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CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
SCHENECTADY COUNTY
NEW YORK
ITS HISTORY TO THE CLOSE
OF THE
NINETEENTH CENTURY
HISTORIAN AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Hon. AUSTIN A. YATES
COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW
LATE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND COUNTY JUDGE OF SCHENECTADY COUNTY;
ATTORNEY TO THE STATE INSURANCE DEP ARTM EN'I' ; MEMBER OF
ASSEMBLY; MAJOR IN THE VOLUNTEER FORCES OF THE UNITED
STATES DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION AND
SPANISH AMERICAN-WAR.
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and. knowinj?, dare maintain,
Prevent the long-aimed blow.
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain;
These constitute a state.
PUBLISHED BY
THE NEW YORK HISTORY COMPANY
1902
INTRODUCTORY.
This story of Schenectady is very little more than a compilation
of the work of other archival authors. It conld not well be other-
wise. The annals of the historic old county have been wonderfully
preserved, comparatively easy of access, through the work of former
writers, who have exhibited remarkable industry, and in some in-
stances, the most thorough erudition. Giles F. Yates, writing mider
the non-de-plume of the "Antiquarian," in the Schenectady A'tyf^Y/o;-,
of which he was editor in the '30's, gathered some charmingly interest-
ing bits of history, tradition and romance. They are like pretty vistas
in the scenery of the by-gone, but, they were, as they were only intended
to be, material for the local columns of his paper in a city, that, in
those days, taxed ingenuity and often imagination, to find an^-thing
local to write about. This matter was incidentally connected with
the history of the bloody wars of Frontenac, and with the complica-
tions of New Netherland politics, which were about as bad as those
of Manhattan are now. The awful devastations of the French and
Indian wars, in the little frontier post, hamlet, village and city, are
well and sadl}' known. But all that was known was scattered and
fragmentary, made up of paragraphs and items in the school books
of elementary history, in which the city had always a fleeting prom-
inence, owing to its long, and to unpracticed tongues, its unpro-
nounceable names, a schoolboy terror in its orthography, a strain on
the music of speech with the blood-curdling picture of the "Burning
of Schenectady in 1690," over every mantel-piece; full of thrilling
story, as is almost every city street, country road, and acre of Old
Dorp, Niskayuna and Rotterdam, its people have seemed, until
the latter half of the last century, abundantly content with
leofend and tradition.
iv INTRODUCTORY.
We have no Diitcli Heroditus or Liv)', Thucj^dides or Pliny to
preserve for the coming generations, heroes, martyrs and statesmen
of one of the most historic locaHties of New York state. The edu-
cated immigrant, or the comparative stranger within our gates of
sufficient culture to thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the quaint folk
talk of the valley, the rapidly disappearing old gabled architecture,
and the grand record of the brave and resolute Dutchmen of Colo-
nial and revolutionary daj^s. He is invariably attracted by the abun-
dant material for history, romantic and thrilling, and of the abun-
dance of solid truth for strange fiction. The old Mohawkers were
content to hear and repeat the jumble of tradition and history, fact
and fancy, recitals of the actual occurrences that filtered through the
song and story of the generations, to whom it was a serious and
often an appalling reality. The oft-told tale was well enough known,
often enough repeated by the oldest inhabitant, present in a commu-
nity that rarely ever travelled, to satisfy all the historic needs of the
valley.
There were enough to lift their voices for the local audiences that
cared to listen to the story that began in the nursery. There seemed
to have been no local genius, interested, ambitious or industrious
enough to come down to business with the pen of a serious, pains-
taking and accurate historian. Yates did much to charm the para-
graph reader of the newspaper. The Hon. John Saunders, a de-
scendant of a grand old family, a graduate of Union, a most inter-
esting writer, has, in his "Early Settlers of Schenectady," indulged
himself and delighted his readers with patriarchal reveries of the
early days of the last century, authentic tradition, handed down to him
from the frontier Glens, that is of absorbing interest to a race of
Holland blood and language that is fast passing away. The Judoe
never pretended to be a historian, was only, in fact, a most delio-ht-
ful narrator of fireside story, and family lineage, and as such his
work is invaluable.
So it is to the comparatively new importation of industrious brain
that we owe the preservation of the history of this old county.
The more than twice told tale, somewhat tedious to the old resi-
dent, has the charm of novelty to the cultivated gentleman, who
INTRODUCTORY. v
enters afresh upon tlie valley as rich in reminiscence as it is rare in
the beauty of its scenery.
Pierson, the historic pioneer in the famil}' annals of Albany and
Schenectady, became deeply interested in the lives and work of the
now famous men who formed a town to fight heroically in its
defense, and to perish in its ashes or survive to send out into a great
state the names of men who, in pulpit, and law courts, and on bat-
tlefields for King and Colony, have contributed splendidly to the
renown of the foremost state of the Union.
Jonathan Pierson was a wonder. His industry and power of
research were remarkable. A professor of chemistry in Union Col-
lege, knowing and teaching all that was known or could be taught.
He was treasurer and secretary of its Board of Trustees. One who
follows him on his journey through the musty records of Ancient
Churches, the old Paris and English Documents of the State Library,
and sees the evidence of his tremendous labor, strewn all along the
pathway of his toilsome joinme}', wonders how or when he found
the time to do the work that looks like the achievement of a life-
time of indefatigable industry. Schenectady, one of the most pro-
gressive cities in the state to-day, owes Pierson a debt of gratitude, as
the world owes the patient and tireless men who have disentombed
the ancient towns from the burial of Vesuvius.
Following Pierson, came his heavy debtors, Sanders and McMur-
ray. Of the charming idyls of the one, the only one to the manor
born, we have already spoken. McMurra}-, an army olhcer and a
military instructor at Union, has rendered us infinite service in the
form of the most comprehensive work, the most complete History of
Schenectady yet written. There is much that is new in his discov-
eries, all is certainly valuable.
The Hon. Judson S. Landon has yielded to the fascination of the
place and theme, and has brought to elucidation the strange situation
which seems to have made Schenectady the battle ground of the
French and English. It has produced traditions born of the solid
learning of the historian. His article in Putman's publication of
"Historic Cities," and his paper "Why Schenectady was Burned in
1690," lets in a flood of light on the historic causes of the city's
vi INTRODUCTORY.
origin, its sad 5'oi:th, and its national prominence in Colonial and
foreign wars.
Dr. William Elliot Griffes, while pastor of the First Reformed
Church, immediately acknowledged the charm of the association of
Schenectady, with much that was heroic in the characters of the
Holland burgher. In the pulpit and on the platform, and in the
literary world in which he has recently taken such eminent rank, he
has heralded the grand tolerance of that Church of Holland, often a
martyr, never a bigot or persecutor or that has tortured or killed for
opinion's sake. Through the whole land he has proclaimed the
heroism and bravery of the burgher who never quailed before the
enemy of his faith, and who united wnth his valor a forbearance and
magnanimity that won the love and the confidence of his Indian foe
or neighbor.
Men born on heights which shadow the picturesque or pastoral
beauty of the world's scenery, may not cease to admire, but become
so used to the panorama that they cease to note it. The scenery
along the valley of the Mohawk in the kaleidescope color of Autumn
foliage, startled Henry Ward Beecher into expressions of rapture,
and as he crossed "The Street of the Martyrs" in a palace car,
passed in sight of the Buykendahl, the scene of the massacre of
1748 under Towereune, where the valley narrows into the highway
of nations, passed by the stone mansions of Guy and Sir John
Johnson, by the shrine of " Our Lady of Martyrs," consecrated to
the memory of that heroic Jesuit Missionary martyr, Father Jogues,
the homestead of the patriot Fondas, Oriskau}', and the monument
to Herkimer and Fort Stanwix, where St. Leger was held back till
Burgoyne was whipped at Saratoga. The great divine thrilled with
the recollection of all he had read and heard of the land of story
and song.
Now, we of this day, long used to the journey, rush through all
this avenue of scenic beauty, with a pipe in the smoking car, or a
book in the day coach, too familiar with the sights of the great
valley to glance out of the window.
Years ago, on the "Role Baum," that overlooks the precipices of
the Plaut, and towers above Youta Pusha, the hill that from Union
INTRODUCTORY. vii
College looks like the iron clad prow of a battle ship, with a groiip
of under graduates, the writer looked down on a scene of pastoral
beauty, that swept over a score of cities and villages, and over the
hill tops and mountain peaks of four states. Turning to the farmer
living in the stone house, from whose windows all the streets in
Schenectady can be traced, and where with a strong glass, time can
be read on the clock of the Reformed Church, we expressed our
envy of his mountain home. He was a bright man, far from a dul-
lard, but there was no answering enthusiasm, for without looking up
he stolidly followed his plow with a listless acquiescence in his re-
mark, "Yes, folks say it is a sightly place, but I'm so used to it I
don't notice it any more," and he kept his eye in the furrow, that
produced his bread and butter. The artistic element in his nature,
if he had any, had been exhaiisted long ago. There was nothino-
left but the practically bucolic.
So we old Mohawkers have lived on the site, and amid the scenes
of one of the most legendary valleys on earth, and have heard it all,
seen it all, from childhood. It is the immigrant that becomes our
novelist for it is all charmingly new to him.
We Dutchmen of old, from old Peter Stuy vesant down, abhorred the
Yankee,' and the prejudice of the Mohawk Dutchman was the most
stolid of them all. The repulsion was natural, not entirely unreason-
able. The New Engandler was smart, the burgher was only honest.
Jonathan said that Clausha was either asleep, or not good for any-
thing, after 4 p. m., of any day. Clausha retorted that it must have
been in the dewey eve when the Yankee sold him wooden hams, and
condemned shoe pegs sharpened at the other end for oats.
The restless eagerness of the Down Easter disturbed the taciturn
Hollander who, secure in the conviction of his own honesty and that
of his old neighbors, distrusted that glibness to which his race fell
easy victims. In olden time the interloper was received because he
could not be kept awaj', but his probation was long before he met a
warm welcome by the Dutchman's fireside.
All is not only changed now, but we have become debtors to those
who more than a generation ago were strangers inside the old
barricade. It is not the descendant of the old Roman who is un-
viii INTRODUCTORY.
earthing the buried splendors of Pompeii, but the men of learning
from other lands. The Yankee horde is upon us, overflowing us,
but it is a welcome throng. They bring trade, business and pros-
perity with an electric touch.
More than all, they have brought a learning and culture no greater
than that which- we had in the old time, but so impressive with his-
toric surroundings, but they have been impelled to write, and write
with recorded accuracy and charming enthusiasm.
History was made here by Bradts, Schermerhorns, Swarts, Vielies,
Bankers, Tellers, Yates, Van Slycks, and all the great army of Van
unpronouncables, and their heroism and adventures gave the Ancient
City its renown. But Pierson and McMurray, Griffes and Landon,
are the record savers of the old days. To these industrious, able and
erudite chroniclers the writer owes lasting obligation, for without
their work, this vista, cut out of the great picture, could not have
been put in its modest frame.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY:
ITS HISTORY TO THE CLOSE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
CHAPTER L
The Founding of The City.
The Mohawk was the most n.agnificeiit specimen of an Indian
that America prodnced. As far back as tradition and history o-q, this
tribe was easily the master of all that surrounded it. Their domain
extended through the whole length of the Mohawk Valley, the
Northern and Western part of New York, and a poi'tion of North-
western Pennsylvania. The bravest, the brightest, the most eloquent,
warlike and cruel, of all Indian organizations, they were yet the
only nation that ever became the white man's steady, firm and faith-
ful friend. Their names, as Christian communicants, are on the
records of the Reformed Church. The bodies of their dead, until
scattered by the march of sanitary science in the laying of water,
sewer and gas pipes, lay under our feet. Their blood flows in the
veins of all descendants of the Van Slycks, the Bradts, the Vielies
and of Jonathan Stevens.
Along the Mohawk they had five castles, one named Minemial,
after one of their chiefs, and situated on an island at the mouth of
the Mohawk, below Cohoes, one at Schenectady, one at the outlet of
Schoharie Creek, now called Fort Hunter, one at Chaughnawaga,
and one called Canajoharie, in the town of Danube, Herkimer
County.
After the settlement of Schenectady and the apportionment of the
2 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
lands among fifteen original proprietors, no bnrials were made within
tlie quadrangle bounded by Ferry, State, Washington avenue and
Front streets. The number of Indian skulls, tomahawks, and sav-
age implements, exhumed in past years, show conclusively that, be-
fore the white man came, there was a populous settlement of red
men on the spot now covered by the city.
lycss than twenty-five years ago, a lad living at No. 26 Front, fired
with emulation by the finding of skulls and bones by a comrade,
went out under the big tree, yet standing there, to dig for Indians.
The derisive smiles which followed him in his quest, were changed
to expressions of astonishment as he turned a wonderfully preserved
skeleton, facing the east, with tomahawk and arrow heads beside the
bones. Subsequently, on digging for sewerage, skulls and bones
enough to stock a small cemetery, were tossed by every spadeful.
There are other evidences of Indian occupation. An ancient path
coming from the direction of Niskayuna, once wound around the
brow of the hills that but a half century ago, battlemented the east-
ern half of the town. Traces of it may yet be seen across the front
of Prospect Hill, curving around southeasterly towards the cemetery
enclosure.
Previous to the coming of the white man the valley from Free-
man's Bridge to Rotterdam Junction was cultivated by the Mohawks
and in harvest time was fairly gilded with the tassels of Indian corn.
The locality was called by every possible variation of pronuncia-
tion of the name that has at last settled down into Schenectady.
It was a well known spot. The great flats of Rotterdam from Centre
street to beyond the first lock west of the city, was known as Scho-
nowe. Van Corlear, in 1643, describes the whole territory as that
Schoonste, "loveliest land that the eyes of man ever beheld." The
name the county now bears is said to have a beautiful origin, Schoon
(beautiful) Acten (valuable) deel (portion of land,) making the
sound Schoon Acten deel, changed and twisted by the different Na-
tionalities that have been busy with the name. But this pretty deriv-
ation is only conjecture. The name in ancient papers and records is
spelled seventy-nine different ways, but all the orthography with its
marvellous combination of letters produced the sound of Schenec-
FOUNDING OF THE CITY. 3
tady. Governor Stuyvesant wrote it as we spell it now as early as
1663, two years after the original patent. The name is undoubtedly
of Mohawk Indian origin and belonged originally to the land lying
around Albany. Four years after the charter, it settled down from
Corlear, as the settlement was originally called, to Schenectady.
White men well knew the spot in 1642. Van Curlear, returning
from one of his errands of mercy to the Mohawks, who listened and
heeded him because they loved him, wrote to the Patroon Killian
Van Rensselaer, "that a half day's journey from the Colonic, Towrr
of Albany, on the Mohawk River, there lies the most beautiful land
that the eye of man ever 'beheld." Any man who has stood on
Youta Pusha Berg, Prospect Hill, over Landon Terrace, or Schuyler-
berg, midway between the Troy and Albany turnpike, east of Bran-
dywine avenue, cannot fail to understand the rapture of the Dutch-
man.
In the forties one could easily understand what was the lay of the
land when it was said to be the Mohawk Village of Connochaiegu-
harie. The name was an Indian description of the great masses of
floodwood which were left every Spring on the flats. The deposit
was then as now, often immense, but the name is comprehensive
enough to include the whole pile.
Major McMurray has described its ancient appearances. The old
township of Schenectady embraced a territory of 128 square miles,
a portion of the Mohawk valley, sixteen miles long and eight miles
wide. The western half is an irregular plateau elevated 400 or 500
feet above the Mohawk, a spur of the Helderberg, passing north
into Saratoga County. The eastern half is a sandy plain, whose
general level is 300 or 400 feet lower. The river, running through
the middle of this tract, in a southeasterly direction, forms the most
beautiful and striking natural object in its landscape. At the
westerly boundary where it enters the town, it flows through a nar-
row valley, whose sides though covered with foliage, are too steep
for cultivation. From the hill " Towereune," the valley widens
gradually to Poversen and Maalwyck, where the hills sink down
into the great sand plain. Until the river reaches the city of
Schenectady, it is a constant succession of rapids, and its general
4 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
course is southeast. Here it makes a great bend, and flows with a
deep shiggish current northeastward to the Aal Plaats, the eastern
boundary of the town. The tributaries of the Mohawk within the
town are small and unimportant streams ; those at the west end flow-
ing from the slates, are nearly or quite dry in summer, while those
at the opposite end, fed from the sand, are constant spring brooks.
On the north side of the river are the following brooks : Chuckte-
nunda, (stone houses) at Towereune, and coming east in succession
are Van Eps Kil, Droyberg, Verf, or color (paint) creek, called by
the natives Tequatsera, Jan Mebie's Kil, Creek of the lake in Scotia,
Cromme Kil and Aal Plaats Kil. On the south side are Zandige
Kil, the sloot, Right Brugse Kil, Plaats Kil, Poenties Kil, William
Tellers Killetje, Zand Kil, Coehorn Kil and Synion Groots Kill.
But of these streams, few are of sufficient size and constancy now to
serve as motor power.
With the exception of a little limestone in tlie extreme western
limits of the town, all the rocks found in place, belong to Hudson
shales and consist of alternate layers of blue slate and sandstones,
some of which are used for building piirposes.
In the west half this geological formation is most abundant, and
the soil there is a clayey loam, underlaid with clay or hard pan. The
immediate valley of the river where it breaks through the range of
hills is narrow, and is composed chiefly of drifts of at least two
elevations. The highest called the " stone flats," raised twenty to
thirty feet above the water, consists of coarse gravel and boulders,
and is chiefly found on the north side of the river. The opposite
bank is "lower plain of sand and gravel."
The eastern half of the town has no hills worthy of the name; its
general level perhaps loo feet above the Mohawk, and the prevailing
soil is a fine sand, underlaid with clay except in the extreme easterly
limits where the clay loam again prevails.
Besides this there is found in the bends and eddies of the river,
and upon the low islands, an alluvial deposit which is constantly
.enriched by the annual floods. This constitutes the widely known
" Mohawk Flats," which though cultivated by the white man for
more than 200 years, have lost little of their unsurpassed fertility.
. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. S
In the early period of the settlement no other land was tilled.
Hence they called the land arable land, or bouwlandt, all else being
denominated woodland and little valued. In addition to their fertil-
ity, these flats presented another advantage to the first settler — they
were mainly free from wood and ready for the plough and seed.
For ages they had been the native's corn land, while the adjacent
forest furnished him with flesh and the river with fish.
The great sand belt which passes across the town south to north,
was once covered with a heavy growth of pines, while the high lands
lying north and west of it produced the usual varieties of hard
woods. Nothing could have been more charming to the eye of the
first white men traveling up the Mohawk to Fort Hunter, than the
flats skirting the river banks, clothed in bright green of the Indian
corn and other summer crops of the red men.
The site of the village of Schenectady was admirably chosen.
No other spot in the neighborhood of the bouwlandt offered such
facilities for a village. From the eastern end of the "Great Flat "
there makes out from the sandy bluff which surrounds it a low
narrow spit, lying upon the east, north and west sides the Mohawk
river and Sand Kil. The extreme point, only about 1,200 feet wide,
was chosen for the site of the future city — a warm dry spot, easily
fortified against an enemy and sufficiently elevated to be safe from
the annual overflow of the Mohawk river. This little flat contains
but 175 acres, and it was the site of an earlier Indian village.
Tradition has it that it was a former seat or capital of the Mohawks,
whose numerous dead have been, from time to time, found buried
along the Benne Kil.
If we may believe tradition, Schenectady had already been occu-
pied by the white man many years when Van Curler first visited it
in 1642. In fact it has been claimed to be little if any younger than
Albany.
That a few fur traders and bosloopers early roved among the
Mohawks, married and raised families of half-breeds, cannot be
denied ; indeed there are respectable families in the valley to this
day, whose pedigree may be traced back to these marriages. But
6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
that the white man made any permanent settlement on the Mohawk
west of Albany before 1662, there is ;io good reason for believing and,
in view of the opposition of Albany and the Colony, improbable.
In the summer of 1661 Arent Van Curler, the leader of the first
settlement, made formal application to Governor Stuyvesant for per-
mission to settle upon the " Great Flat " lying west of Schenectady.
The foundation and establishment of Schenectady is almost uni-
versally credited to Arent Van Curler, indeed it was at first known
as Curlear. He was only one of the founders, however. He never
lived there, had no hand in . the establishment of the early govern-
ment of the hamlet, or in its subsequent development. But he was
the man who obtained the original patent, and who had a long and
discourao-ing battle before he secured it from the cautious Stuyve-
sant.
Nor was he the first white man to appreciate the natural advan-
tage of the place. The evidence of Bible entries, corroborating
tradition, shows that Jacque Cornelise Van Slyck, (the half-breed son
of Cornelise Van Slyck and his wife, a Mohawk chieftian's daugh-
ter) also Alexander Lindsay, Glen and John Teller, a nephew of
Glen's wife, were here as early as 1658. Cornelise Antonise Van
Slyck, father of Jacque Cornelise, married Alstock at Mohawk
Castle, was adopted into the tribe, and was known, with Arent
Cornelise Viele as one of the two great interpreters of the Indian
language. Cornelise Antonise Van Slyck could live anywhere
among the Mohawks whose fidelity and devotion followed the family
down, deeding the land to his sons Martin, Maurice and Jacque
Cornelise. To the latter in 1658, Van Sl)'ck's Island, between what
is now known as the Frog Alley river, and the Benne Kil.
Alexander Lindsay Glen, to whom also the Mohawks were warmly
attached, and whose son, John Alexander, was the so-called Mayor of
Schenectady on the night of the massacre, lived where the Glen
family mansion still stands, in the possession of the Sanders family,
his descendants.
John Teller, a nephew of Glen's wife, was a resident of Rotter-
dam, where his family burial lot still exists on the lands of the Hon.
Simon Schermerhorn. Arent Van Curler, as his real name is
A GENUINE HOLLANDER. 7
spelled, was a grand specimen of the genuine Hollander, tender-
hearted, humane and brave. He was universally trusted and beloved
by the Mohawks, all governors of New York being called after him.
He was a cousin of the Patroon, a brewer in Beaverwyck, and an
intimate friend and companion of Arent Andreas Bradt, who is an
ancestor of a distinguished county family which has given a Icng
list of distinguished men, who have served their county in Legisla-
ture, Congress, and on the battlefields of King and Colony. Van
Curler was also a trader. His correspondence with the Patroon, and
his letters to Stuyvesant, in arguing the issue of the patent, show
him to have been a man of intelligence and of unusual education
for his day and generation. He knew the location of Schenectady
by heart, and wrote rapturously of the natural beauty of the spot
and its remarkable adaptability to Indian trade and commerce. But
he had other motives urged upon him by Bradt and Schennerhorn,
Teller, Banker and others, who subsequently became the original
proprietors. Holland claimed and possessed, in right of discovery,
the whole territory that included Beaverwyck and the banks of the
Hudson and Mohawk. Manhattan was the chief port and headquar-
ters of the traders, who, to prevent competition, organized a great
corporation, first under the name of the United Netherland Com-
pany, and afterwards in 1621 secured exclusive privilege, by the title
of the Privileged West India Company. The real object of this
company was trade of which it had a complete monopoly. In the
parlance of this day, in comparison with this gigantic commercial
output, the Standard Oil and the Steel Trust " wasnH in it.''''
Pressure was put upon the directors of the Company in Holland, and
they yielded by making concessions to the Patroons, another name,
as was afterwards discovered to the disgust of the Colonist, for the
Baron with the feudal system of the middle ages. The directors
were Patroons in earnest. They took up immense tracts of land,
and though organized ostensibly for the development of the county,
engaged not only in trade, but burdened it with restrictions, intro-
ducing slavery, and raising up an aristocracy that for wealth and
power was not surpassed in the dark day of feudal tyranny.
The sturdy Dutchman, always a freeman in heart and soul, the
8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY..
most liberty-loving and tolerant man on earth, could not and would
not endure it, and began to get away from his irksome condition,
scattered out of Beaverwyck and the dominion of Fort Orange. It
was for men like these that Van Curler strove to obtain the patent.
In the summer of 1660, three years before the emissary of the
Duke of York came from England to overthrow the Dutchmen, Van
Curler applied to Governor Stuyvesant at New Amsterdam, for per-
mission to take possession of the Groote Vlachte, after purchasing it
from the Mohawks who were willing to take a moderate price for it.
On the 23d of June an order was issued providing that the title
be as usiral transferred to Stuyvesant, as Director, whatever the peti-
tioners price to be, returned to them. Before the authority was
received a terrible freshet occurred, which cut off communication
with the executive at New Amsterdam and not until a month later
was the land purchased. It was bought of three Mohawk represen-
tatives and Chief Cautuqua signing with a grotesque etching of a
bear as his mark, Aiadane with an impossible turtle as his coat of
arms, Sonareetsie with a lamb distorted with agony as his sign
manual, who designated the Groote Vrachte as "Sconnowee." April
6th, 1662, Van Curler notified Stuyvesant of the action, and asked
him to send a surveyor. But Beaverwyck and Rensselaerwyck, jeal-
ous of the new township, and desirous of keeping a monopoly of the
fur trade, "had a pull" with Director-General Stuyvesant, and induced '
him to order that the settlers of Schenectady should confine them-
selves to agriculture exclusively, and restrain from all trade with the
Indians. To this Van Curler and the settlers would not agree,
imploring the Governor that, as they had paid for their lands, they
should have them without any restriction. At last, after a long and
tedious correspondence, desiring to be honest and fair, as all good
Dutchmen of that day desired to be, the Director-General at last in
immediate answer to the last appeal of April 17th, 1664, sent up
Jacques Cortelyou, surveyor to the Board of Directors. Van Cur-
ler's description in this deed from the Indians was followed and
resulted in a very meagre plot of land. So continuing the progress
inaugurated by his Yankee neighbor of crowding out the aboriginal,
the burgher bought more land, conveyed in the fantastic language
THE FIRST CHARTER. 9
of the time signed by Mohawks of unpronounceable names and attested
by grotesque hieroglyphics in imitation of animal life that was
never seeir in the heavens above, or the earth beneath, or the waters
under the earth.
Meantime the Duke of York through Nicholls had ousted Stuyve-
sant and the Great West Indian company. The Mohawk Dutchman
in his forest home, where he had begun to settle down to his pipe
and build on the Groote Vlachte, (the elevated plain on which
Schenectady was being built) knew little and cared less. So that he
was free from the Lords of the Manor and was free to worship God
and Mammon with strict impartiality in his dealings with both, cared
little or nothing for the change but kept on figuratively and literally
sawing wood and swapping "aukers of good beer," rundlets of
brandy, beads, trinkets and any old thing for Mohawk land.
They applied for a charter to Dongan, the English Governor.
This charter embraced fully twelve miles of land, extending about
four miles in width along the north and south banks of the Mohawk
river. This was denied for indefiniteness of boundary though the
petitioners were garnted the use of a seal and graciously permitted
to pay quit rent. Their descendants in Rotterdam are doing it yet.
Meantime the Indians (Indian givers as the phrase is yet used in
the valley) began to repudiate their bargain. They were staunchly
devoted to Jacques Van Slyck, and claimed that he owned the first flat
for he was of their people, and that much of Van Curler purchase
to Hilletece and Deah, half breed sisters of Van Slyck, who had
married Danielse Van Olinda and Jonathan Stevens, and that of all
the land, Van Curler had bought only the "grassed" and not the
land, "that is may be some drunken fellow may have made some
writings without their knowledge." But some more good aukers of
beer, rundlets of brandy, some beads and a shoddy blanket or two,
probably settled the question, for the Governor, satisfied with title and
boundary, finally, Nov. ist, 1664, gave a charter to William Teller,
Ryer, Schermerhorn, Swere, Teunessen, Van Velsen, Jan Van Eps
and Mynderst Wemple, on behalf of the inhabitants of the town of
Schenectady.
Thus ancient Schenectady was established. The charter was the
,0 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
leo-al title to lands embraced within 128 square miles of territoiy,
and about 80,000 acres of land. Its boundaries, as near as we can
discover from ancient maps, began on the west about where the county
line is now, at Hoffman's Ferry on the Glenville side, extending over
a strip about four miles north of the river bank to the Aal Plaats,
(Eel Place) creek. On the south bank it extended to the hillside, fol-
lowing the line of the highland back to Pattersonville and Rotterdam
Junction, the lands of Hon. Simon Schermerhorn, skirting the base
of the hills at the residence of the Hon. John D. Campbell, and
curving around behind the Villa Road, the bowery wood, below
Union College grounds, (then a forest) with "Hanse Janse Eanklu
Kil," a large stream that fifty-five years ago contained in what is
now Jackson's garden, the perch, rock bass, sunfish and suckers of
the Mohawk River. Now it is dried up and shows no water except
in early spring or after heavy rains. From thence to the boundary
line.
Arent Bradt died during the negotiation by Van Curler for the
charter. He left two sons, of whom and their descendants more
hereafter. He was represented in subsequent divisions of the land
by Catalina, his widow, who had borne him six children and married
Parent Jan Van Ditmars. Schenectady, be it remembered, was on
the Groote Vlachte, a level plateau that began under the hills at about
Center and Smith streets, ran along on the brow of the slope, easily
yet to be traced, to the Benne Kil, "Frog Alley River." The Benne
Kil, the name now given to the center stream, was then called the
middle Benne Kil, at that time a narrow creek. Thence it followed
the stream in a high bluff, long since cut away, turning at the Glen-
ville Bridge until at the poor pastuix it cur^^ed around the College
hill, then a forest of pines, keeping southward in a slight elevation
until it met its starting point. All the rest of the charter lands and
Indian grants were called Bouwelandts, or farm lands. The inhabi-
tants of the city were known as burghers. The farmers as bouwer-
ies. The highest point in this plateau was about opposite the pres-
ent parsonage of St. George Church where the first fort was built.
The village was under the government of five trustees, the persons
named in the Dongan Charter, who governed the hamlet apparently
ERECTION OF STOCKADES. ii
to the entire satisfaction of the scanty popnlation until the Leisler
and anti-Leisler factions divided the town just before the massacre.
A division of lands and property had been made, and the inhabi-
tants in those perilons days began at once to fortify. They did so
and from what we have learned of their work, to such good purpose
that, but for their own fatuity and want of watchful care, the horrors
of the night of February 2nd, 1690, need never have reddened his-
tory. Thanks to the energy and public spirit of the Hon. J. W.
Clute, formerly mayor of the city, all important points in the annals
and records of the city have been handsomely identified and com-
memorated by a series of bronze tablets that mark the sites of the
scenes of eventful occurrences that have made Schenectady known
the world over. These bronze tablets tell a wonderful story to the
passer-by. There were several forts built in the village — in fact there
was always a fort and garrison here until long after the Revolutionary
War.
The first defences of the city are described by Major McMurray,
whose military education has evidently materially aided him in com-
ing near to the exact situation. This is the result of his discox'eries.
The method of fortification was by stockades, which the abundance
of timber at their veiy doors made a cheap and ready protection.
Cannon were only used for defense, attacks being alwa^'s made by
the musket.
The stockade consisted of a series of posts or logs from fifteen to
eighteen feet long, and twelve inches or more thick, sharpened at
one end and hewed flat on opposite sides. ■ Pine was usually chosen
because most abundant and easily worked.
The line of stockade being marked out, a trench three feet deep
was dug, the posts were set therein, the flattened sides together and
the earth shoveled back and rammed against them. To strengthen
the top two adjoining posts were bored and fastened together with
oaken trenails. At the angles, gates and other important points,
blockhouses for the shelter of the garrison and guards were built
and within the stockade all around was a free space, called the
rondweg, of sirfficient width in which the patrol could march.
In addition to this outer circle of fortification in Schenectady,
12 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
there was a fort in one of the angles of the latter place, surrounded
by a double row of high palisades. This fort was furnished with
barracks for the garrison, platform, guns, lookouts, etc. In later
times, when Schenectady became a depot for men and materials,
there were barracks outside the walls. In 1765 the troops were
posted along the east side of Ferry street, from Union street to the
Episcopal church ; in 1762 on the south side of Union street from
Ferr>- street to the late Mrs. Colon Clute's house ; in the Revolution-
ary War on the south side of Union street from Lafayette street east-
wardly to Quackenbush street.
For protection and safety, Schenectad)' was admirably placed,
being surrounded with water and marsh on three sides and open
only to the sotitheast, from which side the inhabitants had little to
fear.
The first settlers, though their land lay elsewhere, built their habi-
tations mainly together for their greater protection. As soon after
the settlement in 1662 as could conveniently be done, the village
was stockaded. Starting at State street the line ran along the east
side of Ferry street to about the gate of the Episcopal chiirch, then
in a straight line to the north side of Front street a little beyond
Washington avenue, then southerly and parallel to the same to State
street and lastly along the same twenty-eight feet south thereof to
Ferry street or Mill Lane. This was the original plot enclosed, and
it contained most of the houses of the first settlers.
The south and west lines remained substantially the same down to
the time of their extinction soon after the Revolutionary War. The
Front and Washington street lines were later moved north and west
to the river bank and the Ferry street line some time after 1765, was
carried southeasterly to the New York Central Railroad depot and
thence northerly through the Dutch church burying ground to the
river bank.
In 1690 it was said, in the French account of the village, that
there were but two gates ; one at the north end of Chiirch street
called the "north gate," the other at State. This was doubtless at
the junction of State and Church streets and opened out to the roads
FORTIFICATIONS AND BUILDINGS. 13
through Mill I^ane and Water street, leading to the bonwlands and to
the Mohawk conntiy.
In later times there were others at Front and Union streets. The
fonndations of the gates and gnardhoiises where Ferry crosses
State and Union streets were exposed in la3'ing the water pipes in
1871.'
Schenectady was so important a post for the protection of the
province against the incursions of the Canadians that for the first
hundred years of its existence it was deemed necessary to strengthen
it by a fort and garrison.
The writer is led to belie-\'e, from references in the records, that the
first block house was in the north angle of the stockade at or near
the junction of Front and Washington streets. This was destroyed
in 1690 by the French, at which time it was garrisoned by a small
detachment under Lieutanant Enos Talmage, from Captain Jonathan
Bull's company, then stationed at Albany. These troops were Con-
necticut men.
The magazine stood on or near the lot of Mrs. Willard, then
belonging to Captain Sander Glen.
Outside of block houses and the Fort, the most prominent struct-
ure built before the massacre, was the little Reformed Netherland
Dutch Church. It stood directly in the centre of the space at the
intersection of State, Church and Water streets. It was an insignifi-
cant little place of worship, its exact dimension being unknown,
perfectly square in shape, with its four roofs running to a peak, on
which was perched a small belfry or ciipola. Around it was a grave
yard, from whence in 1848, the Hon. John Sanders removed the bones
of his ancestor, Alexander Lindsay Glen. The building was erected
in 1682. The houses were built in the old Dutch style, some of
them with brick; not in a single instance it is believed with bricks
brought from abroad. Houses are repeatedly pointed out as being
built of brick brought from Holland. It would not have paid to bring
bricks from there — the Hollander was of a commercial race — he did
not carry anything around in trade that did not pay. Bricks did not
come over in ballast. Ships came from Holland when they had pay-
ing cargoes, or remained in the Maas or Scheldts until they had one.
14 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Clay was plenty, and the best of it. Brick making was not such
skilled labor that its product had to be imported. Abundant mate-
rial was made in Fort Orange, only twenty miles off by a fairly good
road. Stone was abundant", of the best kind at that. And lumber
of all kinds was in the possession of almost every land proprietor.
The style of the buildings whether of wood, stone or brick, was
almost that of a building gable end' to the street, or with a round
topped front. A specimen can be seen in the house built by Abra-
ham Yates (1734) opposite the Court House (now owned by Mrs.
Joseph Vandebogart) the Bradt house in Rotterdam, west of the
Pump House, or the Vroman mill at the Brandywine. Within the
stockade and quadrangle, above described, were the lots of the fifteen
original proprietors.
The original plat embraced only the ground extending from the
main Benne Kil, on the west, to what is now the east side of Ferry
street, on the east, and from the Mohawk River, on the north, to the
line of the low lands on the south, including a small portion of the
Flats. This area they carefully fortified with stockades or palisades well
knowing that at this point they occupied the extreme front line of
civilization. And although compactness was studied and desirable
5'et, with a view to business and convenience of posterity and an
enlightened policy, they laid out their streets wide, regular and at
right angles, as still exhibited when the palisades were laid.
1st. Handelaers' street, literally Traders' street. This name con-
tinued until soon after the destruction and massacre at Schenectady
in 1690, when the name was changed to "lyion" street, and was so
called until after the close of the Revolutionary War, when it was
named "Washington" street, (Washington Avenue) in honor of the
great First President. This street, until the disastrous fire of 18 19,
when its docks, whar-ves and storehouses along the main Benne Kil,
and the mercantile and dwelling houses on the street itself, were
swept away, was by far the most vali;able business portion of the
city and had been from the day of its settlement. But with that
desolation of fire and the progressive movements of the Erie canal
and the strides of railroad power, its business activities have been
transferred to our State street and the old business center has become,-
LOCATION OF STREETS. 15
with quiet dignity, a delightful place of residence — one of the most
charming points of Schenectady.
2d. Front street retains its original name and was so called
because it was on the north line of the place, and ran parallel with the
Mohawk river.
3d. Ferry street also maintains its first name, and was called
because one of the gates of the place, and the landing place for its
boats, canoes and only scow, was at its foot. The Mohawk was
crossed by no bridges then. The village, and the sparse population on
the north side of that river, maintained communication by water
except in the winter season. There the sentinel of snow was sta-
tioned when the place was surprised in 1690. Here the only
entrance was made by the French and Indians. The French account
given by Monsieur DeMonseignat (Paris Doc. LV.,) states:
" The town of ' Corlear,' (Schenectady) forms a sort of oblono- with
only two gates, one opposite the road we had taken (Ferry street )
the other leading to Orange (Albany.) Messieurs DeSainte Helene
and DeMantet were to enter at the first, which the squaws pointed out
and which, in fact, was found wide open. Messieurs d'Iberville and
DeMontesson took the left, with another detachment to join the
remainder of the party. A profound silence was everywhere
observed, until the two commanders, who, separated at their entrance
into the town for the purpose of encircling it, had met at the other
extremity."
4th. Church street was always called so because the earliest
church (Reformed Dutch) was erected on the small public square at
its southern termination.
5th. Niskayuna street was so named in honor of the old Niska-
yuna settlement just outside of the manor of Rensselaerwyck, whose
inhabitants sympathized with those of Schenectady, and in some
families were of the same kith and kin. It is now known as Union
street.
6th. Albany street was so called until after the burning and mas-
sacre of 1690, when it was named " Martelaer's street" (Martyr's
street,) in memory of the cruel slaughter of many of its residents,
where the murders of that hour and the barbarities of that night
i6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
seem to have been the most terrific. It was so named until it
received its present designation, "State street."
The lots on the villag-e plat and the farming flats on both sides of
the Mohawk river, embracing the islands therein, as contained in the
grant, were equitably divided or apportioned among the original pro-
prietors, who subsequently sold out sections or rights to actual set-
tlers on easy terms. Aided by such encouragement, the fertility of
the soil and the advantages of local trading position, Schenectady
soon advanced in population, prosperity and wealth.
As is apparent at this late day, the lots on the north side of Front
street ran through to the " Strand " on the Mohawk river.
The east side of Ferrj' street was occupied by a line of pickets,
placed deeply and firmly in the soil, some remains of which this
writer, in the march of later-day improvements, has seen excavated
from the line where both tradition and history claim they were fixed
by the old pioneers.
The lots on the south side of State street ran down to and, gen-
erally, some short distance on the flats. And the lots on the west
side of Washington avenue extended to the Strand on the main
Bennekill, which was, imtil 1819, the harbor and commercial port of
our comparatively venerable place.
Besides the portion above named, within the pickets, there were
four blocks, laid out 400 feet square, Rhineland measure, (400 feet
Rhineland being 413 feet English measure.)
In the division Van Curler was first taken care of. With no inten-
tion to discredit this distinguished man, all indication points to the
fact that his interest here, as were those of many of the original
proprietors, was purely commercial. He knew the locality well,
admired it for its beauty, but was not in the business of founding
colonies to enjoy beauties of scenery. In fact he was establishing a
land improvement company for what there was in it. Arent Andries
Bradt was a half-breed, the son of Andries of Albany and Kinetis, a
daughter of a Mohawk chief. Arent Bradt was an actual resident
of Schenectady. Curler and Bradt were brewers and warm personal
friends. Cornelise Antoinsen Van Slyck had married Olstock, a sis-
ter of Bradt's wife. It was Bradt and Van Curler Slyck who induced
EARLY SETTLERS. 17
the speculative Van Curler to enter into the deal. Bradt bought his
lot before Van Curler obtained his charter, had built his house and
lived in it before the survey. He died in 1668, one year before the
little township was plotted out. Arent's son, Andreas Arent, married
a half-breed daughter of Jacquese Cornelise Van Slyck. He and his
•wife were killed in the massacre and left one son surviving, Arent
Bradt, who subsequently became one of the most prominent and dis-
tinguished men of Schenectad}'. Samuel Bradt, a son of Arent
Andreas, the first settler, married also Susannis, another half-breed
daughter of Jacques Cornelise. The Bradts, it thus appears, con-
trary to the general impression, have more Indian blood than
the Van Slycks. They have transmitted it by direct descent in
male and female line, through most all of the old Mohawk families
and through many of the English who subsequently came here. All
the Yateses, descending from Col. Christopher and Teller who were
born at the Aal Plassin 1734 and 1744 and married daughters of Capt.
Andreas Bradt, have a full strain of it.
CHAPTER n.
The Founders of Schenectady.
Van Curler's lot, which he never occupied, was on the northwest
corner of Church and Union streets, embracing one-quarter of the
block, being two hundred feet square. It covers the present site
of the classical department premises of the Union school, the
County Judge's and clerk's offices, etc. His bowerel farm, after his
death called Juffrow's Landts, comprised one hundred and fourteen
acres of flat land immediately southwest of the village which, sub-
sequent to his decease, was sold in sections to divers individuals.
Van Curler left no children. His widow continued to reside in
Schenectady until she died January 15th, 1675.
Philip Hendrickse Brouwer was the second of the original pro-
prietors. He was in Beaverwyck as early as 1655, where he owned
i8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
a house, lot and brewery and became one of the proprietors of
Schenectady. He died soon after, in 1664, having previously acci-
dentally shot Class Cornelise Swits there, who was not a proprietor,
but an early settler, and had n.arried the daughter of Symon
Symonse Groot, who had long been in the employ of the West India
Company as boatswain of the ship Prince Maurice. His wife's
name was Elsie Tjerk. Brouwer left no children.
His village lot, two hundred feet square, was on the northwest
corner of Church and State streets. It is on a portion of this lot
that the present law office of Charles P. Sanders now stands-
Shortly after his decease the lot was sold to Cornelius Van Ness, who
had married the widow of Dirk Van Eps, and subsequently conveyed
the lot to his step-son, John Dirksie Van Eps, who, in the massacre
of 1690, was killed, with two of his children, and his son, John
Baptist, taken prisoner. Afterwards, John's widow married Gysbert
Gerritse Van Brakel, a wealthy citizen, whose son Alexander had
been killed, and his son Stephen captured, on the same disastrous
occasion.
Alexander Lindsay Glen was the third original proprietor named,
called by the Dutch, Sander Eeendertse Glen. He was a Scotchman
of the Highlands, born in the vicinity of Invernes, and a refugee
to Holland, from whence he emigrated with the Dutch to New
Netherlands at a very early day. It appears from the colonial
records, that he was an agent of the West India Company, at Fort
Nassau on the Delaware, in 1643 i received a grant of land there,
and prepared to build in 1651, but was prevented by the violence of
the Swedes.
Alexander Eindsey Glen's village lot in Schenectady, on the
division was 200 feet front on the west side of what is now
Washington Avenue, running down with equal breadth to the strand
on the main Bennekill. A part of these premises, being the exact
location of the old Glen family city residence, belonged to, and was
occupied by, one of his lineal descendants until it was destroyed by
the great fire of 181 g.
Mr. Glen's farm apportionment embraced the flats and adjacent
ANECDOTE OF COLONEL JOHN GLEN. 19
islands, on the north side of the Mohawk river, as by him previously
•occupied by permission of the Indians.
Major John A. Glen built the present Sanders mansion at Scotia,
i-" 1 71 3, (now occupied by Charles P. Sanders, Esq.,) and occupied
by himself for seventeen years, until his death. His whole estate,
both real and personal, was spared when Schenectady was destroyed,
by express order of the Governor of Canada for rescues made and
kindnesses shown to sundry French prisoners captured with Van
Curler, from whom he had received valuable lessons.
The circumstances attending one of those rescues are so interest-
ing and ingenious, that the temptation of incorporating here an
extract from the draft of a letter written by Judge Sanders to a
friend, in 1874, giving an account of the occurrences, is irresistible.
" The Mohawks of Scotia's early days were always devoted friends
of the Dutch, but they were barbarotis, after all, and the white pop-
ulation was too sparse, weak and timid, to interfere with the chival-
ric customs of those noble knights of the tomahawk, blunderbuss,
bow and arrow. '
" The writer's father has shown him a hillock, not far from the
present Scotia house, where, after their return from warlike or plun-
dering expeditions, they were wont to sacrifice their victims. Even
so late as the time of his grandfather. Col. Jacob Glen, a Mohegan
Indian was burned on the spot. This surely was revolting, but the
monarchs of the valley, original owners of the soil, willed it so and
nothing was left to civilization but to mitigate or ameliorate and
this the Christian pioneers accomplished when possible; and many
were the acts of kindness which, according to the accounts of the
French themselves, were rendered by the Glens of Scotia to parties
captured by the Mohawks.
" LInder such circumstances, according to well established tradi-
tion, it happened that sometime about five years before the burning
of Schenectady in 1690, towards sundown of a beautiful summer
afternoon, the original large stone house, according to the French
accounts, stood on the bank of the Mohawk (its site now covered by
water, though the writer has seen a portion of its foundation wall.)
The home and estate of John Sanders (Alexander) Glen, was occu-
20 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
pied only by himself, his wife, four daughters and two sons. His
eldest daughter, Catrina, was then only thirteen years of age, and
his then youngest son, Jacob Alexander, subsequently the ancestor of
the Baltimore Glens, was in his cradle. He had a large family of
negro slaves (for Mr. Glen was an extensive land cultivator and pro-
prietor.) On this occasion while they were quietly surrounded by
the enchanting beauty of its lake, river, lowlands, adjacent island
and a full view of Schenectady, and all was peace, a large party of
Mohawks, just rettirned from the north, encamped below the Glen
mansion, as in that day of aboriginal power they claimed clear right
to do, as original sovereigns of the soil.
" The party was in a high state of elation and triumph, having
captured a Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, against whom they enter-
tained extreme antipathy. The reason of their peculiar dislike to
priests was this : The Mohawks were Protestants, after their cwn
fashion, because the Dutch were, and this priest, with others, had
proselyted among them and caused some, as a Catholic party, to
remove to Canada.
" Now these rejoicing, victorious Christians soon announced to
Mr. Glen and wife, that they intended a special roast of their cap-
tive on the following morning.- So they brought the unfortunate
priest along for Glen to lock up in his cellar until they should want
him for their pious sacrifice.
" Mr. Glen and his wife (the last very much praised in the French
accounts for her many acts of benevolence and humanity to cap-
tives) did not see it in that light. Now Major Coudre (Glen) pos-
sessed two keys to his locked cellar and, aware of the confidence the
Mohawks placed in him, also of their credulity and superstition,
raised this clear-sighted well-intended and formidable objection.
" That the Mohawks were his friends, and he felt pleasure at all
proper times to oblige them; but, in this case, he would not take the
responsibility. ' Priests ' were ' wizzards,' and could go through any
keyhole; suppose the priest was gone in the morning, what then ?
' No, he should take no risk.' But one thing he proposed ' with
wise solemnity.' They might lock him up, and take the key them-
selves. This just proposition Mrs. Glen seconded. It was ratified,
ESCAPE OF A PRIEST. 21
the poor priest placed in close quarters, and the key duly delivered
to his captors.
" Mr. Glen had also suggested, at a projDer time, in a quiet way,
and to the proper ears, that early in the morning, before daylight,
he should send his team to Albany for salt, so as to excite no sus-
picions about movements contemplated or an early stir.
" Well, the noble Mohawk, as was customary after a campaign, got
their rum from Schenectady and feasted, drank, danced and sang,
until the wee small hours of the morning, when their exhausted
nature, and even their dogs, settled into stupid repose.
" This lull, Major Glen, his wife Anna, and faithful slaves, having
watched, placed the priest in a wagon, in a hogshead with the lower
head out, and the bung hole to breath through, and with a good team
the priest and two negro men started for Albany after a load of salt.
The priest was quietly and well received by the humanitarians of
Albany, and silently forwarded to Montreal. Publicity, after such a
joke on Mohawk warriors, was impolitic ; but this kind act bore
abundant and blessed fruit afterwards to the Glen family in 1690,
when Schenectady was burned. Nor was it ever heard that Major
or Mrs. Glen, or their faithful slaves, ever felt any remorse about
the pious fraud.
" The team, hogshead, priest and negroes were gone. The dawn
of morning came, with it the Mohawks, having an important mis-
sion on hand, a roast; but Mr. Glen took the matter easy. The
Mohawks found the cellar closed, ' but the priest had flown.' Sleep
to Mr. Glen then became impossible ; the shouts were awful, and the
agonies of disappointed justice became simply diabolical. When
Major Glen appeared, and said calmly to his Indian friends, ' I told
you so ; I told you so ; priests are wizards.' And they reluctantly
responded: ' Coudre,' (his Indian name) 'was right.' Nor was it
ever known that any Mohawk of that generation discovered the
deception. Major Glen was alwaj's a great favorite of the Mohawks;
his sayings and doings were ex-cathreda."
Simon Volkertse Veeder was the fourth named proprietor. He
was born in Holland in 1624 i bought a lot at New Amsterdam in
22 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
1652 ; sold the same and came to Beaverw5'ck in 1654, and from
thence removed to Schenectady in 1662. He owned, on the division,
a farm on the great fiat, numbered 9, containing- fifty-one acres, and
a lot on the north side of State street, at its junction with Ferry
street, 200 feet square, and also owned considerable possessions on
the Norman's Kil.
Few settlers contributed more to the healthy and vigorous early
settlement of Schenectady than this proprietor, who died January
8th, 1696, aged about 72 years. His descendants are numerous, all
bearing the name and having his blood.
Swear ( Ahasueras ) Teunise Van Velsen ( alias Van Westbrock,)
was the fifth named proprietor. In 1664 he married Maritie Myn-
derse, widow of Jan Barentse Wemp. About this time he removed
from Lubberda's land (Troy,) to Schenectady, and built a grist mill
on Mill Lane. This was carried away by the flood, and rebuilt by
him in 1673. ^^ consideration of his loss, the community generally
allowed him to take one-eighth, instead of one-twentieth, as a toll,
out of grain ground there.
Besides the one-half of the great Van Slyck island, purchased by
him of Jan Barentse Wemp, (who had previously obtained the one-half
interest therein of Martin Mauris Van Slyck, which he held conjointly
with Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, the brother of Martin Mouris, who
owned the other equal undivided one-half) he owned the land on the
south side of State street from Church street, including Mill L,ane,
nearly to Cowhorn creek, and extending upon the lowlands so as to
comprehend about twenty-five acres.
Swear Teunise (so always called) was a much-respected and
influential citizen of Schenectady. In 1676 he was a magistrate of
the village, and one of the five patentees named in the great town-
ship grant, confirmed in 1684. He was slain in the massacre of
1690, with his wife and four negro slaves, leaving no descendants or
heirs.
Cornelius Antonisen Van Slyck, called by the Mohawks " Broer
Cornells " (brother Cornells), was the seventh named proprietor, and
an early settler at Beaverwyck. Previous to 1640 he married a
Mohawk chieftian's daughter, by whom he had several children
EARLY PROPRIETORS 23
viz.: Jacques, Martin, Mouris, Hillitie and Leah. Martin Monris
(Maurice) gave name to the island lying between the Mohawk river
and the main Binnekill, west of Schenectady (now called Van
Slyck's island). This son, Martin Mouris, a tradition hands down,
died early in 1662.
Cornelius Antonisen was a proprietor, and received his portion on
division, but the location of his farm and village lot the writer has
been unable to determine, or even whether he was, at any time, a
settled resident of Schenectady. His original home was Beaver-
wyck, but most of his time was passed among the Mohawks, at their
upper or great castle at Canajoharie, either as an interpreter for the
province, or as a trader, or because he had married among them, and
been adopted by the tribe.
Such marriages were not deemed disreputable, for the Mohawks
enjoyed high character among the tribes of North America, and
were wonderfully generoiis in grants or outfits of land to their white
friends, and especially to married connections of the tribe, which last
were uniformly adopted as members of their community.
Cornelius Antonisen died in 1676, at an advanced age, fourteen
years after the decease of his son, Martin Mouris. He was reputed
to be a man of excellent character and unbending integrity, possess-
ing great influence among the Mohawks particularly, and the Five
Nations generally. By reason of his eminent services on severa]
occasions, in bringing about peace with the natives, he received a
patent for a large tract of land at Catskill. He also owned land at
Cohoes, granted to him by the Mohawks, near their old castle at the
mouth of the Mohawk river.
Accustomed, as Cornelius Antonisen was, to Indian ciistoms and
peculiarities, it certainly tells much for his sense of what was due to
his civilization and early education, that, during his life, he had only
one wife and one family. It was owing to his sterling character,
aided by his extended Isnded interests, that, although his son, Mar-
tin Mouris, died young and unmarried, his son, Jacques, and his
daughters, Hillitie and Leah, and their respective descendants, mar-
ried among the most respectable, full-blood white families in the
province. This fact might be illustrated by well-preserved genea-
24 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
logical tables, but it would exceed the proposed limit of this local
history ; so the writer contents himself with adding the son, Jacques
Cornelise, who will be treated of hereafter as one of the early pro-
prietors of Schenectady.
Gerrit Bancker was the eighth proprietor. He hailed from
Amsterdam in Holland. He was at New Amsterdam before 1655,
and, in 1667, was settled at Beaverwyck, where he continued to
reside until his death in 1691. When Arent Van Curler began the
settlement of Schenectady in 1661, he became one of the original
proprietors. Farm lot number six, on the Bouwland, was appor-
tioned to him, and his village lot comprised the northerly quarter of
the block bounded by Washington, Union, Church and State streets.
His son Evert held his property until 1702, when he sold it to Isaac
Swits.
Gerrit Bancker left two children : Evert, born January 24th, 1665,
who, on the 24th day of September, 1686, married Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Christopher Jans Abeel ; also a daughter, Anna, who married
Johannas DePeyster of New York, September 21st, 16S8.
William Teller was the ninth proprietor named. He was born in
Holland A. D., 1620, and was the first Teller wdro came to the New
Netherlands, arriving at New Amsterdam in 1639, wdien he was sent
to Fort Orange by Governor Kieft, and entered into the service of
the West India Company. He was " Machtmeester " of the Fort,
and for many years a trader at Beaverwyck, continuing his residence
there from 1639 to 1692, when he remo\'ed to New York, accom-
panied by all of his sons, except his son John, who was settled in
Schenectady.
William Teller married Margaret Dongan, a sister to Alexander
Lindsay Glen's wife. He was not only an original proprietor, but
one of the five patentees mentioned in the first patent of the town,
granted by Governor Dongan in 1684. On the apportionment, in
1664, his allotments on the flats were numbered five, the foremost
lot lying on the west side of, and separated by, the Tellers' Killitie
from Elias Van Guysling's farm. This Van Guysling farm-, situated
on the Bouwland, in Rotterdam, remained in that family from
that time to 1665, when Cornelius Van Guysling died without issue.
THE TENTH PROPRIETOR. 25
William Teller's village lot, two liiindred feet square, was on the
northeast corner of Union and Washington streets. He gave all his
real estate in Schenectady to his son John, in 1700, who also
remained, when the rest of the family removed to New York. Wil-
liam Teller was an individual of wealth and great influence in his
day. He died in 1701 and left seven children. All the Tellers in
this section of our country are descended from his son John. U. S-
Senator Teller from Colorado, Secretary of the Interior, is a
descendant of this William Teller.
Bastian DeWinter was the tenth proprietor named. He came
from Middleburg in Holland, and was at Schenectady as early as
1662. On the apportionment his village lot, 200 feet square, was
situated on the southeast corner of Church and Union streets, and
his farm on the flats was subsequently known as Elias Van Guysling's
plantation. Falling sick in 1670, he sold all his real estate to Elias
Van Guysling and others, with the intention of returning to Holland.
His death prevented his return. He left no heirs in this country,
and in 1678 the Dutch Church at Albany (the church at Schenec-
tady being not 3"et erected) claimed, and in some way obtained his
property for the use of the poor.
Bastian DeWinter, as the attorney of Catalina, widow of Arent
Andries Bradt (commonly called " the Noorman ") became, as such
attorney, the eleventh proprietor named. Mr. Bradt became one of
the proprietors of Schenectady in 1662, but died soon after and
before any apportionment was made, leaving his widow, Catalina,
and six children surviving him. After his death the flats and vil-
lage lot which fell to his share was confirmed to his widow, through
DeWinter, for herself and Bradt's children. The farm was No. i on
the Bouwland, and the village lot was the southwest quarter of the
block bounded by Washington, Union, Church and State streets, and
was 200 feet square, Amsterdam measure.
This Catalina Bradt was the daughter of Andries DeVos, a magis-
trate and deputy-director of Rensselaerwyck. She was reputed to be
a lady of intelligence and good education for the limited opportuni-
ties of that day. She had great and sad experiences in the early his-
tory of Schenectady.
26 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Pieter Danielse Van Olinda was the twelfth proprietor named.
Jndo-e Sanders was unable to locate his village lot, or his farm on the
Bouwlandt. He married Hilitie, the daughter of Cornelius
Antonisen Van Slyck, and a sister of Jacques Cornel ise. She was a
half-blood Mohawk and was a paid interpretress of the Provincial
Government. The Mohawks gave her several tracts of land. She
died February loth, 1707. He ■ died in 1716. They left three
sons, Daniel, Jacob and Mathias.
Peter Jacobse Borsboom was the thirteenth proprietor named. His
house lot in the village, 200 feet square, was the northwest quarter
of the block bounded by Front, Washington, Church and Union
streets. He had also two farms allotted to him on the Bouwlandt.
He died in 1688, and left surviving him one son, Cornelius, who died
young and unmarried ; also four daughters, viz.: Anna, who married
John Pieterse Mabie ; Maria, who married Hendrick Brower ; Fytie,
who married Martin Van Benthuysen ; Catharine, who married John
Oliver. The name has disappeared in this county.
Jan Barentse (Wemple) was the fourteenth proprietor named. He
was an inhabitant of Beaverwyck as early as 1643. Having pur-
chased the interest of Martin Maurice Van Slyck in 1662, he
received, as joint owner with Martin Maurice's brother, Jacques
Cornelise, a patent for the Great Island, lying immediately west of
Schenectady, which interest was subsequently owned by Swear
Teunise Van Velsen, who had married Wemp's widow. Wemp also
had a house lot in the village, on the west side of Washington street,
a little north on State street, with a front of 200 feet on Washington
street, running down with equal width to the strand on the main
Binnekill. He died in 1663, an ancestor of an extensive list of
descendants.
Jacques Cornelius Van Slyck was the fifteenth and last proprietor
named. He was born at the great Indian Castle, Canajoharie, in
1640. The Mohawks gave him and his brother, Martin Maurice, the
large island in the Mohawk river, lying immediately west of the city,
and only separated from it by the main Binnekill ; to each brother
the equal undivided one-half. Jan Barentse Wemp subsequently
THE FIRST MINISTER. 27.
purchased the interest of Martin Maurice, which, as has been shown,
eventually vested in Swear Teunise Van Velsen.
The Mohawks also gave Jacques Cornelise a tract of land five
miles above the city, on the south side of the Mohawk, a portion of
which is still occupied by his lineal descendants. He also ..owned
land on the flats, apportioned to him as a proprietor, on the division,
unlocated, except that it was the first flat, and was, after his decease,
divided among his heirs.
His village lot, granted on the only public square of the place, on
which the first church was erected, was on that front extending
between State and Water streets, and running westerly along both
streets, to an alley still existing, dividing the Van Slyck lot from the
premises now owned and occupied by the Young Women's Christian
Association.
Dominie Petrns Thesschenmaecker was the first settled minister
in Schenectady. Having officiated in 1676 in Kingston, to the
acceptance of the people, they petitioned for his continuance. In
1679 he was ordained in New York, by a council comprising the
ministers then settled in the province, as of the church at Newcastle
on the Delaware, where he continued until aborit 1684 when he came
to Schenectady. In the destruction of the village in 1690, the parson-
age, the site of which is unknown, was burned and the Dominie was
killed. He left no heirs.
This completes the list of the original proprietors. But others
came before 1690. Herman Albertie Vedder, ancestor of all the
Vedders in this county, and who married into the Indian blood of
the Van Slj'cks ; Symon Symonse Groot, whose five children were
taken captives on the night of the massacre ; Johannes Van Eps who
came to this city and was slain on Church street with his two chil-
dren, two sons and a daughter escaping.
Class Frederickse Van Patten came to Schenectady in 1664. In
1668 he bought, in company with Cornelius Cornelisse Viele, the
farm of Martin Cornelisse Van Issesteyn (Esselstyn,) lying next west
of the farm of Ryer Schermerhorn, the elder, who was his brother-
in-law. Van Patten having married Aeffie, the daughter of Arent
Andreas Bradt and Catalyntje DeVos. His bouwery remained in the
28 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
family for several generations. In 1690 Van Patten was appointed a
justice of the peace bj' Leisler. He was born May 30th, 1641, and
died October 3d, 1728, aged 87 years. He left surviving him
three sons and three daughters.
Isaac Swits settled in Schenectady in 1664. He married Susanna,
daughter of Simon Groot ; his village lot was on the west side of
Washington street opposite the west end of State street. On the
destruction of the town in 1690, he was carried away captive,
together with his oldest son, Cornelius, but they were ransomed and
returned home the following July.
Johannes Putnam came to Schenectady in 1664. He married Cor-
nelia, daughter of Arent Andries Bradt and Catalyntje DeVos. His
homestead lot was on the northwest corner of Union and Ferry
streets, having 100 feet next west from Jan Roeloefse, the oldest son
of the celebrated Anneke Janse, by her first marriage. He sold sub-
ject to the life estate of himself and wife. Roeloefse had no child-
ren. On the disastrous night of February 9th, 1690, both Putnam
and his neighbor Roeloefse, with their wives, were slain by the
French and Indians. Jan Putnam left three sons and two daughters.
John Apple came to Schenectady in 1668 ; he, too, was wounded
in his limbs at the destruction in 1690. The Apples removed to New
York in 1693. William had a son, Simon, and a daughter, Maria
Magdalena, who married Johannes Vrooman, a nephew of the dis-
tinguished Adam.
Hanse Janse Eenklwys. This was truly a remarkable old Hollan-
der who came to reside at Schenectady in 1670. Already as early as
1632, he was an officer of the Dutch West India Company, under the
administration of Governor Van Twiller, and erected the standard
(the arms of the States-General ) at a spot called Kievit's Hoeck,
(now Saybrook,) at the mouth of the Connecticut river. (See O'Cal-
laghan's His. N. Y. Netherlands, Y'ol. i, p. 149.) In July, 1648, on
the occasion of Governor Stuyvesant's visit to Rensselaerwyck, he
was emplo}'ed to clean the Patroon's cannons and fire the salute.
When he came to Schenectady, being an old man, without any rela-
tions in this country, he made, by his will, the deacons of the Dutch
Church of Schenectady his devisees and legatees, on condition that
THE EARLY CHURCH. 29
he should be supported by them in his old age and weakness, which
they did to his satisfaction for thirteen years, and when he died, in
1683, at a very advanced age, they buried him with due respect and
solemnity. The church inherited all his property, consisting mostly
of forty acres of land, of what was formerly known as the Poor Pas-
ture, being that portion of it l)'ing west of or above Hansen Kil,
(now College brook.) That portion of the Poor Pasture h'ing east
of or below the creek, called "The Boght," was bought of Harma-
nus Van Slyck, in 1806, for $1,750. The memory of brave, honest
Hans Janse Eeuklwys should always be cherished by the descendants
of Schenectady's pioneers. Monuments, in these latter days, -are
often erected to perpetuate the memory of those who possessed but a
small share of his experience, honesty, gallantry and worth. He
gave to the church of his affections his memories of Holland, and all
he possessed.
Jan Peck was an early settler at New Amsterdam ; he owned
Landbat Peekskill, and Peekskill Creek was named after him. He
owned also, in 1655, much property at Fort Orange. He married,
February 20th, 1650, Marianne Dertruy, (Truax) neice of old Philip
Truax. He never lived in Schenectady, but late in life, his widow,
Maria, did, with her son. Jacobus. Jan left two sons and two
daughters.
John Roelafsen, the oldest son and youngest child of the cele-
brated Anneke Janse, by her first marriage to Rollof Jansen, having
sold his interest in his mother's property in Albany to Derick Wersel
Ten Broeck, removed from Albany to Schenectady in 1670. He had,
in that year, at Albany, accidentally killed one Gerrit Verbeeck, for
which accident he was pardoned by the Governor. His lot was on
the north side of Union street, 100 feet west of Ferry street, being
the same great lot now owned by the Messrs. Joseph and Giles Y.
Van der Bogert. At the date of his mother's will in 1663 he was
unmarried. He subsequently married, but having no children or the
prospects of any, he sold his lot and buildings to John Putman, his
neighbor, owning and occupying the lot lying adjoining on the east,
reserving for himself and wife a life estate in the premises. But on
the fatal night of February 9th, 1690, Roelafsen and his wife and
30 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Putman and his wife were slain by the French and Indians. Jan
Roelafsen was born in 1636, and at the time of his death was fifty-
four years of age.
Barent Janse Van Ditmars came to Schenectady in 1670, and mar.
ried Catalyntje DeVos, widow of Arent Andriesse Bradt ; he owned
land on the south side of the Mohawk river, near the " Steen Kil."
He had a son Cornelius, who married Catharina, daughter of John
Alexander Glen, of Scotia. Van Ditmars and his son were both
massacred at the slaughter of 1690. The widow of Cornelius in
1692, married Gerrit Lansing, Jr., of Albany.
Captain Martin Krigier, (Crigier) leaving New York, settled on
his farm in Niskayuna in 1672, ending his days there in the early
part of 1 7 13, aged about ninety years. The farm, or some portions
of it, is still possessed by some of his descendants. He was the first
burgomaster of New Amsterdam (New York); was a fearless and
skillful military leader and an exemplary magistrate. (O'Callaghan's
Hist. N. Netherlands, Vol. 2, p. 554-)
Christian Christianse came to Schenectady in 1672. In that year
he bouglit three acres of land of Paulus Janse. His village lot was
on the north side of Union street, adjoining the Dutch Church lot,
and included the Isaac Riggs and Aaron Barringer lots ; it was 100
feet front, Amsterdam measure. He sold this lot in 1694 to Neetje,
widow of Hendreck Gardenier. Christian married Maritje Elders.
He left surviving him two sons and several daughters. His name
survives.
Rynier Schaats, a physician and surgeon, eldest son of Dominie
Schaats of Albany, came to Schenectady in 1675. He married
Catrina Bensing. His village lot was on the north side of Union
street, 100 feet west of Church street, the same as now occupied by
the clerk's, surrogate's and other county offices, and partly by the late
ex-Mayor Hunter. Rynier and one of his sons were killed at the
slaughter of 1690, after which his only surviving children, Gideon
and Agnietje, conveyed the property to Symon Simonse Groot.
Diesler appointed Rynier a justice of the peace in 1689.
Hendrick Meese Vrooman came to Schenectady in 1677. His
house lot was on the north side of State street, extending from what
DEFENSE OF HOMES. 31
is now Centre street, and including the location of the Central depot.
His farm was a portion of Van Curler's land. The former freight
house of the Mohawk and Hudson railroad stood nearly in the
centre of his land. In the massacre of 1690, he was killed, with
his son, Bartholomew, and two of his negro slaves. His son John
was carried away into captivity. He left surviving him two sons,
Adam and John.
Adam, his oldest son, born in Holland, 1649, ^^^ naturalized in
the province of New York in 1717. He was a millright by occupa-
tion. In 1683, he built a mill on the Sand Kill, where the Bran-
dywine mills lately stood. In 1690, when Schenectady was burned
and sacked by the French and Indians, he saved his life by bravery
in defending his house, which then stood on the west corner of
Church and Front streets, where the residence of Mrs. I^inn now
stands. Of the French account we will make further mention here-
after. Monseiur DeMonseignat to Madame DeMaintenon (Paris Doc.
IV. Doc. His. N. Y., Vol. i, p. 297, etc.)
"The sack of the town began a moment before the attack on the
fort ; few houses made any resistance. M. D. Montigny (Lieut. La
Marqtie DeMontigny, a gallant young volunteer officer,) discovered
some houses, one of which he attempted to carry sword in hand,
having tried the musket in vain. He received two thrusts of a spear,
one in the body, the_ other in the arm; but M. DeSainte Helene hav-
ing come to his aid, effected an entrance, and put every one who de-
fended that house to the sword."
Judge Sanders says : " That gallant, I may well add, desperate
defense was made by Adam Vrooman, assisted only by his wife,
Angelica, darighter of Harman Janse Ryckman of Albany. On that
dreadful night, his intrepid wife and her infant child were killed;
His two sons, Barent and Wouter, were carried away captive. His
father, Hendrick Meese, his brother Bartholomew, and two of his
father's negroes, were killed, and he, of all his own family, alone was
left a monument amid the surrounding desolation.
" How and why was the indomitable Adam Vrooman spared ?
Tradition assigns several reasons. First. That M. DeSainte Helene,
the commander of the expedition, in admiration of his heroism,
32 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
offered liim safety on surrender. Second. That the hostile Mohawks
knew him well and sought to save him. Third. As a favor to his
brother-in-law, Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck. Fourth. On the inter-
cession of his friend, John Alexander Glen. Fifth. That he escaped
after capture, for he was not carried into captivity, although his two
sons were. Whatever may be the true reason, it is satisfactory to
know that he lived forty years distinguished and useful. This is
indeed wonderful after so much of affliction and disaster.
Mr. Jeremiah Fuller, on the 29th of March, 1792, purchased the
corner lot of Church and Front streets with the identical building of
Vroonian's defense upon it, of Cornelius Antoinesen Van Slyck, for
^300. It was taken down and reconstructed the same year, and its
yellow pine timbers used (which are now in a perfect state of preser-
vation, though of a very dark brown color through age, having been
protected from the weather) in the construction of the present dwell-
ing.
He became an extensive owner of some of the most fertile lairds
of the province. In 1688 the Mohawk sachems conveyed to him a
valuable tract at Fort Hunter. In 1708 he obtained from the trus-
tees of Schenectady, a grant for the Sand Kil and adjacent lands
for milling purposes. In 17 14 he obtained a patent for lands in
Schoharie, where now stands the village of Middleburgh, which he
settled in 171 5, and it was then known as Vrooman's land. Some
of the Palatines attempted to drive him off. He commenced a stone
house, twenty-three feet square, with the help of his sons, and had
proceeded as far as the second story floor beams, when, one night,
his unruly neighbors, led by the notorious Conrad Weiser, entirely
demolished it. He then retired to his property in Schenectady aud
petitioned the Governor for redress, who siTcceeded in stopping the
opposition. (Doc. His., Vol. HI, p. 412.) In 1726 he took out an
additional patent in that vicinity of 1,400 acres for his son Peter.
He made his will September 12th, 1729, and died on his farm at
Schoharie, February 25th, 1730, aged 81 years. He possessed great
wealth and left a reputation for fearless bravery, strict integrity and
excellent Christian character. He was true to his affection for the
home of his early days and the scene of his wonderful exploit of
STURDY DUTCHMEN. 33
neroism. By his own express direction he was interred in his private
burying ground, now No. 35 Front street, in the city of Schenec-
tady, on the east portion of the lot occupied by the residence of the
Hon. John A. DeRenier.
