 by the Rev. 6. Stanton, the
present pastor, and 16 other persons from
various sister churches. The church building,
on the comer of Partition and Third streets,
was erected in 1879-W.

NZWSFAPBKS.

The Greenbush Guardian was first published
in August, 1856, by A. J. Goodrich and after-
wards by J. D. Comstock.

The Betisielaer County Oazette had its first iS'
sue September 8, 1870, Thomas McKee and Dun-
can MacFarlane, publishers and proprietors.
Early in the summer of 1871 Thomas McKee be-
came the editor and owner of the paper.

The Greenbush Democrat began its publica-
tion December 2, 1876, by Philip F. Bray, the
present editor and proprietor.

POPDI.ATION.

The village of Greenbush is known locally by
two names. The lower or southern part is
called by the former name, while the northern
part is generally designated as East Albany.
The Albany and Boston railroad freight houses

HISTOBT OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

and workshops are on the island opposite, as is
also the Greenbnsh depot.

In 1836 Greenbnsh contained two grist mills,
on Mill creek, a distillery, two churches, a
flonrishing academy, four hotels, eight stores
and from 80 to 100 dwellings.

At present the steam saw mill of T. Miles &
Co., that of C. Warren & Son, the grist mill
and malt house of William M. Irwin & Co., the
grist mill of Charles C. Lodewick, the steam
cracker bakery of Jonas Whiting & Co., the
tannery of J. Ruyter & Son, the shoe- factory of
Walden & France, and the Albany stamping
works, Hoy & Co., are the important manufac-
turing interests of the village.

The population of the town of Groenbush
since 1800 is as follows :

ISOO S,472

1810 4,458

1815 2.396

1820 2,764

1825 2,914

1830 3,216

1835 3,345

1840 3,70.

1845 4,182

1850 3,945

1855 3,303

1860 3,992

1865 4,779

1370 6,202

1875 7,066

1880 6,742

SOCIETIES.

The masonic societies of Greenbnsh embrace
the Greenbush lodge of F. and A. M., No. 387,
chartered July 1, 18.54. The Greenbush Chap-
ter, E. A. M., No. 274, organized February 2,
1876.

The Independent order of Odd Fellows have
one lodge, the Farmers' and Mechanics', No.
157.

Of temperance societies there are Irving lodge
I. O. of G. T., No. 26, and St. Patrick's Father
Matthew society.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

CHAPTER VI.
TOWN OF EAST GREENBUSH.

The Great Forest Extended to Canada — The Building of a Fort at
Paepsknee— An Old Dutch Kirken Boek— The Famous Springs of
Harrowgate — The Home of Minister Genet — The Military Can-
tonment AT Greenbush — The Punishment of Riding in a Whirli-
gig — The Erection of the Town of Clinton — Present Statistics
— Population.

It was Oowper who longingly sighed :
" O for a lodge in some vast wildemess,
Some boundless contiguity of shade,
Where rumor of oppression and deceit,
Of nnsuccessful or successful war.
Might reach me no more."

The peace-loving poet no doubt believed that
the somber suiroundings of a great, continuous
forest were protective against the evil machina-
tions of men. Had he lived in America, about
the year 1689, on the east side of the Hudson river,
where then, as it is said, was a vast and closely
grown wood that extended from Kinderhookto
Canada, perhaps, he would not have thought it
a proper place for the realization of his fanci-
ful conceptions of a contented retirement from
the disturbing enmities of mankind. Through
the sunless depths of this immense forest bands
of horribly painted Indians and companies of
hostile French soldiers sometimes secretly
moved on murderous missions.

FAEPSENEE ISLAND.

The first Dutch settlers who, with cleaving
axes, had felled, here and there, near the river,
.green trees of this old forest of pines, de
groenen touch, and had upon these clearings
built themselves log farm-houses, were often
alarmed by the sudden incursions from Canada
of massacring bodies of savages and revenge-
ful French soldiery.

Opposite the mainland now known as
East Greenbush, at a close remove from
the shore, is a long island which at a
quite early date had received the name

of Paepsknee. This isolated piece of
land, sometimes called Poepskenekoes and
Papakenenea, it would seem, was selected by
the Dutch people living in the vicinity as a place
of refuge from the bloody tomahawks of the
Indians and the capturing hands of the Cana-
dian invaders. For at a convention held in Al-
bany on the 4th of September " in ye First year
of ye Reign of our Souveraign Lord and Lady,
King William and Queen Mary of Eng'l, France
& Ireland &c Defenders of ye Faith, Ao 1689,"
the following action was taken for the defense
and security of the farmers living in the vicinity
of Paepsknee island :

Besolved, Since there is such Eminent Danger
Threatened by ye French of Canida and there
Praying Indians to come into this Country to kill
and Destroy there Hajes Subjects that there be
Immediately An Express sent doune to Capt. Leys-
ler and ye Eest of ye Militia offtcers of ye City and
County of New Torke for assistance of one hun-
dred men or more for ye secureing of there Majes
Fort and ye out Plantations of this County as also
a Recraite of six hundred weight of Ponder and
fonre hundred Bale viz to 200 Two Pounders and
200 four Pounders with some match & one hun-
dred hand granadoes out of there Majes Stores
and Two hundred Pounds out of there Majes Reve-
nue which we understand is dayly collected by
them for to employ ye Maquase andoyr Indians in
there Majes Service for ye Securing ye frontier
Parts of this County from any Inourslons of sd In-
dians or French.

Resolved, That there be a fort made at Paepsknee
in ye moat Convenient Place & yt Melgert
abrah Claes van Petten marte Cornells gerrit

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER OOtTNTY.

gyebertBen & ye Inhabitants of Paepaknee make
ye same for there security to retreat Into upon oc-
casion & that albt Ryckman & John Beekman see
it effected.

THE HBST DUTCH CHURCH.

For a long time after the settlement of the
territory now included within the town of East
Greenbnsh the farmers and their families were
in the habit of attending religions worship at
the Dutch church, in Albany. AVhen, however,
the community of farmers was large enough for
the organization of a congregation, the settlers
were gathered together and a society formed,
which took the name of the Reformed Protestant
Dutch church of Greenbush. This was done
in the year 1787. The first pastor of this rural
church was the Bev. Jacobus Van Campen
Romeyn, who, being licensed by the synod of
the Dutch Reformed church of New York,
October 5, 1787, began his pastorate in Febru-
ary, 1788. Shortly after the passage of the
state law in regard to the incorporation of
churches, this congregation took the nec-
essary steps to comply with the legal
enactment. As stated in the preamble of
the legal certificate of the meeting held
for this purpose the proceedings of the
members of the church were according to
"an act making snch alterations in the
act for incorporating religions societies as
to render the same more convenient to the Re-
formed Protestant Dutch congregations, passed
the 7th day of March, 1788. The meeting was
held in the church at Greenbush, in the county
of Albany, on the 12th of Angost, 1788. The
Rev. Jacobus Van Campen Romeyn, minister ;
Christopher Yates, Abraham Ostrander and
Peter H. Van Bnren, elders; and Abraham
Cooi>er, Kaspams Witbeck and John E. Lans-
ing, deacons, were then and there, by virtne of
the said act, organized as " The minister, elders
and deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch
church of Greenbush."

AS OLD CHUBCH BOOK.

The records of the congregation of this date
are still preserved in the church book, which Is
written in " black Dutch." On the title-page
is the following :

KerkenBoek

vanM
Greene Bos
Be/ulzende een register van gedoopte, huwelljk, tcer-
kemienst, handelingen, etc., begonnen door.
Jacobus Van Campen Romeyn,
Predikant van de nederige Gfermenteen van het
Oreene Bos en Schodack. Anno 1788.

[The church book of Greenbush, containing a
register of baptisms, marriages, services, pro-
ceedings, etc., begun by Jacobus Van Campen

Romeyn, preacher of low German at Greenbush
and Schodack. Year 1788.]

Among the fljwt members of the church were
Anthony Abrams, Nancy Abrams, Andrles
Bartel, Hendriok Brezee, William BnsweU,
Peter Dingman, Peter Fonda, Abraham Lan-
sing, Dirck Hansen, Samuel Hitchcock, Hen-
drick Hollenbeck, John Holliday, Matthew Hol-
liday, Thomas Mesick, Stephen Mnller, Francis
Ott, James Patten, Jacobus Salsbury, Jonathan
Salsbuiy, Joseph Salsbury, John Schermerhom,
Robert Scharp, Jeremiah Shane, Johannes
Spoor, Christian Spring, Adam Tod, Benjamin
Van den Bergh, Cornelius Van Buren, Isaac
Van der Poel, Jonathan T. Witbeck, Peter W.
Witbeck and Tobias Witbeck.

The various pastors of this church since its
organization have been the following : 1788-99,
the Rev. J. V. C. Romeyn ; 1801-11, the Rev. J.
L. Zabriskie; 1811-13, the Rev. I. Labagh;
1814r-a8, the Rev. N. J. Marselus ; 1828-25, the
Rev. B. C. Taylor ; 1826-29, the Rev. A. H. Du-
mont ; 1830-34, the Rev. J. A. LiddeU ; 1831-52,
the Rev. E. P. Stimpson ; 1853-60, the Rev. J.
R. Talmage ; 1861-66, the Rev. P. Q. Wilson ;
1866-77, the Rev. W. Anderson ; 1877 to date,
the Rev. John Steely, D. D.

The site of the old church edifice was near
that of the present one. Although services
were held in the old one as early as 1788, it was
not completed for a number of years afterward.
On February 10, 1794, the committee of the
house of assembly to whom was referred the
petition of a number of the members of the
church for an act permitting them to create a
lottery to raise money to complete the church,
reported against granting the petition. Tlie
second church edifice was bnilt in 1860 and
dedicated in 1861. The church has a large and
active membership, and an excellent Sunday
school.

THE TOWN OF OBEEMBU8H.

The territory which is now known as East
Greenbush, on April 10, 1792, was designated
by the legislature as part of the town of Green-
bush, having been subtracted from the town of
Rensselaerwyck at that time. The Tierken
kill, or Mill creek, rises in the town of East
Greenbush and flows into the Hudson, opposite
Albany, by a meandering course of sevev
miles. Moordener's creek, having its source in
the town of Sandlake, flows through the south-
east part of the town and empties into the
Hudson, at Castleton. Along the Hudson, op-
posite Albany, the land belonging to East
Greenbush rises to elevations varying from 100
to 800 feet. A high hill, conspicuous to an ob-
server looking eastwardly from the new capitol
building in Albany, is known by the name of

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Fonokose, a name said to have been given it
by an old Stockbridge Indian. Eastwardly
from the blufis along the river the surface
dlspreads into a rolling upland, rising gradual-
ly toward the eastern boundaries of the town.
The soil is composed of gravel, sand and clay,
and is quite fertile.

THE HA.BKOWaATE SPRIITO.

In 1792, about half a mile from the Green-
bush ferry, a spring of water was found, which
was deemed a discovery of no little importance
at the time. Having mineral properties simi-
lar to the famous Harrowgate springs, 20 miles
west of York city, England, and valuable to
persons having diseases of the skin, scrofula
and gout, this spring was designated by the
same name, which it retains to the present day.
A suitable building was erected for visitors
seeking the use of the water. Until the war of
1812 this spring attracted considerable atten-
tion, but when in 1812 a military encampment
was formed near it, the frequenters gradually
decreased, and the establishment lost favor
with the public. In 1822 a second effort was
made to popularize the spring by the erection
of bathing houses and other accommodations,
but the project was a failure.

THE HOME OF GENET.

The name of Edmund Charles Genet at the
close of the eighteenth century was a very
familiar one to the people of the United States.
He had been sent from France in December,
1792, as minister plenipotentary and consul-
general to this country. The aversion of the
people of the United States, engendered by the
war of the revolution, toward Great Britain, had
not been much abated, and th^ sympathy of the
people toward France was still generous and
affectionate. When the French republic de-
clared war against England, Washington, as
president, was obliged to issue in 1793 a procla-
mation enjoining strict neutrality on the part
of the United States. Genet, misled by
the enthusiastic reception given him on
his arrival in this country, immediately
began to use his influence to excite the people
into a state of opposition to this proclamation.
He went so far as to flt out vessels and to com-
mission officers in America to sail the high seas
in quest of British shipping. In these measures,
it is said, he was supported by an opposition
party, or as it began to be called, the Democratic
party, which now undertook, under the direct
management of Genet and in imitation of the
associated parties in France, to form demo-
cratic societies throughout the United States.
At the desire of President Washington the

French minister was superseded. In 1794
Genet married Cornelia Tappan, daughter of
Gfov. George Clinton, and settled on a farm, at
Jamaica, L. I. In March, 1810, his wife died,
after which, he took up his residence
in the town of Greenbush, now East Green-
bush, where he purchased a farm and lived for
the most part of his life until the day of his
death. His residence was known as Prospect
hill, and was south of a small stream called
Mill brook, in district No. 1, and west of the
Boston and Albany railroad. The Genet home-
stead is now owned and occupied as a summer
residence by Nelson Davenport of Troy. In 181 4
Genet married his second wife, Martha Bran-
don Osgood. In 1816 he removed to New York,
but returned to his farm in Greenbush in 1818.
Ex-Miuister Genet was taken sick on July 3,
1834, in consequence of getting wet in a rain
while going to attend a meeting of an agricul-
tural society of which he was president, and
before which he was to deliver an address. His
illness continued until the 14th of the month,
when, at 10 o'clock in the evening, he died.

THE TOMB or OENET.

In the burial ground in the rear of the Dutch
church in East Greenbush is the grave of ex-
Mlnister Genet. The slab which marks his
grave bears the following inscription :

Under this Humble Stone are interred the re-
mains of Edmund Charles Genet, Late Adjutant-
General, Minister Plenipotentiary And Consul-
General from the French Bepublic to the United
States of America. He was bom at Versailles,
Parish of St. Louis, in France, Jan. 8, 1763, and died
at Prospect Hill, Town of Greenbush, July 14, 1884.
Driven by the storms of the revolution to the
shades of retirement, he devoted bis talents to his
adopted country, where he cherished the love of
liberty and virtue. The pursuits of literature and
science enlivened his peaceful solitude, and he de-
voted his life to usefulness and benevolence. His
last moments were, like his life, an example of for-
titude and true Christian philosophy. His heart
was love and friendship's sun, which has set on
this transitory world to rise vrith radiant splendor
beyond the grave.

By the side of his grave are the tombs of his
two wives.

THE UHITED STATES CANTONMENT.

In the month of May, 1812, the United States
government purchased about 300 acres of land,
one mile and a half east of the village of
Greenbush, for the purpose of using it as a
military post, for the organization of
recruited men into regiments, for service in
the war against Great Britain then existing.
The persons conveying the tract of land to the
government were Henry Ward, Thomas Leg-

HISTOBY OF THE TOWITS OF KENS8ELAER COTJNTT.

gett, James Thompson, Samuel Danton and
James Head. After the purchase had been
made it was discovered that an exclusive title
had not been obtained to the property. A deed,
however, was some time afterward given by
Stephen Van Rensselaer, which secured the full
right of the land to the United States.
Mai.-Oen. Dearborn, the commandant of the
post, began at once the erection of the neces-
sary buildings. Eight frame buildings, known
as the barracks, each 252x22 feet, two stories
high, with basements, were erected, four on
each side of the parade ground, which occupied
a space of half a mile in width. Four
buildings, 90 feet in length, two stories
high, for officers' quarters, were also built,
on opposite sides of the parade ground. Two
large buildings for the use of the commissary
department, a fire proof arsenal, built of brick,
three large structures, two stories high and 90
feet long, for the general's headquarters, hos-
pital and medical departments were erected on
an eminence commanding a view of the sur-
rounding country. Other buildings for shelter
for men, horses and cattle were constructed
upon the ample grounds of this large farm.

BIDING nj THE WHIBLIOIO.

It is said that the commanding general was
a man of many eccentricities. To him is at-
tributed, perhaps, without any authoritative
proof, the construction of an instrument of
punishment called a whirligig. It was a rudely-
made box or cage, faced with slats, that could
be revolved with rapidity around an upright
post that passed through it. The person to be
punished for the commission of an offense was
put in it, his hands being first secured to the
upper part of the box, which was whirled around
the post. The exposed position of the of-
fender thus being punished, it is said, never
failed to attract the idle crowd of hangers-on
about the cantonment. The rapid revolutions
of the box soon, it is said, caused extreme gid-
diness, and prevented the person subjected to
this punishment from retaining an upright po-
sition, but who was kept from falling by the
firm fastening which retained his hands.

The Greenbush cantonment, had accommo-
dations for over 4,000 troops. The elevated po-
sition of the camp, sometimes called " Mount
Madison," was thought at first to be a very
healthy one ; but during the first year much
sickness occurred. After the treaty of peace
of 1815, very few soldiers were stationed at the
post, and finally, on May 2, 1831, the property
was sold by the government to Hathorn McCul-
loch of Albany, who made the place his resi-
dence until his death. The property in 1848 was

divided, one part of which is the now the prop-
ety of William A. McCuUoch, son of Hathorn
McCulloch, and the remainder is retained by
the latter's grandchildren, William H. Kirt-
land, Albert B. Eirtland and Mrs. A. 6. Oenet.

THE TOWN OP CLINTON.

The town of East Greenbush was first known
by the name of Clinton. The board of super-
visors of Rensselaer county, in answer to a pe-
tition of more than 12 freeholders of the town
of Greenbush, granted the erection of the town
of Clinton, on the 23d of February, 1855. Fol-
lowing the description of the boundaries of the
town of North Greenbush, which was erected at
the same time, are the following words describ-
ing the limits of the town of Clinton :

All the remaining part of the town of Greenbush,
excepting that part thereof embraced within the
present limits of the village of Greenbush, and
bounded northerly by the southern boundary line
of said village and the southern boimdary line of
the above-named town of North Greenbush, here-
by erected ; easterly and southerly by the present
easterly and southerly boundary lines, respective-
ly, of the town of Greenbush ; and westerly by the
present westerly boundary line of the town of
Greenbush, and the easterly boundary line of said
village, is hereby erected and constituted a new
and separate town by the name of Clinton.

The first annual meeting in the said town of
Clinton hereby erected shall be held at the house
of William R. Befreest, in East Greenbush, in said
town of Clinton hereby erected. Said [meeting]
shall be held on the first Tuesday of April, 1856,
and annually thereafter, at such places as a ma-
jority of the electors of said [town] * • •
shall determine. • * * Frederick K. Rockefel-
ler, John J. Sliter and Philip L. Rysedorph, three
electors of said town of Clinton hereby erected,
are hereby designated, whose duty it shall be to
preside at the first annual meeting in the respective
town as aforesaid, appoint a clerk, open and keep
the polls, and exercise the same powers as jus-
tices of the peace when presiding at town meet-
ings.

THE FIB8T TOWN OFFICERS.

The first annual town meeting, as ordered,
was held at the place appointed, on April 3,
1855. The following persons were selected offi-
cers of the town of Clinton :

Supervisor, Frederick R. Rockefeller; town
clerk, William R. De Freest; assessors, Barney
Hoes, David De Freest, Jr., Martin D. De Freest ;
commissioner of highways, David Phillips ; over-
seers of the poor, Adam Dings, John W. Graver ;
justices of the peace, Andrew L. Wetherwax,
Frederick Rockefeller, Thomas B. Simmons, Wil-
liam Holsapple; superintendent of common
schools, Henry J. Qenet ; collector, Harris N.
Elliot ; constables, Henry Ostrander, Frederick B.
Conkey, Jacob Earing, Harris N. Elliot ; inspectors

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EKN8SELAER COUNTY.

of eleotlon,A. B. Eirtland, Leonard L. Rysedorph ;
poundinaaters, John W. Craver, W. 11. De Freest,
Peter G. Clark.

The act to change the name of the town of
Clinton, in the county of Rensselaer, to that of
East Qreenbush, was passed April 14, 1858.

TH£ METHODIST EFI9COPAI. CHTHICH.

For some time previous to the organization of
the Methodist Episcopal church of the village
of East Qreenbush in 1875, the people of this
denomination had been in the habit of assem-
bling together in private houses for religious
worship. The first regular pastor of this church
was the Rev. Joseph Zweifel, who served from
1875-77 ; the Rev. J. S. Bridgeford, 1877-1878 ;
1878 to date the Rev. Charles W. Rowley. The

society possesses a very commodious church in
the village of East Qreenbush.

THB VILLAGE OF BAST QREENBUSH.

The only village in the town is that of East
Qreenbush, which is situate very near the
middle of the southern boundary line of the
town. The present population of the village
is 101 persons. Twenty-flve houses comprise
the number of buildings in the village. There
are two churches, one hotel, one store, one
blacksmith shop and one paint shop in the
place. A postofflce was established here, Febru-
ary 23, 1855.

POPULATION OP THK TOWN.

18SB 1,80611870 1.845

1860 1,607 1875 8,063

1865 1.863 1880 a.liff

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAEU COUNTT.

CHAPTER VII.

THE TOWN OF NORTH GREENBUSH.

A Part of Pafraets Dael — Dickop's House on the Hudson— The
First Settlers of the Territory — Bath to Rival Ballston —
Erection of the Town of North Greenbush — The Villages of
THE Town — Sketches of the Churches and Newspapers — The
Population.

Rural life, pictured in the thonghful, melan-
choly utterances of Gray, in his "Elegy Written
in a Country Churchyard," has filled many a
heart with the quiet beauty and unassumed at-
tractions of its sober surroundings. The hum-
ble, laborious men who have tilled, sown seed,
and harvested during the long centuries since
Adam left Eden need no grander tribute than
the immortal verse of the poet to enhance the
part they took in the world's work :

" Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield,
Their furrow oft the Btubbom glebe has broke ;

How Jocund did they drive their teams afield I
How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy
stroke I

Let not Ambition mock their useful toll,
Their homely Joys, and destiny obscure."

THE HOUSE OF THE LOOOERHEAS.

That part of the manor of Rensselaerwyck
now embraced in the territory of the town of
North Greenbush was, in 1630, according to the
designations on the map of Gillis Van Schen-
del, known as the southern portion of Fafraets
dael. A little south of the kill which is im-
mediately north of Defreestville, running west-
ward to the river, was the marked position of
a rudely built hut, known as Dickop's huit, —
the loggerhead's house. In the river, opposite
it, were three islands, called "Bloemaert's
Eylanden." These islands, which still remain,
extending southward from the mouth of the
Wynant's kill, were in 1773 known by the
names of Bricker's, Flatt's and Schuyler
islands, as shown on a map made that year by
Robert Tates.

Being so near the river and situated at the
foot of the steep bills, it may be conjectured

that Dicker's huts wa^he hut of some Indian
who, in 1630, was friendly to the Dutch settlers,
and who on account of his obtnseness had re-
ceived the name of thick-skull, or logger-
head.

THE NAMES OF THE FIRST SETTLERS.

The territory of North Greenbush being up-
land, or elevated above the river, along the
shores of which it juts out in bold declivitous
ridges, is dissociated from all the uses made of
such a navigable stream, except at Bath-on-the-
Hudson, where the hill is more distant eastward-
ly, and a wider tract ot lowland extends for
some distance, southwardly and northwardly.
The soil is somewhat sandy, mixed with clay,
and is well adapted for agricultural uses. The
greater number of its first settlers occupied
farms in this section of the manor of Rensse-
laerwyck as early as the year 1670.
A century afterwards about a score of
homesteads diversified the landscape, and
nearly the entire portion of the land was under
cultivation. Opposite the patroon's house,
which was on the western side of the river, a
road ran from the river eastwardly toward Sand-
lake. Where it terminated at the river was a
ferry, which transported the wagons and sleighs
bearing the annual ground rents of grain, wood
and fowls of the farmers to the west side,
where were the patroon's great storehouses.

On the map of the manor of Rensselaerwyck
made by John R. Bleeker, in 1767, appear the
designated sites of the early farm-houses within
this territory. South of the road running from
the river eastwardly toward Sandlake, and
west of the one running northwardly toward
the site of Troy, was the home of Widow Hin-

HISTORY OF THK TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

dert Van Elveren. On the other side of the
road and north of this farm-house was that of
Jnria Sharp. West of the north road and
northward of Joria Sharp's house was the
home of Reinier Van Alstyne. More to the
north of it, and near the river, was the farm-
house of John Grannel. Eastward of it, and on
the west side of the north road were
the homes of Marte and Philip Deforest.
On the opposite side of the road was the house
of DaTid Deforest. Beyond it to the north was
the house of Rutger Van Den Bergh, and north
of it that of Cornelia M. Van Buren. West of
the north road and south of the Wynants-kill
was the farm-house of Philip Wendell. South
of the Sandlake road was the house of Law-
rence Kysdorp, and north of it those of Edward
Hogg, Wilhelmus Van Deusen and John Fonda.
These early settlers are still represented by the
families of the DeFreests, Van Denbergha, Van
Alstynes, Fondas, Wendells and others,
which in most instances dwell in the old
homesteads of their ancestors. In the
history of the town the male members
of nearly all of them have, from time
to time, been conspicuous, representing
with fidelity and honor offices in the
churches, town and districts. Among the pe-
culiarities of family names, perhaps, there is
no other national characteristic so apparent as
that manifested by the Dutch in the change-
fulness of the orthography of surnames. It is
often difficult, during a long period of years,
to put together the connecting links of a family's
history on this account, and no little trouble is
giren, when a writer finds so many variations
existing in the modes of spelling individual
names.

BATH IN 1800.

Before the close of the last century the won-
derful efficacy of the waters of several mineral
springs at Bath iiad made the little hamlet
somewhat conspicuous as a place of cure.
John Maude, an English traveler, visiting places
of note in the United States, in 1800, thus
speaks of its notoriety, in his journal, dated
Monday, June 30, of that year :

CroBsed the river to Bath, a town lately laid out
by the patroon ; it at present consists of about
thirty houses, but it is very doubtful if Its further
proeress will be so rapid. The medicinal springs
and the baths, at one time so much vaunted, are
now shut up and neglected ; yet, as u watering
plaoe. It was to have rivaled Ballstown, and as a
trading place, Lanslngburgh and Troy.

A country girl returoing from market, (who
crossed the ferry at the same time,) spoke Dutch
and English with equal fluency, and I may add
with equal pertness. Climbed the heights east of
Bath ; fine view of the river and of Troy. Ke-

turned by the lower or Greenbnsh ferry. Never
saw the wild grape and wild strawberry vines In
greater profusion ; in the coppice near the river
scarcely a tree that did not support one of the
former ; or a field that was not overrun by the
latter. This ramble was a very wild and a very
pleasant one ; the air bracing and refreshing, and
highly perfumed with the fragrance of wild roses
and red clover. White clover is a native of this
country ; the red is, I believe, an exotic, though it
is now to be found in a wild state aU over this part
of the country, even in the woods. The birds, I
noticed, were boblincolns, brown thrashers and
robins.

THE ERECTION OP NORTH GREBNBUSH.

The erection of the town of North Greenbush
from a portion of the town of Greenbush was
due to ''an application having been made to
the board of supervisors of the county of Rens-
selaer by 12 freeholders and upwards of the
town of Greenbush, in said county, praying for
a division of said town and the erection of two
towns therefrom." This petition was granted
by the board of supervisors on the 23d of
February, 1855. The boundaries of the town
as fixed upon were as follows :

By a line beginning at a point in the western
boundary line of the nresent town of Greenbush,
and at the northwest comer of the chartered lim-
its of the village of Qreenbusb. and running along
the northern line of said chartered limits to the
northeast comer of said limits ; then on a straight
line eastwardly to the south side of the dwelling
house of J. Pruyn Van Allen ; thence eastwardly
on a straight line to the south side of the dwelling
house of John P. DeFreest ; thence on a straight
line eastwardly to the south aide of the present
dwelling house of George J. Sharpe : thence on a
straight line eastwardly to a point in the eastern
boundary line of the tovm of Greenbush and the
western boundary of the town of Sandlake, which
said point is distant about eight chains and eighty
links southerly from the centre of a road or
public highway leading to the Albany and
Sandlake plankroad, past the late dwelling house
of Peleg Thomas, and where hia widow now resides
—which said line shall be the southern boundary
of a new town hereby erected ; and the eastern
and western boundary hnea of said town shall be
and remain such parts of the present eastern and
western boundary hues respectively of the present
town of Greenbush as lie northwardly of the pointa
in said eastern and weatem boundary linea reapec-
tively, where the aame are reapectively intersected
by said aouthem boundary line of the aforesaid
new town. And the northern boundary line of the
town of Greenbush shall be and remain the north-
em boundary hue of said new town, and all the
territory lying within the boundaries above named
is hereby erected and constituted a new and sepa-
rate town by the name of North Greenbush. * • *

The first annual meeting in the said town of
North Greenbush hereby erected shall be held in

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAEE COUNTY.

the boose of John Mason, in Blooming Orore, in
said town of North Qreenbush. * • • Said
[meeting] shall be held on the first Tuesday of
April, 1855, and annually thereafter, at such places
as a majority of the electors of said [town] » * *
shall determine according to law. And Henry
Frazee, William Witbeck and James Dearstyne,
three electors of said town of Xorth Greenbush
hereby erected, * * * are hereby designated
whose duty it shall be to preside at the first an-
nual meeting In their * * * town as aforesaid,
appoint a clerk, open and keep the polls and exer-
cise the same powers as justices of the peace when
presiding at town meetings.

THE PIRBT TOWDT OFFICEB8.

In accordance with the action of the board
of superrisors, the first town meeting was held
on Tuesday, April 3, 1855. The foUowiDg per-
sons were elected officers of the town of North
Greenbush :

Supervisor, Abram Witbeck ; town clerk, Qarret
Vanderburgh ; assessor, Philip L. De Freest ;
commissioners of highways, Rinier H. De Freest,
Matthew V. A. Fonda, Francis B. Bitchie ; jus-
tices of the peace, Barney Wendell, Abram Wit-
beck; overseers of the poor, Cornelius Dubois,
John G. Sharp ; collector, David D. De Freest ;
superintendent of common schools, Sandford A.
Tracy ; inspectors of election, first district, John
Fonda, John W. Yandenburgh, George W. Green ;
(appointed), second district, Andrew V. Barrenger,
Alonzo N. Kinney, James Henderson, (appointed) ;
constables, David H. Wyland, Channcey I. Wen-
dell, David S. Wendell, Harmon Snyder, Barney
Cole ; sealer of weights and measures, John B.
Marble ; poundmasters, John Mason and H. Fer-
guson.

VILI/A.OES.

The village of Bath-on-the-Hudson received
its name from several mineral springs discov-
ered in its immediate vicinity during the latter
part of the last century. So great was consid-
ered their importance that wide publicity was
given to the remarkable properties of the water
flowing from them, and bath houses for invalids
were erected in close proximity to them. In
SpotCord's gazetteer of the state of New York,
1824, the village is described as being one mile
from Orecnbush. " It stands on the declivity
of the dry, gravelly river hill, has some docks,
stores, about 40 houses and an extensive tan-
nery and some small business in trade. The
eastern turnpike extends from Bath through
Sandlake and Berlin to Williamstown, in the
state of Massachusetts."

The tannery ref ered to was that of James and
John Woods, on the northwest corner of Broad-
way and Tracy street.

The present population of the village is about
2,150 inhabitants. The ferry which connects

the village with the north part of Albany is
operated by Fitchet & Smith.

The fire department is represented by two
companies, one, the W. 8. Hevenor protectives,
organized in 1876, and the other, the A. L.
Hotchkin hook and ladder company, formed in
1874.

INOOKPOBATION OF BATH-ON-THE-HDDSON.

Bath-on-the-Hudson was incorporated by an
act of the legislature, passed May 5, 1874 ;
bounded as follows :

Beginning at a point on the east shore of the
Hudson river (at low watermark), where the north
line of the town of Greenbush intersects the said
river ; and running thence from said point along
the said north line of said town of Greenbush
south, SB degrees 40 minutes east, about 2,080 feet
to the centre of Quackendary kill (in this line there
are two stone monuments set in the ground, one
on the west side of Broadway, and one on the
brow of the hill west of the said Quackendary kill,
to Indicate the direction of the line) ; thence up and
along the centre of said Quackendary kill, and the
most westerly branch thereof, to a stone monument
set in the ground, and which said stone monument
bears south, 18 degrees 45 minutes west, 140 feet
from a stone monument set in the ground on the
north side of the Albany and Sandlake plank-
road : thence north, 16 degrees 45 minutes east,
145 feet to said stone monument on the north side
of said Albany and Sandlake plank-road; and
thence south 86 degrees 30 minutes west, about
1,194 feet to a stone monument in the centre of the
gateway at the entrance to the grounds of P. 8.
Forbes; thence north, 21 degrees 25 min-
utes east, about 406 feet to a stone mon-
ument; thence north, 40 degrees 30 min-
utes west, about 1,700 feet to the Hudson river ;
tbenoe westerly, and at right angles to the shore
of said Hudson river, until such line meets the
channel of said river ; thence down and along the
said channel (and which line is the westerly bound-
ary of the county of Bensselaer) until a line drawn
westerly and at right angles to the shore of said
river from the place of beginning shall intersect
said channel ; and thence from said point easterly
to the place of beginning ; and containing, exclu-
sive of said river, about 250 acres, as surveyed by
L. D. Eddy and others, and the courses taken as
the magnetic needle now points, comprising a part
of the town of North Greenbush, in the county of
Rensselaer and state of New York, to be known
and distinguished as the village of Bath-on-tbe-
Hudson.

WTNANT8KII.L.

The hamlet of Wynantskill is in the north-
east part of the town, on a small stream of
water from which it derives it name. In 1824
it is spoken of as having about 85 buildings and
a church in it. It became a post village
about the year 1830 ; Dr. Aseph Clark being
the first postmaster. Wynantskill has now a

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

population of about 300 inhabitants, 50 houses,
two churches, two hotels, one store, three
blacksmith shops, three carriage shops, one
harness and one shoemaker shop.

DEFREBSTVILLE.

Defreestville, named in honor of the De Freest
or DeForest family, is in the southern part of
the town. It is also known by the name of
BloomiugGrove. The present population num-
bers about 115 persons. There are 26 houses,
1 church, two hotels, 1 blacksmith shop, 1 shoe-
maker shop and 1 wagonmaker shop in the
place. A postofflce was established here about
a half century ago.

THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CBUROE
OF WTNANTSKILL.

This reli(;ious society was organized about
the year 1793. On May 17, 1824, at a meeting
of the consistory of the church, Andrew Finch,
John Coonradt, John P. Clapper and Frederick
G. Barrenger, elders, and Henry Frazee, Fred-
erick Barrenger, Francis Bradt and James
Westfall, assumed the name of the " Mini ter,
elders and deacons of the Reformed Protestant
Dutch church of WynantsklU." The church
has about 100 members.

A second Dutch Reformed church, an out-
growth of the former society, was organized
about 15 years ago, and has a neat house of
worship.

THE DUTCH CHURCH OF BLOOMING GROVE.

On the aeth day of December, 1814, the
Dutch church of Blooming Grove was formed.
In the certificate of incorporation Matthew
Van Alstyne, Guysbert Van Denbergh, Leonard
Rysdorp and Samuel Earing, elders, and Mar-
tin DeFreest, William Crannel, William W. Van
Denbergh and John P. Witbeck, deacons, cer-
tify that they took the name of "the Dutch
church of Blooming Grove, in the town of
Greenbush." The house of worship of this
congregation, in Defreestville, is a very neat
and commodious building.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP NORTH GREEN-
BUSH.

This society was established by the Albany
Baptist missionary union, which erected the
first building used by it as a place of worship.
The First Baptist church of North Greenbush
was organized January 6, 1866, in the mission
building on the comer of Ferry and First
streets, in Bath. The Rev. William F. Benedict
became the first pastor of the congregation in
January, 1866. In ~ 871 the first frame building
was torn down, and a second frame
structure erected on its site, which

was destroyed by fire, January 21. 1874.
A third frame building was erected in 1875, on
the comer of First and Church streets, which
was dedicated February 18, 1875, the services
being conducted by the Rev. A. Waterbury,
the Rev. John Love, the Rev. Frank Rodgers
Morse, the Rev. D. M. Reeves, D. D., the Rev.
C. W. Bridgeman, D. D., and the Rev. J. L.
Ray, pastor. The building cost $10,000, and
has a seating capacity for 400 persons. The
present membership numbers about 175 per-
sons. The following are the terms of the dif-
ferent pastors of the congregation : The Rev.
Wm. F. Benedict, January, 1866, to January,
1869; the Rev. J. W. Hammond, November,
1869 to September, 1870; the Rev. Wm. H.
Donward, September, 1871 to August, 1872 ; the
Rev. J. L. Ray, September, 1873, to September,
1877 ; the Rev. R. N. Van Doren, the present
pastor, from April 1, 1878.

THE METHODIST ErlSCOPAL CHURCH OF BATH.

The organizatian of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Bath was due to the active and suc-
cessful efEorts of the Albany Methodist Sunday
school union about the year 1867. The Rev. A.
A. Farr in 1868, and the Rev. Louis A. Beaudry
in 1869, were the first missionary pastors of
this congregation. The present membership of
the church is about 150 persons.

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH OF BATH.

This society was organized in Bath about the
year 1872 by the Rev. A. Burdick. A neat
frame church edifice was erected in 1874 on
Second avenue, at a cost of {300, which has
about 150 seats. The Rev. Aaron Burdick is
the present pastor of the church.

NEWSPAPERS.

The Bath Hun was first published May 1,
1874, by William H. Westfall. John D.
Houghtaling succeeded him in the owner-
ship of the paper, April 1, 1876. The publica-
tion of the paper was discontinued August 1,
1879.

The East Albany News, which was first is-
sued October 16, 1875, and changed in October,
1876, to the Oreentnush Democrat, was established
by John D. Houghtaling, the publisher of the
Bath Sun.

The Evining Star, still published at Bath, was
first issued in March, 1873, by C. F. R. Coe &
Co. publishers. The paper is now known as
the Euening Star and Sckodack Sentind, and is
edited and owned by C. F. R. Coe.

THE FORBES MANOR HOUSE.

The manor house, north of Bath, was built
about the year 1839 by William P. Van Rensse-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY.

laer, the son of the patroon of the east part of
the manor of Rensselaerwyck. In August, 1850,
Paul S. Forbes of New York city purchased the
property for $62,500.

POPULATION OF THE TOWH OP NORTH GREEN-
BUSH.

1855.,
1S60..
1865..

.1,812 11870 S,0B8

.8,110 1875 sese

.2,57511880 4,238

HI8T0KY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAEB COUNTY,

CHAPTER VIII.

THE TOWN OF SCHAGHTICOKE.

The Retreat of the New England Indians — Planting of the Tree
OF Peace — A Puzzling Orthography — The Patent obtained by
Albany — The Settlers of the Eight Schaghticoke Plantations
— People of the Valley of Peace Massacred — Interesting Inci-
dents of the Revolution — Homestead of the Knickerbackers —
Its Curious Collection of Heirlooms — The Story about Old
Tom — The Churches of Schaghticoke Point — Manufactories at
Hart's Falls — Population.

The pioneer life of the settlers of the territory
of the upper Hudson has been nowhere more
attractively surrounded with so many peculiar
circumstances than on that portion of the
province of New York now known as the town
of Schaghticoke, in the county of Rensselaer.
The great wilderness north of Albany with its
darkly-foliaged woods, sequestered lakes and
serpentine water-courses, was looked upon as
a land of fatness by the acquisitive Hollanders
who had emigrated to America in the latter
part of the seventeenth century. Fearlessly
they ventured with their households into the
Isolating depths of this vast forest-covered
country and with industrious hands built them-
selves homes, where for a long time came only
hunting bands of game-seeking Indians. To
these they gave shelter and hospitable welcome,
which friendly kindnesses were amicably hon-
ored for many years by the wild men, as the
aborigines were called by th»Dutch people.

THE SOHAaHTICOEi: INDIAII8.

The small band of Indians found occupying
this part of the country was a remnant of that
body of red men which Philip, the son of Mas-
sasoit, had conunanded during the bloody and
brief struggle known as King Philip's war,
waged against the New England settlers, during
the years 1675 and 1676. Being driven from
place to place by the enraged settlers, the
Peqaods sought safety by removing westward
to the east bank of the Hudson.

Speaking of these Indians, Cadwallader Col-
den, in his history of the five Indian nations,
1747, says that after the English got possession
of the country of New Netherland, "the great-
est number of the inhabitants of the province of
New York being Dutch, still retained an affec-
tion for their mother country, and by their
aversion to the English weakened the adminis-
tration. The common people of Albany, who
are all Dutch, could not not forbear giving the
Indians some ill impressions of the English ; for
the Mohawks, in one of their publick speeches,
.expressed themselves thus :

" We hear a Dutch prince reigns now in Eng-
land, why do you suffer the English soldiers to re-
main in the fort ? Put all the English out of the
town. When the Dutch held this country long
ago we lay in their houses ; but the English have
always made us lie without doors."

" The people of New England were engaged
in a bloody war at this time with the Owena-
gungas, Ouragies and Ponacoks, the Indians
that lie between them and the French settle-
ments. The Scahkooks were originally part of
these Indians. They left their country about
the year 1672, and settled above Albany, on
the branch of Hudson's river that runs
toward Canada. The people of New
England were jealous of the Scahkook
Indians, that they remembering the old
difference they had with the people of New Eng-
land, and the relations they bore to the eastern
Indians, did countenance and assist these

HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OF BEIfSSELAEB COUUTT.

Indians in tiie war against New England. They
had reason for these jealousies, for the Scah-,
kooli Indians received privately some Owena-
gonga messengers, and kept their coming
among them secret from the people of Albany ;
and some Scahkooks had gone privately to the
Owenagangas. They were afried, likewise, that
the Mohawks might have some inclination to
favor those Indians because some of the eastern
Indians had fled to the Mohawks, and were
kindly received by them and lived among them. "

THE TREE OF PEACE.

The most conspicnous object which still
marks the old Indian council ground at Schagh-
ticoke, is the famous tree of peace planted more
than two centuries ago. Its wide spreading
branches covering an acre of ground and its
immense trunk, 22 feet in diameter, place it
among the few old landmarks that remain to
indicate the places of interesting occurrences
in the early days of the settlement of this coun-
try. When Richard, the earl of Bellmont, was
governor of the province of New York, in 1700,
the Indians living on the east banks of the Hud-
son in their address to him, thus spoke of the
event which the tree of peace commemorates :

It Is DOW six and twenty years since wee were
allmost dead when wee left New England and
were first received into this government ; then it
was that a tree was planted at Schakkook whose
branches is spread that there Is a comfortable
shade under the leaves of it : we are nnanlmously
resolved to live and dye under the shadow of that
Tree, and pray our Father to nourish and have a
favorable aspect towards that Tree, for yon need
not apprehend that tho' any of our people goe ont
a hunting they will look out for another Country,
since they like that place call'd Schakkook so
well.

In another address to Lieut. Gov. John Nan-
fan in 1701, they said :

We are now two hundred fighting men belonging
to this county of Albany, from Eatsklll to Skach-
kook, and hope to increase in a year's time to three
hundred.

July 20, 1702, the following is given as their
number: "110 Indians at Skachcock; 87 be-
low ye towne ; in all, 197 fighting men."

In an answer made by the River Indians to
his excellency, Edward Lord Cembury, governor
of New York, July 20, 1702, they further related
the particulars of the planting of the tree :

About twenty-six years agoe sUr Edmund An-
dros, then Qovernor of this Province, planted a
Tree of welfare at Shachkook and Invited us to
come and Itve there, which we very luckily com-
plyed witbaU, and we have had the good fortune
ever since that we have increased that Tree and
ye very leaves thereof are grown hard and strong,
the Tree is grown so thick of leaves and bows that

ye sun can scarcely shine throw It, yea the fire it-
self cannot consume it, (meaning that they are
now so strong that they do not much fear ye
enemy), and we now desire that our Father Cor-
laer may strengthen that Tree and canse ye leaves
to grow so thick that no sunn at all may shine
throw it.

A SPECIMEN OF PHONETIC SPELLING.

In the early days of our country's history
there was no apparent uniform way of spelling
proper names, and every writer, it seems,
adopted a mode of phonetic orthography best
suited to his individual purpose. The following
are some of the early forms in which the
name of Schaghticoke, as now written, was
spelled:

Scatfcoke, Scaacticook, Scaclikook, Scaghti-
oook, Scatikook, Schacbtacook, Schaokhook,
Scdiackoooke, Schacthook, Sohaggkooke, Schagh-
ticoke, Schakhook, Schaticoke, Schantecoqne,
Shaakkooke, Skaahkook, Schaahtecogue, Skach-
cook, Skachkook, Skachhook, Skackhook, Skack-
kook, Shackkooke and Schaaghticoke.

There have been a number of fanciful inter-
pretations given to the word, but as the true
orthography of it has never been determined It
would be more pertinent to the subject first to
establish its derivation.

ALBANY FERMITrBD TO PUBCHASE LAND.

Besides granting unto individuals the right to
acquire land by purchase from the Indians, per-
mission was also given, as will be seen, to
corporations, such as those of cities, to obtain
the same. What is known as the patent of
Albany, dated July 22, 1686, obtained from Gov.
Thomas Dongan, allowed that city to secure
from the Indian o?mers a tract of land at
Schaghticoke, containing 500 acres. It reads as
follows :

And I do by these presents give and grant unto
the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the
city of Albany and their successors, full liberty
and hcense at their pleasure, to purchase from the
Indians the quantity of 600 acres of low or
meadow land, lying at a certain place called or
known by the name of Schaahtecogne, which
quantity of BOO acres shall, and may be, in what
part of Schaahtecogue, or land adjacent, as they,
the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the
city of Albany shall think most convenient.

Gk)v. Fletcher, March 29, 1698, granted a
patent to Hendrick Van Rensselaer, which per-
mitted him to purchase from the Indians a tract
of land " by Skachkook's creek," and extend-
ing easterly from Hudson's river, six English
miles. As the latter grant embraced a i>ortion
of the land desired by the city of Albany, the
two parties entered into an agreement Augnst S,
1698, whereby Hendrick Van Rensselaer con-

HISTORY OP THE TOWNS OF KENSSELAER COUNTY.

reyed hla patent for a consideration to the city
of Albany, August 8, 1699.

THE INDIAItS SEIX THEIB LAMO.

The Indians at Schaghticoke being per-
suaded by the authorized parties representing
the city of Albany to convey to the corporation
a tract of land, did so, as is shown by the min-
utes of the proceedings of the mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of Albany, February 28,
1706-7:

Whereas.ye Commonalty have Lately Besolved
to send to Hasbahaes and other Indian owners of
ye land & woodland Caled Shaaktelcook to ye
End that ye Comonality might agree & purchase
the same for ye Behoofe of ye Citty in order there-
to ye sd Indians doe here appear, yizt Uashabaes
& Haohatawe who after some time Spent in mak-
ing an agreemnt the said Uashahaes & Mach-
atawe for themselyes & on ye behalfe of
Caemskaek aesiah qnanoh Jan Coneel Schacha-
empe Taasawampe and Ahantowanit Indian
owners and native proprietors of ye Sd lands
& woodlands hare sold & transported ye
sd land Scltuate on ye East side of hudson's River
tbove ye half-moon Commonly Caled Scbaabkook
is bounded on ye west side by ye sd river on ye
south side of ye bounds Eghbt Tonise & Barent al-
bertse bratt & Runns northwarde along the said
River side to ye End of two mUes from Schaah-
kooks (%«eke and Striks from thence into ye
woods by an East line twelve miles and on the
South Side by a South east line 14 miles or so much
further that ye line on ye East side doth Compre-
hend and take in ye third Carryeing place on ye
said Schaahkooks Creek which Carryeing place is
the outmost bounds of sd Scbaahkook lands East-
ward as by Conveyance bearing Even date here-
with may more fully appear, whereof is yt to be
paid in June next unto ye sd Mashahaes, etc 2
blankets, 13 duffel coats, 30 shirts 2 guns, twelve
pounds ponder, 86 pounds of Lead, 8 gallons of
Rom, 2 Casks Beer, 2 Rolls Tobacco, 10 gallons
Medera wine & some pypes, and moreover yearly
to l>e paid and delivered unto ye sd Indian Maslia-
haes or his heirs in ye month off Octobr during
the Space of tenn years commencing from ye day,
1 blanket 1 shirt 1 pair stockings 1 Lapp, 1 Eegg
Rom 3 pounds ponder 6 pounds Lead 12 pounds To-
bacco and that a writtering sliall be given to ye sd
Masabaes for about 12 acres of Low Land on
Shaahkook at such place as ye Commonalty shall
lay it out ft that ye same must be Laid & Kept In
fence at ye Charge of ys Citty on occasion so that
ye sd Mashahaes & his heirs may Cultivate &
make use thereof for ever Sc none other by his or
there meanes unleesehe or they shall first have de-
posed of this priviledge unto ye Mayr Recorder,
Aldermen and Conmionalty for ye behooffe of ye
sd Citty which writterings is as followith : etc.

BIOBT FLANTATIOIIB CONYETBD TO SETTIiEBS.

In order to secure the settlement of the land
thus pnrcha sed from the Indians the tract was

to be divided into eight parts, "containing
each five and twenty morgen or fifty acres of
low land under the hill by the said Sachtekook
creek, and five morgen or ten acres of upland
towards the said hill, all adjoining together."

It was provided that " if any person or per-
sons who shall farm any of the said plantations
containing altogether two hundred morgens or
four hundred acres of low land towards the
said hill and forty morgens or eighty acres of
upland as aforesaid shall together divide the
said eight plantations as equal as they shall or
may agree among themselves."

Each plantation which was conveyed by in-
denture given September 1, 1708, was leased
for £15 current money, and after the expiration
of six years " two schepel of good winter wheat
off of each morgen or two acres " was also to
be paid yearly forever. Buildings were to be
erected and improvements made three years
after the date of the conveyances.

These plantations were disposed of on July
10, 1708, as shown by the minutes of the com-
mon council of Albany :

The Commonalty Seeing yt here are twenty per-
sons willing Each to have a Plantation of Sachte-
kook on ye aforesd Conditions, ordered ye Clerk
to write Eight Billets for ye Eight Plantations and
twelf Billets Blank and to Let them all draw, wh
they accordingly did out of Hr. Mayor hatt and
they tbat gett ye Billett to have a Plantation were
these vizt. Danibl Eitilhutk,

Jobs Cutlib,
Jobs habkersx [Vischib],
Joes D. WAnni^AiB, Juhb.,
Babxnt euBBrrsz,
CoBNius van Bkcbin,
EoBSST vmnzB,
DmE VAN DIB Himiii.

On the 31st of August, 1708, it was resolved
by the commonalty that a general indenture
should be written and given unto the aforesaid
eight persons.

OTHEB BABLT SETTLBBS.

Besides the disposal of the eight plantations
to the persons already named, several others, it
appears, were desirous of obtaining landed
property at Schaghticoke. The following entry
is in the proceedings of the common council, at
Albany, dated January 8, 1708-9 :

Petitions of Jobs. Knickerbacker and dirk Van
Vechten whereby they desire ye water Run on the
hemacks kill at Schactekook ware a convenenoy
may be found fit to erect a sawmill on together
with a privilege to cut saw logs within ye Citty
bound there for ye use of Such mill and also
Ground needful were such mill shall be erected.

The conveyance by which the firstr-named
petitioner became entitled to the possession of
land at S chaghticoke is an indenture made the

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COTJNTT.

thirteenth day of October, 1709, in the eighth
year of the reign of Queen Anne, between
Evert Bancker, mayor, and the commonalty of
the city of Albany, of the first part, and
Johannes Enickerbacker of the manor of Rens-
selaerwyck, miller, of the other part ; the latter,
for the sum of £16 10s., current money of New
Tork, secured 80 morgens of land belonging to
the city of Albany, being in two parcels, " at
Schaahtikook." This instnunent is signed by
the party of the second part in this manner :
"J. K. Backer."

FBBEH0IJ>EBS AT SCHAOHTICOKE.

The following persons are named as free-
holders in "Schaatkooke" in 1720: Samuel
Doxie, Cnrset Fether [Eorset Vedder ?] Johan-
nis Enickerbacker, Derrick Van Vechten, Jo-
faannis De Wandelaer, Simon Danielse [Eetel-
huyn?], Martin Delamon [de La Mont?], Lewis
Fele [Viele?], Daniel Eetlyne [Ketelhuyn?],
Peter Winne, Adrian Quacumbus and Abram
Fort.

Subsequently the following names of persons
appear in conveyances and other papers as liv-
ing at Schaghticoke : Sybrandt Van Schaick,
Harme Enickerbacker, Johannis Groesbeeck,
Daniel Fort, Isaac Fort, Gerrit Van Bommel,
Dr. Nicholas Young, Abraham Beecker, Peter
Viele, Peter Benoway, Simon De Freest, Lewis
Van Antwerp, James Burris, Jacob Fort, Henry
Van Beuren, Peter Tates, John Hansen, Caroll
Toll, Cornelius W. Van Denbergh, Wynant
Van Denbergh, Marte Winnie and Lewis Mago.

INDIAN BABBABITIBS.

The peaceful valley of Schaghticoke, with its
numerous farm-houses and cultivated fields,
was, in the year 1746, invaded by French
soldiery and bands of Indian allies. Many of
the settlers, at the first intimation of the dan-
gerous proximity of the approaching enemy,
hastily forsook their homes and removed south
to Albany and its neighborhood. A few of the
more intrepid remained to see the ruthless foe
devastate with fire and slaughter the once happy
valley of peace. One of the darkest records
of this hostile invasion of the French and In-
dians is that of the massacre and captivity of the
members of the Eittle family. The narrative of
the barbarous attack upon these settlers at
Schaghticoke is briefly as follows : When the
first intelligence of the bloody acts of the in-
vaders in the more northern part of the province
was received by Mr. Eittle, he persuaded his
brothers then living near Fort Edwaid to make
their homes with his family, which consisted of
his wife, a young daughter about 14 years of
age, and a young son. On the closer approach
of tha hostile French and terrifying savages, it

was thought best by Mr. Eittle and his brothers,
who had removed to Schaghticoke, to leave this
threatened point and retire with the family to
the city of Albany, as the neighbors had pre-
viously done. A number of Indians that
was on apparently friendly terms with
the Eittles seeing the preparations for
departure going on, came to the
house and endeavored to dissuade the inmates
that they had no cause for fear, and should
there be any danger they would apprise them
in time to make their escape. In order to allay
their apprehensions the Indians presented Mrs.
Eettle with a belt of wampum in token of their
friendship. It is said that notwithstanding this
amicable show of good feeling on the part of
the Indians, Mr. Eettle was still fearful of im-
pending evil. On the day following the visit of
the supposed friendly Indians, Mr. Eettle and
his brother Peter left the house for a brief hunt
in the neighboring woods. On their return,
and when very near home, Peter shot a deer.
Immediately upon the discharge of his gun
they were confronted by two Indians, who
fired at them their pieces, killing Mr. Eittle's
brother. Mr. Eittle, aware of his dangerous
surroundings, at once brought down one of the
savages with a well-aimed shot, and with the
butt of his gun struck the other senseless to
the earth. Taking his brother's corpse upon
his horse, he hurried home with the news of the
menacing danger. He then hastened on horse-
back to the hamlet at Schaghticoke to procure
the necessary conveyance for his family and
household goods to Albany. Shortly after hid
departure, his house was surrounded by
a party of Indians, who with fearful
war-whoops, demanded an entrance at the
closed door. They, however, soon with hellish
fury entered the house, and with their bloody
instruments of death murdered a second
brother of Mr. Eittle and that brother's wife,
in a most shocking maimer. Mrs. Eittle and
her brother-in-law Henry were permitted an
escape from their bloody tomahawks, but the
Eittle children were burned in the flames which
consumed the house. On Mr. Eittle's return
he found only the mangled and charred remains
of the persons that lay in the smoking embers
of his burned house. Uninformed of his wife's
and brother's captivity, he mourned them
as dead. Having endured all the hor-
rors consequent upon the terrible ordeal
through which they had passed, the
captives at length arrived in Montreal.
Here Mrs. Eittle found another married
woman, Mrs. Bratt, who also had been taken
prisoner by the Indians and French. For two
years Mrs. Eittle was kindly cared for by sym-

HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

pathizing women in Montreal, but all her en-
dearors to commnnicate with her mourning
hnsband seemed fruitless. By good fortune,
however, Mr. Kittle ftnally found his supposed
murdered wife and brother, and heard the story
of the massacre with all its distressing details.

During this calamitous time Herman Van
Vechten, the son of Dirck Van Vechten, one of
the first settlers of Schaghticoke, was also shot
by the Indians, on the 23th of April, 1746.

For the purpose of protecting the farmers,
who again returned to their despoiled farms.
Gov. CUnton posted, in March, i©, two com-
panies of soldiers at Schaghticoke. >

THE WAR OF 1755.

In 1755, a second war brought terror to the
peace-loving settlers at Schaghticoke. Again
the French and Indians invaded the country
from Canada and drove the farmers along the
upper Hudson to places of security in the
vicinity of Albany. The heavy boards of a
farm-hoi^se, some distance east of the Knicker-
backer homestead, pierced with shots from the
fort occupied by the French, are still preserved
to show the marks of actual hostilities, in 1755,
in that vicinity.

It was in consequence of these invasions
that the common council of the city of Albany
informed the general assembly, June 10, 1755,
that the "corporation has no income from
their tenants at Schagtekook, who are all
obliged to leave their farms, and are in a man-
ner ruined, and this corporation is at least a
thousand pounds indebted, occasioned by the
last French war."

A SOHOOl-MASTER ON HIS GOOD BBHAVIOK.

The cause of education, however, seems not to
have been forgotten after the war's rude alarms.
A school had been organized and a teacher em-
ployed to teach the children of the people gath-
ered about the hamlet of Schaghticoke. His
acquisitiveness is exhibited in his application
to the city of Albany for a portion of land
which was granted him during the time of his
good behavior. This grant is entered in the
proceedings of the common council :

JtTLT 8, 1762.— The schoolmaster at Schaagkook
made application to this corporation for a piece of
wood land, which they grant him so long a time as
he remains sohoolmaster for that place and be-
haves himself well, and no longer.

A MODEL COMMON COtlNCII..

As early as the year 1770 it had become a cus-
tom for the mayor and members of the com-
mon council of the city of Albany, to make
annual visits to Schaghticoke for the purpose of
attending to such matters as were connected
with the occupancy of the lands belonging to

the corporation. These occasions at the time
of their occurrence were no doubt attended with
some inconvenience "and expense, and the pe-
culiar provision made to meet them, was cer-
tainly a most generous one.

This indenture made and concluded this 28th
day of February, In the eleventh year of the reign
of our sovereign lord George the third, etc., and in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and seventy-one between the mayor, aldermen
and commonality of the city of Albany of the one
part and John Enlckerbacker, jr., of Schatacoock
in the county of Albany of the other part wit-
nesseth, that the said mayor, aldermen and com-
monality of the city of Albany for and in consider-
ation of the sum of five shillings current money of
the province of New York. * « • convey all
that certain piece or parcel of land lying and being
at Schatacoock and begins at the month of Schata-
coock creek, containing three hundred and fifty-
nine acres.

This grant was to continue to the said John
Knickerbocker, so long as he would supply and
provide at his house the said authorities or any
commmittee of the city of Albany, whenever
they visited Schaghticoke, and during their stay
there, with sufficient meat, drink and lodging,
and their horses with good grain, hay or good
pasture.

Among the duties imposed upon committees
of the common council of Albany was the fol-
lowing:

Febbuakt 11, 1776.— Three members are author-
ized and empowered to collect from their tenants
at Schactekook the Fowles which are dne and in
arrear to the corporation.

SCHAGHTICOKE DISTRICT.

The general assembly of New York, March
24, 1772, passed "An act to divide the counties
of Albany and Tryon into districts." The pro-
visions of the act respecting that division of
Albany county known by the name of Schacte-
koke district reads as follows :

All that part of the said county of Albany which
is bounded as follows, to wit : On the south by
Bensselaerwyck district ; on the north by a line
south 84° east, drawn from the mouth of Lewis's
creek or kill, and on the east by a straight line
drawn from a point in the north bounds of Bens-
selaerwyck district, 13 miles distant from Hud-
son's river, to a point in said line from the mouth
of Lewis's creek or kiU, at 10 miles distant from
Hudson's river, and on the west by Hudson's river,
shall be one separate and distinct district, and be
henceforth called and known by the name of
Schactekoke district.

REVOLDTIONABT PATRIOTS.

When the clouds of war lowered in 1775 over
the American colonies there was found in the
hearts of the people of Schaghtlcolce a spirit of

HI8TOBT OF THE TOWNS OP BEKSSELAEB OOITNTT.

independence and a firm determination not to
submit as slaves to BritiBh oppression. CoLJohn
Enickerbacker, having been commissioned col-
onel October 20, 1775, was placed in command
of the fourteenth regiment of state militia,
composed of cempanies organized in the dis-
tricts of Hoosick and Schaghticoke.

The following is the roster of the regiment,
October 20, 1775:

Colonel, Jobn Knlckerbacker ; lieutenant colonel,
David Bratt ; Srst major. Derrick Van Yechten ;
second major, John Tan Rensselaer ; adjutant,
Charles H. Toll ; quartermaster, Ignas Kip.

Mrtt Cbmpony— Captain, HenderiokVanderhoof;
first lieutenant, Samuel Eetchum ; second lieuten-
ant, Nathaniel Ford ; ensign, Jacob Hallenbeck.

Second Company— Captain, Walter N. Qroves-
beck ; first lieutenant, Wynant Yandenbergh ; sec-
ond lieutenant, Peter Davenport; ensign, Jacob
Yates.

Third Company— Captahi, John J. Bleecker ; first
lieutenant, John Snyder ; second lieutenant, Mat-
thew D. Oamo ; ensign, Stephen Thorn.

I^rth Company— Captain, Lewis Van Woerdt ;
first lieutenant, John Schouten ; second lieutenant,
Joseph Boyce ; ensign, John Horrel.

Mjfth Oom^xiny— Captain, Fenner Palmer; first
lieutenant, John Johnson ; second lieutenant,
James Williamson ; ensign, Jonathan Davis.

Bixth Company— Captain, Daniel B. Bratt ; first
lieutenant, Michael Campman ; second lieutenant,
Isaac Lansing; ensign, Francis Hogle.

Seventh Company— C&ptain, Van Bensselaer ;

first lieutenant, Michael Byan ; ensign, Peter Hart-
well,

JfifiufeJfcn— Captain, John J. Bleecker ; first lieu-
tenant, William Thorn ; second lieutenant, Thomas
Hicks ; ensign, Jonathan Bowland.

These and other officers, with the men in the
ranks, in doing the duties assigned them in the
army of the North nnder Gens, Schnyler and
Ghttes achieved a prond record which is still re-
called in the traditions of the people of Schagh-
ticoke,

Previous to the introdnction of the militia of
Schaghticoke into the stem realities of the war
similar notices to the following were sent to
the company commanders in the districts :

Scai.cTiKooK, May 80, 1776.— Captain John
Sthdib, or the next Conmiandlng OtScer at Tom-
haniok. Sear Mr : By order of Qen. TenBroeok,
it is now become my duty, as we do not know
how soon the country may call upon us for mili-
tary service, to earnestly recommend it unto you
to use your utmost endeavor with 'the company
under your command, as well as officers as pri-
vates, that they shall pay due obedience and strict-
ly observe the rules and orders for regulating the
militia of the colony of New Tork, recommended
by the Provincial Congress, the2Sd day of August,
and the aoth day of December last ; and, in pai^
tlcular, the 6tb, 7tb and 8th sections of said rules

and orders, and the fifth section of the appendix
to the said rules and orders. If you or any of yonr
officers have not the printed rules, they may be
furnished them by applying nnto Matthew VIsher,
esq., secretary of the committee for the city and
county of Albany. And, also, I desire that yon
furnish me with a list of the company under yonr
command by the 5th day of June next, and inform
me In what manner the men are equipped as to
arms, ammunition and accoutrements, I am yonr
most truly humble servant,

John Knickikbackkb,

THE niTABION OF BCBOOTXZ,

When, in 1777, Bnrgoyne had reached the
waters of the upper Hudson, the call for men
to resist the advance of the British Invader was
immediately answered by the militia force of
the district of Schaghticoke, As jnstly said by
a patriotic member of the Enickerbacker
family, in his centennial oration, July 4, 1876 :

At the time of the engagement at Stillwater
(more generally known as the battle of Saratoga),
the hillsides surrounding the present qnlet valley
of old Schaghticoke were often the rendezvous, or
resting-place, for the forces on their way to and
from the scene of action, while the ancient fort
or block-house, erected during the Indian incur-
sions, was taken possession of by a troop of
Hessian soldiery, in the service of the British, and
who were not especially scrupulous in their
maraudings upon the domains of the neighboring
inhabitants.

While Bnrgoyne was tarrying on the banks
of the Hudson previous to the battle of Bemis
Heights, scouting parties ventured in search of
information and secreted stores into the neigh-
boring country. As the fanners had mostly
deserted their homes, now and then, dnilng
this time, one or more men ventured back
to them for the purpose of observation and
Intelligence. With this object in view it was
that Major Derick Van Yechten with Solomon
Acker crossed the Hndson. While they were
guardedly gathering information they were
fired upon by the enemy, when crossing the
country in the fields now belonging to the farm
of Jacob Yates, Shots were exchanged on
both sides. Having several times been slightly
wounded by the flying bullets, Major Yan
Yechten was at length mortally wonnded by a
ball passing through his tobacco box into bis
body. Confident of the danger of his com-
panion, he persuaded Solomon Acker to flee
and save his own life. Acker succeeded in
escaping, and returned with a detachment
of soldiers for the body of his dead neighbor.
The perforated tobacco box Is still preserved as
a relic of the dark days of the revolution by the
Yan Yechten family.

HI8T0BY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAEB COUNTY.

i. TBBBinED WOMAB'S FLIGHT.

On the approach of the invading army of
Burgoyne, Capt. John J. Bleecker, for the pur-
pose of securing a temporary home for bis
alarmed family, harried to Albany with that
object in view. The day after his departun
the news reached the ears of Mrs. Bleecker that
massacring bands of Indians and plundering sol-
diers were within two miles of the hamlet of
Schaghticoke. Wildly alarmed by this sudden
intelligence, the frightened woman hastened,
with her yonngest child in her arms and
another about four years old caught by
the hand, in company with a young negro
girl, down the road toward Albany, filled
with the conveyances of other fleeing peo-
ple. She walked in this way for about five
miles, when her children were taken
into one of the wagons passing southward.
Having made the journey on foot, she at length
arrived at Lansingburgh, " where she expected
to find many friends, but she was deceived ; no
door was open to her whose house by many of
them had ' been made use of as a home. She
wandered from house to house, and at length
obtained a place in the garret of a rich old ac-
quaintance, where a couple of blankets
stretched upon some bare boards were offered
as a bed. She, however, sat up all night and
wept, and the next morning Mr. Bleecker,
coming from Albany, met them and returned to
that city, from whence they set off with several
other families by water."

Mrs. Bleecker, in 1781, was subjected a sec-
ond time to a terrifying beUef that her husband
had been murdered by a party of hostile In-
dians. While taking in his harvest, he with
two other men were captured and hurried off in
the direction of Canada. Her husband not re-
turning at the accustomed time to the house,
she, fearing some evil, sent a servant to the
field to bring her information, who came back
telling her that the men were not to be fonnd,
but that the horses and wagons which they had
been nsing were in the road, the horses being
tied to a tree. The neighbors carefully searched
the adjacent fields and woods, but the men
could not be found. In her distressed condition
Mis. Bleecker, thinking her husband forever lost
to her, that same night, started for Albany. But
her mourning was turned into joy, for a few
days afterward her husband was recovered from
his captors by a party from Bennington.

XBECTION OF THE TOWN OF SCHAOBTICOEE.

The general assembly, March 7, 1788, passed
" An act for dividing the counties of this state
into towns." It was by this act that the town

of Schaghticoke was erected. The bounds of
the town were the following :

All that part of said oonnty of Albany bounded
southerly by the said town of Bensselaerwyck,
westerly by Hudson's river, northerly by a line be-
ginning at the mouth of Lewis's creek or kill, and
running from thence south 84° east to Hudson's
river, and easterly and southerly by a line running
from thence down along Hoslck river as it runs to
the place where Toll's bridge formerly stood, and
then due south to the road leading from St. Hoick
to Albany, and then along the same road to the
north bounds of Rensaelaerwyck, shall be and
hereby is erected into a town by the name of
Schaatekoke.

The first town officers elected under this act,
as entered in the rucords of the town, were the
following :

Record of town officers chosen on the seventh
and eighth of April, one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-nine, at the house of John Carpenter :

Town clerk, Silas Wlckes ; supervisor, Jacob A.
Lansing; assessors, Nicholas Groesbeck, Zepha-
nlah Russell, Abraham Yiele, Jacob Tates, Martin
Weatherwax ; overseers of the poor, Walter N.
Oroesbeck, James Masters, Fennel Bacon ; com-
missioners for roads, James S. Masters, John W.
Groesbeck, William Kittle ; constables, John Story,
Sybrandt Viele, Jacob Groesbeck ; collector,
William Oroesbeck; pathmasters, Jared Esbell,
Ashley Goodrich, Richard Bennett, John Einnion,
Walter N. Groesbeck, Athniel Sambums, Harrison
Qnackenbusb, John W. Oroesbeck, Abraham
Vlele, Garret Waldion, Peter Yates ; fence viewers,
Walter N. Groesbeck, Asa Havens, Nathaniel
Rnsco ; poundmaster, Walter N. Oroesbeck.

FOCBTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES.

The return of the anniversary day of our
national independence was yearly honored after
the revolution by the people of Schaghticoke.
The following are parts of the recorded pro-
ceedings of the citizens of the town July 4,
1798:

A respectable number of the inhabitants of the
town of Schaghticoke convened at the house of
Jesse Jadwin on the 4th of July, 1798, to celebrate
the anniversary of American independence, where
they partook of an elegant dinner and spent the
day in conviviality and merriment, and received a
federal salute from a number of militia, who at-
tended on the occasion.

Among the toasts of the day were :
May we never pay tribute to any nation except
in powder and ball. May the tree of liberty, which
blossoms with the American cockade, flourish
trimflphantly in the soil of America and root out
all foreign obnoxious weeds.

Another company assembled at Mr. Yiele's
for the celebration of the birth of our national
existence. "The ceremonies were introduced
by a song, wherein was developed the progress

HISTOKY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAEK OOITlfTY.

of the Revolution," etc. " Mr. Howell Gardner
then delivered an oration pertinent to the occa-
sion ; after which a song, composed for the day
was sung. The company then partook of a
repast of the delicious bounties of nature, the
rich reward of independence."

THE HOME OF THE KIOKEBBACEEBS.

The old homestead of the Knickerbacker fam-
ily is one of the Interesting monuments which
remain at Schaghticoke to invest the pictur-
esque valley of peace with many quaint and
historical associations. A pleasant ride of five
miles westward from Hart's Falls, early known
as Schaghticoke Point, brings the visitor be-
fore the venerable mansion, which is charming-
ly embowered by a number of stately trees,
whose great leafy branches spread their grate-
ful shade over its vine^Jlad walls. Seated with-
in tne welcoming arms of the comfort-
able chairs on the front porch, a
most delightful landscape attracts and
charms the eye with its varied scenery.
The old front door, with its upper and lower
sections swinging separately upon heavy iron
hinges, forcibly recalls the days of a past cen-
tury and the people living within its portals.
The big brass knocker, or as the Dutch people
would say, de groot koper kUrpper, is still at-
tached to the upper half of the door. Entering
into the ball the visitor is surrounded with nu-
merous mementoes of lang syne. Besides the
quaint Dutch furniture which attracts one's
examination, upon the wall are suspended some
of the prized heir-looms of the ECnickerbacker
family. Over the parlor door is hung the mem-
orial platter to Hermanns Knickerbacker, 1768.
It is a thick, heavy silver dish, about 15 inches
in diameter, and has on its rim this inscrip-
tion:

Sne GedastenlE van Herman Knickerbacker die
is overleeden op den 18 de September A. D. 1768
Oud STude 8 en 50 jaeren 8 maanden ende 18
dagen.

Above the back hall door hangs the sword of
Col. John Knickerbacker, worn by him at the
battle of Stillwater, 1777. With it are suspended
an old powder horn, a sickle and a military
sash. Among the other curiosities of the hall
way are an old fashioned brass warming pan,
and a foot stove which, filled with' live coals,
was borne to the old Dutch church, In winter, to
warm the feet of the Knickerbacker dames..

In the parlor is the Dutch family clock more
than two centuries old, made by Day. Moras
Mnchty. Here one sees the tiles of the fire-
place ornamented with scriptural scenes, and a
large collection of relics consisting of silver
shoe-buckles, watch-fobs, cloak-fastenings,

Indian arrow-heads, stone hatchets, snuff-
boxes, etc.

AK OLD DUTCH BIBI/E.

The old Dutch Bible used by the ministers of
the first Beformed Protestant Dutch church of
Schaghticoke, is here also preserved in its origi-
nal heavy board binding and brass clasps. The
title i>age of the old testament is torn out, but
the other leaves and the engraving are retained.
The new testament title page reads :

Het Nieuwe Testament ofte alle Boecken des
Nlenwen Verbonts onses Heeren Jesn Chrlsti Door
Last van de Hoog : Mog : Heeren Staaten Qenerael
Der Veereenighde Nederlanden, ende volgens 't
Besluyt vaude Synode Nationael, gehonden tot'
Dordrecht, in de Jaren 1618 ende 1619, etc. • * •
Te Dordrecht by Hendriok-en-Jacob-Keur en t'
Amsterdam by Marcos Doomeck, incompagnie
Ao. 1682.

The arms of the Knickerbacker family are
seen in a painting hanging on the parlor wall.
Below the figure of a helmet is a lion rampant
and three Maltese crosses. The Dutch motto
reads : " Die Stryd met Fortuyn wint," " Who
strives with fortune wins."

Every room in the house Is full of novel sur-
prises. The spacious cellar, the great bam, the
old well with its weighted sweep-pole and the
venerable tree of peace, at a close remove from
the house, attract the attention of the visitor.

THE KNICKEBBACEER BUBTIHO GBOUND.

At a short distance northwest of the house is
the burying ground of the Knickerbacker
family. In this Grod's acre stand the stone
monuments which mark the last resting place
of many of the Knickerbackers.

Here is found a rude gray stone slab on which
Is inscribed : " In memory of Johannes Knick-
erbacker, died 1749, aged 70 years. His wife
Anna, died 1732, aged 57."

Near by is a white marble tablet marking the
grave of their son : " In memory of Col. John
Knickerbacker, who departed this life, 16th
August, 1802, in the 79th year of his age."

The grave of the colonel's son is designated
by an Inscribed stone : "In memory of John
Knickerbacker, Esq., who was born January 29,
1751, old style, and departed this life November
10, 1827, new style."

The tombstone of the eldest son of Johannes
Knickerbacker, the first of the family settling
at Schaghticoke, is thus Inscribed : " Sacred to
the memory of Herman Knickerbacker, who
died September 6, 1769, in the fifty-ninth year
of his age."

Here is to be seen the grave of that worthy
and genial gentleman who was so widely known
as Prince Knickerbacker, son of John Knlcker-

•HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

backer, the third. " Herman Kniokerbacker, a
representative in the eleventh congress of the
United States, and for many years judge of the
covmty of Rensselaer. Born July 27, 1779 ;
died June 30, 1855."

The father of Joseph Foster Knickerbacker,
the present occupant of the homestead, is also
buried here. His tomb is marked by a large
stone monument, on which is inscribed:
"Abraham Knickerbacker, born April 7th,
1796 ; died March 11, 1869. Mary Ann Hale,
his wife, bom April 39, 1806 ; died March 18th,
1869."

The grave stone of the brother of Joseph
Foster Knickerbocker is inscribed : "In mem-
ory of John Hale, son of Abraham and Mary
Ann Knickerbacker, bom March 16, 1829 : died
June 17, 1858."

John Hale Knickerbacker was a graduate of
Union college and also of the Rensselaer Poly-
technic institute, and was for a time a member
of the firm of Wallace & Knickerbacker, drug-
gists, on River street, Troy. He had a cultured
taste for Dutch literature, and wrote the gene-
alogy of the family in the Dutch language, and
at the time of his death had in preparation for
the press a Dutch grammar.

By the side of his grave is that of his sister,
Mary E. Knickerbacker, who died on the eve of
her graduation from the Troy female seminary,
July 30, 1846, aged 16 years and 5 months.

The durability of wood is practically exhib-
ited by the excellent preservation of a pitch-
pine head-board, standing in this graveyard,
which bears date of 1773.

The marble monument " erected by the con-
sistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch
church of the city of New York in commemo-
ration of the services of the Rev. Lambertns
De Ronde " is a conspicuous object in this
burial ground. On it, besides the above para-
graph, Is the following inscription :

Bev. Lambertns De Sonde, minister of the Ke-
formed Protestant Dutch church in the city of New
York, bom in Holland, 1719, settled in the ministry
at New York, 1751, died at Schagticoke, 1795, aged
76 years.

UKCLE TOM.

In that part of the burial ground where the
slaves and servants of the Knickerbacker fam-
ily are buried is a rude stone on which are the
memorial words " Old Tom," who had been a
most devoted servant for almost 90 years.
Among the stories handed down of Tom's
many peculiarities is this one : Old Tom's
arithmetic was limited, and he could not enu-
merate higher than three. On one occasion, it
is said, It became necessary for him to count
the sheep of a flock. Being placed at the en-

trance of a field, he was told to count them
out in a loud voice as they passed him. As the
sheep ran through the gate Tom called out :
"One! two! tree! Dar goes anudderl dar
goes anudder ! dar goes anudder 1" " Stop 1"
cried his master, " what do you mean by that ?"
" Why, massa," said Tom, " I done count no
more than tree; I tought I could, but I
couldn't."

TB£ ENICKEBBACKEB GENEALOOT.

Herman Jansen Knickerbacker, son of
Johannes Von Bergen Knickerbacker, it is said,
was the first person of the Knickerbacker name
that emigrated to America. Shortly after his
arrival in New Netherland he married the
daughter of Myndert Hermance Von de Bogert,
commissary at Fort Orange. Of his seven
children his eldest was Johannes Knickerback-
er, the first settler of that name that obtained a
tract of land from the authorities of the city of
Albany at Schaghticoke.

THE OLD DUTCH CHUBCH.

Tradition asserts that there was a church or-
ganization effected at a very early date in
Schaghticoke, and that the first house of wor-
ship was burned at the time of the French and
Indian war. A new meeting house was erected,
it is said, in 1760, opposite the red school house,
about a mile east of the Knickerbacker home-
stead. This building was a frame one, 60 by 40
feet, with low walls and a light pitched roof.
At the east end of the edifice was a bulbous
turret, surmounted by a weather cock. The
octagonal pulpit, cramped and elevated, had
its accompanying canopy and sounding board.
The desk of the " voorlezer," or reading clerk,
was immediately in front of the pulpit.

Among the petitions in 1780 presented to the
common council of Albany was one " signed by
Johannes Knickerbacker, jr., in behalf of the
elders and deacons of the Reformed Dutch
church at Schaghtekoke * • * praying a
grant of one acre of land adjoining the lands
of Walter N. Groesbeck."

The following is a part of the certificate of the
incorporation of the church, found among the
church patents in the office of the clerk of Al-
bany county :

We, the subscribers, elders and deacons of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch church or congrega-
tion, lately formed and established at Schagticook,
in the county of Albany, having assembled to-
gether at the said church on this fourth day of
November, in the year 1788, « • * certify that
the trustees of the said church or congregation,
and their successors forever shall as a body cor-
porate be called * • * the ministers, elders and
deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church
of Sohagtlkook. -Signed by Peter Benewy, John

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAFiE COTJNTT.

Enlckerbacker, jr., Hannan Qnaokenboss and
Peter P. Wlnne.

In 1833 the old building was torn down and a
more modem structure erected on its site. A
number of years ago this building was burned.
The site of the next church building was selec-
ted in another locality, which is a short dis-
tance from the railroad station known as
Keynolds, on the Boston, Hoosac tunnel and
Western railroad. The Rev. Theodore Freling-
huysen was the first pastor of this church. He
was succeeded by the Eev. E. Westerloo. The
pastors of the church successively have been
the following, from the time of the last-named
one's ministrations:

From 1773 to 1784, the Rev. Elias Van Bunsoho-
ten; 1784-1796, the Rev. Lambertus De Ronde;
1796-1807, the Rev. Winslow Page ; 1810-1821, the
Rev. Stephen Ostrander ; 1828-1829, the Rev. Abra-
ham D. Switz ; 1881-1834, the Rev. Aaron A. Mar-
oelus ; 1886-1841, the Rev. Hugh Boyd ; 1842-1844, the
Rev. M. Aokerman ; 1845-1847, the Eev. A. H. My-
ers ; 1848-1856, the Rev. Jacob D. Fonda ; 1857-1S61,
the Kev. Rutgers Van Brunt ; 1864-1869, the Rev.
George White ; 1870-1872, the Rev. J. D. Viele ;
1872-1879, the Rev. Solomon T. Cole ; 1879 to date,
the Rev. Aokerman.

THB PKESBTTERIAK CHUBOH OF SCHAOHTICOKE.

The first Presbyterian church in the town of
Schaghticoke was organized May 24, 1803. At
the meeting held at that time at the house of
Bethuel Masters, which was attended by 44 per-
sons, the following men were elected trustees :
Ezekiel Baker, Lewis Bryant, Edward Ostrander,
Jacob WlUiams and Nathaniel Rnsco. About
the year 1805 a frame house of worship was
built. About the year 1820 the building was
removed from the hill on the Baucus farm to
Schaghticoke point or Hart's Falls, as the vil-
lage is now called. The present brick church
near the American house was erected in 1848 at
a cost of $18,000. It has seats for about 400
people. The edifice was enlarged in 1865 and
further improved in 1875. The first pastor of
the church was the Rev. Thomas Fletcher, who
began his ministry here August 11, 1824. He
was succeeded by the following ministers : 1837-
1868, the Rev. J. H. Noble ; 186»-1871, the Rev.
G. W. Martin; 1872-1879, the Rev. Henry
Noill, jr. ; 1880 to date, the Rev. William Bel-
den, D. D. The membership of the church
numbers about 150 communicants.

TRINITY PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The first Protestant Episcopal church at
Hart's Falls, known as Trinity church, was or-
ganized September 21, 1846. At the meeting
held at this date at the school-house, district No.
3, the following persons were elected officers
of the church : Roswell J. Brown and James

Ackhurst, wardens ; and Zechariah Lyon, Tib-
bits Briggs, Benjamin Rogers, William Searles,
Joseph Brown, John Quintin, Charles Bay-
ward and Edwin Smith. The Rev. Oeorge
H. Eastman, immediately after the organization
of the church, became rector. For about 20
years the church was in a disorganized condi-
tion. However, in 1871, July 16, the Rev. WU-
liam Bogart Walker of St. Luke's parish, Me-
chanicville, entered upon bis rectorship of this
church, and soon had it in a more prosperous
condition. In 1875 a commodious church edi-
fice was erected at a cost of $5,000, with a seat-
ing capacity for 200 people. The Rev. William
B. Walker resigned his rectorship July 26, 1865,
and was succeeded by the Rev. R. G. Hamilton,
October 14, 1875, who recently, in 1880, also ten-
dered his resignation to the congregation. A
parsonage has recently been built near the
church. The church register has the names of
about 50 communicants upon its pages.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAl. CHDBCH AT HABT'S
FALLS.

The First Methodist society at Schaghticoke
point was organized about the year 1825. A
small building was shortly after refitted for a
meeting house. The church was incorporated
January 15, 1831. The first structure not being
sufficiently commodious for the increased mem-
bership, another building about the year 1835
was erected on the north side of Fifth street.
The church now numbers about 100 members.
The trustees of the church at the time of its In-
corporation were: Franklin Miller, Daniel
Chase and Samuel D. Welch. The Rev. B. T.
Wade is its present pastor.

ST. JOHN'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AT HABT'B
FALLS.

The missionary labors of different priests be-
longing to the Roman Catholic church were
successful, about the year 1840, in gathering
together a large congregation at Schaghticoke
point. Among the chief promoters of this new
church enterprise were Patrick Butler, John
Breslin, William Graham and Patrick Mc-
Gowan. George Tibbits of Troy gave to the
congregation the site of the church, which was
erected in 1842 on it at a cost of $5,000. The
building was enlarged in 1863. The Rev.
Father Riley is the present pastor of the church.

ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AT
MELROSE.

Previous to the year 1850 the congregation of
this church was united with the Gilead Evan-
gelical Lutheran church at Centre Brunswick.
The certificate of the church's incorporation
bears date of May 13, 1850, in which the follow-
ing persons are named as trustees : Thomas

HISTORY OF THE TOWN'S OP RENSSELAER COUIITT.

Esmond, Jacob Stover, Jacob Dater, Leonard
Oreen, John J. Sipperly, Allen Way, Mather
Webster, Seneca Dennis, Solomon V. R. MUler.
The pastors of the church have been since the
year of American independence the following :

The Rev. Q. J. Wlchteman, 1776-1793 ; the Rev.
Anthon T. Braun, 1794-1812 ; the Rev. John Bach-
man, 181S-1813 ; the Rev. John Molther, 1814-1817 ;
the Rev. William McArthy, 1817-1821 ; the Rev. J.
R. Goodman, 1821-1828 ; the Rev. J. Z. Senderling,
1828-1849 ; the Rev. S. Curtis, 185(W852 ; the Rev.
John Selmser, 1852-1857 ; the Rev. V. F. Bolton,
1858-1872 ; the Rev. J. R. Sikes, 1873-1877 ; the Rev.
N. Wirt, from Octol>eT 11, 1877, to present time.

The present church building, situated on the
hill at Melrose, was erected at the time the Rev.
John Selmser was pastor. The church is in a
very prosperous condition.

THE FBAHEEAN EYiUrOELICJLL LUTHEBAN
CHTmCH AT BBTANS' COBNERS.

This church was organized at Bryans' Cor-
ners, on the east bank of the Hudson river, on
the 6th of March, 1853. At this meeting the
Rev. Rnfus Smith was chosen pastor and
Matthias Snyder, 2d, Silas Miller and William
T. Blewer elected deacons. The church was in-
corporated April 6, 1852, Hiram C. Bryan,
Matthias Snyder and George W. Blewer being
trustees.

A frame church building was erected that
same year, at a cost of $1,200, with a seating
cajMicity for 100 persons. The successors of
thr first pastor have been the following :

The Rev. Qeorge W. Hemperly, 1860-62 ; the Rev.
Valentine F. Bolton, 1866-1867 ; the Rev. J. E. Sikes,
1876 ; the Rev. M. W. Empric, 1877 ; the Rev. Mr.
Sanks, 1878 ; the Rev. N. Wirt, 1879— to date.

There is also Methodist Episcopal church
at Scbaghticoke Hill, and another at Grant's
Hollow, both of which are in a very flourishing
condition and are in charge of the same pastor.

habt's falls.

The Tillage of Hart's Falls, early known as
Scbaghticoke point, was incorporated March
20, 1867. About the first manufacturing busi-
ness carried on at this place was a fulling mill
which September 1, 1798, was operated by Ed-
ward Hart. The postofSce established here
early in the present century was designated as
being at Scbaghticoke. The village has 1,525
inhabitants, and is about 13 miles north-
east of Troy, at the "Great Falls" of the
Hoosick river. The Boston, Hoosac tunnel and
Western railway passes through the village, and
the Troy and Boston railroad has a station
known as the Scbaghticoke depot, a short dis-
tance east of the place.

Among the societies of the place was Homer

lodge No. 76, F. and A. Masons, which had its
first charter given it January 3, 1799, signed by
John Adams, secretary. In 1847 it ceased
working.

Victor lodge No. 680 was organized November
13, 1867. The lodge meets as did the Homer
lodge, in rooms in the Scbaghticoke house.
The first officers of Victor lodge were :

Worshipful master, W. H. Steele ; senior warden,
George W, Finch ; junior warden, Charles A,
Pickett ; treasurer, John A. Baucus ; correspond-
ing secretary, Chauncey B. SlocunL

The excellent water power, at this point,
makes Hart's Falls quite an important place
of manufactories. Here are the paper mills of
James Baucus & Co., built about the year
1850 ; the Cable flax mills, which give employ-
ment to more than 200 persons. This success-
ful manufacturing company was organized in
1871. The officers of the company are :
President, Thomas Lape; secretary, E. A.
Hartshorn ; treasurer, R. E. Starks. The office
and salesrooms of the company are at No. 179
River street, Troy.

The mills of the Scbaghticoke powder com-
pany are about a half mile southeast of the
village. The officers of the company are : Wm.
P. Bliss, president ; Thomas L. Doremus, sec-
retary ; and C. J. Olds, superintendent.

The Scbaghticoke woolen mills were built in
1864. In March, 1879, J. J. Joslin became the
owner of the mills. About 200 persons find
employment in these factories. The grist mill
of George Ewart & Son also adds importance
to the place.

SCHAGHTICOEE HILL.

This hamlet is situated on the Tomhannock
creek, abont one mile from the Troy and Boston
railroad. Here is a Methodist church and the
school house of district No. 11. It has also one
hotel, a blacksmith shop, and shoemaker shop,
a store, G. B. Burton's twine mill and saw mill.

At Scbaghticoke Hill was the residence of
Hon. Herman Knickerbacker, who once at
Washington facetiously called himself "the
prince of the tribe of Schaghticokes."

It is said that the humorous history of New
York, written by Washington Irving under the
nom de plume of Diedrich Knickerboker, was
suggested to the author by his long and pleasant
acquaintance with Herman Knickerbacker.

It was at the prince's house at Scbaghticoke
hill that the mayor and common council of Troy
were handsomely entertained a nomber of
years ago, as had been the custom at the old
Knickerbacker homestead, for a long time, to
extend such hospitalities to the mayor and mem-
bers of the common council of the city of Al-
bany. It is related that when the Troy guests

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COTTNTT.

arrived with appetites sharpened by a long
drive, the prince pretended to have forgotten
the day appointed for their reception. He,
however, told his hungry visitors that he would
do the best the short time then allowed him for
preparation permitted. He was shortly after-
ward heard earnestly discussing with his cook
how to make one pair of chickens suffice for so
many guests. The mayor and members of the
common council of Troy were greatly disturbed
by the perplexing position in which their un-
anticipated visit had placed their unprovided
host. But a pleasant surprise and a hearty
enjoyment of the practical joke followed, when
inmiediately after the occurrence of the con-
versation between the prince and the cook, the
dining room doors were thrown open, exhibit-
ing to the astonished guests a most bountifiil
and appetizing repast already prepared and
waiting their eating.

MELBOSE.

This is a station on the Troy and Boston rail-
road in the south part of the town of Schaghti-

coke. It has a postoffice, hotel, a store and a
blacksmith shop. South of it is Grant's Hollow,
where there is a store, a Methodist church and
the school house of district No. 10. The manu-
factory of the Grant fan mill and cradle com-
pany is one of the chief enterprises of
the place and is managed by the firm
of D. H. Viall, J. F. Leavens and Ezra Banker.
At Bryant's Comers, on the east bank of the
Hudson, is the school house of district Ko. 9
and a manufactory of agricultural implements
carried on by W. W. Bryan. Reynolds is a
newly established postofBce and a station on
the Boston, Hoosac tunnel and Western rail-
road, east of Mechanicville.

POPULATION OF THE TOWN OF 8CHA6HTICOKB.

1790 1,8SS

1800 2.355

1810 2,492

1815 2,847

1820 8,582

1825 2,924

1830 3,002

1835 3,243

1840 S,SS9

1845..
1850..
1855..
I860..
186S..
1870..
187S. .
1S80..

..3,091
.8,200
..3,303
..£,989
.8,054
.3,125
.3,271
.3,611

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

THE TOWN OF SCHODACK.

A Great Corn Country — The Opdracht Brief of 1637 — Rensselaer's
Stein at Beeren Island — The Island called Schotack by the
Indians — Jacob Janse Plodder on the Gojer's Kill — Schodack
Invaded by the French in 1696 — Erection of the Town of
Schodack — Organization of Dutch Churches — The Villages
and Hamlets — Population of the Town.

The tmthfnlness of any statement seems
generally more patent when the particnlars of
such a declaration are derived from an original
and well-aathenticated document than when
the same are transmitted orally or by tradition.
The first as a source of information is not
easily corrupted by subsequent changes of its
text without such Interpolations and cancella-
tions being detected, but when the narration of
the circumstances of the occurrence is ob-
tained through the channels of tradition, the
reliability of such information is often ques-
tionable as regards veracity.

THE INBIANS EltTEBTAIN HXNBT HUDSON.

In 1625 John de Laet published a work under
the name of the "New World, or a Description
of the West Indies." In his description of the
New Netherlands, — the territory now mostly em-
braced by the state of New York, then pos-
sessed by the Dutch, — this historian alludes to
some of the incidents connected with Henry
Hudson's exploration of the river which now
bears his name. The Dutch writer says that
when the English navigator had sailed up the
river as far as latitude 42° 18', he was invited
ashore by the friendly aborigines. Then quot-
ing Hudson's journal, he furnishes the follow-
ing details of the visit made to the home of a
hospitable Indian chief by the commander of
the Half Moon :

I sailed to the shore in one of their canoes with
an old man, who was the clilef of a tribe consist-
ing of 40 men and 17 women ; these I saw there in
a house well conatrnoted of oak-bark, and circnlar
in shape, so that it had the appearance of being
built with an arched roof. It contained a great

qnantitv of maize or Indian com and beans of the
last year's growth, and there lay near the honae
for the purpose of drying enough to load three
ships, besides what was growing In the fields. On
our coming into the house, two mats were spread
out to sit upon, and immediately some food was
served in well made red wooden bowls ; two men
were dispatched at once with bows and arrows in
qnest of game, who soon after brought in a pair of
pigeons which they had shot. They likewise killed
a fat dog, and skinned it in haste with shells which
they had got out of the water. They sopposed
that I would remain with them for the night, hat
I returned after a short time on board the ship.
The land is the finest for cultivation that I ever in
my life set foot upon, and it also abounds In trees
of every description, The natives are a very good
people, for when they saw that I would not re-
main, they supposed that I was afraid of their
bows, and, taking the arrows, they broke them in
pieces and threw them into the fire.

Tradition adds to this historic record that
the place where Hudson was thus entertained
was on Castle hill, an eminence east of the
village of Castleton, whereon was the house of
the Indian chief referred to in De Laet's his-
tory. But as the southern boundary line of
Rensselaer county is given in the state gazet-
teers as 42° 27' north latitude, the location of
the place if it was on the east side of the river,
42° 18', would rather indicate that it was nearer
the city of Hudson, in Columbia county, which
is in latitude 42° 14'.

PAFSICEEIIBSAS.

For the purpose of complying with the re-
quirements of the Dutch West India company
in becoming the patroon of a large body of

HISTOBY Of THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COtTNTY.

land, Eiliaen Van Rensselaer, throngh bis
agent, Jacob Albertzsen Flank, became the
owner by purchase from the Indians, April 13,
1637, o{ a tract called Fapsickenekas lying on
the east bank of the Hudson river, and extend-
ing from a point opposite Castle island south-
wardly as far as a point opposite Smackz
island, and including the adjacent islands and
all the land back into the interior. The remun-
eration which the Indian owners received for
this grant was " certain quantities of duffels,
axes, knives and wampum." The deed of the
land purchased is endorsed " Opdrouiht britf
van'( lartdt aende Oo^imil en de eylanden van
Papiickaen, 1637" — the transfer paper of the
land on the east shore and the islands of
Papsickaen, 1637. Castle island is a short
distance south of the city of Albany, and
Smackx island is south of the long island, on
the east side of the river, partly included in the
territory belonging to the town of East Green-
bush and Schodack. Below Smackx island is
Beeren island. On the map of Rensselaerwyck,
made by QillisVan Schendel in 1630, appear
both Smackx eyland and Beeren eyland nu Sen-
tela.rt eyland. North of Smackx island are
Oodyn* eylanden, Oodyn's islands, and east of
them Paepgykenekaes KUl, Faepsykenekaes creek.

BEBBEN ISLAND FOBTIPIED.

At a certain marked tree on the southern
point of Beeren island are the southwest, south-
east, northwest and northeast comers of Rens-
selaer, Albany, Columbia and Greene counties,
respectively. It is said that about the year
1643 a number of unlicensed traders visited the
manor of Rensselaer??yck and enticed the In-
dians into " secret trading places," where they
persuaded them to part with the valuable furs
which they had obtained by trapping, "not
caring whether or not the trade was injured as
to render the patroon unable to meet the ex-
penses of this colonic." The next reprehensi-
ble thing which these interlopers, as they were
called, did, was to debauch the Indians with
" wine and strong drink which they sold at an
nsnrlons rate," and to induce the colonists not
only to sell them the peltries which they had
secured, but also to dispose of large quantities
of grain, disregarding the patroon's preemption
right, thereby not paying the tenths, or ac-
counting for the halves or thirds which they
had agreed to do in leasing the land Which
they were cultivating. Two measures were
adopted by the patroon to prevent this
high-handed boldness. First, he erected
on Beeren island, or Bear's island, the southern
boundary of his manorial estate, a fortification,
the guns of which, commanding the river

could prevent all other vessels but his own and
those of the West India company from ascend-
ing the upper Hudson. He also established at
this point a trading post. In the next place he
exported from Holland a sufficient stock of
goods to supply through his agents at Bever-
wyck and Beeren island the Indians of this part
of the country and the neighboring set-
tlers, taking in exchange furs and agricni-
tural produce. Nicholas Coorn was made
waclUmeester, or quartermaster, of the post at
Beeren island. A claim of " staple right," a
toll of five guilders, or two dollars, was then de-
manded of every trading vessel passing the
fort and the lowering of their colors in honor of
Rensselaer's stein. This feudal claim was
maintained, it is said, until the death of the
patroon, in 1646.

THE FIBST SETTL£BS AT SCBODACE.

In the Albany county records the following
conveyance of land from the Indians at Scho-
dack is preserved :

"An Indian, Wattawit, with his mother named
Pepewlts, sold to Volokert Janssen [Donw] and
Jan Tomassen, 3d, their certain land lying on the
Gtoojers kill on Apjen's island, or by the Indians
called Schotack, their portion of Apjen's Island, is
the north end, extending from the north end until
right over against the south end of the green flat
(groene plaei) cutting obliquely over Apjen's island
to the kill which makes the island ; together with
a piece of land on the east shore of the kill, being
the fast bank where the house of Hachacknotas
stood, and extending Into the woods ; for the sum
of 443 guilders In beavers, payable in merchan-
dise." This was done In the village of Beverwyck
In presence of Thomas Chambers and Johannes
Provost, October 14, 1663.

At the same time, on the same day there ap-
peared before Johannes La Montague, "an In-
dian with a squaw, the Indian named Naspa-
han or Fofponick, and the squaw named Pasies,
owners of the south end of Apjen's island,
named Schotack" who sold to the parties
named in the previous conveyance the "sonth
end of the aforesaid island, being the greatest
half, beginning from the point over against the
Green Flat (groene plaet) and nmning to the
south end of said Apjen's island * * * for
the sum of'500 guilders in beavers in merchan-
dise."

fXCOB JANSB FLODDEB BUTS THE OOJEB'S KILL.

By another conveyance it appears that Jacob
Janse Flodder had as early as the year 1646
purchased a small creek and had hired a little
piece of ground adjoining the kill from the In-
dians living in that vicinity. The paper is dated
May 14, 1664, and names the following Indians
as api>earing before Johannes La Montagne, at

HI8T0ET OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COITNTT.

Albany, and making the declaration hereafter
quoted: "Queskinuet, son of Facies, Aepie,
Wickepe and Kleyne Davidtie." These testi-
fied that 18 years before Jacob Janse Rodder
bought the Oojer's kill, but no land with it, only
a little piece north of said kill, which was grant-
ed him to make a garden, for the hire of which
these deponents, owners of the same, bad re-
ceived only a piece of cloth. " The deponents
being asked if Jacob Janse Flodder had bought
some land at Schotack, thereupon unanimously
answered, 'no,' but that he only had a small
piece of land that they had rented to him to sow
oats upon ; furthermore that he had a rick there
to house his grain in for the winter, but
that he never had any ownership therein.
Again the deponents being asked who are the
lawful owners of Schotack and the fast bank
extending the whole length of the island, de-
clared that Jan Tomasse and Volckert Janse
[Douw] are the lawful owners, who bought and
paid for the same and nobody else."

The last named parties, on the 29th of De-
cember, 1670, conveyed to "Jan Laurense [Van
Alen] a certain parcel of land or plantation, as
the same lies in fence and formerly occupied by
Adrien Dirruxse de Vries, lying on the fast
bank, at Schotack, with a little piece outside
the fence formerly planted by the Indians."

PBENCE FOES INVADE SCBODACK.

The territory now embraced within the town
of Schodack was before the close of the seven-
teenth century to some extent under tillage
and the land lying along the river occupied by
an industrious class of Dutch emigrants. Now
and then, during the disturbances occasioned
by the hostilities of the French directed against
the English,the people at Schodack were alarmed
by the close proximity of bodies of invading
French soldiers. The most daring venture in
this vicinity made by the hostile French was in
the fall of 1696, the particulars of which are set
forth in the following testimony :

The Biaminacons of Joseph De Boake, Philip
Andrie la qpndre and Isaag Giggon laPomere,
taken by Captain James Weems and Captain Wil-
liam Hyde in Fort Orange, at Albany, separately
exAied, the 16th of Ootolwr, 1696.

Joseph de Boake being called saith that on the
24th of September last, by an order in writelng
from Mons'r Govem'r of the Isle of Montreall, he
marched from the said place having under his
command one and twenty French and one Indian,
with fourty-flve dayes provisions, that they were
twelve days upon the river and landed upon the
shoare of Lake Shamfahlre above the point
of La Sheblare; there left their three
Cannoes with aU their provisions but
tenn dayes, which they took with them
and designed to make an eager attack upon

some part of the Five Nations or the English their
enemys. After eight dayes travell they arrived at
some uninhabited houses over against the Flatts
where he advanced himself e with two more to dis-
cover what he could ; leaving the rest of his party
behlnde him about a league and half e : bnt dis-
cerning three Indians bnmiog of a ring, fearing
lest he should be discovered retreated to his party,
and betook themselves to a thtckett that night,
and next morning marched towards Klnderhook,
and nest day about two hours before snnsett they
were attacked, being only at that time together
of them, thirteen, the rest being dispersed or lost.
After some shott being discharged on both sides
his party and he retreated, the ezaminant
being grievously wounded in the arm was
not able to proceed ; therefore advised his
party to surrender to some of the Snglish in
the next villages, for he was not able to head them
any longer, by reason of lieing very faint with the
loss of much blood, and earnestly importuned
them to submitt according to his council, least
they should fall Into the hands of the Indians, who
would have no mercy of them; all refused but
two who joyned with him, and in three dayes after
surrendered to the inhabitants of Scotack who
brought them to Albany this day.

PEOPLE LIVING IN SCHODACK IN 1767 AND 1778.

From a map of the manor of Rensselaer-
wyck made by Jno. B. Sleeker, in 1767, and
from one made by Robert Tates, li 1773, the
names of the following persons are taken whose
houses were designated as being in the south-
ern part of the manor :

Opposite Mosieman's or Musmus island, now
Imown as Schermerhom's island, near the
southern boundary line of the manor, dwelt
Hendrick Van Beuren and Jacobus Van der
Foel, and eastwardly Nicolaes Eetel. East of
the Murtius or Muitzes kill and west of the Vly
kill Hansie Van Valkenbergh, and east-
wardly beyond the old road running
northward, Anthony Van der Poel. North
ward along the river road were the
houses of Wouter Barhuyt, Jeronimus
Van Valkenbergh, Casper Sprinsteen and Jacob
Comelise Schermerhom. Opposite Schotack
island, north of a small stream, were the
houses of Reyer Schermerhom, Jacob Scher-
merhom, Engelie Schermerhom, Jacob Van
Valkenbergh, Bolof Janze and John H. Beek-
man. North of Reyer Schermerhom's house
was the Dutch church. Eastwardly along the
branches of the Muitzes kill were the farms of

Andries Huyck, Springsteen, Isaac Muller

and Schevers. On the north side of the

mouth of the Muitzes kill were the Schotack
mills. North of the stream known as
Vlockie kill was the house of Hans
Van Beuren, and eastward, beyond the
north road, that of Peter Lodwiok.

HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTY.

Eastwardly from the river, and on the sonth
side of Moordeners kill, were the homes of a
Van Beuren family and of Cornelius Sprong.
North and along the north bank of the kill
going eastwardly dwelt Jonathan Witbeck,

Hans Salsberg, Fetch, Henry Shans and

Caper Ham. Northwardly of these farmers
lived Marte Van Beuren, Benjamin Van Den
Bergh, Benjamin Van Beuren, Hans Witbeck
and Henry Peter Van Beuren. North of the
Vlerda kill were the residences of Cornelius
Van Beuren, Hansie Van Hegan, Jacobns Van
Hegan, Abraham Van Hegan, Jacob Jacobse
Schermerhom and Evert Lansing. On the
sonth part of Staats's island were the homes of
Joachim and Gerrit Statts. Erom these desig-
nations it may be inferred that about the year
1770 there were about 40 families of farmers re-
siding within the limits of the territory now em-
braced in the present town of Schodack.

THE OVERSLA.0aH.

Between Staats's island and Douw's point,
formerly the channel of the Hudson river was
often made shallow by accumulations of dilu-
vial detritus. The shoals and bars thus created
often rendered the navigation of this part of
the river extremely difficult. This hinderance
to the easy passage of river craft gave to the
place the designation of the overdavgh. Early
in the present century the state expended con-
siderable money here in building dykes and in
dredging the river bed. When steamboats be-
gan to ply between New York and Albany and
Troy, it often happened that the shallowness of
the water at this point permitted them to ascend
no farther northward. At such times passen-
gers were carried to and from the boats in
stage coaches, and the cargoes taken away and
brought to them in lighters. Van Wie's point
on the west side of the river and Staats's dock
on the east side were generally the places to
which the stages ran to connect with the steam-
boats.

ESBOTION OF THE TOWU OF SCHODACK.

On the 17th of March, 1795, the state legisla-
ture passed "An act to divide the town of
Bensselaerwyck, in the county of Rensselaer."
By this enactment the town of Schodack was
erected. It provided :

That all that part of the town of Bensselaer-
wyck, bounded as follows : Beginning at the south-
west comer of the town of Troy, and running
thence easterly along the southern boundary line
of said town, to the western bounds of the town
of Petersburgh, thence southerly along the west-
ern bounds of the towns of Petersburgh and
Stephentown, 632 chains, thence south 86 degrees
and 48 minutes west, as the needle now points unto
Hudson's river, thence northerly along the said

river, to the place of beginning, and including such
of the islands in the said river as are nearest the
east side thereof, and are adjacent to the
said last mentioned line, shall, from and after
the first Monday in April next, be erected into a
separate town, by the name of Greenbush ; and
that the first town meeting in Oreenbush shall be
held at the dwelling honse of David H. De Forest
in the said town ; and that all the remaining part
of the town of Bensselaerwyck shall be and re-
main a separate town by the name of Schodack ;
and that the first town meeting in the town of
Schodack shall be held at the dwelling house of
John I. Miller in the said town.

The provisions of this act, it will be seen,
extinguished the designation "Bensselaer-
wyck," which had, since 1630, been applied to
the whole and subsequently to portions of the
territory now embraced in the limits of Rens-
selaer county.

In 1806 portions of the territory of the town
were subtracted to form the towns of Berlin
and Nassau. The town is bounded on the west
by the Hudson river and is in the southwest-
ern comer of the connty. The soil in the east-
em part is clayey, and in the .western a fertile
loam of sand and gravel. The land is mostly
very productive, and is devoted generally to
agricultural uses.

THE FIRST OFFICEBS OF THE TOWN.

The first officers of the town were elected on
April 7, 1795. They were the following :

Supervisor, Aaron Ostrander ; assessors, Corne-
lius Schermerhom, Nicholas Staats, Thomas Frost,
Jonathan Hoag, Nathaniel Brockway; overseers
of the poor, James McKown, Isaac Phillips; col-
lector, Henry Sheffer; commissioners of high-
ways, Slijah Eelsey, Hosea Hamilton, Walter Car-
penter ; constables, Henry Sheffer, Charles Mason,
Benben Barton, Joseph Burch, Thomas Bruma-
gem ; ponndmasters, John Van Ness, Jonathan
Hoag ; fence viewers, Jacobns Van der Poel, Jacob
Barhuyt, Barent Van der Bergh, David Arnold,
Jesse De Freest, Peter Aulthuyser, George Milleas,
Nathaniel Brockway, Samuel Brown, Gtermond
Filkln, Bichard Yates ; pathmasters, John E. Lan-
sing, St. Ledger Cowles, Darius Sherman, Jacobus
Van Ness, Jacob Van Valkenburgh, "David Bell,
Joseph Bell, Joseph Vichory, Comelius Schermer-
hom, Jacobns Volmsbee, John Van Ness, jr., and
Harmon Conn.

THE BEFOBMES PEOTBSTANT DUTCH CHURCH
OF SCHODACK.

It is believed that this church was organized
about the year 1756, when the Rev. Johannes
Caspams Fryenmoet became pastor of the
Dutch churches at Einderhook, Claverack and
Livingston manor. In the call to this minister
it was stipulated that he was to serve the peo-
ple of Einderhook two-thirds of his time and
the remainder those living at Schodack. In

HISTORY OF THK TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

1778 the site of the church is designated on a
map made by Robert Yates, which was between
the residences of Ryer Schennei'hom and Jacob
Scheimerhom, a short distance north of Scho-
dack landing.

In the certiflcate of incorporation it is stated
that Jacobus V. C. Romeyn, minister, Andries
Ten Eyck, John H. Beckman, Jacob C.
Schermerhom and Jacobiis Van der Foel,
elders, and Daniel Schermerhorn, Johannis J.
Van Valkenburgh, Mans Van Bnren and Boelef
Johnson, deacons, had assembled together at
the church on the 18th day of August, 1788,
and had taken the title of "the minister,
elders and deacons of the Reformed Protestant
Dutch church of Schotack."

In ISIO the church building was removed to
its present site at Muitzeskill, two and a quar-
ter miles east of Schodack landing. In 1825 it
was enlarged, and further remoddled in 1866.
On the 27th of February, 1876, the building was
destroyed by fire. The present commodious
edifice was erected in 1876 at a cost of about
£6,000, and was dedicated the same year on the
6th of December. The Rev. R. W. Clark, D.
D., of Albany, preached the sermon on this oc-
casion, and the Rev. William Veenschoten offi-
ciating. This church has a seating capacity for
about 300 persons. The roll of membership in-
cludes 126 persons, and the Sabbath school 150.
The following persons have been successively
the pastors of this flourishing church :

The Ilev. J. C. Fryenmoet, 1756-1778 ; the Rev.
Jacobus Van Campen Romeyn, 1788-1794 ; the Kev.
Christian Berk, 1798-1808 ; the Sev. Jesse Fonda,
1809-1613 ; the Kev. Peter Van Buren, 1814-1820 ;
the Rev. Isaiah Y. Johnson, 1821-1823, died in his
pastorate ; the Rev. Asa Bennett, 1824-1828 ; the
Rev. Staats Van Santvoord, 1829-1834; the Rev.
John, Gray, 1835-1846; the Rev. William Bailey,
1847-1856 ; the Rev. Benjamin P. Snyder, 1856-1869 ;
the Rev. A. B. PefEers, 1869-1873, and the Rev. Wil-
liam Veenschoten, 1874 to date.

BBFOBMED DUTCH CHUBCH OF SCHODACK
LANDINO.

The reformed Dutch church of Schodack land-
ing was organized Nov. 2, 1858. The officers of
the church, Egbert Seed and Peter G. Ten Eyck,
elders, and Joel Reed and Israel Matson, dea-
cons, were installed at that time by the Rev. L.
H. Van Dyck and the Rev. J. R. Talmage, the
committee appointed by the classis of Rens-
selaer, which had met at Ghent, on the third
Tuesday of September that same year. The
object of this organization was for the purpose
of enabling the society to legally possess the pre-
sent church building which had been erected In
18S5 upon land given by John Schemerhorn.
This body held connection with the charch at

Muitzeskill until 1866, at which time It became
a separate society belonging to the classis of
Rensselaer. The first pastor of this flourishing
church was the Rev. Isaac L. Kip, who served
the congregation from 1867 to 1875. The Rev.
William J. Leggett succeeded the former pastor
in 1875, and has served the congregation
to the present time. The present membership
of the church is 172 persons, and that of the
Sunday school 160.

ST. PETER'S BAPTIST OHBBCH OF SCHODAOK.

This Baptist society dates Its organization
back as early as the year 1780. The Rev.
Stephen Olmstead was elected In 1797 pastor of
this society, which then had 51 members. The
society was first known as the Baptist church of
New Bethlehem, and erected its first log house
of worship in the north east comer of the town
of Schodack. The old structure was removed
about the year 1800, and the present church
building erected on its site. Stephen Van
Rensselaer gave the society a deed of 21 acres
of ground for the site of a meeting house and a
parsonage.

The following persona were elected March
29, 1802, "to take charge of the estate and
property belonging to the Baptist church," as
there were "no church wardens or elders of
said church," at the time : William Lewis,
James Gillyers, Timothy Phillips, Thomas
Frost, jr., David Calkins and David Tremer.
The early records of the church were consumed
at the time the Rev. Stephen Olmstead's house
was burned, early in the present century. The
names of the following ministers are given as
those of the different pastors of this church :

The Rev. Stephen Olmstead, 1797-1832 ; the Rev.
C. C. Williams, 1832-1834 ; the Rev. D. Ford, 1831-
1885 ; the Rev. J. D. Rogers, four years ; the Rev.
W. Harris, six years ; the Rev. A. Hilne, 1816-1^4 ;
the Rev. P. P. Sanderson, two years ; the Rev. W.
W. Allen, two years ; the Rev. D. Robinson, 1858-
1860 ; the Rev. H. M. Jones, two years ; the Rev. Q.
W. Demers ; the Rev. Lewis Selleclt, 1866-1870 ; the
Rev. T. H. Greene, 1870 to present time.
The number of the present membership is 83.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAI, CHURCH AT CASTLE-
TON.

This society was organized in 1836 through
the missionary labors of the Rev. Joshua Poor.
In 1838 the first church edifice was erected on
lot No. 81 Main street, at a cost of 13,000, hav-
ing a seating capacity for about 300 persons.
It was remodeled in 1858 and enlarged in 1879.
The present membership of the church em-
braces 160 persons, and the Sunday school
about 200. In the order of time the following
ministers have served this congregation :

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAER OOITNTY.

The Revs. Joshua Poor, Philetus Green, Dillon
Stevens, C. E. Morris. C. Barber, W, W. Pierce, A.
A. Farr, H. B. Knight, A. A. Farr; in 1844 the charge
having become a separate station, the Kevs. E.
Wescott, J. W. Belknap, E. H. Foster. S. H. Han-
cook, D. W. Dayton, J. L. Cook, A. Heath, H. War-
ner, B. Isbell, Homer Eaton, E. Wescott, Truman
Seymour, E. Qoss, J. Pegg, Selah W. Brown, An-
drew McGilton, B. P. Livingston, Edward E. Tay-
lor, J. G. Gooding, and the present pastor, the
Eev. E. A. Blanchard.

THE REPORMED PROTESTiLNT DUTCH OHDEOH
OF CA9TI.ET0N.

This church was organized in 1853. The
bouse of worship was erected in 1852. The fol-
lowing pastors have been connected with the
ministrations of this church. The Kev. E. P.
Stimpson was called the year of the organiza-
tion of the body ; the Rev. Edgar L. Hermance
from 1861-869, and the Rev. George A. MUU,
the present pastor, began his labors in 1870.

THE BVANGBLICiL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF EAST
SCHODACK.

The congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran
church of East Schodack was organized May
15, 1843. A house of worship was erected in
1844. A new edifice was built in 1872. The
pastors of this church have been the following :

The Eev. H. L. Dox, 184»-1850 ; the Rev. N. Van
Alstyne, 1850-1880 ; the Eev. M. W. Empie, 1861 ;
the Eev. J. Kling, and the present pastor, the Bev.
C. L. Barringer.

RAILROADS.

The Castleton and West Stockbridge railroad
company was incorporated May 5, 1834. The
act provided for the construction of " single or
double railroad from any part of the village of
Castleton to the state line near the village of
West Stockbridge, In the state of Massachn-
aetts." The following persons were named as
incorporators :

Jeremiah Gage, James L. Hogeboom, Abiel
Buckman, John E. Stearns, John I. Schermerhom,
Jacob A. Ten Eyok, Sylvester Van Valkenburgh,
Edward Door, .1r., Joseph Colman, Ebenezer
Crocker, Peter Grote, William Cevill, James Hoge-
boom, and their associates.

This company was changed May 5, 1836, to
that of the Albany and West Stockbridge rail-
road company. The road being constructed, it
was opened from Greenbush to Chatham, De-
cember 21, 1841, and as far as to the state line
on the 12th of September, 1842. It was leased
to the Western (Mass.) railroad company No-
vember 18, 1841, for the period of years stated
in its charter. This road was consolidated with
the Hudson and Boston railroad, extending
from Hudson to Chatham Four Corners, and

with the road to Boston, known as the Boston
and Albany raibroad. The articles were agreed
to, November 2, 1870, and filed January, 1871.

The Hudson river railroad which runs
through the western part of the town of Scho-
dack was organized May 13, 1846, and was
opened from Albany to Hudson June 16, 1851,
and to New York, October 1, 1851. This road
was consolidated with the New York Central
railroad, forming the New York Central and
Hudson river railroad, by articles filed Novem-
ber 1, 1869.

CASTI/ETOW.