Adam Vrooman was married three times; first, in 1678 to Engel-
tie, daughter of Marman Janse Ryckman ; second, in 1691, to
Grietje Ryckman, his first wife's sister, and widow of Jacques Cor-
nelise Van Slyck ; thirdly, January 13th, 1697, to Grietje Takelse
Heemstreet, in Albany. His descendants are very numerous extend-
ing far and wide through the Union, but mostly settled in the
Mohawk and Schoharie valleys. He had nine sons and four daiigh-
ters, most of whom survived him.
Barent, his oldest son, born in 1679, "^^s carried away captive to
Canada in 1690. He married June i8th, 1699, Catrina Heemstreet,
of Albany. He had a brewery on the north side of Union street,
near to or upon the present crossing of the New York Central and
Hudson River Railroad. He lived on the north corner of Center
and State streets. He died in 1746, leaving one son, Adam, and one
daughter, Engeltie.
Wouter, the second son of Adam, born in 1680, was also carried
captive to Canada in 1690.
Adam Vrooman and his yoimger brother, John, were men of large
frame and great muscular power — their descendants, even at this
day, give weight to the reputation. Adam Vrooman, especially, was,
we are informed, a man of gigantic stature and immense bodily
strength, and in confirmation of what that power probably was.
Judge Sanders quotes as follows :
" There were among the early Schoharie settlers, some remarkable
for great strength. Cornelius, Samuel, Peter and Isaac, sons of Peter
Vrooman," (this last was a son of historic Adam), are said to have
possessed the strength of giants. They erected the first sawn. ill in
the county, which stood in Clayer, N. Y., on the little Schoharie
Kil. Two of these brothers could easily carry a good sized log to
the carriage.
Many anecdotes are related by the aged, showing the strength of
the Vrooman family. At the hill mentioned as the tongbergh, on
34 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the road to Albany, Cornelius, the strongest of the brothers, always
made a practice, when going to Albany with wheat, to carry one or
two bags, each containing two or three skipples (each three pecks)
up this hill to favor his horses. Twenty-five skipples was the ordin-
ary load to Albany, and usually brought fifty cents per skipple.
" Samuel Vrooman is said to have carried at one time, twelve skip-
ples of wheat and a harrow with iron teeth, from his father's house
across a small bridge back of it, and set them down in a field.
" At another time Cornelius carried ten skipples of peas, the same
harrow, and a brother on the top of them, the same distance, in
either case 800 or 900 pounds.
" The stout Vroomans had a remarkably strong sister. A quarrel-
some man being at her father's, warm words passed between him and
her brother Cornelius, when the sister, fearing the consequences if her
kinsman laid hands upon the intruder in anger, siezed him, although a
pretty strong man, and pitched him neck and heels out of the house
saying to the t:nhappy aborigine, ' the boy might hurt you.' The
battered and bruised Mohawk undoubtedly thought that he could not
have been worse off if the boy had hurt him."
Harman Myndertse Van Der Bogart, this is one of the oldest
names identified with the earliest settlement of New Netherlands.
Born in Holland in 1612, he came to New Amsterdam in 1661, as
surgeon of the ship Eendracht, and continued in the West India
Company's service until 1663, after which he resided at New Amster-
dam as a physician until appointed commissioner at Fort Orange.
He was a highly educated and respected man, though, from all
accounts, he appears to have been of an irascible temper. An
instance is mentioned ( see O'Callaghan's History New Netherlands)
of his having attempted, in the excitement of a high quarrel, when
both appear to have been in a violent passion, to throw the director
( Wouter Van Twiller ) out of a boat, in which they were sailing on
the river ; and he was with difficulty prevented from accomplishing
his object. His wife was Jilisje Class Swits of Ziereckzee, in Hol-
land, aunt of Class and Isaac Cornelise Swits. His descendants are
well known here.
Johannes Clute settled in Niskayuna in 1684, on lands he received
A REMARKABLE WOMAN. 35
by will from his rich uncle, Captain Johannes Clnte of Albany. He
married Baata, danghter of Gerrit Van Slichtenhorst, and grand-daugh-
ter of Brant Arantse Van Slichtenhorst, who was director (head man)
of the Colony of Rensselaerwyck in 1646, and who I have had occa-
sion to remark, proved to be a foeman worthy of Governor Stuyve-
sant's most bitter animosity. She was also the grand-danghter of
the indomitable Colonel Philip Pieterse Schiryler. In 1692 her hus-
band Johannes, being a prisoner in Canada, this remarkable woman,
with great adroitness, managed all his business affairs.
Johannes Clute died November 26th, 1725, and was buried in
Niskayuna. He left surviving him three sons and five daughters.
Gerrit Marselis, son of Janse Marselis of Albany, married Bregie
Hause in 1687, and the same year came to Schenectady. He, with
his wife and one child, was killed in the massacre of February 9th,
i6go. One child named Myndert, was saved, and was living at
Schenectady in 1709. He married Fitje Oothout of Albany, May 23,
17 13. They had three sons and four daughters. Theirs is yet a
well known name in Schenectady.
Class Andriese De Graff came to Schenectady in 1688. He mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of William Brouwer of Albany. Soon
after his arrival he settled on what was then and is now called the
Hoek farm situated in the present town of Glenville. This farm
until lately belonged to the Reese family.
Jonathan Stevens from Connecticut, born in 1675, married July
24th, 1693, Lea Van Slyck, widow of Class Williams Van Coppernol,
She was a half-breed Mohawk, and often acted as interpreter. Besides
a house lot in Schenectady, Stevens owned a farm on the north side
of the Mohawk river, about three miles northeast of the village
which, until recently, was occupied by some of his descendants.
Carel Hansen Toll, a Swede, came from the island of Curacoa,
almost directly to Schenectady, certainly as early as 1685 ; for we
learn from the Albany records that in that year Carel Hansen Toll
of Schenectady, was married to L}'sbet Rinckhout of Albany, and
that his daughter Neetje, was born June 20th, 1686. He first settled
on land near Hoffman's Ferry on the north side of the Mohawk
river, which he had bought of Hendrick Cuyler and Gerardus Cam-
7,6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
berfort ; and also occupied land opposite on the south side, purchased
of Johannes Luj-kass, which last farm he conveyed to his brother-iri-
law, Tickston.
In 1 71 2 he purchased a tract of land at Maaylwyck from Joseph
Clement, to which he immediately removed, and some portion of
which is still possessed by his descendants. About this same time
he also owned the lot in Schenectady, on the southeast corner of
Union and Church streets, extending eastwardly along Union street,
and including the present court house lot. This court house lot, 100
feet front by 210 deep, he sold, September 5th, 1712, for the sum of
;^50, to Isaac Van Valkenburgh, the son-in-law of the old proprietor,
Jacque Van Slyck. Carel Hansen Toll died in the month of March,
1728.
The above were proprietors and residents previous to 1690. The
hamlet was fast filling up with a peaceful. God-fearing, contented
community, prosperous in trade and happy in their homes.
In the sixteen years of its young life, the little settlement had
grown into a village. Sixty houses had been built, the original fif-
teen proprietors had increased to 800. Within the great hearths,
roomy enough for all the old people who were wont to gather close
and warm their blood by crackling logs, under swinging cranes,
amid the incense of the punch brewing in the steaming kettle, in the
dim light of the farther corners "where the g-ood wife's shuttle mer-
rily went flashing through the loom," and in low toned murmurs,
broken often by happy laughter, the old, old story of young love was
told in shadowy recesses of the great raftered room, its floors and
ceilings fairly glowing with Holland cleanliness. The Dutchman's
fireside was, on the eve of February 9th, 1690, radient with the hap-
piness of humble content. He heard, but heeded not, or laughed to
scorn the warnings that came to him again and again, of the destruc-
tion that was sweeping down upon him. With grim sarcasm, snow
sentinels had been posted at the north gate, and, as coldly insensate
to danger as his icy statues, he calmly went to rest between his
feather beds, contemptuous of fear as of the bitter cold of a wintry
night of terrible severity.
And while thus he slept, his implacable enemy, chattering with
A HISTORICAL EVENT. 37
the cold, no colder than his cruel heart, squatted in the snow, wait-
ing the awful signals, that were to summon him to light and heat at
the bonfire of the burgher's home. So came down the darkness of
the midnight of February 9th, 1690, soon to blaze forth in the sky,
with murderous glare, the terrible truth declared by the great Sher-
man, » War is Hell."
CHAPTER III.
The Massacre.
Very few, if any of the readers of the story of Schenectady's early
martyrdom, have understood the real cause of the calamity. Often
as we have read the account of it, remarkably well preserved as it is
in what is called the Paris Documents and other records in the State
Library at Albany, none of us, it may be said, have fully understood
how all this came about. With the erudition of a thorough scholar,
well versed in the history of the 17th centur}', and in a severely his-
torical style Judge Landon, in his admirable paper, read before the
Fortnightly club of Schenectady, has, in sixteen pages of printed
matter, made it as clear as daylight, and from this remarkable con-
densation of facts, we learn that all this awful horror came upon our
ancestry from three and four thousand miles away, and that the torch
was held and the flames were lighted by the hands of princes and
kings of whom they knew nothing and for whom they cared less.
Innocent, liberty-loving, God-worshipping, simple people who never
heard or knew of the polemic wars of Europe, were tomahawked
or stabbed, scalped or shot and thrown, dead or alive, into the flames
roaring through doorways and windows of their own beloved homes,
because nearly half way on the other side of the globe men were
quarreling and fighting in the dark, over the interpretation of the
message of the God of Love.
James IV was driven from the throne and fled to the protection of
4
38 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Louis of France. William and Mary, Protestants, became King and
Queen of England. Louis would not recognize them and war was
declared in 1689.
But there were other causes, and the religion of that day became
a controlling factor. William, an elector of the States General of
Holland, had become the leading spirit of the Augsburg League
made between Holland, the Protestant prince of the Rhine, and the
Catholic King of Spain, to resist the pretension of Louis. A schism
had arisen in the Catholic Church, and the everlasting conflict
between faith and works yet alive, was going on between Jansenist
and Jesuit. Louis took part with the Jesuit, the man of faith. The
Pope gave his support to the Jansenist, and the Leagire and the Pro-
testants sided with the Pope. War existed between Austria and
Turkey.
The Augsburg League became allies of Austria. France, together
with the Jesuits, sided with Turkey. So Protestant England and
Catholic Pope warred against the Crescent and the Crown of the
Jesuit faction.
The insensate war crossed the water. No Jansenist and Jesuit
had an actual battle ground here. But the Society of Jesus had
long been doing grand missionary work on this side of the water,
indeed, for more than half a century.
The French were in great disparity of numbers. The white pop-
ulation of Canada was only 12,000, that of the English Colonies
more than 200,000. At any time, for one hundred years after 1660,
could not the English, had the Colonies so willed, have crushed
Canada out of existence ? Yet the French were always the aggres-
sive party and punctured the English lines and .spread devastation
in their territory, apparently at will.
To counteract the effect of this disparity, the French made allies
of the Indians and learned their methods of warfare. They began
with them commercially and then helped the Jesuit to convert them
to Christianity. With the barbarian, the Jesuit had a great advan-
tage over the Protestant.
Ritual and ceremonial pomp and procession brought home first to
the fancy, and then to full belief of the savage, fond of color and
JESUIT MISSIONS. 39
display, the idea of the unseen and only God. He needed first and
mnst have evidence of a visible Presence. This the Jesuit gave him,
and more. He gave him the sacrifice of his life, if need be, in the
service of his Master. Judge Landon gives to these magnificent
devotees this eloquent and deserved tribute :
" The Jesuit priests were the missionaries, who zealously under-
took the labor of converting the Indians. If successful, France
would enjoy the profits of the Indian trade in times of peace, and
have the support of the Christian, or ' praying Indians,' as they
were called, in times of war. It must be said, to the lasting honor
of the Jesuit missionary, that he was actuated by as consecrated and
unselfish a devotion to his sense of duty as the annals of lofty self-
sacrifice record.
" A chain of Jesirit missions was established from the Gulf of
St. Lawrence as far west as the Lake of the Woods and, in these,
far away from civilization and the faces of white men, the Jesuit
priests, amid the squalor, dirt, indecency, and misery of the savage
tribes, devoted their sympathy, their labor and their lives to the sal-
vation of the souls of these unregenerate children of nature. To
aid in snatching a dying soul from Hell's burning pit was, with
these earnest devotees, the highest service in which life could be
spent or sacrificed. With a self-denial that challenges the admira
tion of mankind, these men welcomed with delight the order of their
superior which bade them carry the emblem of the Cross to the*
heathen."
Meanwhile the sedate Hollander, being neither Jansenist nor Jesuit,
English nor French, having heard nothing, (and if he had heard
would have cared nothing about the Augsburg League ) paid no heed
to all these wars and rumors of wars. He wairted to be left alone
just as in his broad toleration he left everybody else alone, to work
out his own salvation. But he had the strong friendship and enduring
confidence of the Iroquois, the combination of five tribes of the best
Indians on the earth. In their disappearance the adage of the cow-
boy is true, " The best Indian is a dead Indian."
Along the St. Lawrence the Jesuit missionary had done splendid
work. The savage, attracted by dazzling ritual and impressed by the
40 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
cheerful martyrdom of the messenger of religion, had adopted the
Catholic faith. From the great Indian castle at Caughnawanga a
colony of Mohawks had gone to found a new Cairghnawauga on the
banks of the St. Lawrence near Montreal, and become good Catho-
lics and with all the zeal of new converts came down to the slaugh-
ter at Schenectady.
From their knowledge of the lands about their old homes, they
were of infinite service to the midnight marauder.
The Iroquois were always the enemies of the French, who never
succeeded in converting any considerable number of them to the
Catholic faith.
In 1689 King Louis sent Frontenac to Canada for the second time
as Governor-General. He was a man of remarkable vigor and was
a master in the art of Indian conciliation. During his absence the
French had treated the Iroquois with shameful treachery ; the great
tribe had captured Montreal in retaliation. With his knowledge of
the admiration for boldness and dash and the terror it instilled in
the Indian, he resolved at once upon a bold stroke. He summoned
to his aid the praying Indians of New Caughnawanga and directed a
descent upon English towns in New England and on Albany, for
which latter point the expedition among which were the " Praying
Indians of Caughnawanga " set out on their terrible journey. They
turned at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson, and abandoned
the attacks on Fort Orange and floundered through the deep snow to
Schenectady. Why they did so will fully appear.
Had they been expected, had the brave burgher seen the
" Northern Light " that was flashing under the Polar Star, and been
on guard, no assassin would have passed alive through the northern
gate.
But Schenectady owed its destruction to another cause than the
battles of European kingdoms. Politics, fierce then as now, were the
more inexcusable as there was then no Erie Canal in its very heart,
to act as a powerful stimulant. In the English and French warfare
he could and did say with Mercutio " A plague on both your houses."
Had he felt the same indifference as to the bossism of Gov. Leisler
he would have been at liberty to heed the call of his neighbors, to
PREPARATIONS OF ATTACK. 41
cease building political fences, and stand guard at the north gate.
But, though the city was Leislerite, it was not strong enough to con-
trol a large and powerful minority and, while thus dallying, the
Philistines came upon him. Had the Dutch Sampson been himself
he would have crushed the barbarian by loosing a pillar stone or
brick of the home he loved. It was in ridicule of his political
opponent, who kept up a "ceaseless call to arms, that he was induced
to mould his snow images beside the gates where warm hearted,
brave men should have been. If the anti-Leislerite advocated any
one thing the Leislerite knew, ipso facto, that that particular thing
was absolutely wrong. The Dutch idea once lodged is permanent.
Once in a while the trait is discoverable 3'et in the tenacity of con-
viction in the character of his descendant. So that the Anti wanted
the guard stationed, the simple fact that he so desired, was sufficient
reason for lea\'ing the little hamlet unprotected.
Of all the numerous and authentic stories of the memorable chap-
ter' in the early history of our land, we select two, one from the
French report from the Paris documents, vol. 14, in the State library.
" An account of the burning of Schenectady by Mons. DeMonsig-
nat, Comptroller-General of the marine in Canada, to Madame De
Maintenon, the morganatic wife of Louis XIV.
" The order received by M. LeCompte (DeFrontenac) to commence
hostilities against New England and New York, which had declared
for the Prince of Orange, afforded him considerable pleasure and were
very necessary for the coimtry. He allowed no more time to elapse
before carrjdng them into execution than was required to send off
some dispatches to France, immediately after which, he determined
to organize three different detachments to attack those rebels at all
points at the same moment and to punish them at various places for
having afforded protection to our enemies, the Mohawks.
" The first party was to rendezvous at Montreal, and proceed
towards Orange; the second at Three Rivers, and to make a descent
on New York, at some place between P)Oston and Orange ; and the
third was to depart from Quebec and gain the seaboard between Bos-
ton and Pentagouet, verging toward Acadia. They succeeded per-
fectly well, and I have communicated to you the details.
42 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
" The detachment which formed at Montreal, may have been com-
posed of about two hundred and ten men, namely : eight savages
from the Sault and La Montague, sixteen Algonquins and the
remainder Frenchmen, all under the command of the Sieur LeMoyne
de Sainte Helene and Lieutenant Daillebout de Mantet, both of
whom are Canadians.
" The Sieurs Le Moyne d' Iberville and de Montesson commanded
under these.
" The best qualified Frenchmen were the Sieurs de Bonrepos and
de La Brosse, Calvinist officers, the Sieur la Moyne de Blainville, Le
Bert du Chene and la Marque de Montigny, who all served as volun.
teers.
" They took their departure in the course of five or six days.
They called a council to determine the route they should follow, the
point they should attack.
" The Indians demanded of the French their intention. Messieurs
de Sainte Helene and the Mantet replied that they had left in the
hope of attacking Orange, if possible, as it is the capital of New
York, and a place of considerable importance, though they had no
orders to that effect, but generally to act according as they should
judge on the spot of their chances of success, without running too
much risk. This appeared to the savages somewhat rash. They
represented the difficulties and the weakness of the party for so bold
an undertaking.
" There was even one among them, who, his mind filled with
recollections of the disasters which he had witnessed last year,
enquired of our Frenchmen. Since when had the}' become so des-
perate ? '
" In reply to their raillery, 'twas answered that it was our inten-
tion now, to regain the honor of which our misfortunes had deprived
us, and the sole means to accomplish that, was to carry Orange, or
to perish in so glorious an enterprise!
" As the Indians, who had an intimate acquaintance with the
localities and more experience than the French, could not be brought
to agree with the latter, it was determined to postpone coming to a
conclusion until the party should arrive at the spot where the two
MOVEMENT OP THE ENEMY. 45
routes separate ; the one leading to Orange, and the other to Corlaer
( Schenectady.) In the course of the journey, which occupied eight
days, the Frenchmen judged proper to diverge towards Corlaer, accord-
ing to the advice of the Indians ; and their road was taken without call-
ing a council. Nine days more elapsed before they arrived, they
having experienced inconceivable difficulties, and having been
obliged to march up to their knees in water, and to break the ice
with their feet in order to find a solid footing.
" They arrived within two leagues of Corlaer aboirt four o'clock
in the evening, and were harangixed by the great Mohawk chief of
the Iroquois from the Sault. He urged on all to perform their duty,
and to lose all recollections of their fatigue, in the hope of taking
ample revenge for the injuries they had received from the Iroquois
at the solicitation of the English, and of washing them out in the
blood of the traitors' enemies.
" This savage was without contradiction the most considerable of
his tribe, an honest man, as full of spirit, prudence and generosit}',
as is possible, and capable at the same time of the grandest under-
takings. Shortly after, four squaws were discovered in a wigwam,
who gave every information necessary for the attack on the town.
The fire found in their hut served to warm those who were benumbed,
and they continued their route, having previously detached Giguie-
res, a Canadian, with nine Indians, on the lookout.
" They discovered no one, and returned to join the main body
within one league of Corlaer.
" At eleven of the clock at night, they came within sight of the
town but resolved to defer the assault until two o'clock of the morn-
ing, but the excessive cold admitted of no further dela)^
" The town of Corlaer forms sort of an oblong with two gates,
one opposite the road we had taken, the other leading to Orange,
which is only six leagues distant. Messieurs de Sainte Helene and
de Mantet were to enter at the first which the squaws pointed out,
and which in fact was found open wide. Messieurs d'Iberville
and de Montesson took the left with another detachment, in order to
make themselves masters of that leading to Orange. But they
could not discover it, and returned to join the remainder of the
44 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
party. A profound silence was everywhere observed until the two
commanders separated at their entrance, and put everyone who
defended the place, to the sword. The massacre lasted two hours.
The remainder of the night was spent in placing sentinels and in
taking some repose.
" The house belonging to the minister was ordered to be saved, so
as to take him alive to obtain information from him ; but as it was not
known it was not spared. He was slain and his papers burnt before
he could be recognized.
" At daybreak some men were sent to the dwelling of Mr. Coudre
(Coudre Sander), who was mayor of the place, and who lived at the
other side of the river. He was not willing to surrender, and began
to put himself on the defensive, aided by his servants and some
Indians ; but as it was resolved not to do him any harm, in conse-
qi;ence of the good treatment that the French had formerly exper-
ienced at his hands, M. d'lberville and the Great Mohawk proceeded
thither alone, promised him quarter for himself, his people and his
property, whereupon he laid down his arms on parole, entertaining
them in his fort, and returned with them to see the commandants of
the town.
" In order to occupy the savages, who would otherwise have taken
to drink, and thus render themselves unable for defense, the houses
had already been set on fire. None were spared in the town except
one house belonging to Coudre (Sander Glen), and that of a widow
(Bratt), who had six children, whither M. de Montigny had been
carried when wounded. All the rest were consumed. The lives of
between fifty and sixty persons, old men, women and children were
spared, they having escaped the first fury of the. attack. Some
twenty Mohawks were also spared, in order to show them that it was
the English and not they, against whom the grudge was entertained.
" The loss on this occasion in houses, cattle and grain, amounts to
more than four hundred thousand livres. There were upwards of
eighty well built and well furnished houses in the town.
"The return march commenced with thirty prisoners. The
wounded, who were to be carried, and the plunder, with which all
the Indians and some Frenchmen were loaded, caused considerable
JOURNEY SOUTHWARD. 45
inconvenience. Fifty good horses were brought away. Sixteen of
these only reached MontreaL The remainder were killed for food
on the road.
" Sixty leagues from Corlaer the Indians began to hunt, and the
French not being able to wait for them, being short of provisions,
continued their route, having detached Messieurs d'Iberville and
DuChesne with two savages before them to Montreal. On the same
day, some Frenchmen, who doubtless were much fatigued, lost their
way. Fearful that they should be obliged to keep up with the main
body, and believing themselves in safety, having eighty Indians in
their rear, they were found missing from the camp. They were
waited for the next day, until eleven o'clock, but in vain, and no
account has since been received of them.
" Two hours after forty more left the main body without acquaint-
ing the commander, continued their route by themselves and arrived
within two leagues of Montreal one day ahead, so that they were not
more than fifty or sixty men together. The evening on which they
should arrive at Montreal, being extremely fatigued from fasting and
bad roads, the rear fell away from M. de Sainte Helene, who was in
front with an Indian guide, and could not find a place suitable for
camping, nearer than three or four leagues of the spot where he
expected to halt. He was not rejoined by M. de Mantet and the
others, until far advanced in the night. Seven have not been found.
Next day on parade, about ten o'clock in the forenoon, a soldier
arrived who announced that they had been attacked by fourteen or
fifteen savages, and that six had been killed. The party proceeded,
somewhat afflicted at this accident, and arrived at Montreal at 3
o'clock p. M.
" Such, Madame, is the account of what passed at the taking of
Corlaer. The French lost but twenty-one men, namely four Indians
and seventeen Frenchmen. Only one Indian and one Frenchman
were killed at the capture of the town. The others were lost on the
road."— Doc. Hist. N. Y., 11 86.
A few days subsequent to the massacre Pieter Schuyler, Major,
Dirk Wessels Ten Broeck, Recorder, and Killian Van Rensselaer,
the patroon, addressed an appeal to the Governor of Massachusetts,
46 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
from which we quote, putting as well as possible, the English of that
day into our modern vernacular.
" Albany, the 15th day of Feb., 1689.
HONERED GENTI,EMEN :
To our great grief and sorrow we must acquaint you with our
deplorable condition, there never having been the like dreadfull
massacre and murder committed in these parts of America, as has
been acted by the French and their Indians at Schenectady, twenty
miles from Albany, between Saturday and Sunday last, at 11 o'clock
at night. A company of two hundred French and Indians fell upon
said village and murdered sixty men, women and children, most bar-
barously, burning the place and carrying twenty-seven along with
them prisoners, among which, the Lieut, of Capt. Bull Enos Tal-
madge, and four more of said company were killed and five taken
prisoners. The rest being inhabitants, and above twenty-five per-
sons freezing their limbs in the fight.
" The cruelties committed at this place no pen can write, nor
tongue express, the women with child ripped up, and the children
thrown into the flames, and their heads dashed in pieces against the
doors and windows.
" But what shall we say ? We must lay our hands upon our
mouths and be silent. It is God's will and pleasure and we must
submit. It is but what our sins and transgressions have deserved.
Since human things are generally directed by outward means, so we
must ascribe this sad misfortune to the factions and divisions which
were amongst the people, and their great disobedience to their offi-
cers, for they would obey no commands or keep any watch, so that
the enemy having discovered their negligence and security by their
praying Maquase Indians (who were in said place two or three days
before the attack was made) came in and broke open their very doors
before any soul knew of it, the enemy dividing themselves in three
several companies, came in at three several places no gate being shut,
and separated themselves six and seven to a house, and in this man-
ner begun to murder, sparing no man till they saw all the houses
open and mastered, and so took what plunder they would, loading
REPORT OF MASSACRE. 47
thirty or forty of the best horses, and so went away about 11 o'clock
at noon on the Sabbath day.
" It was, as if the heavens combined for the destruction of the
village. That Saturday night the snow fell above knee deep, the
weather was dreadfully cold, and the poor people that escaped and
brought us the news about break of day, did so much increase the
number of the enemy, that we all concluded that there was a consid-
erable army coming to fall upon our city, and as was affirmed, they
were upon their march hither ; we were being told not only then
but that day that there were 1900 at least. We sent out a few horses
forthwith, after we had received the news, but scarcely could they
get through the deep snow, some wherefore got to that desolate
place, and there being some few Maquase here in town, we got them
to go thither with our men in companies, to send messengers in
all haste to the Maquase castle, and to spy where the enemy went,
who were not very free to go, the snow being so deep, and afraid of
being discovered by their tracks, but coming to the village which
was in such a consternation, there being so many people and cattle
killed and burnt, that it was not effected until two days after, when
we heard that the Maquase knew nothing about it, upon which mes-
sengers were sent, and the Maquase of the first and second castles came
down in twenty-four houres, whom we sent out with some of our
young men in pursuit of the enemy. Aftei-wards the Maqirase of the
third castle came down, who were also sent out, but we are afraid
will not overtake them, and which is worse if they do find them,
fear they will do them no great hurt, the Indians amongst them
being of the kindred of our Indians ; for the policy of the French is
so great, that they declared to some of the Maquase, whom they
found at Schenectady, that they would not do the Maquase any harm,
yea, if they should burn and destroy ever so many houses at Canada,
and kill ever so many French, yet they would not touch a hair of
their head ; for their governor had such an inclination to that people
that he would live in peace with them. Nay, to gain the hearts of
the Maquase, whatever they desired at Schenectady was granted to
the women and children that were left alive. Upon their desire they
were released and saved. The very houses where the Maquase lay
48 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
were saved upon their request, so that they left no stone unturned to
bring Ihe Indians to their devotion.
" The forty Maquase that were out as scouts at the lake, whom we
furnished with powder and lead to lie there on purpose, we must
conclude, have known nothing of the enemy's coming, for they had
posted themselves at one of the passages, and before they had sent
men to the other passage the enemy had passed by, which we must
impute to their negligence.
" The said French had belts of wampum along with them which
they showed to a Maquase squaw at Schenectady, which they
designed to have given to our Indians, upon proposal of peace, if
they had met with any upon the way, so that we must conclude they
wanted nothing but a peace with our Indians to destroy all the
parts.
" Our Maquase have got one of their Indians prisoner, whom they
have tortured and afterwards have released him, but delivered him
into our custody ; for we feared that he would escape and run away
to the enemy. The said Indian confessed that there were 600 men
preparing to come out upon this place or New England, and 100
men were gone out against Skachkook Indians, which were beside
these 200 men, and that this company had been twenty-two days
away from Canada.
" After the French had done the principal mischief at Schenec-
tady, Captain Sanders, a justice that lived across the river, was sent
for by the captain of the French, who had put himself in a posture
of defense in his fort with the men that he could get by him ; when
thirteen came there and told them not to fear for their order was not
to wrong a chicken of theirs, upon which Captain Sanders ordered
them to lay down their arms, and so were let in where they left one
man for a hostage, and Captain Sanders went to their commander,
who told him he had a commission to come and pay a debt which
they owed ; Colonel Dongan, our governor, had stirred up our Indians
to do mischief in Canada, and they had done the same here. And
pulling his commission out of his bosom told him he was strictly
charged to do no harm to him or his, but especially to his wife who
had since been so charitable to the French prisoners, so that Captain
LIST OF KILLED. 49
Sanders saved sundry houses from being burnt, and women and chil-
dren from being carried awaj^ But the snow was so extremely deep
that it was impossible for any woman to march a mile, so that they
took none but men and boys that could march."
The Hon. John Sanders, a descendant of John Alexander Glen,
known as M. Coudre, and whose narration is not tradition, but relia-
ble information, derived from his father, who was born 150 years
ago, and who derived it in turn from his grandfather, furnishes some
interesting incidents which we' take from his most interesting work.
In his accounts of John Alexander Glen, we find the cause of the
tenderness of the French toward the Major, or chief burgomaster as
Glen then was.
Adam Vrooman's life was spared after his wife was killed, and his
child's brains dashed out against his house, which stood on the cor-
ner of Front and Church streets, where Mr. Charles Linn now lives.
We have given the story in the account of his life as we have of the
first settlers. Had the burghers been on guard under the leadership
of a man like Vrooman they would have torn the assassins to pieces.
The following is a list of the killed, wounded and the prisoners.
It is entirely correct, all accounts agreeing on the number. It is
taken from Vol. i, Doc. Hist, of N. Y., p. 304.
It will be noticed that the largest number of the slain resided
when living, on State street, hence the survivors called this street
Martelaer's street, in pious remembrance of their slaughtered rela-
tives and neighbors, a name whose significance and sentiment are in
striking contrast with the utter poverty of invention and good taste,
shown by their descendants in borrowing a name from Albany for
their chief business street.
List of the people killed and destroyed by the French of Canada
and their Indians at Schenectady, twenty miles to the west of
Albany, between Saturday and Sunday, the gtli day of February,
1690.
" Myndert Wemple killed."
He was the eldest son of Jan Barentse Wemple, who owned half
the great island west of the town, and who died in 1663, leaving
another son, Barent, and two daughters.
50 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Myndert's house lot was on the west side of Washington street, a
little north of State street. His son, Johannes, was carried away to
Canada but was redeemed and lived many years.
" Jan Van Eps and his son and two of his children killed."
Jan Van Eps was the only son of Dirk Van Eps and Maritie
Damens. The father died early and the mother married two hus-
bands afterwards, the last of whom was Cornelis Van Nes of Albany.
With Jan Van Eps were also killed three of his children, and a fourth,
Jan Baptist, then seventeen years of- age, was carried away by the
French. He remained with the Indians three years, but finally
escaped in one of their excursions against the Mohawks. On
account of his familiarity with the langauge of the natives, he was
often employed by the governor of the province as an interpreter.
The Van Eps house lot was on the north corner of Church and
State streets and embraced about 200 feet on each street. The east
half, including the corner, was early sold to the Bratts. It is prob-
able that Van Eps resided upon the west half at the time of the
massacre.
" Sergeant Church of Captain Bull's company."
" Barent Janse (Van Ditmars) killed and burnt ; his son killed."
His son's name was Cornelis, a young man of mature age, the hus-
band of Catharina Glen, daughter of Sander Eeendertse Glen. The
elder Van Ditmars in 1664, married Catalyntje DeVos, widow of
Arent Andriese Bratt, one of the earliest settlers of Schenectady, by
whom she had six children, all living at the time of her second
marriage.
At the time of the massacre she was living with her family on
her village lot, on the east corner of Washington and State streets,
and it was there that Van Ditmars and his son Cornelis were slain.
" Andries Arentse Bratt shot and burnt and also his child," (one
child.)
He was the eldest son of Arent Andriese Bratt and Catalyntje De
Vos above mentioned, and lived on the same ample lot (200 feet
square) as his mother, on the north side of State street. In the mas-
sacre his wife, Margarette Jacobse Van Slyck, and two children were
spared.
LIST OF KILLED CONTINUED. 51
" Maria Viele, wife of Dowe Ankes and lier two children killed,
and his negro woman, Francyn, Maria Aloff, wife of Cornelis Viele,
Junior, shot."
These five persons were killed in one house, standing on the south
corner of Mill Lane and State street next the ancient church. Aukes
kept an inn there. Viele was an uncle of his wife and subsequently
became heir of his property.
At the same time Arnout Cornelise Viele, brother of Aukes' wife,
was carried to Canada.
" Swear Teunise (Van Velsen) .shot and burnt. His wife killed
and burnt. Antje Jans, daughter of Jan Spoor, killed and burnt.
Item : four negroes of the said Swear Teunise the same death. Enos
Talmage, Lieutanant of Capt. Bull, killed and burnt. All in one
house."
Van Velson's house was next east of Dowe Auke's above men-
tioned, on the south side of State street, now numbers 54 and 56.
He was the town miller, and directly in the rear of his house stood
his corn mill on Mill Lane.
As he died without heirs, his estate was divided among his wife's
children, the Wemps, a portion being reserved for the churcli.
" Hend. Meese Vrooman and Bartholomeus Vrooman, killed and
burnt. Item : two negroes of Hen. Meese the same death."
He lived on the south side of State street, where the New York
Central Railroad crosses. All the Vroomans in this vicinity are his
descendants through his two sons, Adam and Jan.
" Gerrit Marcellis and his wife and child killed."
He was a son of Marsellis Janse of Albany. At the time of his
death he was residing on the lots now occupied by McCamus & Go's
stores.
" Rob Alexander, soldier of Capt. Bull's, shot."
He was probably quartered in the block house at the north angle
of the village at the corner of Front and Washington streets.
" Robert Hessling," residence unknown. " Sander, the son of
Gilbert Geritse (Van Brakel,) killed and burnt."
He lived on the east corner of Ferry and State streets.
" Jan Roeloffse DeGoyer, burnt in the house. He was a son of
52 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the famous Anneke Janse, and lived upon the lot of Mr. G. Y. Van
de Bogart, opposite the Court House. He left no descendants;"
" Ralph Grant, a soldier in the fort, shot."
" David Christoffelse and his wife, with four children, all burnt in
their house."
His house lot was on the east side of Church street. He was the
son of Christoffel Davids of Albany, an Englishman by birth.
" Joris Aertse (Vander Baas), shot and burnt. Wm. Pieterse,
killed."
His house lot was on the south corner of Church and Union
streets.
"John Putman, killed ; his wife killed and her scalp taken off."
His house lot was on the south corner of Ferry and Union streets
where Mr. Barney now lives.
He was the ancestor of the Putmans of this vicinity.
" Domine Petrus Tassemaker, the minister, killed and burnt in his
house."
" Frans Harmense (Van de Bogart) killed."
His house lot was on Front street and near the north gate.
" His son Claas was carried away, but afterwards redeemed."
" Engel, the wife of Adam Vrooman, shot and burnt, her child's
brains dashed out against the wall."
Her maiden name was Engeltie Blom. Vrooman's house stood on
the lot on the west corner of Front and Church streets.
His son Barent and a negro were carried away to Canada.
" Reynier Schaats and his son killed."
He was a son of Domine Gideon Schaats of Albany, surgeon and
physician of the village, as well as Justice of Peace. His lot was on
the north side of Union street, now owned by the County of Schenec-
tady.
" Daniel Andreis and George, two soldiers of Capt. Bull." " A
French girl, prisoner among the Mohawks, killed." "Johannes,
the son of Symon Schermerhorn."
He probably lived on the west corner of Church and Union
streets, where Mr. Parsons now lives.
lyist of the persons which the French and their Indians have taken
THOSE TAKEN PRISONER 53
prisoners at Schenectady and carried to Canada, the 9th day of Feb-
ruary, 1690, Johannes Teller and his negroes.
The Teller lot was on the east corner of Union and Washington
streets, extending 200 feet along each street.
Teller was redeemed from the Indians.
"John Wemp, son of Myndert Wemp and two negroes."
This Wemps (Wemples) lived on the west side of Washington
avenue, a little north of State street.
" Symon, Abraham, Phillip, Dyrck and Claas Groot, all five sons
of Symon Groot."
His house lot was next west of Reynier Schaat's, on the north
side of Union street, now owned by the county of Schenectady and
Scott Hunter, Esq. All these were redeemed with perhaps the
exception of Claas.
"Jan Baptist, son of Jan Van Eps."
The Van Eps lot was on the north corner of Church and State
streets. Jan remained among the Canadian Indians about three
years, and in one of their expeditions against the Mohawks escaped
and returned home.
"Albert and Johannes Vedder, sons of Harme Vedder."
Harmen Vedder, the father, had a homestead on the bouwland, now
occupied and owned by Mr. John D. Campbell of Rotterdam, and it
is not certainl}^ known that he had a village lot. Both were redeemed-
" Isaac Cornelise Switts and his eldest son."
He lived on the west side of Washington street directly opposite
State street. Both were redeemed.
"A negro of Barent Janse (Van Ditmars)."
Van Ditmars married Mrs. Bratt in 1664 and lived upon the lot on
the east corner of State and Washington streets.
" Arnout, the son of Arnout Corn ; Viele, the interpreter."
Arnout was a brother-in-law of Douwe Aukes and was residing at
his house on the south corner of State street and Mill Lane near the
church.
" Stephen, the[^son of Gysbert Gerritse ( Van Brakel)."
Van Brakel resided on the east corner of Ferry and State streets.
5
54 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
" Lawrence, son of Claas Lawrence Purmurent ( Vander Volgen)."
The Vander Volgen home lot included the lots on which are built
the Van Horn hall and the Myers block.
Lawrence remained with the Canadian Indians about eleven years,
becoming perfectly familiar with their language and customs. After
his return he was employed as provincial interpreter.
" Arnout, son of Paulyne Janse ;" residence unknown. " Barent,
the son of Adam Vrooman, and the negro." " Claas, son of Frans
Marmense (Van de Bogart)."
His father's village lot was on the north side of Front street, now
the residence of Mrs. Henry Rosa.
" Stephen, adopted son of Geertje Bonts ; " residence imknown.
"John Webb, a soldier belonging to Capt. Bull."
Judge Sanders gives some interesting data from which we extract :
" It occtxrred about the time of the accession of William and
Mary, when Jacob Leisler, a wealthy merchant and influential poli-
tician of New York, had usurped the government in their names ;,
and backed up by the popular Protestant frenzy, that all those who
had held office under James, were Baptists, removed every old officer,
and appointed the devotees of himself and son-in-law, Milborne, in
their stead. It was truly a time of disobedience, distraction, wild
riot and disorder. Schenectady itself was strongly Leislefian. I
wish not to enter into details, but it is clearly a matter of history
and tradition that John Alexander Glen, commandant of the place,
and a justice of the township, residing at Scotia, was not allowed to
enter the village under any circumstances, his life threatened, and in
derision of his advice to guard and close the gates ; so great was
their confidence of security from attack in the depth of that unusu-
ally severe winter, that the Leislerians formed men of snow and set
one at each gate, as a sufficient protection. Captain Alexander Glen,
John Alexander's brother, a resident of the village, and also justice
of the peace, was obliged to take refuge at Albany; and many prom-
inent men of the province were compelled to seek an as5dum in New
England.
" There was, at the time of the conflagration and massacre, a gar-
rison of twenty-four men ( to whom the Leislerians were inimical).
A NEW FORT. 55
stationed at a point now called the Old Fort, situated at the junction
of what is now Front, Ferry and Green streets, under Lieut. Enos
Talmadge of Connecticut. From the earliest date of its erection,
this spot, and none other, of Schenectady, has been designated as
the Fort. It was destroyed in 1690; a new fort was built in 1700,
rebuilt in 1735 and again in 1780. I have been unable to ascertain
from any source what was the precise extent of the fort. The
parade ground embraced the small public square, and some vacant
lots lying between Front street and the premises now belonging
to and occupied by the Episcopal church.
" Although called a Fort, it seems, from investigations made by
me, to have been the barrack station of an exposed frontier town,
but probably mounted a few cannon. I am not clear about that.
" The people of the town were so bigoted to Leisler that they
would not obey any of the magistrates, neither would they entertain
the soldiers sent thither by the convention at all ; nothing but men
sent from Leisler would do their turn ; and when Capt. Sander com-
manded, they threatened to burn him upon the fire if he came upon
guard.
" From all the accounts rendered, that winter night of February
8th must have been one of extreme suffering and heart-rending deso-
lation ; but all of its inhabitants were neither slaughtered nor cap-
tured. Schenectady then contained eighty dwellings ; assuming that
each house held five individuals (a moderate estimate), it must have
contained about 400 inhabitants. And what became of them ?
They escaped, it is true, but where ? It is idle to suppose, as has
been sometimes stated, that they fled twenty miles off to Albany in
their night garments, on that severe night, with the snow more than
a foot deep."
No, there is too much romance in that commonly received opinion,
and it is not borne out by the knowledge of the settlers. They fled
off too, and were protected by their friends and nearest neighbors.
The Mohawk flats, on both sides of the river, were settled as far west
as to what is now called Hoffman's Ferry, and down the river east on
both sides to the manor line, and the Ael Plaas creek. There is but
56 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
one authenticated and believed case of flight and arrival at Albany,
during that terrible night of storm and misery.
Simon Schermerhorn, (the brother of Ryer), at five o'clock on the
morning of the 9th, brought the sad news to Albany by the way of
Niskayuna. He had himself been shot through the thigh, and his
horse wounded in the daring effort. It was a noble struggle of life
and death to rescue his distressed friends and relatives. On that
disastrous night, too, his son John and three negro slaves were
killed before he escaped.
It is said, in our home accounts, that only one of the enemy,
" L,ieut. La Margue de Montigny," was injured during the sack, and
that was by the thrust of a spear in the hands of the intrepid x\dam
Vrooman. This is more than the French account, and indeed, in
the then troubled state of the Province, our own accounts are sparse,
mixed and unsatisfactory. I find the account of Monsieur de Mon-
seignat. Comptroller General in Canada, addressed to Madame de
Maintenon (Paris Doc. IV, Doc. His. N. Y., Vol. i, p. 297, etc.), much
more lucid, satisfactory and historical, and so nearly agreeing with
the statements, handed down by the Glens and other survivors of
that dreadful occasion, that I adopt it as the most reliable and correct
relation.-
CHAPTER IV.
After the Massacre.
It was all over before the dawn of a bitter winter's morning. But
the servants of his most Christian Majesty, and his convert allies,
the praying Indians had work yet to do, the Frenchmen to round up
and corral the prisoners, and the barbarians to revert to their savage
flesh pots by counting up and distributing the unburned scalps.
Major Coudre was sent for and he promptly came. It was the first -
time for many long months that this man who, with Ryer Schernier-
■ ■ FOLLOWING THE MASSACRE. 57
horn, the Bradts, Van Slycks and Vroonians was the leading citizens
of the little burgh, was permitted within the gates. He was an anti-
Leislerite, had been among those wdio had long sonnded the warning
of the evil night, and had been langhed to scorn. He was welcome
enough now, and in the midst of an awful scene, surrounded by
happy homes, converted into ash heaps, with only six out of sixty
dwellings remaining, and these six standing sparse and scattered
stained with the awful carnage of the dead around their doorway,
and black with the smoke of their neighbors smouldering beside
them, in the hour of the horrible fulfilment of his warning, the gal-
lant gentleman with streaming eyes besought mercy for the sur-
vivors. Further bloodshed was checked, some actually saved to
endure a frightful journey to the Canadian captivity, some to return
long years after, some to die on the death strewn route, some never
to be heard of again. The heroic Ryer Schermerhorn came back
from Albany, one son of Arent Andreas Bradt survived, and these
two were all that were left to represent the original five trustees.
- When the unhappy cavalcade left through the north gate to floun-
der through snow and in Arctic cold to their dismal destination,
those who had escaped to the surrounding country straggled back to
take counsel among themselves of the cheerless, hopeless future.
Added to their misery were the everlasting harpys who in Albany
and New Amsterdam were hissing the inhumanly conceited mutter
"I told you so," into the ears of the anguished sufferers who were
sobbing and moaning with streaming eyes over the ashes of their
homes and the charred and scalpless remains of their beloved dead.
They began to give up in desolute despair.
To the everlasting honor of that most ungentle and warlike sav-
age, the first words of consolation, of encouragement and hope
came, not from their Christian brethren, but from the Mohawk, the
the noblest barbarian of them all. Straightaway from their castle
the Sachems of the Maquase dispatched the following letter to the
Mayor of Albany :
February 25th, 1690.
" Proposition made by the Sachems of the Maquase Castles to the
Mayor, etc., of the City of Albany.
58 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
25th day of February, 1690.
" Brethren : — We are sorry and extremely grieved for the murder
lately committed by the French upon our brethren of Schenectady.
We esteem this evil as if done to ourselves, being all in one cove-
nant chain.
" We lament and condole the death of so many of our brethren,
so basely murdered at Schenectady, we cannot account it a great
victory for it is done by way of deceit.
" Brethren : — Do not be discouraged, this is but a beginning of the
war ; we are strong enough. The whole house have their eyes fixed
upon yours, and they only stay your motion and will be ready to do
whatever shall be resolved upon by your brethren.
" We recommend the brethren to keep good watch, and if any
enemies come take care that messengers be more speedily sent to us
than lately was done. We would not advise the brethren to quite
desert Schenectady, but to make a fort there. The enemy would be
too glorious to see it quite desolate, and the town is not well fortified,
the stockades are so short the Indians can jump over them like a
dog."— Doc. Hist. II.
Again on May 3d, 1690, in council, the Five Nations under the
inspiration of the Mohawks, sent out these brave and cheering words
to Van Corlear.
" Brother Corlear be no wise discouraged, but make your fort
strong (as we have our castles) at Schenectady, and maintain a garri-
son there, that your corn may be preserved and reap your harvest,
also send for your wives and children from New York and encour-
age them that we shall be safe, and fear not. The words of Diado-
rus are ended."
And on the 2 2d day of February, 1690, the Convention at Albany
called on the brave allies of the burghers.
And they came. Their names are on the rolls of membership of
the Old Dutch Chiirch, and their blood was again diffused through
Holland names.
Well may the Van Slycks, the Vielies, the Bradts, the descendants
of " Taut " Stevens, of " Stoeffie " and " Tellis " Yates, and hundreds
of others of the old stock, admit without .shame, and claim with
AN ORDER ISSUED. 59
pride the remote ancestry, that though barbarian in birth, was
humane in heart, and appHed with brave tenderness the Master's
Golden Rule.
Staggering to his feet and summoned to manly effort by these
words of encouragement, the Dutchman met the emergency. Leis-
ler's commissioners at Albany, the very year of the massacre, issued
the following order :
" Whereas, it is judged necessary that in order to defend Schenec-
tady and to that purpose it is found necessary and requisite that a
fort shall be erected to defend the inhabitants and oppugn the enemy
if they should attack the same.
" These are in his Master's name to require your Capt. Sander
Glen and all officers and inhabitants belonging to the said Schenec-
tady and adjacent parts, with the soldiers there in garrison, to build
a substantial fort of due magnitude and strength, upon that part or
parcel of ground (called by the name of Cleyn Isaacs), and that all
are aiding and assisting therein, according to their ability to dispatch
and complete the same, as they will answer the contrary at their
utmost peril.
" Given under our hand this 13th day of May in the second year
of his Master's reign. Anno Dom, 1690."
This was built between Washington street and the river opposite
the west end of State street, covering the lot of Klein Isaac, (that is
Isaac Swits), who with his son Cornells, was carried away by the
French to Canada. On his return from captivity next year, he found
his homestead occupied by soldiers, his orchard cut down and his
home utterly ruined. He repeatedly petitioned for remuneration for
his losses, but it was not until 1708 that his son received a patent for
1,000 acres of land in Niskayuna as a recognition of his father's
claim.
In obedience to this command for this fort, there is an excellent
map made by the Rev. John Miller, chaplain to the British forces,
stationed in New York. He gives this description of Schenectady:
" Dependent on this City (Albany) and about twenty miles north-
ward from it, is the Fort of Schenectady, quadrangular, with a treble
stockade with a new block house at every angle and in each block
6o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
house two great guns." (Miller's description of Schenectady, 1695).
Miller's map of New York city is fully supported by contempo-
raneous and later maps. His map of Schenectady is doubtless cor-
rect in all essentials. Certainly after two centuries have elapsed the
sketch of what an intelligent man observed and recorded, is entitled
to acceptance, unless some other contemporaneous plan or detailed
description can be found. Rev. John Miller was chaplain to the
British forces stationed at New York City. He visited all the up-
river posts and returned to England in 1695. His manuscript
" Description of the Province and the City of New York, with plans
of the city and several forts as they existed in the year 1695. By
the Rev. John Miller, London. Printed and published for the
enlightenment such as would desire information anent the New
Found Land of America," is in the British Museum.
The stockade therein depicted was probably in the main on the
site of the stockade destroyed in 1690, and represented the growth of
five years. The first fort or strong place built after the massacre on
Cleyn Isaac's land, was the blockhouse at the foot of State street,
(formerly Mrs. Jay Westinghouse's lot), where it dominated the
bouwland and Great Island, and was guarded by the then bluff banks
of Mill Creek and the Benne Kil. It was a purely military position,
a blockhouse to which the few remaining settlers could rally, and
probably became the southwest blockhouse of Miller's map.
The guard house was at State and Ferry streets, and was a block-
house also. The writer believes that the same garrison was at this
point on the night of the massacre, and many of tho.se who escaped
from their house naturally ran to the guard house and were there
killed, a good enough reason why State street from Center to Wash-
ington street should be called Martyrlaer street. This blockhouse
was at State and Ferry streets. " Two great guns" commanded the
road to Albany, the town mill and bouwlands as well as the plain
east of Ferry street.
Miller's map shows the "spy loft," or lookout station (where
perched high up the lookout could see all that was in sight m the
vicinity and give the signal of danger), the " center box " and flag
staff, which indicate the main and headquarters. It was put there
OTHER BLOCKHOUSES. 6i
because it was the best site in 1691, and the site was the same in
1690 and earlier
Another blockhouse was about 100 feet north of the Episcopal
church, to which point Front street originally ran, that is to say
when it was the Rondweg inside the north wall.
A fourth blockhouse was about Washington and Front streets, and
was larger than the others. Protected by being near the junction of
the river and the Benne Kil it was probably intended for a storehouse
as well as church.
At the massacre the town was destroyed, but few houses being
unburnt the site was practically abandoned and only the strenuous
efforts of government and Indians induced the return of the major
portion of the people. A large number of Mohawks established
themselves there, and the following summer they gathered the crops
which had been planted — (winter wheat.) Miller's map shows their
two large " long houses" inside the walls. The tripple stockade was
probably built by, or with the aid of the Indians and in their fashion
of light poles or saplings, and not the regiilar stockade of civilized
peoples.
Miller's map shows twenty-eight houses within the stockade in
1695-
In 1698, the population of the township from Niskayuna to Hoff-
man's Ferry, was fifty men, forty-one women and 133 children.
Of these the Glens, Schermerhorn, DeGraffs and others lived at a
distance from the village, so that if the forty-one women represented
nearly as many families, which is probable, twenty-eight houses
would suffice for the inhabitants, the soldiers barracking in the block
houses.
The " Fort of Schenectady " doubtless contained all there was of
the village, save a few houses on the Albany road, on the bouwlands
and was the whole occupied town west of Ferry street.
Miller indicates two gates — one the south end of Church street,
where its location protected it from sudden attack, and where the
ancient church covered, or in military parlance, traversed it. The
writer believes, after careful study of the site and the history of the
62 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
town, that this south gate located at twenty-eight feet south of State
street, was the early outlet of the town.
On passing out of the gate the road to Albany, via. Norman's Kil,
(the oldest road), lay across the bouwlands and via. Schermerhorn
mills, over the hills. lyater to avoid the sand and the hill, the road
up to Albany hill was traveled. It was for a century a mere trail,
in common with others equally poor, but occasionally used. This
road led from the gate along the hill side under the guns of the
southeast blockhouse and above the mill. ( In digging cellars and
foundations for Vrooman's hardware store, stone macadamizing or
pavement was found seventy-five feet south of State street, as also at
other houses along the same block at other times).
It was improbable that any man with a military eye would locate
a blockhouse back from the steep bluff bank of Mill Creek. It
would be placed on the crest so that the guns of the blockhouse
could fully command the whole slope. Again, a road along under
such a slope would be in proper position for its protection, but very
wet and muddy in spring or in wet weather, hence it was paved very
early but abandoned for the higher level where State street now is,
probably not long after the Queen's Fort was built in 1704. When
the road was moved, the gate was moved, and the English army top-
ographers at the time of the " old French war " locate the road as
State street now is, and open a gate at its crossing of Ferry street.
Miller indicates another gate at the west side (corner of Washing-
ton avenue and State), which opened to the Benne Kil, which was a
canoe harbor — to the ferry — to the Great Island, and also on the old
river road to the Mohawk country. There had been a gate at the
north end of the town, but after 1690 it was not rebuilt, as the small
garrison had enough to do to guard the south end of the town,
which contained the mill, guard house and gardens, and the roads to
the bouwlands and Albau}'.
The next tendency seemed to be to concentrate force at the State
street side of the town, and new buildings clustered about the neigh-
borhood. Besides settlements were neither near or numerous along
the Mohawk and the Indian incursions made roads there very unsafe.
FOUNDERS OF OLD FAMILIES. 63
As the need for them arose, and their safety was assured, new gates
were opened.
Meanwhile others came to Schenectady who were the founders of
families well known among oirr people in these days.
Ahasuerus Marselis, brother of Garret, came in 1698. William
Hull came about April 13th, 1695. John Oudikirk in the same
year. Giles Van Voast in 1699. John Mynderse in 1700.
He owned real estate on the west corner of Mill Lane and State
street, and the lot now No. 93 State street and east of it. He died
in 1757, aged about 90 years, and left surviving him three sons and
one daughter.
Jilis Fonda, son of Douw Jellisse of Albany, born in 1670, married
December nth, 1695, Rachel, daughter of Peter Winne of Albany.
He came to Schenectady in 1700, and was a gunsmith. He died in
1737 and left surviving him a numerous and historic family of child-
ren, who have contributed much to the healthy and respectable pop-
ulation of Schenectady, Montgomery and Fulton counties.
The descendants of this man, who was the ancestor of all the
Fondas in the county, have contributed some splendid names to
Colonial and Revolutionary history. Jellis was an officer of rank and
merit under the King. Jellis J., a soldier of renown in the Revolu-
tion. The Fondas were among men who attained a remarkable age.
John Quackenbos came in 1700 to Niskayuna and was the ances-
tor of all that name (now spelled Quackenbush), residing here and
west of the city.
These names are given as those who came here at the close of the
seventeenth century. Others are on record, but the family names
have died out and blood run out. It is those only whose continual
residence, from ancestor to children here, is of two hundred years'
duration, of whom mention has been made. Many who attained
high rank and station came in the i8th and r9th centuries whose
ancestral record will be given in the historj' of Schenectady in those
centuries.
Meanwhile for the decade that closed the record of 1600 the
unhappy little burgh struggled and suffered into new life and
strength. The awful experience had taught caution, but had shat-
64 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
tered nerve. Defences were strengthened in the city. Troops, usu-
ally a company of infantry with the wretched artillery appliances of
that day, garrisoned the place. No descent on the town in the dark-
ness of midnight, upon sleeping citizens, was possible ever more,
but the vigilance was wearisome and for a long time the feeling of
unrest could not be calmed down.
The renewal of the stockades, which, made of pine logs,
lasted but five or six years, became very burthensome to the inhabi-
tants of the village after its destruction in 1690. Having built a
new fort in 1690 they were ordered to renew the palisades in 1695.
On this occasion Reyer Schermerhorn refused to cut and draw his
proportion of the logs. It may be because living at the mills, he
thought himself exempt from this burthensome service, or that his
quota was too large. Thereupon Justice Johannes Sanders Glen fined
him twelve shillings, but as he continued contumacious Governor
Fletcher, on the 9th of April, 1698, directed the sheriff of Albany
county to bring him before the Council in New York to answer for
his conduct. On the 30th he appeared before the council and " stood
upon his vindication," whereupon he was "committed to answer at
the next Supreme Court, and Colonel Courtlandt was desired to take
bond with sureties for his appearance, and that he be of good behav-
iour in the mean time."
In the winter of 1695-6 the garrison at Schenectady consisted of a
detachment under command of Lieutenant Bickford, from the com-
panies of Captain James Weens and Williams Hyde, stationed at
Albany. " On the loth of January, about 12 o'clock at night the
whole guard, fexcept one deserted, and others to the number of six-
teen, broke through the northwest blockhouse next the water side."
(Benne Kil).
" They drew the guns of both powder and shot. The Lieutenant
about two o'clock, discovering their desertion, notified by express
Colonel Richard Ingoldsby at Albany, and with ten volunteers of the
inhabitants and eleven soldiers started in pursuit. The sergeant and
seven red coats soon gave out and were left behind. At four in the
afternoon the Lieutenant and his fourteen men came up with the
sixteen deserters, ordering them to lay down their arms. They
DESERTERS SHOT. 65
answered with a volley, and both sides continued to fire until five of
the deserters were killed and two wounded, when the remainder sur-
rendered."
These facts were stated by I^ieutenant Bickford in his account of
the affair to Governor Fletcher, of March 9th. In closing his dis-
patch he says : " Here is a strong and regular fort built by the
inhabitants with foot works and a stone magazine fit for this garri-
son." The following were the volunteers from Schenectady who
accompanied Lieutenant Bickford in his hazardous enterprise : " Har-
man Van Slyck, Ensign of the train bands of Schenectady, and Gerrit
Simons Veeder, Peter Simons Veeder, Albert Veeder, Gerrit Gysbert
(Gysberts Van Brakel), Jan Danielse Van Antwerpen, Dirck Groot,
Jonas DeRoy, John Wemp, Daniel Mutchcraft (Mascraft) and Thomas
Smith."
At a court martial held in Schenectady April 21st, the survivors of
the deserting party were accounted guilty and condemned to be shot.
But out in the suburbs and in remote Casligione, as Niskayuna
was called, on the bouwlands of what is now Rotterdam and . in
Glenoilly, the musket was as necessary as the plow and no man dare
leave his family alone. As we shall see throughout three-quarters
of the following century Schenectady was on the frontier and until
the close of the Revolutionary war was garrisoned, fortified, and the
rendezvous for the fighters of the Valley.
In the Colonial Documents in the State Library at Albany, are to
be found little scraps of cheerful incidents that show the terrors of
that situation where eternal vigilance was not only the price of liberty
but of life. We quote some of them.
In April, 1690, an attack was made on the feeble settlement at
Canastagione where eight or ten people were killed by the French
Indians, " which has made the whole country in an alarm and the
people leave their plantations."
Of this attack Leisler wrote to Governor Treat of Connecticut,
April 19th, as follows :
"It happened the last Sabbath day, at Niska^ama, 12 miles from
Albany. The people there gathered all in one house and kept watch,
the said French and Indians, finding in the night the house empty.
66 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
and perceiving their retreat, were in a swamp, the people going in the
morning, each to their houses, were surprised, nine Christians, two
negroes were killed and captured, which must have encouraged the
enemy to further attempt, if not prevented by a vigorous attack in
Canada."
About this time, the summer of 1691, the Indians took prisoner,
one Cornelis Clatie at Niskayuna. " At the end of June, two men
went over the river at Niskayuna to make hay upon Claas (Janse
Van Boekhoven's) DeBrabander's land, the most dangerous place in
all the Province. Some French Indians surprised them, killed one
and took off his skull. What became of the other we know not.
The other people that were mowing the hay upon Claas DeBraban-
der's Island, that now belongs to John Child, heard three guns go off
and went to the river side, but saw no one. The canoes were there.
We sent a party with horses who found one of the men lying in the
water at the shore side. Such was the alarm that the people did not
dare stay on their farms, and there was also danger of the crops not
being harvested."
In February came an alarm from Albany to Governor Fletcher
that "350 French and 200 Indians had come within 36 miles of
Schenectady."
In September, three French prisoners, being examined at New
York, said that last summer (1692) the French of Canada "had a
design to fall upon Albany and Schenectady and the Mohawk coun-
try, but first to take Schenectady where they resolved to build a fort.
Their design failed."
The low condition of Schenectady is plainly shown by the follow-
ing petition, so impoverished had the poor people become, that a pal-
try tax of only ^^29 and 7 shillings was considered too great
a burden for the whole township to bear.
"To his Excellency, etc., etc.
The humble petition of the inhabitants of Schenectady in the
county of Albany,
Humbly Showeth :
That your Excellency's petitioners have received many great dam-
ages and losses by the French and their adherents, by murdering of
A PETITION FOR RELIEF. 67
their Majesty's good subjects and burning their habitations and
cattle, etc., and daily great charges and trouble with the Indian soldiers
and their wives and children, as lately about 300 of these were here
twenty-one days before they marched toward Canada, destroying our
grain, etc., in our plantations, that our winter maintenance for our
poor families is much shortened to oirr ruin having many poor
widows and children from the out places here to secure their lives ;
as also the magistrates, etc., of Albany have allotted to us to pay
towards the tax of ;^3i5 for our part ^^29 and 7 shillings which
seems to our poor condition very hard, not knowing how to raise it,
being constrained to plant together that we cannot (lose) that little
what we have left, etc.
Whereupon your petitioners humbly implore your Excellency for a
redress, and that we may be freed of all taxes till the war is ended
and 3'our excellency, further assistance with soldiers, etc., for a
defense against the enemies, etc. (No signature).
Petition granted ^^ nemine contradicente'''' 11 October, 1692."
In July the French attacked and burnt the castle of the Oneidas ;
the Onondagas finding themselves too weak to cope with them,
burnt their castles and retreated. There was a great alarm at Sche-
nectady lest the French should move down and attack the village.
September 17th, 1696. "About ten days ago a skulking party of
French Indians killed a man and woi:nded another near Schenec-
tady."
England with all her power and resources, four times outnumber-
ing with the Five Nations, her noble allies, all her French and
Indian enemies shamefully neglected the protection of the brave
Hollander whose hope and courage never failed him after the first
shock of his awful disaster was over. She would not fortify. Report
after report was made of the shabby defenses at Albany and Schen-
ectady. Imperative orders came again to Schenectady commanding
the suffering, poverty-stricken people to build forts and stockades.
Ryer Schermerhorn, a sturdy, brave and independent Dutchman as
ever lived, rebelled and suffered.
The century closed in gloom. A pall was over the poor little town.
But in the two centuries to come she was to attract the attention of
68 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
history with the continuous story of heroism, in the hour of danger
to awaken the admiration of Christendom with her sturdy courage,
to be unequalled in her devotion to the King of England, to be
patient and long-suffering under wrong and neglect, to be in the day
of the Revolution the most loyal little town in the State, to awaken
amusement when as though tired out she went to sleep for years, to
rouse astonishment when in this day she is advancing in population
and business prosperity far beyond any city in the State, outstripped
in rapid growth by comparatively few on the continent.
CHAPTER IV.
Schenectady in Border and the Old French Wars — 1700
TO THE Revolution.
The morning of the eighteenth century woke very dark and
lowei'ing over the unhappy town. The Englishman had not exhib-
ited the prescience or exercised the wise judgment of the cautious
Hollander in his dealings with Schenectady's Indian neighbors. The
Jesuit had been getting in his fine work on the imaginative credu-
ality of the ungentle savage. The Mohawk was not proof against
his blandishments. The trinkets of this earth were dangled before
his eyes, the devil's own rum was freely traded to him by the French-
men, and the priest with rosary, cross and his fascinating ceremonial
began to wean away the great Five Nations, and the poor town
could no longer rely with such perfect faith on her dusky and faith-
ful allies. As an enemy the Indian is treacherous, and all around
the borders of the City of Niskayuna and the bouwlands and Woes-
tina (the wilderness) as West Rotterdam was called, assassinations
were very frequent at the very gates of the city. " So bold had the
enemy become," writes Col. Glen, " that French and Indians cap-
tured an Onondaga Chief at the north gate. Twice the number of
the attacking party went after them and drove them away. The
ROSTER OF MILITARY.
69
Mohawks were neglected by the English. The French Jesuit was a
new and a willing martyr to the faith of his adoration. Schenectady
aroused, clamored for aid, and in 1715 had two military companies
on foot consisting of aboiit sixty men, including officers. We give
here the list of the names of the men of the two companies :
Capt. J. Sanderse Glen, •
Ivieut. Gerret Symer Feeder,
(Veeder).
Lieut. Jan Wemp,
Lieut. Arent Brat,
Lieut. Barent Wemp,
Corp. Evert V. Eps,
Corp. Theunis V. deVolge,
Corp. Manus Vedder,
. Abraham Glen,
Pieter Vrooman, Jr.,
Gysbert V. Brakel,
Helmus Veeder,
Joseph Teller, Jr.,
Jacob Swits,
Sander Glen,
Cornells Van Dyck,
Claes Franse, (V. D. Bogart)
Jacob Schermerhorn,
Hendrick Vrooman, Jr.,
Jan Schermerhorn,
Symon Toll,
Jan Dellemont,
Andries V. Pette,
Jan Marselus,
Jacob V. Olinda,
Joseph Vedder,
Cornelis V. Slyck,
Cornelis Viele,
David Marenus,
Jocobus Peck, Jr.,
Abraham D. Graef,
Peiter Danyelse,
(V. Antwerpen).
Phillip Philipse,
Symon Folkertse Feeder,
(Veeder).
Jacob Vrooman,
Pieter Quinzey.
Jelles Van Vorst,
Abraham Groot,
Cornelis Slingerlant,
Eheunis Swart,
Dirck Groot,
Sweer Marselus,
Jan Baptist V. Eps,
Arent Danyelse,
(V. Antwerpen).
Barent Vrooman,
Myndert Wimp.
Jacob Teller,
Willen Marenus,
Class V. Putte, Jr.,
Jacob Flipse, (Philipse).
Welm Hael, (Hall).
Robert Etts, (Yates).
Nicolas Stensel,
Arent Samuel Brat,
Symon Groot,
Marte V. Slyck,
7°
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John Peck,
Jellis Fonda,
Capt. Harme V. Slyck,
Lieut. Hendrick Vrooman,
Lieut. Jacob Glen,
Sergeant Joseph Teller,
Sergeant Gerret V. Brakel,
Sergeant Folcket Symonse,
(Veeder).
Corp. Jacob V. Ghyselinge,
Corp. Andreas de Graaf,
Corp. Harme Veeder.
Jan Barentse Wemp,
Jan Vrooman, Jr.,
Cornelus Van der Volge,
Benyemen V. Vleck,
Marte V. Benthuysen,
Samuel Hagadorn,
William Teller,
Wouter Vrooman,
Jan Danyelse,
(V. Antwerpen),
Esyas Swart,
Joseph Clement,
Arent Schermerhorn,
Jacob Meebie,
Myndert Van Ghyselinge,
Joseph Marenus,
Victor Putman,
Daniel Toll,
Bartholomew Picker, Jr.,
Hendrick Flipse, (Philipse)
Wilni Daes,
Symon Swits,
Arenout deGraef,
Wilm Brouwer,
Pieter Mebie,
Tyerck Franse,
(V. D. Bogart)
Philip Groot.
Isaac de Graaf,
Philip Bosie,
Johannes Vrooman,
Abraham Meebie,
Harme Vedder, Jr.,
Jonetan Stevens,
Arent Van Putte,
Jacobus Vedder,
Wouter Swart,
Jeremy Tickstoon,
Sander Flipse, (Philipse).
William Coppernol,
Hendrick Hagedorn,
Peter Vrooman,
Harme Flipse, (Philipse.)
Robert Dw^'er,
Nicklas Stevens,
Peter Bouwer,
Peter Clement,
Adam Smith,
John Feerly,
Joseph Van Eps.
It will be observed that many new Dutch names appear. But two
English names appear in the whole list, Robert Ets, that being the
nearest that Robert Yates, who came here in 1711 with his father,
Abram Yates, could spell his name in Dutch, and John Smith. The
NEGLECT OF GOVERNMENT. 71
Vanderbogarts, who have figured in every war, border, French and
Indian and the Revolution, were called in old documents
" Franse," and there has always been a Franse Van De Bogart in
this city, until a quarter of a century ago. Van Antwerp was called
Danielse and Dan Van Antwerp has been here in name at least for
two hundred years. The descendants of these families are living
among us to-day.
For the entire first half of the century Schenectady furnished sol-
diers to the Englishmen's war. The French were far inferior in
numbers, by far the weaker nation, but they were untiring, vigilant
and cruel. Their raids were frequently undertaken and carried out
with an energy, fearlessness and rapidity that struck terror through-
out our valley. With indignant surprise we look back on the story
of that day, at the strange lethargy of England, and the wonderful
alertness of her enemy, and that, with less than one-twelfth of her
power in men, munitions and money, her enemy could strike blows
in every quarter that evinced inexcusable neglect on the part of her
powerful foe. All this captivated the savage, bred in him a profound
and terror stricken respect for his smart and agile enemy, that often
converted him to an ally of the winner in this bloody brigandage.
The burgher, brave and sturdy as he was, was unnerved by the neg-
lect of his government, and the dangers that hovered around him by
night and day in field and by fireside. If he had been caught nap-
ping one awful night in the close of the seventeenth, he was wide
awake in the eighteenth century. It was his turn now to call on his
comatose protectors to guard their frontier, and to call attention to
defenceless towns, decaying forts and rotten barricades. Some idea
of his life in the midst of enemies, firing on him from ambuscades
by day, and hanging around his premises with gun and tomahawks
by night, can be gathered from items picked up at random from the
Colonial manuscript at Albany.
No family was safe unless protected by blockhouse or palisade ; no
man was exempt from military duty save by age or infirmity. In
Schenectady and Albany each able-bodied man kept watch and ward
every third or fourth night. French and English reports alike, give
sad accounts of shocking barbarities practiced on both sides, by
72 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
skulkino- parties of savages and white men. The following exam-
ples, among many others taken from French reports, clearly show
the cruelties practiced by these two Christian nations, who rewarded
tiieir savage allies in proportion to the number of scalps returned.
"April 20th, 1746, a party of fourteen Iroquois belonging to the
Sault St. Louis, commanded by Ontassago, the son of the grand
chief of that village who sojourned at Fort St. Frederic (Crown
Point) made several scouts to Sarasteau (Saratoga)."
"May 24th, 1746, a party of eight Abenakis of Missiskony has
been fitted out, who have been in the direction of Corlard (Schenec-
tady) and have returned with some prisoners and scalps." It was
probably in this raid that John Groot of Schenectady was captured.
He died in Quebec Nov. 20th, 1746.
" May 27th, 1746. An equipped party of eight Iroquois of Sault
St. Louis, struck a blow near Orange, and brought back six scalps."
" A party of Abenekis of Missiskony struck a blow near Orange,
(Albany) and Corlard, (Schenectady) and brought some prisoners and
scalps."
"June 2, 1746, an equipped party of twenty-five warriors of the
Sault, and three Flatheads who joined the former in an expedition
to the neighborhood of Orange, and who returned with some scalps."
" June 3, 1746, equipped a party of eighteen Nepissings who
struck a blow at Orange and Corland (Schenectady)."
" June 19th, 1746, equipped a party of twenty-five Indians of Sault
St. lyouis, who struck a blow near Orange (Albany). One or two
of the Indians were wounded. They brought away some scalps."
"June 20th, 1746, equipped a party of nineteen Iroquois of the
Sault St Louis, who went to Orange to strike a blow."
" March, 1747, there came into prison at Quebec a Dutchman from
Schenectady and a woman from Saratoga."
" In the spring of 1746, Edward Cloutman and Robert Dunbar,
(son perhaps of John Dunbar of Schenectady, if so he was born in
Albany Nov. 20th, 1709), broke prison at Quebec 23d of October,
1746, and escaped. Dunbar was taken not long before, as he was
scouting on the ' Carrying Place,' and his loss was greatly lamented
INDIAN ATROCITIES. 73
as he had performed the most important service as a ranger, ever
since the war commenced."
"May 7th, 1746. The inhabitants along the Mohawk river have
left their settlements so that we are now reduced to great distress.
As we wrote in our last, if a very considerable force be not immedi-
ately sent to have neither men, money nor warlike stores."
" P. S. Just now is news come that a house and barn are burnt
at Canastagione (Niskayuna), and four men carried off or killed."
About the same time, Simon Groot and two of his brothers were
butchered, three miles from the village of Schenectady. The enemy
burnt their buildings, killed their cattle and destroyed their other
effects. They were discovered while doing this mischief by the set-
tlers on the opposite side of the river, who knew some of the
Indians, particularly Tom Wileman, who had lately removed from
the Mohawk country to Albany.
It was doubtless to this raid that Smith refers in his history of
New York. He says :
" One hundred and six men were detached from Schenectady.
The track of the Indians was discovered by the fires they had made,
and they were pursued above Schenectady. At the house of one
Simon Groot they had murdered and scalped a boy, taken one man
prisoner, plundered and set fire to the house, and shot a man in
attempting to escape by swimming over the river."
It was a school of terrible experience ; its history written in
bloody text on every mile of land around and beneath us. It had
its grand results as many of the awful lessons of carnage have. A
race of fighting men was reared here, whose splendid courage was
the inspiration of their children and their children's children in
heroic defense of their King, and the independence of these United
States in the days of still sterner battles that were rapidly drawing
near.
New England through the genius of historian and poet has drawn
upon herself the attention of scholars and readers all over the world.
The story of Pilgrim and Puritan, and a grand story it is, fiiUs the
school-book, and challenges the attention of the student of history
the world over. But no valley in America has been made redder
74
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
with the blood of heroic men than this. No hills have looked down
on more scenes of horror and heroism than the Heilderbergs. No
river in all this broad land flows through a valley richer in the
record of patriot and martyr, to Catholic and Protestant faith, of
loyalty to King George and George Washington, than the grand old
Mohawk around us.
Despite of wars and rumors of wars, of strife and bloodshed, all
of which was engendered in Europe over the quarrels of monarchs
that interested the burgher not one iota, while it made him fight all
the time, the town grew and trade was always good. The land in
the flats was unequalled in production of the staples of life. It was
the best corn land then known on earth. Grain was plenty and to
be obtained for trinkets and rum, both always plenty in the hands of
the white man.
A new fort was built. After the second fort had been occupied
about fifteen years, 1690 to 1705, the block houses were abandoned
(as barracks only) and Queen's " new fort " was built at the east
anele of the stockade. This was the " Old Fort," about which all'
the traditions of the people cluster. It was at first simply a double
or triple stockade, 100 feet square, with bastions or block houses at
the angles. In 1735 it was rebuilt in a more substantial manner
with timbers on a stone foundation. The four curtains were about
seventy-six feet each and the four bastions or blockhouses twenty-
four feet square.
In 1754, at the beginning of the French war, it contained one six
and one nine pounder on carriages, but no " port holes in the cur-
tains to fire them."
From the recollections of a Sexagenary, in the State library, we
gain further description as the Fort was seen in 1757.
" Schenectady or Corlar, situated on the left bank of the Mohawk
river, is a village of about 300 houses. It is surrounded by upright
pickets flanked from distance to distance. Entering this village by
the gate on the Fort Hunter side, there is a fort to the right which
forms a species of citadel in the interior of the village itself. It is
square, flanked with four bastions or demi-bastions, and is con-
structed half of masonry and half of timbers piled over the other
A SECOND PETITION. 75
above the masonry. It is capable of holding 200 or 300 men.
There are some pieces of cannon as a battery on the rampart. It is
not encircled by a ditch. The entrance is through a large swing
gate, raised like a drawbridge. By penetrating the village in attack-
ing it at another point, the fire from the fort can be avoided."
" After the Earl of I^oudon had resigned to Gen. Abercrombie,
the command of the army, which had reduced Oswego, my father,
then a young man, was called to Schenectady by sirdden business."
" That place was then fortified. It had the shape of a parallelo-
gram, with two gates, one opening to the eastern, the other to the
northern road and was garrisoned by fifty or sixty soldiers."
On the 15th of October following, the inhabitants of Schenectady
again petitioned the Governor to build a fort in the village, signed
by Daniel Campbell, Arent Bratt, Abraham Glen and others.
The open space on which this fort stood, at the junction of Ferry,
Front and Green streets, was about 264 feet more than 200 feet,
extending from the Episcopal church yard to Green street.
The fort was built nearly in the center of this plat, the south wall
extending across Ferry street, three feet south of the north corner of
the parsonage hoiise.
The well of the fort was in the middle of the street, three feet
south of the north corner of Mr. James Sander's house.
Mr. Nicholas Veeder, who died in Glenville in 1S62, aged 100
years, said that this fort was about twenty feet high and built of
hewn timber, that it was taken down in the Revolutionary War, and
the timber used in the frame of soldiers' barracks built on land of
Johannes Ouackenbos, at the south corner of Union and Lafayette
streets. The village then had an armament of iron cannons and
swivels, the largest of which were the "Lady Washington" and the
" Long Nine Pounder," which were placed in the streets so as to
command the gates. In digging trenches for water pipes in 1871,
the south wall and well of the fort were discovered.
The new fort called Queen's Fort, after Anne, their Queen of Eng-
land, was garrisoned at the time of its building in 1704.
The palisades on the west side of the village stood about 100 feet
back from Washington street, but on the 29th of July, 1704, Gover-
76 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
nor Cornbury issued the following order for removing them to the
bank of the Benne Kil :
" You or either of you are hereby required as early as the weather
will permit, that next spring to cause the stockades set upon the
west side of the town of Schenectady, to be removed from the place
where they now stand, and be set up as near the river as the ground
will permit, and hereof you are not to fail.
Given under my hand at Schenectady this 29th day of July, 1704.
To Johannes Sanders (Glen),
Adam Vrooman."
To understand the significance of this order, it should be remem-
bered that since the destruction of the first fort in 1690, the ground
lying west of Washington street had been outside of the west of the
second fort. By the year 1704, the " Queen's New Fort" had been
erected in the east corner of the village, at the junction of Front,
Ferry and Green streets, the Governor therefore orders the removal
of the west line of the second fort by setting back the stockades to
the bank of the Benne Kil, the land along Washington street revert-
incr to the original owners.
This wall seems to have been removed to include houses, built
beyond it towards the Benne Kil" which had rendered it useless as
a defense, while it cut them off from access to the street. The square
of four blocks was left intact by the Queen's Fort, it having been
built beyond the old palisades in the triangle bounded by the pali-
sades on the south, near Ferry street on the east, and the river road
(now State street), on the north side. The original wall went
straight from the corner of Front and Washington to the door of St.
George's church. There was a gate at Church street most of the
time. From this gate ran the river road. The placing of the fort
of 1704 threw the road beyond the north bastion of the fort and
Green street, and when laid out conformed to it also. After the
abandonment of the old fort the triangle of land was converted into
house lots.
The garrison was as follows : From Half Moon, eastern Niska-
yuna and what is now the town of Crescent Park. Schenectady and
Niskayuna furnished each twenty men. John Sanders Glen reported
FORTS REPAIRED. 77
in the fall of 1711, that the fort was in a rotten condition, and in
obedience to orders he proceeded to repair it.
After the peace of- Utrecht, between Great Britain and France,
in 1713, until the " Old French War," in 1744, the people on the
borders enjoyed reasonable quiet and safety.
There were efforts made from time to time, however, to keep up a
show of defense by rebuilding the wooden forts and posting small
garrisons therein.
Thus in 17 15, and again in 171 9, the Assembly passed acts for
repairing the forts here.
CHAPTER V.
The City in the Eighteenth Century.
The city was a lovely place as tradition hands it down to us.
Ungridironed by railroad or canal, poles or wires, the necessary but
unsightly adjuncts of an unromantic, unsentimental age, an age that
tears down and builds up at its pleasure, disembowels the ancient
graveyard on Green street, razes to the earth the old landmarks,
that old eyes loved to see, and that grew dim as they were taken
away. The little village nestled under magnificent elms, parasols in
the summer and stockades against the storms of winter. Names of
streets were changed. Albany street became Martyrlaer, the street
of the martyrs. What is now Washington avenue became Hande-
laer, the street of traders. Niskayuna (Union) long retained its
name. Front street still holds its own name. Commonplace and
cheap nomenclature, that we share with all the municipal mush-
rooms of earth, have taken the places of the titles that were melodi-
ous and suggestive, memorials to the heroic dead, and the founders
of a trade and traffic that grew steadily,and with a solid and conservative
progress, until interrupted and overthrown for a time by the advent
of canal and railroad.
78
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The architectiire was all Netherland gothic when built of brick.
Frame houses were many of them built in as nearly the same style
as the material would permit. But a very common style of wooden
structure, especially of the larger kind, was a kind of edifice seen
only in Schenectady, Kingston and old Dutch burghs. The whole
upper half or second story front was a semi-circle. The last one was
taken down more than forty years ago to make way for the residence
now occupied by Mr. Hinsdell Parsons. Rare, quaint old houses,
they were. One of the finest specimens of the style was the ware-
house of DeGraff, Walton & Co., on the river bank where Whit-
myer's broom factory now is. The smaller style of the brick build-
ing may be seen in the residence of Mrs. Joseph Y. Van Vanderbo-
gart, opposite the Court House, on Union street, built by Abraham
Yates in 1734.
The business was all grouped on Handalaer, the lower part of
Martyrlaer and the foot of West Front street. The Mohawk began
early to be the avenue of transportation and travel to the westward.
And on what is known as the " Camp," the plain directly west of
the Sanders house, gathered under Sir William Johnson, companies
of troops under the commands of Major Roseboom, Capt. Christo-
pher Yates and Bradt for the expedition against Fort Niagara.
Warehouses began to be erected along the Benne Kil, as the Frog
Alley river was then called, and stores, little and big, began to thicken
along Front and Handalaer streets, the markets of the retailers.
Others came to the growing town in the early days of 1700, who
became the founders of large families, and in the French war and
the Revolution were destined to win renown.
■ In a future chapter on genealogies there will be abundant records
for hundreds of the descendants of the old stock to furnish proof
sufficient to enable them to gain entrance into any of the ancestral
societies that are so popular in these days. We are growing old
enough to have a purely American ancestry, of an origin better,
pi:rer and as brave as any European country can produce. It is
intended that one of the advantages of this volume will be to give
people an opportunity, if they so desire, to prove a birth and lineage
purer than any traced from issue of some of the multi-married John
ANOTHER MASSACRE. 79
of Gaunts, or, from the hazy ladies of the time of Charles II., the
morganatic marriages of the French nobility, or the titled Cyprians
of the days of the Georges, the four Royal Brutes, as Thackery calls
them.
The Marcellus, a Spanish Holland name contracted into Marselis,
the Mynderse, Phillepse's (Phillips), the Swarts, the Antwerps who
built the Maybe house near Fitchburgh Junction, the Vanderbogarts
written almost always Franse, the Van Eps, the Van Valkenberghs,
Van Voasts and the Veeders and Yates, most all are on Revolutionary
rolls.
CHAPTER VI.
The Bexjkendaal Massacre.
Meanwhile another horror was coming down on the unhappy
county with the central years of the century, not in the city, but
near enough in distance and far nearer in the awful shadow on many
a happy home, within the gates and palisades.
The " Sacandaga Pike " turns off from the village of Scotia at its
junction with what is still called Reeseville. It is the second road
north, or to the right after entering the village at the residence of
Mr. James Collins. A few rods beyond where this road passes over
the New York Central, just at the foot of the long ascent to the
Town House, and directly opposite to the Toll mansion, one will see
at the right, a little glen, a very modest one now, but of deeper
depression and heavily timbered on its banks and glades in 1748.
This is the Beukendaal, corrupted by the Dutch into Poopendal.
Here was the scene of one of those skulking massacres, those shud-
der bearing tales of horror, that made life in those days an hourly
tremor all through the land. The Mohawk farmer had become alert
and vigilant. In the heart of a game-producing county he had
learned to be a deadly marksman. In the protection of his own life
and the guardianship of those he loved, he had gained a splendid
8o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
nerve that aimed at the heart of a crouching enemy with the cool-
ness with which he could shoot a polecat. But more than once he
fell a victim to that murderous craft that the bloodthirsty genius of
his Indian foe was perpetually planning.
As the war drew to a close in 1748, Schenectady met with the
severest loss it had suffered at any one time since the year 1690. This is
generally called the Poopendal (a corruption of Beukendaal)
massacre. It was however, in no sense a massacre like that of 1690,
except perhaps, in the killing of the first victim, but a stand-up hand
to hand fight in Indian fashion, in which the whites were the attack-
ing party, and on that account suffered more severely than the sav-
ages.
About twenty of the former were killed and some thirteen or more
made prisoners ; of the losses of the latter we have no suflficient
accounts.
Beyond tradition the accounts of this skirmish are meagre and
uncircumstantial.
A brief letter to Col. William Johnson, written by Albert Van
Slyck July 21st, 1748, three days after the affair, is the only semi-
official narrative we have, and was given by one who was in the
fight.
From the details preserved in this letter, it appears that a party of
men from Schenectady, the leader of whom was Daniel Toll, had)
been dispatched to some place in the vicinity, to bring'in a number
of horses. They were surprised by a party of the enemy, whose
presence in the neighborhood was neither known nor suspected.
" The firing was heard by Adrian Van Slyck, a brother of the
writer of the account, who seems to have resided at a distance from
the town. He sent a negro to the latter place to give the alarm and
obtain reinforcements. Four parties of armed men successively
repaired to the scene of action, the first of which was composed of
the " New England lieutenant with some of his men and five or six
young lads," accompanied by Daniel Van Slyck, another brother.
The second party was led by Ackes Van Slyck ' and some men,'
how many of either party is not stated.
" Adrian Van Slyck followed next, at the head of a party of New
ACCOUNT OF MASSACRE. 8i
York levies, biTt on reaching the scene of action, where Ackes with
inferior numbers was holding the enemy at bay, the levies all fled in
a most cowardly manner.
" The fourth party was composed of Albert Van Slyck (the writer
of the letter), Jacob Glen and several others, on the approach of
whom the enemy drew off leaving Adrian among the dead."
The letter adds : " It grieves me, I not being a commander, that
when we went, Garret Van Antwerp would suffer no more to accom-
pany the party."
The second account, written by Giles F. Yates, Esq., and pub-
lished in the Schenectady Democrat and Rcflecio}'^ April 22, 1836,
was gathered from tradition, then floating about among the aged peo-
ple of that day, with whom Mr. Yates had an extended acquaintance.
"In the beginning of the month of July, 1748, Mr. Daniel (Toll)
and his favorite servant Ryckert, went in search of some stray horses
at Beukendahl, a locality about three miles from this city. They
soon heard, as they supposed, the tramping of horses ; but on nearer
approach the sound they mistook for that made by horses hoofs on
the clayey ground, proceeded from the quoits with which some
Indians were playing.
" Mr. Toll discovered his danger too late, and fell pierced by the
bullets of the French savages, for such they were. Ryckert, more
fortunate, took to his heels and fled. He reached Schenectady in
safety and told the dreadful news of the death of his master and the
presence of the enemy.
" In less than an hour about sixty volunteers were on the march
to Beukendahl. The greater part of these were young men and
such was their zeal that they would not wait until the proper author-
ities had called out the militia. Without discipline or experience,
and even without a leader, they hastened to the Indian camp.
" Those in advance of the main body, before they reached the
enemy, were attracted by a singular sight. They saw a man resem-
bling Mr. Toll sitting near a fence in an adjoining field, and a crow
flying up and down before him.
" On coming nearer they discovered it to be the corpse of Mr.
Toll with a crow attached to it by a string.
82 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
" This proved to be a stratagem of the Indians to decoy their
adversaries. The Schenectadians fell, alas, too easily into the snare
laid for them, and were in a few moments surrounded by the Indians
who had been lying in ambush. Thus taken by surprise, they lost
many of their number, and some were taken prisoners before they
could make good their retreat.
" They, however, succeeded in reaching the house of Mr. DeGraff
in the neighborhood, which had been for some time deserted. But
while retreating they continued to fire upon their enemy. On reach-
ing Mr. DeGraff's house they entered, bolted the doors, and ascended
to the second floor. Here they tore off all the boards near the eaves,
and through the opening thus made, fired with success at the sav-
ages and succeeded in keeping them at bay. In the meantime Dirck
Van Vorst, who had been left in the charge of two young Indians,
effected his escape.
" The two youngsters were anxious to see the fight and secured
their prisoner by tieing him to a tree and left him alone. He suc-
ceeded in getting his knife from his pocket and cutting the cord
with which he was bound. On the approach of the Schenectady
militia under Col. Jacob Glen the party in Mr. DeGraff's house were
relieved from their perilous situation, and the enemy took up their
line of march from Canada.
" On this occasion there were thirty-two citizens killed. Of these
we are able to give the names of Jacob Glen, (cousin of Col. Glen),
Peter Vrooman, John Darling, Adam Conde, Van Antwerpen, Cor-
nelius Viele, Nicholas DeGraff and Adrian Van Slyck ; wounded,
Ryer Wemp, Robinson and Wilson ; prisoners, Abraham DeGraff
and his son William, John Phelps, Harmen Veeder and Lewis
Groot.
" The bodies of DeGraff and Glen were found lying in a close con-
tact with their savage antagonists, with whom they had wrestled in
deadly strife.
" The corpses were brought to Schenectady the evening of the
massacre and deposited in the large barn of Abraham Mabee, in the
rear of the building lately occupied by Mrs. Churchill on Washing-
ton Avenue. The barn was removed only a few years ago. The
KILLED BY SAVAGES. 83
relatives of the deceased repaired thither to claim their departed
kindred and remove them for interment."
The third narrative may be found in Drake's " Particular His-
tory," and seems to have been gleaned from various sotrrces. It is
particularly valuable as giving more names of the killed and missing
than any other account.
"July i8th, 1748. About three miles from Schenectady, Daniel
Toll, Dirck Van Vorst and a negro went to a place called Poopendal
to catch their horses ; but not finding the horses as they expected,
they went iirto the adjacent woods to a place called the Clay pit
(Kley Kuil). They discovered Indians and attempted to escape from
them, but were pursued by them and Toll and Van Vorst were shot
down, but the negro escaped. Van Vorst, though wounded, was not
killed but taken prisoner. The firing was heard at Maalwyck about
two miles distant and the people, knowing that Toll and Van Vorst
had gone for their horses, suspected the occasion of the firing. This
was about ten o'clock in the morning and a messenger was at
once dispatched to the town where the alarm was sounded about
twelve. Some of the inhabitants with a company of new levies,
posted there under Lieutenant Darling of Connecticut, in all seventy
men, marched out toward Poopendal cautiously searching for the
enemy. They weirt as far as the lands of Simon Groot, but made
no discovery of the enemy. At this point the negro before men-
tioned came to the party and told them where the body of his mas-
ter was.
The negro was furnished with a horse and they (about forty in
number) were piloted to the spot where his master lay dead, near
Beukendahl at Abraham DeGraaf's house. They immediately
entered the woods with the negro where they at once discovered the
enemy in great numbers, upon whom they discharged a volley with
a shout. The enemy shouted in return, accompanying it with a vol-
ley also. This was the commencement of a most desperate fight.
All but two or three of the English stood to it manfully, although
they were hemmed in on every side by the great numbers of the
enemy, and fought over a space of about two acres ; yet the battle
ground was left in possession of the settlers. In this hand to hand
84 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
encounter twelve of the inhabitants of Schenectad}^ were killed out-
right, five were taken prisoners and seven of Lieut. Darling's men,
including himself, were killed and six of them missing, who were
supposed to be taken prisoners. The news of this battle reached
Albany on the evening of the same day, and by midnight Lieut.
Chew, with one hundred English and two hundred friendly Indians,
were on the march for the scene of action, but to no other purpose
than to show their willingness to meet an emergency of this kind.
The names of the people killed, so far as ascertained, were Daniel
Toll, Frans Van der Bogart, Jr., Jacob Glen, Jr., Daniel Van Ant-
werpen, J. P. Van Antwerpen, Cornelius Viele, Jr., Adrian Van
Slyck, Peter Vrooman, Klaas A. DeGraaf, Adam Conde, John A.
Bradt and John Marinus.
" There were missing Isaac Truax, Ryer Wemp, Johannes Seyer
Vrooman, Albert John Vedder and Frank Conner, all belonging to
Schenectady. Of the soldiers, seven were killed and six missing."
From these accounts it is certain that the presence of the Indians
was not suspected until the first shot ; that Captain Daniel Toll was
the first victim ; that the alarm was given by his negro Ryckert ;
that a company of Connecticut levies under Lieut. Darling accompa-
nied and followed by squads of the inhabitants marched to the scene;
and that after a hot engagement the Indians retreated, leaving twenty
of the whites dead, and taking away thirteen or fourteen prisoners
besides the wounded.
Considering the number of the whites engaged, their loss was very
severe, amounting probably to one-third of their force.
The following is the fullest list of killed and missing that can
now be given :
KILLED.
John A. Bradt, Adrian Van Slyck,
Johannes Marinus, Jacob Glen, Jr.,
Peter Vrooman, Adam Conde,
Daniel Van Antwerpen, J. P. Van Antwerpen,
Cornelius Viele, Jr., Frans Van der Bogart,
Nicholas DeGraaf.
THOSE WOUNDED AND MISSING, 85
Capt. Daniel Toll was standing by a tree when the fatal bullet
struck him. His name was to be seen cut in the bark for many
years after but has now disappeared.
WOUNDED.
Ryer Wemp, Dirck Van Vorst,
Robinson, Wilson,
And probably rhany others.
MISSING AND PRISONERS.
John Phelps, Harman Veeder,
Lewis Groot, Isaac Truax,
Johannes Seyer Vrooman, Albert John Vedder,
Frank Connor,
And six soldiers, in all thirteen men.
After the close of hostilities, Governor Clinton sent Eieut. Stod-
dert to Montreal to arrange for an exchange of prisoners. With
Capt. Anthony Van Schaick he went into the Indian country to
recover the captives, but with indifferent success. Among those
who were with Lieut. Stoddert, were Capt. Anthony Van Schaick,
John Vrooman, Peter Vasborough (Vosburgh), Albert Vedder and
Francis Connor. Efforts were made to induce others to return, but
without success. Of these were Rachel Quackenbos, Simon Fort
and Philip Phillipsen. Rachel Quackenbos abjured the English
religion and Lieut. Stoddert could not persuade her to return. Fort
and Phillipse also desired to remain with the Iroquois ; the former
belonged by adoption to a sister of a chief named Agonareche. She
refused to give him up at any price. Capt. Van Schaick offered
six hundred livres for Fort but was not successful. On the contrary,
so determined was his squaw owner to retain him that she said she
would obey the French commandant and deliver him up, but that
she and her husband would follow him, and he should not reach
home alive. Lieut. Stoddert left Canada on the 28th of June, 1750,
with twenty-four prisoners.
7
86 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CHAPTER VII.
Schenectady in Coloniae Wars.
All through the eighteenth century the names of the Schenectady
burghers are proportionately more numerous than any of the then
military divisions of the Province. The Mohawker was born in the
midst of war's alarms, baptized to the music of the twang of the
bowstring and crack of musketry. Often and often the hands that
sprinkled his forehead, or made the sign of the cross above it, had
become familiar with the stain of blood, as priest or parson performed
the last duty to the dying. Among the old names all the blood is
soldier's blood. Beginning with the year 1 700 the roll of fighters is
long and heroic. Some of the names are still well known and prom-
inent, some have died out. It is surprising to know of so many
whose ancestors, two centuries ago fought, and suffered, and died for
God and King, whose record is among the easily attained archives of
New York, and yet who know nothing about that recorded story of
ancient valor that may well be the pride of their children's children.
From as exhaustive an examination of Colonial Mss., as their
immense volume will permit, we give here the companies and regi-
ments from Schenectady, then part of Lyon and Albany county, who
did duty in the protection of home and in the service of William
and Mary, Anne and the three Georges of England. By examina-
tion of the genealogical records that follow, it will be possible for
thoiisands of her people to learn just the fighting stock from which
they came.
The first roll is that of a company of foot. The official record is
John Sanders Glen, Captain, Adam Vrooman, Lieutenant and Harman
Van Slyck, Ensign, in the years r 700-1 4.
OTHER COMPANIES.
87
Two Companies at Schenectady.
Johannes Sanders Glen, Capt., Gerrit Symonse, Lieut.,
Jacob Glen, Ensign.
Jan Wemp, Capt., Arent Bradt, Lievit.,
Syman Switz, Ensign.
One Company at Niskayuna.
Johannes Wendell, Capt,
Jacob Vanderheyden, Ensign.
Anthony Van Slyck,
Lieutenant.
(minor)
List of Capt. Sanders Gten.
Capt. John Sanders Glen,
Lieut. Jan Wemp,
Corp. Everet Van Eps,
Corp. Manus
Abraham Glen,
Peter Vrooman, Jr.,
Gilbert Van Brackel,
Helmus Veeder,
John Teller, Jr.,
Jacob Switz,
Sander Glen,
Cornelus Van Dyck,
Claas Vanderbogart,
Jacob Schermerhorn,
Jan Schermerhorn,
Symon Toll,
Jan Dilemont,
Andris Van Patten,
Jan Marselus,
Jacob Van O'Linda,
John Vedder,
Sweer Marselus,
Jan Paptist Van Eps,
Arent Daniels,
Lieut. Gerrit Symons,
Sergt. Arent Bradt,
Corp. Theunis Vander Volgen,
Vedder.
Cornelus Van Slyck,
Cornelus Viele,
David Marenus,
John Peck,
Jellis Fonda,
Jobin Peck, Jr.,
Abraham DeGraff,
Peter Daniels,
Phillip Phillipse,
Symon Veeder,
Jacob Vrooman,
Peter Quinzy,
Jellis Van Voarst,
Abraham Groot,
Cornelus Slingerlant,
Thomas Swart,
Dirck Groot,
Robert Eps,
Nicholas Henpel,
Arent Samuel Bradt,
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Barent Vrooman,
Hendrick Vrooman,
Myndert Wemp,
Jacob Teller,
William Marenus,
Jacob Phillips,
Jr.:
Symon Groot,
Marte Van Slyck,
Hendrick Phillips,
William Daes,
Claas Van Patten,
William Hall.
(Signed) John Sanders Glen,
Gerret Symon,
Jan Wemp.
IviST OF Capt. Harman Van Slyck.
Capt. Harman Van Slyck,
Lieut. Jacob Glen,
Sergt. Gerrit Van Brackel,
Corp. Jacob Van Guysling,
Corp. Harman
Jan Barentse Weinple,
Jan Vrooman, Jr.,
Cornehis Vander Volgen,
Benjamin Van Slyck,
Marte Vanderheyden,
Samuel Hagadorn,
William Teller,
Walter Vrooman,
Jan Daniels,
Esyas Swart,
Joseph Clement,
Arent Schermerhorn,
Jacob Mebie,
Myndert Van Guysling,
John Marenus,
Victor Putman,
Arent Van Patten,
Jacob Vedder,
Walter Swart,
Lieut. Hendrick Vrooman,
Sergt. John Teller,
Sergt. Volbert Si™ons,
Corp. Andris DeGraff,
Vedder.
Daniel Daniels,
Daniel Toll,
Bartholomew Pecker, Jr.
John Van Eps,
Symon Swits,
Fremont DeGraff,
William Brouwer,
Peter Meebie,
Tecares Van De Bogart,
Phillip Groot,
Isaac De Graff,
Phillip Bo,
Johannes Vrooman,
Abraham Meebie,
Harman Vedder, Jr.,
Jonethan Stevens,
Robert Digger,
Nicholas Stevens,
Peter Brouwer,
COMPANIES IN CITY.
89
Jermy,
Sandor Phillips,
William Coppernol,
Hendrick Hagadorn,
Harman Phillips.
Peter Clement,
Adam Smith,
John Fairlee,
Peter Vrooman,
(Signed), Harman Van Slyck,
Hendrick Vrooman,
Jacob Glen.
In 1 71 7. Two companies in existence in the city.
Glen, Capt., Gerrit Symonse, Lieut, and John Wemple, Ensign,
of the one; Harman Van Slyck, Capt., Hendrick Vrooman, I^ieut.,
Jacob Glen, Ensign of the other. Niskayuna furnished a company
of foot. Jacob Van Schoonhoven was Capt., Hans Hansen, Ensign
and John Wendell, Eieut.
In 1733 there wei'e three companies of infantry in Schenectady,
officered as follows :
The First Company.
Wilhemus Veeder, Capt., Lieut. John A. Vedder,
in the room of Jacob Glen. Ensign, Jan Baptiste Van Eps,
Lieut. Abraham Truax.
The Second Company.
Capt. Abraham Glen,
Lieut. Jan B. Wemple,
Lieut. Andries A. Bradt,
Ensign, Hendrick Wemple,
The Third Company.
Jacob Van Slyck, Capt.,
Myndert Mynderse, Lieut.,
William Teller, Lieut.,
John A. Bradt, Ensign.
In the meanwhile Daniel Campbell in 1754 came here and settled
in Rotterdam to enter the service of the king. Very soon after his
coming, John Duncan came the year following, to not only serve
under the king, but to remain in it all through the Revolution, and
to take command of a company under Sir John Johnson and attack
the settlement on the Mohawk River.
90 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Joseph Yates had emigrated from Albany and had settled at the
Aalplans where is now the property of Mr. Pierre Hoag, and must
have prospered as he owned a large plantation, cultivated by slaves,
which extended from the Aalplans Creek, along the north bank of
the river to what is now Freeman's Bridge. He had two sons,
Christopher (Stoeffle) and Jelis, the Dutch for Giles. These men
were fort officers in the service of the king. The soldiers of that
day were divided into militia, provincial troops and regulars. The
militia did as much duty as either, in fact had seen more brave
fighting in many instances than either of the others. They cer-
tainly had in the Mohawk valley. The militiaman did not, as did
his successors long years afterward, enlist for his personal beauty,
his gaudy trappings, the pomp and circumstances of holiday parade,
but to be ready at a moment's call to guard his and his neighbor's
home. And in the early latter half of the century, the system of
keeping the rolls and records was established which enabled us to
find out just who were those who did soldierly duty for their king,
as long as such duties were consistent with patriotism.
One of the best known old soldiers of Colonial days was Jellis
Fonda, father of the heroic Major Jellis of the Revolution. He
was a lieutenant in Mathews Company in 1755. He was major
under Sir William Johnson of the Third Regiment of Albany. He
was the close companion, comrade and friend of Sir William John-
son.
Two of the most ferocious old fighters of Colonial days were Cap-
tains Jonathan Stevens and William McGinnis, both killed beside
King Hendrick and Col. Williams, founder of Williams College.
They both commanded Schenectady companies. Sir William John-
son reported officially that McGinnis, Stevens and the Schenectady
men fought like lions. Stevens was killed at the age of twenty-
eight, leaving no lineal descendants.
Christopher Yates (known universally in the valley as Col.
Stoeffle to distinguish him from Christopher P. and Peter Yates, his
cousin, all of them becoming afterwards colonels in the Revolution),
was commissioned as captain in the New York Provincial Regiment
at Oswego, Thursday, June 15th, 1759. He was promoted while on
DIARY OF LIEUTENANT YATES. 91
his way to Fort Niagara in command of the rear gnard, afterwards
of the quarter guard of the army, under Gen. Prideaux, who on his
death in the assault was succeeded by Sir William Johnson. Yates
had under him a Schenectady company, the roll of which cannot be
found.
The French always maintained that Sir William Johnson took the
fortress by deceit, treachery and the violation of the laws of civilized
warfare. As interestingly illustrative of the means and ■wa3-s of
military transportation of those days, we offer extracts from Yates'
diary of the journey. It will be seen that the Frenchman's charge
against Sir William is abimdantly substantiated by the written state-
ment of an officer in the British service.
Diary of Lieut. Christopher Yates, Afterwards Captain in
THE Expedition against Fort Niagaria in July, 1759.
" A diary of my proceedings from my father's, house in Schenec-
tady which I left on June ist, with the last party of our regiment,
commanded by Col. Johnson, consisting of about 300 men with
whale boats.
" The first day we went to Claas Vieles. Each night I had the
quarter guard. The next day we went to Sir Williams' (Sir William
Johnson) and encamped there, and the next day we went to Little
Falls and carried over some whale boats. On the same evening
came up the artillery batteaux, which went over the falls before us,
putting our party in great confusion. The next day we were ordered
to make fascines to mend the road, which was very bad, and were
four days in getting over our boats and provisions.
" From thence we proceeded to Fort Herkimer where we camped
and from whence we proceeded to Orisco, which was June 14th, dur-
ing which time we heard an alarm by the firing of more guns on the
north side of the river, and sent out a party of about eighty or more
men who made no discovery. The commanders of the party were
Captain Bloomer, Lieutenant Schuyler and Lieutenant Wemple.
Proceeded to Fort Stanwix. (Wemple was afterwards colonel in
the Second New York in the Revolution).
92 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
"When we came there, the 14th arid i6th regiments were
marched to Canada Creek, part of our regiment to Fort Bull. Next
day we tarried at Fort Stanwix, then another part of our regiment
went off commanded by Major Roseboom, (afterwards colonel),
which was the 15th of June, and Sir William went off from the fort
with a great party of Indians. It was a fine sight, the bands of
music played upon the ramparts of the fort, when the General and
Sir William went off with the Indians.
"Oswego, July ist, 1759. Upon a Sunday morning our army
commanded by General Prideaux, went off from Oswego to Niagara,
and in that way until we came to a great covered harbor called
Sodom, (Sodus), and encamped there that night, and the next morn-
ing, July 2nd, went off from there. At night we came to another
cove called Jerundequa.
" July 4th. In the morning we set off and proceeded until about
two or three in the afternoon, when we encamped by a mighty great
one (cove) where th? Geneva river comes out into the lake.
" J^ly 5^^- I^ the morning we went from there and proceeded
along until we came to a narrow cove and creek, and there we
encamped, and in the morning very early, about three or four o'clock,
we set off and proceeded very smartly until we came to a cove about
three miles, and there we landed. The same afternoon the Indians
went and about three o'clock in the morning cannonaded and took
three prisoners and six whale boats almost from under the fort and the'
general. The whale boats went in order to catch the sloops but the
sloops laid under the fort so that they could not catch them. The
fort shot several cannons at the boats, shot one man, taking his leg
right off.
" The next day, which was the 7th, we prepared our cannons and
the sloop played every hour on the lake, firing several cannons, and
so they did all next day, which was the 8th. Then we marched
about a mile from the fort and made gabions, etc., all that day.
Next day went in a flag of truce, which was Monday the 8th. Then
we began to intrench, and I was in the entrenches all that night
until morning, and then they fired very smart all three cannons but
did not do any damage. Then Wednesday, the nth there went a
DIARY CONTINUED. 93
flag of truce from the Indians, and stayed in the fort a good while,
and there was no further firing from them or from us. Before then
we entrenched hke men, and as soon . as the Indians came
there was no work all that night, but we did not mind that much,
we worked the attack like smoke. They wounded a few men very
slightly with their small arms. That night we began to play with
four or five howitzers. In the morning we brought a few cannons
into the trench. The 12th at night, I went in and they said they
saw hot work there, there was one of our men killed and Indian
Williams wounded very badly. Then at night we entrenched
until within 200 yards of the fort, close by their gabions. Satur-
day 13th we began the batteries but did not finish them.
" Sunday the 14th. Went and was in all night, but it rained so
hard that we could not work ; that night we finished three batteries.
"The 17th. In the morning the firing was pretty hot, all that
day and the next day, the i8th at night, we entrenched.
" The 1 8th. In the afternoon the schooner came from Garoqua.
The same night we entrenched forty yards from their breastwork,
but the schooner did not come to the fort.
" The 20th. In the afternoon our colonel was wounded through
his leg by a musket shot, and Colonel Johnson was killed by a mus-
ket ball as he was laying out the ground to entrench. That night
at about ten o'clock the General (Prideaux) was killed by one of our
cowhorn (mortars) and Sir William Johnson took command. And
so we marched and worked night and day, until the 24th, when we
were attacked by about 1500 of the enemy, under the command of
Mushur Delanquay about ten o'clock in the morning. But we soon
gave them their breakfast, and on the 25th we took the fort."
The Captain's spelling is very phonetic, his pronunciation of
French amusing, but as we hear of him in the future he will loom
up in the revolution, and after, as an accomplished and cultivated
gentleman. He was but twenty-two years of age and yet had fought
and been wounded at Ticonderoga. (Col. Records Vol. 10, p. 731,
N. Y. State I^ibrary). Yates obtained prominence from the fact that
he took a company from Schenectady to Fort Niagara, but there
94 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
were others of the provincial troops, whose descendants are all
around us.
Captain Cornelius Van Dyke commanded a company in 1762, mus-
tered at Schenectady. But two Schenectady names appear on the
roll of Privates, Peter Prunus and John Dance. A^an Dyck was
afterwards one of the most heroic of the Revolution. As colonel of
the First Regiment of the line he participated in Monmouth, York-
town and almost every battle. His descendants are niimerous. Van
Dyck was present at the surrender of Colonel Wallace.
Daniel Campbell, Andrew Truax, John Vrooman and Gerrit
Lansing were commissioned captains in 1762.
On the roll of Captain Campbell's company appear only the fol-
lowing Schenectady names : Philip Truax, Arent Weniple, Parent
Wemple, Isaac Jacob Switz, Daniel DeGraff, Isaac I. Swits, Thomas
Little, Simon Samuel, John and Joseph Brougham, Dirck and Phillip
Van Patten and Robert Shannon, William, James and Matthew
Thorton.
Captain Garrit A. Lansing's company was composed of Schenec-
tady men. The names are spelled with perfect devotion to Dutch
pronunciation, but in absolute contempt of correctness, yet the
reader will readily distinguish the familiar titles.
Capt. Gerrit A. LansinCx's Company.
A list of the officers and men in the Second Schenectady company
of militia, with the dates of officers' commissions, 1767 :
Capt. Gerrit A. Lansing, 2d day of November, 1754.
First Lieut. John S. Glen, 23d day of October, 1758.
Second Lieut. Abraham Wemple, 23d day of October, 1759,
afterwards Colonel of Second N. Y.
Ensign Samuel Van Sl)'ck, 23d day of October, 1759.
Sergt. Harman Hagadorn, Sergt. Maas Van Vranken,
Sergt. Hendrick Veeder, Sergt. John Fort.
Corporal Peter Sters, Corporal Cornelius Barhydt.
Drummer, Abraham N. Leythall, (Lighthall).
CAPTAIN LANSING'S COMPANY.
95
Privates
Robert Hagadorn,
Wm. Beth (Bath),
Albert Vedder,
Robert Beth,
Peter Van Vorst,
Phillip Van Vorst,
Arent Stevens,
Tobias L,uypard,
John S. Van Eps,
Cornelius P. Van Sl3'ck,
Cornelius Van Slyck, Jr.,
Elias Post,
Gerrit Teller,
Cornelius Van Guyseling,
Jacob Van Guseling,
Elias Van Guyseling,
Ryer Schermerhorn,
Simon Schermerhorn,
John Schermerhorn,
Carel Scherfer,
John Mercelis,
Jakel Mercelis,
Nicholas Vedder,
Symon Groot,
Barent Mynderse,
Johannes Jure Kraft,
John Dinny,
Symon Janson.
Officers 4, Sergeants 4, Corporals
Total 66.
Peter Veeder,
John Steers,
Abraham Fonda,
Takeris Van De Bogart,
Bartal,
Frederick Clute,
John Hall,
Frederick Euypard,
Hendrick Charlo,
Abraham Van Vorst,
Teron Barhydt,
Jacob Farlie,
Petrus Van Der Volg-en,
Jacob S. Vrooman,
Johannes Bastianse,
Martin Van Benthuisen,
Gerrit Wendell,
Abraham Groot,
Rikert Van Vraken,
John Meb,
Richard James,
Samuel Bradt,
Samuel S. Bradt,
Arent Bradt,
Jacob Bradt,
Frederick Bradt,
Johannes Schoenmaker,
John Tellor.
2, Drummer i, Privates 55.
Captain John Duncan's company contains the honored names of
Wemple, Wendell and Samuel Fuller, very probably the remainder
followed their captain into war. Schenectady was devoted to the
King to the day of the revolution.
96
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Captain Nicholas Groot's company was Schenectady by a large
maiority. We therefore give the roster of the Schenectady soldiers
enlisted under Capt. Andrew Truax :
Capt. Andrew Truax, commissioned Jan. 5th, 1758.
Lieut. Isaac Glen, commissioned Jan. 5th, 1758.
Ivieut. Peter Truax, commissioned Jan. 5th, 1758.
Ensign John R. Wenip, commissioned Jan. 5th, 1758.
Sergt. Reuben Horsford, Sergt. John B. Wendell,
Sergt. Jacob V. Sice, Sergt. John Henry,
Corporal John DeGraff, Corporal John B. Marcelis,
John V. Antwerpen,
Isaac Marselis,
John J. Vrooman,
Wm. DeGraff,
Arent Marselis,
Douwe Van Vorst,
Wessel Wessels,
Jasper Swart,
Abraham Yates,
Jacob Fonda,
James Deythaal,
Cornelius Lansing,
Cornelius Vrooman,
Arent Mebie,
Jellis Dirk Van Vorst,
Gerrit H. Vedder,
John Van Deusen,
Elias Groot,
John Clement,
Abraham Christiaense,
Phillip Van Patten,
John D. V. Antwerpen,
John Sy. Toll,
Phillip Van Vorst,
Privates.
John Mebie,
Zeger V. Stanford,
Abraham Schermerhorn,
Cornelius DeGraff,
Jacob Groot,
Jellis J. Van Vorst,
Petre Clute,
Symon Van Patten,
Arent Clement,
Arent Vedder,
Albert H. Vedder,
John B. Van Eps, Jr.,
Reyer A. Schermerhorn,
Peter Mebie,
John V. Vrooman,
Phillip Steers,
Jellis D. Van Vorst,
Thomas Christiaense,
James Reylie,
Nicholas Sixbie,
Folckert Vedder,
Abraham P. V. Antwerpen,
John Van Patten,
Jacob Swart,
PEACE BEFORE WAR. 97
Jesse C. DeGraff, Frederick Van Patten,
John Van Etten, Peter Van Densen,
Mathew Van der Heyden, Abraham Truax.
At last the Great Frederic of Prussia condescended to give peace
to Europe. All over the continent the seven years' war had lan-
guished for two years, men seeming to have become utterly weary
of cutting one another's throats. On the i6th of January, 1763,
was signed the Treaty of Peace, and as every time the rude artillery
of that day growled, the musketry in America seemed to spit and
snap and snarl, blessed rest came to the fighting burgher who,
brave and heroic as he was, dearly loved his pipe and his calm,
somnolent evenings.
The Yankee began to come, capital began to be attracted to the
village, which, though no longer a frontier town, was a prosperous
Indian trading post. Emigration began to pour its crowd through
the river and hills of Woestina, and the track of the glacier at L,ittle
Falls. Ellice and Duncan and Phynn, Mynderse, DeGraffs', the
Waltons, the Duanes of the Revolution, the Martins, Craigs and
Yates', mostly Englishmen, established storage and forwarding
houses. It was about the first real opportunity in her hundred years
of life, that the little town had had a chance to grow, and it took
advantage of it.
But the rest was destined to be short. Already marching toward
her was the drum beat of another seven years' war, one that was to
divide her own household, not between races, but families and kin-
dred, between father and sons, brothers and neighbors, drawing
sharply defined lines through streets, houses and homes.
The Revolution was at hand, and again the weary town, caring
less for the issue involved than almost any portion of the oppressed
and tax ridden land, saw the pomp and circumstance of that glori-
ous war of which she was long ago heartily sick unto death. A
hundred years of its horror had been enough for a people who could
fight but did not want to.
98 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CHAPTER VIII.
Schenectady in the Revoeution.
The patriotism of Schenectady was pure, unadulterated and unself-
ish. Stamp act and tea taxation worried the burghers less than any
other people in America. Stamped papers, checks and drafts, they
used, of course, but less of it than the commercial seaports. The
Mohawk Dutchman was a strangely unambitious soul of extremely
contented disposition. The moment the genuine Hollander acquired
that simple revenue which, ridiculously small as it may appear in
these days, was sufficient for the modest demands of his quiet home,
he was content to sit on his stoop built in youth or maturity for the
rest of old age, and watch the procession of the hunters of wealth
or power go westward. Schenectady was then, as now, on the very
highway of progress, the turnpike laid out by nature, for the journey
then beginning from New York around the globe. He saw it all,
joined in it rarely, wanted to live his uneventful life, and calmly
wait for its peaceful end.
He had never suffered from active wrong done him by the Eng-
lishman as others had. It was the passive injury of her shameful
neglect , that had been his worst complaint. No troops of the King
were ever quartered upon him in any unwelcome form. The fort
had in fact never been garrisoned enough to give him a feeling of
security against blood-thirsty white and red men.
All the British officers and men quartered here, seemed always to
have mingled with, and been part of the people. They were victims
of the horrors of the massacre of February 9th, helped to hunt down
the Indian assassins on every occasion, in the chase of the perpetra-
tors of the Beukendaal massacre, and did all they could to rescue the
captives. Sir William Johnson, ruler of the District, his Majesty's
representative was to the manor born, not of their own race but of
SIR JOHNSON'S HEADQUARTERS. 99
their own neighbors in the valley, and in spite of his Mormon ten-
dencies and his bold assnmption of the divine right of kings, in the
matter of morganatic marriages with sqnaws, was popular, a brave
warm-hearted man. Schenectady was often his military headquar-
ters. From here came the Fondas, his commissaries, fathers and
sons — his officers were largely from here. The Yates brothers,
Stoeffel and Jellis, had fought under him, the elder, a lad in his
teens, wounded at Ticonderoga and promoted at Sir William's sugges-
tion for bravery at Fort Niagara. Campbell, Duncan, the Van Slycks,
Bradts, Vielies, Vanderbogarts, Vedders, Veeders, Wemples, Mynderses
Barhydts, in fact all the Dutch families of the valley were on the
rolls of his battalions and companies. And the loyal element at
Schenectady was not made up of unpopular men by any manner of
means. The Yankee was not worshipped here, and the Englishmen
were not hated. The latter had touched elbows with the early set-
tlers in many of the alarms constantly sent out, until comradeship
had become close. Sir William's heart was true. That he stood
staunchly by the King who had honored him with a baronetcy, and
the command of all his forces west of Albany, from a strict sense of
duty, while his heart was divided with love for both, is an open
secret of history.
Officers and soldiers of great local renown in Colonial wars
dropped off the rolls in the Revolution. Campbells, Duncans and
the Glens, with the exception of the staunch old Quartermaster
Glen, well and widely known, and others who had fought for the
King from a decade to a quarter of a century, did not take up arms
for the Colonies. The Sanders' were staunch friends of King George.
But these men could hardly be called by the offensive name of Tory,
with the exception of Duncan, and even he was forgiven. As a rule
they were allowed to be quiet and silent, and as long as they were
so, there was none to molest or make them afraid. Schenectady was,
however, intensely loyal without that murderous bitterness that
revelled in battle, murder and sudden death. Here our ancestors
had not the personal insult of being spurned from the foot of the
throne, there was no Boston massacre, no fights like that of Golden
Hill in New York, no shooting down of rebels as at Concord and
loo SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Ivexington. The English garrison had always been welcomed, and
its officers and men had always been in comradeship and good favor
with the people.
There were full confidence and faith in the great Sir William, his
Majesty's viceroy. In his heart, no one doubted in all the stern days
that followed, that he would have been in many instances in warm
sympathy with his fellow soldiers of other days. There were no
battlefields in Schenectady county, no raids on the lovely hill slopes
and smiling valleys. More than once, notably in the Burgoyne cam-
paign, Sir William sent his cohorts the other way. Always, to the
credit of that brave and distinguished officer, whose sad ending has
been believed to have been due to a broken heart. He denounced,
and when he dared, punished the ruffians who murdered in defiance
of the laws of war. The warmest friends and most cherished com-
rades of the viceroy of the great Georges lived in the little town on
the wooded plain. The belief of its people after the Revolution
that Schenectady was under that tender watchfulness that survived
his death in 1774. It was righteous enough in any brave man's vieW)
that a town that had suffered so much from England's neglect, and
had given so many of its best and bravest to die in her cause, in the
morning of its first century, should have all the rest and peace that
war could permit in that century's close.
In one respect the Tories of the Revolution and the copperheads
of 1 861 are strikingly similar. They seem to have died childless.
No one to-day admits that he is a descendant of a Tory, and we can-
not find anywhere about us those who are confessedly possessed of
copperhead blood, and if the old soldier of the Civil War will occa-
sionally meet in his daily walk his old neighbor, who sympathized
with the rebels against the flag for which he fought, he is kindly
oblivious to the fact, bestowing the mercy of silence and lets the
oblivion of years blot out the stain of treason. There were none of
the genuine breed of Tory in Schenectady of whom history, tra-
dition, or official record makes any mention, but there were men who
had made gallant records in the Colonial Wars, who. while they took
no active part in behalf of the nation, and the sovereign to whom
SUSPECTED TORIES. loi
they undoubtedly had a loyalty in their hearts, never turned their
guns against the scarlet uniform of the King.
Ellice, Phynn, Duncan, Campbell and Morrison were closely
watched. They were not Tories, but British subjects, or sons of
British subjects. A Tory was the American whom the American
patriot hated, but the British loyalist seems to have been treated with
indulgence by his fellow citizen. The English born, who remained
faithful to an English monarch, was tolerated and afterwards freely
forgiven. The Tory's life was safe nowhere. There were others to
whom the situation at the outbreak of the war was most distressing.
Many of them undoubtedly felt, in their hearts, that it was the battle
between inclination and duty that worried the soul of Sir William
Johnson.
The Glenns, the Eondas, the Vanderbogarts, the Van Schaicks,
the Van Slycks, the Vielies, the Bradts, the Yateses and others had all
done service in rank or file, as officers, or as soldiers under King
George, and the disruption of the Empire, proclaimed by the Decla-
ration of Independence, came upon them as a shock. It was a par-
ticularly distressing situation for the Yateses whom King George II
had honored with commissions and with grants of land. It was
especially painful to the Glens to whom his Majesty's governors
had given authority in Schenectady ; to the Bradts and Vroomans
who had been official surveyors, and had laid out the territory of the
King's dominion, but to the honor of all, or almost all, of the manor
born, not one of them but rallied to the standard of George Wash-
ington. In fact, the elder Yates was a Member of Congress of '76,
his term expiring but six days before the signing of the Declaration
of Independence. Thot:gh lieutenant colonel of Wemple's regiment,
his relation with the British officers seems to have been close to the
last, for his daughter, shortly after the Revolution, married Johnson
Butler, the nephew of the infamous Walter Butler, and Captain
Alexander McDonald of the British army. It is a singular fact that
the records show that " Col. Stoeffel," as he was often and affection-
ately called, loyal enough to fight in the Colonial Wars for the King
of England, went at once upon the staff of Schuyler, as Glenn did
102 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
on quartermaster duty, and the records of the Revolution from
which the information in this chapter is strictly derived, do not show
anywhere that he ever leveled his gun at a British soldier. His
younger brother Jellis, however, was a fighter all the way through as
private and lieutanant of the line.
The precise situation can best be told in what follows, in the
extracts from the records of the Committee of Public Safety. It
will be seen that the people fully and thoroughly trusted these men,
as ardent as they had been in the cause of England, for it will be
seen that they were members of the Committee of Public Safety.
In the story of what transpired in the ^official action of the village
authorities, in support of their brave country, the historian is deeply
indebted to the Hon. John Sanders, who has in his industrious
research and judicious selection collated the interesting facts which
follow.
It must, as honest history, be stated as connected with our great
revolutionary stniggle, that the mass of the inhabitants of Schenec-
tady were devotedly the sons of liberty, and intensely in earnest ;
but it must be confessed that a few of our inost wealthy men were
prudent and non-committal, and unexceptionally, from habit, would
pray for the King.
The first gun was fired and the first blood flowed at Lexington, on ■
the 19th day of April, 1775, and on the 6th of May following, at a
meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the township of
Schenectady, the following persons were unanimously chosen to be
a committee of correspondence, safety and protection for the town-
ship:
Rinier Mynderse, James Wilson, Hugh Mitchell, Henry Glen,
Harmanus Wendell, Abraham Oothout, John Roseboom, Christopher
Yates, Cornelius Cuyler and Jacobus Teller. Christopher Yates,
(father of Governor Joseph C. Yates), was made chairman ; Hugh
Mitchell, (grandfather of the late Hon. Thomas B. Mitchell), was
made clerk.
A minute book of 162 closely written pages was kept by that com-
mittee and their successors, now belonging to the library of Union
College, having been presented to that institution as a valuable relic
EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES. 103
of our revolutionary trials by the late Edward Rosa, Esq., and
although deeply interesting on each page, a few important items are
selected as extracts, to show how patriotic, multiform and extensive
were the duties and labors of that committee ; and, in the mass of
interesting detail, even that selection is difficult.
This committee met often, and on the 8th of May, 1775, resolved
that their future meetings should be held at the house of William
White, located on Church street, where is now the residence of the
Hon. John A. Deremer. . The building was burned down in the dis-
astrous conflagration of 181 9.
It was further resolved, that all the members of the committee
attend the general meeting of the committees of safety, to be held
at Albany, on the loth inst.
From the minutes of May i6th, 1775 :
" Received a letter from the chairman of the committee at Albany
acquainting this board that Daniel Campbell, Esq., has a quantity of
gunpowder in store at Albany, which he wishes to take out, but this
committee refused him that liberty until they acquainted this board
of the same.
" Having taken the contents of said letter into consideration, and
foreseeing the evil consequences that may attend the powder falling
into the hands of our enemies,
" Resolved, That this board will purchase the said powder from
Daniel Campbell, for the use of the inhabitants of this township and
others who may stand in need thereof."
Extract from the minutes of May 24th, 1775 :
" Resolved, That this board do now purchase 335 lbs. of gunpow-
der from Daniel Campbell, Esq., at 3s. per lb.
" Resolved, That said powder be delivered in custody of John Post
and John G. Lansing, and that they dispose of it to the public as
hereinafter directed. Said Post and Lansing are ordered to dispose
of the powder at 3s. gd. per pound ; 3s. lod. by the half-pound ; 4s.
by the quarter, and not to dispose of any of it to any person who
lives out of the township without an order from a member of the
committee."
104 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
From the minutes of May 28th, 1775 :
" A sub-committee from the county of Tryon waited on this board
to inform us of the state of affairs in that county, which they looked
upon to be dangerous in respect to the Indians, and requested a
supply of powder.
" Resolved, To furnish them with fifty pounds of powder."
From the minutes of May 29th, 1775 :
" In consequence of a request of the committee of Albany to raise
one company of men for the Continental ser^'ice to go to Ticon-
tarog (Ticonderoga), consisting of one captain, one lieutenant, one
ensign, three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer, one lifer and
fifty privates.
" Resolved, That Cornelius Van Dyck is appointed captain, Benj.
Hilton, lieirt., and Cornelius Van Slyck, ensign, and that the
utmost dispatch be made in raising said company ; their pay to be as
follows, viz.:
" Captain, per month, 6 pounds ; lieut., per month, 4 pounds ;
ensign, per month, 3 pounds ; sergeants, per month, 2 pounds, 8
shillings ; corporals, per month, 2 pounds, 4 shillings ; drummer,
per month, 2 pounds, 4 shillings ; fifers, per month, 2 pounds, 4
shillings ; privates, per month, 2 pounds, all lawful money of New
England.
" Resolved, That every officer and soldier belonging to any of the
companies now raised or to be raised within this township, sign the
association recommended by the honorable the Continental Congress)
and that no person muster or appear under arms in any of the com"
panics who do not comply with this resolve.
" Resolved, That instructions be immediately given to Captain
Van Dyck for raising his company."
From the minutes of May 31st, 1775 :
" Captain Van Dyck made application to this board for provision
for his men.
"Resolved, That Captain Van Dyck's men be boarded for the
present at the houses of John Wilson and Robert Moston (Moyston),
at the rate of one shilling. New York currency, per day per man."
MINUTES CONTINUED. 105
From the minutes of 4th August, 1775 :
"This board being informed that Daniel Campbell, Esq., and
Alexander Ellise intend going up to Niagara and from thence to
Montreal,
. " Resolved, That Messrs. Campbell and Ellice be sent for and
examined relative to their intentions of going up the country.
" Said Campbell and Ellice being sent for. and present, declared
upon their honor that they were going up the country on their pri-
vate business, and that they would not carry any letters or messages
of news to or from any person, who was inimical to the American
cause.
" Resolved, That Messrs. Campbell and Ellice be permitted to go,
and that a certificate be given them."
It will be seen that Messrs. Campbell and Ellice did not possess in
any eminent degree the confidence of their fellow citizens. They
have left no descendants. If they had there would be no occasion
for shame. They were honest, loyal-hearted Englishmen and never
in any wa}' betrayed their adopted country.
From the minutes of January 14th, 1776 : ,
" Captain John Mynderse with the officers of the Minute Men
made their appearance before this board with a number of men, and
set out immediately in sleighs for Albany.
" Resolved, That orders be immediately sent to Captain John Van
Patten to place guards at William DeGraff's, Tunis Swarfs and
Eewis Peck's, to prevent any unfriendly persons or letters from pass-
ing upwards.
" Resolved, That the following letter be sent to James McMaster
and the committee of Warrensbush :
" Sir — We being suspicious that news may be carried to Johnstown
of what is now going on here, we are about to place , guards on both
sides of the river to prevent any person from passing upwards who
are not known to be friends of the American cause ; we, therefore,
request you will take such steps as will prevent any news passing
through Warrensbush, and that you will examine all letters you are
suspicious of."
Here follow entries of the apprehension and trial of several per-
io6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
sons charged with being enemies to the American cause, and resulted
in committing some of them to jail at Albany, among them George
Murray, Joseph Kingsley and George Ramsey.
The following extract from the minutes of December 29,
1775 is given :
"This board having taken into consideration the custom of the
inhabitants of this place of firing guns on New Year's day, and find-
ing said custom to be attended with an unnecessary waste of powder,
which ought to be particularly prevented at this time,
"Resolved, That the magistrates be applied to, to use their
authority in putting a stop to said custom."
From the minutes of April 13, 1776.
" James EUice applied to this board for a certificate of his charac-
ter to General Schuyler, in order to obtain a pass from him to go up
the country,
" Resolved, That on his taking the following affidavit, that the
trade he carries on is here, and that he intends to carry on if per-
mitted up the counti-y, is entirely on his own account, and that he is
noways bound to give or be accountable to either James Phynn, or
■ Alexander or Robert Ellice for any part of the profits arising from
said trade."
Which having been accomplished, the following certificate was
given to him :
" This is to certify that the bearer, Mr. James Ellice, hath signed
the General Association, and hath not, to our knowledge, done any-
thing against the American cause of Liberty.
Given under my hand.
Dirk Van Ingen, Chairman.
Schenectady, April i, 1776."
"James Ellice informed this board that his brother, Robert,
intends going up the country this spring, and that he intends send-
ing his clerk, George Forsith, up the country."
Whereupon the following letter was written by the board :
APPLICATIONS FOR PASSPORTS. 107
" In Committee Chamber at Schenectady,
April 13, 1776.
" Honored Sir — James EUice, who was just now with this board
and obtained a certificate that he hath signed the General Associa-
tion, informed us that his brother, Robert Ellice, intends going up
the country to settle his business there, and that James Ellice intends
to send his clerk, George Forsith, up the country. We beg to
acquaint you that neither of the above named persons hath ever
signed the General Association, and we look on them to be enemies
to the American cause of Liberty.
(Signed) " We are, etc.
" To the Hon. Philip Schuyler, Major General."
From the minutes of April 17th, 1776.
" Received a letter from Daniel Campbell, Esq., requesting a recom-
mendation from this board, in order to obtain a passport from
General Schuyler to send goods up the country to Messrs. Andrews
and Meldrum.
" Resolved, That Mr. Campbell cannot have a recommendation from
this board to General Schuyler.
" Henry Miller and John Jeffries made application for passports to
go down the country.
" Resolved, To give said Miller and Jeffries passports."
From the minutes of April 2 2d, 1776 :
"James Stewart, Charles Martin, John Robinson and Andrew
McFarland made application to this board for certificates in order to
obtain passports from General Schuyler to go up the country.
" Resolved, That a certificate be given to each of them, mention-
ing that they have not signed the General Association, but in other
respects have appeared to be true friends to the American cause.
" Robert Ellice and Charles Morrison made application to this
board for certificates, in order to obtain passports to go up the
country.
" The board being of opinion that they were both enemies to the
cause of American liberty, thereupon
" Resolved, That they cannot have certificates from this board "
io8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
It will, from these few extracts, be seen that our revolutionary
fathers early considered vigilance the hand-maid of liberty, and with
a few more extracts illustrating the severity of the times, the priva-
tions and hardships under which our indomnitable forefathers strug-
gled during the period that tried men's souls, we close the quotations.
The use of hard money was absolutely forbidden. The following
extract from the minutes of June 2d, 1779, will show how rigidly
this enactment was enforced :
" Information being given to this board that John Empie has sold
yeast for hard money, he being sent for acknowledged that his wife
had received some for yeast, but did not refuse to receive paper cur-
rency as was alleged against him, and declared that he did not know it
was forbid ; thereupon,
" Resolved, That the said Empie pay all the hard money back again
to those persons who have, since the publication of the regulating
act, paid hard money to said Empie or his wife for yeast, and they
are desired to pay said Empie, on receipt of the hard money, an
equal sum in paper currency.
" It is hoped no such evil practice for the future will be carried
on, as the buyer and seller will be equally considered as transgressors
of said act."
Great efforts were made by the real friends of our revolutionar-y
struggles to maintain " the continental paper currency " at the stan-
dard value of gold and silver ; but gold and silver, as far as was
known, had not a physical existence in the country in any quantity
equal to the demands of war, and therefore, as a means to sustain the
value of their paper, the government prohibited the circulation of coin
altogether.
With what success Ramsay's " History of the American Revolu-
tion," ( Vol. II, pages 112 to 122 ), informs us: " The depreciation
began at different periods in different states, but became general
about the beginning of the year 1777, and progressively increased for
three or four years."
" Towards the end of 1777 the depreciation was three for one ; in
1778 it was six for one ; in 1779, twenty-eight for one; in 1780, sixty
for one in the first four or five months. Its circulation was after-
AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 109
wards partial ; but where it passed it soon depreciated to 150 for
one.
" In some few points it continued in circulation for the first four
or five months of 1781 ; but in this latter period many would not
take it at any rate, and they who did received it at a depreciation of
several hundreds for one."
CHAPTER IX.
After the Revolution — Close of the Century.
The Revolution had dealt far more gently with Schenectady than the
Colonial Wars. She had her dead to mourn, sorrows for which the
only compensation was the honorable names that left their fragrance
as the grass grew greener over the graves in the old Dutch grave-
yard in Green street, or on their unknown little homes unmarked but
not far away.
The survivors came back to rejoice in the independence of this
infant laud, but to suffer also in the poverty and depression that
settled down heavily on a country with no money but rags, but little
experienced in self-government. Not one of those infant industries
that we have been of late so generously fostering till they have been
nurtured into gigantic dimensions, existed. New names with no
Holland gutteral or Dutch melody in them, began to be known and
honored.
Gallant soldiers, officers and men, were in these regiments. Col.
Abram Wemple did magnificent service. Cornelius Van Dyke, lier-
tenant colonel of the First New York Continental, Gen. Philip
Schuyler's veteran regiment. John Graham, father of the late Mrs.
Sarah and Deborah Graham of Washington avenue, and Major
Thornton, were men who achieved high renown.
These officers were all brave, rigid disciplinarians, and brought
their regiment to such perfection of drill and soldierly bearing, that
no SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the First Veteran New York had no superior in the American army.
It is not my intention to follow this old regiment through the early
incidents of the Revolution ; to speak of their brilliant gallantry at
Saratoga and on the plains of Monmouth ; but, as derived from
actors in the events, such was the estimate of their steadiness and
valor, that, on the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, Nicholas Van
Rensselaer, one of its captains, a grandson of old Patroon Hendrick,
was deputed by General Gates to carrj^ a captured flag and the news
of the surrender to the anxious citizens of Albany. A regiment so
brave, that at the storming of Stony Point, July i6th, 1779, General
Wayne placed this regiment in the front ; and on the storming of
the two redoubts at Yorktown, late in the afternoon of the 14th of
October, 1781, where, to excite a spirit of emulation, the reduction
of the one was committed to the French under the Baron deViomes-
nil, and the other to the Americans under the Marquis Lafayette.
Colonel Hamilton himself, of New York, led the advanced corps of
the Americans, selecting for a part of his column a detachment of
Van Schaick's veteran regiment, ( First New York, under Major
Graham ). These troops rushed to the charge without firing a gun,
and, passing over the abattis and palisades, assaulted the works on all
sides, and entered with such rapidity that the redoubt was immedi-
ately carried with inconsiderable loss. The redoubt attacked by the
French was defended by a greater number of men and therefore
occupied more time in its reduction.
Then, too. Major John Thorton of Schenectady was an officer in
the Revolutionary struggle, full of daring, a hero at Saratoga, and a
veteran. This was the father of the late Mrs. Volney Freeman of
oiir place and of the late Col. William A. Thornton of the reo-iilar
army.
It must be borne in mind that the militia in the day of the Revo-
lution was not like the militia of any more modern days. They
were fighters, and did as much in battle as any troop. The following
is the Controller's report. (New York in the Revolution, page 9).
" The extensive fighting done within our borders, brought into
active and honorable service branches of military, which, in colonies
where no fighting was done, were relieved. Our militia were the
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. iii
heroes of many hotly contested fields. The battle of Oriskany, in
its percentages of killed and wounded, the bloodiest battle of the
war, was won by the militia, and Burgoyne's surrender thereby made
sure: The militia bore a highly honorable part in the ever memora-
ble battle of Saratoga. But many men undoubtedly performed
splendid service in the emergencies which called out the militia, and
then retired quietly to their homes, leaving no record of their service
which can now be found.
Again, the portions of New York occupied by the whites were
surrounded on almost all sides by tribes of hostile Indians, who were
incited and led by still more savage whites. Brant was sometimes
humane, but Butler never. The Hurons had inherited from many
preceding generations the disposition to make hostile raids upon the
territory of their ancient foes, the Iroquois. At the breaking out of
the war the influence of Sir William Johnson over the tribes of the
Iroquois was almost boundless. His position as Indian agent had
brought him into close relations with these tribes, and this position
he seems to have honorably used and to have succeeded in convinc-
ing them that he was their friend. His mantle, at his death,
fell upon his son, Sir John, and his son-in-law, Col. Guy Johnson,
and that they used their influence to the fullest extent to stir up
Indian hostility to the patriotic citizens west of Albany, is a sad page
in the history of the war. It required something more or less than
patriotism to induce the frontiersman, to leave his family with the
prospects before them of that most horrible of frontier experiences,
an Indian raid.
Col. Abraham Wemple was the most prominent commander con-
nected with the Schenectady regiment, and from " Archives of New
York, The Revolution, in the Adjutant General's office, the follow-
ing roll of the regiment is taken as given below. In this regiment
only the Schenectady names are given :
Col. Abraham Wemple,
Lieut. Col. Christopher Yates,
Major Abraham Swits,
Major Myndert M. Wemple,
112
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Thomas B. Bancker,
John Mynderse,
Jacob Schermerhorn
John Van Patten,
Gerrit S. Veeder,
Adjutant John Van Driissen,
Quartermaster Gerrit G. Lansing,
Quartermaster Myndert Wemple.
Captains.
Jellis Fonda,
Abraham Oothout,
Abraham Van Eps,
Jesse Van Slyck,
Thomas Wasson.
Lieutenants.
Jellis A. Fonda,
Jacobus Peek,
Jacob Sullivan.
Daniel Toll,
Cornelius A. Van Slyck,
Arent S. Vedder,
Philip Vedder,
Walter Vrooman,
Myndert A. Wemple,
Nicholas Barhydt,
William Moore,
John Roseboom,
John Thornton,
Andries Van Patten,
Philip D. Van Vorst,
Francis Vedder,
Gerrit S. Veeder, Jr.,
Lawrence Vrooman,
Jellis Yates.
Ensigns.
Teunis Swart, Abraham J. Truax,
Cornelius Z. Van Sanford, Myndert R. Wemple.
Additional names on State Treasurer's pay books:
Lieut. Robert Alexander, Lieut. Robert McMichael,
Lieut. John B. Vrooman.
Ensign Alexander Crawford, Ensign Fram'r Schermerhorn.
Enlisted Men:
Cornelius Barhydt,
Jacob Barhydt,
John Barhydt,
Lewis Barhydt,
Cornelius Barhout,
Tunes Barhydt,
James Barhydt,
John Barope,
Andrew Barope,
Cornelius Bradt,
Elias Bradt,
Ephraim Bradt,
Gerret Bradt,
Jacobus Bradt,
Jacobus A. Bradt,
Jacobus S. Bradt,
John Bradt,
John S. Bradt,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT.
ii3
Thomas Barope,
Lewis Berherdt,
Tunes Berherdt,
Samuel S. Bradt,
Aaron A. Bradt,
Anthony A. Bradt,
Aphrieam Bradt,
Arent A. Bradt,
Arent S. Bradt,
Aron Bradt,
Chas. Bradt,
Barrett Cain,
Peter William Caine,
Warrant Caine,
Daniel Campbell,
John Kennedy, Jr.,
Henry Caurl,
John Caurl,
Thomas Caurl,
Asswerus Christianse,
Isaac Christianse,
William Kittle,
Daniel Kittle,
David Kittle,
John Kittle,
Arent Clement,
Eldert Clement,
Johannes Clement,
John Clement,
Peter Clement,
Jacob Clute,
John F. Clute,
Connels DeGraff,
Abraham DeGraff,
Andrew DeGraff,
Jesse DeGraff,
John DeGraff,
John N. DeGraff,
Mindart Bradt,
Samuel Bradt,
Samuel S. Bradt,
John Brougham,
Symon Brougham,
Arent S. Bradt,
Hendrick Brouwen,
Richard Brower,
Abraham Buys,
James Buys,
Bartholomew Clute,
Daniel Clute,
Frederick Clute,
Jacob Clute,
Jacob P. Clute,
John Clute,
John B. Clute,
John Curtis Clute,
Isaac Clute,
Peter Clute,
Petrus Clute,
Adam Conde,
Simon Connor,
Manuel Consale,
David Consalus,
David Consaul,
John Corl,
John Crawford,
Isaac Criesteionse,
Joseph Crawford,
Adam Conde,
James DeGollier,
James DeGollie,
Joseph DeGollier,
Abraham Dome,
John Dome,
Abraham Douw,
114
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Simon DeGrafE,
"William DeGraff,
Caleb Farly,
Jelles P. Fonda,
William Gardner,
Isaac Glen,
Jacob Glen,
John Glen,
John S. Glen,
Charles Gorden,
Robert Gorden,
Joseph Gordon,
William Gordon,
Andrew Gregg,
James Gregg,
Andrew Gregg,
Harraanus Hagadorn,
Alexander Hanna,
Alexander Hannon,
John Kennedy,
Samuel Kennedy,
John Lambert,
Abraham G. Lansing,
Cornelius Lansing,
John C. Lansing,
John G. Lansing,
Gerrit Lansing,
John Lansing.