The village of Castleton, situated on the east
bank of the Hudson river. Is eight miles south
of Greenbush, and is a station of the Hudson
river railroad. It was incorporated in the year
1827. There are at present about 300 buildings
in the village, among which are the Reformed
Protestant Dutch church, the Methodist Epis-
copal church, a school-house and two hotels.
The Castleton cemetery association was incor-
porated October 5, 1855, and owns a plot of
ground east of the village of 6 acres, which are
attractively laid out into drives, walks and
burial lots.

The national bank of Castleton was organ-
ized with a capital of $100,000, January 25,
1865. Its first officers were : President, Joel D.
Smith ; directors, Joel D. Smith, J. V. D. Wit-
beck, Andrew Harder, Castle W. Herrick, Ed-
win H. Griffith, Frederick H. Hastings and
Russell Dovmer. The present officers of this
banking institution are : President, Joel Smith ;
directors, Andrew Harder, Joel Smith, Abel
Merchant, T. B. Simmons, G. Van Voorhis, 8.
D. Campbell, P. P. Harder and J. R. Downer.

The Frank P. Harder engine company was or-
ganized in 1871, and possesses an excellent
steam fire engine.

The order of F. and A. Masons is represented
In the village by Sunnyslde lodge. No. 731,
which was organized in 1872. The village has a
population of about 900.

SCHODACK LANDING.

This village is opposite Schodack island, and
is 83^ miles south of Castleton. It is a station
of the Hudson River railroad and contains about
70 buildings, among which ore the Reformed
church, an academy built in 1844, a school bouse
and two hotels. The population is about 350.

SCHODACK DGFOT.

The hamlet, which has assumed this name, is
situated about the centre of the town and is a
station of the Boston and Albany railroad. It
contains about 30 buildings and a population
of 100.

HlSfORY OP THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

SOUTH SCHODACK.

Sonth Schodack is south of Schodack depot,
on the Boston and Albany railroad. There are
about 15 buildings in the immediate vicinity of
the station. As the places already mentioned,
it has also a postoffice.

EAST SCHODACK.

East Schodack, frequently called Scott's Cor-
ners, is in the northeastern part of the town,
and contains about SO houses, among which is
the Evangelical Lutheran church. The place
took the designation of Scott's Comers from a
hotel which was kept here quite early by a man
named Scott. It has also a postoffice. Scho-
dack lodge No. 87, F. and A. Masons, holds its
meetings here.

SCHODACK CENTER.

Schodack Center is in the northern part of
the town, and embraces about a half dozen
buildings. A postoffice was established here
about 1840. It has also a hotel.

MUITZESEILL.

This hamlet is in the southern part of the
town, on a small creek known as Muitzes kill.
It contains about 30 buildings, among which
are the Reformed Protestant Dutch church, a
woolen mill, a store, a hotel, and a school
house. A number of years ago a postoffice was
established here.

Masten's Corners is two miles south of Cas-
tleton, and Clark's Comers and the Baptist
Neighborhood are In the northeastern part of
the town, where is the site of the old Baptist
church.

POPULATION OE THE TOWN OF SHODACE.

1800 3,688

ISIO 3,180

1815 3,123

1830 3,4»3

1825 .<!.506

1830 8,794

1835 .S,793

1840 4.125

1845 3,746

1850 s,5oa

1855 3.837

1300 3,993

1865 4,015

1870 4,442

1875 4,454

1880 4,308

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF T51SNSS15LAER OOTJNTY.

CHAPTER X.

THE TOWN OF HOOSICK.

The Land Extending to Nachawickquaak — The Tract called Wal-

LUMSCHAAK — TrEES PRESERVED FOR MaSTS FOR THE ROYAL NaVY —

The Burning of Houses and Barns at Hoseck — The Old Set-
tlement OF Sancoik — Defeat of the British at Walloomsac —
Numerous Churches erected in the Town — A World Renowned
Manufactory — The Unexcelled Record of a Great Invention — ■
Nearly Twenty-eight Thousand Reaping Machines Made in 1880
— The Wilder Collection — Villages of the Town — Population.

The unoccupied condition o( the vast terri-
tory north of Albany, within the province of
New York, no donbt induced the English gov-
ernment to convey by letters patent in the
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries large
tracts of this land for small considerations to
different individuals and associated persons.
To have this wooded wilderness occupied by
a class of frugal, industrious people would
not only give greater prosperity to the
new country, but such frontier farms would
also of themselves be a protective girdle of
safety to the growing settlements southward
along the Hudson. There may have been some
personal favoritism in this method of convey-
ance, but as there was such an immense tract
of unsettled land to be disposed of, the question
of partiality did not likely form the subject of
any special comment or criticism at the time
the letters patent were obtained, as had been the
case when Kiliaen Van Rensselaer acquired his
patroonship of the manor of Rensselaerwyck.

THE HOOSICE PATENT.

This grant of an extensive tract of land
was recorded for Maria Van Rensselaer and her
associates, July 28, 1688. It reads :

Thomas Dongan Capt. Qeall & Governor in
Cheife in and over the Province of New Yorke
and Terrltoryes Dependine thereon in America
under his most Sacred Majesty James the second
by the Grace of God King of England Scotland
ffrance & Ireland Defender of the faith &c : To
all whom these Presents Shall Come Sendeth

Greeting Whereas Maria Van Banslear of
Renslerswyck in the County of Albany
wlddow, Hendrick Van Nesse of the same
place Yeoman, Gerritt Tunissen of Katts-
kill in the same county Yeoman, and Jacobus
Van Cortland of the Citty of New Yorke Marohant
by Virtue of my Lycenoe Consent and approbacon
have Purchased of and from the Indyans Naturall
owners and Possessors of the same all that Tract
of Land with itts appurtennces Scitnate Lyeing &
being above Albany on both sides of a Certalne
Creek Called Hosslck begining att the Bounds of
Schackoock and from thence extending to the
said Creeke to a Certaine ffall Called Qnequick
and from the said ffall upwards along the Creek
to a Certaine Place Called Nachawickquaak being
in Breadth on each side of the said Creek two
English Miles that is to say two English Miles on
the one side of the said Creek and two English
Miles on the other side of the said Creek the whole
breadth being f ouer English MUes, and is in length
from the bounds off Schackoock aforesaid to the
said place called Nachawickquaak ; • * • *
paying therefore unto his said Matie, his Heirs and
Successors yearly, and every yeare, the quantity
of ten bushells of good sweett marohantable Win-
ter Wheat, to be Delivered att the Citty of Albany
unto such ofScer or officers as shall from time to
time be Empowred to Receive the same as a Quitt
Rent.

The patent is dated the "Second Day of
June in the fourth Yeare of his Matis Relgne
and in the Yeare our Lord, 1688."

This territory extended along both sides of
the Hoosick river, being the middle portion of
the present towB of Hoosick, stretching from

MISf ORY OF THE TOWNS OF ftBNSSSlJiAEtt COtJNTY.

the north bounds to the southern limits of the
town.

THE WALLOOMSAO PATENT.

This conveyance of 12,000 acres of land be-
gins as follows :

George the Second, by the Grace of God of
Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender
of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these presents
shall come Greeting Whereas our loving subjects,
Cornelius Van Ness, John Liudesay, Gen-ardus
Stuyvesant, Stephen Bensselaer, Charles Williams
and firederick Morris by their humble [petitions]
presented on the twenty-fifth day of August in the
Year Seventeen hundred and thirty-two To
William Cosby, Esq'r, our Late Governor and
Commander in Chief of our Province of
New York, &c.. In Council Have Set forth
that the Native Indians and Proprietors
of Certain Lands in the County of Albany
had by their Deed under their Hands and
Seals bearing Date the twenty-eight day of Jan-
uary, in the Year Seventeen hundred and thirty-
one Granted and Released unto us all that Certain
Tract or Parcel of Land Containing twelve thou-
sond acres of land, etc. • • » Whereas James
De Lancey, Esqr., our Chief Justice of our said
Provlnoe and Edward Collins Gent by their Bum-
ble Petn, presented to our trusty and welbeloved
George Clarke, Esqr., now our Lieutenant Gov-
ernor and Commander in Chief of our said Prov-
ince, &c. In Council on the Seventeenth day of
May Inst, have set forth that in the said Petition
which was presented as aforesaid to our said late
Governor the Name of John Lindesay was made
use of therein in Trust for the said James De
Lancey and the Name of Cornelius Van Ness in
Trust for the said Edward Collins.

In accordance with this petition the grant was
made to "Edward Collins, James De Lancey,
Gerardus Stuyvesant, Stephen Bensselaer,
Charles Williams and Frederick Morris," con-
veying to them

All that Certain Tract or Parcel of Land Called
Wallnmschack scitnate lying and being in the
county of Albany to the Eastward of a Place
Called Hoseck, beginning at a Certain marked
Tree which is 14T chains distant from the late
DwelUn: House of Garret Comeilus Van Ness,
measured on a Line Bnnntng South 75° east from
the Southeast Corner of the said House to the
said Tree and running from the said marked Tree
North 80° my West 90 Chains and 40 links then
North 40° IS* East 230 chains then North 77° East
90 chains then South 31° 4^ East 604 chains then
South 65 °We8t 9-2 chains then North 44° 30' West 150
Chains then North 75° west 129 Chains then North
20* West 146 Chains then South 60° West 173 C%alns
and then North 4° West 76 Chains to the place
where this Tract of Land first began Containing
twelve thousand acres of Land and the usual al-
lowance for Highways. * • •

In this patent, "all Trees of the Diameter of
tw«nt7«foiir Inches and upwards at twelve

Inches from the Ground " were excepted "for
Masts for our Royal Navy, and also all such
other Trees as may be fit to make planks.
Knees and other things Necessary for the use
ot our Said Navy only, which now are Standing
Growing and being or at any time hereafter
shall be Standing Growing, or being in or upon
the above Granted Lands or any part thereof."
* » "The Yearly Rent of two shillings and
six pence for each hundred acres of the above
Granted Lands " was to be paid at the custom
house in the city of New York, on Lady Day,
the annunciation of the blessed virgin Mary.

The patent is dated the 15th of June, in the
thirteenth year of George II. 's reign, and in the
year 1739. The tract of land given by this
patent lies in the northeastern part of the town
of Hoosick.

THE SCHNETDEK PATENT.

The patent granted to Hendrick Schneyder,
John Wettek, Hendrick Lake, John Johnson,
Garret Williamson, Nathaniel Archerly, Benja-
min Abbot, William Taylor and Martinus Voor-
heis, all of the province of New Jersey, and
Daniel Hallenbeck of the city of Albany, em-
braced :

All that certain Tract or parcell of land situate
lying and being iu the county of Albany on the
East side ot Hudson's river. Beginning at the
Southwest comer of a Tract of land granted to
Cornelius Van Ness and others, known by the name
of Wallnmschack and runs thence South 73°
east 218 chains to another comer nf the
aforesaid tract called Wallumschack, then
along the South bounds of the last mentioned
Tract, south 75° east 129 chains, and South 44° 80'
east ISO chains, then south 241 chains to the north
bounds of the Manor of Ilensselaerwyck, then
along the said North Bounds of the said Manor
west 42 chains, then north 85° west 126 chains,
then west to the east bounds of a tract of Land
granted to Maria Van Renselaer, Hendrick Van
Ness and others commonly called and known by
the name of Hoseck, and then along the said east
bounds of the said tract called Hoseck to the place
where this tract first began containing 10,000 acres
of land and the usual allowance for highways.

Two shillings and six pence sterling were to
be paid yearly at the custom house in the city
of New York, on Lady day, for each and every
hundred acres of the above granted land. The
patent is dated March 2i, 1762.

TEE FIBST SETTLERS.

Among the early settlers of the territory now
embraced in the town of Hoosick were Hendrick
Van Ness, Abraham Fort, Lewis and Peter
Viele, Adam Vrooman, John Van Bnskirk,
Walter Van Vechten, Jacob Oudekirk, Daniel
Bradt, Beykert Bovie, Jan Outhont.

HISTORY OP ItfH TOWNS OF ftl?NS8EIiAS)E COtrNTT.

The farms of these intrepid pioneers of the
Hoosick valley were mostly adjacent the
Hoosick river. As was common to frontier life
in North America at this early period of its his-
tory, the constantly occiurring sanguinary
stmggles between the English and French gov-
ernments brought very frequent distresses to
these forest homes in the great wilderness
north of Albany. When the English ministry in
the spring of 1745 ordered Gov. Clinton of the
province of New Tork to make immediate pre-
parations for carrying on an offensive war
against the French and their Indian allies, great
alarm at once began to prevail among the fron-
tier settlers of the province. The wary and
sudden attacks from the hostile Indians asso-
ciated with the French, made life in these ex-
posed positions almost a burden to the Dutch
farmers, whose minds were more intent on the
cultivation of the land on which they had re-
cently built log houses for their families than
on the bloody strife which brought so much dis-
tress and loss to them. Col. Schuyler and
Major Collins, who commanded a body of sol-
diers at Saratoga, now Schuylerville, were com-
pelled to abandon the construction of six block
houses which they were building as places
of protection for the settlers against the
sudden attacks of the Indians. When the
calamitous visitation came upon the peaceful
settlers those who escaped massacre fled south-
ward to the older settlements. It is said that
even Kinderhook, Claverack and Foughkeepsie,
although on the east side of the Hudson were
not exempt from danger. A vast forest ex-
tended from Kinderhook to Canada, and the
settlement of Hoosick was made in a part of it.

In 1747 four companies of soldiers were post-
ed at Half moon, two at Schaghticoke and three
at old Saratoga, now Schuylerville. The main
force was stationed at Albany. In October,
1747, peace was concluded between Great
Britain and France, and the dispersed farmers
shortly afterwards returned to their abandoned
farms.

THE TRIBULATIONS OF THE SETTLERS IN 1754.

As will appear from the following cone-
si>ondence the early settlers were again mo-
lested, and were a second time compelled to
flee from their farms on account of the inva-
sions of the province by the French and their
hired savages.

In a letter to the English lords of trade, Lieut. -
Gov. De Lancey writes as follows on October 8,
1754:

Od the 28th August a Party of French Indians
said to be of Bekancourt, a place between Quebec
and Hontreal, made an Incursion into this Prov'oe

and burnt the houses and Bams full of grain at
Hoseck, a place lying about 10 or iiO miles East from
that part of Hudson's River, which is 10 Miles
above Albany ; they carried off with them the
few remaining Indians of Scachtacook, being be-
tween fifty and sixty in Number, Men, Women and
Children ; these had a little before, when I was
at Albany, assured me of their fidelity. The
Indians who did this mischief live among the
French, and are entirely under the direction of the
General of Canada, so that there is no room to
doubt of their being encouraged to this barbarity
by him, esiwcially as the French ofBcer at Crown
Point furnished them and the Scachtacook In-
dians, whom they had drawn from this province,
with a vessel to carry them back to Canada across
the Lake Champlain.

In another letter addressed to the same per-
sons, dated New York, October 21, 1754, he
remarks he had omitted to say in his letter of
the 8th what steps he had taken since the in-
cursions of the French Indians into the prov-
ince : " I Immediately ordered the city of Al-
bany to be inclosed with Stockadoes in the
places where wanting, the Blockhouses to be
repaired, two hundred Men of each Regiment
of MUitia of the adjoining counties to be held
in readiness to march, and the whole Regiment
in case of need, to the assistance of Albany.
I sent the independent Company posted in Fort
George in this City to Albany, detaining a Ser-
jeant and the Invalids to do the Fort duty ;
and had also directed a fort to be built at a
Pass on the Hudson River about forty miles
above Albany, but no workmen wonid under-
take it on the credit of the Govemt."

BARBARITIES CONNIVED BY THE FRENCH.

The reprehensible conduct of the French in
instigating the Indians to invade the peaceful
Hoosick valley, and there murder and lead into
captivity so many innocent people, was thus
censnred by Lieut. Gov. De Lancey, in a letter
to the governor of Canada, dated New York,
October 16, 1754:

I have received accounts from Albany that sev-
eral of the Indians of the Orondacks and other
Tribes domiciled within you govemt, and as I
have been well informed entirely in your direction,
have lately made incursions into this and the
Neighboring provinces and have burnt and de-
stroyed the Houses and Bams of the Poor Farmers
Uving at and near Hoseck within my govemt :
this, in a time of profound peace between His
Britanlck and Most Christian Majesty, is a prac-
tice so Barbarous as I think is not war-
ranted by any orders, and I persuade myself
will not be approved of by the Most Christian
King ; and I would willingly flatter myself, could
not have been done by the encouragement of a
person of your Sxcell's Sank and Character, and
yet you will permitt me to say, it is with dUBonlty

HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER OOUNTT.

I oan oonoeiye, that those Indians would have at-
tempted this piece of cruelty without your priyity
and connivance since those Indians live among the
French and are under your direction, what adds
to the difficulty is, that I am told the commanding
officer at Fort St. Fredcricli furnished these Indi-
ana and those of Scachtacoolc whom they had taken
with them with a vessel to carry them back to
Canada. I am in duty bound to lay these things
before the King my Master.

Speaking of the def enselessness of the north-
em part of the province, the lieutenant governor
thus writes to Sir Thomas Robinson, dated
New York, December 15, 1754 :

I think it mv duty to lay before you the defense-
less state of the northern frontiers of this province,
and to point out some measures which seem to me
of general utility. From Albany northwards to-
wards Canada there is no fort ; we had one before
andin the late war at a place on Hudson's river
called Saraghtogo (Schuylerville), about 36 miles
above Albany, which was abandoned and de-
stroyed, so that the country lies entirely open.

He then proposes that forts should be built :
"one at Wood creek and one on the south end
of Lake St. Sacrament ; the waters of this creek
and lake pass Crown Point and fall into the Lake
Champlain, and so into the river St. Lawrence,
and make the common passage between this
country and Montreal, and from this creek and
lake the French and their Indians can and do
enter this province, Massachusetts bay and New
Hampshire."

For a number of years the successive terrors
of Indian and French animosities deterred new
settlers from making any further eSorts to oc-
cupy the territory of the Hoosick valley. But
in time treaties of peace were made and emi-
grants began to seek homes along the Hoosick
and its tributary streams.

ST. CBOIX.

It is believed that the French in their various
incursions into the Hoosick vaUey had given to
the small settlement in the vicinity of the con-
fluence of the Walloomjac with the Hoasick
river the name of St. Croix. The former stream
is often designated as the St. Coic or Walloom-
scoic river. There seems to have been a very
careless way of writing the name of the place,
for often it appears as Sancoik, St. Coych, San-
coick, St. Hoick, Sancolx and Saintcoix. The
hamlet before the dark days of the revolu-
tionary war is said to have contained a grist
mill, saw miU, a pot ashery, a tavern, a meet-
ing house and a number of farm houses.

THE HOOSICK DISTRICT.

By "an act to divide the counties of Albany
and Tryon into districts," passed March 24,

1773, the Hoosick district was erected. Its
boundaries were the following :

That all that part of the said county of Albany
which lays to the northward of Rensselaerwyck
district to the southward of the said line from the
month of Lewis's creek or kill, continued to the
west bounds of the county of Cnmberland to the
eastward of Schactekoke district and to the
westward of the county of Cumberland, shall be
one separate and distinct district, and be hence-
forth called and known by the name of Hoosick
district'.

THE ISViSIOM OF BnBOOTNE.

When in the summer of 1777 Gen. Burgoyne
was making almost an unopposed invasion of
the northern part of New Tork from Canada,
the people of the Hoosick valley were greatly
alarmed by the reports of the barbarous cruel-
ties of the Indians which the British com-
mander had sent forward as a band of terror to
the rebellions people. In the vicinity of Fort
Edward he dispatched Col. Frederick Baum on
a " secret expedition to the Connecticut river,"
having been informed that the Americans had
gathered together there "a considerable depot
of cattle, cows, horses and wheel carriages,
most of which were driven across the Connecti-
cut river from the provinces of New England ;
and, as it was understood to be guarded by a
party of militia only, an attempt to surprise
it seemed by no means unjustifiable." He re-
ceived of Burgoyne instructions on August 9th,
that he was "to try the affections of the
country; to disconcert the councils of the
enemy ; to mount the Riedesel's dragoons ; to
complete Peters's corps ; and to obtain large
supplies of cattle, horses and carriages." Hav-
ing performed these and other things men-
tioned in the Instructions he was then, in order
to form a junction with the main army of Bur-
goyne, to proceed expeditiously with his force
"by the great road to Albany." Col. Baum de-
parted on this mission with about 900 Hessian
mercenaries, Canadians, tories and Indians and
two cannon. Col. Philip Skene accompanied
Col. Baum for the purpose of advising him
"upon all matters of intelligence." On the
14th of August, Baum reached the little settle-
ment at Sancoik. Here, in a grist mill, on
Little White creek, a small stream emptying
into the Walldomsac, he wrote a letter to Bur-
goyne regarding his progress :

Sahcoik, 14th August, 1777, 9 o'clock— ^tr ; I
have the honor to inform your excellency that I
arrived here at eight in the morning, having had in-
telligence of a party of the enemy being in posses-
sion of a mill, which they abandoned at our ap-
proach, but, in their usual way, fted from the
bushes and took their road to Bennington. A sav-
age was sUghtly wounded ; they broke down the

HI8T0BT OS' THE TOWNS OP BENSSELAEB COUNTY.

bridge, which has retarded our inarch over an
hour ; they left In the mill about 78 barrels of very
fine flour, 1,0(X) bushels of wheat, 80 barrels of salt,
aud about £1,000 worth of pearlash and potash. I
have ordered 30 provincials and an officer to guard
the provisions and the pass of the bridge. By five
prisoners taken here, thoy agree that from 1,500 to
1,800 are at Bennington, but are supposed to leave
it on our approach. I will proceed so far to-day as
to fall on the enemy early to-morrow, and make
such dispositions as I may think necessary from
the intelligence I my receive. People are flocking
in hourly, but want to be armed. The savages
cannot be controlled, they ruin and take every-
thing they please. I am your excellency's most
humble servant, F. Baum.

P. S.— Beg your excellency to pardon the hurry
of this letter, as it is written upon the head of a
barrel.

The mill in which this letter was written is
still standing, it is said, and that on one of the
timbers of the structure there is to be seen the
inscription "A. D. 1776," the supposed date of
the erection of the building.

THE BATTLE OF WALLOOMSAC.

On the night of the 14th of August, Baum
"bivouacked at the farm of Walmscott, abont
four miles from Sancoick, and three from Ben-
nington." On the 15th there was "a perfect
hurricane of wind," and a great fall of rain.
During the day the skirmishers of the provin-
cial militia under Gen. John Stark several times
drew the fire of the British pickets. Mean-
while Col. Baum took a position on an
eminence near the " farm of Walmscott." "He
posted here the dragoons, with a portion of the
marksmen on their right, in rear of a little zig-
zag breastwork, composed of logs and loose
earth. Such of the detached (houses of which
there were about half a dozen log ones) as came
within the compass of his position he filled
with Canadians, supporting them with detach-
ments of chasseurs and grenadiers, likewise in-
trenched behind breastworks ; aud he k^t the
whole, with the exception of about 100 men, on
the north side of the stream, holding the woods
upon his flanks, in his front and rear by the
Indians."

Gen. Stark with his brigade of Mew Hamp-
sliire militia and a number of companies
of Vermont and Massachusetts militia, on
the morning of the 16tb, moved against
Baum in the position taken by the latter on the
luth. Gen. Stark, in his report of the bngage-
ment, says :

X divided my army into three divisions, and sent
Col. Nichols with 260 men on the rear of their left
wing. Col. Iftrriok in the rear of their right with
300 men. • • • In the meantime I sent 800 men
to oppose the enemy's front to draw their atten-

tion that way. Soon after I detached the Cols.
Hulbert and Stlckney on their right wing, with
200 men. to attack that part, all of which plans had
their desired effect. Col. Nichols sent me word
that he stood in need of a reenforcement, which I
readily granted, consisting of 100 men, at which
time he commenced the attack, precisely at 3
o'clock in the afternoon, which was followed by
all the rest. I pushed forward the remainder with
all speed. Our people behaved with the
greatest spirit and bravery imaginable. Had
they been Alexanders or Charles of
Sweden they could not have behaved better.
The actiou lasted two hours, at the expiration of
which time we forced their breastworks at the
muzzle of their guns, took two pieces of brasscan-
non, with a number of prisoners, but before I
could get them into proper form again I received
intelligence that there was a large reenforcement
within two miles of us, on their march, which oc-
casioned us to renew our attack. But lucky for
us. Col. Warner's regiment came up, which put a
stop to their career. We soon ralUed, and in a
few minutes the action began very warm and des-
perate, which lasted till night. We used their own
cannon against them, which proved of great serv-
ice to us. At sunset we obliged them to retreat a
second time. We pursued them till dark, when I
was obliged to halt for fear of killing my own
men. We recovered two pieces more of their can-
non, together with all their baggage, a number of
horses, carriages, etc., killed upwards of 200 of the
enemy in the field of battle. The num-
ber of wounded is not yet known,
as they are scattered about in many
places. I have one lieutenant-colonel, since dead,
one major, seven captains, fourteen lieutenants,
four ensigns, two comets, one judge-advocate,
one baron, two Canadian officers, six sergeants,
one aid-de-camp and seven hundred prisoners. I
almost forgot one Hessian chaplain. • • « Our
wounded are forty-two. Ten privates and four
officers belonging to my brigade are dead. The
dead and wounded in the other corps I do not
know, as tliey have not brought in their returns
yet.

In the engagement Col. Baum was shot
through the body and mortally wounded.

THE FI8HT AT THE BBISOE OF SAMCOICE.

Col. Breyman, who had been sent by Bnr-
goyne to reenforce Col. Baum, reached the
"mill at St. Coyk" at half-past 4 o'clock on
the afternoon of the 16th, being then only two
miles distant from the main body of the British
forces then engaged by the force under Gen.
Stark. He had not marched but a little ways
beyond "the bridge of Sancoick" when he
saw through the woods "a considerable num-
ber of armed men, some of whom wore blouses
and some jackets " moving toward a hill on his
left. In a very short time he came upon a por-
tion of Baum's force in retreat, but he having

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

reformed the men was about to push on toward
the place where Baum had been engaged. At
this juncture he was attacked by Stark
and shortly after by a reinforcement under Col.
Warren, by which he was soon forced to retreat
toward. Cambridge. To obstruct the advance
of the Americans, Breyman set fire to the bridge
at " St. Coyk." It was in this last engagement
that for the second time that day the Americans
took two cannon from the routed British.
Among the difierent i>oint8 of interest shown
visitors viewing the battle ground are the old
grist mill of David Van Rensselaer, who fled to
Albany on the approach of the English, and
where Baum wrote his letter. The mill, at
North Hoosick, is now owned by John G. Burk ;
" Hessian hlU" is now a part of the farm of
Seymour C. Gooding, the place of Baum's se-
lection on the 15th ; the ridge beyond the vil-
lage of WaUoomsac where Breyman was
routed ; and the spot where the body of Baum's
men was captured being in the vicinity of the
residence of William P. Cbace, not far from
North Hoosick.

THB EBECTION OF THE TOWN OF HOOSICE.

By " an act for dividing the counties of this
state into towns," passed by the legislature,
March 7, 1788, the town of Hoosick was erected.
Its limits were the following :

All that part of said county of Albany bounded
easterly by the east bounds of this state, sontheriy
by Stephentown, westerly by Plttstown, and
northerly by the north line of Schactckoke and
PittBtown continned, to the east bounds of this
state, shall be andhereby is erected Into a to wn by
the name of Hoosick.

TOVTN OFFICEBS OF 1789.

The record of the town oflBcers of, 1789 is the
oldest preserved paper of the proceedings of
the town meetings. It furnishes the following
names of the officers selected that year :

Supervisor, Thomas Sickles ; town clerk, Zacha-
riah W. Siokles ; assessors, Jacob Van Ness, Henry
Breese, Nichoias Snyder, Reuben Thayer, Isaac
Bull, John Johnson, Zachariah W. Sickles ; col-
lector, Henry Brown ; commissioners of highways,
Thomas Sickles, William Kerr, Nicholas Snyder ;
overseers of the poor, Ebenezer Arnold, William
Kerr ; constables, Henry Brown, Squire Read,
Henry Walker, Samuel Latham ; fence-viewers,
James Williamson, Henry Snyder, John Van Bnren,
Henry Breese, Jotm Van Ness, Zachariah
W. Sickles, Godfrey Stark, Asel Oray; pound-
keepers. Squire Bead, Harper Rogers, Timothy
Graves, Benjamin Waite ; pathmasters, John Mil-
liman, Samuel Latham, John Ryan, Anthony V.
Surdam, George Nichols, Samuel Snrdam, Garrett
Van Horn, Isaac H. Lansing, Daniel Rogers, John
Bovle, Godfrey Stark, Jonathan Case, Ezekiel
Hodges, Jonathan Mosely, William Briggs, William

Mellen, jr., David Brown, John Johnson, Luke
rrink.

THE WAR OF 1812.

The loyalty of the people of the town of
Hoosick was conspicuously exhibited during
the existence of the hostilities between Great
Britain and the United States in 18l»-15. Vol-
unteers patriotically sought positions in the
ranks of the various military organizations
which bore honorable record during the war.
Among these were Benjamin Baker, Clark
Baker, Ebenezer Cross, Jacob Case, Job Cass,
Stephen Chapman, Talman Chace, William
Coon, Garret Hallenbeck, John Hallenbeck,
John H. Hayes, Jacob Haight, William Palmer,
Lemuel Sherwood, Benjamin G. Sweet, Isaac
Webb, Edward Webb, John Walworth, Reuben
H. Walworth and Solomon Wilson. The
memorable expedition in September, 1777, for
the defense of Plattsburgh, under command of
Brig. Gen. Gilbert Eddy, formed for yeara an
interesting subject of conversation tothemem-
l>ers of the militia organizations who took part
in it. The militia of the town were represented
by Capt. Thomas Osborne's artillery company,
Capt. Abram Keach's company of infantry,
that of Capt. Nathaniel Bosworth, and one
company of volunteers under Capt. George R.
Davis.

THE DOTCH CHCSCH AT BAMOKOTCK.

It would seem that at a very early date there
was a Reformed Protestant Dutch church in
the town of Hoosick. In the Albany county
clerk's ofBce a certificate of incorporation is
filed which recites that the elders and deacons
of the Reformed Protestant Dutch congrega-
tion established at Schaghticoke became on the
25th day of February, 1789, the officers of an-
other church which was then organized in the
town of Hoosick, the corporate title of which
was " The minister, elders and deacons of the
Reformed Protestant Church of Sanckoyck."
The certificate is signed by Cornelius Van
Ness, Philip Van Ness, David Becker and
Lewis van Woert. It is said that Cornelius
Van Ness gave the piece of land on which the
church was built. The building, it is said, was
'erected on the south side of the Cambridge
'road, near where is now the residence of Mrs.
David Gooding. The old building remained in
a dilapidated condition until about the year
1825, when it was torn down. There are no
records apparently preserved of this old church.

THE BEFOBMED PBOTE3TANT CHUBCH AT TIOS-
SIOOK.

Some time previous to the month of August,
1791, there was a small religious society wor-
shipping at" Teasoak " in the town of Hoosick.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENS8ELAER COmiTY.

This fact is shown from an old and well-pre-
Kerved document which reads :

Where as the Kevd Mr. Samuel Smith of Saratoga
hast in time Past showed his Willingness to serre
us In the Gosple one Fourth part of aTeare for the
Neighberhood of Teasoak on Bouth sids of the
Biver Bach an Eqnel Chance to Preach one half of
the Time on the One Side of the River and the Best
part of the time on the other Side of the River.

We to show our Readiness to have and our Will-
ingness to Communicate to him such Sum as Teach-
eth in Such Things as are Necessary for his Support
having aflBxed our Names such Sums as God has
Qiven us Ability and hearts to l>estow on him who
may he sent to labour Among us.

TsAsoAK August 10th 1791.

Then follow the names of the subscribers
and the sums which they contribute : Philip
van Ness, £2 ; Lewis Vleley, £1.108 ; Martin
van Bnsldrk, £1.16a ; Peter Vieley,£l ; Francis
S. Pruyn, £1 ; Walter van Vechten, £1 ; Rich-
ard V. Bnskirk, 8s ; John van Bnskirk, ISs ;
Joseph V. Bnskirk, 4s ; Samuel Brown, 93 ; John
Bratt, £1 ; Abraham I. Fort, 8s ; Timothy
Tomes, 4s ; Peter D. Goes, 128 ; Cor's. Sebrlng,
48 ; Nicholas W. Groesbeck, 10s ; "Winant C.
Van Denbergh, IGs.

In January, 1793, a further sum of £30.88 is
subscribed by 58 persons as the salary of the
itev. Samuel Smith for serving them " in the
gospel one-fourth part of the year."

On May 2, 1792, it was determined by the
congregation that the church should be "in
communion with the reverend elassis of Albany
and the reverend Keformed Protestant Dutch
synod of New York and New Jersey." At this
meeting Philip Van Ness and Levrls Viele were
elected elders and John S. Quackenboss and
Peter Viele deacons.

The congregation having given the Bev.
Samuel Smith of Saratoga a call to become
pastor of the church on July 2, 1792, the same
was accepted by letter, July 13, 1792. The letter
is addressed to " The Reverend Consistory of
Tiossiook."

In the fall of 1793 the house in which the
society met being too small and inconvenient
it was determined that the congregation in the
ensuing season would build a church " ou the
south side of the river, on Mr. Peter Viele's
land."

On the 15th of February, 1794, the consistory
contracted with Tenis Van Der Werken and
Abram Clute " to frame and inclose a church
35x40 feet, and lay the upper floor," etc.
Twelve windows and a gallery were several of
the appointments of the building. Forty-flve
pounds was the sum paid for this part of the
work. On the 1st of September, 1794, Daniel
Bratt contracted to finish the inside work for

I £47. " The pulpit and the seats of the clerk
I and consystory were to be made like the chuich
in Seeticoak."

In 1823 a new church was erected at Bus-
kirk's Bridge, which was dedicated on the 2d of
May of that year. This edifice was enlarged
in 1872.

The following pastors have served this con-
gregation : The Revs. Samuel Smith, Peter D.
Froleigh, Stephen Ostrander, Abram J. Switz,
J. H. Pitcher, H. Hermance, A. T. Searles, J. B.
Shaw, F. A. Gardner, P. Furbeck, and from
December 1875, the Rev. J. G. Ogden. The
number of the present membership Of this old
church is 64.

TBB HOOSICK BAPTIST CHUBCB,

This church, which was first known as the
Mapleton Baptist church, was otganifeed March
16, 1785. In 1810 its name was changed to that .
of the Hoosick church. Abonttlie year 1835 the
congregation became disorganized and ceased
to have any regular pastor. The pastors con-
nected with this congregation were the Rev. Sam-
uel Rogers, the Rev. David Ratbbnn, the Bev.
James Glass, the Rev. Thomas Puringto i, the
Rev. I. Keach, the Rev. Obed Warren, the Bev.
Isaac Webb, the Rev. George Wltherell and the
Bev. I. Keach.

BAPTIST CHUBCEAT HOOSICK COBMUtS.

Many of the Baptist families residing near
Hoosick village, finding it inconvenient for
them to attend the services at the Baptist
church in the Mapleton neighborhood, erected
a church about the year 18S1 on the hill north
of the hamlet. The Bev. Isaac Keach was the
first pastor of this church. The subsequent
pastors were: The Bev. Archibald Kenyon,
1840-41 ; the Rev. J. B. Wilkins, 1842-43 ; the
Rev. J. Mitchell, 1844 ; the Rev. C. O. Gnrr,
1846-48 ; the Rev. Wm. Arthur, 1849-^2 ; the
Rev. H. D. Doolittle, 1853. Between the years
1854 and 1864 a number of pastors filled the
pulpit. The Rev. Thomas Rogers was pastor
from 1864 to 1870, who was succeeded by the
Revs. Conover, Raymond and HilL In Sep-
tember, 1878, the Rev. Thomas Rogers again
was called to the pastorate. About the year
1840 a new building was erected in the vlUage
at a cost of $13,000.

FIBST BAPTIST CHDBCH AT BOOSIOK TAIiIiS.

The First Baptist church of Hoosick Falls was
organized October 30, 1847. On the 8th of Hay,
1851, at a meeting held at the place of worship,
John Lyon, Jonathan Case, Allen Spencer, Hosea
Daniels and Edmund Leonard were elected
trustees of the Hoosick Falls Baptist church.
The certificate of incorporation is dated Hay
16, 1851.

HISTOKY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTT.

The following have been the pastors of the
church : The Rev. John M. Gregory, 1847-50 ;
supplies for several years, the Bevs. Grant and
Thos. Rogers from Hoosick Corners ; the Rev.
O. C. Eirkham, 1860-63 ; the Rev. Thos. Rogers,
the Rev. WUllam A. Doolittle, the Kev. William
Wilcox, the Rev. William Garnet, 1867-69 ; the
Rev. E. T. Hunt, 1869-13 ; the Rev. A. B. Whip-
ple, 1872-74 ; the Rev. H. W. Webber, 1874 ;
the Rev. H. A. Morgan, 1875-76 ; 1876 to present
time, the Rev. George R. Robbina.

This congregation has occupied since its or-
ganization " the meeting-house" of the Wai-ren
society, erected in 1800. The roll of the pres-
ent membership shows the names of about 200
persons.

THE WABBEN SOCIETY.

In 1800 the first meeting-house for religious
worship was erected at Hoosick Falls. The
ground on which the wooden edifice was built
was the profwrty of Sylvester Noble. The lat-
ter conveyed it, April 6, 1804, to John Ryan,
Braijamin Walworth, Samuel Burrell and Joseph
Dorr, for SO cents consideration money. The
Indenture recites that "the said John, Benja-
min, Samuel and Joseph • * * with the
said Sylvester Noble « * » were on the
17th of February, in the year A. D. 1800, ap-
pointed a committee for the purpose of build-
ing a meeting-house near the Falls Quick
Quack, » * • with express directions to se-
cure a good and sufficient title to the land on
which the said house was to stand, for and on
behalf of the proprietors to the said house,
being now members of a society denominated
Warren society." The lot purchased was " on
the south line of a lot called the parade lot.
The lot was 74 by 114 feet. The Warren
society, it is believed, took its name from the
Rev. Obed Warren, a noted Baptist missionary
of the town of Warren, R. I., where, about the
year 1767, the first New England Baptist society
was organized. The first holders of pews
in the meeting-house were Sylvester Noble,
John Ryan, Benjamin Walworth, Samuel Bur-
lell, Joseph Dorr, Daniel Noble, Thomas Os-
borne, John Comstock, Elam Buel, Reuben Fax-
on, Daniel Ciomstock, Joseph Coon, Abram
Keach, Benjamin Lewis, John Mattison, Ed-
ward Richmond, James Brown, David Wing,
Jacob Martin, Richard Covell, Moses Arm-
strong, John Palmer, John Baker, A. D. Patch-
in, Nathaniel Bishop, Theophilos Comstock,
Jacob A. Faxon, Josiah Buel, A. Cronkhite,
Alex. WUson, Edward Haynes, Jonathan Case,
Timothy Graves, Samuel CottcrcU, Thomas
Eldridge, Rnf us Johnson, Elijah Wallis, John
Haviland, Ebenezer Cross, John ^aker, Israel
Storks and Henry Johnson.

Among the Baptist ministers serving the so-
ciety successively were the Rev. Samuel
Rogers, the Rev. David Rathbun, the Rev.
James Glass, the Rev. Thomas Purrington, the
Rev. Israel Keach, the Rev. Obed Warren, the
Rev. Isaac Webb, the Rev. George Wltherell,
and the Rev. Israel Keach. About the year
1840 the society lost its organization.

THB BAPTIST CHURCH OP WEST HOOSICK.

The Baptist church of West Hoosick was
legally constituted April 16, 1861. The first
trustees were: Phillip Herrington, Stephen
Paddock and Israel Shedd. The house of wor-
ship is known as the Union church, having
been built by the general contribution of the
people in that vicinity.

PBESBTTERIAN CHUKOII OF HOOSICK FAILS.

On the 5th oE January, 1825, a number of the
inhabitants of Hoosick Falls assembled at the
Warren meeting house, on Main street, and
there organized a religious society by the name
of the " Presbyterian society of Hoosiek," and
elec ed the following persons trustees : Tim-
othy Graves, Garret T. Brcese, John March,
Harry Patterson, Samuel Burrell and Robert
Haswell. In 1829 the congregation erected on
Church street a frame meeting house, which,
when finished, was dedicated by the Rev. N. S.
S. Beman, D. D., of Troy, the Rev. A. Peters of
Bennington, Vt., and other Presbyterian min-
isters. This building cost about fl,800 and
had seats for about 800 persons. In
18.54 the old building was removed, and the
present church edifice was erected at a cost of
about $7,000 and having a seating capacity for
about 500 persons. It was dedicated in the
spring of 1854, the Rev. N. S. 8. Beman, D. D.
LL. D., of Troy, the Rev. J. H. Noble, D. D., of
Schaghticoke and the Rev. A. M. Beveridge
officiating. The membership of the church is
about 1.50 and the Sunday school 140. The
first Sunday school of Hoosick Falls was organ-
ized in 1825 by persons belongiag to this con-
gregation and those connected with the Warren
society. Seth Parsons was the first superin-
tendent.

The different pastors of this church have been
the Rev. C. Cheever, 1825-26 ; the Rev. Samuel
W. May, 1826-29 ; the Rev. Robert Shaw, 1830-
31 ; the Rev. Luther P. Blodgett, 1831-36 ; the
Rev. Leonard Johnson, 1837-39; the Rev.
Thomas Gordon, 1841-50 ; the Rev. A. M. Bev-
eridge, 1851-58 ; the Rev. A. De Witt, 1859-65 ;
the Rev. A. B. Lambert, D. D., 1865-68, and the
Rev. John Tatlock, 1868 to the present time.

ST. MARK'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CBDBCH OP
HOOSICK PALLS.

This religious society was organized in 1883

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENS8ELAEE COTTNTY.

under the ministrations of the Rev. Nathaniel.
O. Preston. The first services were held in the
village schoolhouse. On the first of Novem-
ber, 1834, the members of the church met at
the place of worship for the purpose of incor-
porating themselves according to an act of
the legislature. The Rev. N. 0. Preston was
made moderator of the meeting. George M.
Tibbits and Salmon Moses were chosen church
wardens, and L. Chandler Ball, Jonathan Eddy,
jr., George M. Tibbits, Salmon Moses, Harry
Patterson, Seth Parsons, Samuel Shaw Crocker,
and Hezekiah Munsell, jr., elected vestrymen.
These were incorporated as the rector, church
wardens and vestrymen of St. Mark's Protestant
Episcopal church in the village of Hoosick
Falls. For a number of years thereafter the
church continued to exist in a very weak way.
In the year 1858 the society was reorganized, and
shortly thereafter the erection of the present
church was begun, the comer stone being laid
in the summer of 1858 by the Right Rev. Bishop
Horatio Potter. The first services were held in the
church on Sunday, August 26, 1860. On the 5th
of May, 1863, the building was consecrated. In
1871 an addition of a chapel arcade and a cam-
panile was made to the building, which, the
present year, has been farther enlarged and re-
moddled. The bell, clock and chimes of the
church were purchased at an expense of $6,000.
The rectors of the church have been the Rev.
Nathaniel O. Preston, the Rev. Ebenezer
Williams, the Rev. James Henry Morgan, 1861-
63 ; the Rev. George A. Weeks, 186S-65 ; the
Rev. George Huntington NichoUs, from 1865 to
the present lime. There are about 175 names
of communicants on the parish register.

THE TIBBITS PBOTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUBCH
A.T HOOSICK COBNEBS.

The Protestant Episcopal church at Hoosick
Comers was organized and a handsome church
edifice costing about $30,000 erected by the lib-
erality of the late George M. Tibbits. The
church is popularly designated as " the Tibbits
church." The rector of the church is the Rev.
John B. Tibbits. The church is not connected
with any diocese.

THE WALLOOMSAC METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHUBCH.

The members of the Methodist Episcopal
church who early in the century had formed a
society at Walloomsac, met on the 18th of
April, 1811, at the house of Thomas Milliman,
where they had been assembling for divine
worship, and elected the following persons :
John Matthews, Benjamin Barnett, Isaac
Mosher, Thomas Milliman, Simeon Sweet and
John Comstock as trustees of the Walloomsac

Methodist Episcopal church. On June 2, 1868,
the church was reincorporated as "the Meth-
odist Episcopal society of Hoosick circuit."
Shortly after this time services were no longer
continued at this point by the Methodists. It
was known as the "up-river church."

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHDBOH AT HOO-
SICK FALLS.

This society was legally incorporated April
12, 1858. On that day the members of the con-
gregation assembled at the place of worship,
the meeting house of the Warren society, and
elected Stephen Williams, William A. Stoney,
John V. Carney, Jesse F. Dnnham and Asa
Colgrove "trustees of the Methodist Episcopal
society at the village of Hoosick Falls." In
1860 a frame church edifice was erected on
Main street, in which services were first held on
Christmas day of that year, at which time It
was dedicated, the Rev. J. E. King, D. D.,
preaching the sermon on the occasion. The
building cost about $3,300 and had a siting
capacity for 300 persons. It was further en-
larged in 1877. The present membership em-
braces 270 persons. The pastors of the chuich
have been the following : The Kev. Reuben
Washburn, 1858 ; the Rev. Joseph Fames,
1859 ; the Rev. Jesse Brown, 1860 ; the Rev. A.
Viele, 1861-62 ; the Rev. B. B. Loomis, 1888-66;
the Rev. William H. Washburn, 1866-«9 ; the
Rev. George C. Morehouse, 1869-72 ; the Rev.
J. K. Wager, 1872-74 ; the Rev. M. A. Senter,
1874-76 ; the Rev. George Skene, 1876-79 ; the
Rev. William H. Meeker, 1879 to present time:

NORTH HOOSICK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUBCH.

The society known as the North Hoosick
Methodist Episcopal church was organized,
January 5, 1865, in the district school house,
where religious services had been held by the
Methodists for 30 years. The first trustees were
William P. Chace, Warren Cox and Edward
Spalding. In the summer of 1866 a frame
church building was erected on the main street
of the village of North Hoosick, which was on
October 18 of that year used for worship and
dedicated. The dedication services were per-
formed in part by the Rev. Wm. Griffin, pre-
siding elder, the Rev. Wm. H. Washburn, pastor
in charge, the Rev. S. M. Merrill of North
Adams, Mass., the Rev. John W. Carhart of
Troy, and the Rev. Joel Eaton of Cambridge.
The building cost about $4,000, and had a seat-
ing capacity tor 300 persons. In 1875 it was en-
larged. The church has a membership of 50
persons. The following persons have been
pastors of the church : The Rev. W. H. Wash-
bum, 1866-69 ; the Rev. George C. Morehouse,
1869-72 ; the «ev. Joel K. Wager, 1872-75 ; the
Rev. John W. Belknap, 1875-76; the Bev;.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAER COtTNTY.

Thomas Munroe, 1876 ; the Rev. Geo. A. Korr,
1877 ; the Rev. M. F. Lee, 1878 ; the Rev. A. S.
Clark, April, 1879, to the present time.

THE MSfHODIST EPISCOPAI. CHURCH AT BDS-
KIBK'B BBtDOE.

This 'society was organlEed near Buskirk's
Bridge, March 8, 1843. Nicholas Eyclishymer
was the first and prominent person to take part
in its organization. A frame bnilding 'for wor-
ship was erected in 1843 which was dedicated in
June of that year. The present brick bniidlng
was erected in 1869 on the gronnd where the
first building stood; The new church was dedi-
cated January 11, 1860. The following minis-
ten participated in the dedicatory services :
The Rer.. Jacob Leonard, pastor in charge, the
Revs. Lewis Potter, John B. Shaw, John P.
Newman and lYuman Seymour. The cost of
the structore was $4,191.73, the whole amoont
having been ptid. It has a seating capaclty-for
4,000 persons. The following have been pastors
of, the chnroh : The Itev. Jacob Leonard, one
year ; the Sev. Hiram Blanchard, two years ; the
Rev. S. G. Ford, two years ; the Rev. F. A.
Sonle, two years ; the Rev. John M. Webster,
two years ; Wm. Clark, three years ; the Rev.
J. B. Sylvester, one year ; the Rev. R. 6.
Adams, one year ; Wm. W. Foster, three years ;
the Rev.-'Wm. Earl, three years, and the Rev.
D. M. Sohell, 1880 to present time.

CHURCH OP THE IMMACUI.ATE CONCEPTION AT
HOOSiCK FAIJ.S.

As early as the year 1838, through the mis-
sionary efforts of various Roman Catholic
priests there hod been gathered quite a re-
spectable Congregation at Hoosick Falls of be-
lievers In the teachings of the Roman Catholic
church. In 1849 the erection of a chiirch on
South ChurCh street was begnn by the Rev.
Father Qnigleyj which was finished in 1831. In
1870-71 a larger edifice vras bmlt on Main
street, the comer-stone having been laid on
August 12, 1869. The chturch was dedicated
December 10, 1871, by the Rev. T. Galberry.
The present pastor of the church is the Rev.
Father Waldron, assisted by the Rev. Father
0'Fw*eIl.

SOMAN CATHOLIC CHUBCH AT BUSKIKK'S BItlDOE.

At Buskirk's Bridge a Roman Catholic con-
gregation was organized a number of years ago,
and built a very neat and commodious house
of worship. The Rev. Father Waldron has it
included in his pastorate.

THE MAPLETON UBBRAI. BBLIOIOUS SOCIETT.

A number of the inhabitants of the south-
eastern part of the town of Hoosick, commonly
called Mapleton, convened at the school house
in school district No. 4 on Saturday, January

2, 1836, for the purpose of organizing a, religious
society to rebuild and rebccupy the site and
premises where the old Mapleton meeting house
was standing at that time. The persons assem-
bled organized themselves under the name of
the "Mapleton Liberal Religious Society."
On the 28d of January, the foUowing persons
were elected trustees : Moses Armstrong, Joseph
Percey, Daniel Rogers, David Wallace, James
Percey, Lyman Andrews, Jonathan Hayner,
Randall James and Garret Van Hoosen. It Is
often known by the name of the Union church.
Various denominations hold meetings in the
church.

HOOSICK FALLS.

The first known lease of land of the Hoosick
patent, at Hoosick Falls, was made of 2Q0
acres by Jonathan Fuller from Augustus Van
Home of New York. The survey of this tract
began at a marked brich tree standing below
the falls of Quequick. This farm was next
conveyed to Henry Northup of North Kingston,
R. I., who shortly after removed to It, where ho
lived until his death in 1797. The other part of
the village west of Main street and east of the
Hoosick river was a part of the farm of 230
acres belonging to Henry Barahart. The first
store in Hoosick Falls, it is said, was one opened
in 1785 by Isaac Turner. In 1784 Joseph Dorr
came to Hoosick Falls and leasing of Bamardus
Bratt 280 acres of land together with all the
water power on the north side of the river,
began tha erection of a carding and
fulling mill. Subsequently a flax mill, a dis-
tillery and a saw mill were also erected there.
Benjamin Colvin, about the year 1786, built a
grist mill on the south side of the river. His
successors were John Chase and Theopbilus
Comstock. In 1791 the first bridge was con-
structed over the river at Hoosick Falls. In
1822 the first postofflce was established in the
place, Seth Parsons being made postmaster.

In 1823 Joseph Gordon, a Scotchman, built
what was known as the Caledonian cotton fac-
tory on the south bank of the Hoosick river be-
tween the bridge and the grist mill. About 150
persons were employed in the factory. In 1827
the factory was purchased by Samuel S. Crocker,
John Knickerbacker, John House of Waterford
and Jacob Merritt of Troy. In 1868 this prop-
erty was sold to the Walter A. Wood reaping
and mowing machine company.

On April 14, 1827, the village of Hoosick Falls
was incorporated, Seth Parsons being elected
president of the board of trustees. It is said
that at the time of its incorporation the popula-
tion of the village was 200, the number of build-
ings 86,. the electors 50, and the valuation of
the property $96,370.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OP KEKSSELA^ER COTTNTT.

In 1831 George W. and Lyman Benedict
erected the Tremont cotton factory on the
north side of the river. About 25,000 yards of
cloth were manufactured weekly, the number
of employ^ being; about TO. In 1835 the
property was sold to Walter A. Wood. The
first stockholders of the Tremont cotton fac-
tory were Seth Parsons, H. Parsons, Lyman
Wilder, Hairy Patterson, Norman and Hiram
Herrington of Hoosick Falls, Joseph Case of
Petersburgh, Daniel Wight of Troy, and
Erastus Ball of New Orleans.

In 1838 the following description was given
of the place in "Gordon's Gazetteer" of the
state:

Hoosick Falls, 24 miles from Troy, on the right
bank of the river, which has a fall here of 40 feet
within 12 rods, affording fine water power, nearly
all of whloh la unemployed, contains 1 Baptist and
1 Presbyterian churches, grist, saw, oil, carding
and cloth dressing mills. 2 large cotton factories,
a manufactory of shearing machines [of Lyman
Wilder], which supplies with that article almost
the whole of the United States ; 1 tavern, four
stores, and about 60 dwellings.

The Ball seminary, named in honor of L.
Chandler Ball, was erected in 1842, at a coat of
about $4,500. It was incorporated April U,
1843 ; the first tmstees being L. Chandler Ball,
Seth Parsons, Lyman Wilder, Harry Patterson,
Adin Thayer, Hial Parsons, Thomas Gordon,
Andrew Russell, John White, William Palmer,
WUliard Herrington and John Benwick. In 18S3
the property was given to school district No. 1
of the totni of Hooeick.

The First National bank of Hoosick Falls,
which began business Hay 3, 1880, has the
following officers: President, T. J. Wallace;
vice president, C. A. Cheney ; cashier, Addison
Getty. The capital of the bank is $60,000.

WALTER A. WOOD'S WORKS.

The most celebrated manufactory of harvest-
ing machines in the world is at Hoosick Falls.
The immense establishment is the property of
the Walter A. Wood mowing and reaping ma-
chine company, the officers of which are the
Hon. Walter A. Wood, president ; J. Russell
Parsons, vice president ; A. C. Geer, secretary ;
Willaid Gay, treasurer; J. M. RosebrooKs,
superintendent.

The history of these extensive works at which,
during the months of June and July of the pres-
ent year, were daily made and completed 114 per-
fect machines, and manufactured during this
season 37,908 of the world-renowned harvest-
ers, begins in the year when Walter A. Wood, a
young man of vigorous mind and active body,
come to Hoosick Falls and engaged himself as
a journeyman machinist to work for Seth Par-

sons, being at the time 90 years of age.
Subsequently he became interested in the man-
ufacture of plows and other agricultural im-
plements. In 1863, having carefully infepected
the working of the combined mowing and har-
vesting machine patented by John H. Manny of
Illinois, Walter A. Wood was Induced to purchase
a territorial right, and to begin the manofao-
ture of the machines at Hoosick Falls. Besides
occupying the old-foundry building, he in 1856
purehased the old Tremont cotton factory. In
1868 Ball & Parsons, who had also been engaged
since 1862 in manufacturing the same machines,
quitted the business, leaving Walter A. Wood
the only one to carry on this branch of
manufacturing in Hoosick Falls. In ISoA
flnding that he needed more conveniences for
bis increasing business, Mr. Wood rented the
mill formerly occupied by Ball and Parsons. In
November, 1860, a disastrous flra swept away In
flame all of the buildings. The same year the
work of rebuilding began, and the new
buildings erected on the site of the old ones
were the next year noisy with the horn of
machinery, and another period of manufactnie
began. " The Wood Mower," constructed by
the mechanical ingenuity of Mr. Wood in 1889,
was sent oTit among the farmers and achieved a
notable success. In 1861 "the seUnnking
reaper," patented by Mr. Wood, which was
farther perfected in 1863, added to his greater
celebrity as a maker of excellent harvesters.

In 1870 a second fire swept away all the
buildings. The Caledonia mill having been
bought in 1869, became the workshop where
most all the machines were constructed during
the year 1870. From the date of this calamity
new buildings have, from year to year, been
erected, which now form this extensive manu-
facturing establishment.

The present stock company, known as the
Walter A. Wood mowing and reaping machine
company, was formed in 1865. From this time
until 1879 various useful attachments and ad-
ditions were made to the machines invented by
Mr. Wood. In 1874 the wire seU-binding hai^
vester was brought out and aciiieved the dgnal
success which has made the machines of this
character known in all the grain-prodttcing
countries of the earth. OHver Daltymple, the
great grain grower, employed in 18T9, in harvest-
ing his immense fields of grain, 106 of these ma-
chines, each of which reaped on an average 15
acres of grain a day,

A COMBTEIXATION OF MEDALS.

Writing of the first trial of the Wood auto-
matic twine binder in England, in October,
1879, on the farm of Simeon Leather, Dela-
mere lodge, near Northwich, Cheshire, an

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EEN8SELAEB COCNTy,

obserrant witness says : " I saw it make 500
staeaves without one stoppage, in tlie most
perfect manner possible, at the rate of 37
sheaves per minute." The rightly merited
praises bestowed npon these wonderful and
naefnl machines have not only placed thousands
and tens of thonsands of them upon the great
grain plains of the United States, but have car-
ried them to those of Europe, Asia, Africa,
South America, Australia and New Zealand.
As the visitor inspects the 200 and more gold,
sliver and bronze medals handsomely displayed
In the vice president's room, at the works at
Hoosick Falls, awarded to Walter A. Wood as
testimonials of the unexcelled merits of his
harvesting machines, he cannot but think that
" worth makes the man." In field competi-
tions between American and European reaping
machines In Europe, the Wood harvesters took
207 first prizes. The brilliancy of this honor-
able mention is further increased by the Wood
machines dnring the same time taking
109 first prizes on other fields of com-
petition against all the leading machines.
In 1876 at the centennial exhibition he obtained
the highest awards for his harvesters. Austria
conferred upon him the knight's cross of the
imperial order of Francis Joseph, and France,
in 1869, decorated him with the cross of the
chevalier of thq legion of honor, and in 1878
added two gold medals and the cross of officer
of the legion of honor — ^the highest award of
honor. The amazing record of the machines
manufactured since 1853 at the Hoosick Falls
establishment is the following :

185S fioo

1864 600

18H i.aoo

1858 2,600

18« 3,800

1868 4.500

1860 6,600

1880 8,000

1861 ajBOO

1882 6,600

1S68 6,800

18M 7,600

1886 8,500

1888 10,600

1867 11,500

1868 17.600

1880 23,000

1870 16,000

1871 16,771

1872 17,0e7

1878 20.715

1874 20,430

1875 23,607

1876 28,336

1877 19,071

1878 26,085

1879 24,920

1S80 27,903

Total 354,015

The monthly pay roll is $45,000, the number
of regular employes being about 1,000.

SOCnSTIES IN HOOSICK FAI.L8.