Abraham Lighthall,
Cornelius Mabee,
John Mabee,
John Mabee, Jr.,
Peter Mabee,
Albert Mabee,
Arent Mabee,
Cornelius Mabee,
John J. Mabie,
John Duncan, Jr.,
John Fort,
John D. Forte,
Abraham Gregg,
Abraham C. Groat,
Andrew Groat,
Cornelius Groat,
Simon Groat,
Amos Groat,
Simon C. Groot,
Abraham Groot,
Abraham A. Groot,
Cornelius Grot,
Abraham C. Grot,
Peter Hare,
Henyost Helmer,
Abraham Josling,
Abraham W. Lighthall,
George Lighthall,
Nicholas Lighthall,
Thomas Little,
David Little,
Abraham Lythall,
Abraham W. Lythall,
William Lythall,
David Lythall,
John Marselus,
Gilrt Marselus,
Charles Martin,
John Maseles,
Juiter Mebie,
Albert Mebie,
Henry Merseles,
Egsbert Merseles,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT.
"5
Patrick Mabie,
Aront Mabie,
Cornelius Maby,
Alexander McMichael,
Daniel McMichael,
James McMichael,
Peter McMichael,
James McQuean,
John Marselis,
Ahasweras Marselis,
George Passage,
George Passage, Jr.,
Thomas Patterson,
Oliver Patterson,
Jess Peak,
Arect Peck,
Cornelius Peck,
Daniel Peck,
Henry Peck,
Jacobus Peck,
Jaines J. Peck,
Jesse Peck,
John Peck,
Lewes Peck,
Arent Peeck,
Christopher Peeck,
Cornelius Peeck,
Cornelius C. Peeck,
Harmanus Peeck,
Harmanus H. Peeck,
Harmanus J. Peeck,
Henry H. Peeck,
Jacobus Peeck,
Jacobus H. Peeck,
John Peeck,
John J. Peeck,
John Reises,
Andro Rynex,
Arent Merseles,
Gysbert Merseles,
John Mersilus,
Alexander Mersilus,
John Mynderse,
John R. Mjmderse,
Laurence Mynderse,
Harmen Mynderse,
Peter Mabie,
Arent Ouderkerk,
Joseph Peeck,
Lewis Peeck,
Christopher Peeck,
Daniel Peeck,
Jacobus Vedder Peck,
James J. Peck,
Joseph Peck,
Lewis Peck,
John J. Peeke,
Harmanus Peterson,
Herman Peterson,
Charles Petterson,
Oliver Petterson,
Thomas Petterson,
Thomas Phillips,
Samuel Pruyne,
Aaron Putman,
Arent Putman,
Arent L. Putman,
Aron L. Putman,
Cornelius Putman,
Cornelius L. Putman,
John Putman,
Gradus Quack,
Generadous Quackenbos,
John Quackenbos,
Cornelius Ryckerman,
Cornelius Rykman,
ii6
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Jacobus Ryley,
John Robison,
Isaac Rosa,
John T, Rosa,
Elias Rosa,
John Rosa,
David Sacie,
John Sanders,
Garret Schermerhorn,
Simen Schermerhorn,
Andrew Schermerhorn,
Andris Schermerhorn,
Aurent Schermerhorn,
Barnadus Schermerhorn,
Bartholomew Schermerhorn,
Henry J. Schermerhorn,
Jacob Schermerhorn,
Jacob J. Schermerhorn,
John Schermerhorn,
John J. Schermerhorn,
Nicholas Schermerhorn,
Reijer Schermerhorn,
Richard Schermerhorn,,
Ryer Schermerhorn,
Rykert Schermerhorn,
Simon Schermerhorn,
Reuben Schuyler,
John Shannon,
William Shannon,
Thomas Shennon,
Christian Shutes,
Jacobus Teller,
John Teller,
William Teller,
Jacob Ten Eyck,
Myndert S. Ten Eyck,
Isaac Terwilliger,
Jacobus Terwilliger,
Solomon Terwilliger,
Jacobus Rylie,
Philip Rylie,
Andrew Rynex,
John Rynex,
Richard Rynex,
John Smealle,
John Smilie,
Gerrit Spitcher,
Arent Spitser,
Gerret Spitser,
George Staley,
Jacob Stayley,
John Stevens,
Daniel Steward,
David Steward,
George Steward,
James Steward,
John Stewart,
Daniel Stewart,
John Stewart,
James Stuart,
Jacobus Swart,
James Swart,
Nicholas Swart,
Henry Swits,
Jacob Swits,
Jacob Swits, Jr.,
Jacob A. Swits,
Jacob J. Swits,
Ruben Symons,
James Thornton,
Thomas Thornton,
Charles Toll.
John Toll,
Abraham Truax,
Abraham J. Truax,
Abraham P. Truax,
John Trumbull,
ROSTER OF REGIMENT.
i'7
Peter H. Vedder,
Andrew Wagner.
Garret Van Antwerp,
Peter Van Antwerp,
Peter A. Van Antwerp,
Simon Van Antwerp,
Simon J. Van Antwerp,
John Van Antwerpe,
Peter Van Benthuysen,
Joseph Van Der Bogart,
Nicholas Van Der Bogart,
Abraham N. Van DeGraff,
Daniel Van Derhyden,
David Van Derhyden,
Daniel Van Derhyder,
Ddvid Van Dsrhyder,
Cornelius H. Van Dyck,
Cornelius Van Dyck,
Cornelius N. Van Dyck,
Henry Van Dyck,
Henry H. Van Dyck,
Henry I. Van Dyck,
John Van Eps,
John B. Van Eps,
John J. Van Eps,
Petrus Van Der Volgen,
Cornelius Van Der Volgen,
Peter Van Guysling,
Cornelius Van Guysling,
Jacob Van Guysling,
John Vischer Van Ingan,
John Van Inge,
Joseph Van Ingen,
Frederick D. Van Patten,
Adam Van Patten,
Frederick Van Patten,
Ian Van Patten,
Nicholas Van Patten,
Peter Van Slyck,
Jellis Van Voast,
John D. Van Voast,
Peter Van Voast,
Dirk Van Vranken,
Maus Van Vranken,
Maus M. Van Vranken,
Nicholas Van Vranken,
Nicholas N. Van Vranken,
Richard Van Vranken,
Rykert Van Vranken,
Cornelius Veeder,
Peter S. Veeder,
Thelmes Veeder,
Phil Vielie,
Albert A. Vedder,
Alexander Vedder,
Arent Vedder,
Barent Vedder,
Arent A. Vedder,
Arent T. Vedder,
Cornelius Vedder,
Francis Vedder,
Frederick Vedder,
Harmanis Vedder,
John Vedder,
John B. Vedder,
Nicholas Vedder,
Nicholaes Vedder,
Peter Vedder,
Seymon H. Vedder,
Simon Vedder,
Halimus Veder,
Baret Veeder,
Wilhilmus Veeder,
Cornelius Veeder,
Gerret Veeder,
Gerret S. Veeder,
ii8
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Philip Van Patten,
Frederick Van Pette,
Frederick Van Petten,
Frederick S. Van Petten,
Henry Van Petten,
Nicholas Van Petten,
Nicholas A. Van Petten,
Nicholas H. Van Patten,
Nicholas R. Van Petten,
Nicholas S. Van Petten,
Philip Van Petten,
Simon Van Petten,
Simon F. Van Petten,
Andrew Van Petten,
Gerret Van Schaick,
Abraham Van Sice,
Cornells Van Sice,
Gysbert Van Sice,
Isaac Van Sice,
Jacobus Van Sice,
John Van Sice,
Aaron Van Sice,
Andrian Van Slyck
Adrian Van Slyck,
Andrew Van Slyck,
Anthony Van Slyck,
Cornelius Van Slyck,
Cornelius A. Van Slyck,
Cornelius P. Van Sl3^ck,
Harmanus Van Slyck,
Harmanus N. Van Slyck,
Michael Wagner,
Jacob Walrat,
Christopher Ward,
Richard Warner,
Frederick Weller,
Robert Weller,
John Wemple,
John J. Wemple,
Helmus S. Veeder,
John Veeder,
John B. Veeder,
Nicholas Veeder,
Peter H. Veeder,
Peter S. Veeder,
Peter T. Veeder,
Sirrion B. Veeder,
Simon H. Veeder,
Wilhelmus Veeder,
John Visger,
John Visger, Jr.,
John Vischer, Jr.,
Adam Vrooman,
Adam H. Vrooman,
Adam S. Vrooman,
Arent Vrooman,
Aron Vrooman,
David Vrooman,
Hendrick Vrooman,
Henry Vrooman,
Jacob A. Vrooman,
Jacob I. Vrooman,
Jacob J. Vrooman,
John B. Vrooman,
John J. Vrooman,
John T. Vrooman,
Simon Vrooman,
Simon J. Vrooman,
Nicholas Vrooman,
John T. Wemple,
Mindert R. Wemple,
Myndert Wemple,
Ahasuerus Wendell, ■
John B. Wendell,
Arent Wessel,
Arent Wesselse,
Aorn Wesselse,
CLOSE OF CENTURY. 119
Abraham Yates, Nicholas Yates,
Abraham J. Yates, Abraham Yates.
John Yates,
CHAPTER X.
The Close of the Century.
Schenectady could not be said to have emerged from the Revolu-
tion. The county had never been submerged. The waters had
divided around it and the burgher had walked through on compara-
tively dry land in a calm which he had earned by a century of suf-
fering.
Then, as now, the situation of the burgh, Dorp as it began to be
called, enforced its growth. Anything but progress became impos-
sible. The eyes of the world were on the young nation born in the
throes of seven years of one of the most wearisome, brave and patient
struggles for self government in the history of the earth. The path-
way of emigrant adventure and explorer thronged eastward and
westward to a new land, over which hung the mirage of gold in its
mountains, and wealth in its valleys and plains. The highway of a
countless procession that was in the coming century to establish the
grandest Republican empire of earth was under the Catskills and the
lyowereuin of Rotterdam where now an unbroken line of railway
belts the continent and in a flying house of unchanging luxury and
splendor, transports the globe trotters by night and day, awake or
asleep, from sea to sea.
The calm of a blessed peace settled over the peaceful town on the
Groot Vlachte, the great beautiful plain that circled out under the
hills and was girdled by the Mohawk. It was a lovely village of
magnificent elms, of towering pine on the plain, and graceful willow
by the river side. The Fort was permitted to rot away, the palisades
I20 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
which had stirvived the usefulness of protection, now one by one
subserved the comfort of the sturdy Dutchman who by the roaring
fire on the immense hearth smoked his great pendant pipe and drank
his schnapps, despising the hixury of the cigar and the effeminency
of tea. Old streets lengthened out, new ones radiated, names
changed. The aggressive Yankee interloper came and came to stay
and would not be shouldered out. The burgher watched the caval-
cade for awhile. But he was a trader, from way back in trading
Holland, shrewd, cautious, close but honest as the sunlight.
So it happened that as the century drew near to its close the
ending of the i8th as of the 19th, was marked by the commingling
of races and the infusion of new young blood that acted like an
elixir to its prosperity. For despite the suffering imposed upon busi-
ness by a worthless currency and the erection of a national edifice
on lines which were new and experimental and which the genius
of Hamilton, Gallatin and John Jay had not perfected into stable
government, the town prospered and grew proportionally equal to
any in the leading state of the young union.
It was a busy town and a heterogeneous one, in population and
architecture. On the old quadrilateral bounded by Front, Ferry and
vState streets and Washington avenue, the old steep roofs and gabled
ended houses so much derided in later days by Captain Marj'att, who
lied more amusingly in his American visit than he did in his Fnglish
novels, still stood, so massively built with their enormous beams that
but for the terrible conflagration of 181 9, many would have been
standing to-day. The Dorpian loved his home, endured its ugliness
for it was stuccoed with the beauty of youthful memories and family
tradition. He met with true Dutch stolidity the sneer of the cosmo-
politan bewigged and ruffled shirted swell from New York. Inside
the homely shell there were polished floors, walls and heavily raf-
tered rooms, radiant with cleanliness reflecting in every nook and
corner, the living forms of his living and the shadowy outlines of
his beloved dead. "Giving him the laugh" never fazed the
Mohawker. He met it with the marble heart and smoked placidly
on his stoop in homely, but solid comfort.
Business was all centered in the west end. Great storage and for-
BOAT BUILDING. 12 1
warding warehouses of Yates, Mynclerse, Phynn, EHice, Jacob S.
Glen & Co., Duncan, Stephen N. Bayard, Walten & Co., I^uther &
McMichael stretched from the' Frog Alley Bridge, now crossed by the
Street Railway Company to the present site of the Mohawk Bridge.
Great docks, built on heavy piles, extended out in the stream and a
river commerce of grand volume, building up splendid fortunes for
its promoters, began to actually whiten the Mohawk with sails of the
Durham boat. From near Governor's Lane to the poor pasture,
given for the use of the peasantry by the generous provisions of the
will of Hans Jans Enkluys, was the Strand. Here was founded in
the last part of the century an immense boat-building industry.
Nearly all the boats used on the Mohawk and western waters
were built at this place. The boat yards were located on what is
termed the Strand street on the river, then much wider than now,
owing to encroachments and other cat:ses. It was no uncommon
sight in the War of 181 2, to see from twenty-five to 100 boats on the
stocks at the boat yards, extending from near the Mohawk bridge to
North street. The boats that conveyed the army of General Wilkin-
son down the St. Lawrence river were all built at this place ; the oak
forests of our common lands furnished the reqiiisite materials in
great supply. The principal boat-builders were the Van Sl}'cks,
Marselis', Veeders and Peek's, although there were others. The
boat-builders were generally residents of Front and Green streets.
Encroachments, the building of the Mohawk Bridge, the disap-
pearance of the waters from the face of the earth as in the survival
of Noah, and the destruction of forest timber in the Adirondacks,
has shrunken the Mohawk tremendously in the century and a quar-
ter since the Revolution. It was then a deep, broad stream, broken
by rifts but far scarcer and much deeper than now.
It is astonishing as we look at the Mohawk now, to learn what it
once was. The story of its ancient commercial glory is well told by
Judge Sanders in his quaint style illtnnined occasionally b)' old-
fashioned rhetoric. He thus described the commerce of the
Mohawk :
"Up to about the year 1740, the early settlers used the largest
sized Indian bark canoe, the graceful craft, which had glided on the
122 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
bosom of the Mohawk, probably for centuries before. But about, or
soon after that time, the later Indian traders, William, afterwards
Sir William Johnson, John Duncan, John Robinson, William Cor-
lett, Charles' Martin, James EHice, Daniel Campbell and others, tak-
ino- a wide step in advance of the time-honored canoe, introduced
the small bateau, a wooden vessel strongly manned by three men.
Simms says, in his historj' of Schoharie County, containing interest-
ing memoranda of the Mohawk valley, page 141 : " These boats
were forced over the rapids in the river with poles and ropes, the
latter drawn by men on the shore. Such was the mode of transport-
ing merchandise and Indian commodities to and from the west, for a
period of about fifty years, and until after the Revolution. There
were carrying places along the route. Of course, the first was at
Little Falls. A second place was near Fort Stanwix (Rome) from
the boatable waters of the Mohawk to Wood Creek ; thence passing
into Oneida Lake, the bateaus proceeded into the Oswego river,
and thence to Oswego, on Lake Ontario, and to Niagara, or elsewhere
on that lake, on the St. Lawrence, as- they pleased to venture," and
after being carried around the falls of Niagara to Chippewa, went
uninterruptedly on to Detroit, their usual limit, and sometimes even
to Mackinaw. But after the Revolutionary War, the tide of immi-
gration set strongly westward, and that energetic population required
increased facilities of transportation and communication with the
great Hudson river, and their old homes in the east and elsewhere.
What was to be done ? Just emerged from a sanguinary and
exhausting struggle, the State and the people were impoverished.
The expense of the canal could not be thought of, and dreams of
railroads, steamboats and electricity put to service, were only the
far off faucies of visionary men, born prematurely.
'' But something must be done. General Philip Schuyler, that
far-seeing statesman of Revolutionary fame, who as major-general had
rendered his country invaluable services in her most trying periods,
who had been a United States senator and was then surveyor-general
of the State of New York, succeeded in forming a corporate body
known as the " Inland Lock Navigation Company," of which body
many citizens of Schenectady and vicinity were members. With
LABORIOUS BOATING. 123
such capital, General Schuyler, under his immediate supervision and
direction, constructed a dam and sluice, or short canal, at Wood
Creek, uniting it with the navigable waters of the Mohawk ; and
also built a short canal and several locks at Little Falls ; in both
cases obviating portage, or the necessity of unloading the vessels.
Those works were completed in 1795, and from that date, or soon
thereafter, those enterprising forwarders, Jonathan Walton, Jacob
S. Glen, Eri Lusher, Stephen N. Bayard and others, erected addi-
tional wharves, docks and large storehouses on the main Bennekill,
and the commerce of Schenectady, with the increased facilities of
navigating the Mohawk, was largely extended until the great fire of
1819. The Durham boat, constructed something in shape like a
modern canal boat, with flat bottom, and carrying from eight to
twenty tons, took the place of the clumsy little bateau which had
for more than fifty 3'ears superseded the Indian bark canoe. These
Durham boats were not decked except at the front and stern ; but
along the sides were heavy planks partially covering the vessel, with
cleats nailed on them, to give foothold to the boatmen using poles.
Many of the boats fitted for use on the lakes and St. Lawrence had
a mast, with one large sail, like an Albany sloop. The usual crew
was from six to eight men. At that day boatmen at Schenectady
were numerous, and generally were a rough and hardy class ; but
from common label's, exposures and hardships, a sort of brotherly
affection for each other existed among them which did not brook the
interference of outsiders, and yet as a class, they were orderly, law-
abiding citizens.
" Boating at this period was attended with great personal labor.
True, the delay of unloading and carriage at the Little Falls had
been overcome, but it was found more difficult to force large than
small craft over the rapids. In view of that difficulty, several boats
usually started from port in company, and those boats first arriving
at a rift, at a low water stage, awaited the approach of others that
their united strength might lighten the labor there. At high water
with favorable wind, they could sail the navigable length of the
river; but when sails were insufficient, long poles were used. These
poles had heads of considerable size that rested against the shoulder
124 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
of the boatman, while pushing onward ; and as has often been seen
the shoiilders of the boatmen became calloused by such labor, like
that of a severe collar-worn horse. The toil of a boatman's life,
when actually at work, was generally severe and trying, so that, in
port, like the sailor, they were sometimes festive and hilarious.
" It is a matter of curious history in the travel of the Mohawk
Valley, that about the year 1815, Eri Lusher established a daily line
of packet boats which were constructed after the model of the Dur-
ham boat, with cabin in midship, carefully cushioned, ornamented
and curtained, expressly calcutated for and used to carry from twenty
to thirty passengers at a time, between Schenectady and Utica,
making the passage between the two places down the river in about
thirteen hours, and up the river, with favorable wind and high water,
within two daj^s."
lyine boats, so-called, built entirely for passenger traffic, right
after the building of the canal, carried passengers through its whole
length, changing at Utica, Syracuse, Rochester to Buffalo. Emi-
grants poured along the great waterway by thousands and crowded
the holds and the decks of a species of conveyance that before the
full development of railway traffic, were as filthy as they were re-
munerative. All this disappeared on the development of the rail-
road and in 1850 there was not a vestige of passenger traffic upon
the canal.
Grand old officers of the Revolution and men with names already
distinguished in the annals of their country, came here in the late
afternoon and the still evening of the peacefully closing century.
Straight from Paunce's tavern, with their hands yet warm from the
farewell grasp of the great Washington, came General William
North, bringing with him as his guest. Baron Steuben, off whose
staff North was chief. The grand old house that he built in Duanes-
burgh still stands in decaying beauty. Yet there are those still living
who remember the charming manor where survivors of the Revolu-
tion drank and smoked and one of them resonantly swore. For the
old baron surpassed in profanity any general of the famous army
that " swore terribly in Flanders " and startled more than once the
grave and stately commander-in-chief whose fame was resoundino-
A RENOWNED OFFICER. 125
through the world. Steuben could and did discipline an army that
triumphed over the finest soldiers of Europe. He controlled other
men with grand ability, and yet he could not control himself, and
when he was mad, and that was not seldom, they say his oaths could
be heard on the sacred threshold of the Duane church, two miles
away. The grand old house is, after all, the most historic of all,
except the Glen house on Washington avenue, and the old mansion
in Scotia. General North was a renowned officer, an intimate friend
of Washington, under whom, in 1798, he was the adjutant-general of
the United States army. Throirgh the magnificent Rose Lane, half
a mile long, banked on either side with every variety of shade, color
and beauty of that gorgeous flower, came as his guests the conquerors
of England and the founders of a mighty nation.
The story of the Norths and Duanes is the history of the Duanes-
burgh of old. The life of North is fully told by the exquisite epi-
taph taken from his tomb in the church yard of the village :
" In memory of William North, a patriot of the Revolution.
He entered the army of his country
in his nineteenth year, and was among the first
of that generous band who in youth stepped forth
in defence of her liberties
and devoted their manhood to her service.
As an officer he serv^ed throughout the war in various
grades, till at the peace which confirmed his
country's National existence.
He retired to private life, whence he was called by the
voice of his fellow citizen whom he served in
various civil capacities.
He was
Aide-de-camp to the Baron De Steuben
Adjutant and inspector general of the army
commanded by Washington in the year 1798
one of the first canal commissioners
Speaker of the House of Assembly
and Senator in Congress
of this his adopted State
126 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
A pure patriot, a brave soldier,
an exemplary citizen.
Born in Maine in 1755,
Died in the city of New York,
Jan. 3d, 1836."
Thitlier through the same Rose Lane came in his old days, laden
with honors, the distinguished Judge James Duane, the builder and
generous endower of the little chiirch in Duanesburgh, the most
independent little pastorage in America. The bounty of Duane has
protected chi;rch and rectory from the blight of religious mendi-
cancy. It is to be regretted that space will not permit the grand
eulogy of Judge Sanders upon the life and character of this one of
Schenectady's most eminent citizens. The exquisite epitaph upon
his tomb must suffice for his biography.
" To the honor of Christ
and to the welfare of the people
of Diianesburgh, this church was erected
by the Honourable James Duane, Esquire,
whose remains here rest until that day which shall
give to the patriot, the man of Virtue, and the Christian
the Plaudit of a God.
Eminent at the Bar, enlightened and impartial as a Judge.
To the knowledge of a Statesman,
the manners of a gentleman were joined,
and all the domestic Virtues, the Social affections were his.
Planted in the Wilderness of his hand, people of Duanesburgh
you were his children ; imitate his Virtue,
Adore the Deity, love your country, love one another.
To the Memory
of her dear departed friend :
his Widow Partner,
has erected this Monument
due to his worth, to her affection
and her grief.
Born Feb. 6th, 1732. Died Feb. ist, 1797."
WASHINGTON'S VISITS. 127
General North married the daughter of Judge Duane. No record
of his children, if he had any, seems attainable. The name has
never appeared since its distinguished possessor died. None of the
name of Diiane lives among us, though but a few years ago it was
borne by men loved by all of us who knew so many of them so well_
The descendants of Judge Duane have attained high rank in the
army, the last soldier of the race dying but a few years ago a General
and Chief of Engineers in the U. S. Army. And hundreds of old
timers remember well that charming coterie of brother gentlemen of
the old school, the " Doctor," the " Baron," the " Colonel " and the
"Major "and "Farmer" Mumford.
Washington visited Schenectady on three different occasions dur-
ing the latter part of the century. Of one of these visits there is
record proof, of the others sufficient evidence to establish authen-
ticity. Judge Sanders supplies the proof and his account is quoted
in full.
" As connected with the history of Schenectady's Revolutionary
incidents and as the question has frequently been asked, ' When and
how often has General Washington visited this place ? ' I deem it not
inappropriate to state here the information I have on the subject,
thus : I answer, three times, as derived from my father and other citi-
zens."
" The first occasion was a hurried visit, soon after the commence,
ment of the Revolutionary War, to make arrangements for frontier
defense. He then dined and lodged at the residence of John Glen
(the Swartfigure house on Washington avenue), who was then quar-
termaster of the department, and his brother, Henry Glen, deputy,
stationed at Schenectady. He also took tea at the residence of my
grandfather, John Sanders."
"The second occasion was while at Albany in 1782. General
Washington was invited by the citizens of Schenectady to visit the
place, which invitation he accepted ; and in company with General
Philip Schuyler rode there in a carriage from Albany, on the 30th of
June. He was received with great honor by the civil and military
authorities, and a public dinner was given him at the hotel of Robert
Clinch, situated on the south corner of State and Water streets
128 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
(destroyed in the great fire of 1819, and one of the houses spared in
the destruction of 1690). Robert Clinch came to America as a drum-
major under General Braddock, and was well known by General
Washington, a fact which added much to the interest of the occasion."
" At the dinner table were assembled the principal citizens of the
place ; and as guests, Generals Washington and Schuyler, Colonels
Abraham Wemple and Frederick Vischer ; the last, one of the sur-
viving heroes of the sanguinary battle of Oriskany. As a mark of
honor, Washington assigned the seat on the right, next his own, to
the gallant Vischer."
" An address was made to Washington, and before he returned to
Albany he wrote the following reply :
' To THE MAGISTJiATES AND MILITARY OFFICERS OF THE ToWN-
SHip OF Schenectady :
Gentlemen — I request you to accept my warmest thanks for your
affectionate address. In a cause so just and righteous as ours, we
have every reason to hope the Divine Providence will still continue
to crown our arms with success, and finally compel our enemies to
grant us that peace, upon equitable terms, which we so ardently
desire.
' May you, and the good people of this towUj in the meantime be
protected from every insidious and open foe ; and may the complete
blessings of peace soon reward your arduous struggle for the estab-
lishment of the freedom and independence of our common country.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Schenectady, June 30th, 1782.' "
" To correct the mis impressions of some as to the hotel, I remark
that Thomas B., the son of Robert Clinch, subsequently kept a
public house in the old Arent Bradt building. No. 7 State street, sub-
sequently at Clinch's hotel (afterwards called the Sharratt House,
now supplanted by the Myers Block), and died 22nd of May, 1830."
" The third occasion was during Washington's tour through the
country in 1786, as far west as P'ort Stanwix, in company with Gov-
ernor George Clinton, General Hand and many other ofificers of the
New York line. In passing through Schenectady, he again quar-
THE RISING CITY. 129
tered at the hotel of his old army acquaintance, Robert Clinch. Yet
the precise date I cannot fix."
But Judge Sanders failed to learn or note that the Great Soldier on
his third visit, which was in the early summer, rode out on horse-
back one fine morning to visit the officer whom he was to make his
chief of staff and to greet the sturdy German who had mobilized his
army.
So Rose Lane gained an added glory, as the First President of the
Union in the majestic beauty of his old age rode through the flowers..
The soldier mansion so diiferent from Valley Forge received a new
baptism of renown as the greatest man of the century greeted his
comrades of the sterner days.
There is only a shell there now, little left but the glorious air of
the hill side; the smiling valley, and the little church nestling on the
slope beyond are still there.
" You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will.
But the scent of the roses hangs 'round it still."
Standing on the porch where the great of Schenectady and the
earth have stood a hundred years before, the aroma of memory needs
not the scent of the Rose Lane to recall the splendor of the scene,
and the story of the old house, beautiful in its ruin, grand in its
decay.
In the city as it was in 1798, business was booming but its centre
was along Washington avenue from the Freeman House to Front
street and then east to where Front street dwindled to a cow path.
Stores of greater pretensions, the little shops with diamond paned
windows set with lead lined the streets. This was no mere way
station on canal and railroad as it became in the first half of the
coming century, but the head of water navigation, the most impor-
tant post on the main highway to the far west as Ohio then was.
The young city boomed in the evening of the eighteenth century as it
has in the latter quarter of the nineteenth. It was a far more flour-
ishing borough in 1770 than it was in 1870.
" Travel was difficult but brisk. The old stage route from Albany
I30 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
to this city was changed from the twenty mile distance, via the
Norman Kil to the direct sixteen mile journey of to-day."
Judge Sanders says: " In the spring of 1793, Moses Beal, who
kept a first-class hotel in a large brick building (since then burned
down) on the site of the present Edison hotel building, ran a stage for
the accommodation of passengers from Albany to Schenectady, Johns-
town and Canajoharie, once a week. The fare was three cents a
mile. The success of this enterprise was so great, that John Hud-
son, keeping the Schenectady Coffee House, on the southwest corner
of Union and Ferry streets, now the property of Madison Vedder,
Esq., soon afterwards established a line of stages to run from Albany
to Schenectady three times a week. John Rogers of Ballston, ran a
line from that place to connect with it, by which a regular commun- ■
ication was first established for the convenience of those who visited
the Springs.
" And such was the progress of the new country and the call for
facilities, that in 1794, there were five great post routes centering in
Albany : The first, to New York ; the second, to Burlington, Ver-
mont ; the third to Brookfield, Massachusetts ; the fourth to Spring-
field, Massachusetts. On each of these routes the mail was carried
once a week. The fifth route was via Schenectady, Johnstown,
Canajoharie, German Flats, Whitestown, Old Fort Schuyler, Onon-
daga, Aurora, Scipio, Geneva, Canandaigua, and subsequently
extended to Buffalo. The mail on this route was carried once in
two weeks by Thomas Powell, Aaron Thorpe, Asa Sprague and
others in partnership with them, west of Utica, were the leading pro-
prietors of this last route, under whose management its business
became simply immense, so much so, that during the War of 181 2,
it was no uncommon scene to witness from eight to twelve stages on
the Scotia dyke, leaving or entering Schenectady at one" time; and
in one instance, as many as fourteen were counted in a continuous
line."
Meanwhile the burgh grew from hamlet to village, and from vil-
lage to city, harrassed with politics and political dissension. Primo-
geniture, inherited authority, was the curse of New York politics in
the eighteenth century, as the Erie canal is the slack rope on which
POLITICAL HISTORY. 131
politicians have danced with the balance pole of patronage in the
nineteenth. Judge Sanders has admirably condensed the record
of the growth to cit^-hood and to him history is indebted for
the briefest, truest account possible.
Let us now return to Schenectady's earlier days.
; CHAPTER XL
Political History of Schenectady.
Swear Tennis Van Velsen was the only son of the old proprietor
who was killed at the burning of Schenectady in 1690, twenty-eight
years after its first settlement. William Teller, another proprietor,
had a short time previously removed to New York, leaving his son
John in charge of his interest, and Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, also
a proprietor, although he escaped the massacre, died of pulmonary
disease a few months afterwards. All the remaining or other pro-
prietors were resting, after the struggles of pioneer life, under the
green sods of their own loved valley.
The original proprietors had divided the first grant among them-
selves ; but as emigration population increased, sales and transfers to
new comers ^nd divisions to descendants, as usual in all new settle-
ments, necessarily took place, and then came a cry for a pasture
land and a little more tillage ground. The village and vicinity had
increased rapidly, and to breathe more freely, these sagacious and
earnest frontiersmen, for comfort's sake, required more room. Con-
sequently; confidently backing up their application with an unusu-
ally valuable consideration, they applied to their friends, the gallant
and generous Mohawks, and these noblemen of the woods, hills,
streams and valleys of this beautiful region, being thereunto moved
somewhat by affection, and other valid considerations, certain of
their chiefs, the representatives of the four Mohawk castles, for them-
132 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
selves and the true and lawful owners of the land in their deed men-
tioned, by their certain writing of sale, dated the 3d day of July,
1672, gave and granted unto Sander Leenderse Glen, Jan Van Eps
and Swear Teunise Van Velsen, as being empowered by the inhabi-
tants of the town or village of Schenectady and places adjacent, for
that purpose, a certain tract or parcel of land, beginning at the
Mauquas river, by the town of Schenectady, and from thence runs
westerly, on both sides of the river, to a certain place called by the
Indians " Canaquariseny," being reputed to be three Dutch or Eng-
lish miles ; and from said town of Schenectady, down the river, one
Dutch or four English miles to a kill or creek called " Ael Plass,"
and from the said Mauquas river into, the woods, south towards
Albany to the Sand Kil, one Dutch mile, and as much on the other
side of the river north, being one Dutch mile more. This Indian
title was confirmed by Governor Dongan in 1684, in which confirm-
ation all the recitals of the Indian title are contained, and gives,
grants and confirms unto William Teller, Ryer Schermerhorn, Swear
Teunise Van Velsen, Jan Van Eps and Myndert Wemp, on behalf of
the inhabitants of the town of Schenectady and places adjacent
thereto, their associates, heirs, successors and assigns, the before-
recited tract and tracts, etc., as therein contained, reserving as a quit-
rent, for the use of his Royal Highness, forty bushels of good
winter wheat, to be paid at Albany on the 25th day of March in
each year thereafter. This is the true boundary of the original town-
ship and subsequent city of Schenectady, and represents the present
city and the towns of Rotterdam and Glenville, as they now exist.
Of these five trustees, three, Swear Teunise Van Velsen, Jan Van
Eps and Myndert Wemp, were killed at the burning of Schenectady
in 1690. William Teller had removed to New York in 1692, leav-
ing Ryer Schermerhorn, the only surviving actor of the trust. He
being such surviving trustee in 1705, was complained of by a large
number of the citizens for exercising arbitrary power over the town
affairs, and rendering no account of his proceedings. These discon-
tents resulted in an application to Lord Cornbury, governor, in chief,
who, -by a new patent dated April i6th, 1705, appointed Peter
Schuyler, John Alexander Glen, Adam Vrooman, Daniel Johnson
FIRST TRUSTEES. 133
and John Baptist Van Eps, new trnstees, with full powers to call
Ryer Schermerhorn, the old trustee, to account, etc. It will be
observed that, in this grant, Ryer Schermerhorn being the party to
account, his name was omitted as a trustee, and that of Peter Schuy-
ler, a new resident, introduced.
But to quiet angry dissensions among the citizens, and for other
sufficient reasons, another patent was issued by Honorable Robert
Hunter, then governor, on the 6th day of November, 171^1, super-
seding the trustees appointed in 1705, and appointed in their stead,
Ryer Schermerhorn, Jan Wemp, Johannis Teller, Arent Bradt and
Baret Wemp, as trustees.
Of those trustees, Ryer Schermerhorn died February 19th, 1719;
John Teller died May 28th, 1725; Barent Wemp died in 1748, and
Jan Wemp died October nth, 1749, leaving Arent Bradt as the sole
surviving trustee in 1749. This Arent Bradt was the individual who
built the ancient house, No. 7 State street, and, after being a trustee
for fifty-two consecutive years, dying in 1767, left a will appointing
his successors.
The persons so named in this will, or their successors, continued
as such trustees until the city charter was granted March 26th, 1798,
when all their power passed into the hands of the mayor, aldermen
and Commonalty of the city of Schenectady.
Previous to this, (23d October. 1765), Schenectady was created a
borough, with the rights and immunities incident to such corpora-
tions, contained in an exceedingly detailed charter of forty-eight
pages, now treasured among the archives of the Common Council ;
and under that charter Isaac Vrooman, Esq., (a grandson of the gal-
lant Adam Vrooman, our hero of 1690), was the first mayor, and
John Duncan, Esq., (our distinguished trader), the first recorder, and
Schenectady was entitled to send a member to the Provincial Legis-
lature. Westchester was the only other borough town in the colony
entitled to like privileges.
At this point, it seems fitting to make mention of some old resi-
dents, who honorably held office in early days. It certainly is inter-
esting to some of their descendants. No note is made subsequent to
134 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the time of the adoption of the second New York State Constitntion
in February, 1822, of the convention that formed which John San-
ders, Judge Sanders and Henry Yates, Jr. , were members, for all after
that period belongs to Schenectady's later days.
Martin Krigier was a delegate the 26th of November, 1653, to the
first convention ever held in the New Netherlands.
Ludovicus Cobes was Sheriff of Albany county (Schenectady
forming a part), 1679.
Ludovicus Cobes was County Clerk of Albany county (Schenec-
tady forming a part), 1669.
Jan Janse Schermerhorn was member of Leisler's Assembly in
1690.
Karl Hansen Toll was member of the General Assembly in 1615,
1626.
Jacob Glen was member of General Assembly in 1726, 1727, 1728,
1737, 1748, 1750.
Arent Bradt was member of the General Assembly in 1737, 1743,
1745, 1748.
Abraham Glen was member of the General Assembly in 1743,
1745;
Nicholas Schujder was member of the General Assembly in 1727,
1728.
Jacob Van Slyck was member of the General Assembly in 1750,
1752-
Isaac Vrooman was member of the General Assembly in 1759,
1761.
Ryer Schermerhorn was member of the General Assembly in
1761.
Jacobus Mynderse was member of the General Assembly in 1752,
1759. 1768, 1775.
Nicholas Groot was member of the General Assembly in 1761,
1768.
Henry Glen was member of the First, Second and Third Provin-
cial Congresses in 1775, 1776.
Henry Glen was member of Assembly in 1786, 1787 and iSio.
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY 13.S
Henry Glen was member of the Third, Foru'th and Sixth Con-
gresses of the United States from 1793 to 1802.
Harmanns Peek was member of the Sixteenth Congress of the
United States from 1819 to 1821.
William North was member of Assembl}', 1792, 1794, 1795, 1796
and 1810, and several times speaker of that body. In 1798, during
a recess of the legislature, he was appointed a Senator of the United
States by Governor John Jay, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the res-
ignation of John Closs Hoburt, appointed Judge of the United States
District Court, New York. During the Revolutionary War General
North was the aide of Baron Steuben.
Joseph Shurtliff was member of Assembly, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1802,
1804, 1805, 1806, 1807 and 1S13.
James Boyd was member of Assembly, 1811, 1812.
John Young was member of Assembly, 1811, 1812.
Alexander Combs was member of Assembly, 181 2, 1813.
Abraham Van Ingen was member of Assembly, 1814.
Lawrence Vrooman was member of Assembly, 1814, 1815.
John Victory was member of Assembly, 181 5, 18 17.
Harmanus Peek was member of Assembly, 1816.
Harry Fryer was member of Assembly, 181 6.
Harmanus Van Slyck was member of Assembly, 181 7.
Daniel L. Van Antwerp was member of Assembly, 181 8.
Simon A. Veecler was member of Assembly, 1818.
James Frost was member of Assembly, 1819.
Simon Groot was member of Assembly, 181 9.
Christian Haverly was member of Assembly, 1820.
Marinus Willet was member of Assembly, 1820.
Richard McMichael was member of Assembly, 1821.
Gerrit Veeder was member of Assembly, 1821.
James Walker was member of Assembly, 1822.
John F. D. Veeder was member of Assembly, 1822.
Robert Yates was a lawyer of eminence. He was a member of
the first, second, third and fourth Provisional Congresses of New
York ; was member of the first Convention of New York, in 1777,
136 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
to form a constitution, and a member of the committee to draft it ;
was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, and
finally its Chief Justice ; his term expired by the constitutional limit
of sixty years. He was a member of the Convention of 1788 to
ratify the Federal constitution.
Rinier Mynderse was Senator of the first Constitution, 1777 to
1781.
John Sanders was a Senator under the first Constitution, 1799,
1800, 1801, 1802, and member of the Council of Appointment in
1800. His associates were DeWitt Clinton, Ambrose Spencer and
John Roseboom. John Jay was then Governor and presiding officer.
Simon Veeder was a Senator under the first Constitution from
1804 to 1806.
Joseph C. Yates was Senator under the first Constitution from
1806 to 1808, when his seat became vacant by accepting a seat of
Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. He
became Governor of the State in 1822.
Henry Yates, Jr., was a Senator under the first Constitution from
1810 to i8i4and from 1818 to 1822. He was also a member of the
Council of Appointment in 1812, 1818, when Daniel D. Tompkins
was Governor.
Gerrit S. Veeder was the first Judge of the Schenectady Court of
Common Pleas, appointed soon after the organization of the county
in 1809.
William James Teller was the first Surrogate appointed in 1809.
Henry Yates, Jr., and John Sanders were the first members from
Schenectady county to the convention to form the second Constitu-
tion for New York, and after its adoption in February, 1822. Ofifi-
cers belong to the history of Schenectady's latter days.
As already stated, Schenectady was chartered as a city, March 26,
1798, and its corporate title was " the Mayor, Aldermen and Com-
monalty of the city of Schenectady," and its area was one of the
largest cities known to any age— twelve miles in length, by eight in
breadth. The first ward embraced all that compact part of it lying
between Union street and the Mohawk river ; the second ward, that
part lying south of Union street and extending a short distance upon
MAYORS OF CITY.
137
the Bonwlaiidt ; the third ward, what is now the town of Rotterdam
and the fourth ward, wliat is now the town of Glenville.
By the charter, the mayor was to be appointed by the governor and
council, and each ward was entitled to elect two aldermen and two
assistants. Hon. Joseph C. Yates was the first mayor, a man then noted
for legal ability, and subsequently more distinguished as a Supreme
Court Judge and GoA'ernor of the State of New York. The names
and the period of service of those who have filled the dignified office
of mayor since the city charter was granted, are as follows :
-Abel Smith.
-Benjamin V. S. Vedder.
-iVlexander M. Vedder.
-David P. Forest.
-Benjamin F. Potter.
-Arthur W. Hunter.
-Andrew McMullen.
-Abraham A. Van Vorst.
-William J. Van Home.
-Arthur W. Hunter.
-Peter B. Yates.
-William Howes Smith.
-Joseph B. Graham.
-Abraham A. Van Vorst.
-John Young.
-H. S. DeForest.
-T. Low Barhydt.
-H. S. DeForest.
-Everett Smith.
-Jacob W. Clute.
-Charles C. Durj'ce.
-John H. White
-Horace E. Van Voast.
Princetown was formed March 20th, 1798, from a portion of the
patents of Schenectady, which had been ceded to the Reform Dutch
1798.-
—Joseph C. Yates.
1855-
1808.-
—John Yates.
1857-
I8I0.-
—Abraham Oothout.
1858.
I8II.-
—John Yates.
1859.
1813.-
-Mans Schermerhorn.
1S60.
I8I7.-
— Henry Yates, Jr.
1861.
1825.-
— Isaac M. Schermerhorn.
1865.
1826.-
— David Boyd.
1869.
1828.
— Isaac Schermerhorn.
1871.
I83I.-
—Archibald L- Linn.
1873-
1832.-
— John J. Degraff.
1875-
I837--
— Samuel W. Jones.
1876.
1839.-
—Archibald L- Linn.
1879.
1840.-
—Alexander C. Gibson.
1881.
1842.-
—John J. DeGraff.
1883.
1843--
—Alexander C. Gibson.
1885.
1845.-
-John J. DeGraff.
1887.
1846.-
—Peter Rowe.
1889.
1848.-
—James E. Van Home.
1891.
1850.-
— Peter Rowe.
1893.
1851.-
— Mordecai Myers.
1898.
1852.-
—Abraham A. Van Vorst.
1900.
1853-
—Mordecai Myers.
1902.
138 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Church of that city, and from lands originally patented to George
Ingoldsby and Aaron Bradt in 1737, and subsequently sold to Wil-
liam Corry, who formed a settlement there "which was long known
as Corrysbush," who sold his interest to John Duncan. The town
itself was named after John Prince, of Schenectady, who was then in
the Assembly as a member from Albany County, and resided at
Schenectady.
Duanesburgh was erected as a township by patent March 13th,
1765, but was first recognized as a town March 2 2d, 1788. It was
named after the Hon. James Duane. Large tracts, in what is now
this town, were purchased by different parties, to-wit : by Timothy
Bagley in 1737, A. P. and William Crosby in 1738, Walter Butler in
1739 and Jonathan Brewster in 1770. The tract embraced about
60,000 acres, and of this whole tract Judge Duane became the pro-
prietor, either by inheritance from his father or purchase, except
1,000 acres known as Braine's patent ; but no active measures of
settlement were taken until about the time of its organization in
1765. During that year Judge Duane made a permanent settlement.
The lands were rented at the rate of fifteen dollars per annum on
each one hundred acres on perpetual leases, payable in gold or silver.
CHAPTER XII.
The Close of the Century.
Schenectady was not only bright with business but was socially
brilliant. Officers and men of the Revolution had returned from the
war to the sweet peace of home in the quiet evening of the centurj'.
They were honored, feted and toasted as the old boys of the G. A. R.
are now. They were carried in carriages at the close of the century
in every Fourth of July procession, and one by one they dwindled
away until the last survivor, Nicholas Veeder, a centenarian, will be
remembered by many under half a century in age.
CHANGE OF DRESS. 139
The aspect of the town changed rapidly. In architectnre the
gambrel roof of which some have survived the terrible fire of 1819,
supplanted the old Holland peaked roof style. The city took on
municipal airs and graces, Union College was founded, located in a
building less than the size of the Classical, and planted on the
corner where Mr. Howland Barney now lives. The style of dress
was sobering down. The gorgeous colors, the silks and satins, laced
wrist bands, gorgeously flowered vest and the gold trimmed cocked
hat and clocked silk stocking gave way to more sombre hues. Still
that grand traditional humbug, the " gentleman of the old school "
was still a gorgeous sight in his wide-skirted, flaring tailed coat, his
black cocked hat, silver-buckled shoes and stockings neatl)' tied with
a ribbon at the knee. The powdered wig had just gone out, the
hair was banged in front and tied with a queue. So grandly garbed
the prosperous merchant, doctor, lawyer and divine strutted with a
stately elegance at which one would smile in these practical days.
With uplifted hat and teetering heels he would fire double-barrelled
compliments at women in starched petticoats and balloon hoops, talk
in Johnsonian stilted sentences, and swinging his gold-headed cane
with wdiich Sir William Blackstone had just said he might and did
lawfully correct a wayward wife. A great sight Schenectady must
have been in the babj'hood of the cityhood.
The great resorts were Hudson's tavern (Anthony Hall), Church's
where now is the Myers Block and No. 7 State street, the old Bradt
House, recently torn down by its owner, Mr. Lyon. The old and
young beaux, the swells of that day, gathered mostly at Hudson's,
and high rollers they were, those gentlemen of the old school.
The headquarters of politics, which ran high and were very bitter,
was in the Ellice mansion and the little office on the corner of Gov-
ernor's Lane. There Chief Justice Robert Yates and Joseph, his
cousin, the future governor of New York, with kindred Democrats
plotted and planned as now, running the political machine for this
whole section of country. Thither came that wily Mephistopheles,
who in the morning of the nineteenth century, shot Alexander
Hamilton, the fascinating rascal at whose coming all our great
grandmothers and grand aunts were sent up into the garret out of
I40 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
harm's way, of whom in his old age, old Madam Jumel said that the
clasp of his hand would thrill any woman, the wicked Aaron Burr.
But there were others and an emigration that Schenectady did not
covet. They settled on Albany Hill in the region where is now the
East Avenue Presbyterian church, and eastward in the sand in which
they burrowed like human coyotes. A dark, swarthy race, with
straight hair, high cheek bones and copper complexion. They were
called " Yanses," why none can positively say, but the generally
adopted theory of their origin was undoubtedly the nearest to cor-
rectness. Janse is Dutch for John's son. It was asserted that they
were the descendants of the renowned Sir William, His Majesty
George Ill's satrap, the great Mormon of the northern wilderness
and his Indian wives.
They were a violent contrast to the grand gentlemen of the city
beneath. They burrowed in the earth, lived in sand caves, wove
baskets and did odd jobs, any old thing for a living. There was no
rose lane that led to their doorways, though there was an avenue
there, not of " Araby the Blest," but of Stone Arabia, the squaw
land up the Mohawk, from which they came. They bore, some of
them, good old Dutch names, traces of their gypsy-like hue and fea-
tures are recognizable to old inhabitants now and stand out in hair
and complexion among some of our respectable and respected citi-
zens. Let none have the heart or courage to call a inan a " Yanse"
now. The question was put by a venomous client into the mouth of
an eminent lawyer from abroad and was, in his innocence addressed
to a copper colored witness. "Are you a Janse?" The county
judge promptly called down the counsel and compelled him to apol-
ogise. It was promptly done and well it was, for a pair of swarthy
hands would have been at the lawyer's throat the moment he got
into the street.
The race is fading out into the white man's skin and the darkest
brave died long ago. A couple of decades more and there will not
be a trace of this Indian gypsy people.
On the alluvial banks of the river, all was totally different.
There was no sand to burrow in but the grandest soil for cultivation.
It had been superb territory for corn, long before the footstep of the
INCREASE OF POPULATION. 141
coming citizen had placed its imprint upon it. The Mohawk farmer
utilized it industriously and successful!)^, not only for the food pro.
dtxcts of life, but established a broom making industry that in the
coming century supplied almost all of the United States. Factories
were built all around the outskirts of the city, Rotterdam and Glen-
ville had scores of them. Large fortunes were made in the business.
Most of the labor saving machinery was invented here. But we built
the Erie Canal, giving the city a short and evanescent boom. Rail-
roads gave freight facilities. The rapidly increasing population in
the west, which, in after years with its marvelous soil that, " when you
tickled it with a hoe it laughed with a thousand flowers," picked up
the industry from the eastern emigrant. In the middle of the 19th
century, the business was knocked out of sight. There is but little
left of it. What there is, still demonstrates that Schenectady county
makes the best brooms on earth.
So in 1798, the young city soon came to be known as the
"Ancient," by the reason of its early incorporation bj' the State and
was born on a soil already replete with the solid basis of actual and
thrilling history, with the charm of interesting tradition, with the
reputation of its merchants for integrity and financial stability, un-
surpassed in the young land. Fringed on the sandy east by the nar-
row belt of the squalid " Janse," bordered on every point of the
compass by the independent well-to-do, the honest and respected
farmer, she left the village life and entered on a municipal career
that was destined a hundred years later to change her name from the
" Ancient " to the " Electric City " and to attract the attention and
admiration of the scientific and inventive world.
CHAPTER XIIL
The First Semi-Centennial of the New City.
Joseph C. Yates was the first mayor. He was the eldest son of
Col. Stoeffel Yates of the colonial wars and of the Revolution, the
142 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
assistant deputy quartermaster general under Philip Schuyler, and as
the letters of the latter show, his warm personal friend. The Colo-
nel was also, as appears from the documents left behind him. Pur-
veyor General to the purse of the extravagant and reckless Arnold
whom he evidently loved and admired until the day of his treason.
General Fuller, who managed the family estates of his son, says that
it was said of him, that after Arnold's treason, he never spoke his
name and would turn away with evident grief when it was men-
tioned.
A moment's digression will, it is hoped, be pardoned. It is taken
now, as before, in these pages to do justice to a woman of the nobil-
ity and character of Catharine Vrooman and other of the sturdy
brave stock of the Mohawk burghers.
Stoeffel returned from the wars to become an importer. He had
been a civil engineer. He had married Jane Bradt, daughter of
Captain Andrease. It is of this plain Jane Bradt, the descendant of
the half breed wife of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, this sketch is
written to illustrate what force of character and self-reliant purpose
can do.
Stoeffel died in 1785, only forty-eight years of age. Jellis, his
brother, a hard fighting young officer, who was living on the family
plantation, was made executor and Jane, the widow, executrix of the
Colonel's will. Jellis was a farmer, plain and simple. When he
died, his brother was enlarging and rebuilding the house No. 28
Front street, now owned by Mr. Richard Walton. He left a decent
competence but a large family. Jellis insisted that four children,
Joseph C, Henry, John B., and Andrew, should go to work at trades
or back to the Glenville farm and the niggers. Jane Bradt insisted
that the children should be educated and she was by loug odds the
best insistor.
" Dey shall work," said the farmer in the Dutch dialect, " I am
der axaceter." "Dey shall be eddicated," gave back the plucky
widow in the same vernacular, "I am der axetrix." And she had
her way, and a grand way it was. Joseph C, became Maj'or, Sena-
tor, Supreme Court Judge and Governor. Henry, Senator from
Albany county, dying worth #2,000,000, then the richest man in the
ORDINANCE TO REPAIR. 143
state according to the New York Sun. John B., Member of Con-
gress from Madison county and one of the builders of the Welland
canal. Andrew, doctor of divinity and one of the first professors in
Union college. On the tomb of Col. Christopher is a long and lurid
epitaph setting forth his service to king and country as soldier and
statesman, showing that Schenectady had given the young soldier
all she had to bestow.
On the tablet over his widow is inscribed " Jane, consort of Col.
Christopher Yates." Only this and little more. And yet all the
name and fame that the four sons achieved was due to the mamiifi-
cent energy of the consort.
Jane Bradt lived in a day when whatever women did they reaped
small credit for. Tcmpora nmtante ct nos vmtamus. The grey
mare these days is often the better horse and is recognized as such,
especially when she is a widow.
Yates was but thirty years of age when elected. His enemies then
and afterwards declared he was dull of intellect and mulish in dispo-
sition. His friends lauded him as the possessor of tons of horse
sense. Probably a truthful description of him would land him
somewhere about half way between the two extremes. That he was
an itpright judge and that his decisions are sound law and well and
tersely written in the language of a graduated scholar is the best
answer to the abuse which his independence of the political bosses
subsequently drew down upon him. Anyway the city started well
under his mayoralty.
The first ordinance was to repair markets in Niskayuna, (Union
street), where Mr. Walter S. Van Voast now resides. A committee
was appointed to ascertain the tide to the clock in the old Dutch
church, the granting of a petition to publish the first newspaper in
the city. The Schenectady Gazette and Mohawk Intelligence to be
issued every Tuesday and Friday at $3 per annum, of which one
Thomas Stewart was editor. A law was passed suppressing improper
assembling of slaves.
In 1799 there were two fire companies, Nos. i and 2, twenty men
in each, John Peek and John Glen the respective captains.
The city was composed of the first and second wards. Night
144 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
watchmen were appointed Nov. 24th, 1798, at two dollars
per night, to be allowed to each watch of four men. Corl and
Andrew Rynex were appointed superintendents and to select their
own subordinates. John Corl selected George Hoppole, Joseph Van
de Bogart and Jacob Marselis. Andrew Rynex appointed William
Rynex, Valentine Rynex and Andrew Rynex, Jr., thus keeping the
police force all in the family. These men seem to be the first police-
men of which we have official record.
July 8th, 1799, the streets of the city were laid out and renamed.
Front street, renamed Union street, changed from Niskayuna street,
leading to Niskayuna Hill (College Hill). State street was changed
from Albany street. Green street to Washington street, (avenue),
Church street to Ferry street, Maiden Lane, its pretty name now
changed to Centre street. College street and Jay street were the
same as now. Fonda street seems to have been called Water street
and Mill L,ane was as now. Montgomery street, (Barrett) was opened
in 1803.
From two until four p. m., of December 24th, 1799, the bells of
the city were tolled in memory of George Washington, and the
mayor and aldermen wore crape for thirty days.
On January 3d, 1801, the device of the city seal was adopted. It
was a sheaf of wheat, the crest of which was taken by the mayor for
his coat of arms.
On March 30th, 1S02, an ordinance for building the Albany
turnpike was passed. The turnpike was thereafter laid out and
established but it was not until almost 181 1 that it was stoned and
graded as parts of it are yet.
The following extract from the proceedings of the common coun-
cil, August 8th, 181 2, reads very strangely:
Wm. McClymon makes charges against the night watchmen, and
a committee was appointed to investigate ; they were reprimanded
and told their duty ; they had to wear badges and carry a staff at
least five feet in length when on duty, going out two at a time.
Their duties read as follows : That two of the said watchmen shall
patrol the streets of that part of the city within the jurisdiction of
the common council, and every hour with an audible voice call the
STREET IMPROVEMENTS. 145
liour of night at the intersection of one street with another ; in case
of iire the)' shall alarm the citizens as they repair to the place of the
fire ; they were commanded to arrest all slaves over twelve years of
age who appeared on the streets after the hours set down to com-
mence the watch, unless they had a lighted candle in a lantern or
being with their master or mistress or having a pass in writing.
Many of the older generation will remember that curfew rang at
nine o'clock regularly, it being, for the latter years of the prevalence
of the custom, sounded by the Methodist bell in Liberty street, and a
loud sounding bell it was. It was a relic of the old slave days when
the niggers were rung off the street up to a date within distinct rec-
ollection. Every man of sixty can remember the old town crier who
used to go about the street with a heavy hand bell and announce in
a tremendous voice "boy lost," or any other great event worthy of
public attention.
The paving of the streets was first made from gravel from sur-
rounding quarries ; Washington street was the first to be made so
passable. Ferry street followed and both streets were put in order
in 1804. Church, Union and Front streets followed. These were
then business streets filled with shops of the merchants, great and
small. Cobblestones followed. The material was obtained from the
rifts in the river at the head of Frog alley. Washington avenue,
Church street. Ferry, Union and State from Ferry west were paved
in the early twenties before Lafa3'ette came here. But as late as
1845 State street was unpaved from the Vendome and eastward.
Front, Green and Ferry had only cobblestone paved sidewalks when
the cholera came in 1832. At the construction of the Albany turn-
pike the Scotia dike was completed.
CHAPTER XIV.'
The Bridge and Railroad.
The old Mohawk bridge was built by the Mohawk and Hudson
Turnpike Co. It was begun in 1806 and completed in 1809. The
146 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
architect was Theodore, cousin of that gay and rascally Lothario,
Vice President Aaron Burr. Theodore Burr was reputed to be the
o-reatest brido-e architect in America. David Hearsay was the
builder. He was a mason by trade, lived by the bridge at the pres-
ent residence of Ex-Judge Yates and with his eyes upon the work,
day and night a magnificent job he made of it. When finished it
was unsurpassed in beauty and solidity by any structure in America.
It was erected on three massive piers whose greater size readily dis-
tinguished them from the others put in in 1835 — an architectural
blunder. It was really the first approach ever made to a suspension
bridge. It was nine hundred feet in length in three lofty and mag-
nificent spans, each of three hundred feet, made of two inch timbers
of Norway pine. These spans were shingled to keep them from the
weather. They were of enormous size, four feet thick by three
broad. Had the great architect lived, this, his masterpiece, would be
standing to-day. But it began to sag, the uprights rotted and on the
dissolution of the M. & H. Turnpike Co., it was sold to capitalists
whose misplaced economy neglected that watchful repairing so neces-
sary to a wooden structure of this size, so that the uprights and
interior timbers rotted. Meanwhile it had apparently sagged ; four
more piers were built under it, destroying plan and principle of
structure so that the old bridge became a succession of hills and
valleys. It had been covered over with a barn-like iinpainted cover-
ing of rough hemlock boards, which, becoming weather beaten from
the total absence of paint, made it in its old days a ghostly, ghastly
tunnel over the river — it could only be described as spooky. Menag-
erie elephants sometimes woirld not cross, and on one occasion in the
early sixties, the whole town watched with delight while the ele-
phants who refused to cross, sported with glee in the warm current
on a hot summer day and had to be driven across by the steel hooks
of the keepers.
Meanwhile, David Hearsay living beside it, was the bridge keeper
and guarded the creation of Burr's genius and his own handiwork
with "a heathen veneration. With him, for half a century, was old
Christopher Beekman, better known as " Uncle Stoeffel," the
friend and father of the Delta Phis of Old Union — after them the
THE OLD BRIDGE. 147
pater-familias to e-\-ery iinder-graduate. Uncle Stoeffel knew many
great men in their )'Outli and many of the renowned of the land
came to see him at commencement time. He was a qnaint old Ger-
man with laughable lapses of English, with a remarkably well
educated cat as his inseparable companion. He was an ideal toll-
taker. The cavernous old structure, as might well be imagined, was
invested and infested at night by all the dissolute and disreputable
vagabonds of both sexes in the city. He lived in the ramshackle
old toll-house on the spot where the present structure stands, kept it .
scrupulously clean, slept with an eye and an ear always open. The
ruffian whoever and however desperate he was, who persistently
refused his toll or used a threatening word or movement, went down
like a stricken ox under the hickory club alwa)-s within reach. A
strange old character, simple as a child, an old confiding Dutch baby,
loving the bo)'s, upon whom the ingrates were always playing tricks.
And they owed him much and owed it often. When the wayward
undergraduate emerged from a "skate" with swelled head and
leaden stomach and a copperas palate and could not get relief, he
would stagger down to the old toll house for the cure that Uncle
Stoeffel knew how and was ready to give any time of the day or
night. Uncle was a devout Rlethodist according to his lights. He
would stand the victim of youthful ebullition in the center of the
floor clad in the " altogether " and give him a tremendous bath on
the clean boards, stuffing him with sour condiments of his own con-
coction, accompanied by religious admonition throughout, a strange
mixture of piety and pickles, of pails of water, the Pentateuch and
the Psalms of David.
Between David Hearsay, a calm, dignified gentleman, and the pep-
pery German, there was always a bickering warfare, though no
doubt their friendship born of close comradeship of fifty -^'ears was
deep and sincere. Hearsay was a rigid Episcopalian, Stoefl'el a
decided dissenter. Hearsay abhorred tobacco, Uncle with his tobacco
pipe all day long. When the two old men, very nearly of an age,
and that age was about eighty. Hearsay was continually warning
Stoeffel that his excessive smoking would bring him to an early
grave, Stoeffel's answer was only a more vigorous puff.
148 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Hearsay died leaving a decent competence for his widow. Uncle
went where he never should have gone — to the poorhouse. L,ong
after Hearsay's death, he met an old resident and greeted him. " So
Hearsay saice de smoke would dry me ub ? Vere is Hearsay now,
taging doll some vere else. My bibe and I is here."
Heim Stoeffel, let us hope that when long ago St. Peter met you
at the gate, he recognized his earthly fellow craftsman and in pater-
nal spirit swung wide open the pearly portal without a creak in its
jeweled hinges.
Every time an unusually strong spring freshet came roaring down,
the town used to gather at its abutments to see it carried away. But
icebergs and glaciers crumbled year after year against it.
In 1866 a great canal boat lifted by the torrent out of the big ditch
into the river came down heralded by the telegraph. The city
rushed to witness the final demolition of the unsightly row of old
barns and shanties. The boat came down in the full sway of the
current on the Glenville side, struck the bridge with the impact of a
clap of thunder, and halted one instant. There was a crash of tim-
bers— it was not the bridge. The massive bull-head boat crumbled,
turned tail up in defeat, and bowing its head to the genius of Burr
and the workmanship of Hearsay emerged a crumbling mass on the
eastern side.
But the old bridge had to go. Glenville had bought it. District
Attorney Fahn took the matter in hand, caused it to be indicted as a
public nuisance. It was found guilty and ordered abated. Glen-
ville, August 8th, 1S73, as appears from a receipt kindly loaned by
Mr. Charles P. Sanders, son of the Charles P. Sanders who is men-
tioned therein, then Supervisor of the town of Glenville, purchased
the bridge and its equipments in behalf of said town, from William
Van Vranken, as treasurer of the Mohawk Bridge Company, paying
therefor ^12,000 on behalf of the town and $600 made up by pri-
vate subscription. The wooden structure was sold at auction in
parcels and brought about $500.
It was cut up for matches and the new iron structure took its place
in 1874. While in process of demolition, after the covering was
ripped off, it returned in its last hours to the beauty of its youth.
WAR OF 1812. 149
The superb arches and the graceful curves of the original structure
were revealed. It disappeared, as it was created, a thing of beauty,
and, as many competent bridge builders said, under, proper care and
management, still a thing of long life and strength.
And now another war breaks out between England and America
in which Schenectady had not the slightest interest or concern. The
old mother country had been impressing seamen on board American
vessels on the high seas and claiming the right of search. But with
a strange oversight, William Pitt had neglected to overhaul the
Durham boats and Schenectady had no other seamen. The great
prime minister would have found grand material in the sturdy navi-
gators of the river, but in the press of business he let the grand chance
go by and the big flat bottoms were poled and sailed along, bearing
produce to the west and bringing down the agonizing cobblestones
for pavement to bruise and batter their fellow citizens and their
children for nearly a century without let or hindrance or the cruel
grasp of the British oppressor.
But the city did its share all the same. She had, as appears, but
one independent company at the time, commanded by Jonas Holland,
the ancestor of Alexander Holland, formerly treasurer of Union
college. He was a major under General Scott and raised a company
in Schenectady that participated in this war. Nicholas Van Slyck,
grandfather of the late Christopher Van Slyck, was conspicuous in
military circles at this time. From all the records, none of which
are now in the adjutant general's office in Albany, being all in the
war department of the United States, there were several officers and
men from Schenectady who did splendid fighting in that war. Col.
John B. Yates, the son of Christopher Yates, captain of a troop of
horse under Wade Hampton, won great renown on the Canadian
border. But probably the grandest fighter that went from Schenec-
tady in that war will be remembered by many of us. The late Hon.
Keyes Paige, brother of the distinguished Alonzo -W. Paige, justice
of the Supreme Court, and father of Ex-Postmaster Paige, who bears
his name, of the Misses Clara C, and Fanny C. Paige of Washing-
ton avenue, of the late Joseph C. Y. Paige, formerly city chamber-
ISO SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
lain of Albany, graduated at Williams college, 1807, was appointed
cadet in the United States army, 1808, lieutenant, 18 12, captain, 181 3,
of United States infantry, colonel of militia, 181 7, admitted attorney
at law, 1810, district attorney, 1818, clerk of Supreme Court, 1823
and regent of the University of New York, 1829. He resided
for several years in Albany, of which city he was mayor, but returned
to Schenectady, where he died December loth, 1857, being sixty-
nine years of age. Paige was a gallant and distinguished soldier,
especially noted not only for his bravery but for the devotion of his
men. He fought all along the Canadian border, was the trusted and
honored subaltern of Van Rensselaer and was an interesting charac-
ter in Schenectady, where he returned to pass his old age and where
he died not many years ago.
Robert H. Wendell, well remembered yet as Harry Wendell, own-
ing Wendell quarry, was a captain in 1812 and 1814, and fought all
through the war.
But the quaintest old character that ever came out of that war was
Hugh Riddle, grandfather of William H. Hathaway, the leading
liveryman of this city. He returned from service full of wonderful
stories, an independent, fearless and altogether too reckless, old man.
His remarkable escapes and adventures created considerable scepti-
cism among his friends, and his stories were laughed at. But in
1852, General Scott, on his political campaign for the presidency,
passed through Schenectady in all the glory of his "fuss and feathers"
a magnificent looking figure. As he appeared upon the platform in
the midst of the Whigs, whose pet he was, he saw in the multitude
the tall rugged form and seared face of Hugh Riddle. Perhaps from
real enjoyment of memory, more likely from that spirit of demagog-
ism which was the alloy of his splendid character, he shouted out :
" Is that you, Hugh Riddle ? " Hugh had been telling the story of
his having been taken prisoner and having been rowed away in a
boat, and of his captors getting drunk and of his taking possession
of their guns and waking them up with the statement that he would
shoot the first man who disobeyed, and made them row him back to
the American shore, so when Scott, in his great voice roared out :
" Have you seen the men in the boat yet ? " the old man's triumph
ROUTE OF CANAL. 151
was complete. Thereafter for weeks the town was not big enouo-h
for him and his hat did not fit him.
Captain Hugh Robinson, connected with all the old families by
birth and consanguinity, was also an officer of high repute in that
war ; an old bachelor, whose headquarters was Carley's store and
whose reminiscenses were delightful.
A widow or two still lives and draws pension, we believe, but of
course all who remember anything about that war have long since
gone, and the records are very sparse.
Of Robert Yates we have written in the stories of the early settlers.
The War of 181 2, so far as business is concerned, was a beneficence
to Schenectady. All the troops going to the frontier passed this way.
The channel of the Mohawk was very different, much broader and
deeper by far. General Scott encamped with two regiments of
infantry west of the Mohawk bridge under the hotel now situated
there, at its Glenville terminus.
The route of the Erie canal as originally laid out, was along the
Bennekill, Frog Alley river, to meet the convenience of the great
forwarders and mercantile houses along that street. But the fire of
1819 made terrible havoc through all that section of the city. The
retail business houses were generally destroyed. Still it probably
would have taken that route but for the determined efforts of Resolve.
Givens, the proprietor of the hotel which for over sixty years bore
his name, and which, in exterior looking no better than a country
tavern, was one of the best kept hostelries in the state. Its table
was always admirable, even to the time of its destruction to make
way for the present imposing and elegant Edison.
Schenectady was an important point on the canal. Here was a
basin 800 feet long by 200 feet broad where transhipment was made,
first from the Mohawk and Hudson Turnpike and afterwards from
the Mohawk and Hudson Railway Company. Its heavy walls are
still traceable at the old northerly boundaries under the mica shop,
and its southerly limit can be discovered in some heavy masonry
opposite the Westinghouse works. Freight transportation at this
. time was immense. At the opening of the canal in 1825, DeWitt
152 SCHENECTADY COUNTY:- ITS HISTORY.
Clinton, the father of the big " ditch," as they called it, rode through
here on a boat with bands of music and grand display.
' The three military companies of the city then in existence, a bat-
tery of heav^y artillery, commanded by John Benson, captain, and
Thomas Hannah and David Reese, junior officers ; a rifle eoinpany
commanded by Nicholas Barhydt as its last captain, and our honor-
able citizen, Andrew J. Barhydt, still living, the lieutenant in the
company, and a company called the " Braves," commanded by Clems,
led the procession. Governor Yates, with other distinguished citi-
zens, rode in carriages. It was a great day for Schenectady.
But when the Mohawk and Hudson R. R., was completed, it built
a large freight depot just north of the northerly end of the present
basin and transported its own freight, and after a while the old basin
fell into disuse and was abandoned. But it was a tremendously
bus}' place, fxill of boats, wedged in as sardines in a box, in its day.
In 1826 Lafayette \'isited in Schenectady. He stayed but a day,
coming in the morning and going away in the evening. He was given
a tremendous ovation, met by the military and by eminent citizens in
carriages. He was conducted to the then Court House, afterwards
replaced by West college, in turn replaced by the Union school
building. A platform was erected in front of the centre of the Court
House and the people thronged to shake hands with him.
Joseph Yates had been the first mayor of Schenectady, and in 1806
and 1807 was a member of the United States Senate from the east-
ern district, and one of the members of a commission, appointed
member of the legislature of the state to meet and confer in behalf
of the interest of New York and New Jersey to certain claims of
jurisdiction and territory, winning great distinction for the ability
with which he discharged his responsibility. In 1808 he was again
elected Senator, but after his election, Brocholst Uivingstone, then a
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, was promoted to the
bench of the United States Supreme Court and Yates was appointed
in his place. He was an excellent judge, one of the best the state
ever had. In November, 1822, he was elected by an enormous
majority over Solomon Southwick, his opponent. It was said of him
by those whom his fearless action and resolute purpose had made his
A SINCERE GOVERNOR. 153
enemies, that he went into office and out of office the most unani-
mously of any governor of the state up to his time. Without bur-
dening the narrative vi^ith the political battles of that day, it is well
known history that many of his party became alienated from him.
He would not obey the machine, and there were machines then as
now, very grinding machines they were to a man of the Governor's
sturdy independence. That he alienated himself from his party,
gave him not the slightest concern. He went straight onward in
what he believed to be the way of rectitude, and, whether mistaken
or not, his perfect sincerity of purpose proved that he acted only
from unconquerable strength of his conviction. Stories sometimes
humorous and sometimes bitter, all of them false, were published
about him in a day when calumny in politics was worse than now.
In the governor's room in the city hall. New York, his picture is
that of a man of distinguished, imposing and \'ery noble person, as
fine a representative of a gentleman of the old school in appearance,
as any upon its walls.
He may have suffered much from contact with liis brilliant though
somewhat erratic family connection with the versatile John Van
Ness, who was an illustration of the adage " wit and judgment are
rarely allied." Governor Yates rarely essa^'ed wit, was not perhaps
a dispenser of humor, birt that he was a man of solid judgment and
great judicial ability, the common law reports of the State of New
York abundantly show. He was truly beloved and greatly mourned
in Schenectady, which gives to this distinguished statesman, as it did
to his soldier and statesman fathers, all it has in its power to bestow.
His onl)' descendants now residing in Schenectady are John Delancy
Watkins, his great grandson and his nephew of the same name, a
great, great grandson.
IS4 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
CHAPTER XV.
The Great Fire of 1819.
Another calamity was destined to fall upon Schenectady. One
often hears of " The Great Fire of 1819." No reliable records of it
appear in any history of the city, nor can any such be obtained. We
have to depend upon surviving eye-witnesses, and secure such infor-
mation as we can from the minutes of the Common Council and files
of old newspapers.
On the Common Council Journal of Nov. i6th and 17th, occurs
this minute :
" Nov. i6th. — The market corner Union and College streets to be
repaired at the cost of the occupants therein.
Nov. 16 and 17 — A great fire has raged in this city for two days;
all the western part of the city is burned ; hundreds of citizens ren-
dered homeless. Sixteen watchmen put out each night in the city
and paid $1 per night to watch after the great fire."
In the Schenectady Cabmet of Nov. 24th, 1819, is the following
record of the awful conflagration :
Schenectady, Nov. 24th, 1819.
Destructive Fire — On Wednesday morning last, between the
hours of four and five, a fire broke out in this city, the most destruc-
tive we have ever witnessed. It originated in Mr. Haight's currying
shop in Water street, and communicated from thence to Mr.
Moyston's dwelling house and store, which stood on the opposite
side of the same street. These, with some of the adjoining build-
ings, were soon reduced to ashes. A strong southeast wind fed the
fury of the raging element, so that it could not be arrested until it
had crossed State street, and swept away, in its desolating course,
almost every building between that street and the Mohawk Brido-e
which, having been on fire in several places, was with difficulty
saved. Thus, in about the space of six hours, the western part of
AFTER THE FIRE. 155
our city exhibited a melancholy scene of devastation and ruin. The
cellars of the buildings consumed continued to smoke and burn for
several days following. From the fortunate circumstance of the
wind continuing to blow in one direction, the ruin was not so far
spread as it otherwise would have been, and owing to this, and the
unremitting exertions of some individuals, the buildings on the west
side of Church street with two or three exceptions, were not mater-
ially injured. Many persons were much injured and bruised while
lending their aid to save the furniture, etc., of the unhappy sufferers.
The number of buildings destroyed, including barns and outhouses,
is about one hundred and sixty, of which at least ninety are dwelling
houses, stores and offices, as may be seen by the subjoined statement.
Besides the buildings, (not more than seven of which were insured)
we have to lament the loss of much valuable property, such as fruit
trees, furniture, etc., and a great quantity of grain and provisions,
and the tale will scarcely be half told, when we add that not a few
have been literally burnt out of their homes and cast, without shel-
ter or the means of subsistence, at this inclement season of the year,
upon the charity and protection of their friends ; yea, some have lost
their all. No correct estimate of the loss can be formed, but we
shall not exceed the bounds of truth if we say it is somewhere near
$150,000.
The indefatigable labor of all, but more particularly of strangers
and of the students of Union College, in rescuing property from the
devouring flames, merits the warmest thanks. .
Amid the sincerest feeling of regret, we rejoice, and we do it with
emotion of gratitude to the Supreme Disposer of events that, during
this awful visitation of His providence, no lives have been lost. "We
also feel great satisfaction in stating that the corporation of this city
is pursuing measures for the relief of the sufferers.
The following is a list, as correct as could be ascertained, of the
buildings consumed, and of the persons by whom they were owned
or occupied, to-wit :
In Water Street — A building occupied by Isaac Haight as a currier's
shop, and owned by Nathan Garnsey, Jr. Five houses and a store
owned by John Brown and occiipied by A. R. Murford, B. and I.
156 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Vrooman, M. Crane and Waster, and I. Sheffield, B. Miller and the
Misses McClnre and Cnrrey ; a dwelling honse occupied by P. Murray
and owned by John S. Vrooman ; a barn occupied and owned by
John Brown.
I [In State Street — John H. Moyston's dwelling house, store and
barn ; John S. Vrooman's brick dwelling house ; a large brick dwell-
ing house, store and shop of John Brown ; a store of William Lyman ;
a large brick dwelling house, store, barn and outhouses of D. & H.
R. Martin ; I. DeGraff, Esqr's dwelling house, barn and outhouses ;
a barn occupied by J. Wasson and owned by the heirs of James Brad-
shaw, deceased.
In Church Street — John Prouty's frame dwelling house, office and
outhouses ; a barn occupied by Mrs. Vredenburgh and owned by the
heirs of Dr. C. Vrooman ; the Schenectady Female Academy, owned
by Joseph Horsfall ; a barn belonging to the widow Elizabeth Vroo-
man, and one belonging to M. T. E. Veeder, Esq.
In Union Street — A dwelling house occupied by Milo Smith and
owned by widow Nanc)' Beekman ; a dwelling house occupied by
Mr. Petit and owned by widow Cathaline DeGraff ; a spacious build-
ing occupied by E. DeVendel as a dwelling house and boarding
school, with a barn and outhouses, owned by Mr. M. Vicar ; a store
occupied by Wm. B. Walton & Co., a brick dwelling house and barn
occupied by Dr. Isaac Schermerhorn, all owned by Win. Girvan, Esq.;
widow Mary Teller's dwelling house and barn ; the Mohawk Turn-
pike Go's office, the law office of N. F. Beck, Esq., DeGraff, Walton
& Co's store and outhouses on the corner of Union and Washington
streets, all owned by Wm. Girvan, Esq.
In Washington Street — The dwelling house, store and barn of
Cornelius Z. Van Santvoord ; a store occupied by Henrj^ Topping
and owned by the widow F. Veeder ; two offices occupied by Henry
V. Fonda, Esq., and by Vrooman & Schermerhorn, and owned by
them ; the dwelling house of the widow F. Veeder, a blacksmith
shop owned by her and occupied by Jacob S. Vrooman ; the tavern
of Richard Freeman ; the dwelling house and County Clerk's office
of Jellis A. Fonda ; the dwelling house of the widow Nancy Beek-
man ; a dwelling house and barn of Stephen Ensh, occupied by J.
BUILDINGS BURNED. 157
McMichael for a dwelling and Richard McMichael & Co., as a store ;
a shop occupied by Giles Clute as a shoe store and owned by Stephen
Ivush ; Eri pusher's elegant brick dwelling house, store and barn ;
a dwelling house occupied by Mr. Hicks and Mrs. Stevens, owned
by Eri Lusher ; the dwelling house, store and barn of James I. Car-
ley ; the large dwelling house, shop and barn, unoccupied, owned
by Jacob S. Glen ; a building occupied by Toll & Brooks as a store
aud by Seth Thayer and R. C. Jackson as a dwelling house, occupied
by Mrs. Sophia Willard, David Allen and Mrs. Wiley, owned by the
heirs of John Fisher, deceased ; a dwelling house, store, barn and
several outhouses occupied by Mrs. Peek and J. B. Van Eps ; a dwell-
ing house and store occupied by Josiah Stiles, owned by J. B. Van
Eps ; David Hearsay's dwelling house, shop, barn and outhousesj
a store occupied by Kennedy Farrell, owned by D. Hearsay ; the
dwelling house and barn of George Cooper ; the brick dwelling
house, store and barn owned by Joseph C. Yates, formerly by Robert
Loague ; the dwelling house and store occupied by Samuel Lee,
owned by the widow E. Prince ; the dwelling house, store, barn and
outhouses of Gen. A. Oothout ; Giles Clute's tavern and barn ; the
dwelling house occupied by Alexander Van Eps, E. Townsend and
G- Van Valkenburgh, owned by widow Bracit ; the house aud barn
of J. V. Ryley, Esq.
Corner of Washington and Front Streets — Andrew N. Van Pat-
ten's tavern, store, barn and sheds ; M. Van Guysling's store.
In Front Street — The bakery of Mrs. Gill ; a dwelling house occu-
pied by Tobias V. Cuyler, owned by A. N. Van Patten ; Dr. D. L Toll's
dwelling house; a dwelling house of A. N. Van Patten, unoccupied-
the dwelling house and barn occupied by John S. Ten Eyck, owned
by Frederick Van Patten ; a store occupied by Mrs. Hart as a dwell-
ing house and a barn owned by Joseph C. Yates, Esq. ; a dwelling
house, store, barn and tannery occupied by Henry E. Telter, owned
by Charles Kane, Esq. ; a dwelling house aud outhouses occupied by
the widow Van Ingen, owned by Gershom Van Vorst ; a dwelling
house and outhouses owned and occupied by widow Elizabeth Prince.
The above account of the sufFerers was furnished by a committee
appointed for that purpose, and we believe it to be generally correct.
iS8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The subscriber having witnessed the great exertions of the citizens
of this city, and the students of Union College, in the late distress-
ing fire, cannot refrain from expressing his thanks for the assistance
they rendered in subduing the devouring element ; particularly those
whose-personal and manly exertions, rescued his property from the
flames. He knows the names of only a few. He regrets that he
cannot particularize them so as to thank them in person. — Nov. 17th,
1819.
John Sanders.
A. G. Fonda acknowledges with gratitude the spirited exertions of
his friends and fellow citizens, and particularly of the students of
Union College, in saving his property from fire on Wednesday- inorn-
ing last. — Nov. 22.
David Tomlinson offers his gratitude to his friends, fellow citizens,
officers and students of Union College, for their kind exertions,
through Divine Providence, in saving his buildings and other prop-
erty from fire yesterday morning. — Nov. i8th, 1819.
B. M. Mumford tenders his most grateful acknolwedgments to the
citizens of Schenectady generally, and to the students of Union Col-
lege in particular, for their indefatigable exertions in saving his
property from destruction during the late awful and calamitous fire in
this city. — Nov. 22.
D. & H. R. Martin offer their grateful thanks to those who aided
them during the distressing conflagration on the 17th, and whose
exertions saved a great portion of their effects from the flames. —
Nov. 22.
Samuel I^ee tenders his thanks to his fellow-citizens, particularly
to his friends in the fourth ward, for their unwearied exertions in
saving his property from the devouring flames on Wednesday last. —
Nov. 22.
William Lyman respectfully tenders his most grateful acknowl-
edgments to his fellow-citizens, and his friends from the adjacent
towns, for their unwearied exertions in saving his property from
destruction by the late fire. — Nov. 22.
Mrs. Margaret Suter takes this method to return her thanks to her
APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE. 159
friends for the preservation of her property during the late fire.—
Nov. 22.
Abraham Van Eps tenders his grateful acknowledgments to his
fellow citizens, and the students of Union College, for their spirited
exertions in saving his property from the devouring flames on
Wednesday morning last. — Nov. 22.
Since the late fire in Schenectady, one of the proprietors of this
paper has visited that city, and inspected the ririns. They present a
most melancholy and awful scene of ruin and desolation ; and the
personal distress of many of the sufferers is great beyond descrip-
tion. Widows and orphan children, and many others, who were in
the possession of respectable property, and in the enjoyment of most
of the comforts and conveniences of life, are reduced to wretched-
ness, to penury and want, and their forlorn situation at the present
season, makes an irresistible appeal to the sympathy, the benevolence
and the charity of their fellow citizens. It is an appeal made to one
of the noblest faculties of the human mind, and cannot and will not
be made in vain. This city has often drank deep of the cup of
affiiction which their fellow citizens of Schenectady are now called
to partake of, and they know well how to commisserate their situa-
tion and to minister to their necessities."
It is impossible, without the work of months in the County
Clerk's office, to point out to-day the location of the various houses
which are burnt, but the following certainly were saved : the resi-
dence of John Sanders, now occupied by Ex-District Attorney Daniel
Naylon. The residence of Dr. Alexander G. Fonda, which was
taken down at the time the new county building was erected on
Union street ; the residence of Benjamin Mumford on Washington
street, now believed to be in the ownership of the Hon. Edward W.
Paige ; so also, was the house now owned in the Swartfigure family,
and of historic interest as belonging in old days to Jacob Glen, and
as having been the house where Washington stayed during his visit
in Schenectady. The residence of Ex-Judge Yates was spared. So
it seems, were about all the great storage and forwarding houses
along the bank of the river, for the Yates' and Mynderse, DeGraff,
Walton & Co., were standing fifty years ago.
i6o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
There were but three fire companies in the town, as appears from
the common council record, and tlie appliances were utterly ineffi-
cient to meet the emergency. Everybody in those days was supplied
with leather fire buckets, many of which are still in possession of
the old families as mementoes of that day.
The city was then divided into fire districts, and each householder
had these leather buckets, then called leather bags. On heretofore
occasions, every man owning these buckets was requested at the
head of the fire company in his district, and had to go into service.
In case of his obstinance he was fined heavily. Companies i, 2 and
3, and the fire bag people, were all that could meet the impending
day. To the honor of the old Union be it said, that the students of
the college turned out unasked and fought for two days with the fire
raging, winning the gratitude of the citizens. Union then had a fire
engine of its own, an old cart shaped thing on two wheels and with
levers that were perpendicular to the pole of the carriage, and that
did brave work, the students pumping at it day and night.
The homeless and houseless people, two hundred families and more,
suffered terribly. It is difficult to locate the buildings described in
the article of the Cabinet. This is about the best account of the fire
that can be obtained. There are but two or three people in Schenec-
tady who were living then, and they were mere children. The
cause of the origin of the fire appears in a later issue of the paper.
As it contains many facts, and is such valuable information, that,
though published at that early day, when so much had not been
learned as we know now, this paper still contains so many facts and
suggestions, and is written with so much intelligence and knowledge
of the subject, that it luakes it very valuable to us, even in this cen-
tury of tremendous advance in experience and knowledge. Extracts
from this article are therefore quoted.
" Spontaneous Combustion. — The late dreadful fire in this city
will, we trust, continue to excite the conmiiseration of the benevo-
lent in favor of the unfortunate sufferers. Such a calamity addresses
itself to every charitable feeling of the heart, and calls loudly for the
exercise of that Christian charity, which is always ready to supply
the wants and to cheer the woe of the afflicted.
PROBABLE CAUSE OF FIRE. i6i
But our atteution ought to be directed to an examination of the
cause of this disaster. A knowledge of this may enable us to guard
against future danger, and to prevent a recurrence of a similar
calamity.
The facts, as we have received them from Mr. Haight, in whose
shop the fire originated, and in w^hose statemeirts we place entire con-
fidence, are these ; According to his usual practice, he transferred
his business from the shop where the fire commenced, at about six
o'clock of the evening previous, to another shop that he also occu-
pied ; that no fire or candle had been in the shop after that time ;
that at nine o'clock of the same evening, he visited the shop and
found ever^'thing in safety. The next morning as he was about to
commence his labor for the day, he discovered three out of four rooms
on fire in the inside, and that there was no appearance of fire on the
outside of the building. Mr. H., further states, that there was in the
building a quantity of corn in the ear, a number of hides untanned
and undressed, and a quantity of oil ; that in one of the rooms there
were a number of skins of leather which had been oiled and hung
up during the day ; that the oil used was liver oil and oil expressed
from the feet of cattle, called by him neats foot oil ; there was also
in one of the rooms a large quantity of slacked lime. Mr. H. men-
tions that it had been perfectly slacked some time before, and that no
water was, or had been near it.
It is a well known fact that oil is highly combustible ; it is not,
however, as extensively known, that oil spread upon any animal or
vegetable siibstance, will produce spontaneous combustion. The
case of the storehouse of sails at Brest, establishes the fact, that such
may be its effect. There are also many other cases, for which we refer
to the work already quoted ; it is therefore possible that the oil which
was constantly used in the shop of Mr. H., may accidentally have
been spilled on some animal or vegetable substance and produced the
combustion ; at all events, the fire may have commenced from the
oiled skins which were in the shop. In confirmation of this, we
would merely state that the spontaneous inflammation of essential
or volatile oils and that of some fat oils, particularly when mixed
with nitrous acid, is well known.
i62 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
But there are other facts to which attention should be paid, and
a knowledge of which is highly important to the cotnmiinity. Corn
heaped up has sometimes produced inflammation, as also hay laid up
damp. Nor is this a discovery of our day. Vanieri, an Italian who
flourished in the seventeenth century, adverts to this circumstance
as well known and established. These inflammations always take
place when the matter heaped tip preserves a certain degree of humid-
ity, which is necessary to excite a fermentation ; it is in this way
that a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St. Peters-
burg, in giving a detail of the circumstances which attended a fire
in a Russian frigate in April, 1781, caused by a bundle of matting
containing Russian lamp black, prepared from fir soot, moistened
with hemp oil varnish, says: ' The spontaneous accession of various
matters from the vegetable kingdom, as wet hay, corn and madder,
and at times wet meal and malt, are well known.' We close with
one more authority, Bartholdi, a celebrated French chemist, in an
account of spontaneous inflammation, enumerates ten causes, two of
which are the following : ' The fermentation of animal and vegetable
substances, heaped up in a large mass, which are either too dry or
too moist, as hay, dung, &c.' ' The accumulation of wool, cotton
and other animal and vegetable substances, covered with an oily
matter and particularly a drying oil.' "
" Under each of these, he produces instances to confir.ni his asser-
tions. The animal and vegetable substances, if heaped upon each
other, while they retain their moisture, enter into fermentation, a
change is efi^ected in their composition, and they often become so
much heated as to inflame ; they are thus decomposed, and in conse-
quence, heat is produced."
" It may be impertinent here to add, that the oils which Mr.
H. mentions were of the kind called fixed oils, those obtained
partly from animals and partly from vegetables, by simple expres-
sions. Of the fixed oils, those which remain transparent, after they
become solid from exposure to the action of the air, are called drying
oils; those that become opaque are called fat oils."
"There is one more circumstance to which we would call the
attention of the public. Wool stuff and pieces of cloth which were
A MATTER OF CAUTION. 163
not scoured, have taken fire when folded up and even during the
time of their conveyance from one place to another, when heaped
iipon each other. Wool when neither wet or oiled, if piled up, has
frequently been known to inflame spontaneously."
" These facts we have thought proper to present to the public.
Whether the fire in this city originated in this way, we leave to the
decision of those more competent than ourselves to determine on a
scientific question of this kind. For their benefit we have given Mr.
H's statement at length. We only say it appears highly proba-
ble. At all events, it is important that the community should be
apprised of the existence of instances of such a nature. It will not
only tend to increase the vigilance of individuals, and awaken their
attention to objects which have hitherto been neglected ; but, to say
the least, it may frequently prevent unjust and illiberal insinuations.
The reputation of the innocent man may thus be assailed by
calumny, and his peace destroyed by unmerited suspicion."
CHAPTER XVI.
The Raii,roads.
Schenectady is the pioneer of the world in railroad traffic, as she
is now its leader in the more marvelous, apparently the conquering
science of electricity.
On the 29th of Julj^, 1830, the ceremony of breaking ground for
the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad took place near Schenectady,
with a silver spade by Stephen Van Rensselaer. In September it
was announced the stock had risen ten per cent., and the editor of
the Albany Advertiser predicted that trains would run from Albany
to Schenectady in three-quarters of an hour, and reach Utica from
Albany in four hours. The latter was a somewhat startling predic-
tion at this time, when we consider that the utmost exertions of the
stages barely overcame the distance in twelve hours.
i64 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
By the 25th of July, 1831, twelve months from the time when the
ceremony of breaking ground was performed, the road was com-
pleted from the junction of the western turnpike and Lydius street,
Albau}^, to the brow of the hill at Schenectady, a distance of twelve
and a half miles. Some defects in the first locomotive used, called
the DeWitt Clinton, prevented a trial before the 3d of August. On
this day a trip was made in one hour and forty-five minutes, and on
the loth they ran two trains each way, with coke as fuel, making a
part of the trip at the rate of thirty miles an hour.
The passenger cars were simply coach bodies placed upon the
trucks for temporary use, according seats for fifteen or eighteen per-
sons. August 13 a large company assembled to take a trip on the
railroad, but the DeWitt Clinton engine, built at the "West Point
foundry, in New York, proved defective in her boiler, and was
returned for repairs. At this trial, and in previous ones, coal or coke
had been used for fuel, but wood was finally adopted. On the 9th
of September the DeWitt Clinton was again put upon the rail, and
succeeded in drawing a train over the road in forty-five minutes. It
was not until the 2 2d of September that the directors advertised to
take passengers, although city officials and other dignitaries had
passed over the road both by steam and horse power early in August.
The road was still uncompleted and used only from the junction, as
it was called, two miles from the foot of State street, in Albany,
from which place passengers were taken to the train by stage coaches.
The other terminus of the road was still at the bluff overlooking
Schenectady, where passengers were again transferred to stages.
The distance traversed was less than thirteen miles.
The precise time when the directors of the road left, prepared to
crown the success of their labors by a grand excursion, was on the
24th of September, 1831. To this demonstration, by invitation,
came the state and city officials and a number of eminent citizens of
New York. The train, drawn by the DeWitt Clinton, started off
with three cars and returned with five cars, making the return trip
in thirty-five minutes.
There is a picture of the depot built by the Mokawk and Hudson
now in the possession of Mr. Henry Ramsay of this city, whose
THE OLD DEPOT. 165
father was then chief engineer of Western Incline. It was a very
small corporation for the Hon. Henry Ramsay to handle, for he was
one of the most eminent men of his profession. His merit was snb-
sequently recognized, as he attained its highest rank in the position
of State Engineer. The drawing is the work of Engineer Ramsay
himself. The beauty, convenience and comfort of the structure is
surprising. From the foot of the inclined plane, of which more here-
after, the cars were drawn by horses. Looking north from State
street, the Givens Hotel was on the right, the residence of Wil-
liam C. Young, superintendent of the road, on the left. The depot
itself stood apparently (the picture is not on a scale) about 100 feet
north of the building line of State street, a handsome barricade
crowned with large and highly ornamented lamps closed the way.
From the southwest corner of the depot a really tasty and elegant
veranda ran south along the east wall of the Givens Hotel at a right
angle westward on State street across its front. Resolve Givens
evidently had a pull. Everything around the depot went his way.
The same style of elegant corridors extended from the southeast cor-
ner of the building parallel with the Givens veranda to the corner
of Superintendent Young's house and turning at right angles went
eastward along its front so as to enclose it. In this latter building
were the business offices of the road. The passenger, baggage and
express rooms were under a large roofed enclosure similar, though
nmch smaller than the Troy depot before its recent destruction. Its
front was a conception of decided beauty. It was evidently designed
by somebody familiar with the remains of the Forum at Rome, and
the Pantheon at Athens, for there is a combination of the styles of
both, very modest and unpretentious, as in such a small building it
should be, but the effect was both striking and pleasing. At the
inner angles of the corridors or verandas in State street were the
public entrances. The depot, the hotel and Mr. Young's house were
burned down in 1843. ^'^^ Givens was rebuilt in the old tavern
style, that so man}' of us easily remember, on the site now occupied
by the stately Edison. An architecturally miserable, unsightly, in-
convenient, little horror took its place. The mercy of this chronicle
i66 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
forbears to make any effort to discover who originated or was respon-
sible for the infliction of this outrage npon a city which had suffered
its share of barbarian outrage long years before. Yet the N. Y. C.
strangely permits the picture of its shame still to hang on depot
walls. That depot retarded Schenectady's progress for fifty years.
The wayfarer on the train averted his gaze, and in the summer held
his nose. The Schenectadian came to it in horror when he must
and fled from it in disgust when he could.
In January, 1832, the company reported to the Legislature that the
amount actually paid and disbursed in the construction of the road
was ^483,215, and that $156,693 would be required to complete it.
In the spring of 1832, the road was completed throughout its
whole line, and the inclined plane being in working order, another
grand excursion was given on the 14th of May, extending from the
foot of Gansevoort street, Albany, into the heart of Schenectady.
" Billy " Marshall was conductor of the trains. He went around
on the outside on a platform built along the sides, put his head in at
the windows and yelled "tickets!" When the Schenectady Street Rail-
road was opened more than half a century later, Billy was accorded
the honor of being one of the passengers on its first excursion train
and was given an ovation all along the line.
There was no cab over the engineer. He suffered bitterly in the
winter. The spokes of the engine drivers were of wood as late as
1841 and 1842. The rails were at first flat slabs of iron laid on
heavy wooden rails called " H " rails. About the middle of the for-
ties " T " rails came into use, and at once supplanted the terrible
^' H," that driven into the wood by spikes would loosen until the
turned end would catch a following wheel and shoot up through,
several accidents of indescribable horror occurring from this cause.
The cars were drawn up the inclined plane by means of a long rope
attached to them and to a stationary engine at the top, the whole
leading and balanced by a car loaded with stone descending on the
opposite track. This same ceremony was observed at both termina-
tions of the road, occupying much time. The same style of coaches
were still used. In the fall of this year a new pattern of car was
built at Schenectady, more nearly like those now in use, the archi-
ANOTHER RAILROAD. 167
tecture of which was modeled from Dr. Nott's parlor stove, and was
called the Gothic car.
In 1 841 the inclined planes at both ends of the road, were done
away with, and locomotives were used on the whole length of the
road. The success of this road, and the advantages of this means of
communication, although rudely constructed at great and much need-
less expense, became so apparent, that within three years railroads,
duly chartered by law, were projected in every part of the state.
The next railroad built in this section was called the Saratoga and
Schenectady Railroad, and ran from Schenectady to Saratoga. This
company was formed February i6th, 1831, and the road was com-
pleted and in operation in 1832. This road really began by a con-
nection with the basin at the lift bridge at Church street. A bridge
was built there to meet the needs of the road. From thence it ran
through Railroad street, having its station for passengers at the cor-
ner of Water street, where is the row of brick buildings built by the
late Hon. A. W. Hunter for Roy & Co., of the shawl works. From
the station it was a horse railroad running through a subway under
State street, east of the present building occupied by the Young
Women's Christian Association, from thence straight through close
to the easterly line of the residence of Judge Strong on Union street,
and from there crossing the street it ran just east of the present
County Clerk's office, and in rear of the residences of Judge Jackson
and Ex-District Attorney Naylon, under Front street, beneath the
present residence of Mrs. Robinson. After crossing Front street it
curved through the property now owned by Mr. Jacob Vrooman,
where it emerged from the elevation through which it had been cut,
and crossed the Mohawk bridge. The engine house was a brick
building on the Glenville side, demolished only a few years ago. A
little wheelbarrow of an engine then picked up the train and took it
to Saratoga. About twelve years after the construction of the road
another line was laid out and the track of the Utica and Schenectady
railroad was used to the sand bank where the road branched off to
the north. About twenty-five years ago the route was again changed,
a bridge built and the present line adopted. This road is now part
of the system of the Delaware & Hudson Company.
i68 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
In 1835 the Utica and Schenectady road was constructed, and in
1843 the Schenectady and Troy branch was built.
It will be seen at this early date in the history of railroads in this
country, that Schenectady enjoyed facilities for communication by
rail, equal to, if not surpassing, any place in the state.
In 1853 a company was formed by consolidating all the railroads
then in operation, and some projected roads between Albany and
Buffalo, called the New York Central Railroad. This consolidation
included the Mohawk and Hudson, the Schenectady and Troy and
the Utica and Schenectady railroads. The act allowing the consoli-
dation was passed April 2, 1853, and carried into effect May 17th,
1854. This road runs from Albany to Buffalo. It was finished and
in operation in 1855.
In 1869 this company consolidated with the Hudson River road,
running from Albany to New York, under the corporation name of
the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, thus opening a
road tuider the management of one company, extending from the
great lakes to the Atlantic seaport.
In 1874, this road from Albany to Buffalo, was increased from two
tracks to four, making it the only four-track road in the United
States.
In 1869, the Schenectady and Duanesburgh road was incorporated,
with a capital of $150,000, and completed in 1873. ^^ runs from
Schenectady to Quaker Street, and connects at the latter place with
the Albany and Susquehanna road. It is, with the latter road, a part
of the Delaware & Hudson system.
In 1866, a road called the Athens Branch was constructed. It
runs from Athens to Schenectady, and is now owned and operated
by the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad.
In 1883, the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad was
constructed, and runs through the western portion of Schenectady
County, having a station at South Schenectady, about two and a half
miles from the city.
This completes a necessarily brief account of the railroads in
Schenectady County, which today form the most important business
RAVAGES OF CHOLERA. 169
interest of this city which can almost lay claim to the proud distinc-
tion of having been the birthplace of the great railway system of
the world.
CHAPTER XVn.
The Cholera and After.
1832 was a year of horror for Schenectady. The whole country
was awaiting with terror the approach of the Asiatic cholera. Fear
was intensified when news came that the disease had landed at Que-
bec and was enroute eastward and southward. So, on June i6th,
1832, the common council passed the following resolution:
Whereas, It appears from various accounts in the public papers
that the Asiatic cholera has reached this country and is now rag-ine
in Montreal and Quebec, it appears to this board proper to take
every necessary prudential measure to prevent the spread of the
disease.
June 1 6th the mayor reported as follows :
" That agreeable to the suggestions of the Board of Health,' he
has caused two apartments to be fitted up in the old brick college
edifice, which report having been accepted.
Resolved, That the said rooms be appropriated for such uses as
this board or the health officer, (Dr. John S. L- Tonnelier) of this
city, may deem necessary for the promotion of the public health, but
that said apartments shall not be used as a cholera hospital.
Resolved, That the account of William Marshall, amounting to
one dollar, for removing Samuel Ostrander, supposed to be of cholera
and in indigent circumstances, be paid by the treasurer and charged
to the county."
September loth the following minute appears in the record:
" Resolved, That the mayor be authorized to recommend to the
citizens to set apart Thursday next as a day of prayer and praise to
170 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Almighty God for permitting the violence of the pestilence (cholera)
that scourges our beloved country, to pass over us."
It is difficult to understand the last resolution. It utters thanks
for the passage over the city of the violence of the pestilence. What
must it have been elsewhere, for there are those yet living who
remember with horror its awful ravages. When it struck the
city it began its work at once and fiercely. It was a new and
unknown disease. It is to the lasting credit of medical science that
in civilized lands the scourge like the small-pox that used to slay or
mutilate its thousands, no longer has any terrors when its coming is
heralded, and it is stopped at the harbor gates, even in Canada. That
natural neighbor of ours has twice bestowed the beneficence upon
us, but she has at last learned to keep it away from herself.
The cholera then was unknown and therefore the more terrible
horror. Nobody knew how to handle it and the fatality was enor-
mous. It was battled with by Drs. Tonnelier, McDugal and
McGuffin. Dr. Toll, a retired physician, entered the lists against
the dragon. Mr. Lawrence C. Van Eps, then living opposite the
Dutch Church Cemetery in Green street, says that funerals were
incessant, almost hourly. It was not only fatal to a terrible degree,
but a short and indescribable agony until collapse set in. In the
dying hours a greenish hue spread over the features that added
horror to the awful scene. It was especially deadly along Caslorn
Creek, Rotterdam border and on the flats in Rotterdam street and
Frog Alley, so-called. An eye-witness relates that a man was
stricken with it in Governor's Lane and was carried away dead in
two hours. The frost killed it in September.
It came again in 1849, watched in its approach with the same
shivering terror, and this time many remember that, though lacking
greatly the violence of the visitation of 1832, it was still such a pes-
tilence that with all the ravages of diphtheria we have never seen the
like of it since. Many living will remember that in August 26th,
the whole city was shocked with the news that the awful scourge
had mounted College Hill, and in that pure air had stricken down in
ten hours the Rev. John Austin Yates, D. D., Professor of Rhetoric.
Dr. Yates was taken ill Saturday night, and at Sunday morning
POPULATION IN 1845. 171
service it was announced from the pulpit, Dr. Backus falling back
into his chair as he read the announcement for which he was utterly
unprepared.
When the scourge again came in 1854, it did little harm. It
advanced in more threatening form in 1866, but was stamped out
and never reached here again. A strange feature of its visit in 1866
was the death by unquestioned Asiatic cholera of two of the well
known Tullock family on the Princetown Hills.
In 1845 ^he population of the city was only 6,555. Railroad and
canal had made a way-station of the town, forgetful of the renown
and credit that belonged to her as the mother of the passenger rail-
way system of the continent. When she halted in new progress, as
she had for a long time, the name of " Old Dorp" was put upon her;
cheap jokes as to her being fenced all around and ceiled overhead,
began to circulate over the land. The passenger saw the frowning
discomfort of the depot sheds on one side, saw Isha Banker's black-
smith shop, Clute and Bailey's foimdry and the tavern-like Givens
Hotel on the other, and hastened on out of the town. But Isha
Banker was a first-class workman, reared a fine family of first-class
citizens; the Givens Hotel up to within a few years of its obliteration
by the Edison, gave as good a fare as could be found on the whole
line of the railroad, and handsome fortunes for those days were
made there. Clute and Bailey became Clute Brothers, with Spencer
Ostrom, a past-master in mechanism, as its foreman. Uncle Sam
owes the salvation and the rescue of the forlorn remnant of his navy
to those same Clute Brothers of whom John B. and Jethro Clute are
the survivors. They built the engines and machinery of the little
Monitor that overthrew and sunk the Merrimac, and was the pioneer
of the grander battleship of our splendid navy of today. And one
of their proud achievements, never to be forgotten, was the construc-
tion of the machinery and engines of the picket boats participating
in the dare devil exploit of Cushing in the destruction of the Albe-
marle.
Lines of passenger packets were running from Schenectady to
Utica, and the runners with John Bowtell at the head, were scream-
ing for patronage at the store-steps where Mr. John Ellis now keeps
172 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
his fruit store. They were long, sharp-pointed, handsomely painted
and state-roomed and upholstered in grand style for that day. The
dock was called the battleground because of the boatmen's fights of
almost daily occurrence. At the swing bridge was the dry-dock.
On the sight of the present freight depot, was the famous old " Bulls-
head " where canalers lived and fought.
An awful battle nearly occurred at the dry-dock (Swing Bridge) in
the summer of 1848. There was a style of firemen's contest in
those daj's of the volunteer firemen that would be impossible now.
There were five volunteer companies in Schenectady: Protection i.
Deluge 2, Niagara 3, Neptune 4 and Conqueror 5. The firemen's
tournament consisted of a strife decided when one of the hand
engines succeeded in flooding the other.
No. 4 had invited No. 8 of Albany to act as their allies against
No. 2 and 3 combined. The contest was fierce, two relays
of men on each of the brakes relieving one another. Five minutes
was always more than time enough to decide the strife. One of the
engines was either pumped dry or overflowed in less than that time.
Four and eight won, flooding Deluge No. 2. Cheating was claimed
by the defeated party. Of course a fight ensued ; it always did, and
it always found men equipped for the emergency.
But this was no ordinary fight. It developed into a terrible riot.
The exasperated, insanely enraged laddies, used to fire fighting, carried
the battle all through the streets. The town constables were power-
less, stores were closed, people fled into their homes and the battle
raged until nightfall rested on the battered Albanians strewn along
the Albany turnpike. Searcher Smith, foremost in the melee, still
lives. Anyone looking at the old man now can see traces of that
physical power that made him the Fitzsimmons of this I'egion. And
he was the master of the situation. The firemen of that day fought
everything but fire. What a splendid contrast is the magnificent
outfit of Chief Yates and his officers and men of to-day.
Scrapping matches, as they are called in the vernacular of this
day, were common between the students and the " townies." Union
had nearly 400 undergraduates, largely made up of western and
southern men. There were no locomotive works nor General Elec-
A GREAT INDUSTRY. 173
trie works and the fighting gangs were nearly equal. A tremendous
battle was fought in West College yard, led on by a future president
of the United States, in 1845, which even the venerable president,
bareheaded on the old stone steps, could not for a long time subdue,
and not till some of the contestants had to be fished out of the canal.
But Schenectady soon took a boom. Some enterprising citizens,
among their number the Hon. Daniel D. Campbell, Simon C. Groot
and others, conceived the idea of erecting here locomotive works and
established a corporation that is now sending its products all over the
world, the roar of whose progress is heard from New York around to
Japan. Associated with the incorporators was John Ellis, one of the
shrewdest, ablest, hardheaded Scotchmen and skillful mechanics
this state has ever known.
The Norris Brothers of Philadelphia, about as eminent locomo-
tive builders as lived in the land, came to take control of the little
plant, whose main building was about the size of the thriving man-
ufactory of Weiderhold & Co., with a little brass foundry adjoining
and still standing. The Norrises started well but for some reason
made a bad failure in the end. They built an engine in 1849 called
the "Lightning." It had single drivers seven and one-half feet in
diameter. It was to revolutionize locomotion. But it could not
revolutionize itself or revolve its wheels. It froze up on its trial
trip, so that it could not start. When thawed out and put on the
road, the friction was not great enough to hold the wheels. It lost
motion, and what was worse, lost time. This failure, added to other
causes, broke up the Norrises to the regret of Schenectady, with
whom these genial hearted Philadelphians were exceedingly popular.
The sheriff sold them out. The stockholders took charge in 1850.
A disagreement occurred, in fact grew chronic among the share-
holders. Ellis had the strength of his convictions and, when dis-
putes arose, with true Scottish tenacity of belief and purpose he
would not give way. He was the only real mechanic of the outfit and
believed he understood the business. Subsequent events showed
that he did. At one deadlock, the stockholders, inflamed with vexa-
tion, determined to get rid of him. The great builder, as he became,
seems to have been expecting the outbreak and to be prepared. His
174 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
partners made him a proposition to name his price and they would
name theirs. They announced the price at which they would sell.
He announced his. Theirs was tremendous but Ellis' was out of
sight. They thought their demand was above his means, but he
promptly accepted their terms and the Ellis work went on its way
with John Ellis at the throttle. Walter McQueen, father of the
Hon. D. P. McQueen, formerly member of assembly from this
county, was associated with him ; a grand mechanic understanding
everj' phase of the business. The McQueen engine became known
all over the United States. One of them, purchased by the govern-
ment, rolled into Fairfax Court House one fine afternoon in the fall
of 1862, when the 134th was lying there drilling for the awful expe-
rience they were destined to undergo. The Schenectady men recog-
nized an old friend and swarming about it, patted it like a horse and
would have hugged it if they could. The genius of McQueen and
the business ability of Ellis were building up an immense plant soon
to rival the Baldwins of Philadelphia and the Rogers of Paterson.
Ellis died after living to see the works he had established take
rank among the leading industries of America and to send the name
of McQueen all over the continent. He left a large fortune. His
son took his place as president. Under his management the works
grew and throve. John C, dying, Charles, a younger brother, suc-
ceeded to the control. Charles survived him but a few years and
Edward, a younger brother, came to the direction. Two years ago
death visited this family and removed Edward ; and William D., the
youngest son, is at this writing the president of the plant. All these
men, by the wise foresight of the father, were practically educated
in the business. Walter McQueen retired old, full of honors and
possessed of ample fortune. His burden was taken up by A. J.
Pitkin. To-day the plant is one of the largest in the world, its
workmanship unsurpassed and in recent trials outstripping every
locomotive on earth. " 999 " of the Empire State Express was the
admiration of every sightseer at the Columbian Exposition at Chi-
cago. Yet " 999 " is an every day engine now beside the monster of
the type of 2207.
The Ellis sons were men of large generosity, every one of tliem.
THE CIVIL WAR. 175
The Ellis hospital was founded by Charles G., the second son, and
the family have helped to sustain the grand beneficence. Each one of
them left a princely fortune and the wealth of each did imineasur-
able though unostentatious good.
CHAPTER XVHI.
Schenectady in the Civil War and the Latter Half of
THE Century.
The population of Schenectady ran up to 13,000 by the time the
war broke out. She entered the ordeal of 1861 full of loyalty but
she was a Democratic city by nature and habit. She had Copper-
heads, more than her share, but on their appearance after the first
Bull Run, they were promptly suppressed. The following record is
taken from the admirable compilation of Rev. J. H. Munsell :
" The first company organized in Schenectady for the late Civil
War, was the Seward Volunteer Zouaves, afterwards known as Com-
pany A., Eighteenth Regiment, New York Volunteers. This com-
pany was organized by William Seward Gridley, who was elected its
captain, and who commanded it at the first battle of Bull Run.
" On the 1 2th of April, 1861, Fort Sumpter was bombarded, and
evacuated by Major Anderson on the 15th. On this same day, Presi-
dent Lincoln called for 75,000 men to suppress the insurrection.
The next day the New York Legislature passed a bill, which was
signed by Governor Morgan, appropriating three million dollars for
the purpose of raising and equipping 30,000 volunteers.
"On the 1 8th day of April, or six days after the first shot was
fired at Fort Sumpter, the following notice was published in the
Schenectady Daily Times :
" Attention Volunteers — All young men who are in favor of
forming a light infantry company and offering their services to garri-
son this state, or to the President of the United States, to aid and
176 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
assist in defending the Constitution and Union of the United States
against foreign or domestic foes, are requested to meet at Cleary's
saloon, opposite the railroad depot, on Friday evening at 7.30 o'clock,
the 19th inst. This means fight, and all who sign must go.
Wm. Seward Gridley."
At the meeting held in response to this notice forty-seven men
signed an application for a company organization, and asked Gover-
nor Morgan to commission William Seward Gridley, captain ; Daniel
Daley, first lieutenant, and Edward W. Groat, ensign of said company.
Gridley took the application to Albany, and received an order from
the Adjutant General to report at Albany with his company on the
22d day of April, 1861. In the same order, Lieutenant Simon G.
Smith, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment, New York Militia, was
ordered to inspect and muster said company, and to preside over an
election of the officers. The muster and election took place on the
20th of April, when the same officers were elected that Governor
Morgan was asked to commission. In two days this company was
organized and officered, and three days from the time of the call was
ordered to report for duty at Albany.
May 14th, 1861, the Eighteenth Regiment, New York Volunteers,
was organized, and this company (then called the Seward Volunteer
Zouaves) was assigned to that regiment as Company " A." At this
time it numbered seventy-four men and tliree officers. About sixty
of the men were from Schenectady.
May 17th, 1861, the Eighteenth Regiment was mustered into the
service of the United States, and on the 18th of June following,
started for Washington, being one of the regiments in the first fight
of Bull Run.
Captain Gridley was promoted to the rank of major October 14th,
1862, and received at the close of the war the honorary title of
Brevet Colonel, New York Volunteers. Daniel Daley was promoted
to the captaincy of this company, November loth, 1862, and was
honorably discharged February 26th, 1863. Edward W. Groat was
promoted from ensign to second lieutenant July 4th, 1861, but
resigned December i8th, 1861. March 5th, 1863, he became major
of the 134th Regiment. Joseph Strunk, who entered Gridley's com-
SECOND COMPANY ORGANIZED. 177
pany as sergeant, was mustered out May 28tli, 1863, as second lieu-
tenant. He was commissioned December 14th, 1863, as captain in
the Second Reo-iment, Veteran Cavalry, and at the close of the war
was made brevet major of New York Volunteers.
The second company organized in Schenectady was formed by
Stephen Truax. The officers who received their commissions May
2, 1861, were: Captain, Stephen Truax ; first lieutenant, William
Horsfall ; ensign, John Vedder. This company was enrolled in the
Eighteenth Regiment as Company E, May 17th, 1861, (same time as
Captain Gridley's company), for a term of two years. Captain Truax
resigned December 27th of this year, and was succeeded in command
by William Horsfall, who was killed while gallantly leading his
company at Crampton Gap, Maryland, September 14th, 1861. John
Vedder succeeded him as captain, and remained in command until
the company was mustered out of service May 28th, 1863. Alfred
Truax, who entered this company as sergeant, was promoted to the
rank of first lieutenant December 15th, 1862. Andrew C. Barup
became second lieutenant.
E. Nott Schermerhorn, who enlisted in this company as first ser-
geant, rose in succession to second lieutenancy, and became one of
the adjutants of the regiment November 18, 1862, holding the latter
rank when the regiment was mustered out May 28th, 1863.
The Eighteenth Regiment was one of the first organized during
the war, participating in the first battle of Bull Run, Crampton Gap,
West Point, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericks-
burg, Salem Church and Savage Station. For a short time the late
Dr. James h- Van Ingen was one of the surgeons of this regiment.
When the time for which this regiment was mustered into service
expired, the present captain of the Thirty-seventh Company,
National Guard, State of New York, George W. Marlette, was the
only private in the regiment who received from Governor Morgan,
for gallant and meritorious service, the honorary rank of brevet
lieutenant.
William A. Jackson, son of the late Professor Jackson of Union
College, was colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment from the time of
its organization till his death from disease at Washington, November
178 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
loth, 1861. William H. Young, another gallant soldier from
Schenectady, was for a short time, lieutenant-colonel of this regi-
ment.
The third, company formed in Schenectady was organized by
Barent M. Van Voast, June ist, 1861. The officers who received
their commissions July 4th, 1861, were: Captain, Barent M. Van
Voast ; first lieutenant, Manse V. V. Smith ; ensign, Edward Van
Voast. This company contained seventy-four privates and three
officers. It was enrolled in the Thirtieth Regiment as Company C,
for a term of two years from June ist, 1861.
Captain Van Voast was dismissed March 7th, 1862, and was suc-
ceeded by Manse V. V. Smith, who resigned November 26th of the
same year. Edward Van Voast became first lieutenant May 13th,
1862, retaining this rank when the company was mustered out
June 1 8th, 1863. He afterwards became major in the Second Regi-
ment of Veteran Cavalry, and at the close of service of this regi-
ment, was made a brevet lieutenant-colonel of New York Volunteers.
Charles Roth, who entered Company C as first sergeant, was pro-
moted to the rank of first lieutenant March 4th, 1863, and subse-
quently commissioned a brevet major of New York Volunteers.
The Thirtieth Regiment, with which Company C was most honor-
ably connected, participated in the battles of Gainesville, South
Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg.
The fourth company formed at Schenectady, was organized by
Allan H. Jackson, who received a captain's commission October ist,
1 86 1. This company consisted of eightj'-seven members, including
the ofificers. It was enrolled as Company G, in the Ninety-first
Regiment, for a term of three years, being mustered out of service
July 3d, 1865. The officers who were commissioned at the same
time as Jackson were : George W. Shaffer, first lieutenant, and Wil-
liam Harty, second lieutenant.
Captain Jackson was honorably discharged from this company
February 23d, 1863, and promoted to the rank of major in the 134th
Regiment. March .4th, 1863, he became lieutenant-colonel, and on
December loth of the same year, colonel of this regiment, but was
mustered out of service June loth, 1865, as lieutenant-colonel.
OTHER BRAVE SOLDIERS. 179
Georo-e W. Shaffer succeeded Jackson as captain of Company G,
December 31st, 1864. Shaffer was promoted to major of the Sixty-
first N. Y. Volunteers and subsequently received the honorary rank
of brevet lieutenant-colonel, N. Y. V.
William Harty succeeded Shaffer as captain of Company G, Decem-
ber 24th, 1864, and remained in command until the company was
mustered out of service.
Cornelius Gill entered this company as second sergeant, and was
promoted through the successive ranks to first lieutenant, which
position he held when the company was disbanded.
Between the middle of August and the 3d of September, 1862,
there were four military companies formed at Schenectady, which
entered the service for a term of three years. All four were enrolled
in the 134th Regiment, and were known as Companies A, B, F and H.
Company A was organized by Captain Watkins.
Company B was organized by David H. Hamlin, who received his
commission as captain August 17th, 1862. At the same time Soly-
man G. Hamlin was commissioned first lieutenant and Soloman C.
Wilson, second lieutenant. This company numbered 102 men and
participated in many of the great battles of the war. Benjamin F.
Sheldon was captain of this company when it was mustered out.
Solyman G. Hamlin was promoted to captain of Company C, March
7th, 1863. April 7th, 1865, he was major of the i92d Regiment,
and was mustered out of the service August 28th, 1865, with the
honorary rank of brevet captain, N. Y. V.
Lucius Mead, who enlisted in Company B as first sergeant, was
promoted to a lieutenancy. He was killed while bravely leading his
company at the battle of Gettysburg.
Company F was organized by Gilbert D. Kennedy, who was com-
missioned as captain August 30th, 1862. At the same time were
commissioned George A. Turnbull as first lieutenant and Clinton C.
Brown as second lieutenant.
Captain Kennedy was promoted to the rank of major June 23, 1863,
and died of disease at Philadelphia, August 3, of the same year.
George A. Turnbull succeeded Kennedy as captain of Company
F, but resigned February 3, 1864.
i8o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Clinton C. Brown was promoted to captain April 14th, 1863, and
to lieutenant-colonel of the 134th, July 27th, 1864.
Company H was organized by Austin A. Yates, who received his
commission as captain, September, 1862, with Geradus Carley as
first lieutenant and Marcus A. Herrick as second lieutenant. Cap-
tain Yates was discharged on June loth, 1863, on account of defec-
tive eyesight, but re-entered the service as captain of Company F, of
the Fourteenth Veteran Corps. This regiment participated in the
engagement against Early in front of Washington. Captain Yates
was promoted to the rank of brevet major by President Lincoln, and
was Assistant Judge Advocate General at Washington, D. C, one
year subsequent to August, 1866, when he was mustered out of
service.
William H. Mickle, who enlisted in Company H as second ser-
geant, was made captain, April 22, 1865. Barney S. Smith, another
sergeant, became captain February 28th, 1865, and was mustered out
of the service as a brevet major, N. Y. V.
The 134th Regiment, of which the three preceding companies
formed a part, participated in the battles of Chancellorville, Gettys-
burg, Missionary Ridge, Knoxville, Atlanta, Resaca, Dallas, Pine
Knob, Lost Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Savannah and Goldsboro.
At the overthrow of the Eleventh Corps, on the afternoon of Satirr-
day. May 3d, at the battle of Chancellorville, the 134th was engaged
in reconnoitering in the enemy's line and did not share in that ter-
rible retreat, but took active part in the battle of the next morning.
Companies A and I of the 134th were raised and credited to Scho-
harie county, yet both contained many Schenectady men. In Com-
pany A, Henry Y. Bradt, first lieutenant, and the names of Garret
Horsfall and Andrew A. Kelly are worthy of mention. In Com-
pany I, Frank Fletcher was captain, and afterwards became chaplain
of the regiment, and was mustered out of the service as brevet
major, N. Y. V. Albert G. Washburn entered this company as first
lieutenant and was promoted to captain. He died in camp, near
Falmouth, Va., January 26th, 1863.
In Company I, Charles A. Ahreets enlisted as orderly sergeant,
and by promotions, earned by gallantry, became adjutant of the
SCHENECTADY SOLDIERS. i8i
134th, July 27tli, 1864. He was killed while acting as assistant
adjutant-general, in the siege of Savannah, December 13th, 1864.
Edwin Forrest enlisted in Company B of the 134th, as first lieu-
tenant, December 2d, 1862. January 30th, 1864, he was made cap-
tain of this company. He died from wounds received at the battle
of Dug Gap, May 20th, 1864.
Thomas Forrest, a brother of Edwin, enlisted as second lieutenant
in Company F, of the 134th, and was promoted to first lieutenant,
March 7th, 1863. He was subsequently made brevet captain, N.
Y. V.
Among the Schenectadians who served with distinction in the
rebellion, whose names have not been previously mentioned, were A.
Y. Carner, Henry Ramsay, Jr., James T. Joslin and A. Barclay
Mitchel. Carner was made quartermaster of the 134th, October,
1862. Ramsay entered this same regiment as a lieutenant and was
also made quartermaster. Joslin and Mitchel entered the service as
lieutenants and were promoted to the rank of captain, Joslin in the
134th and Mitchel in the Eighteenth.
Although the 119th Regiment was raised and organized in New
York city, some of its best and bravest officers came from Schenec-
tady. Indeed its first commanding officer was Col. Elias Peissner,
a son-in-law of the late Prof. Tayler Lewis of Union College. Col.
Peissner was a brave and courageous officer, and after gallantly lead-
ing his regiment in a number of engagements, was killed at the bat-
tle of Chancellorville, May 2d, 1863.
In Company B, of the 119th, Charles F. Lewis, son' of the late
Prof. Lewis, enlisted as second lieutenant, but was promoted in suc-
cession to the rank of first lieutenant, captain and major. Subse-
quently wounded at Chancellorville and brevetted major for gallant
and meritorious service on the field of battle.
In Company D of the 119th, Henry R. Schwerin, another Sche-
nectadian, enlisted as second lieutenant. He was promoted to first
lieutenant April loth, 1863, and was killed at the battle of Chancel-
lorville, May 6, 1863.
The Seventy-seventh Regiment, although organized in Saratoga
13
i82 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
county, contained a number of Schenectady men. In Company H
of this regiment fully a fourth of the number were from this county.
In this company David J. Caw enlisted as first sergeant. His worth
and gallantry secured him rapid promotion. March 21, 1862, he was
commissioned second lieutenant ; September 23, first lieutenant ;
December loth, captain ; December 20th, 1864, major, and four days
after, lieutenant-colonel, with which rank he was mustered out of
the service, June 27th, 1865. July 6th, 1865, for gallant and meri-
torious services, he was commissioned colonel by Governor Morgan.
On the same date, his brother, William E. Caw, who entered Com-
pany H a corporal, received a commission as first lieutenant.
The Seventj'-seventh Regiment, it will be remembered, was a part
of the Sixth Corps, and accompanied the Army of the Potomac
through all its memorable campaigns, participating in the battles of
Yorktown, Williamsburg, Golding's Farm, Savage Station, White
Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Crampton Gap, Antietam, Mary's
Heights, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Rappahannock
Station, Petersburg, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Fort Stevens,
Opequan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek.
In the Second Regiment of Veteran Cavalry, besides Edward Van
Voast and Joseph Strunk, already mentioned, were Charles W. John-
son, Albert Westinghouse and Sherman A. Case. Johnson was pro-
moted from lieutenant to quartermaster. Westinghouse was a
lieutenant in one of the companies of this regiment. He was killed
inaction December loth, 1864. Case, also served as a lieutenant,
and was mustered out of service with this rank November 8th, 1865.
Among the surgeons from Schenectady who entered the service
during the Civil War were : G. W. Van Voast, J. D. Jones, Alfred G.
McDonald and William Hoag. Jones was a surgeon in the Twenty-
second Cavalry, McDonald in the Twelfth Cavalry and Hoag in the
134th Infantry.
J. J. DeForest, a resident of the town of Duanesburgh, was colonel
of the Eighty-first Regiment during the war. He was reared in
Oswego.
The ig2d Regiment was composed principally of men who had
already served one term of enlistment. This regiment was one of
SCHENECTADY SOLDIERS. 183
the last organized during the war, having been mustered in the ser-
vice in the fore part of the year 1865. No less than 133 in this
regiment were from Schenectadj', among whom was the late Soly-
man G. Hamlin, a brave and courageous soldier, who, as has been
previously stated, was promoted to the rank of major in the regi-
ment.
The Eighty-third Regiment for home protection, composed entirely
of companies in the city and county of Schenectady, was formed
April 27th, 1863. It was composed of ten companies, and formed a
part of the Eighteenth Brigade, Fifth Division, when first organized,
but soon after was included in the Thirteenth Brigade, Third
Division. July 23, 1873, it was reduced to a battalion of six com-
panies. It was disbanded January 17th, 1874.
The original oificers of this regiment were : James Fuller, colonel-
Robert Furman, lieutenant-colonel ; John C. Barhydt, major; Vedder
V. Van Patten, adjutant ; L. Dodge, quartermaster ; J. O. Timber-
man, surgeon ; Cornelius Van Santvoord, chaplain.
Robert Furman was made colonel August 6th, 1864, and John
McShea, lieutenant-colonel. Gershom Banker was made major
July 12, 1866. Benjamin F. Sheldon was made adjutant June 20,
1866, and major October 17, 1867. George W. Marlette was made
adjutant January 4, 1868, and major May 27, 1871. John C. Perry
became major December 29, 1869, and lieutenant-colonel May 28,
1869. Michael H. Lamp was made adjutant September 22, 1871,
and Edward H. Vrooman became quartermaster June 14, 1867.
James D. Jones was at one time surgeon and Dennis Wortman, chap-
lain.
After the close of the war, a company composed of army and
navy veterans, called the Soldiers' and Sailors' Union, was formed,
of which Major Rafle Van Burnt was commander. Some time after
this company disbanded and formed the Schenectady Zouave Cadets.
Major Rafle Van Burnt was its first captain. He was succeeded by
Captain Austin A. Yates. This company existed for a number of
years, when its name was changed to William Horsfall Post, No. 14.
A. A. Yates, G. W. Marlette and William G. Caw were commanders
of this company at different periods. The name of this post was
i84 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
subsequently changed to Edwin Forest Post, No. 90. G. W. Tomp-
kins, James F. White, Frederick Eisenminger and James R. Reagles
were at various times commanders of this post. A few years ago
the name of the post was again changed to Post Horsfall No. 9,
which name it still bears. The present commander is Harrison
Stafford.
At present there are but two military companies in Schenectady
under the state militia laws, the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh
Separate Companies, N. G., N. Y.
The Thirty-sixth Company, (Citizens' Corps) was mustered in the
state militia, July 12th, 1880, for a term of five years, with fifty-
seven members. Its first officers were : Austin A. Yates, captain ;
Oscar Shannon, first lieutenant ; George W. Tompkins, second
lieutenant. Its present officers are : Its captaincy is vacant ; George
Crippen, first lieutenant ; A. Wells, second lieutenant. It is com-
posed at the time of writing of about eighty-six members. By the
recent promotion of Captain James M. Andrews to the majorship of
the Second Regiment, in which this is now Company E, it is now
commanded by Lieutenant William M. Purman and Second Lieuten.
ant Charles P. Marlette.
The Thirty-seventh Company (Washington Continentals), was
mustered in the state militia with fifty-one members, at the same
time and for a like period of service as the Thirty-sixth. Its first
officers were : Clinton C. Brown, captain ; Nelson McDonald, first
lieutenant ; Thomas Gregg, second lieutenant. Captain Brown was
succeeded by Captain George W. Marlette. By the death of first
lieutenant Nelson McDonald, Thomas Gregg was made first lieuten-
ant and James H. Vedder, second lieutenant. It is now called Com-
pany F of the Second Regiment. The company is commanded by
Captain Frank Bander ; George Crippen, first lieutenant ; Harrison
Stafford, second lieutenant. As will be seen later, both these com-
panies fought in the Spanish- American war.
A semi-military organization called the Polish Lancers, (no new
military organizations bearing arms are permitted by the Military
Code of the state) was formed. It wears a brilliant and attractive
uniform and carries swords.
■ GEN. SHERMAN'S ENDORSEMENT. 185
A. O. H. Rifle Corps, Company A, Michael E. Keating, captain ;
Michael McDonough, first lieutenant ; D. J. Manning-, second lien-
tenant.
Returning to the war of '61-65, let us give a tribute to Schenec-
tady's dead. There are others who did not enter the service here.
John B. Yates, the great grandson of Christopher Yates, entered
the military service as a captain in the First Michigan Engineer
Corps, rose through the majorship to be its colonel. Of him Gene-
ral Sherman thus wrote : (Copy of Gen. W. T. Sherman's endorse-
ment on Col. John B. Yates' Military History.)
Headquarters, Military Division, Miss.
St. Eouis, June 26th, 1866.
I remember well the First Michigan Engineers and its Colonel
Yates. That regiment had not only to make its marches with the
army, but very often had to work breaking up railroads and building
bridges all day and catch up at night. Its journal of operation dur-
ing the campaign in Georgia and the Carolinas, would illustrate the
absolute limit of man for physical labor. I have sometimes
reproached myself for cruelty in imposing, or allowing to be iinposed,
in such hard and constant labors — and now I desire to say this with
an emphasis that will show at least that I was conscious of the fact.
(Signed) W. T. Sherman,
Major General Commanding.
The Colonel sleeps near his ancestor in the cemetery.
Arthur R. Yates, brother of Colonel Yates above named, and son
of the Rev. John A. Yates, D. D., whose death by cholera in 1849 is
noted heretofore, was born here in 1839, entered the naval academy
at Annapolis on September 24th, 1853. He was graduated in 1857,
and from that year until i860, was in the steamer Mississippi, Asiatic
squadron. From July, i860 to December of the same year, he was
in the steam sloop Brooklyn, Gulf squadron ; December, i860,
to December, 1868, in sloop Cyane, Pacific squadron. He was com-
missioned as lieutenant April 18, 1861. From January, 1864, to
August of the same year, he was in the steamer Augusta. He was a
i86 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
volunteer on board the flagship Hartford at the battle of Mobile Bay
and on the evening of the battle was placed in command of the cap-
tured gunboat Selma. From that time until June, 1867, he was suc-
cessively in command of the Selma, J. P. Jackson and Chocorua of
the Gulf squadron.
He was commissioned as lieutenant-commander on November 16,
1864. From September, 1867, to June, 1868, he was executive offi-
cer of the flagship Piscataqua of the Asiatic squadron. From June,
1868, to July, 1869, he was successively in command of the steamers
Ashuelot and Unadilla, of the same squadron. In 1870-72 he was at
the naval academy.
On February 6th, 1873, he was commissioned as commander, com-
manding the ironclad Manhattan, of the North Atlantic station in
1873. He commanded the receiving ship Sabine at Portsmouth,
1875-76 ; at League Island navy yard, 1877-78 ; commanding the
Alliance, North Atlantic station, 1879-81 ; navy yard, Portsmouth, '
1881-84; commanding training ship New Hampshire, 1884-87.
He was promoted to captain in February, 1884 ; waiting orders
1887-88 ; commanding Pensacola, home station, 1888-90, and at the
navy yard as executive officer in 1890-91 at Portsmouth.
In the report of the battle of Mobile Bay, Admiral Farragut com-
mended him highly for bravery. Before the battle he was lying with
the reserve fleet outside the harbor under Commodore Tom Craver,
who refused him leave to visit Farragut, but he managed to send a
note to the great sailor under whom he had ser^red. The admiral at
once sent for him and made him an aide on the Hartford, where he
fought all through. He died in Portsmouth, where he had married
the daughter of Captain William Dwight. His widow and two
daughters survdve him.
Col. William Jackson, son of Prof. Isaac W. Jackson of Union
College, was a heroic fighter at the first Bull Run. He was a soldier
by nature as had been his father before him, and previous to his tak-
ing command of his regiment, among the first to go. He had been
inspector-general of the state and a man rapidly rising to promi-
nence.
GALLANT SOLDIERS. i87
Colonel Peissner, at the time of his appointment to the command
of the 119th, was a professor at Union. With Carl Schurz, he was a
German refugee, coming here after the Revolution of 1848. In
Schenectady, though driven to humble occupation, his worth was
discovered and became recognized. A graduate of a German univer-
sity, he was a man of splendid education.
His death at Chancellorville was tragically heroic. In the awful
rout of the Eleventh Corps, Lieutenant-colonel Schwerin, Lieutenant,
afterwards Major Charles F. Lewis of this city, in the midst of the
carnage, standing by the colors, tried to rally the flying men. Peiss-
ner and Schwerin were killed and Major Lewis shot through the
arm. Peissner was promoted in death to be brigadier general.
Lewis slowly recovered and returned to his command to serve
through the war. The General's and Schwerm's bodies were sent
back to the Union lines by the Confederate officers who were thrilled
by the heroism of the three men.
Billy Horsfall died a heroic death. He had long been a militia
man wheir he entered the service. He was beloved by his men, who
would have followed him everywhere, as his bravery was conspicuous
from the outset.
Captain Ned Forrest was a surprise. He came from civil life to
the regiment just before its Chancellorville campaign. Some jeal-
ousy was aroused when he joined, but when sick and lame and suf-
fering he hobbled to the Chancelloi-v-ille battle ground and led his
command in fight. Ever after he was the admiration of his men.
He lived two days after his fatal wound at Dug Gap and met the
advent of certain death like a hero.
Lieutenant Lucius Mead, rising from the ranks, had fallen in the
awful slaughter at Gettysburg. He was a superb soldier, loving his
profession. His early death cut short a career that would have been
memorable.
Palmer and Ahreets were sad losses. Both were dare-devils in
bravery. Palmer fell at Gettysburg. Ahreets was surprised by a
sharpshooter on the march to Atlanta.
Just after the outbreak of the war, in the summer of 1861, another
terrific fire broke out in Scheirectady. At the site of the downtown
iS8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
storehouse of Yates & Mynderse, at the foot of Cucumber Alley,
now Front street continued, was situated the broom manufactory of
Otis Smith. A workman was repairing^ the tarred roof. In some
careless way the pitch became ignited on the northwest corner of the
building, and the fire ran down to a pile of dried broom corn brush.
The flames rose at once in tremendous volume and it was about all
the workman could do to get out of the way in time to save his life.
A perfect gale was blowing and the alarm was sounded by the usual
yells and the ringing of the old Dutch bell, followed by those of the
other churches and the tooting of locomotive whistles, which was
all the alarm then used. A tremendous conflagration immediately
resulted, from what an eye witness declares, was the most reckless,
and almost criminally careless, situation that could be conceived of.
Urged by the violence of the northwest wind, the flames swallowed
the dwelling house belonging to Mr. Otis Smith on the corner where
Mr. Whitmyre's handsome house is now situated, cleaned up all on
that side of the street north to the bridge, and south swept away
everything to, and including the house now pccupied by Mrs. John
Barhydt. So rapid and fierce were the flames under the gale that it
was all people could do to escape with their lives. Great clots of
fire swept through the air alighting on roofs all over the town.
Pretty soon there were more citizens on the top of their buildings
than there were inside, for no house in the path of the wind from
Washington Avenue east was safe. The flames crossed the avenue
east and swept every building, from the residence of Hon. J. Teller
Schoolscraft to a vacant lot where now stands the residence of Mr.
William C. Vrooman. Some idea of the danger threatening the
whole city may be obtained from the fact that the present residence
of Counsellor David Dagget, the large handsome building opposite
the armory, was ignited. The five volunteer companies were hard at
work, Albany and Troy were telegraphed to for aid. They promptly
responded and special trains brought engines. Steam engines were
a recent invention. One came over at the rate of a mile a minute
from Troy. It was stationed on Front street connected with one of
the cisterns, where just now cannot be discovered. The stream was
directed against the burning building on the corner of Washington
BURNING OF THE CHURCH. 189
Avenue and Front Street and it was a revelation to see not only the
fire washed out at once, but the walls of the building torn to pieces
by tremendous hydraulic power. There was no water system, only
cisterns scattered here and there, a volunteer fire department that
worked heroically, but lacking the admirable system of Chief En-
gineer Yates and his men of today.
The panic in the city was terrible. Washington Avenue from
State to Union streets, became empty. Barns and houses out of the
apparent path of the fire, were freely opened to shelter the homeless
and terror-stricken people.
In the midst of all the excitement, there was a shout among the
people who had packed every street in the west end of the city.
There was a reef of fire around the clock in the old Dutch church.
People were too busy preserving their homes and staying the progress
of the flames to bother at that time with any church. - The question
between God and mammon was readily settled in the excitement of
the hour, and the church went.
It was a grand sight as the old building went to pieces, and was
viewed with unconcealed joy by the pastor, who had been struggling
and fighting for a new church for years. People rushed through the
windows, because the fire descended, and saved the cushions from the
seats, or stole them, and, with a great crash, the bell, weighing
nearl}' two tons, came down making more noise in death than it ever
did in life. It was a blessing in the disguise of flame, for the present
beautiful edifice quickly rose upon the spot.
In this connection a moment's digression. Preserved from church
to church back to the day of Queen Anne, a deliciously toned bell
weighing 800 pounds, of such penetrating power that it was said to
have been heard on a still Sabbath morning on the Helderberg, had
been the pride and the joy of the congregation. The enormous bell
that fell and melted in the flames had replaced it. Many a citizen
well remembers how melodious and silvery were the tones of the
little 800 pound bell. It might well be silvery because there was an
immense amount of that metal used in its construction.
On a summer morning in 1848, the bell sounded muffled, dull and
unmusical. The sexton went to investigate and the bell was found
igo SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
to be cracked. Why it was not re-cast cannot now be found out.
The writer is unable to find a reason from any of the old inhabi-
tants. It was melted up into little bells for the service of the tea
table and distributed among the congreo^ation, and these little
mementoes are held as of priceless value in many houses in this
city.
The pecuniary damage was heavy, but not so enormous as to cause
any serious loss, except the manufactory of Mr. Smith, which was
one of the largest industries of its kind in the Mohawk valley.
$120,000 would cover the entire loss.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Close of the Nineteenth Century.
The close of the war found the city very lethargic and its growth
was slow. In the early fifties, attention had been attracted to the
fact there was no more room for burials in the city and a cemetery
was demanded. On Green street, running back to Front, and about
200 feet along both streets, was the old Dutch burial ground in a
shamefully neglected condition. There was really no room for more
dead. The coffins in the little family plots had been piled one upon
another. There was no shade or foliage in the desolate place.
Graves had fallen in, making horrible cavities ; mounds had been
heaped up again and again. Tombstones and monuments had been
heaved and tossed in all directions or tumbled over by the action of
the frost and the elements. The subject of a new resting place for
the dead was discussed in the papers.
Far beyond the compact part of the city was a beautiful glen,
that at the early part of tlie century was the best partridge feeding
and homing ground anywhere near here. After long dispute, the
Vale, as it was called and known, was selected. ' It was purchased
THE OLD CEMETERY. 191
by a cemetery association of which the late Edward Rosa was the
moving spirit. The lovely brook was halted into a succession of
miniature lakes and the whole ground laid out and formally opened
and dedicated in 1857.
It was continually enlarged by the purchase of adjacent territory
but not fast enough to meet the demands of death. It has grown
grandly in beauty with a sad increase in population, until the sleepers
in the City of the Dead, that, but for the recent tremendous growth
of the town, would soon outnumber the bustling living in city
beneath. Meanwhile the town has in the tremendous advance of the
last two decades grown all around it and the city is looking around
again for some new territory to people with the fast increasing pro-
cession going to join the great majority. This time it will be far
away for prosperity, so called, will march close behind. But wher-
ever the new dormitory of the forever silent is placed, it will never
equal in loveliness the Vale cemetery of to-day.
In 1857, ^^ the slow advancement of the city, it was decreed that
a new street, the continuation of Tafayette, from Liberty to Union,
should be opened. It was all pasture land, with here and there a
scattered littlfe shop or outbuilding in the way of the improvement.
In excavating and grading for the new. street, midwaj' of the improve-
ment begun, to the astonishuient of everybody, the workmen to turn
up skulls and skeletons, faded remnants of blue and buff cloth, here
and there an old sword and bayonet. About the whole city rushed
to the spot, and the constabulary of the town, and a poor little gang
it was, were called upon to keep the crowd back and restrain the
relic seekers from carrying away ghastly mementoes. The " oldest "
inhabitant was on hand, in fact he was very much in evidence. It
was soon learned that the spot had been occupied as a hospital and
soldier burial ground in the Revolution. The remains, found to be
those of about fifty-seven men, were gathered and given a military
funeral and with patriotic pomp and ceremony, laid away in the
new cemetery.
But a terrible and shocking innovation was on its waj' to just about
break the hearts of the survivors of the dear old Dutch. Holland is
unsurpassed by any nationality on earth in the reverence of its
192 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
people for their dead. The inscription of Shakespeare on his own
gravestone :
'' Good friend for Jesns' sake forbear,
To dig the dust lies buried here,"
was his creed and his love and sentiment stood a fierce guard around
the old Dutch gravej'ard in Green street.
Yet it had to go. The plague spot could no longer be endured.
Its horrible fertility grew hideous weeds ; its suggestive hillocks and
pits were eyesores and heartaches ; it was dark and rank and noi-
some. So it steamed in the hot dews and showers of summer with
miasma atid malaria. Its great mounds heaped t:p over the piled up
coffins beneath, had become so many fortresses behind which disease
crouched, its sunken graves rifle pits from which death levelled an
unseen bullet. At least so said the men of science and science was
beginning to have its way.
The Dutch Church caused a bill to be introduced in the legisla-
ture giving it the power to remove the dead and sell the land. It
was bitterly fought, combatted before committee with wrath and vio-
lence, eloquence, pathos and tears.
But the wrath was unheeded, the eloquence went to pieces against
the wall of horse sense^ and stern necessity, pathos and te^s, heart-
lessly pooh-poohed and the bill passed. Abundant opportunity was
given for the removal of the family dead, provision generously made
for the short, second journey of the unknown, or the bodies of those
whom poverty or indifference threw upon the hands of the carriers
of the dead, and in the fall of 1879 the 5'ard was cleared and the
sleepers, who made no objection all this while, were taken away to
lie with their children, or in the place set apart for them in the State
street side of the cemetery.