The masonic association was first represented
at Hoosick Falls by Federal lodge No. 33 F. and
A. M., which was organized September 8, 1792,
and which erected and dedicated a masonic hall
in .the place October 6, 1824. It forfeited its
warrant during the anti-masonic excitement in
18S2. Among the founders of the lodge were
Thomas SicUes, William Castle, Robert Sim,
Henry Ten Brook, Samuel Crary, Stephen Read,
Barney Read, Solomon King, William Roberts,
Abraham Van Tnyl, Enoch Stall, Andrew

White, Benjamin Hawks, George Eager, James
Fairbaim, Henry Brown, William Brae, Thomas
Hartwell and Jonathan Chase.

Van Rensselaer lodge No. 400 F. and A. M.
received its dispensation in 1856 and held its
first meeting February 26 of that year.

The warrant to open and hold a mark lodge by
the name of Hoosick mark lodge was granted on
February 3, 1807. In 1825 and 1826 dispensa-
tions were granted ; and on February 12 1869,
one was issued to open and hold Raymond
chapter, U. D., at Hoosick Falls. The first
convocation was held February 18, 1869. The
dispensation was renewed June 18, 1870, and a
charter granted February 8, 1871, to Raymond
chapter 248.

The independent order of Odd Fellows is
represented by Hoosick Falls lodge No. 430.
The Knights of Pythias have also a lodge.

The temperance cause is represented by the
Continental Temple of Honor, No. 21, and a
Father Matthew T. A. B. society. No. 1. There
is also the ancient order of Hibernians, No. 1,
and the Robert Emmett association, No. 1.

The Mower and Reaper band, vrganized in
1857, has earned an excellent musical reputa-
tion.

The Hoosick Falls veteran association was
organized about the year 1873. On the 30th of
Hay, 1878, the town having voted (800 and the
village tSOO, a beautiful soldiers' marble monu-
ment was erected at the intersection of Classic
and High streets. The inscription on the mon-
ument reads : " The Citizens of the town of
Hoosick hold in grateful remembrance the men
who fought to save the Union. 1861—1865."
The total cost of the monument was $1,500.

NEWBPAPEBS.

The first newspaper Issued at Hoosick Falls
was the Hoosick Falls Gazette, published by A.
C. Eddy about the year 1863. This paper had
been known previously as the Cambridge Valley
NoM. It was published about one year. Sub-
sequently, about the year 1869 the Hoosick
Falls Independent was published for a year by
Botsford.

The Benmelaer County Standard was first is-
sued, at Hoosick Falls, Nov. 15, 1878, by James
H. Livingston, editor and proprietor.

On the 6th of March, 1880, the paper became
the property of Benjamin Horsley, who ably
continues its publication.

THE WIIJ>EB COIXECTIOH.

For many years the large and splendid collec-
tion of minerals made by Lyman Wilder was
one of the chief attractions of Hoosick Falls
for visitors. They were tastefully displayed in
an octagonal shaped building south of the min-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

eralogist's residence. Being the finest and largest
collection In the United States, Williams col-
lege through the liberality of Dr Edward Clark
of Cooperstown, who purchased It for the nom-
inal sum of $8,000 in 1879, became possessed of
this grand cabinet of nature's handiwork. Mr.
Wilder is now in his eighty-third year, and is
still all aglow with the early enthusiasm which
for years impelled him to give many of his
hours of rest after the labors of the day to per-
fecting this unequalled collection of beautiful
crystals, fossils, etc.

THE HOOSICK FALLS MALLEABLE IRON WOBKS.

These works were originated by a stock com-
pany with a capital of $10,000, in 1871 ; Isaac 6.
Johnson of' New York, president, and William
Nicbolls of Hoosick Falls, secretary and treas-
urer. The establishment is situated about a mile
from the village ou the Troy and Boston railroad.
About 70 employ^ are regularly engaged in the
production of agricultural implements, carriage
fixtures, carpenters' tools, etc.

The lawn mower manufactory of Lyman
Wilder, near the Walter A. Wood works, also
adds to the manufacturing interests of Hoosick
FaHs.

The fire department is represented by the 8eth
Parsons steamer company.

The present population of the village is 4,610.

HOOSICK.

This place is situate on the Hoosick river
and on the line of the Troy and Boston rail-
road and the Boston, Hoosac tunnel and West-
em railway, and was the first postoflSce, about
1785, in the town of Huosick, when stages ran
between Troy and Bennington, on the turnpike
that lay through it. Asher Armstrong was post-
master here from 1800 to 1832. In 1836 the
place had 1 Baptist church, 2 taverns, 3 stores
and about 30 dwellings. The village at present
contains 2 churches, 1 Baptist and 1 Protestant
Episcopal, 2 hotels, 3 stores, 1 button factory,
2 grist mills, 3 saw mills, 1 flax mill, 2 black-
smtth shops and 1 wagon-maker shop. There
are about 110 buildings in the village, which has
about 1,000 inhabitants within the radius of
the postoffice delivery.

BOBTH HOOSICK.

North Hoosick is on the Troy and Bennington
railroad, in the northern part of the town. The
Walloomsac creek flows through it. It is a
short distance east of the site of the old settle-
ment of Sancoik. In 1836 North Hoosick is
spoken of as having a large flannel factory,
scythe factory, a store, a tavern and some 20
dwellings. At present there are about 75 build-

ings in the place. Stevens & Thompson's wall
paper manufactory is the chief industry of the
place. The Methodists have a flourishing
church in the village.

EAOLE BBIDOE.

Eagle Bridge is at the junction of the Troy
and Boston railroad with the Rutland and
Washington branch of the Delaware and Hud-
son canal company's road. It is also, a station
of the Boston, Hoosac tunnel and Weston rail~
way. There are here 2 hotels, 4 stores, 1. com-
mission house, 2 wagon maker shops, 2 black-
smith shops, 1 rope mill, 1 coid and thread mill,
2 grist mills and 1 saw mill ; also a Methodist
church. The buildings number 67, and the
population is S15.

WALLOOMBAG.

This hamlet is on the Walloomsac creek, and
is east of North Hoosick, on the Troy aod Ben-
nington branch railroad. It contains about 17
buildings. Here are also the Walloomsac pa-
per company's mills, owned by Stevens &
Thompson.

BCSKIBK'S BBIDOB.

The hamlet of Bnskirk's Bridge is in the
northwestern part of the town on the Troy and
Boston and the Boston, Hoosac tunnel and
Western railways. There are three churches
here, a Reformed Dutch chnich; a Methodist
and a Roman Catholic church. About 40 build-
ings comprise the place.

WEST HOOSICK.

This place is near the western boundary line
of the town. It is in what is known as the
Nepimore valley, and has a school-house, a
grist mill, a store, a blacksmith shop and about
15 buildings.

FETERSBDBGH /UNCTION.

This place is at the junction of the Troy and
Boston and the Harlem Extension railroads. It
is also a station on the Boston, Hoosac
tunnel and Western railway. It is near
the southern boundary of the town. In
the vicinity are several flax and grist mills. On
the Bratt farm are several excellent mineral
springs.

POTTER HnX.

Potter Hill, which has a poatofBce, is in the
southwestern part of the town.

POPULATION OF THE TOWN OP H008ACK.

IWO S.085

1800 8,1«

1810 8117

1816 ; a,907

IgO 8.373

}M8 :.... 8,481

IgO 8*84

}»5 8,1886

1840 8,689

18«. 8.678

IfSg ■ 8,W«

ii§::- •:;;;■;;;:-;;;: iag

1886 4W

18TO 5SW

1*76 OAK

1880 tSB

HISTOEY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COTTNTT.

CHAPTER XI.
THE TOWN OF PITTSTOWN.

The Letters Patent of George III. — The Township Named in Honor
OF William Pitt, Earl of Chatham — Grant of Two Thousand
Acres along the Tomlenack — Provision Made for Ministers of
THE Gospel — Singular Dispensations of Justice — The Great
Northern Turnpike — A Score of Churches — James A. Garfield
Preaches at Pittstown — The Villages of the Town — Table
OF Population.

The first settlers of the tenitory lying north
of Albany, on the east side of the Hndson, it
would seem, were generally a very religions
class of people. Whenever their nnmber be-
came sofBciently large to form a respectable
sized congregation, steps were at once taken to
secure a minister who should statedly preach in
one of the school-houses erected here and there
along the roads through the newly occupied
country. It sometimes occurred that in the
petitions for land patents the parties desiring
to obtain such proprietary rights would set
forth such an intention specifically as regarded
the proTisions necessary to be made for reli-
gious teachers and schoolmasters. A purpose
of this kind is made a special feature of what is
known as the Pittstown patent, whereby an
association of 62 persons obtained from the
English crown about 60,000 acres of land, a
part of which included the greater portion of
the territory now embraced ?rithln the boundary
lines of Pittstown.

THE PITTSTOWN PATENT.

Following the customary preamble of the
sovereignty of his majesty, the king of Great
Britain, etc., the instrument recites that
"our loving subjects Isaac Sawyer,
John B. Bleecker, Abraham Jacob Lan-
sing" and their named associates had presented
a i>etition on the 10th of June, 1761, in which
they declared that they had purchased of the
Indian proprietor four tracts of land, on the
east side of Hudson's river, containing in the
whole about 60,000 acres exclusive of the allow-

ance for highways, and humbly prayed
his majesty that the same might be
confirmed to their use by letters patent.
In this petition the petitioners proposed making
an immediate settlement on part of the two
largest tracts, and to settle to the number of
62 families on the whole of the land purchased
within the term of three years, the time to be com-
puted from the termination of the existing war
with France, and to seat and establish a township
on each of the said two large tracts, "reserving
and setting apart for the support of a minister
of the gospel and the maintenance of a school-
master in each township forever the quantity of
five hundred acres of each of the said two
large tracts." In answer to this petition, his
majesty, George IH., granted respectively to
each of the petitioners 1,000 acres of the land
described in the royal patent.

THE SECOND TBACT OF 3,700 ACRES.

The first tract mentioned lay near the Hudson
river. The second began " in the north bounds
of the manor of Bensselaerwyck, six chains
west from a brook or creek called Tomlenack."
This point was "the beginning of a certain tract
of 2,000 acres of land granted to John Schuyler
and Neiltje Bradt. ' ' The line of the second tract
ran along the bounds of the last mentioned
tract to a tract of 600 acres of land formerly
granted to John DePeyster, and then along this
tract to the land granted to David Abrahamson
Schuyler and others, and along it, an* thence
back to the place of beginning. This tract
contained " 3,700 acres of land and the usual

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF KENSSELAER COUNTY.

allowance for highways." It chiefly lies in the
southwestern part of the to?yn of Pittstown.

THE THIRD TRACT OP 34,650 ACRES.

The third tract began "in the north bounds of
the manor of Rensselaerwyck at the southeast
comer of the aforesaid tract of 2,000 acres of
land granted to John Schuyler and Neiltje
Bradt," which southeast corner is 170 chains
east from the point, " six chains west from the
aforesaid brook called Tomlenack." It ran
thence along the bounds of the land conveyed
to John Schuyler and Neiltje Bradt to the
aforesaid tract of land granted John DePeyster,
then along it to another tract granted to David
Abrahamson Schuyler, Frederick Morris,
Charles Williams, Thomas Clarke, Edward Col-
lins and Sarah Williams, then along it and
crossing one other tract granted to the
latter persons and then by several courses
to the north bounds of the manor
of Rensselaerwyck and along this line
to the place of beginning, " surrounding the
greatest part of the last mentioned tract of
land granted to the said David Abrahamson
Schuyler and others." The third tract con-
tained 24,650 acres of land and the usual al-
lowance for highways. This tract is the south-
eastern part of the town of Pittstown.

KING GEORGE III. CALLS THE THIRD TRACT
PITTSTOWN.

The name of Pittstown, given, it would
seem, by George HI. to the third tract, was in
honor of William Pitt, earl of Chatham, who
was at this time the leading statesman of Eng-
land. The king says :

We do by our own special grace, certain knowl-
edge and meer motion create, erect and constitute
the tract or parcel of land herein granted and dis-
tinguished as aforesaid by the name and distinc-
tion of the third tract and every part and parcel
thereof a township forever hereafter to be, con-
tinue and remain : and by the name of Pittstown,
forever hereafter to be called and Icnown. • • *
And we also ordain and establish that there shall
be forever hereafter In each of the said townships
[the fourth tract being called Cambridge] respect-
ively, one supervisor, one treasurer, two over-
seers of the highways, two overseers of the poor,
one collector and four constables elected and
chosen out of the inhabitants of the said town-
ships respectively yearly and every year, on the
first Tuesday in May, at the most public place in
the said townships.

THE CONSIDERATION MONET.

The patentees were to pay yearly and every
year at the king's custom house in the city of
New York unto his receiver general, on the feast
of the annunciation of the blessed virgin Mary,
commonly called Lady day, the yearly rent of

two shillings and six pence sterling for each and
every hundred acres of these granted lands.
The patent is dated July 23, 1761, the first year
of the reign of George the third. Previous to
this grant there was another recorded known
as the Tomhannock patent.

THE TOMHANNOCK PATENT.

For the purpose of obtaining a royal patent to
a certain tract of land north of Albany on the
east side of the Hudson river, John Schuyler
and Joakim Bradt petitioned John Mont-
gomery, the governor of the province of New
York, July 23, 1730, for a grant of over 2,000
acres. Joakim Bradt died a short time after
making this request, and the patent was then
granted to John Schuyler and Neiltje Bradt, be-
ing dated July 29, 1737. The line of survey be-
gan " at a certain white oak tree standing in
the line of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, six
chains west from the said brook called Tom-
lenack and running thence from the said white
oak tree, " by several courses to the "west comer
of the land granted to Myndert Schuyler and
company, thence east along the line of their
lands," by several courses, " to the patroon's
line of his land there, thence along the same
line west 179 chains to the place from whence
the said tract or parcel of land first began, con-
taining near 2,000 acres of land besides the
usual allowance for highways."

THE SCHUYLER PATENT.

In the tenth year of the reign of George H.,
May 19, 1737, a patent of 11,250 acres of land
was granted David Abrahamson Schuyler, Fred-
erick Morris, Charles Williams, Thomas Clarke,
Edward Collins and Sarah Williams. The line
of survey began at the northeast comer of a
tract of land previously In possession of
Johnnes Becker, and ran " to a certain brook
called Tomhenack, then up the stream of the
said brook to the said tract of land now in pos-
session of the said Johnnes Becker," etc. This
the third tract was designated as being on the
east side of the Tomhenack.

THE DE PEY3TER PATENT.

Another tract of land lying within the county
of Albany, on the west side of the Hudson
river " nigh to Schachtekok," beginning at a
certain marked tree standing near to the dwell-
ing house of one Johannes Becker, and running
from the said marked tree along the lines of
the tract formerly granted to John De Peyster,
was conveyed by patent, dated November 10,
1743, to John De Peyster, containing 1,275 acres.

TUE BOOSICK PATENT.

The several patents previously referred to
embraced the greater part of the present terri-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS Of RENSSELAER COUNTy.

tbry of the town of Pittstown. The northern
portion of the town, along the Hoosiok river,
was part of the tract included in the Hoosick
patent, dated June 2, 1688. Subsequently
small tracts adjoining the former tracts were
granted to a number of individuals.

THE FIRST SETTLERS.

Among the first settlers that are said to have
made their homes within the territory of the
different tracts were William Pendergrast,
Stephen Hunt and Edmund Aiken in the vicinity
of Johnsonville ; Ludovicus Viele near Valley
Falls, in 1772 ; Christian Fisher and Michael
Vandercook in the Cooksborough neighborhood
about the year 1772. A few years earlier Wil-
liam Shepard began farming on 500 acres of
land lying in the township. In 1774 Moses Van
Namee occupied a farm a short distance north
of Pittstown Comers. Benjamin Aiken took a
farm of 950 acres about 1779 ; Isaac Carpenter
came to the town about 1784, Joseph Abbott
about 1788, and Gilbert Eddy a year or two be-
fore the latter date.

BBECTION OF THE TOWN OF PITTSTOWN.

By "an act for dividing the counties of this
state into towns," passed by the legislature
March 7, 1788, the town of Pittstown was
erected. Its boundary lines were: "All that
part of the said county of Albany bounded
southerly by Rensselaerwyck and Stephen-
town, westerly by Schactekoke, northerly by
Schactekoke and Cambridge, and easterly by a
line beginning at the distance of ten miles east
from Hudson's river, on the north line of
Schactekoke continued east and running from
thence to a place in the north bounds of
Stephentown, at the distance of 13 miles from
Hudson's river, shall be and hereby is erected
into a town by the name of Pittstown." These
lines bounding it were altered February 14,
1798. The town lies along the northern
boundary line of Rensselaer county, between
the tovms of Schaghticoke on the west and
Hoosick on the east.

THE FIRST TOWN OFFICERS.

The first town officers were elected at the
town meeting held on the first Tuesday in April,
1789. They were : Supervisor, Israel Thomj)-
son ; town clerk, Evans Humphrey ; assessors,
John Francisco, Harmon Vanvarter, HazacU
Shepard, Benjamin Milks, John Rowan ; col-
lectors, Gilbert Eddy, Hazael Shepard; poor-
masters, Simon Vandercook, George Gage, Ste-
phen Hunt ; constables, Gilbert Eddy, Hazael
Shepard, Aaron Van Namee, John Rowan, jr.,
and Stephen Hunt.

A VARIETY OF VERDICTS.

It is said that at the July term of the supreme
court, held in Albany in 1789, Elihu Smeeds of
Pittstown, indicted for the murder of Ezekiel
Mitchell, and convicted of manslaughter, was
to receive 39 lashes at the public whipping-post
and be imprisoned three calendar months. Six
others, convicted of stealing, were condemned
to receive 39 lashes each, while about the same
time Francis Uss, convicted of breaking open
and robbing a store in Foughkeepsie, was pub-
licly hanged.

AN EARLY POST ROUTE.

In 1790, when the New York mail arrived at
Albany twice a week, one of the routes taken
by a post-rider distributing letters and news-
papers through the country north of Albany,
was the following : Leaving Albany on Monday
evening for Vermont, he arrived at Pittstown
on Tuesday, at Bennington on Wednesday, at
Little White Creek and Cambridge on Thurs-
day, at Tomhannock and Schaghticoke on Fri-
day, and at Hoosick on Saturday.

THE NORTHERN TURNPIKE.

Previous to the building of the northern turn-
pike from Troy to Vermont the following notice
was given to those interested in the construc-
tion of this important thoroughfare :

Notice is hereby given that the books of the first
company of the Korthem turnpike road are
opened, agreeably to the direction of the statute
incorporating said company, and are lodged with
the commissioners, at the following places, viz. :
At LanstDgburgh, with John Lovett ; at Pittstown,
with John Carpenter ; at Buskirk's Bridge, with
Martin Van Buskirk ; at Cambridge, with Edmund
Wells, jr.; at Salem, with John Williams ; at
Hebron, with David Long ; at Granville, with Tim-
othy Leonard. All persons desiring to subscribe
for shares in said company may apply to either of
said commissioners, at either of the aforesaid
places. June 11, 1799.

REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH AT PITTSTOWN.

A document which preserves in part the his-
tory of this church is the certificate of incorpo-
ration dated November 25, 1800. At that time
the officers named as " the elders and deacons
of the Reformed Dutch church at Pittstown,"
were John Van Woert, Jonathan Yates, Simon
Vandercook, Stephen Jackson, Israel Shepard
■ and Enoch Raskins. On the organization of the
Presbyterian society in the south part of Pitts-
town, it would seem, this congregation became
connected with the latter body.

THE PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY IN THE SOUTH PART
OF THE TOWN.

For some time previous to the year 1817 a
congregation of Presbyterians had been holding

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF REKSSELAEB COTJNTY.

religious services in the south part of the town.
On the 20th of December, 1817, a meeting was
held " at the usual place of divine worship" and
the following persons were elected trustees :
Simon Vandercook, Enoch Haskins, jr., Joseph
Brown, Reuben Halstead, Tisdale Eddy and
James Stitt. The nams adopted for this legally
organized body was " the Presbyterian society
in the south part of the town of Kttstown."
This church after many years of embarrassment
and unsuccessful grovrth, ceased to exist, and
in 1868 the property passed to the Evangelical
Lutheran church.

THE PITTSTOWN TTNION SOCIBTT.

The members of the Pittstown Union society
on Monday, February 15, 1819, met at the
school house near Maham Taft's house, where
they had usually met for divine worship, to
elect " trustees for the building a church for
said congregation." The following pei^ons
were then chosen as trustees of the "Pittstown
Union society " : Abraham Van Woert, Royal
Abbott, Reuben Williams, Otis Taft, Walter
W. Groesbeck, Jeduthan Hall and Naham
Taft.

This organization, it appears, changed its
legal name in 1819. A meeting of the male
members of the society was held at the house
of Elbert I. Willett, on the 22d of March, that
year, at which John Yan Woert, Robert S. Bost-
wick, Jacob P. Tates, Thomas Henderson,
Jonathan Rouse and Jesse Smith were elected
trustees of " the Dutch and Presbyterian society
in Pittstown."

PRBSBTTEBIA.N CHUKCH AT TOMHASKOCE.

This congregation being the after growth of
the former society about the year 18^ held a
joint session meeting with the Presbyterian
society in the south part of the town. The two
churches united in calling a pastor, the Rev.
Solomon Lyman, who was Installed January,
1826. He was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph
P. Tyler in 1829. The Rev. Phineas Smith
served the Tomhannock church from 1830 to
1833 ; The Rev. Oren Brown 1833-34 ; the Rev.
J. J. Dana 1834-36 ; then successively the Rev.
Mr. Hayden, the Revs. B. Brown, J. B. Hub-
bard, P. Barber, Toombs, F. Harman, P.

Gordon, Viele, Hall, A. Ostrom, J. H.

Noble and the Rev. R. J. Jones, who served
both the Tomhannock and Johnsonville con-
gregations.

PBESBTTEBIAN CHUKCH AT JOHNSONVILLE.

The legal organization of this church is dated
the nth day of February, 1856, when there was
a meeting held " at the place of worship in the
Tillage of Johnsonville," and the following

persons were elected trustees of "the Presby-
terian congregation of Johnsonville:" J. H.
Akin, jr., C. Jenkins, G. MacRae, Alexander
Ross, E. F. Hurd and J. Westinghouse. This
society has a very neat and commodious
church.

ETANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHTOCH AT BATMER-
TOWN.

This religious society was organized the 24th
of August, 1840, and held religions services in
the Presbyterian church, known as being in
" the south part of the town of Pittstown." In
1868 the Lutheran congregation became the
owner of the old Presbyterian church. On the
first day of January, 1870, the members of the
"Frankean Lutheran church and society of
Raymertown" assembled at their stated place
of worship to further perfect an organization
made by the said church in the year 1853 under
the name of " the Evangelical Lutheran church
and society of Raymertown in South Pitts-
town." The following persons as trustees ap-
pear in the certificate of incorporation : Coon-
rad Clum, Charles U. Barry, John E. Twogood,
Martin 8ipi)erly, Jacob L. Snyder and William
Stanton. A new church edifice was erected in
1871, at a cost of $8,500. The membership now
embraces about 135 persons. The Rev. N. Van
Alstyne is the present pastor of the congrega-
tion.

THE SOCIETT OF FRIENDS.

Some years before the opening of the present
century a society of Friends was organized in
the town of Pittstown. For the purpose of a
site for a meeting house and for a burying
ground, Claudius Lamb sold to ther society two
pieces of land belonging to his farm along " the
middle road," between the two turnpikes, one
of which ran to Buskirk's bridge and the other
to Hoosick and Bennington. The meeting
house place was on the north side of " the mid-
dle road," about two miles north of Pittstown
Corners. The burying ground was on the
south side of the road. About the year 1824 a
new meeting house was erected, the old build-
ing being used afterward as a horse shed.
Among the early Friends living in the
neighborhood of the meeting house were
David Norton, Micajah Hunt, Asa Hoag, John
Osborne, Simeon Brownell and Nathan Peck-
ham. The present leader of the society is Caleb
Norton. Meetings are still held in the forenoon
of First day, in the meeting house, by the
present small congregation of Friends.

THB BAPTIST CHURCH OF PITTSTOWN CORKERS.

The first Baptist church at Pittstown Corners
was organized about the year 1784 under the
name of the Pittstown Baptist church. In

HISTORY OF THE TOWKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

1793 the Rev. Isaac Webb accepted the pastor-
ship of this church. He was succeeded by the
Rev. Lemuel Covell in 1799. The Revs. Charles
Lahatt, Charles Somers, Stephen Olmstead,
Richmond Taggart, Wllber Sherman, H. Slade,
Solomon Gale, jr., and Harvey Slade, subsequent-
ly served as pastors of the church. The first
meeting house was erected about the year 1789.
About the year 1847 a new house of worship
was erected. On the 13th of September, 1847,
a meeting was held at the church for the purpose
of electing trustees and to organize a Baptist
church and society, the Rev. D. S. Dean being
chosen moderator and Benjamin Boswortb and
Norman Baker clerks. It was resolved that
the new society should be known by the name
of " the Baptist church and society of Pitts-
town." The following persons were elected
trustees of the new organization: Henry
Warren, Benjamin Bosworth, George Gibbs,
Anthony Hydom, Hugh Reid, Jonas Halstead,
Timothy Allen, James L. Halstead and
Joseph L. Patterson. The pastors of this
church have been the Revs. D. S. Dean,
Foster Hartwell, William Hart, William Lucas,
0. C. Kirkham, William Bowen and L. Sellick.
For a number of years no services of this de-
nomination have been held in the church. It is
now occupied by the Disciples.

THE DISCIPIiES CHUBCH OF PITTSTOWN COBNERS.

This society was legally organized on the 3d
of September, 1847, when the following per-
sons were elected trustees: Joseph Haskins,
Samuel S. Hyde, Benjamin Chapman, Solomon
W. Thompson. The name adopted by the so-
ciety was " the Baptist Church in the town of
Pittstown." The Rev. Porter Thomas was the
first pastor to serve this congregation. His
successors were the Rev. Warren L. Hayden,
1860-64 ; the Rev. A. B. Chamberlain, 1864r69 ;
the Rev. George Lobingier, 1869-72 ; the Rev.
W. H. Rogers, 1872-73 ; the Rev. J. G. Ensel,
1873-77 ; the Rev. Edgar Pardee, from October
38, 1877, to the present time. The names on
the roll of membership number about 100.
This society now occupies the old Baptist
church, which in 1860 was enlarged and re-
modeled. It was in the church of this society
that Gen. James A. Garfield, when a student at
Williams college, preached.

CHBISTIA.N CEITRCH AT B0TKT0NVIU.E.

In 1838 a Christian church was organized in
the southeastern part of the town now Imown
as Boyntonville. In 1840 a house of worship
was erected on Main street, which was dedi-
cated in the month of February, 1841. In the
certificate of incorporation, dated July 25, 1855,
the congregation is denominated a religions so-

ciety, "called Christian and nothing but
Christian to the exclusion of all the
names of factions and party, or of any
addition thereto, in Pittstown and Graf-
ton in the county of Rensselaer." On
the day mentioned, according to a notice given
by Elder Aaron Eldred, the following persons
were elected trustees : Aaron Eldred, Titus B.
Todd, Eraatus Geer, William Rowland, Whiting
B. Slason and Richard Vandenberg. About five
years ago the church was remodeled. The
present membership of the church is 64. The fol-
lowing ministers have served the congregation :
Elder Wilson Mosher, Elder S. F. Dexter, Elder
Joel Gallup, Elder Aaron Eldred, Elder Ancel
Bourne, Elder Thomas Taylor, Elder J. W.
Steams, Elder Stephen Mosher, Elder J. 6.
Encel, Elder James Wright, Elder A. H. Hans-
com, Elder J. W. Steams and Elder Joel Gal-
lup.

COOKSBOBOUGH HBTBODIST EPISCOPAL CHCKCH.

Some time previous to the year 1815 a Meth-
odist society had been organized in the south-
western part of the town of Pittstown. For a
meeting was held in the church of this congre-
gation in Cooksborough, on Friday, the
twentieth day of January, 1815, at which
Comelius Filkins, Andrew Follett, William
Haner, John Friot, Anthony Lockrow and
Joseph Friot were elected as the trustees of
the society, which was to be known by the
name of the " Cooksborough Methodist Epis-
copal church."

TOMHANNOCK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHTBCH.

The work of itinerant Methodist preachers in
the vicinity of the present village of Tomhan-
nock was successful in the early part of the
century, in collecting, from time to time, con-
gregations to hear the gospel preached in the
school-house, near the house of Solomon Tins-
ler. For the purpose of better accommodating
the number of people attending these services
a subscription paper was circulated in 1811 to
secure money sufficient to build a house of wor-
ship. In order to organize this congregation
legally a meeting was held on Tuesday, Jklv^h
9, 1811, at the school-house where the peo-
ple had been assembling for divine worship.
In accordance with the notice previously given
an election was then held for trustees, result-
ing in the choice of Christopher Snyder, James
Deyoe, Simon Newcomb, jr., Anthony Miller,
Daniel Carpenter and Amaziah Herrick. As a
corporate body they were to be Icnown as the
trustees of the Tomhannock Methodist Episco-
pal church. At a cost of about $1,000 a frame
building for a house of worship was shortly
afterwards erected, on the west side of the

IIISTORT OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COTTNTT.

northern turnpike. In 1845 a commodious
brick building was erected on the Bite of the
old church, at an expense of ?3,300, having a
seating capacity for 630 persons. One hundred
and twelve names are on the present roll of
membership. The Rev. Edward N. Howe is the
present pastor of this church.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE SOUTH
PAKT OP P1TT8TOWN.

A congregation of Methodists had for some
time previous to the year 1835 been worshiping
in the schoolhouse in the neighborhood of
Baymertown, in the south part of the town of
Fittstown. For the purpose of incorporating
themselves legally as a religious organization,
at a meeting held on the 11th of May, 1835, the
following persons were elected trustees of this
Methodist Episcopal society in the south part
of the town of Fittstown : Gilbert Alexander,
Devotion E. Williams, James Mosher, Samuel
Davis and David Snyder.

METHODIST EPISCOPAI, CHURCH AT VALLEY
FALLS.

This church grew from the small beginnings
of missionary work of various itinerant preach-
ers of the Methodist church. From private
houses where little gatherings of people had
assembled to hear the gospel preached by the
zealous followers of Wesley to the large assem-
blages in school houses, in which revival meet-
ings were held, was the first step of the ad-
vancement toward an organized body possess-
ing church property. The building of
a house of worship by the Meth-
odists began in 1839, at which time a
a frame edifice was erected on State street.
Valley Falls, at a cost of about $1,300, having
about SCO seats. In 1854 this church was en-
larged and remodeled. In 1870 the congrega-
tion became a separate charge. The following
pastors have served this church since its dis-
sociation from the Fittstown circuit : The Bev.
E. Goss, 1866 ; the Rev. R. Cook, 1867 ; the Rev.
J. K. Cheeseman, 1807-68; the Rev. Wm. J.
Heath, the Rev. Isaac McCann, 1869-70 ; the
Rev. H. Blanchard, 1872 ; the Rev. Andrew Mc-
Gilton, 187a-75; the Rev. H. Dunn, 1875-76;
the Rev. B. M. Hall, 1875-76; the Rev. D.
Brough, 1876; the Rev. G. C. Morehouse,
1877-80 ; the Rev. H. W. Slocum, 1880 to date.
The number of persons connected at present
^vith the church is 159.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL OHUBCH OF PITTSTOWH
CORNERS.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Fittstown
Comers was legally constituted September 5,
1843. At the meeting held on that day John M.

Abbott, Leonard Reed and James G. Jeffers
were elected trustees. Shortly afterwards a
small house of worship was erected, and a par-
sonage in 1878. This and the Methodist Episco-
pal churches at Boyntonville, and at Potter Hill,
in the town of Hoosick, are served by the same
pastor.

NORTH PITTSTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.

The meeting house in which the Methodists
of Millertown, now North Fittstown, were ac-
customed to bold divine services, was built
about the year 1843. In this house of worship
a meeting was held on Tuesday, April 8, 1850,
for the purpose of legally incorporating the
church, which was thereafter to be known by
the name of the North Fittstown Methodist
Episcopal church, previously called the Miller-
town Methodist Episcopal church. At this
meeting Francis Ingraham, John Comstock,
John G. Davenport, William I. Baucus and
Simeon Lamb were elected trustees. There are
about 160 names on the roll of membership of
this church.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT BOTNTON-
VILLE.

The incorporation of the " Methodist Episco-
pal society at Boynton," which was included in
the circuit with the Methodist church at Ray-
mertown was effected on the 16th of November,
1859. The Rev. Reuben Washburn was then
pastor of the two charges. The following per-
sons were elected trustees of the society:
Erastus Geer, William Boynton, Benjamin
Brock, Wm. H. Rowland and Kingsley Slade.

METHODIST EPICOPAL CHURCH AT EAST PITTB-
TOWN.

This Methodist society was incorporated
February 18, 1860. The congregation which
had been sometime previously organized,
assembled on that day in the Union church in
which it had been worshiping, at East Fitts-
town and elected William P. Abbott, John Rus-
sell, Hiram Benson, Flatt Sherman, Farker H.
Bosworth, Benjamin Street and Fletcher Ward
as trustees of the church. This society pur-
chased the meeting house formerly belonging
to the Fittstown Union society, built about the
year 1820.

ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT
JOHNSONVILLE.

The Protestant Episcopal church at Johnson-
ville was erected about the year 1871. A meet-
ing for the purpose of having the officers of the
church a corporate body was held on Novem-
ber 4, 1872, in the chapel, over which the Rev.
W. Bogert Walker, rector, presided. Georg^

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OP RENSSELAER COUNTY.

O. Catlinand Charles J. Joslin, church wardens,
and William A. Osbom, Charles W. Arrand,
JohnT. Peel, A. H. Johnson, C. A. Banker,
Thomas Thomas and Orlando 6. Johnson,
yestrymen, were named together with the rector
to be incorporated as "the rector, church war-
dens and yestrymen of St. Paul's Protestant
Episcopal church," at Johnsonyille.

THE JOHNSON VILLE JtOMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The zealous missionary work of a
few Roman Catholic priests was successful
about the year 1874, at Johnsonville, in gather-
ing together a number of believers in the faith
of the Roman Catholic church. After the dis-
organization of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal
church this congregation purchased the Epis-
copal chapel and since then have held regular
services in it.

There is a Roman Catholic church a short dis-
tance north of Pittstown Corners.

PITTSTOWN CORNERS.

This Tillage contains about 35 buildings,
among which are the Disciples', the Baptist
and the Methodist Episcopal churches. The
school house of district No. 2 is in the place.
The business of Pittstown Corners is represent-
ed by three stores, a saw-mill and a blacksmith
shop. In 1836 it is described as being 13 miles
from Troy, containing one Baptist church, two
stores, one tavern and about 20 dwellings. A
postofBce was established here at a very early
date.

JOHNSONVILLE.

Johnsonville is situated on the south side of
the Hoosick river, on the lines of the Troy and
Boston and the Boston, Hoosac tunnel and
Western railroads, which here connect with the
Johnsonville and Greenwich railroad. The
place has about 600 inhabitants. In 1836 it is
described as being 19 miles from Troy, a mile
northwest from the northern turnpike, having
one tavern, three stores, one grist mill, one
saw mill, a woolen factory and about 20 dwel-
lings. The number of buildings at pres-
ent is about 100, of which three are
churches, the Presbyterian, Methodijt
Episcopal and the Roman Catholic. There
are two hotels and six stores in the place.
The manufacturing places and shops are the
Johnsonville axe manufacturing company's
works, owned by Lane & Gale of Troy, at
which 75 men are employed ; 2 grist mills, 1
flax mill, a cabinet maker's shop, a blacksmith
shop, a tin shop and a harness shop. The post-
offlce was established in 1850.

The place was early known as " the Lick."
It is said to have derived its present name from
William Johnson, who having built a grist mill

at " the Lick," one day surprised his neighbors
by displaying the name "Johnsonville" in
large letters on the front wall of his mill.

Isaac M. Singer, the famous sewing machine
inventor, was born in the village of Johnson-
ville.

Lodge No. 411, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows has a neatly fitted up hall in the place

VALLEY PALLS.

The village of Valley Falls is built on both
sides of the Hoosick river, the northern part
being in the town of Schaghticoke. It has
about 800 inhabitants and about 100 dwellings.
The one house of worship is the Methodist
Episcopal church. There are three hotels and
five stores in the place. Among its manu-
factories is a mosquito-net factory, a paper
mill, a mowing machine shop, a linen twine
mill and a flour mill. There is also an iron fur-
nace and three blacksmith shops. It is a sta-
tion on the lines of the Troy and Boston and the
Boston, Hoosac tunnel and Western railroads.

TOMHANNOCK.

The village of Tomhannook is built on Otter
creek, a tributary of the Tomhannock. Early
in the present century it was known as Reed's
Hollow. When the postoflice was established
the place took its present name. In 1836 it is
spoken of as Tomhenick on the northern turn-
pike, 13 miles northeast of Troy, having a grist
mUl, a Presbyterian and a Methodist Episcopal
church, two taverns, three stores and about 20
dwellings. At present there are about .50 build-
ings in it and two churches, the Methodist
Episcopal and the Presbyterian. A school
house of district No. 10 is in the village. One
hotel, three stores, two grist mills, a machine
shop, two blacksmith shops, a harness shop, a
cooper shop and a wagonmaker's shop em-
brace the business interests of the village.

RATMERTOWX.

The village of Raymertown is on the old
turnpike road leading from Troy to Benning-
ton and is about 10 miles from Troy. It con-
tains about 50 dwellint;s, among which is the
Evangelical Lutheran church, and a school
house of district No. 3. There are in the vil-
lage limits one hotel, two grist mills, two flax
mills, a saw mill, three stores and three black-
smith shops.

BOTNTONVILLE.

The Tillage of Boyntonville is in the south-
eastern part of the town, and has about 35
buildings in it, two of which are the Methodist
Episcopal and Christian churches. A school-
house of district No. 1 is in the place. The
business interests of the place embrace two
hotels, three stores, a harness shop, a tin shop

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF KENSSELAEB COUNTY.

and two blacksmitb shops. The number of in-
habitants is about 200. A postofflce was estab-
lished here June 21, 1875.

NORTH PITTSTOWN.

This place was early known as Millertown.
There are about 20 houses in the place, one of
which is the Methodist church. All of these
villages have postofflces.

BAST PITT8T0WU.

This name is given to the eastern part of the
town, district No. 15, where is a Methodist
Episcopal church.

COOKSBOBOUOH.

This name applies to a neighborhood in the
southwestern part of the town, where is a
school house and a Methodist Episcopal
church.

POPULATION OP THE TOWK OF PITTBTOWW.

1845 8,828

1850 S,73>!

1855 3,60?

1860 3,826

1865 S,831

1S70 4,00S

1876 B,9S6

ISaO 4,138

1790 2,447

1800 3,483

1810 8,602

1815 3,708

1820 3,772

1825 3.748

1830 3,702

1835 3,919

1840 8,784

mSTOEY OF THE TOWNS OF EEN8SELAEE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XII.

THE TOWN OF PETERSBURGH.

Indian Attacks upon the Settlers — Farmers Killed and Carried
INTO Captivity — Proceedings of the First Town Meeting —
Notes of a Traveling Missionary — Erection of Churches in
the Town — The Villages Described — Population of the Town.

The early settlers who dared to enter the
great forestoountry north of Albany, in the
middle of the eighteenth century, for the pur-
pose of clearing the tree-covered land in arder
to cultivate it, were persons of no common
courage and physical ability. When plough-
ing, sowing or reaping in the stumpy spaces of
ground from which their axes had removed the
closely growing trees, these intrepid pioneers,
as a means of self-protection, always carried
their guns afield to meet any sudden attack of
Indians. Protected from observation as they
were by the surrounding woods, hostile bands
of savages often surprised and massacred these
industrious farmers while at work tilling the
virgin soil of the newly occupied territory.

BORDEB WABFABE.

In the summer of 1754 the few settlers of the
boosick valley were repeatedly the victims of
many barbarous outrages, perpetrated by In-
dians from Canada. Among the bloody deeds
committed by these ruthless savages was an at-
tack by day made by a party of Indians upon
John G. Brimmer and his three sons, — John,
George and Godfrey, — ^while at work in a field
of their farm along the Hoosick river, near the
site of the village of North Petersburgh. The
first intimation they had of the close proximity
of their unobserved foes was the discovery of
a number of Indian blankets. The father at
once hastened to his house to defend its in-
mates, having previously instructed bis sons to
unharness the horses and follow him. While
carrying out their father's commands four Ini
dians made their appearance on the borders of
the field. The young men immediately grasped
their guns and prepared to defend themselves.
In the first exchange of shots, George
was killed. Godfrey, seeing his brother

fall, ran and hid behind a brush fence.
While thus concealed the Indians approached
his hiding place. Just as he was about to fire
at thea he was discovered in the act, and one
of the Indians exchanged shots with Mm. Both
balls missed their marks. Godfrey, seeing
another one of the Indians about to fire at him,
dropped the butt of his gun upon the ground,
placed one hand over the muzzle and extended
the other towards the Indian in token of sur-
render. One of the Indians then seized him by
the collar, passed one of his fingers three times
around Godfrey's neck, after which he laid his
hand upon his head signifying that Godfrey was
his prisoner. John fled to an island in the
river, but the Indians threw stones at him until
he was compelled to surrender himself. John
was 16 years old, being five years younger than
his brother Godfrey.

The Indians at once started off with their
captives toward Canada, going by the way of
Lake Champlain, where they had left their
boats. When they reached St. Johns they
were met by about 300 other Indians, who
formed a circle around the white men, and or-
dered them to sing. This, it is said, they re-
fused to do, although ordered a second and a
third time. This so angered the Indians that
they were about to brain them with their war-
clubs, but at this juncture Godfey discovered
in the crowd of Indians one who had once par-
taken of the hospitalities of his father's house.
He immediately sxjoke to the Indian, who,
recognizing him, interfered and saved the
prisoners from the dreadful tortures which
the Indians would have inflicted upon
them. They remained at St. Johns for six
weeks, and were then sold as slaves
to the French. After a hard term of five years'

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

servitude, they obtained their freedom on the
surrender of Quebec to the English in 1759.
They immediately started for Albany, but be-
fore reaching the city they were detained as
prisoners by the British at Lake George. How-
ever, in a short time they were released, and
joined the other members of the family at
Khinebeck, who had not heard anything con-
cerning them since the day of their capture.

It is further related that a body of soldiers
that had been sent from Albany up into the
Hoosick valley, 10 days after this attack upon
the settlers found the dead body of George
Brimmer, which they buried by the side of a
rock.

After the treaty between France and Eng-
land, John G. Brimmer, with his family, re-
occupied his deserted farm, which is still in the
possession of his descendants.

THE FIRST SETTLERS OP THE TOWN.

On the map of the manor of Rensselaerwyck,
made by Jno. R. Bleecker in 1707, the following
names of the settlers of that part of the county
of Rensselaer now known by the name of the
town of Petersburgh, appear :

West of the little Hoosick river were the
houses of Peter Bachus, Jobs Huyter and Henry
Litcher. On the east side that of Hans Bachus.

Along the west side of the Hoosick river, near
the north manor line, were the farms of Barcnt
Hogg and Jacob Best ; and near the eastern
boundary, the house of Schoolmaster Watson.

On the east side of the Hoosick river lived
the following persons, taking them in their
order, beginning near the north line of the
manor and going southwardly : Hans Lant-

man, Primmer, Jacob Best, Petrus Vos-

burgh, Bastian Deel, Frans Burn, Juria
Kreiger, Henry Young, Devoet and hereto-
fore Long Andries.

Other settlers followed the above and took
tracts of land for cultivation. William M. Rey-
nolds, in 1780, came from Rhode Island ; Icha-
bod Prosser, from Vermont ; in 1794, Asa and
David Maxon from Rhode Island ; Sterry Hewitt
from Connecticut, Stanton Bailey from the
same state, Joseph Allen from Rhode Island,
about 1790 ; WUliam Hiscok, from Rhode Island,
several years earlier ; James Weaver and
Thomas Phillips from the same state, Joshua,
Thomas and Benjamin Randall, Abraham
Lewis, Augustus Lewis, Oliver Spencer, Stephen
Card and Sylvanus Stephens settled at an early
date at Lewis's Hollow. John and Nathaniel
Church came into the valley in 1780. Simon
Odell occupied a farm at East Hollow shortly
after the close of the revolutionary war. John
Green, Hezekiah Coon, Aaron Cole, John

Nichols, Abel Russell, George Gardner, Jchabod
Irish, William Clark, Laban Jones, David Hus-
tis, John G. Croy, Stephen Potter and Lyman
Maine were also early settlers.

This part of the manor of Rensselaerwyck,
in the county of Albany, was made a part of
the district of Stephentown by the general
assembly March 29, 1784.

THE TOWN OF PETERSBURGH ERECTED.

On the 18th of March, 1791, the state legis-
lature passed " an act for dividing the towns
therein mentioned." Among its provisions is
the paragraph respecting the boundary lines of
the town of Petersburgh, erected by the act.
It reads :

That from and after the first Monday in April
next, all that part of the town of Stephentown, in
the county of Kensselaer, which lies north of aline
to be drawn east and west from the south bounds
of Peter Seaman's farm, until it intersects the
aast and west hounds of the said town of Stephen-
town, shall be and is hereby erected into a dis-
tinct and separate town oy the name of Peters-
burgh, and that the first town meeting of the in-
habitants of Petersburgh shaU be held at the house
of Hezekiah Coon, in the said town.

The tovm boundary line was changed on
January 4, 1793 ; parts of the towns of Berlin
and Lansingburgh were subtracted March 21,
1806 ; and parts of Grafton and Nassau, March
20, 1807.

THE FIRST TOWN OFFCERS.

The proceedings of the first town meeting,
held according to the act of the state legisla-
ture, are thus recorded in the town book :

At a town meeting holding at the dwelling house
of Hezekiah Coon, in Petersburgh, April 5, 1791,
this day voted Hezekiah Coon, moderator ; Jonas
Odell, supervisor ; John Greene, town clerk ; Ben-'
jamin Hanks, llandall Spencer, John Nichols,
assessors; Abel Russell, Luke Greene, Matthew
Randall, commissioners ; David Randall, Hezekiah
Coon, poormasters.

Voted, That the constables and collector shall
procure sufficient hail.

Voted, That there shall be but two constables
for the town of Petersburgh in the year 1791.

Stephen Maxon, Phineas Lewis, constables and
collectors; Charles Greene, Abel Russell, Heze-
kiah Good, fence viewers.

Voted, That sheep rams from the 15th of Sep-
tember untU the 15th of November be kept in ; If
the rams is ketched out the ram shall be forfeited
to the poor of said town.

Voted, Benjamin Hanks and Hezekiah Coon,
poundmasters.

Voted, That wolves catched and killed in Peters-
burgh shall receive a bounty of ten pounds, to be
paid in produce.

Voted, That the next annual town meeting be
at Hezekiah Coon's. John Gbeene, T, Clerk.

HISTOKT OF THE TOWNS OF HENSSELAEE COtTNTy.

This town has only a small number of
churches. It is said that the first church
erected in this part of the county was by a
number of Lutherans about the year 1798, at
North Fetersburgh. There are no records of
this religious society preserved.

PETEBSBDRQH BAPTIST CHURCH.

Some years before 1822 there was a small so-
ciety of Baptists existing in South Fetersburgh.
For the purpose of complying with the statute
in regard to the incorporation of religious so-
cieties, the male members of this congregation
assembled " at the Baptist meeting-house, near
Aaron Worthington's," on Monday, July 8,
1822, and elected Aaron Worthington, James
Allen, Asa Stillman, Asa Maxon, jr., Gardner
Hiscox, Walter F. Burlingame, Zebulon Scriven,
Sanford Hewitt and Ebenezer Robinson trus-
tees of the Fetersburgh Baptist church.

In 1828 the congregation built a house of
worship, which has since been remodeled.
The names of most of the pastors that have
served this congregation are the following :
The Kev. Nathan Lewis and the Rev. J. D.
Rogers, 1832 ; the Rev. Asa H. Palmer, 1833 ;
the Rev. Gardner C. Tripp, 1836-37 ; the Rev.
Nathan Lewis, 1838 ; the Rev. Edwin Wescott,
1841-42 : the Rev. E. B. Crandall, 1843-51 ; the
Rev. A. Waterbury, 1850 ; the Rev. D. Eldrldge,
1852 ; the Rev. A. Waterbury, 1856-70 ; the
Rev. J. G. PhUlips, 1871-72 ; the Rev. N. B. H.
Gardner, 1873 ; the Rev. G. H. Day, 1873 ; the
Rev. N. C. Hill, 1875-76 ; the Rev. J. G. Fhillips.
1877 ; the Rev. L. Benedict, 1878, and the Rev.
G. W. Adams to the present time.

PETEBSBUBGH FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHTTRCH.

The success of the itinerancy of Lorenzo
Dow among the people settled along the eastern
limits of Rensselaer county was marked by
the organization of a number of Methodist
Episcopal congregations. This remarkable
evangelist was induced in 1798 to visit North
Fetersburgh by the invitation of Daniel Moon,
who had heard Lorenzo Dow preach at Wil-
liamstown, Mass. .The request made by Dan-
iel Moon was complied with, and Lorenzo
Dow, in company with James Millard of Strat-
ford, Vt., preached to a goodly number of per-
sons assembled at Moon's house.

By Dow's appointment the Rev. Joseph Saw-
yer, then on the Pittsfield circuit, preached at
Fetersburgh. On one of his visits to this place
he discoursed on the barren fig tree, which was
the means of the conversion of Ebenezer
Washburn. The latter was then appointed the

leader of a class of which his wife, John Pros"
ser and wife and John G. Croy and wife were
members. From this time for a number of
years dlvineservices were held at John G. Croy's
house.

In 1799 Daniel Brumley of the Fittsfleld cir-
cuit had this society under his charge. In 1821
the name of Fetersburgh was given to the cir-
cuit.

This society of Methodists had so greatly
increased the muuber of its members that, in
1831, it built a commodious house of worship
at North Fetersburgh at a cost of $1,000. The
Rev. C. B. Lewis is the present pastor of this
church and of the one in Fetersburgh.

THE SOUTH PETERSBUBGH METHODIST EPISCO-
PAL CHURCH.

The work of organizing a Methodist society
in the south part of the town of Fetersburgh
was begun by the Rev. Joseph Mitchell in 1800.
He formed a class of the small number of new
converts to Methodism and preached to them
at the house of George Springer. This congre-
gation grew rapidly and in 1820 was able to
build a house of worship at South Fetersburgh,
which is still used by the society.

For the purpose of making it an incorporated
body, on Monday, March 4, 1822, a meeting of
the male members of the church was held at
the meeting house and the following persons
were elected " trustees of the Fetersburgh first
Methodist church " : Joshua Randall, Joshua
Lamb and Job W. Matteson.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF FETERSBURGH.

The certificate of the incorporation of this
society recites that the members of it assembled
at the place wherein they had statedly met
upon Sundays for divine worship, on the 10th
of September, 1855, at 9 o'clock in the forenoon
and had there elected, according to the notice
previously given, the following trustees of " a
religious society denominationally called Chris-
tians and nothing but Christians to the exclu-
sion of all names of faction and party or of any
addition thereto in Fetersburgh and Grafton" :
Elijah Reynolds, Ebenezer Stephens, Aaron
Worthington, Martin T. Brown, Orlando D.
Thurber and Elijah S. Randall. In 1843
the erection of a house of worship was
begun, but the building was not finished until
1856. The pastors of the church have success-
ively been the following: The Revs. Samuel
F. Dreter, R. D. Hawes, Thomas Taylor, H. B.
Haight, James Summerville, James Hayes,
John M. Woodward and Joseph W. Steams.

The names on the roll of the membership of
this society number 105.

100

mSTOKY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY.

THE TOWN IS 1802.

When in 1799 the building of the public road
from the village of Bath-on-tbe-Uudson to Wil-
liamstown was in contemplation, the commis-
Bioners, David Fonda, James Maine, John £.
Van Alen and David Gray, gave notice that a
book for recording subscriptions to the capital
stock of the Eastern turnpike company was
opened at the house of James Maine, in Peters-
burgh.

The Rev. John Taylor, a traveling missionary,
thus wrote in his diary of his observations in
the town of Petersburgh in 1802 :

Jnly 22. Left WlUiamstown about 8 o'clock,
took the road to Albany across the mountains, on
the ground of the proposed turnpike. After pass-
ing a high mountain, came into a valley and into
the town of Petersburgh, in ye state of New York.
This town contains about 2,900 Inhabitants. There
are two churches of pedo-Baptists and one of
Saturday Baptists. After passing in this valley
about 3 miles, I rose another mountain and for 10
miles found a most intolerable road.

NORTH PETEBSBUEOH.

This village was the earliest settlement in this
part of the county of Rensselaer. In 1836 it
was known by the name of Petersburgh Cor-
ners, at the junction of the Little Hoosick
creek with the Hoosick river. It then contained
a tavern, two stores, one Methodist church and
16 dwellings. It is 33 miles northeast of
Albany and 27 miles from Troy. The village at
present has about 300 inhabitants. About 25
buildings make up the place. There is one
church, two hotels, one store, a blacksmith
shop and a wagonmaker's shop in the village.
It Is a station on the Harlem Extension railroad.
A postofflce was established at this point about
50 years ago.

SOUTH FBTEBSBITROH.

This place was early known as Rensselaer's
mills. It is situated on the Little Hoosick river
on the Harlem extension railroad. In 1836 it is
referred to as being 20 miles east from Troy,
having "a grist, saw, oil, carding and cloth
dressing mills, three stores, one tavern, one
Methodist and one Baptist church, and 20
dwellings." As a post village it bears the
same name as the town in which it is situated.
There are at present 80 dwellings in South
Petersburgh, which has a population of about
800 persons. There are three churches, four
hotels and six stores in the place. Its manu-
facturing interests embrace three shirt manu-
factories, a shoe factory, a machine shop, three
blacksmith shops, a wagon maker's shop and a
cabinet making shop. About the year 1825 a
postofflce was established at this point. Star
lodge No. 670, F. and A. M., was established
about 1861. The lodge has a neatly fitted-up
hall in the village and numbers over 50 mem-
bers.

STILLMXN VILLAGE.

This name is applied to a neighborhood some
distance west of South Petersburgh. The
milling interests at this point are of some im-
portance.

Several other neighborhoods in the town are
distinguished by the names of " East Hollow,"
" Hell Hollow " and " The Kitchen."

POPULATIOir OF THE TOWIf.

ISIO 2,039

1815 1,781

1S20 2,248

1826 8,088

1880 2,011

1335 1,950

1840 1,901

1846 1,S78

1850 1,903

1855 1,063

18«0 1,898

1865 1,670

1870 1,732

1875 1,715

ISM 1,781

HISTOEY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

101

CHAPTER XIII.

THE TOWN OF BRUNSWICK.

The First Farms Along the Poesten and Quacken Kills — Beaver
Dams Built in these Streams — Manufacture of Black Salts —
The Outrages of the Royalists — The First Town Officers —
An Old Kerkenording — The Erection of Churches— The Vil-
lages OF the Town — Population.

That portion of the manor of Rensselaerwyck
lying immediately east of the territory now the
site of the city of Troy was occupied by a num-
ber of settlers as early as the year 1720. The
farm of Derick Van der Heyden at that time
extended from the Hudson river eastwardly to
the west side of the land of Albert Bratt. The
latter's property embraced the extensive plateau
of ground on the eastern range of high lands,
beginning at the old mill on the Foesten kill
southwest of Ida falls and continuing to the
woods east of Meadow creek, a stream which
emptied into the Hudson a little north of the
old Hoosick road. The farm house of Albert
Bratt was on the north side of the road running
eastwardly over the hill from Van der Heyden's
ferry, afterwards the home of Barent Bratt.

TBE NAMES OF OTHER EARLY SETTLERS.

The names given on the map of the manor of
Rensselaerwyck, made by Jon R. Bleeker in
1767, designate other early settlers who had
secured land from the patroon by lease. On
the south side of the road leading to Van der
Heyden's ferry, not far south of the farm of
Barent Bratt, lived Wilhelmus Smith, and south-
ward of his farm, on the south side of the Foes-
tenkill, Peter Fonda. Very near the site of
Winne's hotel, on Oakwood avenue, was the
homestead of Lavinus Winne. A short dis-
tance to the northeast of the latter was the
dwelling of Henry Van Amem. Northward
were the farms of Peter Hoewey and Robert
Wendell. Adam Beem and. Frans Hogg had
farms northwest of the beaver dam. David
Benn and Melgert Fret northeast of it, along
the west side of the ferry road. West of the
drowned land, Verdrtmken lant, were the farms

of Hans MuUer and Jacob Quaekenboss. North
of the drowned land lived Hans Heyner.

THE HOME OP THE BEAVER.

Among the places frequented by the beaver
when the Dutch first established a trading post
at Fort Orange were the Poesten kill and its
tributary streams. A number of well-preserved
dams thrown up by these furred animals were
still visible in the town of Brunswick at the be-
ginning of the present century. It was along
these water courses that the Mohegau Indians
had trapped the beavers, the skins of which
they exchanged for small trifles with Henry
Hudson,when in 1609, this famous English navi-
gator explored the river which now bears his
name, as far as its confluence with the Mohawk.

BLACK SALTS, POT AND PEARL ASH.

Besides the products of their farms the early,
settlers of the upper Hudson sold to manufac-
turers of pot and pearl ash in Troy and Albany
the ashes of the green wood, especially that of
oak, which they obtained by burning the non-
resinous trees o£ the great forests which sur-
rounded their cultivated land. The farmers of
the town of Brunswick were first induced to
bring their ashes to Van der Heyden's ferry in
1787, when Benjamin Thurber built his potash-
ery near the forks of the Hoosick and River
roads, and advertised that he " continues to
receive ashes, as usual, to supply his new
erected pot and pearl ash factory, and will
pearl black salts in the best manner on equita-
ble terms ; and will give the highest price for
black salts."

When Duke de la Rochefoucault-Lianconrt
Tisited Troy, in 1795, and mentioned in his de-

102

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OT RENSSELAER COTTNTY.

scription of the new settlement Us potash
works, then belonging to Ten Eyok and Pawling,
he further wrote :

I shall here insert such information as I have
collected pn the manner of preparing this salt
which is generally observed in the United States.
This alkaline salt is extracted from common ashes
after they have been previously purified from all
heterogenous matter. It is obtained by solution
and evaporation. Large tubs with double bot-
toms are filled with ashes ; the uppermost bottom,
which contains several holes, is covered with
ashes, about 10 or 11 inches deep, while the under
part of the tub is filled with straw or hay.
Water being ponred over the ashes extracts
the particles of salt and discharges all
the heterogenous matter, which it may yet
contain on the layer of hay or straw. The lye is
drawn off by means of a cock, and if it should not
yet have attained a sufftcient degree of strength,
it is poured again over the ashes. The lye is
deemed sufficiently strong when an egg swims on
it. This lye is afterwards boiled in large cauldrons,
which are constantly filled out of other cauldrons
in which lye is likewise boiling. Then the lye begins
to thicken in the cauldron until all the aqueous
particles are separated and the whole is com-
pletely inspissated and endurated. This salt is of
a black color and called black potash. * * *
The process of preparing the potash requires more
or less time, according to the quaUty of the ashes
and the lye, and to the degree of strength of the
latter; the medium time is 24 hours. » * *
By a general estimate, from 500 to 600
bushels of ashes yield a ton of potash.

* * * Pearl ash is potash purified by calcination.
To this end the potash is put into a kiln con-
structed in an oval form of plaster of Paris ; the
inside of which being made otherwise perfectly
close, is horizontally intersected by an iron grate,
on which the potash is placed. Under this erate a
fire is made, and the heat reverberated by the
arched upper part of the kiln completes the cal-
cination, and converts the potash into pearlash.

* • • The process of calcination lasts about an
hour. • » • Although pearlash is less liable to
deliquate by the air than potash, yet the barrels in
which it is packed are of the same sort and
structure as those in which the latter salt is bar-
reled. They contain from 200 to 300 lbs. Both are
sold by tons. They must be duly inspected by the
public searchers.

TORYISM RAMPANT.

Peculiar to this portion of the manor of Rens-
selaerwyck a great number of the earlier settlers
were Germans. When Burgoyne invaded the
province of New York, in the summer of 1777,
many of them, on account of their national re-
lationship to the Hessians, hired by British
money to take an armed and offensive part
against the Americans, manifested extreme
partisanship toward the royal cause, which
soon stirred up among the patriotic supporters

of the continental rebellion considerable ill-will.
On the closer approach of the English forces
many of the loyal farmers fled to Albany,
and the royalists, believing that the English
crown was about to conquer the rebellious
Americans, committed many transgressions,
both in the way of personal insults, appropri-
ation and despoliation of property. It is re-
lated that Abner Roberts, who belonged to the
army of the North, was waylaid, murdered and
scalped on the old Hoosick road, a short dis-
tance from Troy, by the Tories as they were
called. When, however, Burgoyne was forced
to surrender to Gates at old Saratoga, (Schuy-
lerville), these royalists were forced to flee to
Canada, from which they never dared to return
to enter again into the possession of their de-
serted farms.

TOWN OP BRUNSWICK ERECTED.

By " an act to divide the towns of Troy and
Petersburgh, in the county of Rensselaer,"
passed by the state legislature March 20, 1807,
the town of Brunswick was erected. The
boundary lines of the town are thus given :

All that part of the present town of Troy,
bounded on the west by the towns of Lansing-
burgh and Troy aforesaid, and on the east by aline
to commence on the north line of said [town of]
Troy, seven miles and one-third of a mile east of
the southeast comer of the town of Lansing-
burgh ; thence southerly in a straight direction to
intersect the north line of the town of Greenbush,
seven miles and one-third of a mile east of the
southeast comer of the town of Troy, shall be a
separate town by the name of Brunswick ; and the
first town meeting shall be held at the dwelling
house of Nathan Betts.

A portion of the town was added to the town
of Troy April 15, 1814.

THE FIRST TOWN OFFICERS.

In accordance with the act of the legislature
the first town meeting was held on the first
Tuesday in April, 1807, at the house of Nathan
Betts, inn holder, Robert Mf^hesney, Daniel
Wagar and John McManus, presiding justices.
The following persons were elected town
officers :

Supervisor, Flores Bancker ; town clerk, Daniel
Wagar; assessors, south-east district, Daniel
Simmons, north-east district, Gilbert Alex-
ander, western district, Levinus Leversee ;
collector, Barnard J. Wagar ; /overseers of the
poor, Daniel Simmons, AuguKus Burdick ; com-
missioners of highways, Augustus Burdick, John
Filkins. Isaac Bucklin ; constables, Thomas Betts,
6. Y. Goewey, John Filkins, John Wilson, Andrew
Myers, Daniel Kiser, Barnard J. Wagar, Abner
Roberts ; fence viewers, John Wheeler, Frederick
Ifyers, John Wagar, John P. Goewey, John H.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF KENSSELAER COUNTT.

103

Shaver ; pound masters, Gilbert J. Travers, Hiram
Clowes ; commissioners of schools, EobAt
McChesney, Mores Bancker, Lemuel Hawley ;
overseers of highways, Abraham Roberts, N»than
Betts, George Brnst, Isaac Fllkins, George Clpper-
ly, Daniel Van Pelt, Benjamin Brewster, John
Dick, Jacob J. Wagar, William Smith, Walter
McChesney, Michael Philips, Philip H. Coonradt,
Henry Coonradt, Cornelius Dubois, Lemuel Haw-
ley and Mosea Dusenbury.

GILBAD BVANGELICAI, LUTHERAN CHUBCH AT
CENTEB BRUNSWICK.

The first religious society organized in this
part of the manor of Rensselaerwyck was one
known as the congregation of the Gilead Lu-
theran church. In the " kerkenording" or con-
stitution of this congregation, 1777, it is stated
that a log church had been built about the
year 1757, where now is the village of Hayner-
ville. The erection of a second church was be-
gun in 1777, because the members were fearful
that the old edifice " might fall down and kill"
them. It is said that the first pastor of the
church on account of his changed views of
church polity joined the church of Eng-
land. The Kev. Samuel Schwerdfeger, in
1768, was called from Frederick, Md.,
to the pastorate of the Gilead Lutheran
church, in which office he remained for 24
years. While he served this congregation the
members were divided into two parties, one
favoring the revolutionary acts of the people
of America and the other espousing the royal
cause. No little anarchy existed at this time in
this society, and the denomination suffered
very much from local disturbances. The frame
church building, the erection of which began
in 1777, was not finished until 1788. This sec-
ond house of worship was built between the
old log church and the burial ground. Samuel
Collamer is said to have done some of the car-
penter work of the new church. John Bamett,
Jacob Wager, jr., Casper Frats and Sebastian
Lolinis were then the church council. The
patroon, it is said, presented to the congrega-
tion as a free gift 114 acres of land, a part of
which was occupied by the two church sites
and the burial ground. The first church and
parsonage grounds are now the property of
Charles Mickel. The present church is situated
about a mile west of Cropseyville and east of
Brunswick Centre.

The certificate of incorporation, filed in the
Rensselaer county clerk's oflice, states that at
a meeting of the members of the congregation,
held on the 15th of June, 1790, at their meeting
house called Gilead in Rensselaerwyck, Bastian
Lohnis, John Hanor and John Godfrey Knauft
were elected trustees of the church. To this

document Nicholas Bonesteel and Albertua
Seymour, as elders and church wardens, set
their hands and seals on the 21st of July, 1790.
Among the early members of the church were :
John Barnett, Johannes Bergman, Christopher
Beokman, Albert Bratt, Jacob Bratt, James,
John and Thomas Burnside, Jacob Cipperly,
Heinrich Conrad, Henry and Johannes Dader'
Philip and Andori Derk, John Fergison, John
Gerhard, Heinrich Gross, John Gunther, Con-
rad and Johannes Hainer, Abraham Kuntz,
George Klockner, Petrus Loose, John McChes-
ney, Duncan McMuUen, Adam Ostrander,
Bemhard Polak, Abner and Abraham Roberts,
Laurentius Schneider, Jacob Schmidt, Johannes
Sti-aub, Wilhelm Van Alstyne, Hermauus Van
Buehren, Jacob Waeger, Petrus and Laurentius
Weiderwaks.

In 1817 a third church edifice was erected,
and on its site a new church was built at a cost
of 513,000 in 1865.

The pastors who have successively served
this congregation are the following : The Rev.
Samue! Schwerdfeger, 1768-92 ; the Rev. Fred-
erick Meier, 1791-94; the Rev. George Seig-
mund Liebich, 1794-95 ; the Rev. George Jo-
seph Wichterman, 1795-1801 ; the Rev. Anthou
Theodore Braun, 1802-12 ; the Rev. John Bach-
man, D. D., LL.D., 1814-15 ; the Rev. John
Molther, 1815-16 ; the Rev. William McCarthy,
1816-21 ; the Rev. John R. Goodman, 1821-28 ;
the Rev. Jacob L. Senderling, D. D., 1828-53 ;
the Rev. David Kline, 1853-64 ; the Rev. Philip
A. Stroebel, 1864-68 ; the Rev. P. M. Rightmyer,
1868-71 ; the Rev. Alonzo P. Ludden, 1871-75 ;
the Rev. J. Nelson Bamett, 1875-80.

The present roll of the membership of this
flourishing church contains about 300 names.

FIRST TBESBYTERIA:) church of BRUNSWICK.

Through the zealous interest of the Rev.
Jonas Coe of the First Presbyterian church of
Troy the first Presbyterian society of Brunswick
was organized. At a meeting held on the Uth
of June, 1809, over which he presided, the fol-
lowing resolutions were passed :

Mrst, That all proper measures be adopted as
speedily as possible to obtain the preaching of the
gospel in this town in the English language, in a
regular and stated manner, as we have already
lived too lone without it.

Second— ResUved, That Francis ColUson, Keuben
Merriman, Hiram Clowes, William Bidwell, Samuel
De La Mater and John Filkins be appointed a com-
mittee for raising funds and procuring a preacher
as soon as convenient, and they are authorized to
treat with the Rev. John Keys of Sand Lake and
with the trustees of that congregation for one-
fourth of his time to be appropriated here should
he be settled there.

104

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENS8ELAEE OOtTNTY.

A subscription paper was then circulated
which read as follows :

We, the subscribers in the town of Brunswick,
in the county of Kensselaer, being desirous of
having the Gospel of Christ preached among us,
do hereby promise to pay to Francis Collison,
Reuben Merriman, Hiram iClowes, William Bid-
well, Samuel De La Mater and John Fill-ins the
several sums annexed to our respective names
yearly, for the term of five years, in quarterly pay-
ments for the Key. John Keys, to preach one-
fourth part of the time for the said term of five
years in the town of Brunswick, at such place or
places as a majority of the subscribers shall deem
proper in said town, or on the borders of adjoin-
ing towns.

This paper, it is said, bears the signatures of
63 persons, the total amount subscribed being
S115.37, the largest subscription written was
$8 and the smallest 37 cents, made " by the
widow."

At a meeting held September 25, 1809, it was
determined that meetings should be held on
Sundays, in the school house near the residence
of Matthias Abbott. It was in this building
that the Rev. John Keys began his ministry, in
this pastorate in the fall of 1809.

In the following year on the 23d of July, 1810,
a meeting was held " at the usual place of pulo-
lic worship in the vicinity of Matthias Ab-
bott's " house, for the purpose of electing trus-
tees for incorporating the congregation, which
was to be distinguished by the name of the
"First Presbyterian society of Brunswick."
The trustees elected were William Bidwell,
Matthias Abbott, Walter McChesney, James
Cox, jr., and Francis Collison.

About the beginning of the year 1812 the
erection of a frame house of worship was be-
gun upon ground offered to the congregation
by Matthias Abbott, at the meeting held in
July, 1810. William Bidwell having taken the
contract of building the church, so far com-
pleted it that on Sunday, June 21, 1812, the
Rev. John Keys preached for the first time in
the pulpitless building to a large congregation.
The edifice was finished early in the year 1813,
at a cost of about $1,500. Shortly after the Rev.
John Keys ended his connection with the so-
ciety, May 1, 1813, the church became disorgan-
ized. A reorganization, however, was effected on
Thursday, July 11, 1816, when 17 persons hav-
ing certificates of dismissal from the First
Presbyterian church of Troy, elected John Hut-
ton, J. B. Goodrich and John Abbott, ruling
elders. The Rev. John Younglove, who had
for several months previously been filling the
vacant pulpit of the church, was called to the
pastorship. In this office he continued until De-

cember 29, 1827, when he died suddenly of heart
disease.

The second certificate of incorporation of this
church is dated April 9, 1825, at which time
the following persons were elected trustees of
"the First Presbyterian congregation of the
town of Brunswick :" Philip M. Coons, Philip
P. Dater, George Derrick, Valen^ne Cropsey,
John H. Lansing and Walter JJ<JChesney.

This congregation, through the generosity of
the patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer, came
into possession of 25 acres of land, together
with a suitable building for a parsonage, June
28, 1833, the date of the deed.

In 1861 the work of remodeling the old honse
of worship was begun. When it was com-
pleted in 1863, the expense incurred was report-
ed to be $2,583.88. The church is about one
mile south of Cropseyville. The pastors who
served the congregation after the death of the
Rev. John Younglove were the Rev. John Clay-
ton, 1829-1830 ; the Rev. Leonard Johnson,
1830-32 ; the Rev. Gardner Hayden, 1834r-49 ;
the Rev. Joseph E. Lamb, 1852-58 ; the Rev.
Samuel M. Wood, 1860-76 ; the Rev. J. V. Gris-
wold, 1876 to date.

The present membership of this church em-
braces about 110 persons.

METHODIST

EPISOOPAI, SOCIETT OP
BBUBSWICK.

The first Methodist society organized in the
town of Brunswick was formed about the year
1834. This body for the purpose of incorpora-
tion, held a meeting on February 2, 1835, at the
dwelling house of David Files, where they had
been in the habit of assembling for divine
worship, and elected David Files, Martin M.
Hayner, Joseph Cleaveland, Jacob E. Adams
and Hiram Van Pelt trustees of " the Methodist
Episcopal society in the town of Brunswick."
The first house of worship was erected during
the summer of 1835, on the Stone road, four and
one-half miles from Troy. This frame building
was dedicated in December 1835, the Rev. Buel
Goodsell, presiding elder of the Troy district,
preaching the first sermon and the Rev. Noah
Levings the second on that day. The bnilding
was erected at an expense of $1,898.50. In 1866
it was remodeled.

The following ministers have been pastors of
this church : The Rev. Charles Pomeroy,
1836-37 ; the Rev. P. M. Hitchcock, 1838 ; the
Rev. D. Starks, 1839-40 ; the Rev. D. Stevens,
1841 ; the Rev. Asa C. Hand, 1842 ; the Rev. J.
F. Craig, 1843^4 ; the Rev. Wm. M. Frazer,
1845-46 ; the Rev. John Graves, 1847-48 ; the
Rev. Charles Devol, 1849 ; the Rev. M. Wither-
ill, 1850; the Rev. S. Tubbs, 1851-52 ; the Rev.

HI8TOBT OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

105

John Chase, 1853-54 ; the Rev. Wm. Smith,
1855-56 ; the Rev. Joseph Eames, 1857-58 ; the
Rev. H. Chase, 1859-60 ; the Rev. David Os-
good, 1861-62 ; the Rev. C. Meeker, 1863-65 ;
the Rev. Louis N. Beaudry, 1866-68 ; the Rev.
H. W. Slocum, 1869-72 ; the Rev. D. T. EUiott,
1872-74; the Rev. Wm. Clark, 1874-76; the
Rev. E. A. Bramar, 1877-79 ; the Rev. W. L.
Smith, 1880 to date.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT MILLVILLE.

The second society of Methodists in the
tovra of Brunswick was organized in 1849. The
members of the congregation on the 2d of April
of that year held a meeting to incorporate
themselves as the society of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Millville, now known as
Eagle mills, by electing the following persons
trustees : Adam Conrad, Lodowick Myers, Am-
brose Eddy, Joseph McChesney and Edward
L. Roberts.

The congregation that year began the erec-
tion of a frame house of worship at Millville, at
a cost of $1,275, which was dedicated January
17, 1850. There are about 60 names on the roll
of membership of this church. From the year
1849 until the spring of 1880 the same pastors ;
officiated in this church as are mentioned as '
filling the pulpit of the Brunswick Methodist
Episcopal church, beginning with the Rev.
John Graves. Since its disconnection from the
Brunswick church it has been connected with ',
the Pawling avenue Methodist Episcopal church 1
of Troy. The present pastor of the church is !
the Rev. W. H. Groat.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF EAST BRUUS-
WICK.

This society was organized in that part of
the town known as Rock Hollow, in 1874. The
certificate of incorporation is dated Marcn 28,
1874, at which time a meeting was held in the
school house of district No. 14, it being the
place where the members of the society had
steadily attended divine worship. At this
meeting the following persons were elected
trustees of the East Brunswick Methodist
Episcopal church : Levi Hqyner, Jacob Housin-
ger, Willard D. Green, Orrin Mcjilhesney and
William Wager.

During the summer of 1874 a frame church
building was erected which was dedicated on
the ISth of November of that year, the Rev.
J. E. Bowen, presiding elder of the district,

the Rev. Whitson and the Rev. D. T.

Elliott officiating. The pastors of the church
have been the Rev. D. T. Elliott, one year ; the
Rev. W. Clark, two years ; the Rev. A. E. Bra-
man, three years, and the Rev. W. L. Smith,
the present pastor.

CHURCH OF THE DISCIPLES OF CHBIST.

This religious society was formed December
14, 1853. For the purpose of incorporating it,
a meeting was held in Millville on the 12th day
of March, 1853, at which J. H. Allen presided.
The trustees elected were William Einlock,
John Welch and Henry Myers. The name
adopted by the body was "the Church of the
Disciples of Christ at the village of Millville."
A frame church building was erected during
the summer of 18.53, at a cost of about $1,200.
At its dedication on the 5th of February of the
following year Elder Silas E. Shepherd of New
York city preached the dedicatory sermon.
The pastorate of this church has been filled by
the following elders since the organization of
the society : Elder H. C. Parsons, Elder Bart-
let, Z. P. Birdsall, Dexter Moody, Edwin Wake-
field, James A. Garfield, J. H. Gardner, J. C.
Stark, J. 0. Cutts and J. G. Ensel.

EAGLE MILLS.

The village of Eagle Mills was first known as
Milltown, and subsequently as MillvDle. It is
situated on the Poesten kill, and is about four
miles distant eastwardly from Troy. In 1836 it
was spoken of as having a grist mill, a saw
mill, a tavern, a store and 10 or 12 dwellings.
Eagle Mills now embraces about 60 buildings,
two of which are churches, the Methodist Epis-
copal and the Disciples' church, and one dis-
trict school house. The valuable water power
of the Poesten kill at this point makes the place
important as a manufacturing centre. In 1851
Joseph H. Allen purchased the old flour
mill of Sheldon, DeFreest and Van Al-
styne, built in 1831, and converted the
building into a bit and auger factory.
In 1854 the Millville manufacturing company
was organized, which erected new buildings
near the factory of J. H. Allen, for the purpose
of making cable chains. Subsequently this
property came into the possession of J. H.
Allen, who began the manufacture of fanning
hoes in these buildings. The Planters' hoe
company, represented by J. H. Allen and George
T. Lane, after the close of the late civil war,
was formed, which entered very largely into
the manufacture of hoes in the buildings pre-
viously mentioned. Besides this manufacturing
interest there are a foundry, a saw mill, three
blacksmith shops and a wagonmaker's shop in
the village. There are also two stores and a
hotel in Eagle Mills. The population is about
500. A postofflce was established here a num-
ber of years ago.

CROPSETVILLB.

This village, which is near the eastern bounds
of the town, contains about 25 buildings and

106

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELA-EB COUNTT.

bas a population of 115 persons. In tbe sum-
mer of 1854 a postoffice was established at this
point. The business interests of the place com-
prise a store, a grist mill (built by Henry Clum
in the latter part of the last century), a saw mill,
a harness shop and two shoemaker shops.
About one mile south of Cropseyville is the
First Presbyterian church of Brunswick, and
also tbe parsonage.

BRUNSWICK CEUTBE.

This hamlet is situated about the centre of
the town of Brunswick, on the old Stone road.
Sweet Milk creek runs through the place.
Brunswick Center comprises a, schoolhouse, a
store and a small number of dwellings. The
Oilead Evangelical Lutheran church is a short
distance east of the place. A postofSce was
established here a number of years ago.

HATNERVILLE.

HaynerviUe is in the northern part of the
town. It has a postoffice. The school-house of
district No. 8 is in HaynerviUe. A store and a
wagon maker's shop comprise the business in-
terests of the place.

CLtrU'S CORNEBS.

Clum's Corners are about half of a mile west
of Cropseyville. The number of people living
in the immediate vicinity is about 40. At the
comers are 10 dwellings, a hotel, a blacksmith
shop and two wagon maker shops.

PLATEBTOWN.

This hamlet is about one and a half miles
northeast of Clum's Corners. District school
No. 12 is situated at this point. The place is
also known by the name of Tamarac.

ROCK HOLLOW.

This place is about a mile northeast of
Cropseyville, and on the Quaken kill. The ham-
let embraces about 25 buildings, a Methodist
Episcopal church, a school house, a hotel, a
brush block factory, a paper mill and a black-
smith shop.

POPULATION OP THE TOWN OF BBT7N8WICK.

1810 2,302

1815 2,233

1820 2.31S

1825 2.47S

1830 2,575

1835 2,679

1840 3,051

1845 2,855

1850 3,146

1855 3,101

1860 3,110

1865 3,175

1870 3,1''8

1875 3,286

1S80 3,404

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAEE COtTNTY,

107

CHAPTER XIV.

THE TOWN OF POESTENKILL.

Domestic Features of Slavery — Remarkable Fidelity of Family
Servants — The Emancipation Acts — First Settlers of the
Town — The Election of Town Officers — The Organization of
Religious Societies — Population Statistics.

Ilie elements of a, quiet, unpretentious exist-
ence are peculiarly associated with country
life. The isolation which the occupancy of a
broad acreage of land establishes naturally
affects the disposition and character of those
who live surrounded by the continuous quie-
tude of the fields in which they plough, sow and
reap. The rural tranquility of their homes is
seldom disturbed by the excitements of sudden
and novel occurrences which so frequently
quicken the pulse of the inhabitants of cities.
The seU-same, commonplace round of daily
toil, changing only its phases with the re-
curring seasons, engages the thought of
him who drives his team afield at the first rosy
blush of the eastern sky and weary returns to
the sheltering roof of his home when night be-
gins to robe the earth with its dusky garments.
The incidents of country life glow with no great
effulgence upon the page of history. It is <mly
now and then that the beauty and simplicity of
humble farm-life attract ns when they are
charmingly portrayed in the gentle songs of
Bums, in the melancholy meditations of Gray,
or in the tender thoughts of Wordsworth.

The ownership of slaves by the early settlers
of the manor of Rensselaerwyck was in its
domestic relationship, about the close of the
last century, a peculiar feature of the house-
holds of many farmers living along the Poesten-
kill at that time.

SLAVERY IN THE MANOR OF RENSSELAERWYCK.

The emancipation of negro and mulatto
slaves, in the state of New York, was due to
the enactment of a law passed by the legisla-
ture March 17, 1817, by which every negro, mu-
latto or mustee within the state, bom before the
4th of July, 1799, should be free from and after
the 4th of July, 1827. By a former law it was

provided that all persons born of slave parents
after July 4, 1799, were bom free, the males
being required to do service until they were 27
years of age, and the females until they wsre
25 years of age.

In the entertaining book entitled the '• Mem-
oirs of an American Lady," by Mrs. Grant, an
allusion is made to the possession of slaves in
the manor of Rensselaerwyck, and the care and
affection that were bestowed upon those who by
dutiful service had endeared themselves to the
members of the family in which they had been
reared. The writer remarks :

When a negro woHiaa's child attained the age of
three years it was solemnly presented the first
New Tear's day following to a son or daughter, or
other young relative of the family who was of the
same sex with the child so presented. The child
to whom the young negro was given immediately
presented it with some piece of money and a pair
of shoes ; and from that day the strongest attach-
ment grew between the domestic and the destined
owner.

THE FIUELITT Or SLAVES.

I have nowhere met with instances of friend-
ship more tender and generous than that which
here subsisted between the slaves and their mas-
ters and mistresses. Extraordinary proofs of
them have been when a young man and his slave
have gone to the trackless woods together, In the
case of fics of ague, loss of a canoe, and other
casualties happening near hostile Indians. The
slave has been known, at the imminent risk of his
life, to carry his disabled master throngh nnfre-
quented wilds, with labor and fidelity scarce credi-
ble ; and the master has been equally tender on
similar occasions of the humble friend who stuck
closer than a brother ; who was baptised at the
same baptism, nurtured under the same roof, and
often rocked in the same cradle with himself.

These gifts of domestics to the younger mem-
bers of the family were not irrevocable ; yet they

108

HISTOKT OF THE TOWNS OF BEN3SELA.EB COUNTY.

were very rarely withdrawn. If the kitchen fam-
ily did not increase In proportion to that of the
master, young children were purchased from some
family where they abounded to furnish those at-
tached to the rising progeny. They were never
sold without consulting their mother, who, if ex-
pert and sagacious, had a gi-eat deal to say in the
family, and would not allow her children to go into
any family with whose domestics she was not ac-
quainted. These negro women piqued themselves
on teaching their children to be excellent servants,
weU lino wing servitude to be their lot for life, and
that it could only be sweetened by making them-
selves particularly useful and excelling in their
department. If they did their work well it
is astonishing, when I recollect it, what
liberty of speech was allowed to those active and
prudent mothers. They would chide, reprove and
expostulate in amanner that we would not endure
from our hired servants; and sometimes exert
fully as much authority over the children of the
family as the parents, conscious that they were
entirely in their power. They did not crush free-
dom of speech and opinion in those by whom they
knew they were beloved, and who watched with
incessant care over their interest and comfort.
Affectionate and faithful as these home-bred ser-
vants were In general, there were some instances
(but very few) of those who, through levity of
mind, or a love of liquor or finery, betrayed their
trust or habitually neglected their duty. In these
cases, after every means had been used to reform
them, no severe punishments were inflicted at
home. But the terrible sentence, which they
dreaded worse than death, was passed— they were
sold to Jamaica. The necessity of seUing them
was bewailed by the whole family as a most dread-
ful calamity, and the culprits were carefully
watched on their way to New York lest they
should evade the sentence by self-destruction.

EABLY SETTLEBS OF POESTEXKILL.

Some time previous to the revolutionary war
a number of farms of the territory, now be-
longing to the town of PoestenklU but then to
the manor of Rensselaerwyck, was obtained
by settlers by lease from the patroon of the
manor. The names of these early farmers and
of a few who followed them at later dates, be-
fore the close of the century, were : J. Berringer,
T. Berringer, Johannes Burger, Peter Clapper,
Graver Coons, J. Coons, C. Cooper, P. Cooper,
W. Cooper, David J. De Freest, N. Fulman, P.
Heyner, A. Homocker, B. Ives, Lazarus Ives,
W. Kilmer, J. Leibblte, Archelaus Lynd, P.
Link, 8. MuUer, E. Nightart, Grant Peck, Wm.
Peck, Barent Polock, W. Seamon, C. Sluyter,
H. Stronk and J. Sater, jr.

THE TOWN ERECTED.

By " an act for the division of the town of
Sand Lake, and to erect the town of Poesten-
kill," passed by the legislature March 2, 184S,

the town of Poestenkill was created. Its
bounds were :

Beginning at the northeast corner of the town of
Oreenbush, running thence east along the south
line of the towns of Brunswick and Grafton, to the
northwest corner of the town of Berlin ; thence
southerly along the west line of the town of Berlin,
four miles to the south line of the eighth range of
lots in the Middletown survey, in the line of lots
known as numbers 12.3 and 134 ; thence west along
the line of said range of lots to the
north side of the dwelling house of John Peck ;
thence west to the intersection of the roads, about
four rods easterly from the Troy and Sand Lake
turnpike toll gate ; thence westerly to the north
side of the dwelling house of Coonrad Reicbard
and Andrew Link and to the Greenbush line ;
thence northerly along tlie east line of the town of
Greenbush, to the place of beginning, shall be and
Is hereby erected into a separate town by the
name of Poestenkill, and the first town meeting
shall be held on the first Tuesday in April next, at
the inn of Jeremiah Becker, in the said town of
Poestenkill.

FIBST TOWN OFFICEBS.

At the first town meeting, held at the house
of J. L. Becker, on the 4th of April, 1848, the
following persons were elected the first town
officers :

Supervisor, James Henderson, jr.; town clerk,
David Luce ; superintendent of common schools,
Eleazer Flint ; assessors, John I. Vosburgh, Ben-
jamin B. Randall, Harmon Vanderzee ; commis-
sioners of highwars, Barney Wetherwax, Stephen
Austin ; justices of the peace, George Cottrell,
George Barker, Benjamin Wilkerson ; overseers of
the poor. Christian C. Cooper, Samuel Comick ;
constables, John Barker, Alonzo Whyland, William
Cooper, JohnF. Whyland ; collector, JohnBark«T ;
sealer of weights and measures, James D. Sim-
mons.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHUBCB.

The first society of Baptists in the town was
organized in 1814. The meetings of the so-
ciety were first held in a building formerly a
wagon-maker's shop, standing on the highway
about a mile west of East Poestenkill. The
present house of worship was erected about
the year 1860, in East Poestenkill. Among the
names of the pastors who have ministered to
this society are those of Elders Alderman
Baker, Joseph Rogers, Peter Ambler and Edvrin
Westcott. The present pastor is the Bev.
Charles S. Catlin.

The First Baptist church has about 75 mem-
bers.

THE PBANKEAN EVANOELICAl LUTHEBAK
CHURCH.

The congregation which assumed the name
of the Frankean Evangelical Lutheran church

HISTOET OF THE TOWISTS OF REN8SELAEE COUNTY.

109

of PoestenkiU dates its organization from the
nth day of August, 1833. The formation of
this religious society was due to the active
ministrations of the Rev. J. D. Lawyer. At
the time of its organization the society had 73
members. Three stations— Poestcnicill, West
Sand Lake and Raymertowu, formed one
charge. The first church, erected south of the
village of PoestenkiU, on the road leading
thence to West Sand Lake, iu 1832, was dedi-
cated on the 13th of November of that year,
the Rev. George Lintner, D. D., and the Rev.
J. D. Lawyer ofiBciating.

The pastorate of this church has been suc-
cessively filled by the following ministers : The
Rev. J. D. Lawyer, August 11, 1833-38; the
Rev. J. S. Robinson, April 1, 1838-39 ; the Rev.
Isaac Kimball, July 1, 1839-40 ; the Rev. G. W.
Porter, 1848-49 ; the Rev. R. Smith, jr., 1850-
57 ; the Rev. J. A. Rosenberg, 1857-67 ; the Rev.
John Kling, August 1, 1867-74 ; the Rev. H. A.
Strait, 1874-77 ; the Rev. Silas W. Young,
March 14, 1877, to date.

The present house of worship was erected in
1865, on the site of the first church, at a cost of
$8,000. It was dedicated December 24, 1865,
the Revs. N. Van Alstvne, H. L. Dox, J. A.
Rosenberg and M. W. Empie taking part in the
service.

The present roll of membership of the church
has the signatures of 120 persons. The Sunday
school embraces five officers, seven teachers
and 102 scholars.

THE FIRST FBEE BAPTIST CHURCH.

The First Free Baptist society was organized
about the year 1836, at which time its meetings
were held at different places in the vicinity of
Oak Hill. Shortly afterward the congregation
erected a meeting house on Oak Hill. A sec-
ond edifice was subsequently built a short dis-
tance from East FoestenJcill.

Of the number of pastors of this church, the
following ones may be mentioned : Elders
Miller, I. B. Coleman, J. D. Howe, Isaac
Hoag, Hyde, Ketoham, Van Erden and Smith,
the present elder in charge. The present meet-
ing house, erected about the year 1872, is situ-
ated a mile west of East PoestenkiU.

CHURCH OF CHRIST.

The religious society known as the Disciples
of Christ was organized at the house of Miles
Clark on April 2, 1850. Among the founders of
the body were Elder Dexter Moody, Francis
Parsons, Durfee Read, Matthew Moody, Mar-
vin Moody, Miles Clark, Eliza Read, Sally A.
Clark, Martha Read and Diana Wooster. In
1850 a frame house of worship was erected in
the village of PoestenkiU, which was dedicated

September 20, 1850. The building cost about
$800 and had a seating capacity for nearly 200 per-
sons. The present frame building was erected
in the village of PoestenkiU, in 1864, at a cost
of $4,000. At its dedication August 18, 1864,
Elders A. N. Gilbert, L. R. Gault, D. Moody
and Chamberlain took part in the services.
The present membership of the church is 100.
The following elders have served the congre-
gation at different periods: Elders Dexter
Moody, one year ; M. J. Streator, two years ; I.
J. LoweU, two years; Elder Parsons, two
years ; Elder Wakefield, one year ; J. C. Starks,
one year ; J. H. Gordinier, three years ; L. R.
Gault, one year ; Elder Olin, three years ; Elder
Reynolds, one year ; J. S. Bell, three years ; J.
Callylean, two years ; Elder Ensel, two years ;
J. Benenstukl, one year, and Elder Theodore
Crooks.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAl. CHURCH.

Through the missionary efforts of the Rev.
George Hudson, a small congregation of Meth-
odists was gathered near Dyking pond, on
Berlin mountain, where he preached. Subse-
quently divine worship was held in Lewis
Horton's haU, in PoestenkiU. In 1872, the
Rev. E. A. Blanchard was appointed to take
charge of the Dyking pond congregation and
the one at PoestenkiU village. That year the
present meeting-honse at PoestenkiU village
was erected at a cost of $6,500.

The following pastors have officiated in this
church: The Rev. E. A. Blanchard, 1872-74;
the Rev. Thomas Monroe, April 18, 1874-76 ;
the Rev. John Sumner, 1876-78 ; the Rev. John
W. Coons, April, 1878-80. The membership of
the PoestenkiU church embraces about 110
persons.

POESTENKILL.

The village of PoestenkiU is on the Pocsten-
kill, a stream from which it derived its name.
It is somewhat west of the center of the town,
and contains about 50 buildings, among which
are two churches, three hotels, a grist and a
saw mill and three stores. The village has
about 350 inhabitants. At a quite early date in
the present century the medical spring at a
close remove from the village attracted the at-
tention of invalids for its curative properties in
cutaneous diseases. A number of bathing
houses were erected to accommodate the people
resorting to the spring. These buildings, to-
gether with a number of other structures, were
subsequently swept away by a remarkable
freshet in the PoestenkiU, caused by a heavy
fall of rain for two days. Dr. Luther H. Barber
was made the first postmaster of the postoffice
established at this point about the year 1836.

110

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

EAST POESTENKILL.

The hamlet of East Poestenkill is situated in
the eastern part of the town. The place has about
100 inhabitants and contains two churches, two
stores, a hotel and several shops. East Poes-
tenkill was known at one time by the name of
Columbia. Cyrus Amidon was the first post-
master of the postofSce established at this
place.

BARBERVILLE.

Some distance east of the village of Poesten-

kill is BarberviUe, which contains about a half
score of houses, a hotel, a store and one or two
shops.

IVES'S CORNEKS.

Ives's Corners is the name given to a small
collection of houses near the centre of the
town.

POPULATIOK OF THE TOWN OF POESTENKIU,.

1850 2,092

1855 1,878

1860 1,833

1885 1,952

3870 1,769

1875 1,727

1880 1,765

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Ill

CHAPTER XV.

THE TOWN OF GRAFTON.

The Latest Settled Town in the County — Emigration from New
England — The Erection of the Town — The Beginning of the
Anti-Rent War — Lighting the Candles of Industry and Econ-
omy — Troy Troops Sent to the Helderberg Region — A Mur-
derous Affray in the Town of Grafton — Anti-Rentism a Polit-
ical Question — The Erection of Churches — Population.

It seems that the teiritory embraced within
the present bounds of the town of Grafton was
not as early occupied b.v settlers as were the
other contiguous portions of the manor of
Bensselaerwyck. The rocky roughness and
mountainous character of this part of the
manor were no doubt not as inviting to emigrants
as were the more arable tracts of the other sec-
tions of Rensselaerwyck, and on this account it
was later settled.

EMiaRA.TION FROM NEW ENGLAND.

Immediately after the revolutionary struggle
a tide of emigration set in toward the upper
Hudson from the older New England settle-
ments. The patroon, in order to place under
cultivation the immense tracts of untilled land
lying within the manor, made such liberal over-
tures at this time to emigrants that not a few
vigorous and industrious New Englanders were
found willing to accept his offers and to lease
of him certain farm lands now forming part of
the town of Grafton. Dr. Amos Hall, a resi-
dent of the town, speaking of the settlement
of this part of the manor in an unpublished
sketch of its history, says :

There were few (if any) inhabitants within the
present limits of Grafton down to the time of the
commencement of the revolutionary war in 1775.
Soon after peace was restored, in 1783, many per-
sons whose families had been reduced to poverty
and to great extremities during the struggle for
liberty, found it necessary to emiBrate in order,
if possible, to improve their circumstances, and
to regain the lost means of supplying the increas-
ing wants of their families.

In the midst of these circumstanceB, from 1786
to 1788, very many industrious, hardy yeo-

manry came with their families and settled here.
It was a complete wilderness at the time, all the
country being covered with heavy timber, and, as
a matter of course, they suffered the usual wants
and privations of the first settlers of most new
countries.

Among the first failles that settled here were
the Owen, the q^n and the Semmons families,
Abel Owen, a revolutionary soldier, soon after the
close of the war emigrated from Connecticut or
Bhode Island, and settled on the farm where Stew-
ard Allen now lives. Gen. Van Rensselaer, as an
inducement to settle on the manor, gave him a
deed-title to 300 acres of land. He lived in a log
house on the old road, some 50 rods south of said
Allen's house, and the well from which his family
drew water is still in use. As early as 1787 he had
many acres cleared, kept some stock, and raised
his own grain and provisions. Being a somewhat
prominent resident, the old road which runs
through the town from Petersburgh to Troy was
called in all the old leases " Owen's road."

THE FARMS OF OTHER SETTLERS.

Francis West and family from Rhode Island
took a farm in this part of the manor some time
about the revolutionary period. John Bab-
cock from the same state, and Elkanah Smith
from New Jersey, also became farmers of land
leased from the patroon at this early date.
About the year 1779 William Scriven and wife,
with two daughters and seven sons, from
Rhode Island, made his home in this new sec-
tion. Joshua Banker, John and Thomas Phil-
lips, Ael Ford, Francis Brock, John and David
Mills, John Monroe, Solomon Smith, Rufus
Rix and Capt. Charles Ferry are also
named as early settlers of the town
of Grafton. John P, Hayner, Solomon Root,

112

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Nathaniel Dumbleton, Daniel Littlefield, Wil-
liam Snyder, James Keid, Henry Coonrad, God-
frey Howard, Andrus Miller, Lodowlck Bone-
steel, Marcus Simmons, John Hydom, Henry
Hydom and B. Hayner are mentioned as being
farmers in this part of the manor of Rensse-
laerwyck. The annual rent of the farms was
based upon their fertility and acreage. From
five to twenty-five bushels of wheat were paid
for the use of land. In the town there are
about 25 lakes or large ponds.

THE TOWN OF GRAPTON ERECTED.

By " an act to divide the towns of Troy and
Petersburgh, in the county of Rensselaer,"
passed March 20, 1807, the town of Grafton
was erected. The boundaries of the new town
were :

All the remaining part of the town of Troy, and
so much of the west side of Petersburgh, as shall
malie seven miles in width from the east line of
the town of Brunswick, cut off by a line to com-
mence on the north line of Petersburgh, seven
miles east of the northeast comer of Brunswick ;
thence southerly parallel to the east line of said
Brunswick to the south line of Petersburgh, shall
be a separate town by the name of Grafton ; and
the first town meeting shall be held at the dwelling
house of Nathan Hakes.

The name Grafton, it is supposed, was given
to the town at the suggestion of Nathaniel
Dumbleton, the first supervisor, who had re-
moved to this part of Rensselaerwyck from
Grafton, Vt.

THE FIBST TOWN OFFICERS.

At the first town meeting held at the house of
Nathaniel Hakes on the first Tuesday of April,
lfi07, the following persons were elected town
officers :

Supervisor, Nathaniel Dumbleton ; town clerk,
David S. Crandall ; assessors, Patrick Agan, Ziba
Hewett and John Babcock ; overseers of the poor,
Joseph Burdick and Benjamin West; commis-
sioners of highways, Samuel PundaU, James West,
2d, and Jedadiah Wellman ; collector, Joseph Bur-
dick, jr.; constables, Ethan d6azou, Simeon Smith
and Joseph Btfrdick, jr. ; overseers of highways
and fence viewers, Thomas West, Jonathan Brook,
James West, 1st, John Worthington, Nathan West,
Joseph Burdick, John Phillips, Marcus Simmons,
William Snyder, Henry Coonradt, John Eeld, Syl-
vester Chase, Peter Wager, Stephen Chandler,
Walter Durkee, William Soriven, Francis Brook,
Zebulon Scriven, 2d, Jonathan M. Scriven, Michael
Brenanstufal, Charles Ball and John Babcock;
poundkeepers, Thomas Smith, Joseph Scriven and
John Babcock.

THE ANTI-RENT TROUBLES.

Upon the death of Stephen Van Rensselaer,
which occurred on tlip 26th of January, 1839,
the manor property of Rensselaerwyck, or

rather the leased farms which were formerly
within its boundaries, were by the will of the
deceased patroon divided between his two sons,
Stephen and William P., the former obtaining
the ownership of the farms lying on the west
side of the Hudson, and the latter those east of
the river. When the will of the patroon was
proved, notices were published requesting per-
sons indebted to him to settle their ac-
counts. A few of the tenants occupying the
land of which be was the patroon paid their ar-
rears, while the larger number delayed their
payments.

On the 22d of May, 1839, a committee con-
sisting of Egbert Schoonmaker, Hugh Scott,
Lawrence Van Deusen, Joseph Conner and
John F. Shaffer, representing tenants in the
towns of Rensselaerville, Westerlo, Bern, Enox
and New Scotland, visited Stephen Van Rens-
selaer at &.Ibany, and left with him a communi-
cation in which they .set forth their complaint
regarding their grievances. The statements
made in this paper were mainly the following :
" The enormous price put upon wheat above
what it formerly was when leases were origin-
ally given, it being then $0.75 per bushel at the
extreme, one day's services with carriage and
team, at $1 per day, and four fowls at 50 cents,
making in all, for one year's rent, on a lot of
100 acres (at 22J^ bushels per lot) at $18.37 per
lot, at which time wheat rating at from $1.50 to
$2.25 per bushel— day's services at $2 per day,
and four foirts at $0.75, making our rents rate at
from $35 to $50 a year, making it now extremely
difficult for many of the tenants to support
their families and pay their rents, without in-
volving themselves and posterity in extreme
peril and hardship."

To remedy the evils complained of the fol-
lowing changes were suggested : "To have the
old leases abolished and new leases given, in
which rents to be stipulated shall be in money ;
the same number of bushels allowed as in the
old leases, and retail in the following order, to
wit : $1 per bushel for the first quality ot land,
$0.87Ji per bushel for the second quality of
land, $0,621^ per bushel for the ihird quality of
land : $1 per day for the day's services, and
$0.50 for the four fowls, excluding the reservation
of greater sales, water privilege, the soil under
water, the privilege of buying the soil, to those
who wish to purchase the same at any future
time, for such sum as the interest thereof will
amount to, the amount of rent on each lot now
fixed."

In regard to the payment of arrearages they
gave this opinion: "Those tenants whose
property ia incumbered to the amount of their
personal effects, over and above their arrear-

HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OP KENSSELAEE COUNTY.

113

ages of rents due said proprietor, should be re-
mitted in whole, or at aU events in equal pro-
portion to the stipulations to be entered into for
future rents."

THE PATROON'S BBPLY.

In answer to this complaint Stephen Van
Rensselaer, patroon of the western manor,
wrote :

Your ancestors or youraelTes who are tenants,
accepted leases with a full knowledge of the kind
and amount of rent to be paid, and of the reser-
vations and conditions to which the land was sub-
ject ; and It was matter of agreement, the nature of
which was fully understood at the time the same
was made. Such as now hold as purchasers, knew
full well the rents and covenants subject to which
they purchased ; and I am at a loss to conceive
how the conditions and covenants upon which the
lands are held can now be deemec^ grievous unless
something is now claimed by the landlord entirely
new, and which operates oppressively upon the
tenant ; and as nothing more is claimed than has
been acquiesced in and acknowledged by your an-
cestors and yourselves, or those from whom you
have purchased, for more than half a century, I
can not admit that you have now any grievances
to be redressed ; and especially so, as no rent was
charged for the first seven years after the tenant
went into possession. * « *

Your last suggestion in behalf of tenants as have
been delinquent in the payment of their rents as
that arrears now amount to abnost the value of
the lands, it seems to me is a matter with which
you have nothing to do. * * *

You seem to be under a mistaken impression as
to the price of wheat, which I will endeavor to
correct. Wheat as you have been charged for the
last 10 years has averaged $1.38 per bushel; for
the last ao years has averaged $1.35 per bushel ;
for the last 30 years has averaged $1.45 per bushel ;
for the last 40 years has averaged $1.44 per bushel ;
for the last 47 years has averaged $1.40^ per
bushel. » * *

I am, however, willing to charge the wheat to
money rent, and to take the average price of
wheat for the last 47 years as the price at which a
bushel of wheat shall be estimated hereafter ; the
days' service and team to be $2 ; and the four
fowls 75-100.

And I am also willing to sell and give a release
of the rents and reservations in the leases, so that
the land shall and may be held hereafter in fee for
the said $5 per acre of all lands in the four west
towns, but not to include any of the towns below
the hill.
This answer is dated May 29, 1830.

BBBELLION INAnGUBATED.

On the 4th of July, 1839, a meeting of the
west manor tenants was held at Bern, who re-
solved not to conform to the requirements set
forth in their leases nor to the demands of the
patroon, saying :

We do sincerely and solemnly believe that the
proposals of the standing committee to Stephen
Van Rensselaer (in strict justice) is all that any
man of honor or patriotism, having at heart the
welfare and prosperity of his fellow creatures,
could reasouably ask or expect to receive ; and
that we consider the proposals of said Van Heus-
selaer to be an outrage on the laws of humani cy,
and therefore utterly reject and contemn the
same. And the said committee in behalf of us,
said tenants, are requested to inform said Van
Kensselaer that we consider his proposals in the
same light that Dr. Franklin considered the act In
the British parliament imposing stamp duties on
certain papers and documents used in the colonies.
Franklin said, in addressing Charles Thompson
relative to said act, that '• the sun of liberty is set ;
you must light up the candles of industry and
economy." And that we also reply in the lan-
guage of the patriot Thompson, that we shall
light up torches of quite another sort if we arc
thus driven to the alternative of choosing an un-
conditional submission to the will of one man,
elevated by an aristocratic law, emanating from
a foreign monarchy, or the resistance thereof.
The latter Is our choice ; we have counted the cost
of such a contest, and find nothing so dreadful as
volantary slavery.

The committee was also " instructed to in-
form the pretended proprietor of our soil that
if he will establish or present a good, suflBcient
and valid proper title to or for the soil of the
land we occupy, and then give new leases, cast-
ing aside the day's services, fowls, quarter
sales, all reservations and restrictions con-
tained in the old leases, excepting the wheat,
and change that from wheat to money rent,
computing the same at $1 per bushel for each
and every bushel on each and any lot as re-
served in the old leases, give the tenants or any
of them the privilege at any future time here-
after of buying the soil for a sum of money that
the interest thereof at seven per cent, will
amount to a sum equal to the value of the
wheat on each and every lot at said $1 per
bushel, and reduce all arrears of rent to said $1
per bushel, relinquishing the day's services and
fowls on each and any lot against which arrears
are claimed."

The patroon made no reply to this deSant
statement.

THE TENANTS IN ABMS.

The sheriff of Albany county, Michael
Artcher, having been resisted in serving cer-
tain legal process on the defiant tenants of the
patroon of the west manor, in the vicinity of
the Helderberg mountains, on the 30th of
November, 1839, callled out a po>»e comitatui to
assist him in the discharge of his duty. About
1,000 persons answered this call, who in a long
procession of stages, barouches, wagons and

114

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

horses, on the 2d of December, proceeded
toward Reedsville. About four miles beyond
Clark's tavern tliey were met by several hun-
dred armed men on horseback, who opposed
their further progress and compelled them to
return to Albany.

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOVERNOR.

For the purpose of sustaining the laws of the
state, his excellency, William H. Seward, gov-
ernor of the state, issued a proclamation on
the 10th of December, 1839, warning all per-
sons from hindering or obstructing the ofScers
of justice in the execution of their duties. The
governor tells the people that he has taken
measures to call forth a sufficient military force
to enable the sheriff of the county of Albany
to execute effectually the legal process com-
mitted to him, and to maintain the supremacy
of the laws.

THE TROY MILITARY CALLED OUT.

On Monday, December 9, 1839, an order was
received from the adjutant general of the state
calling out the three uniformed mUitary compan-
ies of the city of Troy to proceed to Albany to
aid the sheriff of Albany county in executing
process upon the rebellious tenants of the west
manor. On Tuesday morning, the Troy Citi-
zens' corps, Capt. Pierce, the Troy City guard,
Capt. Wickes, and the Troy independent artil-
lery, Capt. Howe, proceeded to Albany in
obedience to this order. These companies, in
connection with the Albany Burgesses corps,
Capt. Bayeux, the Albany Union guards, Capt.
Brown, the Albany Republican artillery, Capt.
Strain, the first company Van Rensselaer
guards, Capt. Kearney, the second company
Van Rensselaer guards, Capt. Berry, all being
under the command of Major William Blood-
good, marched 12 miles to the scene of disturb-
ance, where they remained until the following
Tuesday, when they returned to Albany, over a
very bad road, covered with snow to the depth
of 15 inches. Speaking of the deportment of
the citizen soldiers, an Albany pai)er remarked :

Everything we hear of their bearing and deport-
ment excites admiration and gratitude. They
submitted strictly and cheerfully to a discipline as
rigid as that observed in any service. Their inter-
course with the inhabitants of the resisting towns
was in the highest degree conciliatory. Their for-
bearance amid the taunts and insults of an excited
populace awaiting their lirst approach is worthy
of all praise. They discharged their duty faith-
fully and fearlessly, but with a due and careful re-
gard to the rights of others, the peace of society,
and the honor of the service.

The formidable appearance of this large body
of military in the midst of the disaffected peo-

ple had the desired effect, and the sheriff of
Albany county served the processes without
any opposition.

ELIJAH S.MITH KILLED.

In the east manor, of which William P. Van-
Rensselaer was patroon, the troubles among
the tenants of the leased farms were often very
alarming in their character. In the excitement
of a gathering of ;■, party of disguised anti-
renters, on the 19th of December, 1845, In the
town of Grafton, near the house of Oliver
West, a short distance west of Grafton Centre,
Elijah Smith was killed. The latter, it seems,
while defensively or aggressively, had an up-
lifted axe in his hand, was shot. Several in-
vestigations were held to discover the person
committing the murder, and although more
than 200 persons were examined, the perpe-
trator of the deed was not identified.

A POLITICAL QUESTION.

Gov. Seward in several of his annual messages
called the attention of the legislature to the
matters complained of by the manor tenants.
A commission was appointed but nothing of a
definite or a pacific character resulted from its
investigations. The anti-rent feeling affected
not only the local but the state politics for a
number of years, particularly from 1842 to
1^7. In time the vexing questions connected
with the collection of rents by the agents of the
patroons ceased to trouble the public mind. In
1854 the patroons conveyed their interests in the
rents due them to Walter S. Church of Albany,
who for a time brought suits against the six
non-paying tenants and made collections of
rents.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP THE TOWN OP
GRAFTON.

The first Baptist chiu-ch and society of the
town of Grafton, as named in the certificate of
incorporation, in 1841, had its origin early in
the century, when at several places in the town
small congregations of Baptists were accus-
tomed to assemble to hear certain elders of the
church preach. What is known as the Cobb
schoolhouse, in the Lortheastern part of the
town, was one of the places where divine wor-
ship was held. A second place of assemblage
was the schoolhouse, at East Grafton, formerly
designated as the Scriven neighborhood.
Often when the congregations were too large
to be accommodated with seats in the school-
house, it is said, the people repaired to Col.
Scriven's barn, where they held some very in-
teresting meetings. Elder Hull at this time
ofSciated, and once ministered when the ele-
ments of the Lord's supper were partaken of
by the members of the congregation in the

HISTORY OP THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COXJHTT.

115

bam. Elder Joseph Wilcox was early known
as having charge of the congregation worship-
ing in the Cobb school house. During the
summer of 1815 a meeting was held in the
maple grove on the farm of the late Peter S.
Hjdom. It was here that the Rev. Nathan
Lewis, son of Elder John Lewis, was ordained.
From these several organizations the Grafton
Baptist church was formed in 1827. The first
church edifice, erected by the liberality of
Stephen Van Rensselaer, was built near the
present residence of Dr. Amos Allen. Among
the first members of the society were Benajah
Allen, Daniel Brimmer, John Crandall, Roswell
Crandall, Cyrus Davenport, Daniel P. M.
Davison, Ezra Davison, John Eldred, George
5akes, Jabez Hakes, John Howard, Ira Lam-
phire, John L. Lamphire, Nathan Lewis, Oliver
Main, Joseph D. Rogers, Ira Stone, David
West and Elisha Wells. For a number of
years the Rev. N. Lewis and the Rev. J. D.
Rogers jointly had charge of the spiritual con-
cerns of this congregation.

On the 14th of August, 1841, a meeting of the
members of the society was held at the house
of Benajah Allen for the purpose of complying
with the statute respecting the incorporation of
religious bodies. At this meeting Benajah
Allen, Potter Maxon, Caleb W. Scriven, Joseph
D. Wells, Zebulon P. Burdick and Rufus S.
Waite were elected " trustees of the First Bap-
tist church and society of the town of
Grafton."

About the year 1851 the work of erecting a
new church edifice was beeun, the site selected
being a short distance east of the old building
at Grafton Centre. During the pastorate of the
Rev. J. D. Rogers, about the year 18.53, the new
house of worship was finished and dedicated.

The followingpastors have served this church
since the year 1827 : The Revs. Nathan Lewis,
Joseph D. Rogers, H. J. S. Lewis, P. T. Shirley,
Timberman, E. D. Wilcox, Roswell Col-
lins, Catlin. The Rev. H. J. S. Lewis is

the present pastor.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ORAPTON

The earnest labors of Lorenzo Dow about the
beginning of the present century were fruitful in
the formation of a large number of Methodist
congregations along the eastern border of the
state. In 1828, on the seventh day of April, the
members of the Methodist Episcopal society in
the town of Grafton assembled at the usual
place of worship and elected David Hayner,
John P. I. Hayner and Timothy B. Wilds trus-
tees, by which the body became incorporated.
A church was erected on the road leading to
Grafton Center, about a mile east of Qnacken-
ail, which was known as the " Hemlocks

church." This old building was sold, and the
money used in building a parsonage at Grafton
Center in 1877. For a time the old church
building at Grafton Center, erected by the
patroon, was used by the society for divine
worship. In 1877 the new church building at
Grafton Center was finished, having cost about
$3,500. The Rev. G. W. Douglass was pastor
of the church at this time. The present roll of
membership registers the names of about fiO
persons.

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH OF GRAFTON.

The organization of the Free Methodist

I church of Grafton was effected on the 5th day

j of January, 186-S. The Rev. A. B. Burdick was

I the first pastor of the church. In 1873 the so-

I ciety erected a house of worship about a mile

j east of Quackenkill at a cost of about $1,200.

For the purpose of incorporation the following

trustees were elected on the 18th day of June,

1872 : Edward Birdsall, Jonas Snyder, George

Graver and Aaron B. Burdick.

THE FIRST FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF
GRAFTOK.

This Baptist society was incorporated, accord-
ing to the statute, May 28, 1873. The trustees
then elected were the Rev. Choate Pratt, Ariel
C. Durkee and Warren Stewart.

GRAFTOX CENTER.

Grafton Center, which is situated about 13
miles east of the city of Troy, is in the center
of the town. In 1836 the place was known as
the Patroon's Mills, where at an early date the
patroon of the manor of Rensslaerwyck had
erected for the use of his tenants a grist mill, a
saw mill, a church and a tavern. In 1836 there
was a grist mill, a tavern, a store and about a
half score of buildings here. In the village at
present there are two churches, two hotels,
three stores, two blacksmith shops, a wagon-
maker's shop, a chair shop, and several shirt
factories.

EAST GRAFTON.

East Grafton is a hamlet containing a small
number of houses. The business interests of
the place include a hotel, a store, a blacksmith
shop and a wagonmaker's shop.

QUACKENKILL.

Tliis place derives its name from the stream
on which it is situated. The paint mill of E. H.
G. Clark, where is manufactured " Grafton
mineral paint," is the most important business
interest in the hamlet. From 600 to 700 tons
of paint are made annually. There are a hotel
and a blacksmith shop in the place.

POPrLATIO' OF THE TOWN.

ISIO 1.410

1S15 1,378

1S20 1,611

1S25 1,5».S

1830 1.681

1835 1,682

1840 2.019

1845 1,905

1330 2,033

1855 1,888

1880 1,837

1865 1,6W

1870 1,599

1875 l.fflM

1880 1,676

116

HI9TOBT OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAKR COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE TOWN OF BERLIN.

The Common Hardships of the Settlers — A Scarcity of Food —
The Clothing of the Pioneers — The Reception of the Declar-
ation OF Independence — The Epidemic of 1813 — Erection of the
Town — An Awful Case of Poisoning — Churches of the Town
— Table of Population.

The lives of the men and women who about
the close of the seventeenth and the beginning
of the eighteenth centuries were the first pi-
oneers to enter and settle within the depths of
the great northern wilderness lying on both
sides of the upper Hudson were marked with
many hardships and self-denials. The barest
necessities of furniture were found inside their
log-built, buk-covered cabins. Oiled linen or
greased paper were the common substitutes for
window glass, and dried stalks formed the cov-
ering of the unfloored building.

THE KEHimSCENCES OF A. SETTLES.

The description given of the common experi-
ences of the early settlers show a variety of dis-
comforts which people of more modern times
seldom endnre. Among the first to penetrate
the great woodland in the vicinity of the Little
Hoosick river, near its source, in the present
town of Berlin, was Daniel Hull. In the sum-
mer of 1769 he, on foot, left Connecticut in
search of a suitable spot where he might build
himself a home, and by tillage obtain a living
for his family. Having found such a locality in
the southern part of Hoosick valley, he re-
turned home. His two sons began in the
winter of that year to clear away the
trees, and shortly he with them erected a log
house near the site of the present residence of
DanielJ. Hull. It is said that in 1770 he brought
his family and the few household goods which
he possessed as far as the Douglas farm, where
now is East Stephentown. He had with him a
yoke of oxen, a farm cart and a horse. Beyond
this stopping point there was no open road, and
he was comi>elled to leave the cart and pursue
the remainder of his journey along an old In-
dian trail. Nelson Hull, in his reminiscences.

thus speaks of the pioneer life of his grand-
father's family in the great woods :

When they arrived at their new home their pro-
visions were nearly consumed. Means must be
taken to replenish their store. This howl-
ing wilderness was a poor market to look for
stores for subsistence. Bears and deer and other
game roamed in the forest. The brooks were
alive with trout, but they had no time to take
them. Every moment must be employed in clear-
ing up the land to raise grain for bread and
increase their store of the necessaries of life.
Corn they bought of the Dutch in the Brimmer
neighborhood. To get it ground they were neces-
sitated to carry it on horseback to a mill near the
federal stores, now West Nassau. Nearly the whole
of this way was a dense forest : the roads con-
sisted of nothing but paths most of the way. The
distance was full 30 miles, and it usually required
about three days to make one of those mill Jour-
neys. In the course of three years a highway was
opened to Williamstown, Mass., the distance was
shortened, but it often took three days to get a,
grist ground there and return home. There was no
mill in the valley of the Hoosick till the year 1779
or 1780. This was erected by a Mr. Trial, and after-
wards called the Bates mill.