A marvellous sight it was to see the dead thus arise. To the
honor of our humanity, be it remembered, that all irreverence was
hushed and the least exhibition of its tendency frowned promptly
down. Burials in the enclosure had been prohibited for many years
and no unpleasant results of exhumation were observable. Families
watched as the spade invaded the shekinah of the dooryards and
PROJECT OF A NEW DEPOT. 193
thresholds of their unforgotten dead. The secrets of the graves,
closed in the morning of one century, to be opened in the afternoon
of the next, were eagerl}' awaited. It was all skeleton. But here
and there a wedding ring, still traceable, often yellow with the truth
of solid gold, coffin plates untraceable but easily restored. . Indians
with beads and traces of wampum and hair well preserved, tied with
the ribbons that loving hands had fastened. So, with the hush of
expectancy, the long breath of surprise sometimes with sobs and
tears, the dead were carefully lifted and borne away to another — it is
hoped, a lasting home.
Almost simultaneously, an assault was made upon the depot.
Negotiations were opened by the promoters of the project for a new
one with the Central authorities who had solicited assistance. The
trouble came over the closing of Liberty street. The railroad author-
ities declared they could not build or accommodate their passengers
unless this was done. The battle was fierce, bitter and long. The
Hon. John W. Veeder was then Member of Assembly. The ordi-
nance passed the common council and a bill permitting the city to
close the street, was introduced in the legislature. The Central sent
a beautiful painting of the proposed structure and its approaches, to
be exhibited in the window of the Wilson Davis store. Before the
building was begun, the common council changed its mind and
called upon Mr. Veeder to withdraw the bill. At the office of A. A.
Yates, who was urging the passage of the measure, there gathered
merchants and men of property representing the business and pos-
session of millions. Mr. Veeder, a man with the courage of his
convictions, did not need the backing but it was welcome, and he
promptly passed the bill and the building arose about as handsome a
structure as any way station on the line. It was thought then
ample enough to meet all possible future contingencies but it is
inadequate at times for the needs of trains in these booming days.
The Hon. J. W. Clute, one of the most fearless and progressive
mayors we have ever had, has been of infinite service in the estab-
lishment of tablets commemorative of scenes in the history of this,
one of the most historic cities of the United States. But a great
oversight has been committed in the failure to mark the site where
194 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
stood the scene of Schenectady's later martyrdom and to place a slab
on the spot of the obliterated ^tigma of the old depot. The new
depot was completed in 1882.
CHAPTER XX.
The New City.
Straightway upon its completion, the city fairly bounded. It
seemed as if the hands of the builders had rolled away a stone from
the sepulchre door and dead progress had come to life. The old
Clute foundry had long ceased to do much of anything, and thus
passed out of the world of business the marine builders whose work
is historic' The more sightly and modern arcade took its place,
Wall street remodeled its business shanties and the Maxons built hand-
somely. The Givens tavern went down, the stately edifice of the
Edison rising grandly in its place. Isha Banker's shop passed out of
memory, and the shabby little restaurant vexed the eye and tortured
the palate no more forever.
Then in 1888, came a corporation, destined to call to Schenectady
the attention of the whole scientific and mechanical world, and in
time, to crowd the city to congestion with the hig-hest grade of
skilled labor and the most eminent men. It was a new motive power,
the science of the lightning.
The Jones Car Works, coming here from Green Island, had failed
and gone into the hands of a receiver. It had built a respectable
plant on the present site of the tremendous works of the General
Electric. Under the direction of the court, its real estate was for
sale. The Hon. John DeRemer, the receiver, obtained an order
from the court for the sale of the property for $45,000. The atten-
tion of the Edison Machine Works of Goerck street. New York City,
was attracted to it and negotiations were entered into. The com-
AN IMMENSE INDUSTRY. 195
pany, then by no means a very large corporation, examined the situ-
ation and were struck with its advantages. Its directors discovered
that they could not get in New York what they needed. Here then,
were railroads and canal connection with all points of the compass,
at the very doors of their shops, and opportunities for experimental
work along the bank of the canal that were unequalled anywhere.
But they would give but $37,500 for the whole outfit. The citizens
took hold of the matter and private and personal subscription soon
made up the $45,000. John Kruesi as general manager, William B.
Turner, familiarly and popularly known as " Pop," William E. Gil-
more, as secretary, took charge of the business. John Kruesi was a
benefaction to Schenectady. While rigidly a business man, he was
considerate and just with his emplo}'ees, warm-hearted and sympa-
thetic, in a remarkable degree. He died here at his post, universally
beloved and regretted. Under the original management, the indus-
try grew, daily increasing its output enormously and bringing work
and workmen to the town till it began to be thronged with new
faces and infused with new blood. A connection was formed with
the Thompson and Houston, an immense plant in Lynn, Mass., and
Orange, New Jersey. The works doubled, Edison himself took Gil-
more away to be his right hand man. "Pop" Turner went to
Chicago on his own hook, and after suffering a terrible affliction in
the loss of a beloved wife, John Kruesi was taken away from us, for
he had become one of us long before he left us.
But his admirable management has continued. The works are
advancing with tremendous speed toward the position of the great-
est manufacturing corporation in America, if not of the world.
But the great corporation three years ago had abundant evidence
of the appreciation of Schenectady. The managers of the new
corporation, known as the General Electric Company, desired to close
the street known as Kruesi avenue. Immediately, on the very com-
mencement of the establishment in this city, gin mills and beer shops
were banked up against doorways and gateways of the works until
the employe could with difficulty leave the scene of his labor for the
rest of his home without stumbling across the threshold of a "joint."
The great manufactory, like all others, to their credit be it spoken,
196 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
does not want temptation too near their men. So it established its
own restaurant inside its own works and wanted to close up the
avenue in the edge of their premises. Besides they needed the land.
Promptly the city, called " Old Dorp," ridiculed for its lack of public
spirit, came to the rescue. Thirty thousand dollars were promptly
raised by subscription, the street purchased and given to the General
Electric, the gift guarded only by the proviso that if the plant
removed the property was to revert to the subscribers to the fund-
The corporation is showing its appreciation of the generosity of this
people. It has contributed $15,000 to the new library and it is to do
still more when the occasion comes.
Meanwhile, this is the status of the General Electric at this time.
Before the publication of this work, these figures will be greatly
increased. A large office building is in course of erection which will
cost in the neighborhood of $200,000, and when finished will be the
largest office building in the world. As an evidence of the mon-
strous increase of their business we give the following figures :
January 31st, 1897, $11,170,319
" 1898, 14,431,342
" " 1899, - - - - - 17,431,327
" " 1900, 26,323,626
" 1901, 27,969,541
Of which the Schenectady works received sixty per cent.
The total number of employes in April, 1901, were as follows :
In the office, managers and clerks, 496; drairghtsmeu, 386; employees,
6,769 ; total, 7,651. Their pay roll is $100,000 a week.
Since writing the above, the employees have increased in number
to over 10,000, and a million and a half dollars worth of new build-
ings are under contract, while the present pay roll amounts to nearly
$150,000, and the end is not yet. The city increases so rapidly that
the writer cannot keep up with it.
But giving employment to this vast multitude is not their only
benefaction. Before that bluff and outspoken, but able manager,
William B. Turner left, he built us a street railroad, extending at
first from Brandywine Avenue to the end of Campbell Avenue in
THE LOCOMOTIVE WORKS. 197
Bellevue. It was opened with speeches in the park in 1887. The
drivers and conductors were green, the horses new to the business.
The horses tried to run away but could not, the weight was too
great. The drivers could not hold them and the cars more than
once were dragged from the tracks and bounded over the cobbles-
Unused to the sight, runaways were common. But the people
cheered and the road settled down to business, staggering along for
some years, until to-day. Engineer Fraser, one of the most indefatiga-
ble and capable railroad managers in the country, is gridironing the
city with a system of electric railway that for convenience, comfort
and elegance of equipment is unsurpassed in the state.
Meanwhile, the Schenectady Locomotive Works, that right bower
of Schenectady for half a century, that in adverse hard times has
kept its men at work with heavy loss, has also immensely increased
its output. It is employing about 8,000 men, more heads of families,
and owners of homes than any other local corporation. It is, in
addition to its immense establishment, building the largest shop in
the United States. Its machinery is a wonder, its appliances the
last triumphs of modern invention, its locomotives pounding the
iron all over the round earth, and being turned out at the rate of one
and a half a day.
The effect of all this on the Ancient City is marvellous. The
census of 1890 showed 19,000 population ; of 1900 nearly 32,000.
The letters received and sent from the post office are four times as
many as in President Arthur's time. The mail matter of the Gene-
ral Electric alone is larger than that of the whole city in 1880 and
that of Wallis T. Hanson & Co., is as large as that of the former.
Mont Pleasant, Edison Park, Villa Road, Bellevue, Scotia and the
General Electric itself, are now within the city limits. It is safe to
say that nearly 60,000 people live within reach of the postal facilities
of the city. The police census of the city in 1902 gives within a
few hundreds of 50,000 population. It is an astounding progress.
It is indeed an " Electric City."
As an instance of the marvellous growth of the city, the beautiful
grove directly east of Union College land, through which have ram-
14
198 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
bled the sons of Union, whose names have since gone around the
world, has been purchased by the Schenectady Realty Co. Fifteen
years ago the city had scarcely reached the College ground, and here
is a new village, begun less than two years before the publication of
this work, covering many acres of land laid out by the best of land-
scape engineers. Decorated with the finest architecture it has cre-
ated a suburban village, equal in extent and population to the size
of the hamlet in the seventeenth century.
CHAPTER XXI.
Police.
In the early history of Schenectady, before it was incorporated as
a city, it devolved upon the justices of the peace, appointed by the
governor, to see that peace and order M^ere maintained, and they had
power to appoint certain persons whose duty it was to arrest and
report to the justices all offenders against the laws.
In 1788, a law was passed by the legislature giving the justices of
the peace authority to appoint six night watchmen and an officer
from the citizens residing in the township of Schenectady south-
ward from the Mohawk river and not more than three-quarters of a
mile from the Dutch church. These persons so selected were
required to keep watch and guard in their turn in such manner and
time as the jiistices directed. Only one watchman was on duty at a
time. The justices prescribed the rules and regulations to govern
the watchmen, and a fine was imposed on any officer neglecting his
duty. This was the first regular police service instituted at Sche-
nectady.
This manner of appointing night watchmen was repealed when
the charter of Schenectady was adopted.
POLICE DEPARTMENT. 199
In the act incorporating the city of Schenectady, passed March
26th, 1798, the common conncil was given power to designate the
number of constables to be elected in each ward. From, and up to
the present date, one constable was elected in each ward, and to them
was given the same powers in criminal actions now possessed by the
policemen. There was no regular salary attached to this office.
The only pay received for services consisted of regularly prescribed
fees.
June 17th, 1817, the number of night watchmen was increased to
eight. They were appointed by the common council and were
placed under the direction of two superintendents, also appointed by
the common council. The superintendents had entire supervision of
the watchmen, prescribing the rules and regulations governing them
and the time each should serve. Only two watchmen were on duty
at a time. When on patrol, the watchmen carried a staff five feet
long, and were obliged to be on duty from nine o'clock in the even-
ing until daybreak. At every hour of the night, they announced, in
an audible voice, the time. These officers were required to main-
tain the peace and see that the laws were enforced and obeyed. A
watchhouse was provided for the imprisonment of all offenders
against the law.
March loth, 1815, a law was passed by the legislature, creating a
board of magistrates, consisting of two men selected by the common
council from the aldermen or justices of the peace, who were empow-
ered to attend to the relief of the poor and to punish petty offenses
committed within the city limits. They were required to receive
the report of the night watchmen every morning and to proceed to
the examination of all persons apprehended by the watchmen. The
common council selected one or more constables, called police con-
stables, who were required to serve all warrants, summonses and pro-
cesses by the board of magistrates. These constables were expected
to arrest and report all offenders against the laws and ordinances of
the city, and bring such persons for trial before the board, which had
jurisdiction similar to the present police justices. The magistrates
were allowed an annual salary of one hundred and fifty dollars, and
the constables fifty dollars.
20O SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
About 1830 a liigh constable was chosen by the common council,
pursuant to an act of the legislature. He represented the entire
city, and had jurisdiction over criminal matters such as is now exer-
cised by the chief of police. His term of office was limited to one
year. The high constable and ward constables continued to exercise
their police powers in the maintenance of peace and order until the
Capital police force was organized in 1867.
March 28th, 1842, the office of police justice was created by an
act of the legislature, which provided that the board of supervisors
should appoint one of the justices of the peace of the city to attend to
complaints, examinations and trials of a criminal nature. April ist,
of the following year, another act of the legislature was passed, pro-
viding that the police justice should be appointed by the governor,
with the consent of the senate, and that his terms of office should
be for three years. March 31st, 1848, another act was passed pro-
viding that the office of police justice, high constable and four jus-
tices of the peace should be elective oificers. The term of police
justice was extended to four years and that of high constable and
justices of the peace to three years.
April 22, 1865, a law was passed by the legislature creating the
city of Albany and the several adjoining towns a district known as
the Capital police district of the State of New York. This act pro-
vided that three commissioners and two advisory commissioners of
Capital police should be appointed by the governor, with the consent
of the senate. To these commissioners, called a police board, was
intrusted the appointment of superintendents, captains, sergeants
and patrolmen, and had the entire supervision of all matters relating
to the police government of the district. April 10, 1866, by an act
of the legislature, the Capital police district was extended so as to
embrace the city of Schenectady, which city was limited to the ser-
vice of seven patrolmen, at an annual salary of $500 each, to be
paid out of the contributions of the city to the Capital police fund.
A. W. Hunter of this city, was appointed police commissioner for
the city.
It seems that the passage of this act was not done in response to
the wishes of the people of this city, for the following year the
POLICE. DEPARTMENT. 201
board of supervisors passed a resolution condemning the passage of
the act, and asking for its appeal. But nothing was done in this
direction beyond remonstrating against it, and this s^^stem of police
protection remained in force till the passage of the act to organize
and establish a police for the city of Schenectady, April 15th, 1870.
The passage of this act provided for the election of two police
commissioners by the people, who, in conjunction with the mayor,
should constitute a police board, having the general charge of all
matters pertaining to the police force. These commissioners are
elected for two years, and perform their duties without compensation.
The act creating them provides that they shall select not more than
ten policemen, whose term of service shall continue during good
behavior and capacity to perform the duties required. The pay of
policemen is fixed by the commissioners, and cannot be less than
$500 nor more than $800 per annum. A chief of police and an
assistant chief are selected from the ten members composing the
force by the board. The chief of police, under the direction of the
board, is the chief executive officer of the police department, and is
obliged to keep a book of records of proceedings in his department,
and all the services rendered by himself and the several policemen.
During the absence of the police justice, the chief possesses the
power of that officer to entertain complaints for criminal offences,
and to issue warrants for the arrest of persons charged with criminal
actions. The salary of the chief of police is fixed by the police
board, when approved by the common council, and cannot be less'
than $500 nor more than $1,200 per year.
The present police commissioners are : Mayor Horace Van Voast,
Merritt Hammond and Fred D. Cherry ; chief of police, William D-
Campbell.
When the first police force was organized under the Capital Police
system, the city furnished a station house in Wall street, near Devine's
hotel. Here were provided suitable cells for the confinement of
prisoners until final disposition was made of them before the police
justice. A police court was arranged on the second floor, over the
police station.
202 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
This building was used for this purpose until the completion of
the present city hall, a present from the Hon. William K. Teller, in
1881. Here commodious apartments are provided for police court,
police justices' offices, office of chief of police, sleeping apartments
for patrolmen and cells for the confinement of prisoners. -
Frederick Eisenminger, police justice, was appointed by the com-
mon council. May 2, 1882, and elected to the same office for four
years, in April, 1883. He is chairman of the board of magistrates
to distribute relief to the poor. He has held office ever since.
William L. Campbell, chief of police, has been a police officer
here since August 3, 1869. He has served the city faithfully, and
from the accounts kept in his office, records back to 1798 can be
traced. He is still in office.
CHAPTER XXII.
The Fire Department.
Before Schenectady was incorporated as a city, the means for the
extinguishment of fires were limited to the use of leather buckets.
Each dwelling was supplied with as many as the authorities pre-
scribed. Every able-bodied citizen, in case of fire, was obliged to
render all the assistance within his power, and any refusal so to do
was an offense against the safety of the inhabitants, deemed worthy
of a fine, and, in certain cases, imprisonment. The first law passed
by the legislature, relating to protection from fires in Schenectady,
was on March i, 1788. This act provided that the justices of the
peace should select from the inhabitants living south of the Mohawk
river, and not more than three-quarters of a mile from the Dutch
church, twenty able-bodied citizens to act as firemen, such persons to
have the care and management of all fire apparatus and to render
assistance at fires. The justices made and established the rules
FIRE DEPARTMENT. 203
and regulations governing the firemen, and had power to remove
any fireman for disobeying them. The persons appointed under this
act probably constituted the first regular fire company ever organ-
ized in this city.
The first date we find any reference made to fire engines was in
1797. September nth of this year, the trustees of Schenectady, at
a regular meeting, directed by resolution, that a letter be sent to
Alexander EHice, London, England, directing him to purchase two
fire engines, one large one at a cost of one hundred and twenty
guineas, and a small house engine at a cost of twenty guineas. These
engines were soon after obtained and iised for many years. They
were operated by hand and were small and crude affairs even com-
pared with the hand engines used at a later date. The larger of
these two engines was about eight or ten feet in length, between
three and four feet wide, and stood three feet high. The condensing
case, inclosing the works, was placed in the center of the machine,
considerably higher than the main portion of the case. On the top
was an elbow or " goose neck," to which, when the engine was at
work, was attached a pipe, through which the stream of water was
directed upon the flames. As this engine had no suction, it was sup-
plied by means of buckets, the water being drawn from neighboring
wells, carried to and emptied into the engine through an aperture in
the side of the box, so as not to interfere with the working of the
engine. This box held many gallons of water. The arms or pump-
ing handles were placed fore and aft, working lengthwise of the box,
the bows striking on the ends ; and, when full manned, four men
could work on each arm, making eight in all. Such were the.
engines in use at this time, which were considered instruments of
utility and beauty.
When Schenectady was incorporated as a city, there were two fire
companies, the members of which were appointed by the mayor and
common council. At this period, and for a number of 3-ears after,
it was a duty incumbent upon the mayor and aldermen to attend fires
and give personal supervision to the work of the firemen. Indeed,
at this time, the city magistrates performed the same services in later
years delegated to the chief engineer and his assistants.
204 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
May 1 2th, 1798, an ordinance was passed by the common council,
which provided that two persons should be appointed for each ward,
called inspectors, who were required at certain times in each month
to inspect the dwellings in their respective wards and ascertain if
proper precaution was taken to guard against fire, and to make a
report to the aldermen of the condition of the buildings in the ward
as to their safety from fire. This ordinance contained many regu-
lations respecting the necessary things to be done by property owners
for the prevention of fires, and any citizen whose dwelling did not
comply with these regulations, who was reported by the inspectors, had
a limited time to remedy such defect. If he failed to do so he was
fined.
In 1798 a company was organized called the Fire Bag Company.
To this company was principally entrusted the work of removing
personal property from buildings exposed to danger by fire, to places
of safety. Such property, when removed, they were expected to
guard and protect from loss by thieves until it should be taken care
of by the owners. This company consisted of twenty-one members.
The first members were : David Tomlinson, Jeremiah Van Rens-
selaer, Gilbert R. Livingston, James Murdoch, Jonathan Walton,
George Leslie, William N. Lighthall, Dorcey Jones, James I. Hoyt,
William J. Teller, Lawrence Van Baskerk, Dow Clute, James Ander-
son, Robert Wendell, Samuel Thorn, Luther Halsey, James Adair,
Andrew M. Parian, Abraham Van Ingen, Henry Yates, Jr., William
Corlett.
In 1798 the fire limits were defined as extending one mile due
north from the northwest corner of Union College building, thence
due west one mile, thence south two miles, thence east two miles,
thence north two miles, thence east two miles, thence north two
miles, thence west to the place of beginning, two miles.
The charter of the city of Schenectady, as amended April 2, 1813,
provided that not more than eighty able-bodied freeholders should be
selected by the common council from the two wards of the city
to act as firemen, who should have the care and management of the
engines and tools provided for the extinguishment of fires, which
persons were to be called the firemen of the city of Schenectady.
FIRE DEPARTMENT. 205
The fire district at tliis time extended from the south side of the
Mohawk river, and not more than three-quarters of a mile from the
site of the present First Reformed Dutch Church.
The first hook and ladder company was formed in 1814, and con-
sisted of ten members. This company was provided with the
necessary apparatus by the city and was under the supervision of a
captain and an assistant appointed by the common council.
In 1814 a company was organized called the Ax Men. It con-
sisted of two members under the same supervision as the hook and
ladder company. Each man was provided with an ax, and expected
to cut down fences and buildings where necessary to check the
spread of fire.
The first superintendent of firemen was appointed in 1814. To
this officer was not only intrusted the general supervision of the fire-
men at fires, but he was required to see that the engines and all other
apparatus were kept in proper working order. His duties were some-
what similar to those imposed upon the present chief engineer.
In 1815 there were four fire companies in the city, exclusive of the
hook and ladder and ax men. They were designated as Nos. i, 2, 3
and 4. Company No. i had quarters near the present stores of John
Clement ; No. 2 near the corner of Front and Ferry streets ; No. 3
a few doors below the residence of the late Edward Walker, on
Liberty street ; No. 4. near the location of the present John J. Camp-
bell Hose house. Each one of these companies had fire engines at
this date. The engine purchased in England in 1797, was still in
use, and the other engines though larger, were similar in construc-
tion.
The laws of the city were very strict in regard to the duty of citi-
zens at time of a fire in these days. Every able-bodied citizen was
pressed into service, and it was no uncommon sight to see a line of '
men nearly a quarter of a mile long, standing in a close line, reach-
ing from the nearest point where water could be obtained, to the
engine, passing buckets of water from one to the other, to supply
the engine with water. Even women at times, were engaged in this
work. A fine was imposed on any citizen who refused to perform
such work when requested to do so by the city magistrate.
2o6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
From pictures of the larger engines used at this date, we see
simply a long tank or box placed upon wheels. On each side of the
tank was a long arm or handle extending the entire length of the
tank, which worked on the principle of a pump-handle. At a time
of fire this engine was drawn as near as possible to the scene of
destruction, the tank was filled with water, and then, by means
of the pump, the water was forced from the tank through a hose.
About thirty men could work at the pump of the largest engines.
Although there was much labor, requiring a large force of men,
attending the use of these early engines, they did good service and
prevented any extensive conflagration until the year 1819, when, not-
withstanding the most strenuous efforts of our firemen, spoken of at that
time in the most praiseworthy manner, the entire lower portion of
our city was destroyed.
The Teapot. — There are those living who can remember the
small engine used at this date (1815), and for many years after, by
the members of Company No. 3. It was a small engine, called the
"Teapot," on account of its appearance. It was simply a tank,
with a pump attached, capable of being carried when full of water
by four men. It was of great service at a fire, often being carried
into a burning building and doing excellent work where the larger
engines could not be used. This engine was used for many years.
Double Deck Engine. — In 1825 the common council purchased
the first double deck engine ever used in this city. It was given in
charge of Company 4, and was something of a wonder at this time.
It was purchased from a firm in Philadelphia. It was larger than
the other engines in use in the city, but worked on the same princi-
ple. The two decks made it possible for more men to work at the
pumps, and thus more force was given the water. Some of the fire-
men of this period who are now living, claim that this engine could
throw a stream of water even higher than the modern steam engines.
Fire Wardens. — In .1825 ^^'^ ^re wardens were appointed, who
had supervision over the buildings erected in the fire district, as to
the regulations to be observed under the laws of the city relating to
safety from fires. The first fire wardens were : Isaac S. Miller, Ben-
FIRE DEPARTMENT. 207
jamin M. Mumford, John Van Voast, Nicholas Van Vranken and
George McQueen.
Incorporation of the Fire Department of the City. — April 21st,
1828, a law was passed by the legislature constituting all persons
belonging to the several fire companies a body politic, under the
name of " The Fire Department of the City of Schenectady." This
act provided that each company of firemen should choose two repre-
sentatives, who should select a president and vice-president, and oi;t of
the whole body of firemen, three trustees, a treasurer, secretary and
a collector. The first representatives were George McQueen, John
Van Voast, Richard F. Ward, Myndert Van Guysling, Cornelius L.
Barhydt, Henry Peek, Robert Osborne and Peter Bradt. The first
president was George McQueen ; the first ^vice-president, John Van
Voast ; the first trustees, Joseph Mynderse, Jacob DeForest, Jr., and
Harmanus W. Peek ; the first secretary, Joseph Mynderse, and the
first collector, Richard F. Ward.
The ^ustees managed the affairs and disposed of the funds of the
corporation according to the by-laws, rules and regulations of the
corporation. By this act, the time of incorporation was extended to
April 1st, 1848, and the firemen were granted all the rights and priv-
ileges then extended by law to the firemen of the city of New York.
First Hose Company. — In 1830 the first hose company was formed
for the purpose of attending to the hose of the fire companies, but in
1834 it was disbanded and converted into a supply company of
twelve members. The members of this company were expected to
supply the engines with water, but, a few years later, the purchase of
suction engines did away with this work, and the company was
disbanded.
The First Suction Engine. — About the year 1836 three suction
engines were purchased by the city for the use of the fire depart-
ment. Two were called the Seeley engines ; the other was known
as the Button engine. Both were constructed at Rochester.
These engines were a great improvement over those heretofore
used by the firemen. They were hand engines, but did away with
the laborious and difficult task of supplying the engines with water
by the use of buckets.
2o8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY:, ITS HISTORY.
The first three engines bought were given to Companies Nos i, 3 and
4. A few years later a similar engine was purchased for Company
No. 3. These engines were successfully used until the steam engines
came into general use many years after.
The First Chief Engineer. — September i6th, 1836, the common
council passed a law creating the office of chief engineer of the fire
department. In December of the same year the offices of first and
second engineers were created.
The first chief engineer was Richard F. Ward. The first assistant
engineers were John C. Burnham and James F. Van Horn.
These officers were subject to the direction of the fire wardens,
but the firemen received their orders through the chief and his assis-
tants. September 2, 1846, the chief and his assistants were given
exclusive authority to direct the action of all firemen.
Act of Incorporation of 1862. — April 2, 1862, an act was passed
by the legislature incorporating all persons belonging to the several
fire companies in a body politic, by the title of " The Fire Depart-
ment of the City of Schenectady," for the term of thirty years.
With a few changes, this act is similar to the act of incorporation of
1828.
First Steam Fire Engine. — The first steam fire engine was pur-
chased at Portland, Maine, by the city, February 14th, 1864, for
$5,000, but was not ' received and accepted until the following year.
It was named the A. W. Hunter engine, in honor of the presiding
mayor at that time. It was placed in engine house No. 4, upon its
arrival, and is still used for the extinguishment of fires. The first
engineer was John Schermerhorn ; assistant engineer, Jeremiah Ten-
broeck ; fireman, Vedder Peters. The salary of the fireman was
fixed at $500 a year, and that of the engineer at $100. In 1867
another steam fire engine was purchased for No. 3 engine house,
called the Andrew McMuUen steamer, and in 1869, a steamer for
No. I engine house, called the A. A. Van Voast. Thomas Carroll
was appointed engineer of steamer No. 3, and John J. Hart for
steamer No. i.
These three steamers were used until the year 1872, when the
completion of the Schenectady water works, and the arrangements
FIRE DEPARTMENT. 209
made with this company for supplying the city with water for the
extinguishment of fires, made their use unnecessary. Steamers
Andrew McMullen and A. A. Van Voast were withdrawn from ser-
vice immediately and subsequently sold. Steamer No. i (A. W.
Hunter), was retained and is still used.
In 1872, in consequence of the adoption of the new system of fire
protection, the entire fire department was reorganized by the com-
mon council. Companies Nos. i, 3 and 4 were disbanded, but soon
after reorganized. Company No. i, which retained the steamer A.
W. Hunter, was the first to be enrolled. Companies Nos. 3 and 4
were soon after reorganized as hose companies. A hose depot was
established this year in the building used by Company No. i. and
has been used ever since for such purpose.
Superintendent of Hose. — In 1872 the office of superintendent of
hose was established. James W. Clute was the first superintendent
appointed. The present incumbent is John H. Shaffer. This
oflScer is obliged to inspect, and keep all the hose used by the
department in serviceable condition, to keep the steamer in running
order, and to accompany and regulate it when its use is required.
The history of the volunteer fire department, from the incorpora-
tion of this city to the present time, has ever been a credit to the
city and an honor to the men who composed it.
Schenectady has been remarkably free from any extensive con-
flagration in many years, and credit for this fact can be attributed
solely to the self-sacrificing spirit, intelligent labor and praiseworthy
exertions of its firemen. The present efficient force has been ever
ready to respond to the call of duty, and by zealous united efforts
has saved much valuable property.
History of the different fire companies. — The first year from which
we can get a connected history of the different fire companies
organized in this city is 1824.
Following will be found the history of each company since 1824
not previously mentioned, down to the present time :
Company No. i. — From 1824 to 1858, when it was disbanded, this
company was known simply as Engine Company No. i. It was
reorganized in 1858 with twenty members, under the name of Protec-
210 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
tioti Hose Company No. i, and- retained this name until it was dis-
banded, by order of the common council, September 24th, 1872. It
was reorganized with twenty-eight members September 27, 1876, as
Ellis Hose Company No. i. It disbanded May 2, 1886, but reor-
ganized two days from this date as Protection Hose Company No. i.
This company is still in existence.
Company No. 2.— From 1824 to May 16, 1855, this company was
known as Engine Company No. 2. It was reorganized March 4,
1857, as the Deluge Company No. 2. It subsequently disbanded
and did not reorganize until 1873, when it assumed the name of Van
Vranken Hose Company.
Company No. 3. — This company, from 1824 to 1835, when it was
disbanded,was called Engine Company No. 3. March i8th,i835, it was
reorganized, but a few years after disbanded. March 3, 1857, it was
reorganized as Niagara Company, No. 3, which name it retained to
October 9, 1867, when it was reorganized with twenty-seven mem-
bers, as Rosa Hose Company No. 3. It was disbanded by the com-
mon council, September 24th, 1872, and reorganized with thirty-
three members, January loth, 1876, as the Cain Hose Company No. 3.
It disbanded Septeiuber i6th, 1879, ^^■'^ reorganized October 14th,
1879, ^s Neptune Hose Company No. 3.
Company No. 4. — From 1824 to December 15th, 1847, this com-
pany was known as Engine Company No. 4. It was disbanded in
1847, ^^d reorganized January ist, 1848, and again disbanded May
2, 1856. It was reorganized August i6th, 1856. October 6th, 1857,
the name was changed to Neptune Hose Company No. 4. June i6th)
1867, it was reorganized with twenty-eight members, as the Hatha-
way Hose Company No. 4. September 24th, 1872, it wasdisbanded
by the common council, but immediately reorganized with nineteen
members, as the Stanford Hose Company. May 3d, 1876, it was
again disbanded, and reorganized with twenty-five members, June
13th, 1876, as the J. D. Campbell Hose Company.
Company No. 5. — This company was organized with thirty-six
members, November i8th, 1835. It at one time was the Mohawk
Hose Company. August 28th, i860, it was disbanded, and not reor-
FIRE DEPARTMENT. 211
gaiiized until July 21st, 1876, when it was called the E. W. Paige
Hose Company.
Company No. 6. — This company was organized with forty-eight
members, November 20th, 1838, and existed for many years, when it
was disbanded. January 14th, 1878, it was reorganized with thirty
members, as the J. S. Myers Hose Company. It disbanded in
1881, and reorganized March 13th, 1884, with nineteen members, as
the Elmer Ellis Hose Company.
Ax, Hook and Ladder Company. — The first ax, hook and ladder
company was organized in 18 14, and continued to exist until dis-
banded, June 5th, 1856, but was reorganized on the same date. It
was disbanded August 17th, i860.
July 8th, 1862, Hook and Ladder Company No. i was organized
with fifty-five members, and continued in the service to December
24th, 1867, when it was disbanded, since which time another com-
pany has been reorganized and is now existing.
F'ire Guards. — A company called the Fire Guards was organized
September 6th, 1836, from the supply company, which disbanded at
that time. The Fire Guards disbanded Airgust 5th, 1845, ^^^^ have
never been reorganized.
Eagle Hose Company. — A company called the Eagle Hose Com-
pany was organized from the members of the Fire Guards, August
5th, 1845. It was disbanded Jamrary 4th, 1851, and has never been
reorganized.
Following is a list of Chief Engineers of the fire department since
1862 : James Babcock, Patrick Kelly (three terms); Thomas H.
Kennedy, Edward Ellis (four terms) ; William E. Walker (two terms);
Ezra McCue, Francis Cain (four terms); George B. Swartfigure,
Martin Eagan, William J. Anthony, Arden W. Weller, John A.
Vedder.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CHAPTER XXIII.
The Fight For Water.
Schenectady is fringed and honey-combed with springs. Until
about twenty years ago, creeks of pure water oozed out under the banks
along the base of Prospect Hill. This hill is now being levelled and
sold as a sand heap and disappearing under the names of East Liberty,
L,andon Terrace, Prospect street and some other new streets under
process of development. A hydraulic ram fed by a large spring fur-
nished water for Union College as long ago as 1848. It was imme-
diately in the rear of the Schenectady Brewing Go's plant and gave
a generous supply. Under the bank below Veeder avenue, along
South Center street, the earth was once honey-combed with springs
and it is a damp country yet.
As long ago as May 7th, 1799, a firm composed of Wright Tryar,
James Case and Oliver Bull, obtained consent from the common
council to supply the city with water by aqueducts if they could get
consent of the owners, the works to be at the disposal of the com-
mon council should they be needed. Nothing seems to have been
done under this resolution.
On July 6th of the same year, the common council passed the fol-
lowing resolution :
Resolved, That Henry R. Teller, Richard Rosa and Remsen R.
Teller be permitted to lead the water works through any of the city
lands from a certain spring which heads at the road leading to Gerrit
S. Veeder's, upon condition that this board shall have the use of the
tubes to be made use of by them in case they should at any time be
necessary for the purpose of conducting water to the city for public
uses ; the said persons, however, in such cases, to have the use of
the water so to be conducted to the city, in common with other citi-
zens. Adopted.
No trace of the works can be found.
^-U' i,j S C- ■'■'■■M'l^-^J SS.-.j//';''
FIGHT FOR WATER. 213
Subsequently, about the year 1836, Jabez Ward, a well known and
much respected citizen, established a system of water delivery by
tapping springs along Veeder avenue and the base of the hills there.
The water was conducted by the gravity system through wooden logs
which were of white pine and about one foot in diameter. The
water was conveyed through a bore of not much more than two or
three inches in diameter. It went to State street, down through
State to Washington avenue with a branch at Ferry street, thence
into Union. It seems also to have been made from Ferry to Front.
Any quantity of these logs were taken up at the building of the
water works by the Stanford Company in 1885. The tubes or logs
were connected by cylinders of iron of an ingenious construction ;
plenty of them are in possession of many citizens now. It was a
very scant supply and accommodated but a small territory. It was a
private enterprise and probably abandoned because it did not pay.
Many of the logs are in use in the cemetery to hold the bank where
support is needed. The work about the Potter tomb is upheld by
them.
No other efforts seem, from all we can learn, to have been made
for a regular city supply, until the late Senator Stanford organized a
company to supply the city with water. He began operations in
1872. His plan was to take water directly from the river, not a
good source then, but far better than now, when the river, in open
and flagrant violation of the law, is an open sewer for all the manu-
factories from Utica down. He built the present power house at the
foot of Front street, supplying it by the use of Holly engines. The
city was piped, hydrants established at the corners of the streets and
the water beean to flow. But the Senator had trouble from the start.
Sand, silt and grit of all kinds cut the machinery, causing stoppages,
delays and no end of trouble. So an intake was built at the east
end of the second pier of the old bridge. The water there is very
deep, about twenty-six feet. The pipes leaked, and, still persevering,
a new intake was built on piles where it now remains in use in times
of emergency in front of Mr. Yates' boat house. Schenectady,
meanwhile, had obtained possession of the plant.
15
214 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
But the water was foul, in freshets too muddy even for the bath,
and the city frantically struggled for pure water. For years, Cow-
horn Creek, running from the cemetery westward under Lafayette,
Barrett and White (now Clinton), and under State, through the
lower bouwery to the river, had been a horror. Investigation had
long shown that a dead line ran along its bank, within which pesti-
lence did its fiercest work, and where typhoid fever held a terrible
dominion. All efforts to prevent sewage into its open stream failed,
and the city began to get a bad name. On the fiats, south of the
city, it was joined by the creeks from Schermerhorn's and Veeder's
ponds. The culvert under the canal became clogged. Assembly-
man Yates succeeded in passing a bill in the legislature by which
the state opened the culvert and diverged the streams in a direct
line to the Mohawk. It was a tremendous relief, but the malarious
swamps still existed south of the -city along between the banks of
the D. & H., and the N. Y. C. R. R.
Meanwhile, the sewage of the city increased, and the mains lead-
ing to the Mohawk below the " poor pasture " were built in a day
when no srich monstrous growth was expected, and the town had to
be dug up again.
The chemists and doctors were getting in fine work all these
years and sounding the tocsin of alarm. And they were right.
Less than a quarter of a century ago this city was in a deplorable
condition. Rigid ordinances were passed compelhng connection
with the city mains in all new buildings, removing all pestiferous
outhouses, closing up bacterial and baccilic wells. And all united
in denouncing the vileness of the water supply.
The " city fathers " did their best. They made every effort to
obey the demands of the Board of Health, of which the late Dr.
Van Zandt, the present Dr. W. T. Clute and Livingston Swits were
and are such efficient members.
The search for better water began. An attempt had been made
by Senator Stanford to build wells at the foot of Ferry street, under
the power house. It failed. Then great wells were dug opposite on
the Glenville side. These were abandoned because the water was
not there.
FIGHT FOR WATER. 215
Then the city went to the head of Van Slyck's Island at the con-
flnence of the Frog Alley and the main river, and began a plan of
building wells there and established the power station on the south
side of the canal. The wells were dug and the water tested. The
water supply was still insufficient and the beautiful pond in Scotia,
known as Sander's L,ake, was harnessed into service to see if it could
not help the town, which began by this time to be pretty dry. The
water was known to be of exceeding purity, in fact one vast spring,
and fed by others all around its edge. A dam was built across its
outlet and a steam pump set at work to test the capacity of the sup-
ply. After two weeks' steady pumping, the lake was reduced three
feet in depth and the surrounding springs were rivulets of magni-
ficent, but insufficient water pouring from an elevation where the
receding waters had left them, and despair began to settle down on
the hydraulic engineers. The people were getting fretful and impa.
tient with what was called a monstrous waste of money in mere
experiments. Thompson Lake, Warner's Lake in the Heidleberghs,
Marie Lake and Mariaville Pond in Duanesburgh and even Ballston
Lake were suggested and measurements and estimates made. The
streams running out from every one of the sources of supply were
found inadequate.
All this time the Hon. Simon Schermerhorn and other prominent
citizens of Rotterdam, who knew the lay of the land and the waters
under the earth, had been insisting that the hillside back of the first
and second locks No. 21,622 was a watershed of sufficient volume to
supply all the city needed and give as good and pure water as could
be found on earth.
So wells were dug and relief came at last. Magnificent water in
abundance, from a source that seemed to be an underground river,
was discovered by George Ingersol, the present superintendent. To
his indefatigable efforts Schenectady owes as much as to any other
man. He was in the business of discovery from the very beginning,
and was given charge of the work. The present water station and
power house in Rotterdam were built, water led two and one-half
miles into town and the first power house retained for an emergency.
The creeks have been arched and culverted, the New York Cen-
2i6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
tral completing the work by burying- them beneath its new freight
houses. Schenectady is to-day one of the healthiest cities in the
state. It is an astonishing fact, but absolutely true, that while we
use the water of Rotterdam, the city is positively free from typhoid
fever. When an emergency arising from accident, drives us to a few
hours use of the river water, typhoid appears. In every instance,
and they have been very few, this fact has been demonstrated.
The water is of surpassing clearness and purity, decidedly blue in
shade, while the river water is yellow. Its temperature is 46° Fahr.
all the year around, a trifle hard for the toilet and laundry but fully
available, and the finest table water east of the Alleghanies.
Its present supply is 8,826,000 gallons per twentj'-four hours. Our
needs and use at present are five and one-half million gallons in
twenty-four hours. It will not admit of wasteful use with our
increasing population. It is believed that the supply exists for miles
east and west, and that a greater demand can be met without impov-
erishing the present wells.
It has cost $400,000 to find a well, half a million to get rid of the
river water, but no one now begrudges the money.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Genealogy.
The full credit for all the wonderful research of this chapter must
be accorded to Professor Pearson ; to the aid of the distinguished
archivist, the Hon. John Sanders has added his valuable contribution
derived from research, personal knowledge and the history that comes
reliably down from father to son. Wherever a family has died out
and their blood no longer flows here, its name has been left out. It
is intended in this chapter to give those families only whose blood
still runs in the veins of descendants.
First we give the descendants of the original proprietors.
GENEALOGY. 217
The Van Curler blood is no longer in Schenectady. Brouer left
no children. Van Velsen's whole family was massacred. There is
no trace of any descendant of Peter Adrian. De Winter left no
children. Catalina Bradt, widow of Arent Andrias Bradt, for whom
he was attorney, was the real owner of the premises held in his
name, and her genealogy can be easily traced in these pages. The
Schermerhorns, one of the oldest and certainly the most eminent of
the early settlers, is mingled with the name of her well known
hnsband.
The descendants of Glen are as follows :
Jacob Alexander Glen, the eldest, of Albany, born in 1645, "^i^d
October 2d, 1685, aged forty j-ears ; he died a little more than one
month previous to the death of his father. He left surviving him
three sons and two daughters, viz :
John Glen, born 1675, who married Jane Bleecker of Albany,
December nth, 1698, and died in 1707, leaving two sons and one
daughter, viz : Jacob Alexander, John Alexander and Catharine
Glen.
Jacob Alexander Glen, Jr., was born October 7th, 1703, and mar-
ried Elizabeth Cuyler, December 29th, 1732 ; died April i6th, 1746.
This was the father of our distinguished citizen, John Glen, who
was quartermaster during the French and Revolutionary wars, sta-,
tioned at Schenectady, and who built and occupied the venerable
mansion situated on Washington avenue, now modernized. He was
born in July, 1735, and died in Greenbush at the residence of his
son-in-law, John J. Van Rensselaer, September 23d, 1828, aged ninety-
three years. Jacob A. Glen was also the father of Col. Henry Glen
of Schenectady, who was member of Congress from this, then
Albany district, from 1794 to 1802. Colonel Glen was born July
13th, 1739, and died January 6th, 1814, aged nearly seventy-five
years.
Both of these Glens were ardent and stirring patriots of the Revo-
lution and highly esteemed personal friends of General Washington.
On all occasions, when the older brother was quartermaster, the
younger brother was his deputy.
2i8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
Anna, the eldest daughter of Jacob Alexander Glen, Sr., born in
1677, married Harmanus Wandell.
Jacob, the second son of Jacob Alexander Glen, Sr., born in 1679,
and Helena, his 3'oungest danghter, born November 21st, 1683, mar-
ried Jacob G. Lansing in 17 10.
Alexander Glen, the third youngest son of Jacob Alexander Glen,
Sr., was born November 15th, 1685, removed to Schenectady, and on
the 18th of December, 17 14, married Rebecca, daughter of Isaac
Swits. He died November 2d, 1763, and was buried in the old
Dutch church cemetery at Schenectady. He had several children,
and is represented in this community by many lineal descendants.
His son Jacob Glen, born December 8th, 1717, married Folica,
daughter of Jan Barentse Wemple, and widow of Barent H. Vroo-
man. She died April i6th, 1749. His daughter, Susanna,- born
August 4th, 1722, married Abraham Fonda, February 22d, 1755,
and died March 21st, 1773. Abraham Fonda owned and lived in
the house No. 27 Front street in 1752 and now occupied by Mr.
Hansen V. Yates.
Alexander Glen, the second son of Alexander Lindsey Glen (com-
monly called Captain Glen), born in 1647, lived in the village of
Schenectady, and married Anna, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemp,
(now called Wemple), who received, in 1662, in company with
Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck, the Indian title for the great island
lying immediately west of Schenectady, and owned a house and lot
in the village, on the west side of Washington street, a little north of
State street. He owned a large bouwery (farm) at Lubbude's land
(Troy), but was never called a proprietor of Schenectady, not being
one of the original petitioners. He died soon after 1662, and his
widow, Maritie Mynderse, in 1664, married Swear Teunise Van
Velsen, one of the original proprietors.
Captain Alexander Glen was a justice of the peace for the county
of Albany ; but in the troublesome times of 1689, when most of the
citizens of Schenectady belonged to, or sided with, the Leslerian
faction, Jacob Lesler appointed Myndert Barentse Wemp, a brother-
in-law of the Captain, a justice in his stead. Wemp was killed at
the burning of Schenectady in 1690, and his son John, with two of his
GENEALOGY. 219
negro men, carried into captivity. John subsequently returned, mar-
ried a daughter of Ryer Schermerhorn, June 15th, 1700, and became
one of the trustees of the Schenectady patent.
Mr. Glen died in 1695, aged about thirty-eight years, leaving his
widow Anna, surviving him, but no children.
John Alexander Glen, the third and youngest son of Alexander
Lindsey Glen, (commonly called Major Coudre, his designation by
the French and Indians), was born November 5th, 1648, and died
November 6th, 1731, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Mr.
Glen was twice married. First, on the 2d day of May, 1667, to
Anna, the daughter of John Peek, an early settler of New Amster-
dam, and from whom the creek at Peekskill takes its name. He
was living at Scotia when Schenectady was burned in 1690. She
died on the 19th day of December in that year. On the 21st of
June, 1 69 1, he married Deborah, the daughter of Evert Jans Wen-
dell, and widow of Myndert Wemp, a justice of the peace, appointed
by lyiesler, who was killed at the massacre of 1690. So it will be seen
that Captain Alexander Glen and Major John A. Glen, his brother,
married sisters-in-law.
From his two marriages, John Alexander Glen had thirteen child-
ren, some of whom died in infancy, and are not particularly noticed
here.
Catharine, his eldest child, born March 23d, 1672, on March loth,
1698, married Gerrit Lansing, Jr., died, February 15th, 1731.
Jemima, his second child, born May 9th, 1674, married November
9th, 1694, James Van Dyck, a physician of Schenectady, where he
practiced until his death. He is the ancestor of the gallant Col.
Cornelius Van Dyck, who was lieutenant-colonel of the First Vete-
ran New York regiment in the Revolutionary War, commanded by
Colonel Goosen Van Shaick, and after Van Shaick's promotion,
became its colonel during the remainder of the war. Mrs. Van
Dyck died February 6th, 1731.
Alexander, his third child, born November 30th, 1676, died oif the
island of Madagascar, December 17th, 1696, as surgeon on board a
ship of war, aged about twenty years.
Maria, his fourth child, born March 21st, 1678, married Albert
220 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Vedder, December 17th, 1699. He was carried away captive by the
French and Indians, February 9th, 1690. She died March 13th,
1 753) aged nearly seventy-four years. Her husband died August ist,
1 753) ^o^^ eighty-two years, two months and twentyone days.
Helena, his fifth child, born November 2d, 1681, married July 9th,
1699, John Baptist Van Eps. He, too, was carried away captive to
Montreal by the French and Indians, in 1690, but, after a bondage
of three years, made his escape.
John, his sixth child, born November 28th, 1683, died December
5th, 1709, unmarried.
Jacob Glen, his eighth child (commonly called Colonel Glen), was
born December 29th, 1690, and on December i.sth, 1717, married
Sarah Wendell, daughter of Captain Johannes Wendell of Albany.
He inherited from his father the Scotia mansion and a considerable
portion of his original estate, but added largely to his possessions
before his decease, which occurred at his residence, in Scotia, Aug-
ust 15th, 1762. His wife died three days afterwards, both from
malignant ship fever, contracted through some emigrants whom they
had charitably housed a short time previous. At the time of his
decease Colonel Glen was aged seventy years, eight months and four-
teen days ; at his wife's decease she was aged seventy-three years,
nine months and eleven days.
Colonel Glen was a man of much influence in the community ;
an extensive agriculturalist, a noted surveyor, had been several times
a member of the provincial legislature, and held the command of all
the militia forces west of Albany, constituting a regiment at one
time numbering 3,000 men.
The Veeder lineage is as follows :
Peter Veeder, on the 9th day of June, 1704, married Naeltie,
daughter of Class Van Der Volgen ; left three sons and one daughter
surviving him, but was not living, June 26th, 1709, when his youngest
son, Peter, was born. His father gave him lands on the Norman's
Kil.
Gerrit Veeder, second son of Simon Volkertse, married, October
3d, 1690, Tryntje (Catharine), daughter of Helmer (William) Otten.
She was the only child of Otten, who died in 1676. His widow,
GENEALOGY. 221
Ariantie (Harriet), daughter of Arent Andreas Bradt, called the
Norman, subsequently, about nine months after his decease, married
Ryer Schermerhorn. Gerrit Veeder died in 1755, and left surviving
him five sons, respectively named Helmers, Wilhelmus, Hendricus,
Simons and Cornelis ; and four daughters, named Engletie, married
to Johannes Vedder ; Ariantje, married to Daniel Danielse Van Ant-
werpen ; Annatie, married to William Bancker, and Hellena, mar-
ried to John Bancker.
Gerrit owned the land about Veeder's mill, early in the eighteenth
century, and had lease from the Church of the mill privilege, in
1 718. Through his wife, Catharine, he obtained possession of lots
in the village, on the north and west corners of Union and Church
streets, which she inherited from her father. Often.
Often had, in 1670, purchased from Peter Adriance, called Soge-
makelyk, also as original proprietor, twenty-six morgans of land,
which afterwards became the old Schermerhorn mill farm, now in
Rotterdam ; also a village lot, two hundred feet square, located on
the southwest corner of Union and Church streets. These his
daughter Catharine did not inherit, for it seems at his death John
Van Eps owned and occupied the village lot, and Ryer Schermer-
horn, who married his widow, as stated, owned the twentj'-six
morgans.
Mr. 'Schermerhorn was always a prominent actor in the early days
of Schenectady. He was the oldest son of Jacob Janse Schermer-
horn, who was the ancestor of all the Schermerhorns in this country,
born at Water land, Holland, in 1622. We find Jacob Janse a pros-
perous brewer and trader at Beverwyck, as early as 1648.
In that year he was arrested at Fort Orange, by Governor Stuyve-
sant's order, on a charge of selling arms and ammunition to the
Indians. His books and papers were siezed, and himself removed a
prisoner to Fort Amsterdam, where he was sentenced to banishment
for five years, with the confiscation of all his property.
Jacob Janse made his will. May 26th, 1688, and soon after died at
Schenectady. Notwithstanding his losses by confiscation in 1648,
his estate, amounting to 56,882 guilders, was large for the times.
222 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
He left surviving him five sons, named Ryer, Symon, Jacob, Corne-
lius and lyticas ; also three daughters, named Machtelt, Jannette and
Neeltie.
Ryer Schermerhorn, this oldest and remarkable son of Jacob
Janse, in July, 1676, married Ariantje, daughter of Arent Arentse
Bradt, and widow of Helmer Otten, of Albany ; immediately after
marriage Ryer settled in Schenectady, upon bouwery No. 4, on the
flats, heretofore known as " Schermerhorn's Mill," which, after being
in possession of the family for two hundred years, has lately passed
to other owners. This property came to Ryer through his wife,
Ariantje, whose first husband, Otten, purchased it of the original
proprietor, Peter Adrianse (Sogemakelyk).
Ryer Schermerhorn was one of the first patentees of the town-
ship of Schenectady, granted in 1684, and was the sole surviving
patentee of the township in 1705, when he was complained of as
exercising arbitrary power over the town affairs, and rendering no
account of his proceedings. Of this more will be subsequently
written. In 1690, he was a member of the Provincial Assembly
from Albany county, and also a justice of the peace. In 1700 he
was appointed an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
He made his will April 5th, 1717, and died February 19th, 1719.
His wife, Ariantje, died in 171 7. He left surviving him three sons,
John, Jacob and Arent ; also two daughters, Catalina, wife of Johan-
nes Wemp, and Janneke, wife of Volkert Simonse Veeder.
The writer, for the present, would have continued the Schermer-
horn line no further, except to correct impressions held by some,
confounding the two Ryers, grandfather and grandson, both shrewd
and remarkable men.
John, the eldest son of Ryer Schermerhorn, inherited the home-
stead farm at the " Schuylenberg " Mills, etc., and on the 8th of
April, 171 1, married Engeltie, daughter of Jan Hendrickse Vrooman.
He died in 1752, and his wife in 1754. He left surviving him six
sons, Ryer, the eldest, born September 24th, 171 6, so often in tra-
ditional data confounded with his distinguished grandfather. Of
this grandson Ryer, more will be written hereafter. The other sons,
brothers of Ryer, were named John, Simon, Bartholomew, Jacob and
GENEALOGY. 223
Bernhardus Freeman. John also left six daughters ; Ariantje, mar-
ried to Nicholas DeGraff ; Gezina, married to Phillip Van Patten ;
Catalina, married to John Dodds ; Neeltje, married to Class Viele ;
Magdalena, died unmarried, and Jannetje, married Parent Veeder.
After this, as it is claimed, justifiable digression, we return to
Simon Volckertse Veeder's line.
John Veeder, his third son, on the 19th of November, 1697, mar-
ried Susanna, daughter of Myndert Wemp, and for his second wife,
June 3d, 1 718, married Susanna Wendell of Albany. He died in
1746, and left surviving him two sons, named respectively, Myndert
and Simon ; also three daughters, Engeltie, married to Jacobus La
Grange, Maria and Debora, married first to Ryer Wemp, secondly to
Dowe Fonda.
Volckert, his fourth son, August 6th, 1693, married Jannitie,
daughter of the elder Ryer Schermerhorn. By his father's will he
inherited farm No. 9 on the bouwelandt (flats).
He died August 12th, 1733, and left surviving him four sons,
respectively named Simon, Ryer, John and Hendricus, and three
daughters, Ariantje, married to William Daasen ; Susanna, married
to Harmanus Vedder, and Catalyntje, married to Simon Veeder.
Folica, a daughter of Simon Volkertse, married Barent Janse
Wemp, (Wemple), who was appointed captain of a company of foot
by Jacob Leisler in 1690.
Gertrude, also a daughter, July 4th, 1680, married John Hendrickse
Vrooman. They left many descendants, and their son Peter, born
October 2d, 1688, was killed at the Buekendahl massacre, three miles
northwest of Schenectady in 1748.
Magdalena, another daughter, married William Appel, who was
severely wounded at the burning of Schenectady in 1690, as was
also his brother, John Appel.
The Van Slyck lineage is as follows :
Hillitie, the eldest daughter of Cornelis Antonisen Van Slyck,
married Peter Danielse Van Olinda of Niskayuna. She was for
many years employed as provincial interpreter with the Indians by
the government at $50 per annum. The Mohawk sachems in 1667,
gave her the great island in the Mohawk river at Niskayuna. She
224 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
and her husband sold the island in 1669 to Captain Johannes Clute.
The sachems also gave to her land at the Willow Flat, below Port
Jackson ; and at the boght on the Mohawk in Watervliet. She died
February loth, 1707, leaving three sons, Daniel, Jacob and Matthew.
The last died unmarried.
Daniel, the oldest son, June nth, 1696, married Lysbeth Krigier,
a granddaughter of the old burgomaster Martinus Krigier, and left
surviving him three sons, Peter, John and Martin.
Jacob, the second son, married Eva, daughter of Class DeGrafF,
and left four sons, named Peter, William, Martin and Nicholas ; also
one daughter, Helena, who on the i6th of June, 1723, married
Johannes Quackenbos.
lycah, the youngest daughter of Cornells Antonisen, married, first.
Class Willemse Van Copperuol, who hired the farm of William
Teller at Schenectady, and subsequently settled on land of his wife
at the Willegen, below Port Jackson. He died in 1692, leaving one
son named William. She subsequently, July 24tli, 1693, married.
Jonathan Stevens, who had leased Lysbeth Brewer's farm at the
Hoeck in Scotia, in 1697. He came from New England, and was
born in 1675. Before his death he owned a home lot in Schenec-
tady, and a farm about four miles northeast of the town, on the
north side of the Mohawk river. At his death he left surviving two
sons, named Hendricus and Arent, also two daughters, named Amlatje
and Dina. '
Hendricus, the oldest, born November loth, 1697, married. May
29th, 1730, Maria Phoenix of New York. He resided there, and on
his decease left two sons surviving him, viz : Arent and Johannes.
Arent, the youngest son of Jonathan, born July 26th, 1702, mar-
ried, first, Maritje, daughter of William Hall, February 3d, 1726 ;
second, Mary Griffiths, widow of Ivieutenant Thomas Burrows, Feb-
ruary 4th, 1749. Arent died May 17th, 1758. For more than
twenty years before his decease he acted as Indian interpreter, and
was often employed by Sir William Johnson in negotiations with the
different tribes. He had by his two marriages six sons and four
daughters, respectively named Jonathan, William, Nicholas, John,
GENEALOGY. 225
Jacobus, Richard, Catrina, Maria, Lea and Anna. There is only
proper room to particularize one of them.
Jonathan, his oldest child, born December ist, 1726, who, as first
lieutenant under Captain William McGinnis, with eighty-nine men
of Schenectady, was at the battle of Fort George, September 7th,
1755- where both officers were killed, and the company then deci-
mated ; this was the preliminary ambush fight with Baron Dieskaw,
where the great King Hendrick and the gallant Colonel Ephraim
Williams (the munificent founder of Williams College, and after
whom it was named) were killed. According to Sir William John-
son's oflJcial report, the Schenectady officers and men " fought like
lions."
Jonathan Stevens was less than thirty years of age and unmarried,
at the time he was killed. Captain McGinnis married Margaret,
daughter of Peter Veeder, February 21st, 1751, and left an only
child, Alexander, who died February 13th, 1770.
The descendants of William Teller, ninth proprietor, are as
follows :
John, the oldest child of William Teller, born in 1641, settled in
Schenectady as early as 1659, and on the iSth of August, 1686,
married the daughter of Captain Johannes Wendell of Albany. In
1690, on the burning of Schenectady, he was carried away captive
by the French and Indians to Montreal, but was ransomed and
returned after several month's detention. In 1700 his father, Wil-
liam, in consideration that John had sustained heavy losses by the
destruction of Schenectady in 1690, conveyed to him his bouwery
and farm at that place. John died May 28th, 1725, aged about
eighty-four j'ears, leaving three sons and three daughters, viz :
William, born October 4th, 1695, was married on the 5th of
March, 1731, to Catharine, daughter of William Van Allen of
Albany. He lived on the Teller bouwery. No. 5, next west of Tel-
ler's Killitie and died April 25th, 1757.
John, second son of John, died unmarried.
Jacobus, third son of John, born July 15th, 1698, probably died
unmarried.
226 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Margaret, a daughter of John, born February 19th, 1693, inarried
Jacob Schermerhorn.
Maria, another daughter, born December 25th, 1700, married
Abraham Glen of Scotia.
Anna, also a daughter, born February 20th, 1704, inarried Har-
manus Veeder.
John, son of William, Jr., married Jane, daughter of John Dela-
mont.
Jacobus, also a son of William, Jr., married Maria, daughter of
Joseph R. Yates. In 1764 he was an Indian trader in company with
John and Henry Glen, and was killed by the Indians at Detroit,
September 27th, 1784. This was the father of William Teller, a
talented and prominent lawyer of Schenectady, who died July 19th,
1 81 5, aged forty years, and who was the first surrogate of Schenec-
tady county.
William, also a son of William, Jr., married Helena, daughter of
Jacobus Van Eps.
Thus, from the line of his son, John Teller, the blood of the old
proprietor, William Teller, circulates through several channels in
this community.
Catalina Bradt, widow of Arent Andreas, sent down the following
posterity so that the blood of the old proprietor, Arent Andries, still
courses in the veins of many of Schenectady's sons and daughters.
For, of their remaining children, Aeffie, (Eve) married Nicholas
Van Patten, who came to Schenectady in 1664, and in 1668 pur-
chased the bouwery of Cornelise Van Esselstyne, lying next west of
the farm of Ryer Schermerhorn, who was his brother-in-law. This
farm remained in the Van Patten family for several generations.
They each lived to an advanced age. He died Oc'tober 3d, 1728,
aged eighty-seven years and five months ; she died January 23d, 1728,
aged seventy-eight years. In 1690 he was appointed a justice of the
peace by Eeisler.
Arent, the oldest son of Nicholas, April 10th, 1703, married Jan-
netje, daughter of Philip Coyn of Albany.
Andries, another son of Nicholas, December 26tli, 1712, married
Muike, daughter of Jacob Ten Eyck of Albany.
GENEALOGY. 227
Nicholas, also a son of Nicholas, Sr., April 20th, 1712, married
Rebecca, daughter of Simon Groot, Jr.
Deborah, another daughter of Nicholas, Sr., April ist, 1700, mar-
ried Cornelius Viele, Sr., who was the first Viele settled at Maalyck,
on the north shore of the Mohawk river, about two miles above the
Reform church in Scotia.
Catalynje, also a daughter of Nicholas, Sr., November 8th, 1694,
married Teunis Dirkse Van Vechten of Lunenburg (now Athens),
Greene count}^
, Gertrude, also a daughter of Nicholas, Sr., April 17th, 1687, mar-
ried Lourens Class Van Der Volgen. At the destruction of Schenec-
tady, in 1690, he was carried away captive to Canada by the Indians,
with whom he remained several years — so late as 1699 — acquiring a
perfect knowledge of their language. After his return he was
appointed interpreter of the province for the Five Nations, at a
salary of ^60 per annum, which office he held until his decease in
1740.
Harriet, another daughter of Catalina Bradt, and widow of Helmer
Otten, in July, 1676, married R5'er Schermerhorn, son of Jacob Janse
Schermerhorn. Their immediate children have been hereinbefore
noticed. But it is deemed proper to note some particulars about
their grandson, a son of their son John, named Ryer, who was a
man of remarkable perseverance, energy and determination.
Ryer Schermerhorn was born on the 24th of September, 1716.
June 8th, 1 746, he married Maria, daughter of Corset Vedder, and
secondly Maria, daughter of Ryckert Van Vranken, June 8th, 1750.
He died March 6th, 1795, and had always resided at Schuylerberg
(the Mills).
Richard, son of Ryer, born March 9th, 1755, married Annatje
Van Vechten. His daughter Maria, July i8th, 1779, married Douwe
J. Clute, and his daughter Helena, November 8th, 1781, married
Nioholas P. Clute.
Maria, a daughter of Ryer, born November loth, 1752, married
Peter Van Guysling, in 1770.
Gerrit, a son of Ryer, born October 23d, 1763. On May i8th,
1787, married Mariatje, daughter of Arent Schermerhorn, Jr. He
228 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY. '
died in Rotterdam, March 24th, 1848, in his eighty-fifth 5'ear, leav-
ing the following children: Jacomyntje, born August loth, 1790;
Maria, born March 27th, 1792; Jacob, born May 28th, 1794; Cath-
aria, born September 27th, 1796.
Engeltie, a daughter of Ryer, born August nth, 1762, married
Class Schermerhorn. She died October 6th, 1834, aged seventy-
three years, one month and Iwenty-five days.
Bartholomew, another son of Ryer, born August 24th, 1757. On
the loth day of July, 1785, married Annatje, daughter of John Tel-
ler. He died at his country seat in Rotterdam (the Mills), July i6th,
1845, aged eighty-seven years. His wife died May 4th, 1844, in her
seventy-seventh year.
Ryer, their oldest son, was a printer, born December 8th, 1786.
He married Gertrude Abel, and died November nth, 1850.
John, their second son, born October 12th, 1787. On the 6th of
April, 1806, married Gertrude, daughter of Andries Van Patten.
He died February 29th, 1872.
Bartholomew Teller, born March 26th, 1807.
Andrew Vedder, born April i8th, 1809.
Ann Maria, born December i8th, 181 1.
William, born June 30th, 1814.
Angelica, born February 25th, 1819.
Barnardus Freeman, born February 4th, 18 12.
Abram Van Patten, born July 9th, 1823.
Simon , born October 4th, 1824.
James , born February 17th, 1827.
Bartholomew, their son, was born December 8th, 1789.
Jane, their daughter, born April i6th, 1792, married Nicholas
Viele of Glenville. She died November 17th, i860. He died
November 24th, 1861.
Maria, a daughter of Bartholomew Schermerhorn, Sr., born July
26th, 1794, died April 5th, 1816.
Annatje, also a daughter, born August 14th, 1799, married Jacob
DeForrest, Jr., of Rotterdam, and died April 27th, 1851, aged fifty-
two years.
GENEALOGY. 229
Bernardus Freeman, also a son of Bartholomew, born December
22d, 1801, died suddenly, August 25th, 1871, at a religious meeting in
the First Dutch Reformed church of Schenectady.
Catherine, a daughter of Bartholomew, born October 9th, 1S04,
married James B. Schermerhorn of Rotterdam.
Eliza Margaret, the youngest daughter of Bartholomew, born
October 13th, 181 1, married Martin DeForrest of Schenectady, Sep-
tember 19th, 1832.
It has been said that Ryer Schermerhorn, the father of Bartholo-
mew, and grandson of the first Ryer, was a man of remarkable per-
severance, energy and determination. An illustration cannot be out
of place at this point. It is handed down by well established autho-
rity, that shortly after the termination of the Revolutionary War,
when the long contested suit of Ryer Schermerhorn against the
Trustee of the Schenectady Patent was pending in our Supreme
Court, Ryer Schermerhorn, the plaintiff, was unexpectedly informed
by his counsel, Judge James Duane, that certain documents, then in
the hands of one Appel, at New York, must be in court at Albany,
within eight days from that time, or his cause would be greatly
endangered. Bear in mind there were then no telegraphs, no steam-
boats, no stage routes, miserable roads, only a weekly mail, the
sloops took generally two weeks, sometimes three, to accomplish the
distance between Albany and New York. Nothing daunted, Scher-
merhorn started single-handed, in a canoe from Albany, went to New
York, procured the necessary documents, and on the morning of the
first session of court, much to the surprise and gratification of his
counsel, delivered him the desired papers. This certainly would be
called something of a feat for a young man of the present day.
Samuel Bradt, another son of Arent Andreas and Catalina, mar-
ried Susanna, another daughter of Jacques Cornelise Van Slyck.
Arent, their oldest child, built and resided in the ancient brick
house, now standing southwest of the first lock above the city. He
married Catrina, daughter of Jan Pieterse Mabie. She died in 1773,
aged eighty-two years, two months and seventeen days. They had
five sons and five daughters. Their youngest child, Angelica, born
16
230 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
August 26th, 1733, married Daniel Campbell of Schenectady.
Margaret, a daughter of Samuel, born April 26th, 1686, married
Captain Daniel Toll, who, on the i8th of July, 1748, was murdered
by the French Indians, at a place (in the present town of Glenville),
called the Cleykuil, less than half a mile north of Beukendahl,
where, on the same day, Nicholas DeGraff and twenty-four others
were killed by the French and Indians. They had two sons and iive
daughters. Their second daughter, Elizabeth, born January 14th,
1721, married the Rev. Cornelius Van Santvoord. Their youngest
daughter, Gertrude, born August 7th, 1729, married Jellis Clute.
Jacobus, second son of Samuel, born January 3d, 1695, married
Margaret, daughter of Johannes Clute. They had five sons and
three daughters. Their daughter Bata, born January 30th, 1732,
married Abraham Watson.
Catalyntje, another daughter of Samuel, born December 21, 1701,
married Jacobus Van Slyck, September 2d, 1732. He was colonel
and ccmmanding officer at Schenectady in 1754. He was a memter
of assembly in 1750 and 1771. He left two sons, Harmanus, born
August 5th, 1733, and Samuel, born March 17th, 1738; and two
daughters, Gertrude, born November ist, 1734, and Jannetje, born
June 13th, 1736. This last married Philip Riley.
Susanna, also a daughter of Samuel, born January 2d, 1704, mar-
ried Bartholomew Vrooman, March nth, 1726.
Andreas, another son of Samuel, born October 28th, 1705, mar-
ried Anna DeGraff of Esopus, January 29th, 1743.
Samuel, son of Samuel, born April 30th, 1707, married Catharia,
daughter of Arent Van Patten, October loth, 1732. They had four
sons and six daughters.
Ephraim, also a son of Samuel, born February 12th, 171 2, mar-
ried Clara, daughter of Philip Borsie, and widow of Cornelius Viele,
Jr., in May, 1751. They had three daughters of whom Susanna
married David Siger ; Cornelia married Martin Van Benthuysen and
Margaret married Nicholas Van Patten.
Dirck Bradt, another son of Arent Andrease and Catalina, born in
7661, married Maritie, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps. He inher-
ited his step-father's. Van Bockhoven's farm in Niskaynna (Van Bock-
GENEALOGY. 231
hoven was the third husband of his mother, Catalyntje). They had
three sons and four daughters. Catalina, born June 27th, 1695, mar-
ried in 1725, William Berrit. Maria, born September 22d, 1698, mar-
ried Rykert Van Vranken. John, born May 22d, 1704, married, Feb-
ruary loth, 1732, Margaretta, daughter of Gerrit R. Van Vranken-
Dirck, born July 20th, 1710, married, November 5th, 1732, Annatje,
daughter of Arent D. Van Antwerpen.
Catalina, this venerable woman, the daughter of Andreas DeVos,
deputy director of Rensselaerwyck and Veeders, hereinbefore noticed,
was thrice married. First, in 1648, to Arent Andrease Bradt, to whom
she bore all her children, except one to her second husband. Van
Ditmars. Arent Andrease dying in 1662, on the 12th of November,
1664, she married Barent Jans Van Ditmars, who, with his son Cor-
nelius, their only child, was killed at the massacre in 1690. Corne-
lius had married Catharina, a daughter of John Alexander Glen of
Scotia, who, after his death, married Gerrit Lansing, Jr. In 169:,
Catalina married Class Janse Van Bockhoven, her third husband.
He made his will January nth, 1698, devising his whole estate
equally to the six Bradt children of his wife Catalina. She survived
him and died in 1712, aged about eighty-four years.
It has been stated that Andries Arent Bradt (brewer, son of Cata-
lina), and one of his children, were killed at the massacre in 1690 ;
but he left two children surviving him, Bathsheda, a daughter subse-
quently married to Charles Burns, and Captain Arent Andrease Bradt,
a son, who, under then existing laws of the colony, was the right of
his grandfather, Arent Andries, one of the first settlers of Schenec-
tady.
There are no means of ascertaining accurately when Captain
Andrees was born, but with the knowledge that his father, Arent
Andrees, was killed in 1690, at the age of thirty-seven years, and
that Captain Bradt was married March 4th, 1705, to Jannetje, daugh-
ter of John Hendrickse Vrooman, (brother of the heroic Adam
Vrooman, the bold defender of his home in 1690), it is quite safe to
assume approximately that he was born about the year 1680, and, as
he died in 1767, he must have been, at the time of his death, about
232 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the ao-e of eighty-seven ; tradition hands it down as about ninety
years.
Captain Bradt was one of the most remarkable citizens of Schenec-
tady's olden time, and was distinguished for marked decision and
probity of character. He was a member of the Provincial Assembly
in 1745, 3"<i ^ trustee of the township of Schenectady from 1715 to
1767, when he died, (a period of fifty-two years), being for many
years sole sur\dving trustee. Well knowing the legal difficulties and
contentions which had previously existed, through the claims of
Ryer Schennerhorn, his relative and a former surviving trustee, to
ownership, to prevent a recurrence of such claims and litigation, he,
with great care and solemnity, executed a will of date March nth,
1765, which was admitted to probate at Albany, November 19th,
1770.