A SCANTT SUPPLT OF FOOD.

They had no milk, butter or meat, except occa-
sionally some wild game. They got buttermilk of
the Dutch. On ibis and com bread they mostly
lived. The second year they had a small crop of
wheat and purchased a cow. Fare was a little
better. The cow had to be turned into the woods
to get her living ; if she roamed so far away that
they could not find her, the family went to bed
without their supper, or supped upon dry bread,
which was often the case. * • * The second
year they also raised some pork. The means
for raising or fattening pork was al-
most wholly on wild nuts for several yean.

HISTOBT OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTY.

117

The little store of pork laid in was generally con-
sumed at an early day in the spring, if not long
before. When spring opened they commenced
making sugar from the maple. To make up for
milk, which they seldom had at this season, they
substituted sap-porridge. Several dishes were
seasoned with this beverage [maple sugar] ; it also
took the place of butter. The facilities for mak-
ing It were such they could obtain but little. The
sugar seldom lasted longer than the spring
months ; for the remainder of the year milk and
bread served them for food.

They suffered much from the cold ; it was not
uncommon to rise in the morning with their beds
covered with snow to the depth of several inches.
Their houses were open and their furniture con-
sisted of a few articles of the simplest kind. Their
outside clothing consisted of flannel or linsey-
wool, in fashion not dissimilar from a hunting
coat ; a jacket of the same, if they could get one :
short breeches almost invariably of leather, either
buckskin or sheep, shoes and stockings.

THEIB OWN CI/OTHES MAKERS.

There were no factories or mills to card wool or
dress cloth. Fulling mills were in use, but none
existed in these parts for some years. The first
fulling mill in this place was on the Swamp creek,
west of Cherry Plain hill, near the Bailey orchard,
built by Mr. Ludington. The wool taken from the
sheep was carded, spun and woven, also fulled ;
this was done by pounding in a trough -or barrel,
in the usual way of pounding clothes at the pres-
ent day ; lastly cut and made by their wives and
daughters. • • •

Their market was Schodack landing or Castle-
ton. In consequence of the poor roads the market
could be reached only in winter, with a sleigh.
The inhabitants, for several years, seldom made
the journey, except when compelled to for want
of salt {this article was very dear) and a few other
indispensables. The little trade carried on or cur-
rency in use among the inhabitants of the valley
was 'n wheat. ♦ • • There was no store in the
country till 1778. This was opened by Joseph
Westooat, North Stephentown now. and where
the house of Mrs. B. Dennison Jones afterwards
stood. The next by James Jones, 1783, at Sweet's
Comers, now South Berlin.

THE PATRIOTISM OF THE SETTLERS.

When the declaration of independence was re-
ceived the inhabitants through the country
assembled at the house of Daniel Bull to hear it
read and counsel for future action. The military
formed in line on the ground, now the door-yard
in front of Benjamin L. Hull's house. Here
Daniel Hull read the declaration for the first time
publicly in the valley of the Hoosick. After the
reading, he said : " I am one to sustain this declara-
tion." Requesting the commanding ofiicer (I think
Capt. Samuel Shaw) to order his ranks to open to
the right and left, which was accordingly done, he,
(Daniel Hull), stepping forth between the two lines
requested all that would sustain the declaration to
foUow him. Seeing an exciting stir and smile

from the soldiers, looking behind himself,
he saw his vrife. who had joined in the line
of march, acknowledging her services should not
be withheld in sustaining that declaration of inde-
pendence. Every man joined in this line of march
as volunteers in the cause of liberty and inde-
pendence. It is said the reading of the declara-
tion and the exercises were affecting, and a deep
sense of the importance of the cause and the
trust pervaded the heart of every individual
present.

Much deprivation and suffering were in every
part of the country. Bvery able-bodied man was
serving his country, either at home or abroad.
The lands were neglected, families left in want,
but all was with a .willing heart for independence.
The women did not withhold ; they applied their
hands to the tilling of the lands, etc., to keep a
starving family alive, and a famishing soldier.

THE NAMES OF THE FXBST SETTLEBS.

Godfrey Brimmer is accorded the honor of
being the first settler located on the territory
now embraced within the boundaries of the
town of Berlin. He is said to hare made his
home in the noi'them part of this portion of the
manor of Rensselaerwyck as early as the year
1765. Reuben Bonesteel came shortly after-
wards. In 1769 Peter Simmons, Jacob O. Crop-
sey and Joseph Green were numbered among
the persons occupying farms in this part of the
couuty. Col. Caleb Bentley took to farming in
the northern and Thomas Sweet in the south-
em part about this time. Paul Braman, James
and Daniel Dennison, Nathaniel NUes, Feleg
Thomas and Joshua Whitford were also early
settlers.

Nelson Hull in his reminiscences thus refers
to the tide of emigration in this vicinity :

After the revolution new settlers began to come
in and enlarge the boundaries of cultivation.
Mechanical arts began to increase. A saw mill
was built near the year 1780 by Amos Sweet, in the
hollow east of the Christian chapel. A black-
smith shop was opened by Thomas Sweet, on the
east side of the road, a short distance north of
Sweet's Comers. This was much earlier than the
above date.

The early inhabitants of the country were gen-
erally quite healthy and athletic, but a doctor saw
fit to settle here, whether for weal or woe, near
the year 1775— Dr. John Forbes— at Sweet's Cor-
ners.

The first frame house in the present limits of
the town of Berlin was built by Daniel Hull, near
the close of the revolution, on the same ground
where now resides Daniel J. Hull.

In 1813 an epidemic made its appearance in the
valley of the Hoosick and swept through the
country like a tomado. * * * There was little
or no exception as to age ; the young and the ath-
letic fell before the destroyer. Mourning was in
almost every house ; but few families escaped-

118

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Few cases were cured. It made its appearance
near midwinter, and continued till warm weather.

TOWS OP BERLIN ERECTED.

By "an act to divide the towns of Peters-
burg, Stephentown and Schodack, in the county
of Rensselaer, into five towns," passed by the
legislature March 21, 1806, the town of Berlin
was erected. The boundary lines of the town
were.

All that part of the town of Petersburg lying
south of a line drawn from the south-east comer
of the town of Troy, in a direct course with the
south line of Troy, east to the line of the state of
Massachusetts ; and all that part of the town of
Stephentown lying north of a line drawn from the
north-east comer of the town of Shodack, running
east to the aforesaid line of Massachusetts, shall
be a separate town by the name of Berlin, and the
first town meeting shall be held at the house of
Charles Denison.

In 1812, June 19, a part of the territory of
the town was taken to form the town of Sand-
lake.

The town lies near the centre of the eastern
boundary of the county. The Kinderhook
creek flowing southwardly and the Little
Hoosick northwardly are the two principal
streams watering the town. Several lakes
beautify the western part of the town.

POISONED HIS WIPE.

In the year 1845 the people of the town of
Berlin were horrified by the details of a crime
which for its cold-blooded character is without
a parallel. The facts connected with its per-
petration, as related in the newspapers, were
the following : It appears that Henry G. Green,
a resident of the town, became enamored of
a young woman named Mary Ann Wyatt of
Lowell, Mass. Green made her acquaintance
while she was a member of a theatrical troupe
with which her brother was associated.
After a short engagement they were mar-
ried. Soon after their marriage they
in company with a number of other friends
made a visit to Hoosick. In a merr.v way one
of the ladies had told Green that she had once
entertained hopes that she would have been his
wife. By some strong fatality he at once began
in a secret way to plan the death of his wife by
the administration of poison. Opium was first
used by him, but this only sickened his wife for
a time. He then purchased a quantity of
arsenic, which he put in the coffee and soup
partaken of by his unsuspecting and loving
wife. In his confession he admitted that his
victim was all that he could have desired her to
be, but that his mind was bent upon her re-
moval so that he might many the woman who
had playfully told him that she had thought she

would have been his bride. He declared that
he had no fears of detection, and that the first
feeling of sympathy he had for his wife was
when he witnessed her sufferings from the ef-
fect of the poison. It is said that he had
evinced his affection for his wife after their
marriage, on the 9th day of February, by pre-
senting her with a cloak, a dress and other ar-
ticles. His wife never became aware of any
want of affection on his part until she became
suspicious that he was the cause of her sick-
ness. Five days after their marriage his wife
died, on the 14th of February, from the effects
of the poison she had taken in her food, placed
there by her husband.

The judge, in pronouncing sentence against
Green, said:

An intelligent jury have found yon guilty, and
there is no person who has heard the trial who
does not concur in the justice of the verdict. You
stand condemned as guilty of having murdered
your wife. Your case in all respects exceeds in
enormity any of which I have ever heard. It will,
no doubt, stand out on the page of history as the
most criminally awful case of murder that ever
came before court or jury. You murdered her
deliberatelv ; you murdered the woman you had
sworn but one short week, I may say four days be-
fore, to cherish through Ufe ; the woman whose
destiny had been placed in your keeping, in less
than one week after marriage you deUberately
poisoned. You pursued your design day and night,
repeating the deadly potation from time to time
until she expired, and then added to the crime of
murder the black crime of perjury, for you viola-
ted the most solemn vow you made at the altar.

For this crime Green was hung, on Wednes-
day, Sept. 10, 1845.

In the burying ground near the village of Ber-
lin two marble tablets were placed, at the heads
of the two graves ; one bearing the following
inscription :

Henry G. Green, bom Dec. 30, 1822, died Sept. 10,
1845.

" Prepare to meet thy God."

Another marking the tomb of his wife :

Mary A. W. Green, died Feb. 14, 1845, in the 23d
year of her age.

This monument is erected by the citizens of Ber-
lin in memory of Mary Ann Wyatt, wife of Henry
G. Green, who was married Feb. 9, 1845, and on the
14tb day of the same month was poisoned by her
husband with arsenic without any real or pre-
tended cause.

Beautiful, intelligent and virtuous, she was
wept over by the community, and the violated law
justly exacted the life of her murderer as a penalty
for his crime.

THE SEVENTH DAY BAPTIST CHURCH.

This religious society dates its organization
CD the 24th of September, 1780. It was first

HISTOBY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAER COUNTY.

119

known as the Sabbatarian church of Christ in
Little Hoosick. The first meeting for the pur-
pose of organization was held at the house of
Joshua Whitford, on the South Hollow road.
Elder John Bnrdick of Hopkinton, R. I., and
Elder John Darts of Farmington, Conn., were
the chief organizers of this society. At the
first meeting William Coon was selected as
elder of the congregation and AV'illiam Green-
man deacon. In 1800 the first house cf wor-
ship was erected, which was first used for
divine service on the 31st of October of that
year. It had a seating capacity for about
300 persons and cost about $2,000.
In the month of August, 1821. the building was
blown down during a tornado. In 1823 the
erection of a new structure on the old church
site was begun, which was completed in 1835.
In 1848 it was enlarged by the addition of a ves-
tibule and a bell tower, and in 1876 it was fur-
ther remodeled. The present building was ded-
idated in the winter of 1825-:36, elder William
Satterlee officiating. During the erection of
the church the society was incorporated. For
this purpose a meeting was held at the school-
house in the village of Berlin on the 8th of Feb-
ruary, 1824. The following persons were elect-
ed trustees of the "Seventh Day Baptist socie-
ty in Berlin": Edward Whitford, Lodowick
Saunders, Asa Coon, W. Green and Benjamin
Vars.

The following elders have had charge of the
spiritual affairs of the society since its organ-
ization : Elders William Coon, 1780-1821 ; Asa
Coon, 1821 ; WilUam Satterlee, 1822-40 ; J. L.
Scott, 1847-49 : J. H. Cochran, 1849-53 ; L. C.
Rogers, 1853-57 ; A. W. Coon, 1857-63 ; Varnum
HuU, 1863-65 ; Solomon Carpenter, 1865-6'3 ;
J. Summerbell, 1867-75 ; and Elder B. F. Rog-
ers to the present time.

The present roll of membership of the so-
ciety bears the names of 141 persons. This
church is in the village of Berlin.

THE FIBST DAY BAPTIST CHUBCH.

This society was organized about the close of
the revolutionary war. A house of worship
built ot logs was erected near the present
boundary lines of the towns of Berlin and Ste-
phentown. The first settled minister over this
society was Elder Justus Hull, who was or-
dained about the year 1784. He continued his
pastoral relations with the society until his
death. May 29, 1833. The first meeting held
for the purpose of incorporating the society
was on the a4th of January, 1834, at the meet-
ing house at Berlin. Daniel Hull, Daniel Gray,
Albin Matison, Joseph Crandall and Clark Bly
were then elected trustees of the first day Bap-

tist society in the town of Berlin. A second
meeting for the same purpose appears to have
been held on the 13th of January, 1834, when
John Reeve, Joseph Crandall, Ebenezer Robin-
son, Samuel Green, Jonathan H. Rhodes, Wil-
liam J. Sheldon, Jonathan Nichols, Clark B.
Lamphire and Henry Brown were elected
trustees.

The following elders have served the congre-
gation : Elders Justus Hull, 1784-1833 ; Joseph
D. Rogers, 18-34-1838 ; Isaac S. Clifford, 1839-
1850 ; William Bowen, 1850-1851 ; William
Smith, 1852-1855; Solomon Gale, 1855-1880;
H. A. Gould, 1861-1865; William Gamett,
1866-1867 ; J. C. Butler, 1867-1868 ; and Elder
N. Mulford, 1869 to present time. The church
has at present about 200 members.

THE CHKISTIAN CHURCH.

This society dates its organization from Jan-
uary 37, 1830, when it was an auxiliary to the
Petersburgh church. In 1832 the first house of
worship, at South Berlin, was dedicated in
September by the Rev. Joseph Rogers. Among
the persons named as the organizers of the
society are the Revs. John Spoor, Joseph
Rogers, David Ford and Abner Jones. In 1865
the church building was repaired and dedicated
a second time. It is a frame structure, having
about 400 seats. It has on its roll of member-
ship the names of about 45 persons.

The following persons have ministered to this
congregation : The Revs. John Spoor, 1831-32 ;

David Ford, Martin, Currier, J. Hoag,

Conklin, Benjamin F. Summerbell, W. O.

Cushen; Cox, George Strevell, William

Olin, Hicks, J. R. Taylor and the Rev.

George Strevell to present time.

For the purpose of incorporating the society
a meeting was held on the 6th of January, 1853,
at which the following persons were elected
trustees of the Christian chapel of Berlin :
Egbert B. Hull, Lorenzo B. Dennison, Harry
Hull, Jonathan Dennison, William Jones and
Andrew Hcwett.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAl, CHURCH.

The first class of this society was organized
in November, 1877, in the good templars' hall
in the village of Berlin. In 1778 the erection of
a frame house of worship was begun on the
road a short distance south of the village.
It was dedicated January 19, 1879; the
Revs. L. Marshall presiding elder, H. L. Starks
and J. W. Coons officiating. The edifice has a
seating capacity for about 200 persons, and cost
about $1,200. The church has about 85 mem-
bers. The pastors of the church have been the
Revs. J. M. Appleman, J. W. Coons and the
Rev. Charles B. Lewis to date.

120

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EBNSSELAEE OO0NTY.

THE GERMAN LUTHEBAN ZION's CHtTBOE.

The congregation of this church was organ-
ized on the first Sunday in Hay, 1863, in South
Berlin. In 1863 a frame building for a house
of worship was erected, which was dedicated
October 83, 1863, the Rev. F. A. Classen of-
ficiating. The cost of the building was placed
at 18.50, and it has a seating capacity for about
250 persons. The number of its present mem-
bership is 58. The pastors of this church have
been the Revs. John Bochert, F. A. Classen, F.
Heinle, Die*erich Bruno, and the Rev. George
Vetter.

BERLIN.

This village on account of its situation in the
northern part of the town is frequently called
North Berlin. The eastern turnpike from Al-
bany to Williamstown, Mass., projected in the
early part of this century, passed through this
place. In 1836 it is mentioned as having " a
small public library, one Seventh day Baptist
church, two grist mills, two saw mills, a tavern,
three stores, and about 50 dwellings." In the
village at present there are three churches, two
hotels, a number of stores and shops and about
150 dwellings. The oldest house in Berlin is

said to be the one occupied by James Irwin,
which was built about the close of the last cen-
tury by John Reeve.

BEBLIN CENTEB.

This place is situated very near the centre of
the town on the Little Hoosick creek. As early
as the year 1790, the hamlet was an important
point in the town, there being here a tavern, a
store, a tannery and a potashery. In 1836 the
place comprised a church, a store, a tavern and
about 16 dwellings. At present the place in-
cludes a store and postoffice, a tavern, a car-
penter shop, and about a score of buildings.

SOUTH BERLm.

This hamlet is in the south part 'of the town,
and is situated on the Little Hoosick creek.
The Christian church, a cheese factory, two
blacksmith shops, a. steam saw mill and about
35 buildings compose the place.

POPULATION OF THE TOWK OP BERLIN.

1810 3,012

1816 1,955

1820 1,986

1825 1,989

1830 2,019

1835 1.757

1840 1,794

184S 134S

1850 2,005

1855 2,167

1860 2,S2S

1865 2,140

1870 2,088

1875 2,260

1880 2,203

HISTOET OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAER COUNTY.

121

CHAPTER XVII.

THE TOWN OF NASSAU.

The Home Life of the Early Settlers — The Productions of the
Gardens — The Summer Habits of the Indians — The Labors of
AN Early Missionary — Erection of Philipstown — The Indian
Titles of the Anti-Renters — The Birthplace of John A. Gris-
woLD — The Churches of the Town — Its Villages and Hamlets
— Population.

The domestic life of the early settlers of the
county of Bensselaer was, no doubt, dull and
monotonous. Recreation in its more modern
acceptation seldom lightened the constant and
increasing cares of the busy households shel-
tered beneath the rooms of the widely scattered
log houses in the manor of Rensselaerwyck.
Labor, from early morning until darkening
night, permitted little rest and relaxation.
While the cultivation of the fields demanded the
attention of men the women, besides bear-
ing uncomplainingly a multitude of burdens,
industriously toiled in the little sjoaces of
ground attached to every dwelling, known as
their gardens.

women's wokk.

Referring to the various household duties
which engaged the thought and labor of the
females, a lady writing of life in the country
during the last century, says :

Every one in town or country bad a garden ; but
all the more hardy plants grew in the fields, in
rows, amidst the bills, as they were called, of
Indian com. These lofty plauts sheltered them
from the sun, while the same hoeing served for
both; there cabbages, potatoes and other esculent
roots, with a variety of gourds, grew to a great
size and were of an excellent quality. Eidney-
beans, asparagus, celery, cucumbers, etc., were
only admitted iLto the garden, into which no foot
of man intruded, after it was dug in spring. Here
were no trees ; those grew in the orchard in high
perfection. Strawberries and many high-flavored
wild fruits of the shrub kind abounded so much in
the woods that they did not think of cultivating
them in their gardens, which were extremely neat
but small, not by any means calculated for walk-
ing in. I think I yet see what I have often beheld

both in town and country, a respectable mistresi
of a family going out to her garden, in an April
morning, with her great calasb, her little pointed
basket of seeds, and her rake over her shoulder, to
her labors. These were by no means figurative.
" From mom till noon, from noon till dewy eve,"
a woman, in very easy circumstances and abund-
antly gentle in form and manners, would sow, and
plant, and rake, incessantly. These fair gardeners
were also great florists ; their emulation and solici-
tude in this pleashig employment did produce
''flowers worthy of paradise." Though not set in
" carious knots," they were arranged in beds, the
varieties ot each Kind by themselves ; this, if not
varied and elegant, was at least rich and gay.

THE FBIEKDLT INDIASS.

The Indians from whom the various tracts of
land had been purchased, from time to time,
returned to the places where they had roamed
in quest of game before the white men had put
the ground under tillage. They manifested in
the days of peace strong friendly feelings to-
ward the families of the settlers. The visita-
tion of these "wild men," as the Dutch at first
called the aboriginal inhabitants of the upper
Hudson, were generally made in summer. The
writer already quoted gives a very interesting
description of the habits of the red men on
these occasions, when they made their home
for a season in the vicinity of the residences of
the more wealthy and benevolent inhabitants of
Rensselaerwyck. She remarks :

They generally built a slight wigwam under shel-
ter of the orchard fence on the shadiest side, and
never were neighbors more harmless and peace-
able and obliging— I might truly add, industrious,
for in one way or other they were constantly oc-
cupied. The women and their children employed

122

HI8TOKY OF THE TOWNS OF KEN3SELAER COUNTY.

themselves in many ingenious handicrafts, which,
since the introduction of European arts and manu-
factures, have greatly declined.

INDIAN HANDICRAFT.

Baking trays, wooden dishes, ladles and
spoons, shovels and rakes, brooms of a peculiar
manufacture, made by splitting a birch block into
slender but tough filaments, enriched with the
most beautiful colors, which they alone knew
how to extract from vegetable substances and in-
corporate with the wood. They made also of
the birch-bark (which is here so strong and tena
cious that cradles and canoes are made of it,)
many receptacles for holding fruit and othei;
things, curiously adorned with embroidery not
inelegant, done with the sinews of deer; and
leggins and moccasins, a very comfortable and
highly ornamented substitute for shoes and stock-
ings, then universally used in winter among the
men of our own people.

They bad also a beautiful manufacture of deer
skin, softened to the consistence of the finest
chamois leather, and embroidered with beads and
wampum formed like bugles ; these with great art
and industry they formed out of shells, which had
the appearance of flne white porcelain, veined
with purple. This embroidery showed both skill
and taste, and was among themselves highly
valued. They had belts, large embroidered gar-
ters and many other ornaments, formed, first of
deer sinews, divided to the size of coarse thread,
and afterwards, when they obtained worsted
thread from us, of that material, formed in a man-
ner which I could never comprehend. It was
neither knitted nor wrought in the manner of a
net, nor yet woven ; but the texture was more
like that of an ofBoer'e sash than anything I can
compare it to.

While the women and children were thus em-
ployed the men sometimes assisted them in the
more laborious part of their business, but oftener
occupied themselves in fishing on the rivers, and
drying or preserving, by means of smoke, in sheds
erected for the purpose, sturgeon and large eels,
which they caught in great quantities and of an
extraordinary size, for winter provision.

Boys on the verge of manhood and ambitious to
be admitted into the hunting parties of the ensu-
ing winter, exercised themselves in trying to im-
prove their sitill in archery, by shooting birds,
squirrels and raccoons. » • * The summer
residence of these ingenious artisans promoted a
great intimacy between the females of the vicinity
and the Indian women, whose sagacity and com-
prehension of mind were beyond belief.

THT ANTIPATHY OP THE INDIANS TOWARD THE NE-
QBOES.

It is a singular circumstance that though they
saw the negroes in every respectable family not
only treated with humanity but cherished with pa-
rental kindness, they always regarded them vrith
contempt and dislike as an inferior race, and
would have no communication with them. It was
necessary, then, that all conversations should be

held and all business transacted with these females
by the mistress of the family. In the infancy of
the settlement the Indian language was familiar to
the more intelligent inhabitants, who found It very
useful, and were no doubt pleased with its nervous
and emphatic idiom, and its lofty and sonorous ca-
dence. It was, indeed, a noble and copious lan-
guage, when one considers that it served as the
vehicle of thought to a people whose ideas and
sphere of action we should consider as so very
confined.

THE MISSIONABY OF KAMAMUCK.

The Christian zeal of the Kev. David Brain-
ard for the conversion of the Indians inhabiting
that part of the manor of Kensselaerwyck,
then designated as Eamamuck, now included
within the boundaries of the town of Nassau,
drew this devoted and self-denjing missionary
to this field of gospel work. It is said that this
evangelist entered upon his brief residence in
this section on the 1st of April, 1743. The
rude, one-roomed, unfloored log cabin of an in-
dustrious pioneer, a Scotchman, became his
home. Here, in the southeastern part of the
territory embraced within the present limits of
the town of Nassau, the Kev. David Brainard
disseminated the truths of the Christian re
ligion to the friendly Indians. The short visit
of the pious man was concluded by his re-
moval, by reason of ill health, on May 1, 1744.
The present hamlet of Brainard was named
in honor of this zealous missionary's work in
this section among the Indians.

About the year 1760 Hugh Wilson and Joseph
Primmer became settlers of two tracts of land
lying near the present body of water on the
western bounds of the town, known as Hoag's
pond. At a close remove from it a number of
Stockbridge Indians had a village, which they
called Ontikehomuck. Their chief's name was
Kashekekomuck. On the 16th of May, 1760,
these Indians sold two pieces of land to Hugh
Wilson and Joseph Primmer, one being north
and the other south of the pond.

As designated on the map of the manor of
Kensselaerwyck made by Jno. R. Bleeker, in
1767, the following persons were at that time
residing mthin the territory of the present
town of Nassau : Hugh Wilson, Henry Post,
John W. Schermerhom and John McCagg.
Subsequently other settlers were added to this
small number of pioneers. Thomas Hicks,
Daniel Litz, Titus Huested, Major Abijah Bush,
Abraham Holmes, James Marks, John B. Adsit,
William Root, Jonathan Williams, Amaziab
Bailey, Reuben Bateman, David Waterbury,
Patrick McGee and James H. Ball took up
leases of land from the patroon during the
latter part of the century.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OV RENSSELAER COUNTY.

123

Hoag's pond took Us name from an early set-
tler named Jonathan Hoag, who on May 16,
1793, purchased a tract of land from Stephen
Van Rensselaer, which included the pond,
which was then known as the "Vly," or
"Beaver dam." This enterprising pioneer
erected, a, short distance north of the site of
the Nassau mills, a grist mill, which was des-
troyed by fire in 1818. Jonathan Hoag repre-
sented his district in the state legislature dur-
ing the years 1798 and 1799.

CREATION OP THE TOWX OF PHILIPSTOWN.

By "An act to divide the towns of Peters-
borgh, Stephentown and Schodack, m the
county of Rensselaer, into five towns," passed
by the state legislature March 21, 1806, the
town of Philipstown was erected. The bound-
aries of the town are given as follows :

AU the remaioine part of the town of Stephen-
town lying west of a line running parallel with the
east line of the said town of Stephentown, at a
distance of eight miles from the said east line, and
all that part of the town of Schodack lying east of
the eight mile stake, standine a little east of the
house of Timothy Philips, and extending southerly
to Jonathan Hoag's erist-mill pond, and thence
southerly as the creek runs to the north bounds
of the county of Columbia, shall be a separate town
by the name of Philipstown ; and that the first town
meeting shiill be held at the house of Pliny Miller.

The name of the town was changed by "An
act to change the names of towns therein men-
tioned," passed April 6, 1808. The clause in
the act referring to it reads: "The town of
Philipstown, in the county of Rensselaer, shall
be named Nassau."

THE FIRST TOWK OFFICERS.

The first town meeting for the election of
town officers was held on the 1st of April,
1806, at the house of Pliny Miller, inn-holder.
The following persons were elected : Super-
visor, Jonathan Hoag; town clerk, William
C. Elmore; assessors, Fenuer Palmer, Joseph
Finch, Elijah Adams, Joseph S. Gale and Titus
Huested ; collector, Charles Mason ; overseers
of the poor, Samuel Gale and David Water-
bnry ; commissioners of highways, Fenner |
Palmer, Enoch Benedict and James H. Bail;
constables, Charles Mason, William King and |
Ebenezer Martin ; fence viewers, Enoch Bene- j
diet, Fenner Palmer, Benjamin Mason, Titus ;
Huested, Timothy Sibley, Gershorn Tabor, '
Samuel Enapp, John Turner and Jeremiah j
Macks ; poundmasters, Jonathan Hoag, Abijah
Bush and Isaac Dunham. At this meeting 39 |
overseers of highways were elected.

THE ANTI-BEST INDIAKS.

During the anti-rent troubles of 1839-47, a

large number of the tenants of the patroon of
Rensselaerwyck who at the time occupied
leased farms in the town of Nassau became dis-
affected. An anti-rent organization was formed
at the " old Martin tavern," at Hoag's Comers.
It was determined by its members that they
would resist the collection of ground rents and
by various ways resist the officers of the law in
the entorcement of the demands of the patroon.
The different officers of the organization were
designated by high-sounding titles, derived
from the Indians. Among the names bestowed
were "Big Thunder" to Dr. Smith A.Boughton
of Alps, " Little Thunder" to Franklin Abbott,
a resident of Hoag's Comers, and "Tusca-
rora" to Thomas Thompson of Hoag's Comers.
On one occasion the sheriff of Rensselaer
county, Gideon Reynolds, with & posse eonuUatus
of 25 men, was captured by this organization,
the members of which were accustomed to array
themselves in outlandish Indian costume, and,
with painted faces, ride with alarming yells on
horseback though the country about the time
a collection of rents was demanded. The cap-
ture was made near Alps. The horses of the
sheriff and his company of law-sustainers were
turned loose, and the sheriff and his posse were
compelled to return a part of the way to their
homes on foot. A deputy, on whom the civil
process were found, was tarred and feathered.
Deputy Sheriff Lewis of Nassau village was on
another occasion similarly treated by the antl-
renter.s.

MEN or FAME.

The village of Nassau on the 11th of Novem-
ber, 1818, became the birthplace of John Augus-
tus Griswold. The latter in 1823, 1831 and 1835
was a member of the assembly from Rensselaer
county.

Major Gen. John E. Wool for a number of
years made the village of Nassau his residence.

It is said that at the Van Valkenburgh inn at
Nassau Joseph Bonaparte, the Marquis de
Lafayette, Major Gen. Lewis Cass, Martin Van
Buren, Gov. Clinton, and other distinguished
persons have partaken of its cheer and com-
forts.

CHURCHES.

The erection of the first church in the vicin-
ity of Hoag's pond, on the western boundaries
of the town, in 1787, by a number of persons
belonging to the Dutch Reformed, Lutheran
and Presbyterian churches, was prior to the
preaching of the Rev. Jacobus V. C. Romeyn
in a barn which once stood opposite the site of
the dwelling of Dr. Samuel McClellan, in Nas-
sau village.

In 1795 a house of worship of an undenomi-
national character was erected in the village of

124

HISTOEY OF THE TOWITS OF EENSSELAEE COTJNTY.

Xassan. The boilding stood near the site of
the present Reformed church parsonage, on
Chatham street.

FIBST BAPTIST OHnBCH OP NASSAU.

The society of the first Baptist church, it is
said, was organized about the year 1790, and a
house of worship erected a short distance east
of Nassau Tillage. On the 7th of December,
1850, the following persons were elected trus-
tees of " the First Baptist church and society
in Nassau :" David Shaver, Ezra Hemingway
and Bernard E. Lord.

SBCONI) BAPTIST CHUBCH OF NA3SAT7.

The certificate of the incorporation of this
church recites that the members of the society
assembled at their meeting house on Saturday,
January 18, 1845, and elected the following
persons trustees of the " Second Baptist church
and society in Nassau" : Stephen Phillips,
Alexander H. Tucker and Caleb S. Vickery.
This congregation was gathered together about
the year 1820.

THE FIEST BAPTIST CHT7RCH AT EAST IfASSAtT.

At quite an early date in the present century
a Baptist society was organized at East Nassau.
The present house of worship was erected in
1879, the former church building having been
destroyed by fire. The new house was dedica-
ted October 15, 1879, the Rev. W. W. Everts of-
ficiating. It has a seating capacity for about
200 persons. The roll of membership of the
church bears 53 signatures.

THE FREE WHX BAPTIST CEUBCE OF ALPS.

This society was formed in 1876. The erec-
tion of a church was commenced the same year
and was first used for worship on the day of
dedication, January 18, 1877. The dedicatory
services were performed by the Revs. J. M.
Langworthy, J. B. Coleman, William Fuller and
W. H. Fonderden. The building cost about
$1,700, and has a seating capacity for about 250
persons. The number of members is 3S. The
church was incorporated July 29, 1878. The
pastors of the church have been the Revs. W.
H. Fonderden and William H. Fuller. The
church is without a pastor at this time.

THE BAPTIST CEUBCH AT HOAO'S COBNEBS.

The house of worship of the society of Bap-
tists at Hoag's Comers was erected in 1861-62.
The congregation is a part of the Baptist
society of North Nassau.

THE PRESBTTEKIAN OHnEOH OF KASSAU.

On November 11, 1802, the people who had
been statedly worshiping in the Union church
erected In 1795, in Union village, now called
Nassau, held a meeting and elected Andrew

Griffin and Joseph Boughton elders, and William
Southworth and John Strong deacons. For the
use of the new body a house of worship was
erected, and the building was dedicated Janu-
ary 13, 1828. This edifice stood northwest of
the Nassau ac demy building. In 1848 it was
moved to its present site.

The society was incorporated in 1822, Chaun-
cey Porter, Samuel GriflSth and Samuel B. Lud-
low being elected trustees of the "Presbyterian
church of Nassau" on the 8th of May of that
year.

The pastors of this church have been the

Revs. Jonas Coe, John Tounglove, Tonng

and Joel T. Benedict. The Rev. Ezra D. Kin-
ney, 1828-29 ; the Rev. Solomon I. Tracy, 1830-
33; the Rev. Washington Rosevelt, 1834-36;
the Rev. Ezra D. Kinney, 1837-38 ; the Rev. S.
Bryant, 1840^2 ; the Rev. John Batey, 1842-43 ;
the Rev. Jostph Hurlburt, 1844r-48 : the Rev.
Fayette Shepherd, 1850-52; the Rev. Robert
Day, 1856-58 ; the Rev. Charles Doolittle, 1859-
67; the Rev. G. R. Alden, 1869-70; the Rev.
C. S. Sherman, 871-75 ; and the Rev. G. R.
Knowles, 1876-78.

THE ALPS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

A Presbyterian society was organized about
the latter part of the last century, in the
northern part of the town. A house of wor-
ship was erected, which about 35 years after-
wards was destroyed by fire.

THE PBESBTTERIAN CEUBCH OF BAST NASSAU.

This society was organized in 1807 at East
Nassau by the Rev. John Tounglove. The
Union church was used for divine worship un-
til it was burned in 1853. In the following year
a Presbyterian meeting house was erected,
which in January, 1855, was dedicated.

The society was incorporated July 8, 1853,
when the following persons were elected trus-
tees : John H. Haynes, Joseph Phillips, John
Bush and William H. Sherman.

The pastors of this church have been the
Revs. Barker, Laidlow, Henderson, Henry
Neill, Acker and Knowles. The Rev. W. E.
Faulkner is the present pastor.

PROTESTANT REFORMED SUTOE OEUBOE OF

NASSAU.

In the autumn of 1803 this society was organ-
ized by the order of the classis of the Re-
formed Protestant Dutch church of Rensselaer.
The Rev. Jacob Sickels, D. D., ordained the
first consistory of the church, which included
the following persons : Dennis Harder, Heniy
Goes, Nicholas Smith and Abraham Welch
elders, and George Melius, Michael T. Smith,
William Jacoby and Nicholas T. Smith. Until
the year 1821 this charge was in connection

HISTOKT OF THl! TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

125

with the church at Schodack. The Union
church was first used by this congregation for
public worship. In 1820 a lot was purchased of
Chauncey Porter, on which a house of worship
was erected, which was finished December 1,
1820. The congregation purchased the old
Union church or Free church building. On its
site, in 1839, the present parsonage of this
church was erected. The roll of membership
of this church bears the signatures of about
360 persons.

The following persons have served the con-
gregation as pastors : The Bev. Christian Bork,
1804-6 ; the Rev. Jesse Fonda, 1809-13 ; the Rev.
Peter Van Buren, 1814-20 ; from the time of the
separation of the church from the charge of
Schodack, the Rev. James Romeyn, 1821-27 ;
the Rev. J. F. Morris, 1829-32 ; the Rev. Chris-
topher Hunt, 1832-S7 ; the Rev. John Knox,
1838-41 ; the P.ev. Edwin Holmes, 1841-52 ; the
Rev. Richard H. Steele, 1852-03 ; the r.ev. Isaac
Collier, 1864-66, and the Rev. Alfred H. Brush,
1867 to the present time.

TEE METHODIST EFISCOPAI, CHUBCH AT KASSAU.

About a half a century ago a class of Method-
ists was organized in Nassau village. The
meeting house of this society was a building
situated a short distance west of the place.
This was sold and the present house of worship
erected opposite the Dutch Reformed
church. The edifice was dedicated in 1833, the

Rev. Carpenter preaching the dedicatory

sermon.

The pastors of this church have been the

Revs. William Anson, Aaron Schofield,

Amidon, Samuel Howe, Samuel Eighmy, Daniel
Brayton, Elias Vandiirlip, Seymour Coleman,

Coles Carpenter, Osbom, John Clark, John

Pegg, Pelton, Abiatban Osbom, D. D.,

John Alley, C. R. Morris, Sprague, Oliver

Emerson, Edward Asa, Samuel Stover, William
A. Miller, Lewis Potter, J. W. Belknap, Rufus

Pratt, William N. Frazer, Hiram Chase,

Dwight, H. C. Sexton, F. Soule, P. M. Hitch-
cock, A. Heath, W. H. Washburn, H. W. Slo-
cum, A. D. Heath and C. M. Clark.

MBTHODIST EPISCOPAX CHUBCH AT EAST NASSAU.

This society was incorporated in 1854. On
the 18th Of April of that year a election was
held for trustees in the Union Methodist meet-
ing house at East Nassau, and the following
persons were elected trustees of the Union
Methodist church at East Nassau : Pliny Gould,
Horace Clark, David Phillips, C. Raodes and
Erastus Hemmingway. The society dates its
organization in 1830. The house of worship
used by the society was built in 1834.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT BKAnfAKD.

A society of Methodists was organized in the
southern part of the town about the year 1840.
A house of worship was erected that year at
Brainard, on land presented by Seth Hastings.
A larger and more commodious structure was
built in 1875, west of the old building. This
charge is connected with the church at Nassau.

PBEE UNION METHODIST CHUBCH.

A house of worship erected east of Dunham
Hollow belongs to the society of Methodists. It
is known as the Free Union Methodist church.

BOMAK CATHOLIC CHUBCH.

At Nassau village there is a small congrega-
tion of Roman Catholics. A neat chapel has
been built by the congregation.

THE VILLAGE OF NASSAU.

This place was early known as Union village.
It is situated in the southwestern part of the
town, near the west boundary line. A post-
ofBce was established at this point in 1811. The
village was incorporated March 12, 1819. The
first village offices under the act were : Wm.
B. Hermance, Chaunoey Porter, Samuel B.
Ludlow, Chester Griswold and Ebenezer Bas-
sett, trustees ; Henry Goodrich, collector, and
Calvin Pardee, treasurer. The present charter
was passed April 17, 1866.

The village is spoken of in 1836 as being in " a
pleasant vale on the turnpike road from Albany
to New Lebanon, lli4 miles southeast of the
former, 18 miles from Troy, and on the Valatie
creek ; has one Baptist, one Methodist and one
Presbyterian churcfti ; an academy incorporated
in 1835, a grist mill and a saw mill, one tavern,
two stores and about 40 dwellings."

Nassau at present is a very attractive village,
and has about 450 inhabitants and about 90
dwelling houses, four churches, two hotels, four
stores and about 30 shops and manufacturing
places. Among the latter are a grist mUl, a saw
mill and a foundry.

About the year 1835 a fire company was or-
ganized in the village and was known as old No.
1 Washington engine company. No. 1 was or-
ganized July 18, 1872.

The Nassau Gazette was issued in December,
1830, by J. M. Geer. It was shortly after dis-
continued.

The Nassau, Schodack and Chatham mutual
insurance company was organized in 1855.

Gratitude lodge of F. and A. Masons, No.
674, sprang from Nassau lodge, the first meet-
ing under the dispensation to the latter being
held September 26, 1867. The charter to Grati-
tude lodge is dated June 19, 1868. The first
officers under this charter were George L.

126

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BEN88ELAEE COUNTY.

Eighmy, worshipful master ; James Van Allen,
senior warden, and George B. Mitchell, junior
warden.

EAST NASSAU.

The village of East Nassau, in the south-
eastern part of the town, is situated on Kinder-
hook creek. It was early known as Scherraer-
hom's— John W. Schermerhom keeping the
tlrst tavern at this point. A postoflSce was es-
tablished here in 1830.

In 1836 it was described as being at the con-
fluence of the Einderhook and Tackawasiok
(xeeks, 16 miles southeast of Albany, 19 miles
from Troy, containing one Methodist and one
Baptist churches, one cotton, one woolen and
one stoneware factories ; a tannery, two
taverns, two stores and from 50 to 60 dwellings.

The present population of the village is about
200. There are now in the village 60 houses,
three churches — a Presbsrterian, a Baptist and
a Methodist — two taverns, two stores, two
blacksmith shops, two wagon-makers' shops
and two saw mills.

SORTH NASSAU.

This hamlet is situated in the northern part
of the town. A postofBce was established at
this point about 1845, of which James H. Ball
was first postmaster. North Nassau contains
a Baptist church, a store and a small number
of dwellings.

HOAG'S COBNEBS.

This hamlet is situated on the Tackawasick
creek. About the year 1832 the site of this
place was covered with heavy timber, and it is
said that 10 saw mills were erected in the
vicinity. The place derives its name from Wil-
liam Hoag, who here kept a hotel as early as
the year 1825. About 1832 a postoffice was es-
tablished at this point. The present popula-
tion of the Corners is 235. There are 56 dwel-
lings, a Baptist church, a hotel and four stores
and four blacksmith shops in the place.

BBAINABD.

This hamlet was early known as Brainard's
Bridge, in honor of Joseph Brainard, who built
the bridge over Kinderhook creek. It was af-
terwards changed to Brainard, in honor of the
Bev. David Brainard. the Indian missionary.
In 1836 it is spoken of as being upon the Kin-
derhook creek, 24 miles from Troy, having a
cotton and woolen factory, 1 tavern, 2 stores
and 40 dwellings. The Harlem extension rail-
road has a station near the place. The plac«
now comprises a Methodist church, a store, a
hotel and a number of dwellings.

ALPS.

In 1836 this hamlet in the northern part of
the town is spoken of as having two taverns, a
store and about 20 dwellings, and being 16
miles from Troy. At this point at present there
are a church, a store and about 80 buildings.
Jonathan G. Taft had a store at Alps about a
half century ago.

DUNHAM HOLLOW.

This hamlet derives its name from Isaac Dun-
ham, who settled here about the beginning of
the century. It is in the northeastern part of
the town, and contains a small foundry, a grist
mill, a saw mUl, a hoop factory, a blacksmith
shop and a small number of dwellings.

miller's cornebs.
This is a hamlet composed of a small collec-
tion of houses in the northwestern part of the
About 40 years ago George Miller kept a store
at this point.

POPCIATIOK OF THE TOT\T!.

1810 8.60111850 8,a«l

1815 2.747 1 1855 3,000

ISSiO 2.»7SI1860 8,089

1885 2.935 1 1S65 2,894

18S0 3,t!5i|1870 9,705

1835 S.2«|l875 2,657

1840 3,2361 ISSO 2,829

1845 3.1041

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAEK COUNTY.

127

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE TOWN OF STEPHEN TOWN.

Boundary Line Troubles — New York Extending to the Connecti-
cut River — The Sheriff of Albany County Resisted — One
Hundred Pounds Reward for the Arrest of Ethan Allen =—
The First Settler of Jericho Hollow — Stephen A. Douglas's
Ancestors — Houses of Entertainment in 1788 — Old Military
Officers — A Census of Slaves in the Town — Historic Review
of Churches — Villages and HaiVlets — Census Statistics.

The newly discovered country of America,
which attracted In the seventeenth century a
large number of emigrants from Europe to its
shores, was of such vast an extent that very
little of its true geography and topography was
sufficiently known to furnish what might be
thought correct and explicit information by
which important boundary lines might be desig-
nated, as circumscribina; the various land grants
that had been conveyed by the kings of those
countries that claimed portions of the continent
by right of discovery. For more than a century
after the occupancy of the different portions of
the territory of the new country by various
companies and individual proprietors questions
arose regarding the boundary lines of the greater
and lesser divisions of land.

THE BA8TEBN BOUNDARY LINE DISPUTE.

The indefinite wording of the patent of New
England granted by King James I. in 1620, was
for a long time the cause ot much controversy
and belligerence respecting the position of the
boundary line which should legally separate
the province of New York from the territories
of the adjacent New England provinces. In
1763, December 28, for the purpose of settling
the questions at issue, Lieut. Gov. Cadwallader
Golden of the provisce of New York issued a
proclamation declaring the Connecticut river
to be the east bounds of the province of New
York. In this paper the lieutenant governor,
in addressing the people of the province, says :

To prevent therefore the Incautious from be-
coming Purchasers of the Lands so granted ; to
msertthe Sights, and fully to maintain the juris-

diction 01 the Government of this His majesty's
Pi'ovince of New York ; I have thought fit, with
the advice of His majesty's Council, to issue this
Proclamation, hereby commanding and requiring
all Judges, Justices and other Civil Officers within
the same to continue to exercise Jurisdiction in
their Respective I^incti<yis, as far as to the Banks
of Connecticut river, the undoubted Eastern Lim-
its of that Part of the Province of New York, not-
withstanding any contrariety of Jurisdiction
claimed by the Government of New Hampshire, or
any Grants of land Westward of that Itlver, made
by the said Government, and I do hereby enjoin
the High Sheriff of the County of Albany, to re-
turn to me or the Commander in chief, the Names
of all and every Person and Persons, who under
grants of the Government of New Hampshire, do
or shall hold the Possession of any Lands West-
ward of Connecticut River, that they may be pro-
ceeded against according to Law.

Benning Wentworth who was at this time
governor of the province of New Hampshire is-
sued a counter proclamation, March 13, 1764,
commanding all the civil officers of that prov-
ince "to deal with any person, or persons, that
may presume to intermiit the inhabitants or
settlers on said lands as to law and justice doth
appertain, the pretended right of jurisdiction
mentioned in the aforesaid proclamation not-
withstanding."

The ejection of the settlers from the lands
west of the Connecticut river as ordered by the
proclamation of the lieutenant governor of
New York, which tracts they had purchased of
Governor Wentworth, as soon as the sheriff of
Albany county attempted it, was vigorously re-
sisted. It is said that the governor of New

128

HISTOEY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAEK COUNTY.

Hampshire from the year 1763 to 1768 had
granted to a large number of persons no less
than 138 townships, and that many settlers,
generally from Connecticut, had taken up the
lands 60 granted.

TBOUBLES X.T HO6E0K.

As connected with the history of Rensselaer
county, it may be related that the sheriff of
Albany county, on the 17th of August, 1764,
received intelligence from "Hoseck," that the
"New Hampshire people had turned Hans
Jerry Creiger, an inhabitant under the proprie-
tors of Hoseck patent, out of possession of his
lands and tenements, drove off his cattle and
took with them a parcel of Indian com, and
for the redemption of the cattle compelled him
to pay 545 ; and the said express further in-
formed him that the said New Hampshire peo-
ple were the next day to be at the houses of
Peter Voss and Bastiane Deale in order in like
manner to dispossess them of their possessions,
which they had peaceably enjoyed under the
proprietors of said Hoseck patent for upwards
of three years, except when driven ofiE by the
enemy (Indians) during the two last wars."

The sheriff of Albany county. In company
with " two justices and a few other good peo-
ple of this province," proceeded to Hoosick,
where, on his arrival, he was told that the New
Hampshire people would not come until the
following Monday. Having heard that the
New Hampshire people were at the bouses of
Voss and Deale, he went thither immediately, but
on his arrival he found that they bad departed.
He followed the party, and, overtaking them,
arrested four of the number and carried them to
Albany, where they were confined in the county
jail.

THE BEKKINOTON MOB.

What was known as " the Bennington mob "
at this period of local disturbance, became a
great terror to the people living within the
county of Albany, adjoining the province of
New Hampshire. Of this lawless body of men
it was said that they had seized, insulted and
terrified magistrates and other civil officers so
that they dare not execute the.r respective
functions ; rescued prisoners for debt, assumed
to themselves military commands and judicial
powers ; burned and demolished the houses
and property and beat and abused the persons
of many of his majesty's subjects, expelled
them from their possessions, and put a period
to the administrations of justice, and spread
terror and destruction throughout that part of
the country which was exposed to their oppres-
sion.
For the purpose of suppressing these dis-

turbances the governor, by the recommendation
of the assembly of the province of New York,
issued a proclamation, March 9, 1774, "enjoin-
ing and commanding all magistrates, justices
of the peace, sheriffs and other civil officers of
the counties of Albany and Charlotte to appre-
hend and take" the ringleaders of the Benning-
ton mob and "to commit them to safe and
secure custody in the gaol of the city and
county of Albany to answer for the several
offenses and to be dealt with according to law."
A reward of £100 was offered for the appre-
hension of Ethan Allen of Bennington, yeo-
man, also for the apprehension of Remember
Baker, and £50 for the arrest of Seth Warner,
Robert Cochran, Peleg Sunderland. Sylvanns
Brown, James Breckenridge and John Smith.

BLOODY ATFBATS ALOSO THE MASSACHUSETTS
LIBE.

Between the years 1765 and 1769 efforts were
unsuccessfully made to settle the boundary line
between the provinces of New York and Massa-
chusetts. While New York claimed a right to
the territory to the Connecticut river, Massa-
chusetts insisted on her ownership of the
oountry as far as the Pacific ocean. Emigrants
from the latter province took up land in the
manor of Rensselaerwyck without any permis-
sion being granted by the patroon. Force be-
ing often employed to eject them, blood was
frequently shed in doing it. Commissioners
were appointed by the two provinces to de-
termine the position of the boundary line, who
met at New Haven, October 1,1767. It was
agreed by them that the western line of Masssr
cbusctts should be fixed at 30 miles east of the
Hudson river, but the commissioners could not
agree as to the way in which the line should be
determined. However, by an agreement, dated
May 18, 1773, the boundary line on the eastern
part of the province was settled to begin at the
northwest angle of the oblong and to run
tAence north 21° 10' 30" to the north Une of
Massachusetts.

In December, 1781 Vermont took measures to
resist the territorial claims of New York re-
specting the position of the disputed boundary
line. To enforce obedience to the laws of New
York Gen. Gansevoort bad marched with a
body of soldiery into the districts of Schaghti-
ooke and Hoosick, where he was confronted by
Col. Walbridge. The influence of Gen. Wash-
ington led to lees bloody means for the adjudi-
cation of these conflicting claims. A proposi-
tion was made on the part of New York that if
the legislature of Vermont, before the first of
January, 1792, should agree that on or before
the first of June, 1794, that state should pay to

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENSSELAEE COUNTY.

129

New York the sum of $30,000, that all right to
lands under grants from the government of the
colony of New York, or from the state of New
York should cease, those excepted which had
been made in confirmation of the grants of New
Hampshire. The border troubles which had
continued for 26 years, during which only one
life had been lost, were terminated on the 28th
of October, 1790, by Vermont consenting to the
terms proposed by New York. On the 18th of
February, 1791, Vermont became a state of the
Union.

FIRST SETTLERS.

The largest number of the early settlers of
the town of Stephentown were from the New
England colonies. Many came from Rhode
Island, settling upon the land of the manor of
Bensselaerwj'Ck, adjoining the Massachusetts
line. Among the first of the New England
emigrants to make their homes on this part of
the great manor were Joshua, Caleb and
Benjamin Gardner, three brothers ; Asa
Douglas, Elnathan Sweet, Nathaniel Rose,
Joseph Carpenter, Alexander Brown and
Joseph Rogers. Most of these settled here
about the year 1766. William Douglas, a grand-
son of Asa Douglas, is said to have been the
first child bom in this part of the manor. The
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois was a de-
scendant of this Douglas family.

In the year 1766, it is said that Asa Douglas
came from Plainfield, Conn., into this wilder-
ness portion of the manor in search of suitable
land for farming purposes. Having met an
ludian chief he made known his object. The
Indian told him that there was fertile land in
what was shortly afterwards designated as
"Jericho hollow." He, on a survey of the
ground described by the Indian, was satisfied
of its suitableness for farming purposes, and at
once took up about one thousand acres for cul-
tivation. One half of this land now lies in the
state of Massachusetts. Of the three Gardner
brothers, Caleb's house was immediately on the
boundary line of Massachusetts and New York.
Joshua Gardner, in 1774, is said to have cut a
private road through the thick woods from the
•' old east road," over the mountain to the place
where he had erected his log house. Job
Gardner sometime after the year 1777 moved
from Providence, R. I., to the vicinity of his
three brothers' farms.

Among the names of settlers which appear
upon the district records in 1784, are the fol-
lowing: Stephen Arnold, Samuel Bailey,
Gideon Brayton, Aaron Budlong, Alexander
Case, Hezekiaj/ Coon, John Forbs, Benjamin
Green, Jacob Green, Edward Hoard, Jonathan

Howard, Ezekiel Huntington, William Kittel,
2d., Abel Lewis, Augustus Lewis, Obadiah
Matthews, Timothy Mattison, Jonathan NUes,
Nathaniel Niles, William Reynolds, William
Rose, Benjamin Sackett, WUliam Sanford, John
W. Schermerhorn, Randal Shiner, Samuel
Sweet, Nathan Tanner, Elijah West, Joshua
Whltford, Abraham Winston and Walter Wor-
den.

EABLT ROAD MAKINO.

The following extract frem the proceedings
of the common council of Albany, of May 6,
1770, shows what measures were taken to open
a road through Stephentown at that early day :

Levy Peas applyed to this board for assistance
to make a road from his house through Stephen-
town to the house of Andries Michal.

Besolved, That this board will sive 20 £ to the in-
habitants of Stephentown, or such of them as will
undertake to make a good and sufficient waggon
road and Bridges from the house of Levy Peas
thro' Stephen Town to the House of Andries
Mtohal, along the Markt Trees shewn to Mr. Mar-
selis and Alderman Ten Brook, in behalf of the
widow Van Renselaer, undertake to pay 20 £
more.

STEPHENTOWN DISTRICT.

By "an act to divide the east district of the
manor of Rensselaerwyck, in the county of Al-
bany," passed March 29, 1784, that part of the
manor known as the Stephentown district was
formed. The act designated its boundaries as
follows :

That the said east district of the manor of Rens-
selaerwyck, in the county of Albany, shaU be and
is hereby declared to be divided into two districts
by the following line ; Beginning at a point in the
division line between the said east district of the
manor of Rensselaer and the district of Kinder-
hook, 10 miles distant from Hudson's river, and
thence running northerly to a point in the division
line of the said east district of the manor of Rens-
selaerwyck and the district of Sohactikoke, nine
miles distant from the said Hudson river.

That all the lands immediately before the pas-
sage of this act, comprehended within the said east
district of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, lying
westward of the aforesaid division line, shall be
one separate and distinct district and be called by
the name of the Rensselaerwyck district ; and that
all the lands immediately before the passing of this
act comprehended within the said east district of
the manor of Rensselaerwyck, and lying eastward
of the aforesaid line, shall be one separate and dis-
tinct district, and be called by the name of Stephen-
town district. » • *

The inhabitants of the district of Stephentown
to hold their first annual meeting at the dwelling
house of Daniel Hull, esq., to elect a supervisor,
town clerk and all the other town officers.

The designation of the name Stephentown

130

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTT.

was given in honor of Stephen Van Rensselaer,
the patroon of the manor.

Under the proTisions of the act Caleb Bent-
ley was elected, in 1784, supervisor of the dis-
trict, and Jonathan Niles, clerk.

THE TOWN OP 3TEPHENT0WN ERECTED.

67 " an act for dividing the counties of this
state into towns," passed March 7, 1788, the
town of Stephentown was erected. The town
was bounded as follows :

All that part of the said county of Albany bonnd-
ed easterly by the east bonnds of this state, south-
erly by the county of Columbia, westerly by the
said town of Uensselaerwyck, and northerly by
the north bounds of the said manor of Uensselaer-
wyck. shall be and hereby is erected into a town
by the name of Stephentown.

A portion of the territory of the town was
subtracted, March 18, 1791, to form the town of
Petersburgh, and parts, in 1806, to make the
towns of Berlin andPhilipstown, (Nassau).

INNS AND TAVERNS IN 1788.

The Inns and taverns scattered along the
public roads of the newly-settled territory of
northern New York, besides being places of en-
tertainment, were generally points at which the
people gathered at certain times for the trans-
action of business connected with the towns
and districts of the counties. At the time the
town of Stephentown was erected each inn and
tavern keeper was required to enter iato
recognizance to the people of the state
of New Tork in the sum of £50
not to keep a disorderly house or
suffer any cock fighting, gaming or
playing with cards or dice, or keep any billard
table or other gaming table or shuflBie board
within it. In regard to the selling of strong
liquors, exceptions were made for the sale of
metheglin, currant wine, cherry wine and cider
made by the inn-keepers. At each tavern at
leatt two spare beds for guests with good and
sufficient sheeting and covering were to be
kept in accordance with the demands of the
law. It was also required that each tavern
keeper should provide good and sufficient
stabling and provender for four horses or cat-
tle, and hay and pasturage in summer. No
liquors were allowed to be sold to apprentices,
servants and slaves. No inn-keeper could col-
lect a debt higher than 10 shillings for liquors
sold to travelers. Each keeper of an inn or
tavern was required 30 days after receiving
license to put up and Sx a proper sign on or
adjacent to the front of his house, with his
name thereon. Every month's neglect in
(lomplylng with this provision of the law sub-

jected the inn-keeper to the payment of 10
shillings to the state.

DISTRICT MILITABT IN 1788.

In 1788 the following persons were recom-
mended as officers to form a new regiment
within the district of Hoosick and Stephen-
town:

Thomas Sickels, lieutenant-colonel command-
ing ; Pet«r Van l^ensselaer, first major ; Samuel
Shaw, second major.

LIGHT INf ANTRT COHPAHIE8.

Zacbarias W. Sickles, captain ; Henry Brown,
lieutenant ; Samuel Latham, ensign.

Thomas Palmer, captain ; Luke Green, lieuten-
ant ; Joshua Whiteford, ensi^,

BATTALION OFFICERS.

Jacob Van Valltenburgh, captain ; Isaac Turner,
lieutenant ; Henry Lansing, ensign.

David Brown, captain ; John Van Wormer, lieu-
tenant : Thomas Powell, ensign.

Jacob Van Ness, captain ; Zach. G. Sickels, lieu-
tenant ; Juhn Waldo, jr., ensign.

Eldred Fonda, captain ; -Toseph Brown, lieuten-
ant ; Gideon Olmstead. ensign.

Charles Green, captain ; Eandall Spencer, lieu-
tenant; John Green, ensign.

HezeWah Hull, captain ; Clark Bly, lieutenant ;
Jonathan Green, ensign.

Matthew I?andall, captain: Jacob Lampman,
lieutenant ; Abel Lewis, ensign.

Isaac Gates, captain ; John Wilkinson, lieuten-
ant ; WilUam Jones, ensign.