It became the sheet-author of Schenectady's common land inter-
ests in subsequent legal conflicts with Ryer Schermerhorn, and a
fictitious set of trustees, appointed by him as the successor of his
father, John, and his grandfather, Ryer, Sr., the old surviving
trustee.
Captain Bradt built and occupied, rmtil his death, an ancient
house with a brick front, standing on the north side of State street,
near Washmgton avenue (on his ancestral village lot), being the
building once occupied by Mr. J. W. McMillan for his marble works.
Its appearance was truly venerable. Its unpretentious Dutch gable
fronting on State street was erected of brick said to be imported
from Holland. The building was deep in proportion to its frontage,
its pitch-pine timbers were immense, and apparently not affected by
age, unless as they seem hardened and solidified. It w'as taken down
a few years ago.
This was unquestionably the oldest building remaining in the
city of Schenectady, but precisely when erected, cannot now be
determined. Old settlers have long called it the oldest dwelling, and
unless it be the Scotia mansion, erected by John Alexander Glen, in
1713, (Mr. Glen was thirty years older than Captain Bradt, and a
contemporary with him), the Bradt building was probably the oldest
dwelling standing in the former province of New York, unless we
GENEALOGY. ^^^
also except the old Pemberton building standing on the corner of
North Pearl and Columbia streets, in the city of Albany, believed to
have been erected in 17 lo, now taken down.
The following is the lineage from Jan Barentse Wemple, four-
teenth proprietor. He was an inhabitant of Beverwyck as early as
1643. Having purchased the interest of Martin Maurice Van Slj'ck
in 1662, he recovered, as joint owner with Martin Maurice's brother,
Jacques Cornelise, a patent for the Great Island, lying immediately
west of Schenectady, which interest was subsequently owned by
Swear Teunise Van Velsen, who had married Wemp's widow.
Wemp also had a house lot in the village, on the west side of Wash-
ington street, a little north of State street, with a front of 200 feet
on Washington street, running down with equal width to the strand
on the main Bennekill. He died in 1663, and left the following
named children surviving him, viz :
Myndert, born in 1649, married Deborah, daughter of Evert Janse
Wendell of Albany. He was appointed a justice of the peace of
Schenectady, by Leisler, in 1689. He was killed in the massacre of
February, 1690, and his son John, with two of his negro s]a^•es, was
carried into captivity. This son John, after his return, married Cat-
alina, -daughter of Ryer Schermerhorn, June 15th, 1700, and sec-
ondly, on the 16th of October, 1709, married Ariantje, daughter of
Isaac Swits. He was one of the trustees of the Schenectady patent.
Barent, the second son of Jan Barentse, born in 1656, married
Folkje, daughter of Symon Volkertse Veeder. He was appointed
captain of a company of infantry, by Leisler, in 1690, and died in
1705, leaving a numerous family of children, from whom many of
the inhabitants of this valley are descended.
Maria, his daughter, born in 1688, married Hendrick Vrooman.
Engeltie, his daughter, born in 1695, married Nicholas Hansen.
Margaret, his daughter, born in 1697, married Simon V. Veeder.
Anna, a daughter of Jan Barentse, born in 1653, married Captain
Alexander Glen of Schenectady, a son of Alexander Eindsey Glen of
Scotia.
Alida, another daughter, married Jan Cornelise Van der Heyden of
Beverwyck.
234 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Jacques Cornelius Van Slyck was the fifteenth and last proprietor.
He was possessed of a large landed interest, made his will on the 8th
day of May, 1690, and died soon afterwards, aged fifty years, leaving
a widow, Margaret, daughter of Harman Janse Ryckman of Albany,
who, on the 2ist day of February, 1692, married her brother-in-law,
Adam Vrooman, who so gallantly defended his dwelling, when his'
wife, Angelica (the sister of Margaret), with her infant child, were
killed, and two of his sons, Barent and Walter were carried into
captivity.
Harman, the oldest son of Jacques, boirn March 26th, 1704, mar-
ried Jane, daughter of Adam Vrooman. He was captain of a Sche-
nectady company in 17 14, and Indian trader in 1724. He received
a grant of three hundred morgans of land, at Canajoharie, from the
Mohawks, because " his grandmother was a right Mohawk woman,"
and " his father born with us at Canajoharie." He also inherited a
farm from his father on the first flat. He left a numerous family of
children, and made his will November ist, 1731. He died December
20th, 1734, leaving to his sons, Adam, James and Harmanus, one-
half of his 2,000 acres of land at Canajoharie, known as Van Slyck's
patent.
Cornelius, second son of Jacques, born on the loth day of -Febru-
ary, 1696, married Clara Janse Bradt of Albany. He lived upon the
first flat.
Hendrick, son of Cornelius, born June 6th, 1729, married Cath-
arina, daughter of Cornelius Slingerland ; they had one child, Clara,
who married Johannes J. Vrooman.
Anthony, son of Cornelius, born November 19th, 1730, married
Margaret Van Slyck ; they had one child, Cornelius, born i2th of
April, 173', who was the father of Harmanus Van Slyck, formerly a
sheriff of Schenectady county. This Harmanus married Annatje,
daughter of John Haverly, October 2Sth, 1798, and was the father of
Anthony H. Van Slyck, born June 22d, 1800, who was, for one term,
sheriff of Schenectady county, and died January 6th, 18 10. He
married Wemple Haverly.
Adrian, son of Cornelius, October 17th, 1736, married Jannetje
Viele; for his second wife, Bregie, daughter of Carel Hansen Toll,
GENEALOGY. 235
November 26th, 1741. Adrian was killed July 18th, 1748, in the
Beukendahl massacre. Their daughter Clartje, November 7th, 1742,
married Anthony Van Slyck.
Harnianus, son of Cornelius, August r6th, 1729, married first,
Lydia, daughter of Harmanus Vedder ; secondly, in 1738, Sarah
Vischer. He was an Indian trader. He left surviving him four sons
and six daughters, of whom his daughter Elizabeth married Gerrit
Van Slyck, and his daughter Maria married Peter S}-monse \'eeder.
Cornelius, son of Cornelius, trader, March nth, 1733, married
Jannetje, daughter of Abraham Truax. He left surviving him
several children, of whom his daughter, Gertrude, married John Lam-
bert, the renowned schoolmaster of Schenectady, who taught the
boys of a generation, now all passed away, how to become men.
Some of his pupils subsequently became distinguished as men of
mark in church, law and state.
Albert, son of Cornelius, September 17th, 1733, married Sarah,
daughter of Jan Danielse Van Antwerpen. They had three daugh-
ters, viz : Clara, Agnes and Lena.
Peter, son of Cornelius, August 30th, 1734, married Angelica,
daughter of Dominie Reinhard Erickson, pastor of the Dutch church
of Schenectady from 1728 to 1736. They had three sous and four
daughters, of whom their son Cornelius, March 30th, 1764, married
Catarina, daughter of Peter Veeder ; and their son Adrian married
Anuatje, daughter of William Lighthall. Their daughter Clara
married John Steers, and their daughter Anuatje married Johannes
Barhydt.
Col. Jacobus (James), son of Captain Harman, the oldest son of
Jacques, was born May 28th, 1704. He married Catalina, a daughter
of Samuel Bradt, September 2d, 1732. He was commanding officer
of Schenectady in 1754, a member of the provincial assembly in
1750, also in 1771. His son Harmanus, born August 5th, 1733,
married Anna, a daughter of Alexander Glen, September 26th, 1767.
His daughter Annatje, married Philip Ryley.
Adam, another son of Captain Harman, born March 5th, 1721,
married September 19th, 1747, Catharina, daughter of Jan Baptist
Van Eps, and their son Harmanus married Maria, a daughter of Isaac
236 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Vrooman, December 5th, 1771, by whom he had a son named Adam,
who removed to Montgomery county.
Adam also left a daughter, a sister of Harm anus, named Helena,
born August 5th, 1759, who married Samuel Thorn, Esq^ They
were the parents of Jonathan Thorn, a gallant lieutenant in the
United States navy, who distinguished himself under Decatur in the
war with Tripoli ; and was one of the daring party that retook and
destroyed the frigate Philadelphia under the guns of the Tripolitan
batteries. He lost his life in the command of the exploring expe-
dition sent out by John Astor to the Columbia river. (For particu-
lars, see Irving's history of that memorable adventure.) • They were
also the parents of Herman Thorn, the millionaire of New York,
and several other much-respected children.
Marten, the third son of Jacques Cornelise, married, March 23d,
1701, Margaret Gerritse Van Vranken. They had several children,
viz : Jacob, Margaret, Ariantje, Susanna and Petrus, the last born
October 30th, 1709, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse De
Graff, April 9th, 1738. He was a captain in Colonel Abraham
Wemple's company of the Revolutionary War.
During the eighteenth century there came to Schenectady these
men whose names were gathered by Prof. Pierson from the church
records of Schenectady and Albany, and to whose distinguished ser-
vice the historian. Judge Sanders, has rendered just and generous
tribute.
Johannes Qnackenbos, son of Peter of Albany, born in 1662, mar-
ried, October 20th, 1700, Anna, daughter of Johannes Clute of
Niskayuna.
Caleb Beck, settled at Schenectady in 1703. Some of his descen-
dants became distinguished for talents and high literary attainments,
among the noblest sons of our state. He married Ann Harley, at
New York, November 2d, 1703. His house and lot was on the
southeast corner of Church and Union streets, where he kept a hotel,
and, after his death in 1733, his wife, at the same point, continued
the business, together with trade in groceries and dry goods until
her decease. He was the ancestor of Theodore Romeyn Beck.
GENEALOGY. 237
Isaac Van Valkenburg, son of Joachim of Albany, married May
1 2th, 1705, Ivydia, daughter of Jacqiies Van Slyck. On the 6th of
September, 17 12, he received a conveyance from Carl Hansen Toll
of a lot on the south side of Union street, including the Court House
lot, 100 feet front by 210 feet deep, for the sum of ^^50, some evi-
dence of the comparative value of real estate and money in those
honest, early days. He left surviving him several children, but all,
except his son Isaac, seemed to have removed to Albany county.
Peter Clement was a step-son of Benjamin Roberts. In 1707 he
and his brother Joseph received, under their step-father's will, each
one-half of seventy-six acres of land at Maalwyck, including Bent's
Island. In 17 10 Peter sold his half of the farm to Cornelius Viele
for ;^445. On the 26th of November, 1707, he married Anna Ruy-
ting, and secondly, July 28th, 1721, married Anna, daughter of Arent
Vedder.
Class Gerritse Van Vranken came to the province of New York at
a very early date ; the precise time cannot now be determined. He
had two sons, Gerrit and Rj'kert.
Gerrit Class, the oldest son, married Ariantje Uldrick, and as his
widow married Geraldus Camberfort (Comfort) October i6th, 1692,
we reach the conclusion that he did not live to a very advanced age.
He lefl; two sops and one daughter. Class, Uldrick and Maritje. He
and bis brother Rykert, in company with Class Jansen Van Bock,
hoven, purchased land in what is now the town of Clifton Park, then
known by the Indian name of " Canestigione," applied to a consider,
able tract on both sides of the Mohawk river, in 1672, for 550 skip-
pies of wheat. There' Gerrit Class resided until his decease.
Class Gerritse, oldest son of Gerrit Class, Jr., born in 1680, mar.
ried, December 3d, 1704, Gertruy Quackenbos. He is the first Van
Vranken that is found settled in Niskayuna on the south side of the
Mohawk river, where he bought land of Johannes Clute, March 6th,
1709.
Of the Vrooman family we have given the record of Adam and
his sons, Parent and Walter. The rest of the lineage of this distin-
guished and remarkable man is as follows :
238 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Adam Vrooman was married three times. First, in 1678, to Eng-
eltie, daughter of Hafman Janse Ryckman ; second, in 1691, to
Gretje Ryckman, his first wife's sister, and widow of Jacques Corne-
lise Van Slyck ; thirdly, January 13th, 1697, to Grietje Takelse
Heemstret in Albany. His descendants are very numerous, extend-
ing far and wide throughout the Union, but mostly settled in the
Mohawk and Schoharie vallej^s. He had nine sons and four daugh-
ters, most of whom survived him.
Barent, his oldest son, born in 1679, was carried captive to Can-
ada in 1690. He married, June i8th, 1699, Catrina Heemstreet of
Albany. He had a brewery on the north side of Union street, near
to or upon the present crossing of the New York Central and Hud-
son River railroad. He lived on the north corner of Centre and
State streets. He died in 1746, leaving one son, Adam, and one
daughter, Engeltie.
Wouter married, September 24th, 1707, Marytje, daughter of Isaac
C. Hallenback of Albany. He died October 26th, 1756, leaving sev-
eral children, of whom I can only particularize that his son Adam,
born in 1708, married June 29th, 1742, Susanna, daughter of Jacob
Swits. Adam, in 1757, lived in the ancient brick house at the
Brandywine Mills. He died July 30th, 1759, aged forty-three years.
Isaac, son of Wouter, born November 13th, 1712, married, in 1744,
Dorothea Van Boskerken of Bergen, N. J. He was a surveyor,
judge of the court of common pleas, member of the provincial
assembly in 1759, and member of assembly under the first state con-
stitution in 1779, and died June ist, 1807, on his farm at the Brandy-
wine Mills.
Barent, another son of Wouter, born December 24th, 1725, mar-
ried, January 12th, 1760, Alida, daughter of David Van Der Heyden
of Albany. He became minister of the Dutch church, at Schenec-
tady in 1754, and died November i6th, 1784. His widow died in
1833, aged ninetjr-nine years.
Engeltie, a daughter of Wouter, born June 12th, 1709, married
Cornelius Veeder.
Dorothea, another daiighter, born October 5th, 17 14, married Gil-
lis Truax.
GENEALOGY. 239
Rachel, another daughter, born May 31st, 1724, married, first,
Abraham Wemp, secondly, Abraham Fonda.
Elizabeth, another danghter, born May 7th, 1732, married Abra-
ham Switz.
Pieter, the third surviving son of Adam, born May 4th, 1684, mar-
ried, February 2d, 1706, Grietje, daughter of Isaac Van Alstjme of
Albany. He settled with his father on what was called Vrooman's
laud in Schoharie. He died in 1 771, having seven sons and five
daughters. Pieter was the ancestor of all, or nearly all, the Vroo-
man's living in Schoharie, Otsego and Montgomery counties.
Parent, a son of Pieter, born February 19th, 1709, married Engel-
tie, daughter of Tennis Swart; he died in 1782, leaving surviving
six sons and three daughters.
Engeltie, a daughter of Pieter, born May i8th, 1713, married
David Ziele.
Gertruy, also a daughter of Pieter, born September 3d, 1725, mar-
ried Josias S warts.
Catharina, also a daughter of Pieter, born March 29th, 1728, mar-
ried Johannes Lawyer.
Hendrick, son of Adam, (commonly called Captain Hendrick),
born in 1687, married Maria, daughter of Parent Wemp. He was
boss of the carpenters who built the Second Dutch church of
Schenectady in 1732, at seven shillings per day. This building was
erected in the center of Church street, at the intersection of Church
and Union streets.
Parent, oldest son of Hendrick, born January 15th, 1710, married
Volkie, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemple. After his death, in 1746,
his widow married Jacob Alexander Glen, and lastly, she married
Johannes Simonse Vrooman. Parent left but one child, called
Angelica, born June 17th, 1747.
Adam, second son of Hendrick, born April 2d, 1716, married
Anna, daughter of Abraham Mebie, February 7th, 1740. He removed
to the banks of the Mohawk above Amsterdam, and left several chil-
dren surviving him.
John, third son of Hendrick, born April 4th, 1719, married Jan-
netje, daughter of Jacob Swits, November 26th, 1757.
240 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Hendrick, son of Hendrick, born Angnst 4th, 1722, married
Neeltie, daughter of Peter Veeder, and left two children, Pieter and
Maria.
Maria, a daughter of Hendrick, born October 14th, 1705, married
Isaac Swits.
Volkie, another daughter, born March 29th, 1725, married Isaac
Jacobus Swits.
Jannetje, also a daughter, born 1779, married Simon Van Patten.
Bartholomew, another son of Adam, born December 22d, 1700,
married, October 7th,- 17 38, Catharina, daughter of Cornelius Slinger
and widow of Hendrick Van Slyck.
John, son of Bartholomew, born January 13th, 1745, married,
March 28th, 1767, Margarita, daughter of Seth Vrooman.
Engeltie, a daughter of Bartholomew, born September 3d, 1742,
married Johannes Clute.
Gezina, also a daiighter, born April ist, 1746, married Albert
Mebie.
Seth, another son of Adam, born Jamiary 7th, 1705, married first,
Gertruy Van Patten; second, January 25th, 1745, Eva, daughter of
Jesse DeGraff.
Adam, son of Seth, born March 5th, 1754, married first Engeltie,
daughter of Simon Schermerhorn, by whom he had two daughters ;
one, his daughter Alida, born December 24th, 1774, married Josias
Swart. He died March 30th, 1852. His other daughter, Hiligonda,
born October 27th, 1776, married Caleb Van Vorst. She died March
25th, 1858. Adam married second, Nancy Van Vranken, sister of
our old deceased citizen, Mans Van Vranken, by whom he also had
two daughters. The oldest, Angelica, married Harman Bradt, the
youngest, Harriet, nuarried Daniel Barringer.
Jacob Meese, another son of Adam, born July 3d, 1707, married
"Sara," a daughter of Myndert Mynderse, October 30th, 1742, seems
to have left no issue.
Christina, the oldest daughter of Adam, born October i8th, 1685,
married Tennis Swart; Maria, another daughter of Adam, born
September i, 1699, married Douw Fonda.
Eva, also a daughter, married Joachim Kettlehuyn.
GENEALOGY. ' 241
Janneltie, another daughter, married March 26th, 1704, Captain
Harman Van Slyck.
Johir, the second and yonngest son of Hendrick Meese and brother
of Adam, married July 4th, 1680, Geesje, daughter of Simon Vedder.
He lived on the site of the depot of the New York Central and Hud-
son River railroad ; he died in 1732, having had ten sons and six
daughters, of whom the greater number survived him.
Simon, the oldest son of Jan, born February 25th, 1681, married
Eytje (Margaret), daughter of Jacob Delamont. He bought, in 1710,
of Willianr Appel, the lot lying on the west side of the canal,
between State and Liberty streets, the property belonging to the
estate of John Jacob Vrooman, deceased. Simon left two sons, John
and Jacob, and two daughters, Catharina and Maria. John Jacob
Vrooman, born April 5th, 1763, was the grandson of Simon, and
married Amy Hicks, the widow of Peter Rowe, who had died April
20th, 1806.
Peter, son of John, born October loth, 1688,. married in 1716,
Agnietje, daughter of Arent Vedder. He was killed at the Beuken-
dahl massacre in 1748. He left surviving him several sons and
daughters.
Hendrick, son of John, born September 9th, 1690, married, Octo-
ber 1718, E^ngeltie, daughter of Cornelius Slingerland. In 1723 he
owned a lot on the east corner of State and Washington streets,
forty-five feet by 190 deep, which passed to his son Cornelius, who
sold it to Samuel Arentse Bratt.
Cornelius, son of Hendrick, born February 4th, 1722, married
Margarita, daughter of Samuel Arentse Bratt, December i6th, 1753.
Simon, son of Hendrick, born in 1740, married, August 14th,
1767, Margaret, daughter of Jacques Peek. They left several sons
and daughters.
Gezina, a daughter of Hendrick, born September 7th, 1719, mar-,
ridd Simon Johannes Veeder.
Eva, another daughter, born September 24th, 1724, married Johan-
nes Pieterse Van Antwerpen.
Jannetje, also a daughter, born November 3d, 1727, married Jellis
Fonda.
242 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Maria, another daughter, born January 30th, 1732, married Ahas-
ueras Marcellis.
Jacob, another son of Jan, born December 28th, 1698, married,
October 17th, 1725, Maritje, daughter of Abraham Groot. His
house lot was on the north side of State street at the crossing. Being
a carpenter, he was sent by Sir William Johnson to Onondaga, to
build a fort for the Indians. He died April 20th, 17 74-
■John, his son, born January 8th, 1726, married Clara, daughter of
Hendrick Van Slyck. Hester, a daughter, married Jacobus Heem-
street. Rebecca, another daughter, married Arent Marselis. Gessie,
also a daughter, married Peter Steers.
Maria, a daughter of Jan, the brother of Adam, born October 31st,
1696, married Gysbert Van Brakel.
Jannetje, also a daitghter, born July 3d, 1682, married Arent Bratt.
Engeltie, another daughter, born December 22d, 1692, married Jan
Ryer Schermerhorn.
Catharina, also .a daughter, born May 12th, 1701, married Jacob
Mebie.
The following is the Van de Bogart stock, thoroug-hly colonial and
Revolutionary. His people now living are as follows :
Surgeon Van de Bogart left surviving him two sons and one
daughter.
Myndert, his oldest son, born May 3d, 1648, married Helena,
daughter of Jacob Janse Schermerhorn, and sister of Ryer Schermer-
horn, Sr. He came to Schenectady in 1680, and was a very active
partisan in Deisler's time, who appointed him justice of the peace in
1690.
In 1686, in company with Robert Sanders of Albany, he pur-
chased 12,000 acres of land in Dutchess county, including the site of
the city of Poughkeepsie, and soon after removed with his family
and settled upon the tract.
Fraus, youngest son of Surgeon Van de Bogart, born August 26th,
1643, married Ametje Tyerkse, and settled at Schenectady in 1680,
where he was killed February 9th, 1690, by the French and Indians.
His widow, March 25th, 1692, married Philip Harris of Albany.
Fraus left surviving him two sons. Class and Tjerk.
GENEALOGY. 243
Class, the oldest son of Fraiis, married December 31st, 1699, Bar-
bara, daitghter of Tekel Heemstreet of Albany.
Fraus, son of Class, born Augnst 22d, 1703, married November
8th, 1726, Hesther, daughter of Abraham Groot.
Takerus, another son of Class, born March 23d, 1717, married
February 2d, 1744, Neeltje, daughter of Arent DeGraff. He lived
on the north side of Front, opposite the north side of Church street,
where the residence of Henry Rosa, Esq., now stands. Takerus
died in 1799, a Colonial and Revolutionary soldier, among the best
of the military engineers of his day.
Class, another son of Class, born June nth, 1727, married, August
8th, 1752, Rachel, daughter of Joseph Yates. He left four children:
Nuna, born September 12th, 1753, married to Abraham Lighthall ;
Fraus, born February 23d, 1755 ; Joseph, born November 21st, 1756,
and Class Frausen, born March 4th, 1759.
Anna, a daughter of Class, born November loth, 1700, married
Abraham Lighthall.
Maria, another daughter of Class, born October 28th, 1705, mar-
ried Pieter Veeder.
Margaret, also a daughter of Class, born February 9th, 1709, mar-
ried Alexander Vedder.
Jillistje, also a daughter of Class, born March 6th, 17 n, married
Johannes Hall.
Sara, another daughter of Class, born February 28th, 17 14, mar-
ried Arent A. Vedder.
Tjerk Frausen, son of Fraus, Sr., married Margaret, daughter of
Harmanus Veeder.
Harmanus Fraus, son of Tjerk, born July 21st, 1721, married May
1 8th, 1745, Catharina, daughter of Daniel Danielse Van Antwerp.
Nicholas, a son of Harmanus, born December nth, 1751, seems to
have left no issue.
Margaretta, a daughter of Harmanus, born July 6th, 17 55) car-
ried first Adam Kittle, who was killed in the Revolutionary War,
and secondly, one Williams. She then removed to Upper Canada.
Nicholas, another son of Tjerk Frausen, born May nth, 1723?
married January 9th, 1747, Ariautje Schermerhorn ; secondly, in
244 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
July, 1753, married Anna Van Voast. He left surviving him two
sons, Tjerk and Fraus, and two daughters, Rachel and Margaret.
Jan Pieterson Mebee who came in 1684 had the following descen-
dants :
Jan Pieterse Mebie came to Schenectady in 1684. He married '
Anna Pieterse, daughter of Pieter Jacobse Borsboon, one of the origi-
nal proprietors of Schenectady. His home in the village was on the
east side of Church street, next north of the Dutch church lot, cover-
ing the premises now severally owned by Mrs. John A. Washington
and Mrs. Benjamin. He also owned land on the third flat, on the
south side of the Mohawk river, eight miles above Schenectady.
In 1697, Rode, called by the Christians, Dirk, a Mohawk sachem,
with the consent of * all the other Mohawks, granted a piece of
ground containing eighty acres, lying on both sides of Schoharie
creek, commonly known by the name of " Kudarodae," to Jan
Pieterse Mebie, in consideration that his wife " is something related
to the Mohawk castle."
Jan Pieterse died April 8th, 1725, leaving surviving him three
sons and five daughters.
Pieter, the oldest son of Jan, born January 20th, 1696, married,
June i2th, 1721, Susanna, daughter of Arent Vedder. He settled
on the north side of the Mohawk river, on the north side of " Arent
Mebie's Kil," just north of the stone bridge on the New York Cen-
tral and Hudson River railroad. He left surviving him several sons
and daughters.
Jan, son of Pieter, born January loth, 1728, married, December
13th, 1755, Alida, daughter of Simon Toll. He died November
24th, 1796. He left surviving him several sons and daughters.
Harmanus, son of Pieter, born October 9th, 1737, married, Janu-
ary 8th, 1 76 1, Susanna, daughter of Barent Wemple. He left one
son, Peter, and two daughters, Debora and Margaret.
Arent, son of Pieter, born in 1739, married, December 22d, 1764,
Sarah, daughter of Josias Swart, and left three children, Pieter,
Josias and Susanna.
Peter, a son of Pieter, born November 14th, 1742, married, July
nth, 1767, Alida, daughter of Harmanus Peek. They became, by
GENEALOGY. 245
removal, a Schoharie family. He left one son, Harmanus, and two
daughters, Sarah and Maria.
Abraham, the second son of Jan Pieterse, born June 26th, 1695,
married, June loth, 1718, Annatje, daughter of Albert Vedder. He
secondly married, March 30th, 1752, Catalina Roseboom of Albany.
He was a blacksmith, and lived on the lot next northerly to the
Dutch church, before mentioned, as belonging to his father, Jan. It
was in his barn, the identical one now standing on the premises of
Mrs. Park Benjamin, where, on the i8th day of July, 1748, Colonel
Jacob Glen of Scotia, and his rescuing party of about eighty citizens,
deposited twenty-six of their friends, slaughtered at Beukendahl, in
two parallel rows, to be claimed and removed by their friends and
relatives.
Albert, son of Abraham, born February 20th, 1738, married
Engeltie, daughter of Bartholomew Vrooman, December 20th, 1760.
He had several children, bnt the family removed to Tryon county,
to that part now known as Montgomery county (old Canajoharie).
Catharina, a daughter of Abraham, born August 6th, 1720, mar-
ried Johannes Volkertse Veeder.
Anna, another daughter, born September ist, 1722, married Adam
Hendrickse Vrooman.
Maria, another daughter, born November 23d, 1724, married Abra-
ham Fonda.
Eva, third daughter, born April 20th, 1727, married Gerrit Van
Antwerpen.
Engeltje, another daughter, born April 13th, 1735, married Hen-
drick Van Dyck.
Margarietje, fifth daughter, born August 23d, 1740, married
Johannes Rs Wemple.
Jacob, the third son of Jan Peterse, born March ist, 1698, married
x\ugust 7th, 1725, Catharina, daughter of Hendrick Vrooman. He
inherited, by his father's will, one-half of the old homestead farm on
the third flat, on the south side of the Mohawk. His house, still
standing, is occupied by his great grandson, Simon Mebie. Jacob
died x\pril i8th, 1755, leaving three sons and three daughters.
17
246 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John, his oldest son, born May ist, 1738, married, December 26th,
1760, Cornelia Hagadorn. He died July nth, 1763, apparently
without issue.
Cornelius, his second son, born in March, 1741, married Novem-
ber 19th, 1767, Hesther, daughter of Abraham Groot. He died,
leaving surviving two sons and five daughters.
Major Jacob C, oldest son of Cornelius, born May 31st, 1772,
married, January 20th, 1793-, Eva, daughter of Simon Van Patten.
He lived on the old homestead in Woestyne. He was killed Decern,
ber 4th, 1823, "by h^s loaded wagon passing over his body on the
way to Albau}'." The Major left several children, but we will only
mention his oldest son, Simon, born August 31st, 1805, married.
May 7th, 1827, Hannah Marlett, and now resides upon the old home-
stead.
Abraham, the third son of Jacob, Sr., born January 4th, 1778,
died September 21st, 1810, without issue.
Catharina, the oldest daughter of Jacob, Sr., born July 17th, 1768,
married Nicholas J. Van Patten.
Willemjsie, another daughter, born February 4th, 1774, married
Johannes J. Bratt.
Margarita, third daughter, born March 3d, 1776, married Nicho-
las A. Bratt.
Annatje, another daughter, born February 20th, 1780, married
Nicholas P. Van Patten.
Hester, fifth daughter, born May 9th, 1782, married Jellis Swart.
Johannes Clute, ancestor of all the Clutes in this county, who
settled in Niskayuna in 1684, has the following lineage :
Johannes Clute settled in Niskayuna in 1684, on lands he received
by will from his rich uncle. Captain Johannes Clute of Albany. He
married Baata, daughter of Gerrit Van Slichtenhorst and grand-
daughter of Brant Arantse Van Slichtenhorst, who was director
(head man), of the. colony of Rensselaerwyck in 1646, and whom, I
have had occasion to remark, proved to be a foeman worthy of Gov-
ernor Stuyvesant's most bitter animosity. She was also the grand-
daughter of the indomitable Colonel Philip Pieterse Schuyler. In
1692, her husband Johannes, being a prisoner in Canada, this remark-
GENEALOGY. ,47
able woman, with great adroitness, managed all his business affairs.
Johaimes Clute died November 26th, 1725, and was buried in Nis-
kayuna. He left surviving him three sons and five daughters. Clute
is a prominent name in Schenectady.
Jacobus, his oldest son, married, April 12th, 1707, Gertrude Van
Vranken.
Nicholas, his son, born May 20th, 1725, married Clartje, daugh-
ter of Johannes Heemstreet.
Johannes, another son, born November 15th, 17 19, married, Octo-
ber 6th, 1752, Jannetie Ouderkerk.
Gerrit, also a son, born July loth, 1709, married, September 22d,
1732, Maritje Heemstreet.
Peter, another son, born August 12th, 1722, married, May 7th,
1761, Lea Hagadorn.
Gerrit, another son of Johannes Clute, born January ist, 1697,
married, May 28th, 1725, Machtelt Heemstreet.
John, his son, born July loth, 1726, married, January 17th, 1754,
Catrina, daughter of Abraham Lansing of Albany.
Jacob, another son of Gerrit, born January i8th, 1736, married,
June 1 2th, 1 761, Maayke Lansing.
Dirk, also a son of Gerrit, married, April 6th, 1760, Annatje,
daughter of Johannes Heemstreet of Albany.
Gerardus, another son of Gerrit, born October 19th, 1735, married
Alida, daughter of Nicholas Visscher of Albany.
John, another son of Johannes Clute, born May 12th, 1700, mar-
ried, September 5th, 1727.
John, his son, born September 15th, 1728, married, September
27th, 1752, Sarah, daughter of Abraham Van Arnham.
Frederick Clute came to Niskayuna from Esopus, Ulster county,
in 1703, and bought land of old Johannes Clute. What relationship
(if any) existed between them, is unknown. He married Francytje
Du Monds.
John, oldest son of Frederick, married, December nth, 1726,
Tanneke, daughter of Gillis Fonda of Schenectady.
Jacob, second son of Frederick, married, November i6th, 1727,
Maria Brower, in Albany.
248 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
Pieter, another son of Frederick, born April 26tli, 1712, married
Ariantje, daughter of Nicholas Van Vranken.
Frederick, also a son of Frederick, married, May 22d, 1742, Mach-
telt, daughter of Johannes Pieterse Quackenbos.
Waldren, another son of Frederick, married Anna, in 1721.
Margaritje, a daughter of Frederick, married Andries DeGraff.
Anna Barbara, also a daughter, married Abram Fort.
Helena, another daughter, married Johannes Quackenbos, Jr.
Anna Catrina, also a daughter, born December 8th, 17 16, married
Martin Van Olinda.
Gerrit Marcellus, the right and original spelling of this name of
the Spanish conquest, and who will be remembered as the Marselis
whose wife and child were killed in the massacre, left no descendants
in Schenectady that can be discovered from record. Ahasueras, his
brother, came here in 1698, and was a cordwainer. As he had
descendants in the Colonies and Revolutionary wars, his lineage is
here given.
Gerrit Marselis, son of Janse Marselis of Albany, married Bregie
Haus in 1687, and the same year came to Schenectady. He, with
his wife and one child, was killed in the massacre of February 9th,
1690. One child, named Myndert, was saved, and was living at
Schenectady in 1709. He married Fitje Oothout of Albany, May
23d, 1713. They had three sons and four daughters. This is yet a
well known name in Schenectady.
Ahasueras Marselis, brother of Gerrit, above named, moved to
Schenectady in 1698. In 1697 he married Sara, daughter of Takel
Heemstreet of Albany. He was by occupation a cordwainer.
John, oldest son of Ahasueras, was born June 26th, 1698. He
married, Jani:ary 12th, 1725, Sara, daughter of Class DeGraff. He
was a merchant, and owned the house and lot No. 23 Front street.
He must have died before 1753, for ^"S widow then occupied the
property.
Ahasueras, the oldest son of John, born June 26th, 1726, married,
January ist, 1749, Maria, daughter of Hendrick Vrooman.
Henry, a son of Ahasueras, born May 25th, 1753, married Corne-
lia Footman, December ist, 1793. He died August 12th, 1821.
GENEALOGY.
She died January 3d, 1837. He lived on the north side of Front
street, on the lot now occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs. J. W.
Harman. Henry Marsellus left only one child, Maria, who married
Hon. Richard McMichael, for the term of four years a senator of
the State of New York.
Nicholas, a son of Ahasueras, born August 15th, 1766, married,
September 14th, 1788, Matilda, daughter of Isaac Rosa. ■ He died
August 1 2th, 1848, aged eighty-two years.
John A., another son of Ahasueras, born June 8th, 1777, married,
January 5th, 1800, Catharina, daughter of Jacob Schermerhorn. He
died October 12th, 1845, ag^^ sixty-eight years, leaving no issue-
He was a Quaker, beloved by everybody, and died deeply regretted
by all.
Sarah, a daughter of Ahasueras, married, October 9th, 1763, Wil-
liam Lighthall.
Angelica, also a daughter, married Harmanus H. Van Slyck.
Class, another son of John, Sr., cordwainer, married, April 30th,
1757, Lena, daughter of Dirk Merselis. He is said to have been
killed by lightning in 1766, while crossing the Mohawk river in a
canoe.
John, oldest son of Class, born January 27th, 1760, married Catha-
rina, daughter of Isaac Vrooman. He lived in Ferry street, directly
opposite of the Episcopal church, and died December 15th, 1833.
Nicholas, his oldest sou, born March, 1792, was a minister of the
Reformed Dutch Church, and married Jane, daughter of Colonel
Henry R. Teller.
L,aurence, another son of John, born February 23d, 1795, was liv-
ing until recently, and was a very much respected gentleman in
Montgomery county.
Elizabeth, a daughter of John, born November 27th, 17S5, mar-
ried Jacob J. Clute.
Lena, another daughter, born December nth, 17S9, married Silas
Andrews, a publisher, of Hartford, Connecticut.
Sarah, also another daughter, born September 12th, 1800, married
Rev. Aaron A. Marselis.
250 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Nicholas, a son of Class, born September 14th, 1766, married,
April 17th, 1795, Sarah, daughter of Petrus Clute. He died Novem-
ber 28th, 1845, aged seventy-nine years. She died March 28th, 1872,
aged ninety-four' years, five months, twenty-one days. They had
children.
Dirk, born May 6th, 1797, died September nth, 1832.
Peter, born June 3d, 1801, father of Richard Marselis, Esq., of
Schenectady.
Helena, born August 2 2d, 1806, died young.
Catharine, born January 22d, 181 1, married Jacob F. Clute, Esq.^
of Schenectady; died April 12th, 1846.
John, born November 2d, 18 16, who recently died and who, with
much attachment, occupied the old hoinestead on Eront street.
Dirk, second son of Ahasueras, Sr., born January 5th, 1700, mar-
ried, July 26th, 1726, Lysbet, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps.
Helena, Dirk's daughter, born March 4th, 1732, married Class
Marselis.
Catharine, another daughter, born February 15th, 1736, married
Pieter Clute.
Gysbert, also a son of Ahasueras, Sr., born June 4th, 1704, mar-
ried. May 31st, 1730, Elizabeth, daughter of Arent Van Antwerpen.
Arent, oldest son of Gysbert, born November 26th, 1732, married,
December 23d, 1758, Rebecca, daughter of Jacob Vrooman.
Captain Ahasueras, also a son of Gysbert, born April 12th, 1740
married, September ist, 1765, Hester, daughter of Nicholas Visscher
of Niskayuna.
Takel, another son of Gysbert, born January ist, 1709, married,
March i6th, 1738, Jacomyntje, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps.
Isaac, also a son of Gysbert, born June 29th, 1723, married, August
5th, 1748, Sarah, daughter of Wouter Swart. He was a merchant.
Sara, a daughter of Gysbert, born June 9th, 1734, married
Jacobus Van Sice.
Class Andrease DeGraff, 1688, left the following well authenticated
lineage :
Abraham, the oldest son of Class Andrease, born November 14th,
1688, married, August 17th, 1725, Rebecca, daughter of Abraham
GENEALOGY. 251
Groot. He lived in the old red house, standing on the margin of
the Sacandaga turnpike, near the residence of Phillip R. Toll, Esq.,
and his burying-ground lies not far from the rear of the house.
. In his family Bible, still in tolerable preservation, are transcribed
the following entries on the fly-leaf, which entries are well sustained
by traditionary history :
" 1746, October 30th, Abraham DeGraff and his son William, were
taken captive to Canada."
" ^747) June 12th, Abraham DeGraff, died at Quebec, in Canada,
and was buried there." , .
" 1748, July 1 8th, Nicholas DeGraff, (son of Abraham), and twenty-
six others, were murdered at Beukendahl by the savage Indians."
Nicholas, the oldest son of Abraham, born May 26th, 1726, mar-
ried Ariantje, daughter of John Schermerhorn. We have seen, by
the Bible entry, that he was killed at Beukendahl, when only a little
more than twenty-two years old. He left surviving him an infant
son, Abraham, who, on the 29th of January, 1774, married Mar-
garetta, daughter of William Schermerhorn. Desolate as his father's
family was left, Abraham died June ist, 1810, leaving surviving him
the following children :
Elizabeth, a daughter, born July 23d, 1775, married Thomas
Chapman.
Tenneke, also a daughter, born November ist, 1778, married Cor-
nelius Viele.
Rachel, another daughter, born March nth, 1781, died unmar-
ried.
Abraham, a son, born December i6th, 1790, died at the advanced
age of nearly eighty-eight years.
. Lawrence, also a son, born May 25th, 1793, is lately deceased.
All the children of Abraham left numerous descendants, except
Elizabeth and Rachel.
Abraham, another son of Abraham, who died at Quebec, born
August 24th, 1732, married, August 4th, 1753, Rachel, daughter of
Johannes Clute. He died January 19th, 1756, leaving an only child,
Abraham, born April 20th, 1754.
252 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Cornelius, another son of Abraham, born November 23d, 1738,
married, September i6th, 1769, Rebecca, daughter of Frederick
Van Patten. He was for thirty-two years Voorleger of the Dutch
church of Schenectady, and stout lungs his old admirers claim for
him. He lived on the south side of State street, in a house next
west of Mrs. Abel Smith's house and owned the lot on which her
dwelling stands. In 1800 he removed to his farm in Glenville, near
the location of the Beukendahl massacre, where he died July nth,
1830, aged ninety-one years, seven months and seven days, having
had three sons and three daughters. Albert W. Vedder, Esq., of
Glenville, an aged citizen, was one of his grandchildren.
William, also a son of Abraham, Sr., born November 20th, 1734,
who was carried, with his father, captive to Canada, never returned.
He probably died there, as his father did.
Hester, a daughter of Abraham, Sr., born April 18th, 1728, mar-
ried Philip Ryley.
Jesse, son of Class Andriese, born August 4th 1688, married,
October 20th, 1 705, Aaltie Henmon in New York. He was carried
away captive to Canada at one time, but returned.
Daniel, son of Jesse, born May 26th, 1708, married, June 26th,
1735) Gezina, daughter of Simon Swits. He died March 12th,
1790, aged nearly eighty-two years. She died January 22d, 1801,
aged eighty-eight years.
Jesse, son of Daniel, born January 13th, 1745, married, November
19th, 1774, Rachel, daughter of Abraham Fonda. They had only
one child, Daniel, who died young.
Simon, son of Daniel, born April 6th, 1753, married, December
6th, 1779, first, Annatie, daughter of Simon Schermerhorn. She
died September 21st, 1783, leaving one child, Gezina, who died
young. He secondly married, April 12th, 1787, Jannete, daughter of
Harm anus Bradt. Their children were :
Daniel, born August 12th, 1788, who married a daughter of the
old surveyor, Josias Swart ; also a son named Harmanus, born Janu-
ary 8th, 1 791 ; also a daughter named Annatje, born August 23d,
1794, and now the widow of Alexander Van Eps, and residing in
Schenectady.
GENEALOGY. 253
Simon DeGrafE's first wife, Jannete, was a sister of Maris and John
Schermerhorn, deceased, aged citizens so long and favorably known
in this community.
Isaac, son of Daniel, born November i6th, 1757, married, Decem-
ber 19th, 1779, Susanna, daughter of John Baptist Van Eps. He
died December 21st, 1844, aged eighty-seven years, one month and
five days.
Daniel, oldest son of Isaac, born June i6th, 1780.
John, the second son of Isaac, born October 2d, 1783, died July
2 2d, 1848. He was several times mayor of Schenectady, was for
many years a successful merchant, and one of the firm of Walton &
DeGraff, large contractors with the United States government, both
by land and water, to forward supplies, ammunition, stores and
necessities to its armies on the frontiers, and its navies on the western
lakes. He also served the district in which Schenectady is located
two terms in Congress. He died unmarried.
Jesse, another son of Isaac, born January 9th, 1801, married
Gerzena, daughter of Harman Vischer of Caughnawaga, Montgom-
ery county.
Gezina, oldest daughter of Isaac, born January 13th, 1788, married
Abraham Oothout. This was the mother of our much esteemed
citizen, G. Lansing Oothout, Esq.
Susanna, another daughter of Isaac, born March 29th, 1793, mar-
ried the late Peter Bancker.
Annatje, also a daughter, born March loth, 1795, married Philip
Toll, son of Carl Hansen Toll.
Susanna, a daughter of Daniel, born May 5th, 1737, married
Andreas Truax.
Gezina, another daughter of Daniel, born November 6th, 1747,
married Colonel Frederick Vischer of Caughnawaga.
Alida, also a daughter, born March 9th, 1750, married Johannes
Vedder.
Arnout (Arnold), another son of Charles Andreas, born in 1694,
married. May 13th, 17 15, Ariantje, daughter of Class Vander Volgen.
He died March 27th, 1731, after which his widow married Harmanus
Vedder.
254 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Class, son of Arnout, a carpenter, born March 14th, 17 16, married,
first, Leah Gonsalus ; secondly, married Caty, daughter of Abraham
Truax, February ist, 1754, in Albany.
Manuel, his oldest son, and by his first wife, born February 10th,
1 751, married Rebecca Gonsalus. He was one of the first settlers of
Amsterdam, Montgomery county. His farm was situated two miles
east of that village. He has been succeeded on that farm by his son
Manuel, born January 24th, 1789, and he by his son Manuel, the
present owner. Manuel, the second, died in Amsterdam, July 1st,
1844, leaving several children. Philip Toll, Esq., of Glenville, mar-
ried one of his daughters.
Isaac, also a son of Class Andrese, born August 4th, 1691, mar-
ried, August 18th, 1725, Debora, daughter of Jeremiah Thickstone.
He was a carpenter and lived on the north side of Front street, a
little east of Church street.
Jeremiah, son of Isaac, born October 2rst, 1727, married Annatje,
daughter of Johannes Ouackenbos, and left surviving him several
sons and daughters.
John, also a son of Isaac, born April, 1740, married, first, Novem-
ber 1 2th, 1763, Rebecca, daughter of Gerrit Van Vranken ; secondly,
married, July ist, 1769, Annatje, daughter of Harmanus Peek.
He left surviving him three sons, respectively named Gerrit, Isaac
and Harmanus.
Andries, another son of Class Andries, born in 1699, married
Neeltje, daughter of Daniel Van Antwerpen. He left but one child,
Ivysbeth, who married, February 5th, 1726, Philip Groot.
Antje, a daughter of Class Andrese, born August 27th, 1693, mar-
ried Cornelius Christianse.
Sara, another daughter, born January 8th, 1696, married John
Marselis.
Eva, also a daughter, married Jacob Van Olmda.
Elizabeth, another daughter, married Nicholas Stensil.
Margarita, also a daughter, married Robert Yates.
Frederick Gerritse, farmer, and Elizabeth Christianse, his wife,
were residents of Schenectady in 1687. On September 9th, 1689,
he conveyed to Myndert Wemp ten acres of land at Maalwyck and
GENEALOGY. 255
Bent's Island, formerly belonging to Benjamin Roberts, always called
by the old settlers " Bent Roberts," from which circumstance, the
island in the Mohawk, three miles above the city and opposite the
Viele farms, was so called.
The lineage of the old war horse Stevens runs as follows :
He was the great grandson of Jonathan Stevens of Connecticut.
Nicholas Hendricus, oldest son of Jonathan, born November loth,
1697, married, May 29th, 1730, Maria Phoenix. They had several
children, but all died young and unmarried, except Arent and
Johannes.
Arent, the oldest son of Nicholas Hendricus, married, November
20th, 1768, Jennetje DeSpitzer. He died in 1784, leaving surviving
him the following named children :
Jonathan, born January 27th, 1770.
Thomas, born March 22d, 1772.
Margaret, born May i8th, 1777.
Maria, born December 31st, 1780.
Hendricus, born April 27th, 1782.
Nicholas, born February 26th, 1783, after his father's decease,
and died in Schenectady, i8th of October, 1863.
Arent, second son of Jonathan, born July 26th, 1702, married, first,
January 3d, 1726, Maria, daughter of William Hall; she died
Decemher 23d, 1739, aged forty-two years. He married, secondly,
February 4th, 1749, Mary Griffiths, widow of Lieutenant Thomas
Burrows of the British army ; she died July 2d, 1794, aged seventy-
five years. Arent, himself, died May 15th, 1753- He owned lands,
and for some time resided at Canajoharie. He often acted as Indian
interpreter, and was also employed by Sir William Johnson in
negotiations with the different tribes.
Captain Jonathan Stevens, the oldest son of Arent, born December
I St, 1726, was killed at the battle of Lake George, September
8th, 1755, a few miles from the fort, in a disastrous ambuscade,
where the noble King Hendrick, the chivalric and generous Colonel
Ephriam Williams, the founder of Williams College, and the brave
Captains McGinnis and Stevens, both of Schenectady, fell, almost
side by side.
256 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
It was of tlie two last that Sir William Johnson, in his official
report of the battle and the capture of Baron Dieskaw, wrote :
" Maginnis -and Stevens fought like lions." Captain Jonathan was
only twenty-eight years old when he so desperately lost his life, and
was unmarried.
Arent's other children were named as follows :
Catarina, born August ist, 1729, died August 27th, 1790.
William, born September loth, 1732.
Nicholas, born November 14th, 1734.
Johannes, born July 31st, 1736.
Jacobus, born December 13th, 1739.
Second set of children :
Maria, born October 20th, 1750, married John Stuart.
Richard, born December loth, 1752, died in 1800.
Anna, born April 22d, 1755, married Philip Franskel.
The Van Dykes are as follows :
■ Jacobus Van Dyck, physician and surgeon, son of Cornelius Van
Dyck of Albany, also a physician and surgeon, married, October 25th,
1694, Jacomytje, daughter of John Alexander Glen of Scotia, where,
upon, immediately after that, he settled at Schenectady. He was
surgeon of the fort there. His house and lot were on the west side
of Church street, fifty feet north of State street.
Cornelius, son of Jacobiis, born August 28th, 1698, became also a
physician and surgeon, and married, first, November 12th, 1721,
Maria, daughter of Jan Pieterse Mebie, and secondly, Margaret,
daughter of Arent Bratt, March i6th, 1738. He died February 15th,
1759, aged about sixty-one years. He left surviving him several
children, viz :
Elizabeth, born September 8th, 1722, married Harmanus Bratt.
Johannes, born May 24th, 1724, removed to Canajoharie.
Jacobus, born March 17th, 1726.
Hendricus, born August 29th, 1731, married Engeltje Mebie,
daughter of Abraham Mebie, June 8th, 1753.
Jacomyntje, born September i6th, 1733, married John Baptist
Wendell.
GENEALOGY. 257
Cornelius, born October 8th, 1740, married, February 20th, 1762,
Tannake, daughter of Joseph Yates. In the Revolutionary War he
was lieutenant-colonel of the First New York Regiment of Conti-
nentals, commanded by Colonel Gosen Van Schaick of Albany, and
when Van Schaick became brigadier, Van Dyck was its colonel.
During the whole war " this veteran First" was distinguished as one
of the best disciplined and most gallant regiments of the whole
army, and was engaged in many battles. He is but a tame student
of history who cannot follow it through the capture of Burgoyne,
the storming of Stony Point, and the final assault on Yorktown. So
great was the admiration of General Gates for the heroism of these
veterans, that after the surrender at Saratoga, out of his whole army
he selected Nicholas Van Rensselaer, one of its captains, to carry the
intelligence of Burgoyne's capture to the anxious citizens of Albany.
Colonel Van Dyck was the grandson of John Alexander Glen of
Scotia, and lived in the old Van Dyck residence on Church street.
He died June 9th, 1792, leaving no issue surviving him.
Cornelius Van Dyck was with Stevens, McGinnis and others, the
bravest that Schenectady gave to her country.
Johannes Ouderkirk, son of Janse of Albany, came to Schenec-
tady in 1695, and on the 2otli of May of that year married Neeltje
Class, widow of Hendrick Gardenier. His wife owned a lot of 100
feet front on the north side of Union street, one-half of which is
now included in the Dutch church lot, and the other half owned by
Aaron Barringer, Esq. To give some evidence of the value of lots
for some time after the burning and desolation of Schenectady, this
whole lot, then vacant, was valued at fifteen beaver skins, or $48.
Ouderkirk left surviving him four daughters. His descendants, it is
to be regretted, are not on record.
The descendants of Carel Hansen Toll,, 1706, are as follow^s :
Captain Daniel Toll, the oldest son of Carel Hansen, born July
nth, 1691, married, September 8th, 171 7, Grietje, daughter of Sam-
uel Bratt. She was born March 24th, 1686; died March 22d, 1743.
Captain Toll made his will in 1747, and was killed July i8th, 1748,
together with his hired man, Dirk Van Vorst, who w^ere hunting for
his strayed horses. They were found barbarously murdered by the
2s8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
French and Indians, at a place called the " Klaykuil," about one-
third of a mile north of the' point of the Beukendahl massacre.
They were the first victims of that heart-rending slaughter.
John, the oldest son of Captain Daniel, born August 13th, 17 19,
married Eva Van Patten, December 23d, 1742, and died December
31st, 1746, about two years before his father was killed, leaving sur-
viving a son.
Carel Hansen, born February loth, 1746, who married, January
lOth, 1768, Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Ryley. He died August
26th, 1832. She died October 25th, 1839.
Hesther, his oldest child, born July 14th, 1768, married, first, John
Teller, May 25th, 1787 ; secondly, Frederick Van Patten.
Eva, another daughter, born October 5th, 1771, married John C.
Vedder.
Rebecca, also a daughter, born April ist, 1778, married David
Prime, Esq. She died December 25th, 1867, aged nearly eighty-nine
years.
Rev. John Toll, the oldest surviving son, born September 13th,
1780, married January 31st, 1802, Nancy,daughter of Parent Myn-
ders. He graduated at Union College in 1799, and entered the min-
stry of the Reformed Dutch Church. He died on his farm, the old
Carel Hansen homestead, October 21st, 1849, leaving surviving him
a son, Philip Riley Toll, born February 8th, 18 ti, and a daughter,
Sarah Jane, born September 8th, 18 15.
Sarah, another daughter of Carel Hansen, born September 21st,
1783, married Arent Marselius.
Hannah, also a daughter, born March 17th, 1788, married Simon P.
Van Patten.
Philip, the youngest son of Carel Hansen, born May 16th, 1793,
married Nancy, daughter of Isaac DeGraff, and sister of the late
John DeGraff. He died August 17th, 1862.
Simon, the second son of Carel Hansen, Sr., born May 8th, 1698,
married Hester, daughter of Isaac DeGraff, June T3th, 1731. He
died in 1777, and his wife in 1793.
Elizabeth, his oldest child, born October 31st, 1731, married John
Fairly.
GENEALOGY. 259
Carel Hansen, the oldest son of Simon, born September 2d, 1733,
married Maria Kettle, October 2d, 1759. He left one son and three
daughters, none of whom seem to have remained in Schenectady
county.
Alida, daughter of Simon, born September 23d, 1735, married
Johannes Mebie.
Annake, also a daughter, born December 21st, 1737, married Wil-
liam Kettle.
John, a son of Simon, born July 24th, 1743, married, December
22d, 1764, Catharina, daughter of Arent Veeder. This was the
father of our eccentric but respected citizen, Daniel J. Toll, a physi-
cian, born, March 3d, 1776, who married, June 20th, 1801, Catalina
Wemple. He died April, 1849, leaving no issue.
Jesse, also a son of Simon, born Hay 18th, 1746, married Maria
Viele. He removed to, lived and died in Saratoga county.
Eva, another daughter, born January 15th, 1749, married Dodovi-
ctrs Viele.
Daniel, the youngest son of Simon, born October 27th, 1751, mar-
ried, July 2d, 1775, Susanna, daughter of Isaac Jacobse Swits. This
was the grandfather of our deceased citizen. Col. Abram W. Toll,
and of his active brothers, Charles H. and Daniel Toll, Esq.
Breje, a daughter of Carel Hansen, Sr., born April 18th, 1703,
married, November 26th, 1741, Adrian Van Slj'ck, who was killed at
the Beukendahl massacre, July 18th, 1748. This was a grandson of
the old proprietor, Jacques Van Sl)'ck.
Dysbeth, also a daughter, born January 29th, 1 706, married Pieter
Cornee, December ist, 1734. Cornee was a Frenchman, and a car-
penter by occupation. He built the preeckstoel (pulpit) of the
Dutch church of 1734 for ;^20. He owned, in 1738, a house and lot
on the south side of State street, where the New York Central and
Hudson River railroad now crosses.
The descendants of the famous Johannes Mynderse are as follows :
Myndert, his oldest son, born January 29th, 1706, married, January
15th, 1736, Maria, daughter of Jan Barentse Wemp. He inherited
from his father, the premises now 93 State street, and land east of
it. He died in 1763.
26o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Barent, son of Myndert, born February 6th, 1747, married Decem-
ber 2d, 1770, Jannetje Van Vranken. He died August 30th, 1815.
Colonel Johannes, son of Myndert, born October i8th, 1741, mar-
ried Annatje, daughter of Simon Vedder. He died October 29th,
1815, aged seventy-four years and four days. She died March 9th,
1825. He left surviving him, Simon, a son, born June loth, 1787.
He died unmarried.
Barent, another son, (physician), born July 17th, 1790, married,
first, Catharine Douw Ten Eyck of Albany ; secondly, Sarah, daugh-
ter of Jacob Kip, leaving surviving him one son, named Aaron. Dr.
Mynderse died March 8th, i860.
Aaron, also a son, born September 3d, 1793, married Anna M.,
daughter of Rev. Herman Vedder, of Gallatin, Columbia county.
He died September 24th, 1834, leaving one son and three daughters.
Gertrude, a daughter of Myndert, born July nth, 1736, married
Peter Van Der Volgen.
■ Margaret, another daughter, born May 24th, 1744, married Teunis
A. Swart.
Margaret, daughter of John, the first settler, born September 28th,
1740, married Pieter Groenendyk.
Rynier (merchant) son of John, born October 6th, 1710, married,
March 25th, 1743, Catharina, daughter Lourens Class Van Volgen.
His father gave him a house and lot on State street, next east of his
brother Myndert's lot ; also a lot on the west corner of State street
and Mill Dane, on which stood his dwelling house in 1781. He
made his will April 7th, 1784, and died soon afterwards.
John, son of Rynier, born December 25th, 1743, married Catha-
rina, daughter of Joseph R. Yates, March 18th, 1758. He died Sep-
tember 6th, 181 9, aged nearly seventy-six years, leaving surviving
him, one son, Joseph, born September 23d, 1770, who died Septem-
ber 17th, 1830, aged sixty 3'ears, and unmarried; also one daughter,
Catharina, born September 6th, 1772, married to Hon. Henry Yates.
She was the mother of our late deceased citizen, Stephen Yates, Esq.
Susanna, a daughter of Rynier, married April i8th, 1746, Volekert
Veeder.
GENEALOGY. 261
Gertmde, also a daughter, married, November 27th, 1748, William
Mead, M. D.
Lawrence, another son of Rynier, born October 12th, 1751, mar-
ried, December 8th, 1785, Christina, daughter of Nicholas DeGraff.
He died August loth, 1789, leaving two daughters sur\dving him,
named Margaretta and Catalyje.
Jacobus (James), the third son of Johannes, born April 22d, 1709,
married, April 22d, 1743, Sarah, daughter of Robert Yates. He was
a citizen much esteemed, and a member of the provincial assembly
in the years 1752, 1768 and 1769. He owned the lot next west of
his brother Rynier's, corner of State street and Mill lane, being the
property lately owned by G. Q. Carley, deceased, and now partly
occupied by Church street continued. He also owned the lot oppo-
site the court house, on Union street, probably inherited by his wife
from her father, Robert Yates. He left surviving him two children.
Gertrude, his daughter, born September 8th, 1745, married Myn-
dert Wemple.
Margaret, another daughter, born May 24th, 1759, married John
C. Yates.
The Fonda stock from Jellis, who came here in 1700, is as follows :
Douw, the oldest son of Jellis, born September ist, 1700, mar-
ried, October 21st, 1725, Maritje, daughter of the heroic Adam Vroo-
man. He removed from Schenectady in 1751, and settled at Caugh-
nawaga. Standing on the flats between the present turnpike and the
Mohawk river, was the large stone dwelling with a wing on each side.
Here, in October, 1780, with a few domestics, resided this aged wid-
ower. His three sons, John, Jellis and Adam, were living in the
neighborhood.
Major Fonda died June 23d, 1791, leaving a son, Douw, ag;ed
eighty years ; also a son Henry, who died at Caughnawaga, April
4th, 1815, aged twenty-nine years, leaving a son and a daughter.
Margaret, a daughter of Douw, and sister of Mary Jellis, born in
1764, married John R. Yates, Esq., brother of .Robert Yates, long a
distinguished chief justice of the Supreme Court of the State of
262 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
New York, and himself many years Surrogate of the County of
Schenectady.
Maro-aret Fonda was the mother of the late Giles F. Yates, and
the grandmother of Mrs. Austin A. Yates.
Margaretta, a daughter of Douw, born November loth, 1734, mar-
ried Barent M. Wemple.
Peter, another son of Jellis, the first settler, born March 6th, 171 1,
married, June 27th, 1735, Maria, daughter of Daniel Van Antwerpen,
and left only one child, born October 19th, 1736, named Rachel.
Abraham, also a son of Jellis, Sr., born July 17th, 1715, married,
first, July 30th, 1746, Maria, daughter of Abram Mebie ; .secondly,
February 22d, 1755, Susanna, daughter of Alexander Glen; and
thirdly, November 22d, 1774, Rachel Vrooman, widow of Abraham
Wemp. Abraham Fonda lived in the house No. 27 Front street,
built by himself in 1752, and now occupied by his great grandson,
Nicholas Yates, Esq. He died February 13th, 1805, ^S^'^ nearly
ninety years.
Rachel, his oldest child, born September 14th, 1748, married Jesse
De Graff.
Rebecca, another daughter, born June 7th, 1757, married, first,
Nicholas Yates ; secondly, Cornelius Van Vranken. She died
March 7th, 1846, aged eighty-nine years.
Jellis A. Fonda, a son of Abraham, born October 27th, 1759, mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Yates. He held the com-
mission of lieutenant in Van Schaick's regiment, which he resigned
for a captaincy in Colonel Willet's Independent Corps, under whom
he served to the close of the war. He was for many years clerk of
Schenectady county, and died August 27th, 1834.
Alexander Glen Fonda, his son, born August 17th, 1785, was a
graduate of Union College, and for many years a physician in
Schenectady. He died March 4th, 1869, aged nearly eighty-four
years.
Christopher, another son, died at Clairborne, Alabama, x\ugust
26th, 1845.
Jane Helen, a daughter of Jellis, born March ist, 1795, married
GENEALOGY. 263
Rev. Nathan N. Whiting, and died at WilHamsburgh, N. Y., April
30th, 1852.
Jacob Glen Fonda, another son of Abraham, born August 29th,
1761, married, April 4th, 1784, Aletta Willet, in Albany. He was
admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court as attorney, but
abandoned that profession soon after 1800, and removed to his farm
in Glenville. He was for many years employed as deputy clerk of
Schenectady county, and died on his farm in West Glenville, Decem-
ber 8th, 1859, aged ninety-eight. His son, Elbert Willet, born Alarch
4th, 1794, is still living.
Jacob, another son of Jellis, Sr., born February nth, 1722, mar-
ried, first, April 29th, 1748, Maria, daughter of Nicholas Van Patten;
secondly, November 4th, 1758, Margaret Fort, widow of Peter Bosie.
He died in 181 3, aged about ninety-one j'ears.
Rachel, his oldest child, born October loth, 1748, married Philip
Viele.
Rebecca, another daughter, born December 26th, 1753, married
Gerrit Van Antwerpen.
Major Jellis J., the only son of Jacob, born January 13th, 1751
married, first, November 5th, 1774, Maria Mynderse ; secondly, Cat-
rina, daughter of Hendricus Veeder, in 1783. This was the heroic
Jellis J., of the Revolution, one of the earliest, most stirring and
unhesitating patriots of Schenectady. On the first report of a shot
from Lexington, this young brave, who had already tasted military
life, just married, and surrounded by the comforts of considerable
wealth, immediately raised and commanded the company of Sche-
nectady minute men, numbering more than 100 men. It is impos-
sible in a short notice like this, to follow him in his varied exploits.
He was always ready for duty, and prompt at the post of danger. I
will .illustrate, by one incident, the estimation in which his bravery
was held. In 1777, when Sir William Johnson, with his Scotch
retainers, had fortified themselves in "Johnson Hall," Generals
Schuyler, Ten Broeck and Herkimer, with a large body of militia,
went there to reduce them. When, out of the whole number. Gen-
eral Schuyler selected Captain Fonda, from his known fearlessness
of character, to command a forlorn hope of 200 men for the assault.
264 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
of which his company of minute men formed one-half. The assail-
ing forces were without cannon. But when this brave officer in the
lead, under the eye and direction of the noble Schviyler, shouted on
his column to the assault, with undaunted dash (for Fonda was in
deadly earnest), Sir John immediately lowered his flag and surren-
dered without firing a gun. Fonda was ever afterwards called,
wherever known, one of the most fearless of men.
- Major Jellis J., died in 1839, aged about eighty-eight years. His
wife Catrina died October 19th, 1828, aged nearly seventy-four years.
His son Jacob, born March 22d, 1786, died in 1817, leaving a son,
whom I can trace no further.
Henry V. Fonda, another son, born August 20th, 17.88, a graduate
of Union College, and a successful legal practitioner at Schenectady,
died March ist, 1824, unmarried.
Gerrit, also a son, born November 5th, 1790, was married and had
several children. After his father's decease he moved west.
Christopher, his youngest son, born August 28th, 1 795, was a grad-
uate of Union College, and was admitted to the bar. He died
unmarried in the year 1832, while temporarily engaged in some
business south, in or near Baltimore.
Helena, a daughter of Jellis, Sr., born April 2 2d, 1705, married
Pieter Brower.
Eva, another daughter, born October i6th, 1707, married Joseph
Yates.
Sarah, a third daughter, born May 3d, 1713, married Jacobus Van
Vorst.
The Quackenbos line from old Johannes of 1701, is as follows :
Pieter, son of Johannes Pieterse, married, November ist, 1701,
Neeltje, daughter of David Marinus. In 1773 he purchased lands of
Edward Collins, on the Mohawk river, and removed into what is
now Montgomery county. He died July 20th, 1748, and was the
ancestor of the numerous Quackenboses west of Schenectady.
David, son of Peter, born June 21st, 1702, married. May nth,
1723, Annatje, daughter of Captain John Scott of the British army,
the patentee of lands, running from Auries creek to the Yates and
Fonda line, near the present village of Fultonville, containing many
GENEALOGY
265
thousand acres. According to tradition, David Quackenbos was a
man of fine personal appearance, and, for the times, of marked intel-
ligence.
Johannes, also a son of Johannes Pieterse, born January 4th, 1702,
married, June 26th, 1731, Helena, daughter of Frederick Clute ;
secondly, February 12th, 1755, Helen, daughter of Jacob Van Olinda.
He died in 1769.
Frederick, son of Johannes, Jr., born December 2:st, 1737, mar-
ried, December ist, 1768, Maria Sitterly.
Francina, a daughter of Johannes, Jr., born December 25th, 1733,
married Issac Van Vrankeii. '
Bata, another daughter, born October 19th, 1735, married Claas
DeGraff.
Annatje, also a daughter, born July 24th, 1748, married Jeremiah
DeGraff.
Abraham, also a son of John Pieterse, born November 3d, 17 10,
married, January nth, 1740, Bata, daughter of Pieter Ouderkirk.
He died in 1761. His son, Johannes, born February nth, 1750,
died July 28th, 1839, aged eighty-nine years ; his daughter Matilda
born August 29th, 1761, married John Wood.
Isaac, another son of Pieterse, born January 25th, 1713, married,
' October 27th, 1737, Rebecca, daughter of Dirk Groot.
Annatje, his oldest child, born July 6th, 1738, married Albeit H.
Vedder.
Bata, another daughter, born August 2d, 1747, married Frederick
Bratt.
John, the only son of Isaac, born August 9th, 1750, married Eliza-
beth, daughter of Cornelius Groot of Niskayuna. He lived at the
junction of Lafaj^ette and Liberty streets, where he owned a large
section of land. He died July 28th, 1839, aged eighty-eight years,
eleven months and nine days. His wife died May nth, 1835, in her
seventy-ninth year. Maria, his only surviving child, born March
i8th, 1799, married Abraham Oothout Clute, Esq., still a living link
of Schenectady's precedent days.
Gerardus, another son of John Pieterse, born March nth, 1721,
married Elizabeth VanVorst, April 25th, 1747.
266 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John G., son of the above, born September 9th, 1759, married
Annatje Shannon.
Sarah, a daughter of Gerrit, born February 7th, 1762, married
Richard Van Vranken, Jr.
Matilda, another daughter, born September 30th, 1764, married
Peter Huyck.
Rebecca, also a daughter, born August 6th, 1769, married Andrew
Huyck.
Angelica, another daughter, born December 27th, 1771, married
Joseph Carley, Februaiy ist, 1789. These last were the parents of
the late Gerardus Q. Carley, one of our distinguished merchants.
Thomas Davids came to Schenectady in 1700. On the 14th of
December, 1701, he married Catarina, daughter of Johannes Klein,
and on the 14th day of May, 1731, his son, Ludovicus, married Maria,
daughter of Peter Clement.
Philip Bosie came to Schenectady in 1702, and September 2d,
1704, married Margaret Bratt.
Peter, the son of Philip, born June 30th, 1722, married, June 10th,
1749, Margaretta, daughter of Nicholas Fort of Niskayuna.
Maria, a daughter, born March 24th, 1751, married Fraus Veeder.
Gertruy, another daughter, born December 26th, 1753, married
Jesse Peek.
The descendants of Caleb Beck, 1 703, are as follows :
Anna, his oldest daughter, born October 7th, 1704, married
Jacobus Van Vorst.
Elizabeth, another daughter, married John Fairly, who owned the
lot on the east side of Church street, next south of his father-in-law's
lot.
Engel, also a daughter, born December 15th, 171 5, married Isaac
Abram Truax.
Margaret, another daughter, married in 1751, John W. Brown, one
of the first founders and a prominent member of the Episcopal
church in Schenectady.
Caleb, the only surviving son of Caleb, Sr., born May 24th, 17 14,
married, November ist, 1747, Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham
GENEALOGY. ,5^
Truax. He was an attorney-at-law of considerable prominence, and
died December 9th, 1787, aged nearly sevent)'-four years.
Anna, his oldest daughter, born October 6th, 1748, married Peter
Van Guysling.
Angelica, another daughter, born April 5th, 1761, married Andrew
Van Patten.
Caleb, the only surviving son of Caleb, Jr., born October 2 2d,
1758, studied law with his father, but never practiced ; his fortune
was comfortable and his tastes were literary. In 1788 he was princi-
pal of the Schenectady Academy, and died in October, 1798. His
wife died August 23d, 1853. On the 26th of August, 1790, he mar-
ried Catharine Theresa, the accomplished daughter of the Rev. Dirk
Romeyn, and in his short married life of nine years, he left surviv-
ing him the following named sons, who all became distinguished in
the various departments of science, law and military affairs, but are
now resting from their labors in death.
Theodorick Romeyn, oldest son of the last Caleb, born August
nth, 1 791, died with a world-wide reputation as a man of science.
He was the author of " Beck's Medical Jurisprudence."
Abraham, the second son, born October 21st, 1792, after practicing
law for some years in Schenectady, removed to St. Louis, Missouri,
and rising high in his profession for so short a residence, died there
in 1821.
John Brodhead, the third son, born September i8th, 1794, died at
New York in 185 1. He was a distinguished physician and professor
in the New York Medical College.
Nicholas Fairly, the fourth son, born November 7th, 1796; died
June 30th, 1830 in Albany. He was a lawyer of excellent reputa-
tion, and was at the time of his death adjutant-general of the state
of New York, and had been since 1825.
Caleb Lewis, (commonly written Lewis C.) M. D., born October
4th, 1798, and died in 1852. He was professor of chemistry and
natural history in Rutger's College, New Jersey, and is the author of
several literary writings, and particularly of a folio volume of the
mineralogy of New York.
268 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The Clements (Peter, 1707) are as follows :
JoHannes, a son of Peter, born September 24th, 1732, married,
July 24th, 1760, Jannetie Bradt.
Peter, a son of John, born February 22d, 1761, married Alida,
daughter of Gerrit Veeder. They had sons named Gerrit, John and
Arent, and daughters Jannatje, Annatje and Maria. .
Joseph Clement, the brother of Peter, sold his one-half of the
Maalwyck farm to Carel Hansen Toll for ^400, March 17th, 1712.
He married Anna, daughter of Jacobus Peek.
Jacobus, his son, born November 23d, 1718, married, February
27th, 1747, Jannetje Van Woert.
Johannes, another son, born July'27th, 1723, married, December
30th, 1753, Rachel Rudcliff of Albany.
Lodovicus Cobes, another son, born November 30th, 1725, married
Catalyntje Pootman.