STAFF OFFICERS.

James Sickels, adjutant ; Oliver Hull, quarter-
master ; David Van Bensselaer, paymaster ; Jo-
seph Spencer, surgeon ; Job Tripp, surgeon's
mate.

Another paper bearing date of 1788 contains
the names of the following officers, and the sub-
joined general order :

Peter Van Rensselaer, lieutenant colonel com-
manding.

Jonathan Niles, major in General Henry K. Van
Kensselaer's brigade, to rank from the 22d of
Karch 17ES inclusive.

James Jones and Hosea Moffit, captains.

/' LIGHT lUPANTRT.

IchaWd Cone, captain ; KeubenDelanse, lieuten-
ant ; Henry Piatt, ensign.

John Whjlie. captain ; Benjamin Saokett, lieu-
tenant ; Nathaniel Spring, ensign.

Daniel Brown, captain ; Joseph Sogers, jr., lieu-
tenant ; Libbeus Biockway, ensign.

Moses Wordin, captain ; Elemander Cone, lieu-
tenant ; Elisha hteward, ensign.

Daniel Gray, captain ; Jeremiah Griffith, lieuten-
ant; Stephen Maxson, jr., ensign.

Bennoni Moon, captam ; Wyat Rose, lieutenant :
Roger Jones, ensign.

Oeneral orders JTeto Tork: His excellency, the
commander in chief, is pleased to direct that the
companies heretofore commanded by Lieut.-CoL
Peter Van Rensselaer while a major be now con-
sidered as a regiment and formed accordingly.

Those commanded by Major Samuel Shaw and
those oqjnmanded by Major Jonathan Niles, while
captains, be considered as separate battalions and
for their accommodation, until further orders,
parade on their respective battalion parades.
ELECTION RETCBNS.

The election returns of that part of Albany
county now embraced in the county of Rensse-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

131

laer, when opened on the 28th of April, 1789,

for governor, showed the following vote :

Tomru. CUnton. Kjle*.

Hooslck 34 S3

StephentowQ 21 its

ReDBBelaerwfCk 23 ISS

Schagbtlcoke 7 54

Plttstown 58 31

At this period an election in the manor of
Rensselaerwyck frequently occupied an entire
week, Sunday being excepted. Gov. CUnton
received at this election a majority in Ulster
county, which gave him 1039 out of 1145 votes
cast.

When the legislature assembled at Albany
Gov. Clinton opened the session with a message
which made only 33 lines in a newspaper.

CENSUS OF 1790.

The population of that part of the manor of

Rensselaerwyck, which now forms Rensselaer

county, was in 1790 the following :

Males. Fefmales. Staves. Total.

Kensselaerwyck 3,972 3.504 572 8,048

Stephentown 3,652 3,362 28 7,042

Hooslck 1,542 1,455 36 3,033

Schagbtlcoke 786 694 137 1,617

Plttstown..., 1,260 1,134 31 2,425

BELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

Peculiar to people living away from the more
animated centres of busy life, such as large
cities and manufacturing towns, the scattered
inhabitants of the manor of Rensselaerwyck
early associated themselves together in relig-
ious societies, and built themselves convenient
and commodious meeting-houses at accessible
points along the public roads or thickly settled
ueghborhoods. It is the history of these differ-
ent organizations which has preserved the
names of the more prominent and active men
of the localities where churches were erected
and divine worship statedly held.

FIRST FBEE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF STEPHEN-
TOWN CENTER.

For the purpose of organizing a society of
Baptists a deputation of members of certain
Baptist churches of Rhode Island and Con-
necticut met at Little Hoosick, now Stephen-
town Center, on the 13th of September, 1783.
Among the persons forming the first member-
ship of the society were Hezekiah Hull, Dorcas
Hull, Benajah Corpe, Margaret Corpe, John
Pool, Zerviah Pool, Wait Crum, Patience Crum
and William Fanning.

The Black river school house was for a great
number of years the place where the members
of the society statedly assembled for divine
worship. In 1828 the building which was
known as the " old Black river meeting house "
was erected at a cost of about $1,000. This
stmcture was afterward removed from its first
site to the present one, when the old building

was in 1858 enlarged and remodeled at a cost of
about fl,500.

On the 4th of September, 1858, the society
became incorporated by the election of Joel
Latham, George W. Weatherly and Thomas G.
Carpenter as trustees of "the First Free-will
Baptist Society of Stephentown."

The following elders have served the church
as pastors : Elders Benajah Corpe, 1785-97 ;
John Allen, 1834-28 ; Samuel Dean, 183841 ;
Isaiah B. Coleman, 1844-50; J. D. Waldron,
1851-53; A. H. Miller, 1854-56; David Hyde,
1859-63; J. Parkin, 1863-64; J. B. Randall,
1866-73 ; E. B. Collins, 1875-76 ; and W. FnUer,
1876-80. The church has about 45 members.

SECOND FREE-COMMUNION BAPTIST CHURCH.

This society was organized at Little Hoosick
hollow, in the eastern part of Stephentown,
March 20, 1793. Elder Nicholas Northrup was
ordained its first pastor. He had the pastoral
care of the society for about 35 years. Shortly
after his removal to the West the congregation
was broken up. In 1819 its membership was

loa

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH AT STEPHENTOWN.

Early in the summer of 1795 steps were taken
to organize this society. On the 19th of No-
vember of that year Robert Niles was made the
first elder of this church. The first meetings
of the society were held at the house of Asa
Burtch. A church building was erected about
the year 1796. The society for the purpose of
being incorporated held a meeting on the 4th
of November, 1825, at v,hich Abel Tanner,
Ephriam Pierce, John Russell, Rufus Sweet,
Simeon G. Goodrich, Henry Stanton, William
Kittel, jr., Erastus Brown and David Sweet
were elected trustees of the " First Baptist
church and society of Stephentown."

The following pastors have been associated
with the society since its organization : Elders

Robert Niles, Harris, Matthew Jones,

Daniel H. Grant, Elnathan Sweet, M. P. Favor
and George H. Day.

THE UNION BAPTIST SOCIETY.

A Baptist society at the beginning of the
present century, it appears, existed in the
southwestern part of the town, having the
designation, "The Union Baptist society." In
the certificate of its incorporation, March 1,
1804, it is declared that a meeting was held in
the meeting-house of the society, and that
Samuel Gale, James Harris and Joseph S. Gale
were elected trustees.

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH AT WEST
STEPHENTOWN.

This religious society was organized on the

132

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF BENS8ELAER COUNTY.

14th day of November, 1829, in West Stephen-
town, by the Rev. Andrew H. Miller. Josiah C.
Humphrey, Calvin Coleman, Samuel Coleman,
Isaiah B. Coleman, Clark Vary and Daniel
Beers. The organization adopted the name of
the Stephentown and Nassau Free Communion
Baptist church. A commodious frame meeting
house, seating about 500 persons, was erected
at a cost of $2,500, on the town line of Stephen-
town and Nassau, in 1829. The church was
dedicated In November, 1829, the Revs. P. W.
Lake, A. H. Miller and John Allen officiating.
In 1877 the building was remodeled and a bell
purchased at a cost of $1,400. This house of
worship, which has a seating capacity for
about 400 persons, was dedicated November 3,
1877, the Revs. J. M. Langworthy. J. J. Hoag, j
W. Fuller and I. B. Coleman taking part in the |
dedicatory services.

In accordance with the laws of the state, the
society to be incorporated elected on the 19th
day of November, 1831, the following persons
as trustees : Jonathan DaboU, Isaiah B. Cole-
man, Ephraim B. Kendall, Samuel Coleman,
3d, and Benjamin Chase. The society adopted
the name of "The First Free Communion Bap-
tist Church." On the 6th of October, 1841, the
name was changed to "Free Baptist Church."
Subsequently it has been known as the " Free
Will Baptist Church." The roll of the present
membership of this church bears the names of
192 persens.

The following pastors have served this con-
gregation : The Rev. A. H. Miller, 1829-1842 ;
the Rev. J. D. Howe, 1842-'44 and the Rev. I.
B. Coleman 1844 to date.

THE SEVENTH DAT BAPTIST SOCIETY OP STE-
PHENTOWN.

Another organization of Baptists was formed
in the southeastern part of the town in the
early part of this century. On the 15th of Oc-
tober a meeting was held at the usual place for
divine worship, at which Philander Carpenter,
Calvin P. Carpenter and Joshua B. Maxon were
elected trustees of the Seventh Day Baptist
society of Stephentown. The church of this
society was erected in the extremf) southeast-
em part of the town, a short distance west of
the Massachusetts line.

THE PRESBTTEBIAN CHURCH AT STEPHENTOWN
PLATS.

The first record preserved of this society's
organization is found in the old church book :

SEPTEMBBRTHE20, 1793.— Then the Presbyterian
society of Stepnentown met agreeable to a law-
ful puDlic notice given by William Boardmau and
Jacob Wylie, elders. Tlie meeting then balloted
for trustees, when the following gentlemen were
chosen : William Boardman, John Wylie. Hosea
HofBti.

In 1794 the session of the church,
desiring an enrollment of the names
of the persons belonging to the "two
churches" that had united to form this one,
the following names were furnished : James
WJyiie, Joseph Huntington and William Board-
man, elders: Hosea Meffitt, Widow Sarah
Wylie, Mrs. Holmes, Mr. Brainard, William
Dfclty, Andrew Hunter, Esther Graves, Ruth
Doty, Mary Howard and Mrs. Mofatt.— 13.

The first meeting house of this society was
erected in 1794 on what was known as Presby-
terian hill, at Stephentown Flats. In 18-36 the
old building was torn down and a new one
erected. On December 25, 1868, this building
was destroyed by lire, on the site of which the
present house of worship was erected.

The church has at present about 75 members.

The pulpit of this church was at first filled by
stated supplies. These were : The Rev. John
Warford, July, 1794. and the Rev. Samuel
Sturges, June, 1799.

The pastors of the church have been the
Revs. Aaron Jordon Boage, November, 1800-
January, 1809: John Younglove, July, 1806-
June, 1816; Noah M. Wells, March, 1817;
Jonas Coe, February, 181S-1821, (supply);
Moses Hunter, February. 1821-1825 : Charles G.
Finney, October, 1827-November, 1827, sup-
ply) ; Edwards A. Beach, June, 1828-May 16,
1834; Bowman Brown, March, 1835-April,
1839, (supply): J. G. Hall, January, 1840;
Hugh Carlile, 18*1-1842: Joshua B. Graves;

Almon Underwood ; Gould : John Davis

(two years) ; J. Northrup (one and a half
years) ; John Hendricks ; Fayette Shepherd,
March 1, 1850, (supply) ; M. C. Bronson, June
23, 1850-February 10. 1858 (supply); Robert
Day, June 1, 1838-May, 1860, (supply) ; John B.
Shaw, July 12, lS60-April, 1865 ; Eber M. Rollo,
April, 1865-September, 1874, (supply); A. G.
Beebe.

UNION PRESBTTEBIAN SOCIETY.

This society was organized in the southwest^
em part of the town. On the Ist of March,
1804, the members assembled at "the meet-
ing house in the southwest part of Stephen-
town," and for the purpose of incorpoiation,
elected as trustees John W. Schermerhorn,
Ebenezer Smith and Winthrop Root.

The Baptist society formed a part of this
union.

THE CONOREOATIONAL CHURCH.

A rehgious body known as the Congrega-
tional church existed in the beginning of the
century in the western part of Stephentown.
For the purpose of being incorporated a meet-
ing was held by the members and the following

HISTORT OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY,

133

persons elected trustees : Jonathan Emmons,
jr., Abijah WiUmot and Amaziah Bailey.

STEPHENTOWN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH.

This society was organized in 1868 in the
Ciuistian chapel, near the Stephentown depot.
In 1870-71, a frame house of worship was
erected at Stephentown Flats, which was ded-
icated on the 4th of April, 1871, the Rev. C. F.
Bvirdick, presiding elder of the Troy district,
officiating. The church, which has a seating
capacity for about 300 persons, cost 83,243.41.
The church has a membership of 78 persons.

The following persons have been pastors of
the church : The Rev. George Hudson, 1868-70;
the Rev. E. A. Braman, 1871 ; the Revs. E. A.
Braman and Francis Booth, 1872: the Rev.
Nathan C. Hill, 1873 ; the Rev. W. F. Sanford,
1874-75; the Rev. George \V. Hughes, 1876;
the Rev. George Hudson, 1877-79 ; and the Rev.
W. A. Phelps, to date.

The society was incorporated June 4, 1873, at
which time a meeting was held and the follow-
ing persons elected trustees : John F. Blinn,
James H. Taylor, William D. Wally, Alvah
Hunt and William Kittel.

ST. JOSEPH'S BOMAK CATHOLIC CHURCH AT
9TEPHENT0WS.

About five years ago, through the active zeal
of several Roman Catholic priests, a small Bo-
man Catholic congregation was organized in
Stephentown. Shortly afterwards a church
was erected. On the 14th of October, 1875,
Hugh Lindsey and Cornelius McFeeley were
appointed trustees of St. Joseph's Roman
Catholic church.

HARLEM EXTENSIOK KAILROAU.

The Harlem extension railroad, which ex-
tends through the towns of Stephentown, Ber-
lin, Petersburgh and Hoosick, originated from
the consolidation of the Lebanon Springs rail-
road and the Bennington and Rutland railroad,
April 23, 1870, when the articles of agreement
were filed. The Lebanon Springs railroad filed
its articles March 25, 1865. The New York and
Harlem railroad company was formed April 2.
1881. The Harlem extension railroad forms a
very important line from New York city to
Vermont and Canada. The length of the road
is 114 miles.

9TEPUEMTOWN.

The village of Stephentown, near the centre
of the town, is situated ou the Einderhook
creek, and is a station of the Harlem Extension
railroad. In 1804 a postofiice was established
at this place, of which Nathan Howard was the
first postmaster. In the " State Gazetteer" of
1836, Stephentown, Stephentown Centre and

Stephentown Flats are apparently described as
one place, as follows :

Stephentown Hollow or Centre, 21 miles from
Troy and Albany, contains four woolen factories,
ODe grist and three saw mills, one cotton factory,
three wool carding machines, one tanneiy, three
stores, one tavern, one Presbyterian and two Bap-
tist churches, and from 50 to 60 dwellings.

Stephentown at present has a population of
about 100, contains about 45 buildings, among
which are the Baptist church, the Roman
Catholic church, the Christian chapel, and the
school house of district No. 4. The business
interests of the place comprise two taverns,
four stores, one tinshop, two wagon maker
shops, a blacksmith shop and a saw mill.

STEPHENTOWN FLATS.

Stephentown Flats is a hamlet on the Kinder-
hook creek about a mile southwest of the
village of Stephentown. The place embraces
about 35 buildings, among which is the Presby-
terian and the Methodist Episcopal churches.
It has a hotel, a saw mill, a grist mill and sev-
eral vacant mill buildings.

STEPHENTOWN CENTER.

This hamlet, formerly known as Mechanio-
ville, is situated in the center of the town, on
the Black river. A postofflce was established
here in December, 1878, of which Ezra Chase
since then has been postmaster. The place
comprises about 43 buildings, which include the
Free Will Baptist church and the schoolhouse
of district No. 10. It has a saw mill, a grist
mill, a store andseveral shops. The population
of the place is 185.

NORTH STEPHENTOWN.

This hamlet is situated in the northeastern
part of the town. About the year 1824 a post-
offlce was established here, of which Lawrence
Van Valkenburgh was first postmaster. In
1836 the place is spoken of as being 20 miles
from Troy, having a woolen factory, a store, a
tavern and about 20 dwellings, near Black
Brook, which drives several saw mills and two
extensive turning establishments. At present
there is a store at this point and about 25
buildings.

SOUTH STEPHENTOWN.

This hamlet is in the southern part of the
town. In 1836 it is mentioned as being 24 miles
from Troy, on the Kinderhook creek, having a
cotton tactory, a grist mill, two saw mills, a
tannery, a store, a tavern and 30 dwellings.
There is a postofflce at this point, of which
William Hand is postmaster.

WEST STEPHENTOWN.

This hamlet is in the northwestern part of
the town, a short distance east of the boundary

134

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAEK COUNTY.

line of the town of Nassau. West Stephen-
town, including Dunham's Hollow In the town
of Nassau, contains within a radius of about
a mile 65 buildings, among which is the Free-
Will Baptist church. The business interests of
the place comprise four stores, a postoffice,
agricultural works, a furnace, a grist mill, two
saw mills and four blacksmith shops.

POPniATION OF THK TOWN.

1790 6,795 11845 !i,548

1800 4,988 1850 2.622

ISIO 4,567 I 1855 2,397

1S15 2.H40I1360 2,311

1S80 2,592 1865 2,0a«

1825 2,70.S|1870 2,133

1830 2,716 I 1375 2,047

1835 2,528 1 1880 1,986

1840 2.753)

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

135

CHAPTER XIX.
THE TOWN OF SANDLAKE.

Prominent Pioneer People — The Law Erecting the Town in 1812 —
The Vicissitudes of a Man of Fortune — The Early Manufac-
ture OF Glass in the Town — Establishment of the Rensselaer
Glass Factory — The First Library Association in the Town —
The Building of the Plank Road — Organization of Churches
— Manufacturing Interests — Village History — Census.

That portion of the manor of Rensselaerwyck
which in the early part of the present century
took by legislative enactment the name of
Sandlake was shortly before the revolutionary
war inhabited by a few Dutch and English
speaking settlers. The date of each one's set-
tlement is not easily determined, for the names
of these pioneer people are mostly preserved
by tradition, and only a small number of re-
corded papers indicate when they first leased
their farms from the patroon.

THE FIEST SETTLERS.

Among the names remembered the following
may be said to comprise those of the more
prominent of the first settlers of Sandlake :
Wynanf Van Alstyne, John Bowman, Abram
Bristol, William Butts, John Carmichael, Philip
Feller, Nicholas Fellows, Abram Frear, Philip
Gardner, Job Gilbert, William Goslin, Elias
Gregory, Stephen Gregory, Andreas Miller,
Henry Miller, Henry Moul. Eleazer Peck,
Ephraim Quimby, Michael Eykert, Frederick
Shaver, Joseph H. Sipperly, Solomon Taylor,
Andreas Weatherwax and Hendrick Young-
hans.

It is said that Joshua Lockwood and William
Carpenter built the first grist mill at Sand-
lake in 176S.

Most of these early farmers took up land in
the vicinity of the several beautiful lakes or
along the devious course of the Wynantskill.
A great portion of the territory of the town
formerly belonged to the town of Greenbush,
and a part to the town of Berlin.

THE TOWN OF SANDLAKE ERECTED.

By " an act to divide the towns of Greenbush

and Berlin, in the county of Rensselaer, into
three towns," passed by the legislature, June
19, 1812, the town of Sandlake was created. In
regard to the boundaries of the town the act
reads :

That from and after the first day of March next,
all that part of the town of Greenbush, within the
following homids to wit : Beginning at the north-
west corner of the said town of Greenbush, and
running; eastwardly, on the line between the towns
of Troy and Greenbush, five miles; thence south
17° 57' west, until it intersects the northerly hue
of the town of Schodack ; thence westerly, on the
hue between the towns of Schodack and Green-
bush, until it intersects the line of the county of
Albany, in the Hudson river, and thence up the
river, on a line of the county of Albany, to the
place of beginning, including all the islands in the
said river lying nearest the east side thereof
shall he considered as the town of Greenbush. *
* * And that all the residue of the town of
Greenbush, together with the three miles set off
from the west end of Berlin, parallel to the present
west line of said tovni, shall be erected into a new
town, by the name of Sandlake, and that the first
town meeting in said town shall be held at the
dweUing house of Thomas Thompson in said town.

In 1843 a part of the town of Greenbush was
taken off, and on March 2, 1848, a portion sub-
tracted to form the town of Poestenkill. The
landscape of the town is picturesquely diversi-
fied with several large lakes : Crooked, Martin's
or Burden's, Glass and Sand lakes. The big
Bowman, little Bowman and Eeichard's ponds
are attractive bodies of water. The principal
streams irrigating the town are the Wynants-
kill and Tsatsawassa creek. The former is
highly valued for its water power. The eastern

136

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EEKSSEIAER OOXTNTT.

part of the town is mountainous and thickly
wooded.

TEE FIRST OFFICERS OF THE TOWN.

The first oflScers of the town elected in ac-
accordance with the statute were :

Supervisor, CalTin Thompson ; town clerk, David
E. Gregory; assessors, Lawrence Van Alstyne,
John Clint, Ezra Newton ; commissioners of high-
ways, John Stevens, John North, Jacob Boyce ;
overseers of the poor, Stephen Gregory, Lewis
Bullock ; collector, Jonathan Ford ; constables,
John Simebark, Jonathan Ford, Henry Lord ;
school commissioners, Aretus Lyman, Joel Bnstol,
Ellis Foster.

THE MANUFACTURE OF GLASS.

Eady in the present century the establish-
ment of glass works on the banks of Glass lake
gave the town of Sandlake an important local
industry. The small collection of houses that
grew up about these works assumed the name
of Rensselaer village, which is now designated
Gla£s house.

The history of these works properly begins
about the year 1788, when Leonard de Neuf-
ville, Jan Heefke and Ferdinand Waif ahert, the
proprietors of the Dowesbourgh glass works,
10 miles west of Albany, appealed to the people
of the state of New York to sustain their man-
ufacture of glass. They set forth that the state
was annually drained of £30,000 for this neces-
sary article which they could manufacture and
which excelled in quality English glass. These
works were visited in 1788 by Elkauah Wat-
son. His acquaintance with the founder of
this enterprise gave him the following informa-
tion, which his son published in the memoirs
of his father.

life's vicissitudes.

Elkanah Watson proceeded eight miles from
Albany to the new glass house erected by John
de NeufvUle, a former correspondent of his,
and once a citizen of Amsterdam. John de
Neuf ville had been the negotiator of the treaty
made by Holland with the American congress,
which primarily produced the war between the
former and England, in 1751. He commenced
business with a hereditary capital of half a
miUion sterling, and lived in Amsterdam at his
country seat in the highest affluence and splen-
dor. He sacrificed his fortune by his attach-
ment to the cause of American independence.
The fragments of his estate be invested in the
enterprise of establishing this glass factory.
Elkanah Watson found this gentleman, born to
affluence, living in a solitary place, occupying
a miserable log cabin, furnished with a single
deal table and two common chairs, destitute of
the ordinary comforts of life.

THE ALBANY GLASS WORKS.

In 1795 it appears that the works erected by
De Neufville had become the property of Jere-
miah Van Rensselaer, Elkanah Watson, Robert
MacGregor and Thomas and Samuel Mather,
andbadbeen carried on for some time under the
firm name of MacGregor & Co. On the 7th of
April of that year the partnership was dissolved
and a new company formed under the name of
Thomas Mather & Co.

In February, 1796, the state legislature passed
an act for the encouragement of the Albany
glass factory. The proprietors of the glass
works at this time were .Jeremiah Van Rens-
selaer, John Saunders, Abraham Ten Eyck,
Elkanah Watson, Frederick A. de Zeng, K. K.
Van Rensselaer, Douw Fonda, Walter Cochran
and Samuel Mather.

the RENSSELAER GLASS FACTORT.

On the 28th of February, 18D6, the legislature
passed "An act to incorporate the stockholders
of the Rensselaer glass factory." The pream-
ble of the act recites that " whereas Jeremiah
Van Bensselaer, Elisha Jenkins, Elkanah
Watson, George Pearson, James Kane,
Thomas Frothingham, Frederick Jenkins,
Rensselaer Havens and Francis Bloodgood have
associated for the purpose of establishing a
glass factory in the county of Rensseiaer, in
this state," that the request of the petitioners
be granted. The capital stock, it was provided,
of the company should not exceed 100 shares
and each share $1,U00. From the patroon of
the manor of Rensselaerwyck the company ob-
tained a lare;e tract of land lying about the
shares of Glass lake and upon a portion of it,
adjacent to the lake, erected a number of build-
ings necessary for the manufacture of glass.
It is related that the company in order to secure
experienced workmen sent William Richmond,
a Scotchman, to England, where dressed as a
beggar, he traveled as a bag-pipe player and
visited the principal glass manufacturing dis-
tricts and engaged the number of employes de-
sired. Major Thomas Frothingham, who bad
served as an olficer during the revolutionary
war, was made general superintendent of the
works. Under his efficient management the
establishment obtained considerable popularity
for the superior quality of its glass. The gen-
eral appreciation in which Major Frothingham's
personal abilities were held by the public led to
his election as a member of the state legisla-
ture in 1820-22, at which time he very ably repre-
sented the district as a senator. The Rensselaer
glass factory gave employment to a large num-
ber of workmen, for whom comfortable dwell-
ings were erected in the immediate vicinity of

HISTOKY OF THE TOWNS OP KEN8SELAEE COUNTY.

137

the works. The company coutinued to manu-
factm'e a fine quality of window glass until
1816, when the cylinder works were destroyed
by fire, which was so gi'eat a loss to the pro-
prietors that they became pecuniarily embar-
rassed. " An act for the relief of the president
and directors of the Rensselaer glass factory,"
was passed by the legislature, April 13, 1819.
The bill states that " it was discovered that the
business could not be prosecuted any further
with a prospect of profit ; that heavy losses
had already been incurred in the persevering
efforts of the directors to render the business
productive of seme benefit to the stockholders,
and had therefore been abandoned." As the
further prosecution of it would inevitably pro-
duce still heavier losses the petitioners prayed
that an act of the legislature might be passed
authorizing them to dissolve the corporation,
to sell the estate, pay their debts and make a
distribution of their effects among the several
stockholders.

A KEW OOMPAHy FORMED.

Shortly after the passage of the act referred
to, Nathan B. Crandall and Isaac B. Fox pur-
chased the works and erected new buildings.
This firm began the manufacture of cylinder
glass, the former company having made crown
and cylinder window glass. On the death of
Nathan R. Crandall the manufacture of glass
at this establishment was for a time discon-
tinued. On March 11, 1825. the property was
sold by Moses Warren, sheriff of Rensselaer
county, to Richard J. Knowlson.

On the 16th of April, 1830, the legislature
passed " an act to incorporate the Rensselaer
glass manufacturing company," by which
Richard J. Knowlson, Isaac B. Fox, Daniel M.
Gregory and such persons as thereafter might
become stockholders of the said company were to
be known by the name of ' ' The Rensselaer Glass
manufacturing company. " For the purpose of
making cylinder, window, crown and other
glass ware, the capital stock was to be $50,000,
shares $100 each. The subscription books were
to be opened under the direction of Richard J.
Knowlson, Daniel M. Gregory and Richard
Spencer, jr. The affairs of the company were
to be managed by five directors. About the
year 1831 the firm of Knowlson & Schmeuiss
began the manufacture of glass at this place,
which it continued for more than a year.

On the 1st of July, 1835, Richard J. Knowl-
son sold the land and buildings formerly owned
by the Rensselaer glass factory company to
Francis Stadler, Joseph Stadler, Anthony Rush
and Joseph Wetser, who took the name of
Stadlers, Rush & Co., in the manufacture of

glass at Rensselaer village. This firm becoming
involved conveyed the property to Richard J.
Knowlson and Isaac B. Fox, as trustees, May 7,
1838, for the settlement of their liabilities. Sub-
sequently, about the year 1839, A. R. & 8. H.
Fox bewail again the manufacture of glass at
this place, and continued the business until the
year 1853, when the works were destroyed by
fire and were not again rebuilt. The sand which
first led the early manufacturers of glass to
establish works at this place was found in time
to be unsuited for the purposes desired, and for
a number of years sand was obtained from
Berkshire county, Mass.

THE SANDLAKE LIBRARY SOCIETY.

It appears that steps were early taken to pro-
vide the people of a part of the town with a
circulating library. On the second Tuesday in
April, 1808, $100 having been subscribed for the
establishment of a library, the members of the
Sandlake library society assembled at the house
of Thomas Thompson, and after making
William Van Tress chairman of the meeting,
elected Uriah M. Gregory, Joel Bristol, Stephen
Gregory, Aretus LjTnau and Nathan R. Cran-
dall trustees of the association.

THE PLASK-ROAD OOMPAUT.

When a number of years ago the construc-
tion of plank-roads attracted the atteniion of the
pubhc, it was deemed judicious by those inter-
ested in maintaining a good road between the
city of Albany and village of Sandlake
to obtain from the legislature the priv-
ilege of building such a road. On the
10th of April, 1S49, was passed "an act
to allow the ijresident and directors of the east-
ern turnpike to sell a part or all of their road,
and to form a i>lank-road from Albany to Sand-
lake." By this act, Erastus Corning, David V.
N. Radcliffe, Samuel S. Fowler, Richard J.
Knowlson, Gideon Butts, Evert van Alden, John
DeFreest, James Dearstyne, DeWitt DeForest,
George Cipperly, Wynant Younghans and their
associates were constituted a company to con-
struct and maintain a plank-road from the east
side of the Hudson river opposite the city of
Albany, through the town of Greenbush on the
most eligible route to the Glass Factory village
in the town of Sandlake. Although the planks
of this road have almost all disappeared from
the road-bed which were used in its construc-
tion, the highway is still designated as the plank-
road.

CEMETERIES.

The Sandlake union cemetery association
was organized on the 7th of June, 1847, at the
house of Calvin Sliter, and incorporated by the
election of the following trustees : Calvin Sli-

138

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

ter, Nathan Uphara, Solomon Gregory, Corne-
lius Sohemerhorn, Richard J. Knowlson and
Albert K. Fox. In 1840 WiUiam P. Van Rensse-
laer conveyed to the Rensselaer burial-ground
association three acres of land in the vicinity of
Sliter's Corners. Another acre was in 1874 ob-
tained from Eben W. Carmichael, which, with
the former ground, was neatly laid out into a
rural cemetery.

The old burial ground about a mile south of
the viUa!?e of West Sandlake, and the grave-
yard in the rear of Zion's Lutheran church, in
the village, contain the tombs of many of the
first settlers of the western part of the town of
Sandlake.

THE LUTHEEAN CHURCH AT BENSSELABRWYCK.

The eariiest religious society formed in that
part of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, now the
town of Sandlake, was an organization of
Lutherans known as the congregation of the
church ^called Zion at Rensselaerwyck. This
society was incorporated on the 25th day of
■January, 1790. On that day Andreas "Weafher-
wax and Andreas Miller were elected trustees of
Zion church. The .ludges of election were Henry
Moeller, Henry Miller and Philip Feller. The
meeting house was built of logs, on a piece of
land given to the congregation by Stephen Van
Rensselaer. The site of this old building,
which was removed about the year 1815, is still
pointed out, it being a part of the present farm
of Henry S. Traver. The membership of Zion
church became the basis of the organization of
the First Lutheran church of West Sandlake.

SECOND EVANQELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
WEST SANDLAKE.

This society was organized in 1837. For the
purpose of being incorporated the male mem-
bers of the congregation on the 8th of May,
1839, assembled at the house of John Cipperly
and there elected Wynant Younghans, Ber-
nard Uline, Bernard U. Sharp, John Cipperly
and John P. Shaver, trustees of " The Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church of Sandlake." For a
time after the organization of this society di-
vine worship was held by it at the house of
Bernard Uline. On the 16th of the same
month of that year the trustees made pur-
chase of a piece of ground whereon to erect a
church edifice, which was subsequently built
and dedicated October 5. 1839. In 1864 the
building was remodeled at a cost of about
$2,500, and was rededicated January 19, 1865.
The present roll of the membership of this
church embraces the names of 190 persons.

The pastors who have served this congrega-
tion since its organization have been the Rev.
John D. Lawyer, 1837 ; the Rev. Jesse 8. Robin-

son, 1838-39; the Rev. Isaac Kimball, 1839-
40; the Rev. H. L. Dox, 1841-50; the Rev.
Nicholas Van Alstyne, 1850-61 ; and the Rev.
M. W. Empie, July 1, 1861, to date.

THE GERMAN LUTHERAN, ZION'S CHURCH, at
EAST SANDLAKE.

A society of German Lutherans was organ-
ized in East Sandlake, in school district No.
11, in 1865, by the Rev. F.Heinle. The old
wooden Baptist church, north of the school
house, near big Bowman pond, was first used
by this congregation for divine worship, in July
1865. which, on the first Sunday in August, was
dedicated with appropriate services. The
building cost about $500, and has a seating ca-
pacity for about 300 persons. The church has
80 members. The following have been the
pastors of this church : The Revs. F. Heinle,
D. Bruno, F. A. Sydaw, and the present pas-
tor, the Rev. George Vetter.

SALEM CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIA-
TION OF WEST SANDLAKE, (GERMAN.)

This religious association was organized in
1845 at the present parsonage, at that time the
old Lutheran church, by the Rev. J. G. Marg-
quart, Philip Young, Andrew Schafer, Philip
Schwartz, John Scheer and John Schuster. In
1849 the old wooden schoolhouse, erected in
1840, was dedicated as a house of worship, the
Rev. R. J. Derrick officiating. In 1866 the
present frame church edifice was erected at a
cost of about S;7,000, which has a seating
capacity for about 800 persons. In October of
the same year it was dedicated by Bishop J. J.
Esher.

On the 27th of February, 1867, the society
became incorporated by the election of John
Wagner, Andrew Schafer and John Scheer as
trustees of " The Salem church of the village
of West Sandlake." The church has
at present 160 members. The following
pastors have had charge of this church :
The Revs. J. G. Margquart, 1845-46 ; M. Laner,
1847-48; J. Wagner, 1849-.50 ; R. J. Derrick,
1851-52 ; D. Fisher, 1853-54 : L. Jacobi, 1854-
53 ; George Eckhard, 1856-5T ; G. J. Grenze-
bach, 18o8-.'59; F. Lohmeyer, 1860-61; C. F.
Boiler, 1863-63 ; H. Fisher, 1864 ; W. Mentz,
186.5-66 ; C. F. Scheopflins, 1867-68 ; M. Yanch,
1869-70 ; J. G. Seigrist, 1871-73 ; A. Luescher,
1873-75 ; C. F. Stube, 1876-78 ; and A. Schlenk,
1879-80.

THE TRUE DUTCH REFORMED PROTESTANT
CHURCH.

Among the early religious societies of which
the inhabitants of the town of Sandlake were
members, was the congregation known as
" The Wynants and Foestenkill True Dutch Re-

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF REITSSELAEK OOUNTT.

139

formed Protestant church in the towBS of
Greenbush and Sandlake." On the 17th of May,
1824, the members of this church assembled at
the usual place of divine worship, in the town
Sandlake, and elected as trustees William W.
Cooper, Moses P. B. Bloomendale and Coonrad
Cooper for the purpose of being incorporated.
On the 28th of June, 1825, the name of the
church was changed to " The True Reformed
Dutch church of Wynants and Poestenkill in
the county of Rensselaer."

THE PROTESTANT SOCIETY.

A religious organization known as the Pro-
testant society was formed at the house of
Stephen Gregory on the 7th of January, 1805.
For the purpose of incorporation the associa-
tion elected Henry Withy, Stephen Gregory,
John Stephens, Daniel Bristol, Wm. Van Trass
and Samuel Hammond trustees. A seal was
adopted, having a representation of an altar,
two doves and the motto •' Unite" engraved
upon it.

FIBST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SANDLAKE.

The First Presbyterian society in Sandlake
was organized on the 21st of December, 1808.
The Presbyterian people of Sandlake uniting
with the members of the Congregational church
of Nassau formed a congregation of 35 mem-
bers, which took the name of the First Presby-
terian church of Greenbush, before a portion of
the town of Greenbush, in 1812, became a part
of the town of Sandlake. When the town of
Sandlake was erected the society was called the
First Presbyterian church of Sandlake. The
present frame house of worship was erected
near Sliter's Corners in 1835. The church now
belonging to the Baptist congregation at Sand-
lake was previous to this year, 1835, wor-
shiped in by this society, the building
then being known as the Union church.
The society was incorporated on the 28th of
February, 1826, by the election of Scott Vlning,
Calvin Thompson, Stephen Gregory, Silas
Willmot, Gilbert Bailey and Uriah Gregory as
trustees of the " First Presbyterian society of
the town of Sandlake." The church has at
present 62 members. The church has had the
following pastors : The Revs. John Keyes,

1808-12 ; Brown ; Perry ; John Knill ;

William Glynn ; Lummis ; Metcalf ;

Woodbury ; John Younglove, 1818-24 ;

Ezra D. Kinney, 1835-30; Thomas Wickes,
1831-32 ; Gardner Hayden, 1832-34 ; Isaac Fos-
ter, 1835-36, supply ; McDowell, 1836-37 ;

Thomas J. Haswell, 1838-39; John Davis,
1840-43 ; John Sessions, 1843-47 ; Chauncey H.
Hubbard, 1847-50; Eber M. RoUo, 1851-54;
Charles Doolittle, 1855-59 ; John P. Cushmac,

! 1859-62 ; Andrew MoMuUeu, 1863-64 ; Eber M.
Rollo, 1865; Albert C. Bishop, 1865-75; and
James P. Viele, May, 1876, to date.

riRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SANDLAKE.

The first Baptist society of Sandlake secured
its incorporation by electing on the 18th of
March, 1826, Lockwood Butts, William King
and Nathan Barber trustees. The society as-
sumed the name nf the First Baptist church in
the town of Sandlake. This congregation
worshiped in the Union meeting house, at
Sandlake, now known as Averill.

THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF SANDLAKE.

The society which is now known as the Bap-
tist church of Sandlake was organized in 1831
by Isaac B. Fox, Joseph Gregory, A. V. P.
Gregory, R. P. Whipple, Albert K. Fox, and 13
other persons. This congregation, in connec-
tion with the Presbyterians, held divine services
in the Union meeting house, which was erected
and dedicated in 1805, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge
performing the dedicatory services. This build-
ing has a seating capacity for about 500 persons,
and cost about $3,000. It became the sole
property of the Baptist society some years sub-
sequent to the organization of this congrega-
tion. It was remodeled in 1843 at an expense
of about $2,000, and in 1862, at about the same
expenditure.

On the 13th of July, 1835, the members of the
Second Baptist society met at their meeting
house, and for the purpose of being incorpo-
rated elected Stephen Gregory, Joseph Gregorj',
Abraham V. P. Gregory, Isaac B. Fox, Charles
H. Gregory and Henry L. Wynants trustees.
The church has at present 120 members.

The pastors and supplies of the church have
been the Revs. Calvin C. Williams, 1833-33 ;

Orrin Dodge, 1834-37 ; Barker, 1837 ; E. D.

Turner, 1837-39 ; Merritt House, 1840-41 ; Abel
Brown, 1841-42; William I. Loomls, 1843-46 ;
E. G. Perry, 1846-1850 ; J. B. Pixley, 1850-51 ;
Alexander Milne. 1851; WUliam W. AUen,
1855-58 ; Daniel Robinson, 1858-62 ; George W.
Demers, 1863-65 ; Ezra D. Simmons, 1865-68 ;
Reuben H. Weeks, 1869-80.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT WEST
SANDLAKE.

A society of Methodists was early formed in
the vicinity of West Sandlake. About the
year 1825 a small house of worship was erected
by the followers of Wesley which took the
name of Hedding chapel. The Rev. Samuel
Howat was among the first ministers who
watched over the spiritual interests of this so-
ciety. A meeting was held on the 4th of De-
cember, 1826, in the chapel, for the purpose of
incorporating the congregation, at which

140

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF EENSSELAEE COUNTY.

William Mott, ■William M. Martin, Benjamin
Sibley, jr., and Henry Moul were elected trus-
tees of the Methodist Episcopal Hedding chapel
society. About the year 1845 a larger and more
convenient meeting house was erected in the
Tillage of West Sandlake, which is still used
by the society as a house of worship.

A second certificate of incorporation was
secured in 1850 by this society, which on the
13th of May of that year elected William R.
Mott, Solomon Coon, Samuel Weatherwax,
Henry Moul, Henry Weatherwax, Jacob
Ostranderand George Uline "trustees of the
Methodist Episcopal church of West Sand-
lake."

The following ministers have had this con-
gregation under their charge since 1836 : The
Revs. Asa Hand, 1836 ; D. Stevens, 1838 ; D.

Starks, 1840; Hancock, 1842; J. Earns.

1847 ; Jonn Grove, 1850 ; John Chase, 1853 ;
P. P. narrower, 1855 ; William Smith, ia5S ;
W. F. Hend, 1861 ; Merrick Bates, 1863 ; J. D.
Bennham, 1865 ; J. W. Quinland, 1868 ; S. D.
Elliott, 1871 ; R. Patterson, 1872 ; B. O Meeker,
1875 ; J. B. Sylvester, 1876 ; C. M. Clark, 1877 ; E.
Marsh, 1878.

The church has on its roll of membership
the names of 100 persons.

WESLET CHAPEL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHCRCH.

A society of Methodists was organized
about the year 1830, at Oak hill, near the centre
of the town. A meeting of the members of
the congregation was held at the house of Cy-
renius Finch, on the 30th of April, 1831, at
which the Rev. John North was present. The
following persons were elected trustees : The
Rev. John North, Andrew A. Smith, Lewis
Finch, Adam Feathers and John W. Belknap.

THE WESLETAN CHAPEL SOCIETY.

Another society of the followers of John
Wesley was organized in the town, which body
held divine worship in the school house of dis-
trict No. 14. To be incorporated the members
of this congregation, which was served by min-
isters of the Chatham circuit, assembled at the
school house, and there elected the Rev. John
North, Sylvanus Baboock, Charles Dngar,
Samuel H. Arnold and John McCann trustees
of the Wesleyan chapel.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH OF SANDLAKE.

The three congregations of Methodists, one
at Sandlake village, (Averill,) one at Glass
House, and one known as Clark's chapel in the
town of Sohodack, have been consolidated into
a charge and the resident pastor at Sandlake
has them under his care. The congregation at
Glass House embraces about 50 members. This

society had a church at this point about the year
1830. Clark's chapel was erected shortly after
this date. The congregation was connected for
a time with the charge at Nassau village, sub-
sequently with the Glass House church, and
latterly with the Sandlake charge. There are
about l.TO persons connected with this church.
Olive chapel was erected at Sandlake village
about the year 1874, at an expense of about
$2,500. It was first associated as a charge with
the church at West Sandlake, but In 1878 it was
connected with the Sandlake charge. The Rev.
Wm. W. Witney was the first pastor of this
church. The roll of membership of the con-
gregation bears S4 names.

ST. HENRT'S EOMAN CATHOLIC CHUBOH AT SAND-
LAKE, (AVEEILL.)

This church originated about the year 1868
when religious services were first held at the
house of M. Cusack, by the Rev. H. Hopkins of
St. Francis Roman Catholic church of Troy.
In June. 1869 it was decided that a small church
should be erected, and the work of building was
shortly afterwards commenced on a lot pre-
sented by J. Aken. On the 4th of January, 1870,
the church was incorporated under the name of
"St. Henry's church." The first services were
held in the new^ building on Sunday, April 17,
1870. On the 16th of October, 1870, the church
was dedicated by the Very Rev. V. G. Wadhams.
The following priests have had charge of this
church : The Revs. Father Gabriels, Father
Wiebbe, Father Schoppe, and the Rev. Father
Trieb, from May 31, 1879, to date.

AVEBILL.

The village of Averill, which is situated on
the Wynantskill, is a little north of the center
of the town of Sandlake. The valuable water
power of the Wynantskill at this point early at-
tracted the attention of manufacturers. About
the beginning of the century Thomas ThMup-
son erected a saw mill and a forge on the stream
running southward from the present village of
Averill. A woolen mill was built about the
year 1825 on the site of the former buildings,
which was first operated by Coleman & Hem-
ingway as a satinet factory. Subsequently the
mill was purchased by John Kerr of Troy. It
was afterward changed into a hosiery mill by
Hezekiah C. and George C. Arnold, who were
associated with Daniel Wight in this branch
of manufacture. This firm was succeeded by
James Aken, and he in turn by the firm of
Kidder & Aken. In 1871 the building was
destroyed by fire.

Where now is the hosiery mill operated by
Nicholas T. Eane was, about the year 1823, a
tannery belonging to Ephraim Whittaker.

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.

141

Subsequently it was successively owned by
Caleb Finch, John Ladue, and Qershom Tabor.
The tannery buildings were several times de-
stroyed by fire. James Aken having purchased
the property erected thereon a hosiery mill in
1862. In 1873 James F. Aken and Jeptha P.
Eidder leased it, and were succeeded a year
afterward by Kidder & McCready, and they by
Kidder & North. Subsequently Nicholas T.
Eane purchased it of James Aken. It is known
as the Aken hosiery mill, has five setts of
machinery and giving employment to about 75
persons.

About the year 1820 Aretus Lyman was run-
ning a saw-mill where now is the Sandlake
warp and yarn factory, owned and operated by
I. McConihe & Co. A short distance south of
the saw-mill was a grist-mill, which a number
of years afterwards was changed to a plaster-
mill. A second grist-mill was erected below
this mill. Aretus Lyman and Stephen Gregory
were for a number of years the owners of these
mills. Coonradt Albridge erected at this point
a cotton mill, where was manufactured cotton
batting and yarn. On August 27, 1836, Daniel
Wight, Hezekiah C. Arnold and Alfred Robin-
son purchased from Aretus Lyman a grist-
mill, in which they began the manufacture of
satinet warps. In 1870 1. McConihe & Co. suc-
ceeded to the ownership of the property. This
firm employs about thirty-five persons in the
manufacture of cotton warp.

An old mill known as the cloth dressing fac-
tory of John P. Albertson was in operation on
this part of the Wynantskill as early as the
year 1820. Where now is the Eagle hosiery
mill was once the mill of Cornelius Schemer-
horn, destroyed by fire in 1870.

The site of the Beaverwyck hosiery mill, the
property of Thomas Knowlson, was about the
year 1835 occupied by the satinet mill of John
Van Husen. For a time it was run as a grist
mill by Arnold, Hunt & Wight. Subse-
quently Andrew B. Knowlson purchased the
property and fitted up the building as a hosiery
mill, which in 1874 was destroyed by fire. The
mill was rebuilt, and is now called the Beaver-
wyck hosiery mill, and is in operation at
present under the management of Andrew B.
Knowlson.

About the year 1860 a paper mill was erected
on the Wynantskill, south of the former mills,
by Staats D. Tompkins. In 1865 the property
passed into the hands of Eugene and John W.
Merwin. In March, 1875, Andrew J. Smart of
Troy became the owner of the mill, who at
present manufactures annually about 700 tons
of straw paper. About the year 1836 the fur-
nace of William Carmichael was built at this

point. Here, also, at an early day was a cloth
dressing factory.

In 1836 the village of Sandlake is spoken of
as being 10 miles from Troy, containing a Bap-
tist and a Presbyterian church, a postoflice,
two satinet factories, two cotton factories, a
grist and a saw-mill, a furnace, a large tannery,
a tavern, two stores and about 40 dwellings.
The place now comprises about 100 houses,
among which are the Baptist church, the Meth-
odist Episcopal chapel and St. Henry's Roman
Catholic church and the school house of dis-
trict No. 7. The Sandlake collegiate institute
was established here in 1852 by Wm. H. Scram.
The school obtained an excellent reputation
under the management of this well known
educator of boys. The building is now re-
modeled and is owned by Horatio F. Averill,
being known as the Averill house. The busi-
ness interests of the place besides the manu-
factures already mentioned, include at present
two hotels and several stores.

The place which was until 1880 the western
part of the village of Sandlake being given a
postofflce by the government, received the
designation of Averill. The pretty sheet of
water known as Sand lake is at a short remove
from the Averill house.

BAND LAKE (SLITER'S COKNER'S.)

The place known as Sliter's Corners, in the
town of Sandlake, is now the village of Sand-
lake, for here about the year 181.5 was estab-
lished a postofflce by the name of Sandlake.
The place contains about 40 buildings, among
which is the Presbyterian church. The grounds
of the Union cemetery are in the immediate
vicinity. At this point is a hotel, two stores,
an undertaker's shop, a carriage and a black-
smith shop. The ofBce of the Mutual insur-
ance association of Sandlake, PoestenkUl,
Berlin and Stephentown is at this village. The
association was organized March 21, 1878. The
first directors were Joel B. Peck, Dr. E. W.
Carmichael, Lewis W. AUendorph, John Vos-
burgh, John M. Miller, John Miller, William
Upham and Arthur M. Peck. The interests of
the company are mutual. About 230 persons
are members of the association.

GLASS HOUSE.

This place was early known as Rensselaer
village when the Rensselaer glass factory was
in operation on the banks of Glass lake. It is
a short distance south of Sliter's Comers.
There are about 30 buildings at this point,
among which is a Methodist Episcopal church,
the school house of district No. 8, and a hotel.
It is mentioned in 1836 as being 12 mUes from
Troy, having a Methodist church, a select

142

HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF REN8SELAEK COTTNTT.

school, a postoSBce, a glass manufactory
making cylinder glass, a saw-mill, a tavern,
two stores and 50 dwellings.

WEST SANDLAKE.

This village, in the western part of the town,
was early known by the name of Ullnes, in
honor of Bernardt Ulino, who built the first
house at this point. In 1S36 Ulines is
referred to in the "State Gazetteer" as
being seven miles from Troy, upon the
Wynantskill, having a Lutheran and a
Methodist Episcopal church, a grist and
a saw mill, two stores, two taverns and about
50 dwellings. A postofflee was established here
about the year 1S:35. of which Frost
Myers was the tirst postmaster. Suc-
cessively the following persons have been
his successors in office : Burton A. Thomas,
Jacob Taylor, Samuel D. Seymour, Dr. Wm. H.
Snyder, Jacob Wheeler and Elbert W. Moul.
The village contains about 90 houses and a
population of 40S. There are four churches
in the place, two Lutheran, a Methodist Epis-
copal and a German Evangelical. It has one
hotel, four stores, a hosiery mill, a yarn fac-

tory, two grist mills and a plow manufactory.
The school house of district No. 4 is in the
village. The hosiery mill of John H. Akin and
John McLaren affords employment to about 40
persons. The stocking yam factory of Albert
Donaldson and William Uline is also an im-
portant industry.

The Lmllmaii Herald was issued in 1844, at
West Sandlake, by the Rev. Henry L. Dox, pas-
tor of the Second Lutheran church of the vil-
lage. It was published for several years.

SOUTH SANDLAEE.

This hamlet is situated in the southwestern
part of the town. It comprises about a half-
score of houses, a store, a blacksmith shop and
a wagonmaker's shop. The postoffice was es-
tablished here about the year 1852. William
Stevens has been the postmaster for many
years.

POPULATION OF THE TOWS.

1S15.
]8S>0.
1S25.,
1S30.,

.3,29311850 2,5Sfl

.S,30a|lS55 2,588

..3.4261 1860 2,S02

.3,6561 1S65 2,606

1S3S 3,840 1 1870..

1840 4.303 18T5 2,S72

1845 4.291 llSSO 2,570

EMENDATION.

On page h%, line It*, in first column, instead of "diameter," read circumference.

INDEX.

143

lusriDEix:

Ministers' Names are not Indexed.

See Churches.

Abbott, Benjamin. .

Frank

John

John M. . . .

Joseph

Matthias . .

Royal

William P.

Abecl, James

Abrams, Anthony

Acker, Solomon

Ackhurst, James

Adams, Edwin

Elijah

Jacob E

James

John

R. G

William

Adancourt, Francis

Adriaen, Peter

Adsit, John B

Agan, Patrick

Aiken, Benjamin

Edmund

James E

Aken, James

James F

Akin, John H

William

Albertsen, Hendrick

Albertson, J. P

Alden, John

Allen, Amos

Benijah

David

Ethan

George

James

Joseph

Joseph H

Stewart

Timothy

William

Alexander. Gilbert

Joseph

AUendorph, Lewis W

Alps

Ambler, Peter

Amidon, Cyrus

Andrews, Lyman

Anti-rent troubles 112, 113,

Appel, Johannis

Armstrong, Abner

Asher

Moses

Robert 34,

Archerly, Nathaniel

Arnold, David

Eleazer

George C

Hezekiah C 27,

Samuel H

Stephen

Arrand, Charles W

Artcher, Michael

Ash, pot and pearl

P.-VGE
01

123
IW
94
91
104
92
94
3-3
41)
82

.37

18, 133

104

37, 38, 41

:«

27,41

112

llj

140, 141

141

142

44,43

4.3

141

4.5

115

11.5

128

105

111

9:3

94, 102

36,37

141

126

108

110

, 114, 123

24,88

83,85

, 140, 141

140. 141

, 140. 141

140

129

113

101. 102

PACE

Aulthuyser. Peler 72

Austin, Joshua ,33

Stephen 1O8

.\verill 140

Ayres, E. D 41

Babcock & Hickok 41

Babcock. John 111. 112

Sylvanus 140

Bachus. Hans 98

Peter 98

Backer, Jno 6

J- K 60

Storm 6

Bacon, Penuel 63

Bailey, Amaziah 122, 133

Gilbert 139

Samuel 129

Stanton 98

Baker, Alderman lOH

Benjamin 81

Clark 81

Elisha 24

Ezekiel 24, 66

John 83

Norman 93

Remember 108

William 24

Baldwin, Israel P 24

Ball, Erastus 86

James H 24,122.123.126

L. Chandler 84. 86

Ballston .5:1

Bancker, Flores 17,33,39,102,103

Joshua Ill

Willi.im 38

Banker, C. A 95

Evert 6, .3:3. -13, 60

Ezra

Banks, Trov —

Bank of Troy

Central National

Commercial

Farmers

First National

Howard Trust

Manufacturers

Market

Merchants and Mechanics .

Mutual

National Exchange

State

Troy City

Troy Exchange

Troy Savings

Troy Savings Company

llnion

United National

Bank of Lansingburgh

D. Powers & Co

First National, Hoosick Falls

National Bank of Casileton

Rensselaer County Bank

Bannister, Jason

Barber, John

Luther

Nathan

Barberville

.30
30
30
30
30
.30
,30
.30
.30
•30
30
30
30
.30
30
.30
30
30
41
41
86
74
41
S4
33,34
106
139
110

144

INDEX.

PAGE

Bareatse, Regnier 43

Barheyt, Jacobus 72, 103

Jno 5

Wouter 5, 71

Barkar, Calvin 41

George 108

Harnett, Benjamin 84

John 103

Barney, John 20

Barnhart, Henry 85

Barrenger, Andre iv V 54

Fred 55

Fred. P 55

Barry, Charles W 93

Bartel, Andries 43

Barton, Reuben 72

Bassett, Ebenezar 125

Bateman, Reuben 122

Batestown 38

Bath-on-the-Hudion 33, 54, 100

Baucus, John A 67

William 1 94

Baucus & Co., Jamss 67

Baum, Col. Frederick 79, 80, 81

Bayard, Stephen N 44

Becker, David 81

Jeremiah L lOS

Johannis 90

Beckwith, Charles 24

Lewis 24

Beecker, Abraham 60

Beckman, Christopher 103

John 48

JohnH 71,73

Beem, Adam 101

Beers, Daniel 132

Bell, David 72

J. D 109

Joseph 72

William 36

Bemus, Daniel 24

Benedict, Enoch 123

George W 86

Lyman 86

Benenstukl, J 109

Benn, David 101

Bennett, Richard 63

Benoway, Peter 60. 65

Benson, H 94

Benthouse, Obadiah 33

Bentley, Caleb 117, 130

Bergman, Johannes 103

BerRn 120

Berlin Center 120

Berringer, J 108

S 108

Berry, Sidney 33

Best, Jacob 98

Betts, Benjamin 24

James 18, 19

Nathan 102, 103

Thomas 102

Bidwell, William 103, 104

Bird, John 23

Birdsall, Edward 115

Birdsell, Z. P 103

Bishop, Nathaniel 83

Bissels, Adam 42

Blaau, Abm 33

Waldron 33

Blanchard, Joseph 32

Bleccker, John J 62,63

Bleeker, Jno. R 35, 89

Bleckman, H 36

Blewer, George W 67

William T 67

Blinn, John F 133

Bliss, David 24

William P 67

Bloodgood, Francis 136

Bloomendale, Moses P. B 139

Blooming Grove 54, 55

Bly, Clark 119, 130

Boardman, John 16

Bogart, Isaac 33

Boggs, J 33, 34

PAGE

Bonesteel, Lodowick }%

Nicholas Igg

Bostwick, Robert S ^

Bosworth, Benjamin 9j

Nathaniel 81

ParkerH 94

Bondy, John M ^45

Boundary line troubles 127, 128, 129

Bourne, Ancel 93

Bout, William F 43

Bovie, Claes 6

John 81

Reykert 77

Boyce, Joseph 62

Boynton, William 94

Boyntonville 95

Brae, William 87

Bradbury. Benjamin 45

Bradley, William 22,39

Bradt, Bernardus 85

Daniel 77

Francis 55

Joakim 90

Neiltje 69, 90

Brainard 126

Joseph 126

Braman, Paul 117

Brat, Storm 6

Bratt, Albert 6, 13, 21, 101, 103

Andres 6

Barent Albertse 59, 101

Daniel B 7, 62, 82

David 62

John 82

Bray, Philip F 45

Brayton, Gideon 129

Brimmer, Daniel 115

Godfrey 97, 117

George 97

John 97

John G 97, 98

Briggs, Tibbits 66

William 81

Brinkerhoff, Abm 33

John 33

Bristol, Abm 135

Daniel 139

Joel 137

Breckenridge, James 128

Breese, Garret S 83

Henry 81

John 25

Breezing, John 33

Brenanstuhl, Michael 112

Breslin, John 66

Brewer, Jonathan 33

Brezee, Hendrick 43

Brock, Benjamin 94

Francis m

Brockway, Libbeus 130

Nathaniel 72

Brook, Francis 112

Jonathan 112

Brooks, William ' 45

Brookins, Wooster 25

Brown, Daniel , \ 130

David 7, 81, 130

Erastus 131

Henry M, 87, 119 130

Jam" 83

Jonathan 7, 8, 22, 37

Joseph 66, 92, 130

Martin S gg

Penuel 34

Roswell J gg

sam"<;i :.::: 72,82

Sy.lvanus 123

William 34

Brownell, Simeon 92

Bnimagem, Thomas 73

Brunswick Center ,,[ igg

Brunswick, Town of . . . .9, 17, 25, 37, 101, 102. 108, 112

Brust, George 103

Bruster, Benjamin .'.'.'.".".'.'.'.' 34 102

Bryan's Comers ' gg

Bryan, Hiram C !!!!!!! 67

INDEX

145

PAGE

Bum, Frans 98

Bumham, Joshua 33

Burnside, James 103

John 103

Thomas 1C3

Burr, Jonathan 39, 41

Burrell, Samuel 83

Burrett, Ely 34,25

Rufus A 24

Burris, James 60

Burt, Asa 38, 41

Burtch, Asa 131

Burton, G. W 67

Bush, Abijah 120, 123

John 121

Buskirk's Bridge 88

Buswell, William 48

W. W 138

Bryant, Lewis 66

Budlong, Aaron 129

Bucklin, Isaac 102

Buckman, Abiel 74

Buel, Clarence 30

David 23

Jr., David 25

Elam 83

Josiah 83

Bull, Isaac 81

Bullock, Lewis 138

Burdeck, John 119

Zebulon P 115

Burdick, Aaron B 115

Augustus 102

Joseph 112

Jr., Joseph 113

Burch, Joseph 72

Burger, Johannes 108

Burgess, Jacob 24

Burgoyne, Augustus 24

Burk, John G 81

Burke, John R 37

Burlingame, Walter P 99

Butler, Fred 8

Patrick 66

Butts, Gideon 137

Lockwood 139

William 135

Caldwell, James 16,33

Calkins, David 73

Callender, David 33

Callylean,J 109

Campbell, Archibald 33

Jacob 24

James A 45

John H 38

S.D 74

Campman, Michael 62

Canfield, David 34,25

Cannon, Le Grand 27

Card, Stephen 98

Carmichael, Eben W 138, 141

John 135

William 25,141

Carney, John V 84

Carpenter, Calvin P 132

Daniel 18,93

Isaac. 91

Jr., John 25,37

Joseph 129

Philander 132

Solomon 119

Thomas G 131

Walter 72

William 135

Carr, Caleb 33

Joseph B 30

William 33,34

Cary, Zenas 29

Case, Alexander 129

Benjamin 40

Daniel 66

Jacob 81

Jonathan 81, 83,83,87

Joseph 25,86

Cassj Job 81

Castle, William 87

Castleton 69, 74

Caswell, John M 86

Catlin, George 95

Cevill, William 74

Chace, Talman 81

WilliamP 81,84

Chambers, lohn M 37

Joy 33

Thomas 70

Chamberlin, Edwin 41

Chandler, Stephen 112

Chapman, Benjamin 93

Stephen 93

Chase, Benjamin 132

Ezra 138

John 85

Sylvester 112

Cheever, Samuel e 45

Cheney, C. A 86

Chipman, John B 36

Walter 38

Choate, Francis 40

Church, John 98

Nathaniel 98

Churches, Baptist —

Freewill, Alps 124

First, Bath 55

First Day, Berlin 119

Seventh Day, Berlin 118, 119

First, East Nassau 124

First, East Poestenkill 108

First Freewill, East Poestenkill 109

First, Greenbush 45

First, Grafton 114

First Freewill, Grafton 115

First, Hoag's Corners 124

First, Hoosick 82

First , Hoosick Comers 82

First, Hoosick Falls 82

First, Hoosick Hollow 131

First, Lansingburgh 40

First, Nassau 124

Second , Nassau 124

First, Petersburgh 99

First, Pittstown Corners 92

First, Sandlake 139

Second, Sandlake 139

St. Peter's, Schodack 73

First, Stephentown 131

Seventh Day, Stephentown 132

Union, Stephentown 131

First Freewill, Stephent'n C'n'r 131

First, Troy 21, 22

Second, Troy 301

North, Troy 29

South, Troy 30

Freewill, West Stephentown. . . 131

First, West Hoosick 83

Christian —

Berlin 119

Boyntonville 93

Petersburgh 99

Church of Christ, Poestenkill 109

Troy 30

Congregational —

Greenbush 45

Stephentown 132

Troy 30

Disciples —

Eagle Mills 106

Pittstown Comers 93

Friends' Society —

Pittstown 92

Troy 30

Evangelical Association—

Safem, West Sandlake 138

Lutheran —

Evangelical, Bryan's Comers.. 67

Gilead Ev'g'l, Cent. Bnmswick 66, 103

Zion's, East Sandlake 138

Evangelical, East Schodack ... 74

St. John's, Melrose 66

Evangelical, Poestenkill 108, 109

Raymertown 92

Zion, South Berlin 120

Trinity, Troy «>

146

INDEX.

C burches — continued.

Lutheran — page

First, West Sandlake 138

Second, West Sandlake 138

Zion, West Sandlake 138

Liberal Religious—

Mapleton 85

Methodist Episcopal —

Olive Chapel, Averill 140

Bath 55

Free, Bath 55

Berlin 119

Boyntonville fti

Brainard . 125

Buskirk's Bridge 85

Castleton 73

Cooksborough 93

Center Brunswick 104

Dunham Hollow 125

Eagle Mills 105

East Brunswick 105

East Greenbush 51

East Nassau 125

East Pittstown 94

Glass House 140

Grant's Hollow 67

Grafton Center 115

First, Greenbush 45

Hart's Falls 66

Lansingrburgh 19

Free, Lansinj^burgh 20

African, Lansingburgh 21

Nassau 125

North Hoosick 84

North Petersburgh 99

Wesley Chapel, Oak Hill 140

Pittstown 94

Pittstown Corners 94

Poestenkill 109

Free, Quackenkill 115

Schaghticoke Hill ti"

Schodack . 140

South Petersburgh 99

Tomhannock 93

State Street, Troy 24, 25

North Second Street. Troy .... 30

Levings Chapel, " 30

Zion, " ... 30

Third Street, "... 30

Congress Street, '" 30

Vail Avenue, " 30

Pawling Avenue. " ... 30

German " 30

Valley Falls 94

Walloomsac 84

West Sandlake 139, 140

Presbyterian-
Alps 124

Brunswick 103

EasuNassau 124

Greenbush 45

Hoosick Falls ^3

Johnsonville 92

First, LansinjGfburgh 39

Second, L;insmgburgh 40

Nassau 124

Pittstown 91.92

Sandlake 139

Schaghticoke 66

Union, Stephentown 132

Stephentown Flats 132

Tomhannock 92

First, Troy 20,26,30

Second, '' 29,30

Third, *' .^ 30

Second St., ■■' 30

United, " 30

Liberty, " 30

Park, '* 30

Woodside, " 30

Oakwood, ' 30

Ninth, " 30

Westminster," 30

Memorial, " 30

Protestant Episcopal —

Church of Messiah, Greenbush, 45

Epiphany, *■' 45

Trinity, Hart's Falis 66

Tibbits, Hoosick Corners 84

St. Marks, Hoosick Falls 83

S. Paul's, Johnsonville 94

Trinity. Lansingburgh 39

St. Paul's, Troy 23, 30

St. John's, '' 29,30

Christ Church, " 30

Church of Holy Cross, Troy. . . 30

St. Luke's, "... 30

Church of Ascension, "... 30

St. Paul's Free Chapel, "... 30

Protestant Society, Sandlake 139

Protestant Reformed Dutch —

Blooming Grove 55

Castleton 74

Greenbush 48

Lansingburgh 39

Nassau 124

Pittstown 91

Sanckovck 81

Sandlake 138, 139

Schaghticoke 64, 65

Schodack 72

Schodack Landing 73

Tiossiook 81

Wynantskill 55

Roman Catholic—

St. Henry's, Averill 140

Buskirk's Bridge 85

St. John's, Greenbush 45

Hart's Falls 66

Immaculate Conception, Hoos-
ick Falls ... 85

St. Augustine, Lansingburgh.. 40

St. John's, Lansingburgh 40

Nassau 125

Pittstown Corners 95

St. Joseph's, Stephentown 133

St. Peter's, Troy.... 30

St. Mary's, " .... 30

St. Joseph's, " 30

St. Jean Baptiste. " 30

St. Francis, " 30

St. Lav/rence's, "... 30

St. Michael's, " 30

St. Patrick's. " .... 30
Seceders-

Scoich. Lansingburgh 40

Union —

Germondvilie, No. Lansingb'gh 39

Pittstown 92

Unitarian —

First, Troy .30

Universalis!—

First, Lansingburgh 40

First, Troy 30

Bethel, Troy 30

Jewish —

Beth Israel Bikur Cholim, Troy 30

Berith Sholum .30

Warren Society —

Hoosick Falls 83

Cipperly, George 103,137

Jacob 103

John 138

Claes, Melgert A 47

Claessen, Claes .... 43

Clapper, John P 55

Peter ... 108

Clark, Aseph 54

Charles ' ' 37

Horace ... 135

John ; 33 3.1

Peter G 51

Thomas 99

William gg 104

Clark's Corners ' 75

Claxton & Babcock 41

Cleaveland, Joseph 104

Clint, John 135

Clinton, Town of ... ...44,50 51

Clowes, Hiram .", i03, 104

Thomas ... 25 2fi

Close, Eliphalet W '37

Clum, Conrad 92

IITDEX.

147

PAGE

Clum, Henry 105

Clum's Corners 106

Clute, Abm 82

Cochran, J. H 119

Robert 128

Walter 128

Coe, C. F. R... 55

Cogswell, Samuel 33

Colamore, Samuel 17, 103

Cole, Aaron 98

Barney 54

Coleman, Calvin 132

Samuel 132

Coleman & Hemingway 140

Colgrove, Asa 84

ColUns, Edward 77, 90

Collison, Francis 103, 104

Colman, Joseph 74

Calvin, Benjamin 85

Comesky Brothers 40

Comick, Samuel 108

Comstock, Daniel ... 83

James D 37,41

Jeremiah 33

John 83,&1,94

Theophilus 83, 85

Cone, Elemander 130

Ichabod 130

Solomon 45

Conkey, Fred. B 50

Conner, Joseph 112

Conrad, Adam 105

Hendrick 19, 103, 112

John 55

Philip H 103

Converse, John 28

Cook, Thomas 34

Cooksborough 39,91.93

Cooley, Ebenezer 33

Coon, Asa 119

A. W 119

Hezekiah 98, 129

Joseph 83

Solomon 140

William 81, 119

Coons, Craver 108

J 108

Philip M 104

Cooper, Abm 48

C 108

Christian C 108

Conrad 139

Cornelius 33

p 106

W 34, 108

W.W 139

Corpe, Benijah 131

Cotterell, Samuel 83

Coun, Harmon 72

Covell, Benjamin 15,18,19,20,21

Richard 83

Samuel 93

Silas 15,21.22,23

Cowles, St. Leger 72

Cox, Jr., James 104

Warren 84

Coyeman, Andries 6

Peter 6

Samuel 6

Crabb,John 39

Crabb & Boos 39

Cramer, John ^?7

Crandall, David S 112

John llo

Joseph 119

Nathan R 137

Roswell 115

Crannell, John „, 53

William 34, o5

Crary , Samuel 87

115

Craver, George „ 'ip

JohnTV 50,51

Crawlier 6

Creiger, Hans Jerry 128

Crocker, Ebenezer 74

SamuelShaw 84,85

PAGE

Cronkhite, A 83

Crook, Theo 109

Cropsey, Jacob D 117

Valentine 104

Cropseyville 105, 106

Cross, Ebenezer 81,83

Croy, John G 98,99

Crum, Wait 131

Curran, Thomas 37,40

Curtinus, Peter 33

Curtis, Caleb 2i

Cushman, John P 25,27

Cusack,M 140

Cutts, J. 105

Cuyler, Henry 44

John 59

DaboU, Jonathan 132

Daniels, Hosea 82

Danielse, Simon 60

Danton, Samuel 50

Darling, Ebenezer 7

Dargon , Francis 38

Dater, Jacob 67

Philip P 104

Dauchy. Charles 37

Jeremiah 26

Nathan S7

Davenport. Cyru* 115

John G 94

Nelson 49

Peter 62

Davis, Edward 24

George R 25, 81

Henry 39

Jonathan 18,62

John 119,132

Samuel 94

Thomas 23,26

Davison, Ezra 115

Daniel P. M 115

Dawson ,Volcart 33

Draper, Fred E '^-7

Dearstyne, James 54, 137

DeCamp, Morris ^

DeClyn, Bamet 33

Deel, Bastian 98,128

DeForest, Abraham M 44

David 53

DavidD 54

DavidJ 108

, DavidM 72

DeWitt 137

/ John 137

/ Marte 53

/ , Philip. i. 58,54

/ /.RtnierM 54

/ / Simon oO

DeFfetst, David 17, 88, 50 -i y

J "* I Jesse 72

^ I JohnP 68

NiMartin D 50

^R.M ^ «

William R oO, 51

Defreestville 55

De la Mater, Samuel Iw

De Lancey, James 32, 77, 78

Delause, Reuben • ■ 130

Demers, George W 80,73,189

Dennis, Seneca W

Dennison, Daniel 117

D. 46

Charles 118

James 41,117

Jonathan Jl»

Lorenzo B 11»

De Peyster Patent 90

De Reus, Gerrit S «

Derk, Andori JJ»

Philip }^

Derrick, George '^

De Vries, Adriaen D "i

Dexter, S.F ^

Deyoe, James ™

Diamond, Thomas S »

Dick, John 1^

Dickinson, John **

148

INDEX.

PAGE

Dickinson, John D 8,23,27,36,30

Dicljson, Robert 37

Dillon, Christopher 24

Dimebarck, John 136

Dingermans, Adam 43

Dingman, Peter 48

Dings, Adam 50

Dole, James 13, 39

Donalson, Albert 143

Dooley, John 40

Doolittle, Daniel 24

W. A 83

Door, Edward 74

Joseph 83,85

Doremus, Thomas L 67

Don, Village of 39

Doty, William 132

Douglas, Asa 129

Stephen A 129

Wifliam 7, 34, 39, 129

Dougrey, James 36, 41

Dow, Folcort 5

Hendrick 6

Jonas 5

Volckert Jansen 70, 71

Downer, J. R 74

Russell T4

Doxie, Samuel 60

Driscoll, John 40

Dubois, Cornelius 54, 103

Dugar, Charles 140

Dumbleton, Nathaniel 112

Dunlop, Mary 29

Durham, Isaac 126

Isaiah 35, 123

Jesse F 84

Dunham Hollow 126, 134

Durkee, Ariel C 115

Walter 112

Dusenbury, Moses 103

Eager, George 87

Eagle Bridge 88

Mills 105

Earing, Jacob 50

Samuel 55

East Albany 45

Grafton 113

Greenbush, Town of 44, 47, 48, 50, 61

Village of 51

Nassau 126

Pittsiown 96

Poestenkill 7

Schodack 75

Stephentown 116

Eddy, Ambrose 105

A.C 87

Gilbert 81, 91

Jonathan 84

Tisdale 92

Eldred, Aaron 93

John 115

Eldridge, Hezekiah 24

Thomas 83

Elliott, A. B 41

Hams N 50

Elmendorf, Peter E 8

Elmore, William C 123

Emmons, Jonathan 133

Engel,W. H 41

Esbell, Jared 63

Esher, hi 138

Esmon, Thomas 67

Evers, Bamet 40

Eyclishymer, Nicholas 85

Fairs 6

Fairbaim, James 87

Fake, John S 36, 41

F'aalkenburgh, Jaac 6

Fancher, M. L 37

Fanning, M. P 131

Faxon, Jacob A 83

Reuben 83

Feathers, Adam 140

Feller, Philip 135, 138

Fellows, Capt 18

Nicholas 185

PACB

Fanshaw, William 8, 9

Ferguson, John 103

rj 54

Ferry, Charles. .' .' Ill

Files, David 104

Filkin, Cornelius 93

Isaac 103

John 102,103,104

JohnC 36

Filley, Edward 40

Marcus L 86

Finch, Caleb 141

Cyreneus 140

Henry 45

Lewis 140

Joseph 123

Fisher, Christian 91

Flint, Eleazer 108

Fodder,J.J 70,71

Follett, Andrew 93

Charles 39

John 33, 34, 39

Fonda, David 100

Dow 136

Eldred 130

Jacob D 66

Matthew V. A 54

Peter 101

Forbes, John 117, 129

Pauls S6

Ford, G.G 85

Jonathan 136

Nathaniel 62

Foreest, Philip 5

Fort, Cralo 43

Orange 42, 43, 65, 71

Abel Ill

Abm 60, 77

Abm. 1 82

Daniel 60

Gerrit 86

Isaac 60

Jacob 60

Jacob A 25, 37

Foster, Ellis 136

Fowler, Samuel S 137

Fox, Albert R 137, 138, 139

Isaac B 137, 1S9

i"^'-

S.H. 137

Francisco, Abner 39

John 91

Frats, Casper 16, 18, 19, 103

Frazee, Henry 54, 55

Frear, Abm 18, 135

John 19

Peter 19

French, Andrew 55

Benjamin S3

George W 67

Gershom 34

French and Indian W^ars

43, 47, 60, 61, 71, 77, 78, 97, 98

Fret, Melgert 101

Frink, Luke 81

Freiot, John 93

Joseph 93

Frisby, Col 38

Frost, Thomas 72

Theodore J 73

Frothingham, Thomas isg

Fuller, Jonathan 85

Fulmar., N log

Funda, Aldah 33

Eldart ' 33

lohn • • 53, 54

John D 33

Jonathan g

Nicholas [[" g

Furbeck, P " " ' gg

Gage, George ][[[ gj

Jeremiah '.'/.'.'.'. 74

Gale, Benjamin jg

Joseph S .'.".'.'.'...■.'.".■." 123, 131

^amuel 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 123, 131

Jr., Samuel 24,36,27

INDEX.

149

Gallup, Joel

Galpin, Jehiel

Gardineer, Andries .

Claes

Henry H
Gardner, Asa

Beniamin.

Caleb

George

Howell...

J. H

Job

Joshua . . .

Philip

5
5
17
25
129
129
98
64
105, 109
129
129
135

Garfield, James A, 93, 105

Garno, Matthew U 62

Garnryck, Zachariah 39

Garrison, Thomas 45

Gaston, John 88

Gates, Isaac 130

Gault. L. R 109

Gay, Willard 86

Geer, A. C 86

Erastus 93. 94

J. M 125

Genet, Edmund C 25, 49

Henry J CO

Gerhard, John 103

Geritse, Barent 5, 44, 59

German, Smith 25

Gettv, Addison 86

Gibbs, George 93

Gilbert, A.N 109

Job 135

Gillespie, George S 40

Gillgers, James 73

Glass House 141

Gleason, David 24

Goes, Henry 124

Peter D 82

Goewy, G. Y 102

JohnP 102

Peter 33

Gooding, David, Mrs 81

Seymour C 81

Goodman, Titus 44

Goodrich, Ashley 63

A. J 46

Henr>- 125

J. B. 104

Samuel 24

Silas 24

Simeon G 131

Goodspeed. Anthony 19, 21

Goslin, William 135

Goss, Ephraim 40

Gordon, Joseph 85

Thomas t6

Gorham, Shubael ^' 39, 41

Stephen 7,36

Gould,H.A 119

Pliny 125

Grafton Center • - • ■ ■ ,^, Jlj

Grafton, Town of 9, 17, 25, 98, 108, 111, 112

Graham, W 66

Grant, Daniel H lol

Gurdon j7

Grant's Hollow 68

Gray, Asel gl

Archibald 24

olniel ''•"9-}^

, D^vid 100

Graves,Amos «

Timothy 'iSs

Green, Benjamin 1*2

George W 54

Jonathan 1|0

Leonard ,°J

Samuel Jl?

WillardD , ,10=

Greenbush 11,42,43,44,45,46

Greenbush, Town of li-;^,- ,™ <nt

8, 9, 17, 25, 42, 44, 50, 63, 54, 72, 102, 1C8, 135

Greene, Charles ^^' ^S?

Felix ,24

HenryG "8

Greene, John 99 jgo

Joseph 117

_ HH?„-- 98.130

Greeman, William ii9

Gregory, A. V, P '.. 139

Charles H x.39

Daniel M ' 137

David E 136

Elias 135

{■■^ -v 24

Joseph 139

Solomon 138

Stephen 135, 136, 137, 139, 141

r- u t'-^^C-, 24,137,139

Grewsbeck, Nicholas 6

Griffin, Andrew 124

Griffith, Edwin H 74

Samuel 124

Griggs, Joshua 04

Grinneil, Richard 16

Griswold, Chester 125

George 27

John A 29,123

Groesbeck, Jacob 63

Johannis 60

John W 63

Nicholas 63, 82

Walter N 62, 63, 65

Walter W 92

William 63

Gross, Heinrich 103

Grole, Peter 74

Gunther, John 103

Gysbertsen, C. G 48

Hagadorn, Derrick 6

Haight, Jacob 81

H. B 99

R. S 29

Hakes, George 115

Jabez 115

Nathaniel 112

Hale, Amos Ul

Moses 24

Hall, Jeduthan 92

Rowland 7

Talmage 17

Hallenbeck, Daniel 77

Garrett 81

Henry 48

Jacob 62

James 45

John 81

Halligan, 1 40

Halstead, James L 93

Jonas 93

Reuben 92

Samuel 33

Ham, Caper 72

Hamilton, Ilosea 72

Hammil, J 27

Hammond, Barton 25

Samuel 139

Hand, William 133

Hanks, Benjamin 7, 98

Hansen, Dirck 48

John 60

Hanscom, A.H 93

Harbeck, John 8

Harder, Andrew 74

Dennis 124

F.P 74

Harris, Daniel 19

James 131

Nicholas 24

Nicholas B 24

Harrowgate Spring 49

Hart, Edward 67

Jr., Philip 25, 27

Richard P 27

Hart's Falls 64.66,67

Hanshom, E. A 67

Hartwell, Peter ^

Thomas 24, 87

Haskell, R.C.... «

Haskins, Enoch 88, ^

Joseph *•

150

HTDEX.

Hastings, Frederick H 7

Seth 125

Haswell, Robert 83

Hathaway, Bailey G 36

Havens, Asa 63

Rensselaer Ia6

Haviland, John 83

Hawks, Benjamin 87

Hawley, Lemuel 23, 103

Samuel 25

Hayes, James 99

J. H 81

Hayner, Conrad 103

David 115

Jonathan 85

John 10,31,108

JohnP Ill

John P. 1 115

Levi 105

Martin M 104

William 93

Haynerville 106

Haynes, Edward &3

JohnH 124

Hayward, Charles 66

Head, James 50

Heimstreet, Jacob 40

Steohen 36

Hemmingway, Erastus 125

Ezra 124

Henderson, James 54, 108

Thomas 92

Hendricksen, Tyraon 43

Henry, Alexander 45

David 17, 38

John V 8

William B 125

Herrington, Hiram 86

Norman 86

Philip 83

Willard 86

Hesseling, Dirk 12

Hewitt, Andrew 119

Sanford 90

Sterry 98

Zeba 25, 112

Hiat, Thomas 33

Hicks, Benjamin 7, 8, 18

Thomas 62, 122

Hickok, Ezra 36

James 3n. 37, 41

William 17,22

Higgins, John 37,40

Samuel 34

Hillhouse, Thomas 23

Hinman, Aaron B 8, 38, 40

Hiscock, Gardner 99

William 98

Hitchcock. Charles 36

Ezra 33

Jared 24

Lyman 33

Samuel 48

Hoag, Asa 92

Jonathan 72,123

William las

Hoag's Corners 126

Hodges, Ezekiel 81

Hoes, Barney 50

Hoewey, Peter 101

Hogeboom, James 74

James 1 24,74

Hogg, Barent 98

Edward 53

Frans 101

Hogle, Francis 34, 62

Hoyle, Henry 25

Peter 33

HoUiday, John 48

Matthew 48

Holmes, Abraham 122

Holsapple, William 50

Holt, Moses 33

Homocker,''A 108

Hooghtelinpr, Conrad 6

Hoogland, Jeremiah 33

PAGE

Hoosick 77,78,88,128

District 7,62,79

Falls 85,86

Patent 76,80,91

Town 8,8,23,37,76,81

Horsely, Benjamin 87

Houghtaling. John D 55

House, John 85

Honsinger, Jacob 105

Hovey, Abel 24

Howard. Edward 129

Godfrey 112

John 81, 115

Jonathan 129

Nathan 133

Hoyt,F 40

Jacob 24

Huested, Titus 122,123

Hull, Benjamin L 117

Daniel 116,117,119,129

Daniel J 117

Egbert B 119

Harry 119

Hezekiah 7, 34, 130, 131

Nelson 117

Oliver 130

Vamum 119

Humphrey, Evans 91

Josiah C 132

Hun, Abraham 8

Hunt, Alsop 19

Hunt,Alvah 130

Jonathan 16, 19

Micajah 92

Stephen 91

Stephen S 36

Hunter, Andrew 132

Huntingdon, Ezekiel 129

Joseph 132

Hurd.E.F 92

Hustis, David 98

Husyele, Peter 6

Hutton. Christopher 18, 19, 21, 22

John 18,119

Timothy 18, 119

Huyck, Andries 5, 71

Hyde, David 131

Samuel S, 93

William 71

Hydorn, Anthony 93

Henry 112

John 112

Peter S 115

Ingham, Stephen 24

Ingraham, Francis 94

Irish, Ichabod 98

Irwin, James 120

Ives.B 108

Chauncey 40

Lazarus 108

Ives' Corners HO

Jackson, Stephen 91

Jacobs, Nathaniel 7, 8, 22, 33, 40

Jacobsen, Frans 43

Jacoby , William 124

Jadwin. Jesse 68

James, Randall 85

Jansen, Jacobus 43

Volckert 70 71

Janes, Elijah 22, 36, 37, 41

Jeffers, James G 94

Jenkins, C 92

Elisha 136

Frederick isg

Johnson, A. H 95

Hen'T- 83

Isaac G 88

Josiah V ' 73

John . 62.77, 81

Noble S 22

Orlando G 95

Roelef 73

William '. 95

Johnsonville 95

Jones, Ebenezer '.,' 22

James 117,189

INDEX.

151

Jones, Joseph
Li '

,aban . . .
Matthew .
Roffer —

R.I)

R.J.

98
131
130
117

PAGE

45
105
34
48
41

William 119, 130

Joris, Adriaen 42

Joslin, C. J 95

J.J 6T

Judson, David 35

Juriaensen, Jan 43

Kane, James 13ti

Nicholas T 140,141

Keach, Abraham 81,83

Keeling, Adam 18. 19. 21, 3-2

Kelsey, Elijah 72

Kemp, Robert D 45

Kendall, Ephraim B 132

Kennedy, Lemuel 40

Kerr,John 140

William 81

Ketchum, Samuel 62

Ketel, Nicholas 71

Ketelhuyn, Daniel .')9, CO

Simun Danielse 60

Ketlyne, William 6

Kidder & Aken 140

Kidder, Jeptha P 141

Kidder & McCready 141 i

Kidder & North 141 I

Kilmer, William 108

King, Daniel 37

Eliphalet 3.5

Nehemiah 24

Peter 123

Peter B 40

Samuel 38

William 139

Kingsley, Jacob 24

Kincade, Robert 18

Kinlock, William 105

Kinney, Alonzo N 45

John 16 1

Kinnion, John 63 I

Kipp,Ignis 33,02 '

Kirtland, Albert B 50, 51 |

Benjamin B 45 ;

WilliamH SO i

Kisselburgh, William E 29

Kittle, Peter 60

William 63, 129, 131. 133

Kline, Joseph 8

Klockner, George 103

Knapp, Samuel 123

Knauff, JohnG 103

Knickerbacker, Abraham 65

H 35,26,67

Harme 6?

Hermanus 64, 6o

Johannes 14, 59, CO, 61, 64, 65, 66

Johannes, Von B 65

John 27,37,62,04.85

Jr., John t

JohnH 65

J.F 36

Joseph Foster 65

Knight, Thomas 33

Knowlson, Andrew B 141

RichardJ 157,138

Thomas Ml

Kreiger, Juria 98

Kronckhyte, Abraham 'iS

Kuntz, Abraham 1^

Ladue, John 'IJ

Lake, Hendrick 77

LaJnb, Claudius „*;

JosephE IM

J9shua ««

Simeon .,_ »?

William J 3< , 41

Lamphire, Clark B }19

JohnL 115

Lampman, Jacob '*;

Lane, Aaron „ oi ok

Derick 17, 23, 25

,38

as
a5

Lane, Frederick G

George T

Gerry

Lansing, Abraham

Abraham C

Abraham Jacob 15. 3:3, :j3, 34, 35, ;

Charles J

Cornelius .17,18,19,33,35,!

Evert

Francis

Franciscus

Gerardus

Gerrit

Hendrick 33, 130

Isaac 33, 62

Isaac H 33, 81

Jacob 6, 14

Jacob A 7. 33, 34, 63

Jacob C 25,35

John 35,43

John E 48, 72

John H 104

Levinus 7, 8, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39

Sanders 8

Lansingbureh 7, 8, 12, 14, 15. IB, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25,

31.32.33,35,36,37,38,63
Town of . .9. 17. 25, 31. 34, 37, 30, 98, 103

Lantman, Hans 98

Lape, Nicholas 39

Thomas 67

Latham, Joel 131

Samuel 81. 130

Laurense, Jan 71

Laytoun, David 34

Leavens, J. P 68

Leibhite, J 108

Leggitt, Thomas 50

Legrange, Johns 6

Ome 6

Leonard. Edmund 82

F. B 36

Timothy 41.91

Leverse, Levinus 34, 102

Lewis.Abel 129,130

Abraham 98

Augustus 98, 129

Benjamin 83

John 115

Nathan 115

Phineas 9S

William 73

Lindsey, Hugh 133

John 77

Link, Andrew 108

P 108

Litcher, Henry 98

Littlefield. Daniel Ill

Livingston, JamesH 87

Lockrow, Anthony 93

Lockwood, Joshua 135

Lcdwick, Peter 71

Lohnis, Sebastian — 103

Long, David 91

Loose, Petrus 103

Lord, Bernard H 123

Henry 136

Lotteridge, Robert A 29

Loudon, John o ?^' n^

Lovett, John "'39.91

Lowell,I.J 109

Lyon, Benjamin •4

Luce, David 108

Ludlow, Samuel B _ 1:^., 12o

Lyman,Eretus 136, 13(, 141

Lynd, Archilaus 1^

Lyon, John °-

Mabbitt, Joseph S ^ ^o

Macdonough, Com. T ai,*

MacGregor, Robert i^

Macks, Jeremiah '■f'

Maessen, Hendrick ■«

Mago, Lewis ""

Main, Oliver

Maine, James

Lyman

Mains, John

115

100

152

OyVcv-yJuL^^^-^ , 'Z^<»ii.i

INDEX.

FAGE

27 i
8
82,85

122

7
140

Mallory, Henry

Mallory, J

Mann, Nathaniel .

Mapleton

Marble, John B. . ,

March, John

Marks, James

Martin, Ebcnezer . .

Jacob

Jonah ....
William M

Marvin, Ebenezer 33

Stephen 33,34

Masten's Corners ... 75

Mason, Benjamin 123

Charles 72, 123

John 54 i

Masters, Bethuel 66

James 63

James S 63

josiah 7,18,25

Thomas 45

Mather, Bethel 25

Samuel 136

Thomas 136

Matison, A 119

John 83

Timothy 129

Matson, Israel 73

Matteson, Job W 99

Maxon, Asa 98, 99

David 18

Ethan 112

Joshua B 132

Paul 24

Potter 115

Stephen 98, 130

May, Theodore 24

McCasg, John 122

McCann. John 140

McCarthy, HuRh 33

McChesney, John 20, 103

Joseph 105

Orrin 105

Samuel 1 25

Walter 103, 104

McClellan. Hugh 19

John 44

Robert 10, 18,19

Samuel 123

McClung, James 24

McConihe, Jr., Isaac 29,30

McConihe & Co^ 1 141

McCoun, John T 28

Tovpnsend 22, 2.^, 27

McCoy, Mayekie .33, 92

McCullough, Hathom .",0

William A 50

McDonald, R 36

McFeelev, Cornelius 133

McGee, Patrick 133

McGill, William 33

McGowan, Patrick 66

McKee, Thomas 45

McKown, James *', 22, 72

McLaren, John ' 142

McLean, Alexander 33

Allen '. 38

McM anus, John 102

McMullen, Duncan ... .". )03

McMurray, James 33

John G 36,40

William 36, 37, 40

McNaughton, James 44

McQuide, James ... 37, 40

Meal, Charles 3,3

Melius, George 124

Melrose ]'.'.'. gg

Mercer, Henry A 36 37

Merchant, Abel 74

Merriman, Reuben 103, 104

Merritt, Daniel 18, 19 22

Jacob 85

M 19

Merwin, Eugene 141

John W 141

Mesick, Thomas

Mickel, Charles

Michael, Andries . . .

Mitchell, Ezekiel . . .

George B.

Miles & Co., T.

PAGE

103

129

126

Milks, Banjamin 7, 91

Milleas, George 72

Millen, David 24

Jr., William 81

Miller, Aaron J 24

Andres 112, 135, 138

.A.nthony 93

Franklin 66

George 126

Henry 125, 138

Jacob 1 45

John 141

John J 44

John M 141

Leonard 34

Pliny 123

Silas 67

Solomon V. R 67

Miller's Corners 126

Milliman, John 81

Thomas 84

Mills, David Ill

John Ill

William 39

Millville 105

Ministers. Sec Churches.

Moeller, Henry 138

Moffitt. Hosea 7, 22, 25, 130, 132

Mohawrks 11,42,43,58

Mohegans 11,42,43,69,101

Moody. Dexter 105, 109

Marvin 109

Matthew 109

Moon, Bennoni 130

Daniel 99

Monroe, John Ill

Montgomery, Robert 7, 8

Morgan, Ephraim ... 7, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,

23. 26, 27, 37

Morrell, John 62

Morris, Frederick 77. 90

Mosely, Jonathan 81

Moses, Salmon 84

Mosher, Isaac 84

Tames 94

Steohen 93

Wilson 98

Mott, R 140

William 140

Moul, Elbert W 142

Henry 135, 140

Muitzeskill 73, 75

Mullen, Cornelius S 43

Isaac 71

MuUer, Hans lOl

S 108

Stephen 48

Munsell Jr., Hezekiah §4

Murry, Daniel 40

Myers, Andrevir 102

Frederick 103

Henry 105

Lodowick 105

Nassau 125

Nassau, Tovirn of 9, 25, 72, 98, 121, 122, 123

Nassau Gazette 135

New Bethlehem 73

New City. 14, 16, 32, 83, 35

Newcomb, Simon 24 25 93

Newton, Abner ' ' 7

Ezra 136

Nichols, George gl

John 98

Jonathan 119

William 33, 34

Nicholls, Francis 14

William gg

Nightart, E log

Niles, Jonathan 7, 18, 129, ISO

Nathaniel 117, 139

rNDEX.

153

»T ^ PAGE

Norton, D 92

Oak Hill 109 140

Oaks, Nathaniel ' 33

Odell, James 7

Jonas 98

Simon 9q

O'Donnell, Thomas 29

Olds, C.J 67

Olmstead, Gideon 130

Oothout, Abraham 23

Adson 6

Jan 43, 77

Jno 6

Osborne, John 90

Thomas 81.83

William A 95

Ostrander, Aaron 8.7'^

Abrm 4g

Adam 103

Edward ai, (56

Jacob 140

Ott, Francis 48

Ouderkirk, Abm 0, .34

Abm. J 33. 34

Johns 5

Overrocker, Charles T S9

Owen, Abel Ill

Paddock, Stephen 83

Paige, George W 34

Paine, John 27

Palmer, Fenner 25. 63, 123

lohn 83

Thomas 130

William 81,86

Pardee, Calvin 126

Parker, William S 23

Parmelee, Charles C 36

Elias 37, 38,41

Jabez F 30

Parsons, Francis 109

H 86

H.C 103

J. R 8B

Seth 83. 84, 83, 86

Patchen, Aaron D 24, 83

Patten, James ^ 48

Patterson, Henry 83, 84. 86

Joseph L 93

Pawling, Albert 7, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, 33, 39

Pease. John 18,21

Levi 129

Pearson, George 136

Peck, Arthur M 141

Eleazer 133

Grant lOS

Joel B 141

John 108

William 108

Peckham, Nathan 92

Peebles, Hugh 2:3, 25, 27

Peel, John T 95

Pendergast, Jedediah 24

William 91

Penniman, Sylvanus J 41

Percy, James '■ 85

Joseph 85

Perry, Aaron ,„ _, 39

Petersburgh, Town of 8, 9. 17, 25, 38, 72,

97, 98, 100, 102, 112, 118, 123, 1.30

Petersburgh Junction 88

Philips, David ^' '™

Isaac "*

John iii.n?

Joseph 124

Michael „„ JOj

Thomas 98,111

Timothy 73,133

Stephen 1*4

Philipstown, Town of „„■ •.;A-;,y ,«„ ,«„

8,9,35,37,81,89,90,91,123,130

Pickett. Charles A ■ 67

Ed. P 36, 37, 38

Pierce, Ephraim lo^oi

Jeremiah "' ™

William g

Pittstown Comers "

Pittstown Patent 89

Town of 8, 9, 25, 37. 81, 89, 90, 91

Plank, Jacob A 70

Plattstown 106

Piatt, Ananias 7. 8, 17, ,35, 36

Henry '. . . . 25, 130

Jonathan 19

Poestenkill j09

Poestenkill, Town of 107 108

103

108

131

Polak, Bernhard
Pollock, Barent . .
Henry .

Pool, John

Zeriah

Population —

Berlin 120

Brunswick 106

East Greenbush 51

Grafton 115

Greenbush 46

Hoosick 88

Lansingburgh 41

Nassau 126

North Greenbush 56

Petersburgh 100

Pittstown 96

Poestenkill 110

Sandlake 142

Schaghticoke 68

Schodack 75

Stenhentown 134

Troy 30

Porter. Chauncey 134

Post, Samuel 34

Henry 122

Potter Hill 88

Potter, Stephen 98

Powell, Thomas 130

Powers, Robert 19, 20

A. E 38,41

Nathaniel 41

William 40

Pratt, Rufus 125

W. C 24

Primmer. Joseph 122

Prosser, Ichabod 98, 99

Provoost, Johannes 70

Pryn, Francs 6

Pruyn, Francis S 82

Pundall, Samuel 112

Qiiackenbush. Harman 6fi

Harrison 63

JohnS 82

Quackenboss. Jacob 101

i^uacumbus, Adrian 60

yuackenkill 115

Quimbj', Ephraim 1-35

Duinn, John -37

Quintin , John 66

Radcliff, David V. R 137

Railroads-
Albany & West Stockbridge 74

Bennington & Rutland 133

Boston & Albany. 74

Boston, Hoosac Tun'l & Western

Castleton & West Stockbridge ... 74

Harlem E.ttension 133

Hudson River 28, 74

Hudson & Boston 74

Lebanon Springs 133

New York Central

New York & Harlem . . .
Rensselaer & Saratoga. .
Rutland & Washington.

Schenectady & Troy

Troy & Boston

Randall, Benjamin

Beniamin B

David 34,98

Elijahs 99

J. B 108

Joshua 34, 98, 99

Matthew 98,130

Thomas 98

Ransom, Isaac 36

Lewis -ii

74
133
27
28
•»
28
7.98
108

154

INDEX.

PAGE
40

23 !
87 I

log

Rawson, Keating

Raymertown

Raymond, Joshua

Read, Barney

Durfee

Stephen

Reed, Charles 33

Egbert 73

Joel 73

Leonard M

Reeve, John 119, 120

Reichard, Coonrad 108

Reid, Hugh 93

J. 27

James 37,-41, 112

John 112

Rensselaer 136, 137, 141

Rensselaer Medical Society 23, 34

Rensselaer County —

Agricultural Society 25, 26

Bible Society 25

Bounds of 7, 17, 44, 69, 70

Buildings 18, 19, 26, 27

Courts 7,8

Rensselaerwyck, District of 7, 61

Manor of ... .3, 4, 5, 10, 13, 13, 35,
42, 43, 44, 70, 77, 89, 107, 117, 122, 129

Town of 36, 63, 122, 130

Renwick, John 86

Reur, Hendrick 12

Reynolds 66, 68

Ehjah 99

Gideon 123

William 129

WilliamM 98

Rhodes, C 125

Jonathan H 119

Rice, James H 39

Richmond, Edward 83

William 136

Ritche, Francis E 54

Rix, Rufus Ill

Roberts, Abner 102, 103

Abraham 103

Edward L 105

William 87

Robinson, Ebenezer 99, 119

John 21

Rockefeller, Fred. R 50

Rock Hollow 106

Rogers, Benjamin 66

B.F 119

Daniel 81,85

Harper 81

Isaac 16

Joseph 108, 119, 129, 130

Joseph D 115

L. C 119

William 32,35

Roolifse, Albert 6

Root, Solomon Ill

William 122

Winthrop 132

Rose, Josiah 33, 34

Nathaniel 129

William 129

Wyat 130

Rosebrooks, J. M 86

Ross, Alexander 92

Merick 45

Stephen 25, 27, 39

Rourk, Thomas 37

Rouse, Jonathan 92

Rousseau, Alexander 24

Rowan, John 91

Jr., John 91

Rowe, Benjamin 24

Rowland, Jonathan 62

William 93

William H 94

Rusca, Nathaniel 63, 66

Rush, Anthony 137

Russell, Abel 98

Andrew 86

John 94,181

Zachariah 63

Rutherford, John

Ruyter,John

Ryan, John "^'22

Michael of

Rykert, Michael 135

Ryckman, Albert 48

Rysdorp, Leonard gS

Lawrence ^

Rysedorph, Leonard L 51

Philip 50

Sackett, Benjamin 129, 130

Sandlake !«

Town of 9, 25, 44, 53, 118

Salsberg, Hans 72

Salisbury, Amos »5

Jacobus *8

Jonathan 48

Samburns, Athniel 63

Sampson, J 27

Sanford, William 129

Safer, Jr., J 108

Satterlee, William 119

Saunders, John 136

Lodowick 119

Robert 12, 31, 32

Sawyer, Isaac 89

Schaghticoke 7, 57, 58, 59, 62, 67, 78, 90

District 61,62,79,129

Hill 67

Point 64,66,67

Town of

8, 9, 25, 37, 38, 39, 57, 63, 66, 81, 91

Scharp, Robert 48

Schaue, Jeremiali 48

Scharpe, Bernard U 138

George J 53

John G 54

Schermerhorn, Cornelius 72, 138, 141

Cornelius 1 25

Daniel 73

Engelie 71

Jacob 5, 71, 73

Jr., Jacob 5

Jacob C 18,71,73

Jacob E 19

Jacob J 72

John 48, 73

JohnC 7

John 1 74

John W 7,112,126,129,132

Reyer 71,73

Schmidt, Jacob 103

Schneyder, Hendrick 77

Scheyder Patent 77

Schodack 70, 71

Center 75

Depot 74

Landing 73, 74, 117

Town of 8, 9, 2S, 69, 72, 118, 123, 115

Schoonmaker, Edwin 112

Schouten, John 62

Schuyler, David Abm 89, 90

John 89, 90

Myndert 90

Nicholas 7, 23, 24

Patent 90

Peter 6

Philip 12, 13,14

Philip Pieterse 12

Stephen 1 14, 22, 34

Stephen V. R 25

Schuylcrville 78, 79

Scoby, Samuel 24, 25

Scott, Barnabas 34

George 40

Hugh 112

J. L 119

Lewis 11

William 33

Scott's Comers 74

Scram, William H 141

Scriven, Caleb 115

Jonathan M 112

Joseph 112

William Ill, 112

Zebulon 99, 112

INDEX.

155

Searles, William 66

Seaman, Peter gg

William 108

Sebring, Cornelius ..', 33, 82

Selden, Charles 22, 3(il 38

Seymour, Albertus IO3

Daniel 40

Horace 33

Samuel D 143

Shaus, Henry 72

Shaw, Samuel 34, 117, 130

Sheldon, William J ng

Shepard, Hazael 91

Israel gi

William 91

Sibley, Benjamin 140

Timothy I33

Sickels, James 130

Thomas 24, 81, 87, 130

Zachariah W 81, 130

Sill, Jonathan P 24

Silvester, Krancis 8

Sim, Robert 87

Simmons, Daniel 102

Tames D 108

Marcus 118

Peter 117

Thomas B 50, 74

Simonse, Johannis 6

Singer, Isaac M 95

Sipperly, John J 67

Joshua H 135

Martin 92

Shaffer, John F 112

Shaver, David 124

Frederick 135

John H 103

John P 138

Shedd, Israel 83

Sheffer, Henry 78

Sherman, Darius 78

Piatt 94

William H 124

Sherwood, Lemuel 81

Shiner, Randal 129

Skiffington, John 83, 34

Slason, Whiting B. . . . 93

Slaves 5,6,9,107,108

SUter, Calvin 108,137

JohnJ 50

Sliter*s Corners 141

Slingerlant, Albert 6

Slocum, Chauncey B 67

Smart, A. J 141

Smeeds, Elihu 91

Smith, Andrew A 140

Benjamin 20

David 39

Daniel 37

Ebenezer 138

Edwin 66

Elijah 114

Francis 24

Hulbert 24

James 8

James B 40

Jesse 98

Joel D 74

John 128

Martin 24

Michael T 124

Nicholas 124

Nicholas T 124

Patrick 33

Samuel 82

Simeon 112

Solomon Ill

Thomas 112

Wilhelmus 101

William 103,119

Snyder, Benjamin 33

Christopher 93

David 94

Harmon 5^

Henry 81

Jacob N 92

PACE

62
115
103
67
81
118
142

Snyder, John

Jonas

Laurenlius

Matthias

Nicholas

William

William H

Societies —

Odd Fellows' Lodges 41, 46, 87, 95

Masonic Lodges. .41, 46, 67. 74, 75, 87, 100, 125

Temperance Lodges 41, 46, 87

South Berlin .' 117. 120

South Pctersburgh 100

South Sandlake 142

South Schodack 75

South Stephentown 133

Southworth, William 124

Spofford, William 40

Spalding, Edward 84

Speigletown 3i)

Spencer, Allen 88

Joseph 7. 130

Oliver 98

Randall 98.130

Jr., Richard 137

Spoor, Johannes 48

Spring, Christian 48

Nathaniel 130

Springer, George 99

Martin 85

Springsteen, Casper 71

Sprong, Cornelius 78

Staats, Abraham 4

Barent 6

Gerrit 78

Joachim 72

Nicholas i'. 18. 78

Stadler, Francis 137

Joseph 137

Stages 17, 27. 35. 36

Stall, Enoch 87

Stanton, Henry 1-31

William 92

Stack, Godfrey 81

Starks, Israel Sfi

J. C 105, 109

R. E 67

Stearns, John 1-36

John E 74

J. W 93. 99

Steele, William H 67

Stephens, Abm 33

Ebenezer 99

John 139

Sylvanus 98

William 142

Stephentown 133

Center 133

District 189

Flats 133

Town of 8. 9, 85, 44,

78, 81, 91, 98, 118, 123, 187, 129, 130

Steward. Elislia 1.30

Stewart, John 39, 41

JohnM 24

Samuel 23

Warren 115

Stillman, Asa 99

Stillman Village 100

Stitt, James 92

Stone, Ira 115

Stone Arabia 12, 31, 32, 33, 34. .35

Stoney, William A 84

Storm, John 39

Story, John 63

Stover, Jacob 67

Stratton, Ebenezer 84

Straub, Johannis 103

Streator, M.J 109

Street, Benjamin 94

Strevell, George 119

Strong, John 124

Stronck, H 108

Strutton, Nathan 40

Stuyvesant, Gerardus 77

Summerhill, J 119

156

INDEX.

Surdara. Anthony N.

Samuel

Sunderland, Peleff . . .
Sweet. Amos

Benjamin G. .

David

Elnatiian

Rufus

Samuel

Simeon

Thaddeus....

Thomas

Sweet's Corners .
riwitz, Abm. J.

PAGE

128

117

131

129

131

129

IIT

117

Tabc.r, Gershbm .'.!'.'.'..'..'.'..!'.... 123, 124

Tafts, Jonar.han G 126

N'athan 92

Otis 92

Tanner, Abel 131

Nathan 129

Taylor, Edward E 74

Jacob 142

James H 133

J"ohn lOO

Mahlon 16,17,18.19

Solomon 135

Thomas 93,99

William 77

Ten Brock, Henry 87

Ten Broeck, Abm 14

Ten Brook, Dirck 8

Ten Ej'ck, Abm 8, 16, 18, 19, 23, 34, 136

Andries 78

Anthony 7.8

Barnt 33

Jacob A 74

Peter G 73

Thayer, Adin 86

Reuben 81

Theunessen, Sweer 11, 12, 13

Thomas, Burton 142

David 38

Jeffrey W 24

Peleg 53, 117

Thompson, Calvin 136, 139

Israel 7, 8, 91

James 33, 30

Milo 37

Solomon \\" 93

Thomas 123,133.137,140

Thorn, Stephen 62

Thurber. Abner 24

Benjamin 13, 10, 101

Orlando D 99

Tibbals, Jr., Samuel 45

Tibbit, John 33

Tibbits, Benjamin 32

Elisha 27

George 23,23,27,66

George M 84

Tiffany, Silvester 41

Tillman, Christopher 33, 34, 30, 39

John 33

Tinsler, Solomon 93

Todd, Adam 48

Titus 93

Toll, Carroll 60

Charles H 62

Tomassen, Jan 70,71

Tomes, Timothy 82

Tomhannock 95

Tomhannock Patent 90

Tompkins, Staats D 141

Toneray, Daniel 33, 34

Topping, John 37

Townsend, Martin 1 30

Tracy, Cornelius L 36

Edward & Co 40

Gardiner 37, 41

Sanford A .34

Traver, Henry S 138

Travers, Gilbert J 103

Tremer, David 73

Tripp, Job 180

John 24

Troy...l],]0, 17. 18,19,20,21,22,23,20,27.28,36,29,37

Troy, Town of 8. 9, 10, 17, 21 , 25, 37, 38, 72, 102, 113

Troy & Schenectady Turnpike Company 23

Troy Young Men's Association 28

Tucker, Alexander H 124

Tunise, Eghbt 59

Turner, Isaac 85, 130

John 123

Thomas 25

Twogood, John E 92

Uline, Bemhard 138, 142

George 140

William 142

Upham, Nathan 138

William 141

Vail, G 26, 27

H 26

Moses 7

Valkenburgh, Hendrick 5

Jacob 5

Johannis 5

Valley Falls 95

Van Alen, Evert 137

James 126

Jan L 71

John E 7, 17, 22, 100

J. Pruyn 53

William 6

Van Alstyne, Abraham 14

Cornelius 6

Isaac 5

Jan 6

Jacob 7

Laurence 136

Martin 6

Jr., Marte 6

Matthew 55

Remier 53

Wilhelm 103

Wynant 135

Van Antwerp. Lewis 60

Simon 32

Van Arnum, Abner 16

Hendrick ..33, 34, 101

Isaac 33, 34

Van Buren, Benjamin 72

Cornelius 48, 53. 59, 72

Hendrick M 43

Henry 60, 71

Henry P 72

Hermanus 103

Jan 14,60,71

John 81

Martin 5,73

Mans 73

Peter M 48

Van Buskirk, John 77, 82

Joseph 82

Martin 82, 91

Richard ^

Van Cortland, Jacobus 76

Vandenberg, Benjamin 48 72

Barent '72

Cornelius 8, 33

Cornelius W 60

Gerrit 6, 14, 54

Richard 93

Wynant '. 60, 63

Wynant C 82

Van der Cook. Michael 91

Michaels 35

Simon 91, 93

Van der Heyden. David 13

Derrick 6

Pi'-'-'k 13,14,59

Jacob 7, 13, 14

Jacob D

IS, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,' 32, 33, 25

Jacob 1 5, 17, 18

John D 19

Matthias 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Mattys IS

Nanning 18

Van der Heyden's Ferry 13, 16, 35, 101

Vanderhoff, Hendrick 62

Van der Poel, Anthony 71

Isaac 48

INDEX.

157

PAGE

Van der Poel, Jacobus 71,72,73

Wynant G 12

Vanderse, Killian 6

Wouter 6

Van der Werken, Tenis 83

Vanderzee, Harmon 108

Vandeuse, Melgert 5

Rut 5

Van Deusen, Lawrence, .*. 112

Wilhelm 53

Van Dyck, Peter D 8

Van Hagen, Abner 72

Hansel .' 72

Jacobus 72

Van Hoosen, Ganet 85

Van Horn, Garrett 81

Van Home, Augustus 85

Van Hasen, John 141

Van Namee, Aaron 91

Moses 91

Van Ness, Cornelius 43, 77, 81

Gerrit 43

Hendrick 43, 76, 77

Jacobus 72, 81, 130

Jan 43

John 72, 81

Jr., John 72

Peter 14

Van Pelt, Sr., Alexander 40

Jr., Alexander 40

Daniel 103

Hiram 104

Van Rennselaer, David 81, 130

Francis 45

Hendrick 5,13,58

Henry K 130

Jan Baptist 11

Jeremias 12. 43. 45. 136

John 7, 8, 19, 33, 36, 44, 62

John J 44

Kiliaen. . . .4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 42, 70

K. K 136

Maria 13,76,77

Peter 30

Robert 14

Stephen

44. 50, 73, 77, 104, 112, 113, 130

William P 55, 112, 138

Van Schelluyne, Dirk 12

Van Schaick, Anthony 33, 35

Gerrit 5

Jacob 44

Sylvandt 60

Van Schoonhoven, Guert 8, 22

Jacobus 14

Van Tress, William 137, 139

VanTuyl, Abm 87

Van Valkenburgh, Hansie 71

Jacob 71,72,130

Jerominus 71

Johannis J 73

Lawrence 133

Sylvester 74

Van Varick, James 33

Vanvarter, Harmon 91

Van Vechten, Cornelius 5,43

Dirk 59,60,61,62

Harmon 7, 61

Jno 5

Solomon 5

TeunisD 43

Volcort 5

Walter 77, 82

Van Velsen, Sweer T 12

Van Vleck, Abner K 33

William 40

Van Voast. Isaac L 41

Van Voorhis, G 74

Van Wessels, Jan 32

Van Wie, Gerrit 5,33

Jan 5

Van Woert, Abm 92

John 91,92

Lewis 62,81

Van Woggelum, Peter 11,12,13,31,32

Van Wonner, John 130

P.^GE

Van Wyck, Isaac 17

Van Wyen, Hendrick 6

Vars, Benjamin 119

Vary, Ciark 182

Vedder, Korset 59, 60

Viall, D. H 68

rVickery, Caleb S 124

Vickory, "Joseph 72

Viele, Abraham 63

Lewis 60,77,82

Ludovicus 91

Peter 60,77,82

Sybrandt 63

Vining, Scott 139

Vischer, Johs. H 59

Voorheis, Martin 77

Vosburgh, Abm. P 12

John 141

John I 108

Petrus 98

Voss, Peter 128

Vrooman, Adam 77

Wager, Barnard J 102

Daniel 102

Jacob 17, 103

Jacob J 103

John 102,138

Leonard 39

Nicholas 17

Peter 112

William 105

Waite, Beniamin 81

RufusS 115

Wakefield, Edwin 105

Walbridge, E. W 36, 38

Waldo, John ISO

Waldron, Gerrit 63

Walfahert, Fred 136

Walker, Henry 81

James 45

John 33, 34

Luther 19

Wallace, David 85

Thomas 38

T. J 86

Wallis, Elijah 83

Wally,W. D 133

Walsh, John 39

Walloomsac 79, 80, 81, 88

Patent 77

Walworth, Benjamin 83

John 81

Reuben H 81

Wand, Robert 38

Wandelaer, John D 8,60

War, Revolutionary 13, 14, 34, 62, 79, 102

Secession 29, 30, 38

1812 37,49,50,81

Ward, Aaron 33, 34, 36

Fletcher 94

Henry 49

John 24

Thomas 40

Warner, Seth 128

Warren, Eliakim 33

Henry 93

Moses 25

Nathan 87

Stephen 37

Washburn, Ebenezer 99

Waterbury, David 122, 123

M.H 45

Sylvester 45

Watson, Elkanah 26, 35, 136

Ralph 33

Waugh, Thaddeus 24

Way, Allen 67

Weatherwax, Andres 135. 138

Andrew L 50

Barney 108

Henry 140

Laurentius 103

Martin 63

Peter 10s

Samuel 140

Weaver, Frederick 33. 34

158

INDEX.

Weaver, George S.
James . . . ,
Nicholas. .

Peter

Webb, Isaac

Webster, Mather . . .

Weed, Alsop

Weeks, Silas

Weem, James

Welch, Abm

John

Samuel D . . .

Seth P

Wellman, Jedediah .

Wells, Jr., Edward .

Elisha .

PAGE

184

105

iia

115

I. M 24,27

J. D 115

Wemp, Jan B 11, 12, 13

John 13

Myndert 13

Wendell, Abm 6,33

Barney 54

Chauncey I 54

David S 54

Guert 8

J 43

Johs 6

Johannis 31

Philip 6,53

Robert 32,a3, 34, 101

Wescott, Joseph 117

West, Benjamin 112

David 115

Elijah 139

Francis Ill

James 112

J. E 37

Nathan 112

Oliver 114

Thomas 112

Westfall, James 55

W. H 55

WestHoosick 88

Westinghouse, J 92

West Nassau 116

West Sandlake 142

West Stephentown 133

Wetser, Joseph 137

Wettek, John 77

Wheeler, Jacob 142

Whipple, John 102

John 36.37,38

R. P 13!)

White, Andrew 87

John 86

Whitford, Edv/ard 119

Joshua 117, 119, 129, 130

Whittaker, Ephraim 140

Whyland, Alonzo 108

John F 108

Whylie, Jacob 132

James 132

John 130

Weatherly, George W 131

Wickes, Silas 63

Wickwire, Jonathan 33, 40

Wight, Daniel 86,140

Wilcox, Joseph ^-n4r... r..iy^..-. : ^ 115

Wilder, Lyman 86,87,88

Wilds, Timothy B 115

Wilkeson, Benjamin 108

Wilkinson, J ohn 130

Willard, George L 30

Moses 24, 27

Williams. Charles 77,90

D. E 93

PAGE

Williams, Jacob 66

James 33

John 38.91

Jon athan 122

Nathan 21

Reuben 92

Stephen 84

Williamson, Gerrit 77

Hendrick 43

James 62,81

Willett, Elbert J 92

Willmet, John 44

Wilmot, Abijah r 133

Silas 139

Wilson, Alexander 83

Hugh . . 122

James 33, 34

John 19, 102

Solomon 81

Wing, David 83

Winne, Daniel ... 5

Serinus 101

Marte 60

Peter 60

Peter P 66

Winston, Abm 129

Witbeck, Casparus 48

C. W 37

Hans 72

Jan 5

Jouat 5, 72

Jonathan T 48

Jno 6

Luykas ... 5

Peter W 48

Tho 5

Thomas L 22

Tobias 48

William 54

Withy, Henry 139

Witt, John D 33

Wolcott, John 38

Wood, Jonathan 33

Walter A 86, 87

Wood, Walter A., M. & R. Machine Co 86, 87

Woods, James 54

John 54

Woodward. Benjamin 24

John M 99

Woodworth, John 19,21,22

Robert 7, 8, 18

Worden, Moses 130

Walter 129

Worthington, Aaron 99

John 112

Wright, James 93

Wyland, David H 54

Wynants, Henry L 139

Wynkoop, John D 33, 34

Yates, Christopher 48

Jacob 62, 63

Jacob P 92

John 44

John Waters 8

Jonathan 91

Peter go, 63

PeterW '33

Richard 72

Robert '.;".: .33, 35, 44

Young, George ig

Henry ; ig gg

John 34,sj

Joseph 33

Nicholas 60

Vounghans, Hendrick 185

Wynant 137, 138

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by J. M. Francis & Tucker, in the Office of the
Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

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Full text of "History of the seventeen towns of Rensselaer County, from the colonization of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck to the present time"

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