The numerous Van Vrankens that to-day people Niskayuna are as
follows : As we have seen, this grand old Holland stock came to the
New Netherlands at a very early date. The ancestor of all the
Schenectady stock was Claas Gerritse, the first Van Vranken that
settled in Niskayuna, and left the following lineage :
Gerrit, son of the above named Gerrit Claas, born October 3d,
1708, married, July 7th, 1738, Marytje, daughter of Johannes Fort.
Abraham, son of Gerrit, born July 6th, 1750, married Gertruy
Gout. He had one child, Elizabeth, born August 2d, 1790.
Rebecca, daughter of Gerrit, born April 4th, 1739, married Johan-
nes DeGraff.
Johannes, another son of Gerrit, born October 25th, 1743, married,
April 16, 1776, Gertrude Van Vranken.
Ariantje, his daughter, born August 19th, 1781, married Andrew
Yates.
Rebecca, another daughter, married John D. Fort.
Gerrit, also a son of Gerrit, born May 7th, 1741, married, January
9th, 1771, Gertruy Visscher. He died November -i 6th, 1785, leaving
several children.
Pieter, another son of Claas Garritse, born December 3d, i72r.
GENEALOGY. 269
married, May 3d, 1748, Neeltje, daughter of Dirck Groot. He died
in 1809, having had the following children :
Nicholas, born April 2d, 1749.
Gerrit, born April 2d, 1758.
Cornelius, born July 6th, 1760.
Dirk, born January 19th, 1762.
His daughter Elizabeth, married Eldert Tymesen, March 5th,
1779.
Isaac, also a son of Claas Gerritse, born May 2ist, 1726, married,
February ist, 1754, Claartje Bradt ; secondly, he married, September
1 2th, 1757, Francina, daughter of Johannes Quackenbos.
Claas, son of Isaac, born August 5th, 1759, married February 14th,
1785, Rachel Boom. He died September, 1839, s^ged nearly eighty
years.
Isaac, the son of Claas, born July 6th, 1789, married Maria Van
Antwerp, and died August 30th, 1858, aged seventy years.
Jacob, another son of Claas Gerritse, born June 22d, 1729, married,
July 17th, 1758, Margarita, daughter of Cornelius Footman.
Claas, son of Jacob, born February 15th, 1761, married Eva,
daughter of Cornelius Peek. He died July 20th, 1837, in his seventy-
seventh year, and she died October 30th, 1837, in her seventy-seventh
year. Jacob, their son, born March 15th, 1784, died May 24th, 1861,
aged seventy-seven years, two months and nine days.
Abraham, also a son of Claas Gerritse, married, November 19th,
1742, Debora, daughter of Samuel Cregier.
Claas, his son, born September 4th, 1743, married Gertrude Groot,
and lived on his father's homestead farm on the Consaul road.
Ariantje, a daughter of Claas Gerritse, born October 30th, 1710
married Peter Clute.
Magtelt, another daughter, born April 30th, 17 12, married Fraus
Bovie.
Maria, also a daughter, born December ist, 1723, married Johannes
Claase Fort.
Rykert Claase, the second son of Claas Gerritse, the first emigrant,
married Hillegenda . He owned a house and lot in North
Pearl street, Albany, which he sold in 1684, to Johannes Wendell.
270 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
He and his brother Gerrit, in company with Van Boekhoven, in 1672,
purchased land in what is now the town of Clifton Park.
The Yateses, of English in name and origin, have by intermarriage
become almost entirely Hollandized. All of the old stock in this
valley came from Joseph Yates, who came over with Nichols, the
English commander to whom Stuyvesant was compelled to surren-
der. Yates came to Albany and was pensioned as a soldier of the
king. He seems to have been purveyor of Fort Orange, as he makes
most earnest plea for his pay for wood, furnished to Fort Orange.
Yates in Albany May 20th, 1730. Here will be traced only the
Schenectady lineage of this old soldier of the king. Joseph was the
progenitor of a numerous race now surviving in Albany, Montgomery
and Schenectady counties and scattered from them all over the
United States.
The Schenectady descendants of Joseph can be therefore traced as
follows :
He left surviving him six children : Christoffel, born April i6th,
1684; Robert, November 4th, 1688; Selia, born May 7th, 1693;
Joseph, born March 17th, 1698, and Abraham, born March ist, 1704.
Robert, son of the above Joseph, born November 4th, 1688, set-
tled at Schenectady in 171 1, and on the 15th day of February, 1712,
married Margaret, daughter of Claas De Graff. He was a merchant
and also had a tan-yard on Mill Lane. He died March 4th, 1748, in
his sixtieth year. His grave is in Vale Cemetery not far from State
street entrance.
Joseph, son of Robert, born July r2th, 17 14, married, September
5th, 1737, Maria, daughter of John Dunbar.
Robert, the oldest son of Joseph, born March 17th, 1738, married^
in 1765, Jannetje Van Ness in Albany, where he settled as an attor-
ney-at-law, and became a member of the committee of safety,
during our Revolutionary struggle for independence, and was a
devoted patriot. He was a member of the convention that adopted
the state constitution in 1777 ; was one of the first judges of the
Supreme Court of this State and eventually its chief justice. He
was a member of the Federal Convention of 1787, and of the State
Convention called to ratify the Federal Constitution. He died Sep-
GENEALOGY. 271
lember 9th, 1801, aged sixty-three years, five months and twenty-four
days. He left surviving one daughter, Maria, married to James
Fairly, for many years clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, and in the Revolutionary War was an aide-de-camp to
Baron Steuben ; and three sons, one of whom, John Van Ness Yates,
was a talented lawyer, residing in Albany, and was Secretary of State
for the State of New York from April 24th, 181 8, to February 14th,
1826. He died January loth, 1839.
Nicholas, another son of Joseph and Maria Dunbar, born Decem-
ber 20th, 1752, married Rebecca, daughter of Abraham Fonda. He
lived at No. 5 Church street. After his death his widow married
Cornelius Van Vranken. Nicholas left surviving him four sons,
respectively named, Abraham Fonda, Robert N., Isaac Glen and
Joseph.
Abraham, born February 7th, 1788, after his marriage, removed to
Oswego county, and died there, leaving no offspring.
Robert N., born November nth, 1789. During the War of 1812
this young man was appointed lieutenant in a rifle regiment of the
United States army, and stationed at Fort Erie in Canada, when that
fort was in possession of the Americans, under command of General
Edmund P. Gaines, who sent him out from the fort at the head of
a reconnoitering party, which was attacked by the enemy. In the
skirmish he repulsed the enemy, but at the sacrifice of his own life.
His body was brought back to the fort and forwarded to Schenec-
tady for interment, where it is now deposited in the old Dutch
church burying ground, sleeping with honor beside those of his pat-
riotic ancestors.
In the report of his death to the war department. General Gaines
regrets his loss, and gives him the character of a brave, promising
and excellent officer.
Isaac Glen Yates, born August 23d, 1793, married a daughter of
Frederick Rees of Glenville. He had several daughters and only
one son, named Jacob, who removed to and settled in Illinois. Isaac
was accidentally killed in Michigan, by falling from a railroad car
while on his way to visit that son.
272 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Joseph Yates, the youngest son of Nicholas, was the father of
Nicholas A. Yates, and of Arthur Yates, scenic artist of the New
York Central, and Hansen Yates of Front street.
John, also a son of Joseph and Maria Dunbar, born June 12th,
1760, married Margaret, daughter of Jellis Fonda of Caughnawaga.
He was the second surrogate of Schenectady and held the office for
many years, until his decease in 1836.
Joseph, his oldest son, born October 4th, 1786, died June 12th,
1837, unmarried.
Giles Fonda, also a son, born November 8th, 1798, died unmar-
ried. He was an attorney-at-law and an accomplished antiquarian.
He succeeded his father in the office of surrogate, and held it for
twenty years.
Jane, a daughter of John, born in 1794, married Giles Yates, Esq.,
and died July 20th, 1848.
Elizabeth M. Yates, born December ist, 1808, married John I.
Yates, Esq., who died December 3d, 1851. This was the mother of
Mrs. Austin A. Yates and Miss Elizabeth M. Yates, preceptress in
Union school.
Elizabeth, a daughter of Robert, the first Yates who settled at
Schenectady, born January 7th, married Ephraim Smith.
Maria, another daughter, born January 25th, 1718, ma-rried Gerrit
Van Antwerpen.
Sarah, also a daiighter, born August 19th, 1721, married Jacobus
Mynderse.
Joseph, the grandson of Joseph the ancestor, and son of Christoffel
(Christopher) of Albany, married, January 17th, 1730, Eva, daughter
of Jellis Fonda, and settled in Schenectady in 1734. He owned a
large plantation reaching from Aesplaus Creek to Freeman's bridge,
and was the largest slave owner in the county.
Christopher, his oldest son, born July 8th, 1737, commonly called
Colonel Stoeffel, married, October i6th, 1761, Jannetje, daughter of
Andreas Bradt. He was a surveyor by profession ; served as a cap-
tain under Sir William Johnson, and was wounded ; lieutenant-
colonel of Second Regiment of New York under Colonel Abraham
Wemple ; detached as assistant deputy quartermaster-general under
GENEALOGY. 273
Phillip Schuyler, and as a member of his staff retired with him at
Saratoga when Gates took command. He was a member of the
Provincial Congress of the Committee of Public Safety and of the
first Board of Regents. He died in 1785.
Joseph, his eldest son, born November 9th, 1768, married, first,
September 30th, 1791, Ann, widow of James Ellice ; secondly, Maria,
daughter of John Kane, of Schenectady, and thirdly, Elizabeth
De Lancey, daughter of John De Eancey, Esq., of Westchester
county. He was originally an attorney-at-law of extensive practice ;
was the first ma)-or of Schenectady, a state senator in 1807, jiidge of
the Supreme Court in 1808, governor of the state in 1823-24, and
died March 19th, 1837, full of honors, and with a distinguished
reputation for industry and integrity. He had three children, all
daughters.
Helen Maria, the oldest, born September 28th, 1797, married
Colonel John K. Paige, and died January 25th, 1829, before the
decease of her father.
Anna Alida, another daughter, born September 14th, 1806, mar-
ried John D. Watkins, a citizen of Georgia.
Jane Josepha, also a dai:ghter, born November 6th, 181 1, married
Samuel Niel of New York.
Henry, also a son of Colonel Christopher, born October 7th, 1770,
married Catharine, daughter of Johannes Mj'nderse, October 24th,
1791. He was an attorney-at-law, for several terms a state senator,
and at one time a member of the council of appointment, a man of
excellent business qualifications and habits. He died in Albairy
March 20th, 1854, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Mrs.
Yates died in New York September 28th, 1841, aged sixty-nine
years.
Henry Christopher, his oldest son, born June 13th, 1799, graduated
at Union College in 1818, and died May 12th, 1847, unmarried.
Edward, another son, born October 21st, 1801, graduated at Union
College in 1819, and died in 1833.
Stephen, also a son, born July 12th, 1805, graduated at Union Col-
lege in 1825, and died June 1st, 1875.
274 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Charles, another son, born March ist, 1808, graduated at Union
College in 1829, ^^^ ^^^'^ September 26th, 1870.
Mary, a daughter, born August 17th, 1795, and Jane Anne, another
daughter, born February 29th, 1816, married Edward Satterlee of
Albany. Both daughters are now deceased.
Andrew, another son of Colonel Christopher, born January 17th,
1773, married, first, Mary Austin ; secondly, Hannah A. Hocker, who
died October 2 2d, 1859, aged seventy-six years. Dr. Yates was a man
of much study and literary attainments. He was a minister of the
Reformed Dutch Church, esteemed as possessed of eminent piety, as
a true friend of feeble churches and organization. Without great
sensational eloquence, he was a sound divine, and often preached
with great power. While teaching he was always engaged, more or
less, in preaching the gospel. He graduated from Yale College in
1793 and studied theology under John H. Livingston, D. D., S. T.,
Professor. He was professor of Latin and Greek in Union College
from 1797 to 1 801 ; pastor of the East Hartford Congregational
church from 1801 to 1814; professor of Mental and Moral Philoso-
phy in Union College from 1814 to 1825, ^^^ prmcipal of the
Polytechnic at Chittenango from 1825 to 1836. He died at Day,
Saratoga county, while on a visit to his sister. Miss Yates, October
14th, 1844, in his seventy-third year.
John Austin Yates, a son by his first marriage, born May 31st,
1801, graduated at Union College in 1821. He was professor of
oriental literature in that institution from 1823 to the time of his
decease, August 27th, 1849, ^i^*^ much distinguished for genial
qualities and ready eloquence. He was the father of John B. Yates,
colonel of the First Michigan Engineers under General William
Tecumseh Sherman; superintendent of railroads in Tennessee, under
President Johnson, and died October 13th, 1899, and of Austin
A. Yates, an attorney-at-law, ex-judge of the county of Schenectady,
and of Arthur R. Yates, who died November 4th, 1891, a captain in
the United States Navy.
John B., another son of Colonel Christopher, and his youngest
child, born February ist, 1784. In 1802, at the early age of eigh-
teen years, he graduated at Union College with much honor, and
GENEALOGY. 275
immediately tliereafter entered the law office of his brother, Hon.
Henry Yates, as a law student. In 1805 he was admitted to the bar,
and during the seven following years applied himself with great
industry to the labors of that profession, and acquired much reputa-
tion as an ingenious and forcible advocate. But a short time pre-
vious to the War of 1812, inheriting the patriotic spirit of his father,
he was commissioned a captain by Gov. Tompkins, and raised a large
volunteer company of horse artillery. With this company he joined
the army of General Wade Hampton, and served under him on the
northern frontier of this state, in the campaign of 1813. After the
discharge of his company from service under Hampton, Governor
Tompkins appointed him one of his aides-de-camp, and sent him to
the Niagara frontier with orders to call out the militia for the relief
of General Brown and his army, who were closely besieged in Fort
Erie by a superior force. At the expiration of his military service,
he was elected a member of the Fourteenth United States Congress
from the thirteenth (Schenectady and Schoharie) district, for the
years 1815-16, in which he took a prominent and active part, much
distinguished for ability and firmness. After the close of his con-
gressional term, he removed to Utica, where he resvuued the duties
of his legal profession, but soon changed his home to Chittenango.
Governor Tompkins, on retiring from office in 181 7, to assume
the duties of Vice-President of the United States, on account of his
confidence in Mr. Yates' integrity and ability, appointed him sole
manager of the "Literature Lotteries " of the State of New York.
In consequence of the acceptance of his trust, he removed to the
city of New York, and did not resume his residence in Chittenango
until 1825 ) ^^^^ during his residence in New York he frequently
visited Chittenango to examine and direct the conduct of those in
charge of his large estate there, which consisted of about 2,000 acres
of land, with flour mills, saw mills, lime and plaster mills, woolen
factory, stores, dry dock and yards for building and repairing boats,
polytechnic school and various residences and buildings. At times
as many as one hundred and fifty men were in his employ. , .
The result of his management of the lotteries was that he brought
276 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
them to a successful termination before the expiration of the time
limited by the L,egislature.
He also became deeply interested in the commercial importance of
the Welland Canal, when its stockholders were nearly sinking for
want of funds, and by an investment of $137,000, and his great per.
sonal influence and exertions in his native state and in England,
carried it into successful operation. In this he was largely aided by
the Duke of Wellington.
Mr. Yates was a man of large and liberal views, and of great
public spirit, an early and devoted friend of the Erie canal, and of
all schemes devoted to civilization and public progress. He was for
many j^ears judge, and first judge of the county of Madison, which
last office, and that of member of assembly, he held at the time of
his decease.
Elizabeth, a daughter of Colonel Christopher, born May 7th, 1763,
married Jellis A. Fonda.
Eva, another daughter, born January 13th, 1764, married William
Johnson Butler of Niagara.
Helena, also a daughter, born November i6th, 1766, married
Colonel McDonald, an officer of the British army stationed in
Canada.
Anna, also a daughter, born March 12th, 1773, died April 17th,
1850, aged seventy-six years and unmarried. •
Jellis, another son of Joseph Yates and Eva Fonda, and brother of
Colonel Stoeffel, born April 22d, 1744, married, March i6th, 1768,
Ariantje, daughter of Andries Bradt. He died in Glenville, Novem-
ber 13th, 1812, in his sixty-ninth year. He was a gallant young
lieutenant in the Revolution, rising from a private in his brother's
regiment and serving throughout the war.
Joseph, his oldest son, born August 7th, 1768, married, December
14th, 1788, Annatie, daughter of Isaac Roosa. He died in Glenville,
September 13th, 1838, in his seventy-first year.
Isaac J. Yates, his oldest son, born in Glenville, February 22d,
1797 ; long a resident of the city of Schenectady ; the holder of sev-
eral offices of important trust in this community, and a brigadier
general of militia, died on his farm in Greenfield, Saratoga county,
GENEALOGY. 277
September 13th, 1848, aged fifty-one years. This was the father of
Mrs. James Fuller and of the late mayor, Peter B. Yates.
Giles, another son of Joseph, born May 6th, 1801, died April nth,
1853, in his fifty-second year.
John J., also a son, born March 5th, 1803, for many years an enter-
prising citizen of this community, and for several years postmaster
of Schenectady, died December 3d, 1851, aged forty-eight years.
This was the father of Mrs. Austin A. Yates and Mrs. Alexander J.
Thompson. Andrew J., another son of Joseph, born November 25th,
1806, belonged to the Class of 1834, at Union College, and died
October, 1873, at his country seat near Fultonville, Montgomery
county, aged sixty-five years. He left no issue.
Andrew, another son of Jellis, born July 14th, 1782, died in Glen-
ville, August 25th, 1846, in his sixty-fifth year. Harriet, his wife,
died September 4th, 1850, in her seventieth year.
Eldert Tymensen, son of Cornelius Tymensen of Albany, born
December 13th, 1691, married, November 7th, 1709, Hester, daugh-
ter of Bastiah Vissclier. He soon after settled in Niskayuna.
Bastian, son of Eldert, born February ist, 1718, married, July 7th,
1743, Mayke Ouderkirk.
Eldert, his son, born September 2d, 1750, married, December loth ,
1774, Catalyntje, daughter of Jan Baptist Van Eps.
Bastian, his son, died in New York, March 24th, 1825, i^ his
fiftieth year.
Peter Tymensen, son of the second Cornelius, of Albany, born
June 26th, 1748, married, June 21st, 1771, Gertruy, daughter of Mar-
timus Cregier. Corneliiis, their son, was born March 12th, 1772.
Eldert, another son of the second Cornelius of Albany, born October
14th, 1753, married Elizabeth, daughter of Pieter Van Vranken.
Cornelius, his oldest son, born April 7th, 1782, married Elizabeth
Clute. He died January 4th, 1842 ; his wife died August 3d, 1844.
Peter, another son of Eldert, born November i6th, 1789, married
Maria, a daughter of Cornelius Van Vranken of Niskayuna. He
died September 16th, 1861, leaving four sons and one daughter. Jan,
the daughter, married Thomas Shannon of Schenectady.
19
278 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The Lighthalls were great fighters in the Revolution. Their
names spelled all kinds of ways ( it seems to have been very tongh
orthography for the Dutchmen to handle ), are in many a roll in the
State archives. The following is the lineage :
Abraham Lighthall came to Schenectady in 1719. Soon after-
wards he married Anna, daughter of Claas Van der Bogart. William,
his oldest son, born February 3d, ^722, married, November 20th,
1748, Elizabeth, daughter of Johannes Marselis.
x\braham, son of William, married Annatje, daughter of Claas
Frans Van der Bogart ; he left surviving several children.
Claas, another son* of Abraham, born March 7th, 1724, married,
January 14th, 1749, Margaret Idich.
Jacobus, his oldest son, born May 14th, 1758, married Charity
Page. He was sexton of the Dutch church from 17 99 to the time of
his death, April 22d, 1829, aged seventy-one years. He left surviv-
ing him two sons, Nicholas and William, and two daughters, Eliza-
beth and Maria.
William, another son of Claas, married Sarah, daughter of Ahas-
ueras Marselis. He died October 5th, 1822. He held a commission
of lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, and was highly distin-
guished for his bravery in the battle of Bennington, under General
Stark. Besides x\hasueras, he had an older son, Nicholas, who died
unmarried before his father's decease.
Ahasueras, his son, born March 12th, 1799, married, September
loth, 1820, Margaret Peek.
Lancaster, also a son of Claas, born May loth, 1761, married
Hester Kittle, and had three sons, Nicholas, Douwe and Abraham;
also a daughter, Annake.
Jacobus, also a son of Abraham, born January 3d, 1726, married,
first, Margaret, daughter of Pierre Benoit ; secondly, Sara, daughter
of Johannes Van Vorst, November 12th, 1752. He died July 19th,
1791. She died March 14th, 1807.
John, a son of Jacobus, born February i8th, 1759, married Annatje,
daughter of Cornelius Van Slyck, April 23d, 1793. He died in
Glenville, August 4th, 1835, aged seventy-eight years.
GENEALOGY 279
Nicholas, another son of Jacobus, born May igtli, 1767, married
Elizabeth Wageman. For many j-ears he was ferryman on the
Glenville side of the Mohawk river, near the present INIohawk bridge,
representing the interest of John Sanders, deceased. While a ferry-
man on the opposite shore, he represented the interest of Hon.
Joseph C. Yates and Jan Baptist Van Eps, Esq. After the bridge
was completed in 1809, he kept an inn on Water street, near the
bank of the main Binnekill. He died January 27th, 1838, in his
eighty-eighth year. His wife died October 20th, 1836, in her eighty-
seventh year. They left two sons, Nicholas and William ; also two
daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth.
John, also a son of James, born February 12th, 1755, married,
April 23d, 1793, Annatje, daughter of Cornelius Van Slyck. He died
in Glenville, August 4th, 1835, aged seventy-eight years.
The Steers family is as follows :
St. John Steers, came as a soldier to Schenectady in 1720. He
soon after inarried Catharine McGregor. In 1756 he had the grant
of a lot of land in Green street, near the fort.
John, a son of St. John Steers, born October 15th, 1732, married,
November 3d, 1759, Clara, daughter of Peter Van Slyck. He
inherited the Green street lot from his father, which descended
to his son Cornelius, and was possessed by him until his death in
1863, at the age of eight)'-six years. John Steers died February
I2th, 1811. Gertruy, a daughter of John, born August i6th, 1767,
married John Eambert, the noted schoolmaster.
Samuel, also a son of St. John, died at an advanced age, unmar-
ried.
The Condes distinctly trace their lineage from the great Conde of
France and they have occupied eminent places among their fellow
citizens in this county.
Adam Conde was high constable of Albany in 1724 ; from thence
he removed to Schenectady, and November 30th, 1736, married
Catharine, daughter of Jesse DeGraff. He was killed at the Beuken-
dahl massacre, July i8th, 1848, and left surviving him two sons.
Jesse, the oldest son, born March 13th, 1743, on the 8th of July,
28o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
1762, married Parthenia, daughter of Jonathan Ogden, and removed
to what is now the town of Charlton, Saratoga county. He left sur-
viving him the following children :
Alida, born January i6th, 1763, married James Boyd, once a mem-
ber of assembly for Schenectady county, and a prominent politician
and citizen of Glenville.
Jonathan, a son, born December 14th, 1766. This was the father
of Wilnert, subsequently Mrs. Carpenter, a widow, well known to
our citizens. The father died in Charlton, March 3d, 1843.
Albert, also a son, born June 9th, 1771, married Esther, daughter
of Daniel Toll.
Isaac, another son, born August 21st, 1785.
Jesse, also a son, born September 4th, 1791, all of whom are
deceased.
Adam, the other son of Adam, Sr., was born September 25th,
1748, and married, July ist, 1770, Catalyntje, daughter of Peter
Truax, and a granddaughter of Dominie Cornelius Van Santvoord.
In 1770 he lived on the west corner of Church and Front streets, on
the property, or a portion of it, now belonging to the estate of Jere-
miah Fuller, deceased. He served during the Revolutionary War,
under the gallant Captain Jellis Fonda. He died in Glenville, Sep-
tember 22d, 1824, aged seventy-six years. His widow died April
15th, 1843, i'^ ^^^ ninety-third year.
Peter, son of Adam, Jr., born July 25th, 1773, married, December
24th, 1796, Clara, daughter of Philip Van Patten. He died in^
Charlton, May 17th, 1843, leaving several children surviving him.
Catharina, a daughter of Adam, Jr., born October 3d, 1775, mar-
ried Charles Taylor.
Eva, another daughter, born March 26th, 1780, married Simon
J. Van Patten.
Cornelius Santvoord Conde, another son of Adam, Jr., born Sep-
tember 29th, 1782, married, July 13th, 1805, Sarah, daughter of
Abraham Truax. He resided in Glenville ; was for several years
one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of
Schenectady, and subsequently, for a long term. Justice of Sessions.
He was much esteemed by all who knew him, as a man of strict
GENEALOGY. 281
integrit)', sound jiidgment and elevated Christian character. He
died May 13th, i86g, in his eighty-seventh j-ear. This worth}--
coitple had lived together in married life nearly sixt}'-fonr years, and
what seems unprecedented, had in that time thirteen children, all
sons, never being blessed with a daughter, all of whom arrived at
mature age except one son, Andrew S., who died in 1837, aged about
fifteen years. This case seems so remarkable that it is proper to
insert the names and date of birth of each, as the family have so
largely contributed to the population and prosperity of the United
States, and some of its members are now to be found settled in
various parts of the Union.
John T., born January 17th, 1807.
Adam C, born March 7th, 1809.
Abraham T., born December 20th, 1810.
Peter C, born December 2d, 181 2.
Cornelius B., born December 27th, 1814.
Isaac H., born November 17th, 1818.
Piatt S., born August 20th, 1820.
Andrew S., born August i8th, 1822, died July 5th, 1837.
Joseph S-, born July 31st, 1824.
George M., born November 6th, 1826.
Benjamin L., born November 7th, 1828.
Alonzo B., born November 6th, 1832.
John Dunbar was the ancestor of a distinguished line. He was
born in Albany, August 31st, 1670. He married, first, Bata Winne ;
and secondly, Maria, daughter of Johannes Van Hosen, April ist,
1724; both wives were of Albany. He was in Albany a vintner or
hotel keeper, and an important friend of the early Episcopal church
of that place. In 17 14 he was associated with Rev. Thomas Bar-
clay and Colonel Peter Matthews, in building the Episcopal church
there. In 1730 he removed to Schenectady where he resided on his
property, on the east corner of Church and Front streets. :\Ir.
Dunbar died in Schenectady, May 7th, 1736, aged sixty-six years.
He left surviving him three sons, Robert, John and Alexander , also
three daughters, Mary, Catharine and Willempie. All the sons, and
his daughter Catharine, settled at Albany, where they have respec-
282 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
lively many descendants. His daughter Mary married, September
5th, 1737, Joseph R. Yates, and was the mother of Robert Yates,
once Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York;
of John Yates, Nicholas and Abraham Yates, and of several daugh-
ters, who married prominent citizens of Schenectady. She inherited
from her father his house and lot, corner of Church and Front
streets.
Willempie, his youngest daughter, married, November 29th, 1736,
Abraham Groot. She inherited from her father a large parcel of
ground on the west corner of Union and Canal streets.
The Hemstraats, (Hemstreets as it is now spelled), appear on Revo-
hitionary rolls, and have few descendants of the name living here.
Johannes Hemstraat, son of Dirk Takelse of Albany, married,
iirst, Bata, daughter of Johannes Quackenbos, February 8th, 1730,
and came to Schenectady about that time. Secondly, he married,
March 3d, 1750, Gertruy Bosie, widow of John Marinus.
Johannes, his son, born November 19th, 1732, married Elizabeth,
daughter of Tennis Van der Volgen, September 3d, 1754.
Ariantje, a daughter of John, Jr., born October 17th, 1756, mar-
ried Nicholas Avery.
Sarah, also a daughter, born November, 17 18, married Isaac
I^e Roy.
Clara, a daughter of Johannes, Sr., born July 6th, 1735, married
Nicholas Clute.
Annatje, also a daughter, born December 21st, 1737, married Dirk
Clute.
Machtelt, another daughter, born October nth, 1747, married
Johannes Consaulus.
The Barhej'ts, now Barhydt, did not come to Schenectady until
the eighteenth century.
John Barheyt, son of John, of Albany, born May i6th, 1703,
settled in Schenectady, and married, August ist, 1734, Cornelia,
daughter of Arent Footman.
Cornelius, son of John, Jr., born December 21st, 1737, married
Rachel, daughter of Joseph Yates.
GENEALOGY. 2S3
John, a son of Cornelius, born August 30th, 1767, married, Janu-
ary 24th, 1790, Maria, daughter of Cornelivis Van Slyck. He died
February 20th, 1830, in his sixty-third year.
CorneHus, a son of John, born March i6th, 1695, died July loth,
1850.
Jacobus, a son of John, Jr., born February 9th, 1753, married
Maria Bovie.
Ivcwis, another son, born December 21st, 1755, married Elsie Bar-
heyt.
Catharina, a daughter, born June 14th, 1740, married Charles
Denniston.
Eva, also a daughter, born November 25th, 1744, married John
Coman.
Jacomyntje, another daughter, married Wouter Vrooman.
Anna, also a daughter, born June loth, 1750, married William
Hall. -
Hieronimus (Jerome), also a son of John, of Albany, born March
20th, 1709, married, April 9th, 1737, Maria, daughter of Jesse
DeGraff.
Johannes, his son, born January 7th, 1739, married Helena,
daughter of Jacobus Peek.
Jacobus, a son of John, born October 2d, 1763, married Christina
Abel.
Jerome, also a son of John, born November 2d, 1765, married,
January 4th, 1789, Cornelius Beeker.
John Sanders Barheyt, another son, born March loth, 1771, mar-
ried, June 30th, 1794, Catharina, daughter of Johannes Stevens. He
died July 27th, 1852, in his eighty-third year.
Hendrick, also a son, born January nth, 1778, married Catalyntje,
daughter of Gerrit Van Slyck.
Alida, a dairghter of John, born August 9th, 1761, died unmarried.
Phillip Ryley, of the city of New York, came here about 1742,
and had the following lineage :
James Van Slyck Ryley, son of Philip, born October 3d, 1761,
married, August 19th, 1792, Jannetje, daughter of Isaac Swits. He
died January 8th, 1848, aged eighty-six years, leaving several daugh-
284 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
ters, one of whom married the distinguished divine, Rev. John L,ud-
low, D. D., for many years provost of the University of Pennsyl-
vania.
Mr. Ryley was for many years associate judge of the Court of
Common Pleas of Schenectady County ; for a long time postmaster
of this city, and was, on several occasions, employed as commissioner
and interpreter by the United States Government to negotiate treaties
with the northwestern tribes of Indians, for which position he was
peculiarly fitted, having been, during his early life, a well-known
trader among them. He also served several years as sheriff of
Schenectady County.
Alida, daughter of Philip, born Jirly 15th, 1743, married Gerrit
R. Van Vranken.
Gertrude, another daughter, born October 3d, 1744, married
William Rogers, Jr.
The Corls were soldiers. Hendrick Corl came to Schenectady in
1745, where he married Maria Olin.
John, his son, born April 3d, 1757, married Susanna, daughter of
Jan Baptist Van Vorst. He was a gallant private in Captain Clute's
company in the Revolutionary War, and died April 24th, 1842, in
his eighty-fifth year, leaving several children surviving.
William, another son of Hendrick, born November i6th, 1760,
married Maria Springer, July 8th, 1787. He was also a patriotic
private in Captain Vrooman's company, in Colonel Wemple's Regi-
ment in the Revolutionary War. He died March 19th, 1848, aged
eighty-four years. His wife died May 5th, 1852, aged ninety-one
years. They left several sons and daughters and many descendants
surviving them.
The Shannons are of Revolutionary stock. Robert Shannon, a
Scotchman, came to Schenectady about 1750, and, on the 28th day
of May, in that year, married Elizabeth Bowel (Bowles).
George, a son of Robert, born March 17th, 1751, married Sarah
Smith. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and died January 8th, 1829,
aged eighty years, leaving several children surviving him, among
them a son, John, born April 9th, 1791, a citizen well and favorably
known in Schenectady county.
GENEALOGY. 285
Thomas, also a son of Robert, born December 2otli, 1752, married
Margaret, daughter of Abraham Schermerhorn, and left several
children surviving him, among them one son named Aaron, born
April 26th, 1795, the father of the late Thomas Shannon.
John, another son of Robert, married, July 4th, 1781, Margaret,
also a daughter of Abraham Schermerhorn. He served as a patri-
otic soldier in the War of the Revolution, and died April, 1821,
leaving children.
William, also a son of Robert, married Jenny Smith.
Robert, another son of Robert, married, first, Nancy McGregor ;
secondly, in 1805, Eva Waller.
Michael, also a son of Robert, married Susanna, daughter of
Joseph Bracham.
Alexander, also a son of Robert, married, April 20th, 1788, Eliza-
beth, another daughter of Joseph Bracham.
Margaret, a daughter of Robert, born May 14th, 1758, married
Simon B. Veeder.
All of the above named children left descendants, so it is evident
that the healthy blood of the honest, old Scot circulates extensively
in our community.
John Brown, whose tablet is in St. George's church, of which he
was a father, married, in May, 1751, Margaret, daughter of Caleb
Beck, and immediately thereafter settled at Schenectady. Mr. Brown
■ was born in 1727, and died June 30th, 18 14, in his eighty-seventh
year, very much respected and regretted.
Abraham, his son, born November nth, 1762, married, first, Jane,
daughter of Daniel Kittle ; secondly, Margaret Van Vorst.
John, son of Abraham by his first marriage, born August 9th, 1783,
married a daughter of Joseph Van de Bogart, by whom he had a son,
John, who became an Episcopal minister, and a gentleman of con-
siderable poetic note and of acknowledged literary attainments. He
was a graduate of Union College, and was settled at Astoria, Long
Island, N. Y., where he held a high standing, and died on the Island
of Malta, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health, leaving
a son named John W. Brown, and three daughters. John Brown,
286 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the father, also left several daughters. He was a manufacturer and
dealer in bottles, shoes and leather, and much esteemed as a good
and enterprising citizen.
Daniel Campbell, the amiable Tory, came to Schenectady some
time in the year 1754. He was a native of Ireland, and was pos-
sessed of small means. On his arrival, he commenced as an Indian
trader, with a pack upon his back, and by his native shrewdness,
great industry and remarkable economy, in a few years extended his
operations and at the commencement of the Revolutionary War was
esteemed a citizen of considerable fortune. He subsequently became
an extensive merchant and Indian trader, and by purchasing soldiers'
rights, at the conclusion of peace, acquiring great wealth at Schenec-
tady. Some years after his arrival he married Angelica, daughter of
Arent Samuelse Bratt, by whom he had one son, named David, born
November 15th, 1768. That son died June 29th, i8oi,in his thirty-
third year, leaving all his property to his father. The father himself
died August i6th, 1802, aged seventy-one years, ten months and
twenty-eight days. Daniel Campbell was the intimate friend and
acquaintance of Sir WilHam Johnson, both hailing from the Emer-
ald Isle of the ocean ; and when at Schenectadj^, where he often
came, being much interested in the progress of the infant Episcopal
church there, Mr. Campbell's house was always the baronet's home.
That house was the premises now occupied by Mr. Stewart Mj'crs, and
erected in 1762 for Mr. Campbell by Samuel Fuller, one of the most
noted architects of the province at that day.
In 1 771 Mr. Campbell was one of the judges of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas for Albany county. He made his will July i6th, 1801,
leaving about one-third portion of his large estate to some relatives
in Ireland, and the remainder, unrestricted, to his wife, Angelica.
Mrs. Campbell made her will May 27th, 1811, leaving considerable
sums to her various lelatives, but made her great-nephew, Daniel
Campbell Schermerhorn, her residuary devisee and legatee, on con-
dition of changing his name Schermerhorn to Campbell, which, after
her decease, was accomplished by legislative enactment.
The Oothouts were a fine revolutionary and soldierly race, but
have all died out.
GENEALOGY. 287
The notorioiis and infamous Tory, Major John Munroe, a 5'onng
Scotchman, settled here. His brutality to prisoners was in so direct
a violation of the laws of civilized warfare, that he was dismissed
from the English service. He left no descendants, at least, none
that acknowledged the paternity. Fearing that investigation may
discover his blood still running in a townsman's veins, his name and
record will be mercifully dismissed from these papers.
Samuel Fuller, one of the most distinguished architects that this
county has produced, according to Judge John Sanders, was a lineal
descendant of Dr. Samuel Fuller of the Mayflower.
He first came to Schenectady during the French War, on the 28th
day of March, 1758, and was then wholly employed in the King's
service at Schenectady, Albany, Stillwater, the great carrying place,
Fort Edward, Lake George and Niskayuna. He was engaged in the
construction of boats, wagons, log houses and shelters for the use of
the army commanded by General Abercrombie (some evidence of the
versatility of his powers), until July 31st, 1758, after which period
he returned to Boston, and from that place went to Halifax, where he
arrived February 7th, 1759, and continued in the royal service in the
navy yard there, until after the taking of Quebec by General Wolff
in September, 1759, from whence he returned to Boston and thence
to Schenectady, where he arrived in July, 1761, and on the 13th of
the same month commenced the building of a mansion in this town,
and the year following erected " The Hermitage," in Niskayuna,
for our great ex-merchant, John Duncan, upon his extensive estate
there. This latter building was, long after its erection, biuned down,
and is now replaced, at a point not far distant, upon a portion of the
same domain, by a fine mansion, the residence of ex-Senator Charles
Stanford.
Mr. Fuller built for Sir William Johnson the Guy Park mansion,
subsequently the residence of Sir Guy Johnson, and also the Claas
mansion, afterwards the abode of Colonel Daniel Claas, both gentle-
men son-in-law of Sir William. He also built the now venerable
court-house at Johnstown, still standing in all its early proportions,
admirably preserved with great taste, and should always be saved for
its old associations, and as a standing witness of the severe trials of
288 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
our Revolutionary struggle. The sight of no costly court structure
of the present day affords to the scholar and the historian so much
of interest and association as this sound and unique structure. Here
Sir William Johnson and Colonel Frederick Vischer respectively
held their courts. Here Lewis, Kent, Spencer, Van Ness, Piatt,
Yates and Walworth, have often adjudicated causes with profound
lore and noble impartiality. And here, too, the voices of Hamilton,
Burr, Emmett, Van Vechten, Henry, Talcott, Cady, Reynolds, and
many other distinguished lawyers, now resting from their labors,
have echoed from its historic walls.
The old Johnstown courthouse should be treasured and maintained
as an honorable relic of New York's most honorable days.
Mr. Fuller also built the dwelling of General Nicholas Herkimer,
in the town which is now Danube, Herkimer county, and other
prominent mansions in the Mohawk Valley.
He did much to alter, yet improve the old Holland style of build-
ing in Schenectady. He built the Episcopal church in 1762, (now
the oldest Episcopal church structure standing in the state of New
York). He built the John Glen mansion on Washington avenue,
now owned by Mr. Swartfigure, the Ten Eyck mansion, until his
decease, the residence of Governor Joseph C. Yates, and the Daniel
Campbell mansion, corner of State and Church streets, now owned
and occupied by Mrs. John C. Myers.
The reflecting citizen cannot but feel that Schenectady owes much
to the early architectural skill of Samuel Fuller.
Jeremiah Fuller, the son, and only surviving child of Samuel
Fuller, born October 26th, 1766, married Mary, daughter of George
Kendall, January 23d, 1790. They were the parents of fourteen
children, ten sons and four daughters, all of whom reached majority
except one son, Samuel, and one daughter, Anna, who died in
infancy. Mr. Fuller was a man of marked decision of character, of
great integrity and business energy ; no one more highly estimated
the advantages of a liberal education than he, or more generously
prized the efforts of learned men. Born at a time when educational
advantages were few, he, in a long life, saw more each day its value
and social importance, and a remarkable circumstance, that of nine
GENEALOGY. 289
sons who survived him, each was a graduate of Union College, and
in the various walks and professions of life, have worthily sustained
its literary and practicable reputation ; nor was the education of his
daughters by any means neglected. As a whole, Mr. Fuller, like his
father, was one of the most remarkable citizens. He died June i8th,
1839, in the seventy-third year of his age. . His estimable wife, Mary,
died November 9th, i860, at the ripe age of eighty-five years, six
months and nineteen days, beloved by all who knew her.
General William Kendall Fuller, the oldest surviving son of Jere-
miah, was born November 24th, 1792. He was educated in the
schools of Schenectady, graduated at Union College in 1810, studied
law in the office of Henry and John B. Yates, then the most promi-
nent practitioners of Schenectady county, and was admitted to prac-
tice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 18 14. Soon
after his admission he entered into partnership with Hon. John B.
Yates. In the summer of 1814 they moved to Utica, Oneida county,
at that time a village of about 1,300 inhabitants; opened an office,
practiced law there until the spring of 181 6, when they removed to
Chittenango, Madison county, then merely a hamlet of 100 inhabi-
tants, where, and m the vicinity, the senior partner, Mr. Yates,
owned large landed interests.
The public seems to have entertained the most perfect confidence
in the integrity and abilities of Mr. Fuller. Soon after his settle-
ment at Chittenango, unsolicited on his part, office clustered upon
him. He seemed an idol at Chittenango, and in Madison county,
then sparsely and newly settled, being only organized as a county in
1806.
All this flattering tribute from his constituents culminated in the
year 1823, in his appointment by Governor Yates to the position of
adjutant-general of the State of New York, serving through his
whole administration, and during several 'months of the succeeding
term of Governor Clinton, with .so much acceptance, that on retiring
from the office Governor Clinton issued a "general order" com-
plimentary to Mr. Fuller's services as adjutant-general.
In 1823, at' the time of his appointment as adjutant-general. Judge
Fuller relinquished the practice of the law. After the expiration of
290 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
his office as adjutant-general, he returned to Chittenango, and
became greatly interested in the management of valuable real estate
there, and in that vicinity ; was a commissioner under legislative
acts, to drain the Canaseraga marsh, and was one of the directors and
the secretary and treasurer of the ''Side-Cut" from Chittenango to
the Erie canal, which was completed under his superintendence,
simultaneously with the middle section of the Erie canal, at a much
less cost than the capital subscribed. This lateral canal, with its
four locks, was abandoned in consequence of the adoption of a new
route for the Erie canal, at the time of its enlargement, by which
the latter was brought to the northern limits of the village.
Madison county elected him member of assembly for two succes-
sive terms (1829-30), and he was elected twice in succession a mem-
ber of Congress from the twenty-third district, then composed of the
counties of Madison and Onondaga, his last term ending March 3d,
1837. He died at Schenectady.
Samuel, also a son of Jeremiah, born April i6th, 1795, was a
graduate of Union College, completed his medical studies in the city
of New York, and established himself as a physician and surgeon in
Chittenango, Madison county, in 1818, where he continued to prac-
tice with much success and reputation until 1866, when, with his
family, he removed to the city of New York, where he died the
following year, in the seventy-third year of his age.
George Kendall, another son, born January 29th, 1799, was liber-
ally educated, possessed of sound judgment, clear preceptions, great
moral courage and generous temper. He came to reside in Chitte-
nango about the year 1820, and soon became the general agent and
superintendent of the extensive farming, mercantile and manufac-
turing interests of Hon. John B. Yates at that place, and so con-
tinued until the decease of that gentleman in 1836; and so highly
were his services and fidelity appreciated, that Mr. Yates left him by
his will a legacy of $5,000, and appointed him one of its executors.
He was engaged in the trust thus confided to him, until the final
settlement of the estate, which, from unavoidable circumstances, did
not occur until 1852. Mr. Fuller died at Chittenango, May 9th,
GENEALOGY. 291
1858, in his sixtieth year, unmarried, and the only son of Jeremiah,
who was not a professional man.
Richard, also a son, born October 28th, 1804, was a graduate of
Union College. He was a practicing physician at Schenectady, and
at one time demonstrator of anatomy in the medical department of
Clinton College, at Fairfield, Herkimer county. A deep thinker and
student, his life of promise and usefulness was cut off by insidious
disease, May 15th, 1837, at the early age of thirty-three years, much
regretted by those who knew his sterling qualities.
Edward, another son of Jeremiah, born February 15th, 1807, was
a liberally educated gentleman, and completing his medical studies
m New York, settling at Chittenango, he became a partner of his
brother, Samuel, in 1824, acquiring an excellent reputation for skill
and close attention to business. He retired from the practice in
1834, and amid the comforts of an ample fortune, died January 22d,
'^^Tl^ aged about seventy years, universally respected.
Charles, also a son, born April ist, 1809, is a lawyer, residing and
practicing in the city of Schenectady. Henry, another son, born
February 2d, 181 1, was an attorney-at-law, practicing at Schenectady
for several years, and from thence removed to the city of New York,
continuing his profession there until his decease, January 6th, 1875.
He was interred at Schenectady.
James, another son, born July 24th, 18 14, was a gentleman of
liberal education, sound law knowledge, courteous manners, and
an extensive legal practice in the city of Schenectady, justly
esteemed by the community for strict integrity, and the conscientious
discharge of professional duties.
Robert, the youngest son of Jeremiah, born February 14th, 1822,
also a graduate of Union College, was a practicing physician of
Schenectady, of acknowledged skill and ability.
Joseph Carley, a veteran of the Continental army, came after the
Revolution, and built on Front street.
His son was Gerardus I. Carley, the partner at one time of
DeGraff, Walton & Co., and the father of Mr. Joseph G. Carley of
this city.
292 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Andrew Mitchell, a Scotchman, was a merchant here in 1765. He
was an ardent Whig and patriot and a member of the committee of
public safety. He was the grandfather of the late Hon. Thomas B.
Mitchell, father of Mrs. John DeLancy Walkins.
Of the Duanes, Waltons, Paiges, and others destined to add renown
to the name of Schenectady, subsequent history will enforce their
recognition. It is with Revolutionary and Colonial ancestry of the
valley, strictly of which the record is here given for the benefit of
their descendants. There may be, doubtless there are, many whose
names are omitted from the roll of the honored of the old days. If
so, it is because the historian must speak only from record and not
from tradition. In no other way can there be certainty of authentic
correctness.
CHAPTER XXV.
SCHENECTADY IN THE CIVIIv WAR.
The following schedules are intended to, and it is believed they
do, embrace all the soldiers from Schenectady who served in the
Civil War. Many were enlisted in the last months of the struggle
from Canada, and from everywhere, to fill up quotas. Such men, so
far as possible, have been carefully eliminated. It is intended in this
history to give the names only of men who served and fought and
suffered and died under our flag, who actually went from Schenec-
tady.
On the monument in honor of the dead at Schuylerville, the tab-
let that should mark the achievements and heroism of Arnold, is left
blank because of his heroic services before he became a dishonored
deserter. So this history mercifully leaves out, entirely, the names
of deserters. Wherever a man is charged with desertion, we have
simply stricken out his name. It may be that the charge against
him was unfounded, and so many instances have occurred of restora-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 293
tion to the roll of innocent men, nnjustly charged with -the most
terrible crime that a soldier can commit, that we have decided to give
all the benefit of the doubt and simply obliterate his name. Besides,
it is libelous to charge a soldier with treason to his flag unless the
proof can be forthcoming, and this risk the editor of this volume
does not care to incur.
The rolls were compiled from the records of the adjutant-general's
office after close searching and careful investigation.
The record is not always infallible, but it is at least the most
reliable evidence that can be obtained. Orderly sergeants were not
always correct in their reports, company clerks did not always under-
stand the force and effect of what they wrote, and absolute correct-
ness cannot be guaranteed in any case. All that can be claimed here
is that the best,. most authentic, and reliable record of the war that
closed nearly forty years ago, has been obtained and printed here
after diligent and industrious research.
Actual sequence in either numbers or date of muster has been im-
possible. The records have been gathered from everywhere and at
different times. There is nothing in these rolls that must be taken
to establish precedence of any kind.
THIRTIETH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.
This regiment. Col. Edward Frisbie, was accepted by the state
May 22d, 1861 ; organized at Troy, and there mustered in the ser-
vice of the United States for two years June ist, 1861 ; 0ecember
7th, 1862, a new company joined the regiment, becoming Company
F, in place of the one consolidated with the other companies. The
three years' men of the regiment were transferred to the 76th N. Y.
Vols. May 24th, 1863.
The companies were recruited principally : A at Lansingburgh ; B
and I at Troy ; C at Schenectady ; D, F and G at Saratoga Springs ;
E at Poughkeepsie ; H at Hoosick Falls and Eagle Bridge, and reor-
ganized at Troy, and K at Kinderhook.
294 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The regiment left the state June 28th, 1861 ; served at and near
Washington, D. C, from June 29th, 1861, in Keyes' Brigade, Divi-
sion Potomac, from August 4th, 1861 ; in First, same brigade,
McDowell's Division, A. P., from October, 1861 ; in Third; Augur's
Brigade, same division, from January, 1862 ; in First Brigade, third,
King's Division, First Corps, A. P., from March 13th, 1862 ; in First
Brigade, King's Division, Department Rappahannock, from May,
1862 ; in First Brigade, First Division, Third Corps, A. Va., from
June 26th, 1862 ; in same brigade and division. First Corps, A. P.,
from September 12th, 1862, and was honorably discharged and mus-
tered out under Col. Wm. M. Searing, June i8th, 1863, at Albany.
June 23d, 1863, Col. Morgan H. Chrysler received authority to
reorganize this regiment for mounted and three year's service as the
Empire Light Cavalry ; later the designation was changed to Second
Veteran Cavalry, and under that name the re-organization was per-
fected.
During its service, the regiment lost by death, killed in action,
4 officers, 62 enlistd men ; of woi:nds received in action, 2 officers, 13
enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, 2 officers, 31 enlisted men ;
total, 8 officers, 106 enlisted men; aggregate, 114: of whom 3 en-
listed men died in the hands of the enemy; and it took part in the
following engagements; Doolan's Farm, Va., November i6th, 1861 ;
Falmouth, Va., April 17-18; Orange Court House, Va., June 24,
1862 ; Orange Court House, Va., July 26, 1862 ; Bowling Green, Va.,
Augusts, 1862; Massaponax, Va., August 6, 1862; General Pope's
campaign, Va., August 16 to September 2, 1862 ; Rappahannock
River, August 21, 1862; Sulphur Springs, August 26, 1862; near
Gainesville, August 28, 1862 ; Groveton, August 29, 1862 ; Bull Run,
August 30, 1862 ; Little River Turnpike, September i, 1862 ; Hall's
Hill and Fall's Church, Va., September 4, 1862 ; South Mountain,
Md., September 14, 1862; Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862;
Fredericksburg, Va., December 11-15, 1862; Pollock's Mill Creek,
Va., April 29 to May 2, 1863; Chancellorsville, Va., May 2-3, 1863.
Bitkins, Hugh— Age 25 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve two years ; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861 ;
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR 295
mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as
Bitcom.
Carlson, Henry P. — Age 24 years. Enlisted April 26, i86r, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; promoted November 22, 1862; mustered out with company
June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Cassidy, Thomas — Age 25 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. A, June
I, 1861; mustered out with company June i8th, 1863, at Albany, N.
Y. ; subsequent service in Co. D. i6th N. Y. Artillery.
Cramer, Abram C. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May i, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as corporal Co. C, June
I, 1861; no knowledge of this man since regiment left Albany, June
27, 1861.
Cramer, Henry C. — Age 18 years. Enlisted May i, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years as private Co. C; not mustered; discharged
June I, 1861.
Eilez, Andrew — Age 45 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861;
discharged for disability May 15, 1S62, at Falmouth, Va. , as Eisle.
Engle, Martin — Age 34 3rears. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i. 1861;
promoted corporal, date not stated; killed, August 30, 1862, at Bull
Run, Va.
Gordineer, Frederick W. — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 26, i86i,
at Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co C,
June I, 1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y., as Gardiner; subsequent service in Co. G, Second N. Y. Vet-
eran Cavalry as Carding.
Harran, Martin — Age 30 years. Enlisted May 20, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861 ;
mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; also
borne as Herrin; subsequent service in the i6th N. Y. Artillery.
Harris, Thomas — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i,
1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Herrin, Patrick— Age 18 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861 ;
296 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
wounded August 29, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. ; mustered out with com-
pany June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as Haran.
' Hoffman, Adam A. — Age 26 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; wounded September 17, 1862, at South Mountain, Md. ; died
of wounds November 7, 1862, at Middletown, Md.
Hollon, Harris — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 26, 1S61, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i,
1861; discharged for disability August 23, 1861, at Arlington, Va., as
Harrison Holland; also borne as Horace Holland; died September 7,
1861, at Washington, D. C.
Hyson, John E. — Age 18 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C; June i,
1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ;
subsequent service in Co. D, 13th Artillery.
Kenney, David — Age 40 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i,
i86r; killed August 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va.
Kugler, Conrad — Age ^^ years. Enlisted April 27, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861 ;
mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; also
borne as Keugler.
Maher, William — Age 31 years. Enlisted June 12, 1861, at Albany
to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, same date; pro-
moted corporal March i, 1862; first sergeant November 22, 1862;
mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Manly, John — Age 19 years. Enlisted September 18, 1862, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private, unassigned,
same date borne only on enlistment paper.
Myers, Sidne)' — Age 23 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i,
1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ;
subsequent service in Co. K, First Artillery.
Niles, Nicholas N. — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as corporal Co. C, June
I, 1861; reduced to ranks, date not stated; mustered out with com-
pany June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subsequent service in Co. G,
91st N. Y. Infantry.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 297
Parent, John — Age 44 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co, C, June i, iS6i;
discharged for disability January 8, 1862, at Camp Keyes, Upton's
Hill, Va. ; subsequent service in Co. C, i6th N. Y. Artillery; also
borne as Parrent.
Peters, William H. — Age 35 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as corporal Co. C, June
I, i86i; promoted sergeant, date not stated; died of disease June 3,
1862, at hospital, Georgetown, D. C.
Read, George — Age 31 years. Enlisted September 13, 1862, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private, unassigned,
same date; name appears only on enlistment paper.
Roth, Charles — Age 33 years. Enlisted April 26, i86r, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as first sergeant Co. C, June
I, 1861; second lieutenant April 5, 1862; first lieutenant November
30, 1862; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N.
Y. ; commissioned second lieutenant May 13, 1862, with rank from
February 28, 1862, vice E. Van Voast promoted; first lieutenant
March 4, 1863, with rank from November 30, 1862; vice S. D. Potts,
promoted.
Ryan, Dennis — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 23, 186 1, at Schenec-
tady to serve two years; miustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861;
discharged April 22, 1863, at Belle Plains, Va. ; subsequent service in
Third N. Y. Artillery.
Schermerhorn; Tunis C— Age 21 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861,
at Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C,
June I, 1861; discharged for disability September, 186 1, at Arlington,
Va., as Schermerhorn; also borne as Schoonmaker.
Schoonmaker, Abram— Age 26 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; died of disease February 22, 1862, at Upton's Hill, Va.
Schuster, Charles— Age 23 years. Enlisted April 23, 1S61, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; discharged for disability March 9, 1S62, at Upton's Hill, Va.,
as Shuster.
Sieberking, Frederick— Age 26 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; mustered out with company June i8, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.,
as Frederick M. Sieberking; also borne as Seiberking.
298 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Silberking, Joseph — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; also borne as Silberstein and Silbersteen.
Sitterly, Abram — Age 39 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two }'ears; mustered in as private Co. C, June i,
1861; discharged for disability January 8, 1862, at Camp Keyes,
Upton's Hill, Va.
Smith, Thomas — Age 26 years. Enlisted April 29, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861.
Stanford, Harrison — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.,
as Stafford.
Starks, Daniel, Jr. — Age 35 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as musician Co. C, June
I, 1861; discharged for disability April 4, 1862, at Upton's Hill, Va.
Thurber, James — Age 22 years. Enlisted May i, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861.
Vanderbogart, James — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Van Epps, Perry — Age 24 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as sergeant Co. C, June
I, 1861.
Van Patten, Nicholas N. — Age 24 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861,
at Schenectady to serve two )'ears; mustered in as corporal Co. C,
June I, 1861.
Van Voast, Barent — Age 29 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as captain Co. C, June
I, 1861; cashiered February 28, 1862, at Upton's Hill, Va., by sen-
tence of G.^C. M. ; commissioned captain July 4, 1861, with rank
from April 26, 1861, original.
Van Voast, Edward — Age 22 years. Enrolled April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady as second lieutenant to serve two years; mustered in as
second lieutenant Co. C, June i, 1861; first lieutenant May i, 1862;
mustered out with company June 18, 1S63, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Second Veteran Cavalry; commissioned second lieu-
tenant July 4, 1861, with rank from June i, 1861; vice W. L. Peck,
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 299
resigned; first lieutenant May 13, 1862, with rank from February 28,
1862; vice M. V. V. Smith, promoted.
Waldreth, Peter— Age 18 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i,
1861; mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.,
as Wolrath; also borne as Walrath and Walwrath.
Washburn, Stephen — Age 41 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; discharged for disability September 21, 1861, at Arlington,
Va.
White, Martin, B. — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June
I, 1861; absent, sick in hospital at Fort Schuj^ler since April 19, 1862,
and at muster out of company.
Yack, John C. — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861;
killed August 30, 1S62, at Bull Run, Va. ; also borne as Yeck.
Zwang, Joseph — Age 29 years. Enlisted April 20, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. C, June i, 1861 ;
promoted corporal March i, 1862; sergeant, November 22, 1862;
mustered out with company June 18, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; also
borne as Swang.
SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT (VETERAN).
Saratoga Regiment ; Bemis Heights Regiment.
This regiment, Col. James B. McKean, was organized at Saratoga
Springs, and there, November 23d, 1861, mustered in the service of
the United States for three years. October 30th, 1862, a new com-
pany was forwarded to the regiment, becoming Companj- K, the
original company having been consolidated with Companj- F. At
the expiration of the term of service of the regiment its members
entitled to be discharged were forwarded to Saratoga, and there,
under Col. Winsor B. French, mustered out December 13th, 1864;
the regiment was continued in the service, but, November 19th, 1864,
consolidated into five companies. A, B, C, D and E.
300 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The regiment left the state November 28th, 1861 ; served in the
Third Brigade, Casey's Division, A. P., from December, 1861 ; in
Third, Davidson's Brigade, W. F. Smith's Division, Fourth Corps,
A. P., from March, 1862 ; in the Third Brigade, Second Division,
Sixth Corps, A. P., from May, 1862 ; and the battalion left in the
the field was honorably discharged and mustered out, under Colonel
David J. Case, June 27th, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 8
officers, 58 enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, 3 officers, 41
enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, i officer, 175 enlisted
men; total, 12 officers, 274 enlisted men; aggregate 286, of whom
16 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy, and it took part in
the following engagements : Siege of Yorktown, Va., April 5 to May
4 ; near L,ee's Mills, April 5 ; Lee's Mills, April 16 ; before York-
town, April 26 ; Lee's Mills, April 28 ; Williamsburg, Va., May 5 ;
Mechanicville, Va., May 24 ; Golding's Farm, Va., June 5 ;
Mechanicville, Va., June 24 ; Seven Day's Battle, Va., June 25 to
July 2 ; Garnett's Farm, June 27 ; Garnett's and Golding's Farm,
June 28 ; Savage Station, June 29 ; White Oak Swamp Bridge, June
30; Malvern Hill, July i ; Harrison's Landing, Va., July 3 ; Cramp-
ton Pass, Md., September 14; Antietam, Md., September 17; F'red-
ericksburg, Va., December 11-15, 1862 ; Marye's Heights and Salem
Church, Va., May 3-4 ; Deep Run Crossing, Va., June 5; Gettys-
burg, Pa., July 1-3 ; Fairfield, Pa., July 5 ; Antietam and Marsh Run,
Md., July 7; Funkstown, Md., July 11-13; Williamsport, Md., July
14; Chantilly, Va., October 16; Rappahannock Station, Va., No-
vember 7 ; Mine Run campaign, Va., November 26 to December 2 ;
Germanna Ford, December i, 1863; Wilderness, Va., May 5-7;
Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 8-21 ; Piney Branch Church,
May 8 ; Landron F~arm, May 10 ; The Salient, May 12 ; North Anna,
Va., May 22-26 ; Totopotomoy, Va., May 27-30 ; Cold Harbor, Va.,
May 31, June 12; before Petersburg, Va., June 17, July 9, Decem-
ber-April 2, 1864-5 ; assault of Petersburg, Va., June 17-19; Weldon
Railroad, Va., June 21-25 ; Washington, D. C, July 12-13 ; Charles-
town, W. Va., August 21; Opequon Creek, Va., September 13;
Opequon, Va., September 19 ; Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22 ;
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 301
Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864 ; Petersburg Works, Va., March
25 ; Appomattox campaign, Va., March 28 to April 9 : fall of Peters-
burg, April 2 ; Sailor's Creek, April 6 ; Appomattox Court House,
April 9, 1865.
Ahreets, William F. — Age 16 )'ears. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. D, April 11, 1865;
mustered out with companj' June 27, 1865, in defences of Washington,
D. C.
Benoit, Francis — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Princetown to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. E, March 21, 1865; mus-
tered out June 22, 1865, at U. S. Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Boyle, Patrick — Age 26 5'ears. Enlisted September 10, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember ig, 1864; discharged for disability February 20, 1865, at Car-
ver Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Burgess, George — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, April 4, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Carey, Seymour A. — Age 18 years. Enlisted March 18, 1865, at
Niskayuna to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. K, March
21, 1865; mustered out to date June 27, 1865, at Ira Harris Hospital,
Albany, N. Y.
Carney, James — Age 35 years. Enlisted at Brooklyn, (near Schen-
ectady) to serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. I, July
27, 18O4; transferred to Co. E, November 19, 1864; died of disease,
December 21, 1864, at Patrick Station, Va.
Carter, James D. — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. A, April 5, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington, D. C,
as James S.
Casey, William — Age 23 years. Enlisted at Glenville to serve
three years, and mustered in as private; unassigned April 3, 1865; no
further record.
Caw, David J.— Age 26 years. Enrolled September 25, 1861, at
Charlton to serve three years; mustered in as first sergeant Co. H,
October i, 1861; as second lieutenant June i, 1862; as captain Co. E,
October 4, 1862; transferred to Co. H, December 28, 1862; to Co. D,
November 19, 1864; mustered in as major January 2, 1865; as lieu-
302 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
tenant-colone], to date December 14, 1864; wounded in action April
2, 1865, at Petersburg, Va. ; mustered out with regiment June 27,
1865, in defence of Washington, D. C. ; commissioned second lieu-
tenant March 21, 1862, with rank from January 30, 1862; vice G. D.
Storey promoted; first lieutenant September 23, 1862, with rank
from May 31, 1862; vice G. D. Storey resigned ; captain, December
10, 1862, with rank from October 4, 1862; vice L. .Wood, dismissed;
major December 20, 1864, with rank from November 19, 1864;
vice N. S. Babcock promoted; lieutenant-colonel, December 24,
1864, with rank from December 13, 1864; vice N. S. Babcock mus-
tered out; colonel, not mustered July 6, 1865, with rank from Janu-
ary I, 1865; vice W. B. French not mustered.
Caw, William — Age 19 years. Enrolled at Scotia to serve three
years, and mustered in as corporal Co. H, October 17, 1861 ; promoted
sergeant June 18, 1863; re-enlisted as a veteran January 2, 1864;
wounded in action May 18, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; promoted first
sergeant Co. D, November 19, 1864; mustered in as second lieutenant
Co. B, January 28, 1865; mustered out with company June 27, 1865,
in defense of Washington, D. C.
Clark, Louis — Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private, unassigned, October 3, 1864; no
further record.
Coffenger, William — Age 18 years. Enlisted July 20, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. B, July
27, 1864; mustered out with company June 27, 1865, in defence of
Washington, D. C. ; also borne as Coffinger.
Cramer, Abram — Age 18 years. Enlisted in Scotia to serve three
years, and mustered in as private Co. H, October 17, 1S61; wounded
in action October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Va. ; mustered out with
company December 13, 1864, at Saratoga Springs, N. Y. ; also borne
as Craina.
Davis, Henry J. — Age 28 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 15, 1864; trans-
ferred to Co. D, November 19, 1S64; mustered out with company
June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington, D. C.
Doyle, Henry H.— Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. D, April 5, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington, D. C.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 303
Duboise, Andrew J.— Age 28 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 15, 1864;
transferred to Co. D, November 19, 1864; discharged for disability
May 13, 1865, at Danville, Va., 'as Debois.
Edwards, George L.— Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. A, April 5, 1865; mus-
tered out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington, D.
C. ; also borne as George T.
Farmer, George— Age 37 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. E, February i, 1865; mus-
tered out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington
D. C.
Farrell, Andrew — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. E, April 12, 1865; mustered
out to date June 27, 1865, at Albany, N. Y. ; also borne as Ferrel.
Fell. Charles E. H. — Age 19 years. Enlisted November 31, 1864,
at Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. C,
March 3, 1865; mustered out with company June 27, 1865, at Wash-
ington, D C.
Gates, Stephen C. — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. C, October 8, 1861 ;
re- enlisted as a veteran December 24, 1863; transferred to Co. A,
November 19, 1864; mustered out with company June 27, 1865, in
defense of Washington, D. C.
Green.,, Isaac — Age 24 years. Enlisted at Duanesburgh to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. A, March 25, 1865; mus-
tered out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington.
D. C.
Harrison, James W. — Age 18 years. Enlisted March 21, 1865, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. C, March
31, 1865; mustered out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of
Washington, D. C.
Hovey, Henry — Age 26 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 15, 1864; trans-
ferred to Co. D, November 19, 1864; mustered out with detachment
June 16, 1865, in defense of Washington, D. C.
Howe, Benjamin — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. A, April 10, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington, D. C.
304 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Jervis, Courteen — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. A, April 8, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington, D. C. ;
also borne as Coustein Jarvis.
Johnson, William H. — (2d) Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady
to serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 13, 1864;
transferred to Co. D, November 19, 1864; to Co. B, 46th Infantry
December 16, 1864.
Krank, Joseph— Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 12, 1864; trans-
ferred to Co. D, November 19, 1864; to Co. K, 46th Infantry May 17,
1865.
Mathews, Alfvis H. — Age 17 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. A, April 3, 1865;
mustered out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington,
D. C.
McConkie, George — Age 16 years. Enlisted January 16, 1865, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. C, Janu-
ary 17, 1865; also borne as McConkey, recruit; never joined regiment.
McCumber, Alonzo — Age 42 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. H, October i, 1861;
discharged for disability September 21, 1862, at Fortress Monroe, Va.
Mero, George — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. A, April i, 1865; mus-
tered out with detachment June 14, 1S65, at Washington, D. C.
Myert, Lawrence — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Princetown to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. E, March 21, 1865; mus-
tered out with company June 27, 1S65, in defense of Washington,
D. C, as Myatt.
Newman, Jacob — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. K, August 29, 1864;
transferred to Co. B, November 19, 1864; absent on furlough since
June 19, 1865, and at muster out of company; also borne as Newnan.
Nichels, Franklin J. — Age 27 years. Enlisted at Glenville to serve
three years and mustered in as private Co. D, January 5, 1865; mus-
tered out with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington,
D. C, as Nichols.
Premean, Joseph— Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. D, April 10, 1865; mus-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 305
tered out with company June 27, 1S65, in defense of Washington,
D. C, as Premeau.
Quant, Frederick — Age 40 years. Enlisted August 28, 1862, at
Schenectady to serve to three years; mustered in as private Co. H,
Octobers, 1862; transferred to Co. D, November 19, 1864; to 23d
Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, April 22, 1865;
mustered out July 20, 1865, at Washington, D. C. ; also borne as
Quants.
Quivey, Aaron B. — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years and mustered in as private Co. C, October 8, 1861;
promoted commissary-sergeant June 6, 1862; discharged for disa-
bility February 8, 1863, s-t camp near White Oak Church, Va. ; again
enlisted and mustered in as private Co. C, January 20, 1864; killed in
action May 21, 1864,' at Spottsylvania, Va. ; also borne as Quincy.
Rellinger, John — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. B, April 5, 1865; rnus-
tered out with company June 27, 1865, i^ defense of Washington,
D. C.
Schoonmaker, William— Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one 3'ear, and mustered in as private Co. B, April 10, 1865;
mustered out with company June 27, 1S65, in defense of Washington,
D. C.
Shannon, Oscar— Age 16 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, April 11, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, ^^ defense of Washington, D. C.
Shaw, John — Age 24 years. Enlisted at Princetown to serve three
years, and mustered in as private Co. C, March 21, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, i" defense of Washington, D. C,
Stone, George— Age 28 years. Enlisted at Glenville to serve two
years, and mustered in as private, unassigned, April 3, 1865; mus-
tered out with detachment May 9th, 1865, at Hart's Island, New
York Harbor.
Storms, George M. — Age 42 years. Enlisted at Duanesburgh to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. E, March 24, 1865;
mustered ont with company June 27, 1865, in defense of Washington,
D. C.
Tefft, Nathan— Age 37 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, September 7, 1864; trans-
3o6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
ferred to Co. A, November 19, 1864; mustered out with detachment
June 16, 1865, ill defense of Washington, D. C.
Thompson, James— Age 19 years. Enlisted at Brooklyn, (near
Schenectady) to serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. F,
July 7, 1864; transferred to Co. E, November 19, 1864; mustered out
with company June 27, 1865, iii defense of Washington, D. C.
Van Steenburgh, Jacob — Age 23 years. Enlisted at Schenectady
to serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 22,
1864; transferred to Co. D, November 19, 1864; mustered out with
detachment June 16, 1865, ^t Washington, D. C. ; also borne as
Vansteinburgh.
Vroman, Nelson — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. C, March 31, 1865; mus-
tered out with company June 27, 1865, i^^ defense of Washington,
D. C.
Watson, John E. — -Age 23 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year and mustered in as private Co. E, April i, 1865; mustered
out with company June 27, 1865, ^^ defense of Washington, D. C.
Wilcox, Charles E. — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Niskayuna to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. E, March 21, 1865; mus-
tered out June 16. 1865, 3-' Baltimore, Md.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT OF INFANTRY (VETERAN).
Albany and Yates' Rifles ; Vinton Rifles.
This regiment, Col. Francis L,. Vinton, received its state designa-
tion September 18, 1861 ; was organized at Albany and there mus-
tered in the service of the United States for three years, in August
and September, 1861. The Yates' Rifles, recruited by Colonel L,.
Ayer, four incomplete companies, A, B, C and D, were consolidated
into two companies, and, September 18, 1861, assigned to this regi-
ment. A company of the Manhattan Rifles, Colonel. J. M. Freeman,
and of the United States Vanguard, Colonel William Northedge,
were also attached to the regiment, and its organization completed.
The companies were recruited principally : A, B and D at Albany,
C at Albany and Oneonta, E at Canajoharie, F at Sandy Hill, G,
Manhattan Rifles, at Schenectady, H and I, Yates' Rifles, at New
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 307
York City, and K, United States Vanguard, at Cooperstown. The
companies joining in October, 1862, were recruited at Albany.
The regiment left the state September 21, 1861 ; served at and
near Washington, D. C, from September 22, 1861; in Hancock's
Brigade, Smith's Division, A. P., from October 15, 1861 ; in First
Brigade, Smith's Division, Fourth Corps, A. P., from March 13,
1S62 ; in First Brigade, Second Division, Sixth Corps, A. P., from
May, 1862 ; in the Light Brigade, Sixth Corps, during the Chancel-
lorsville campaign ; after that in the Third Brigade, Second Division,
Sixth Corps, A. P., and it was honorably discharged and mustered
out June 27th, 1865, under Colonel Charles A. Milliken, at Washing-
ton, D. C.
The regiment lost, during the service by death, killed in action, 9
officers, 74 enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, 4 officers,
30 enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, i officer, 126 enlisted
men ; total 14 officers, 230 enlisted men ; aggregate 244 ; of whom
32 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy; and it took part in
the following engagements, etc. : Vienna and Flint Hill, Va., Feb-
ruary 22; Siege of Yorktown, Va., April 5 to May 4; Lee's Mills,
April 16 and 28; Williamsburg, Va., May 5; Garnett's and Golding's
Farms, June 27 and 28; Savage Station, June 29 ; White Oak
Swamp Bridge, June 30 ; Malvern Hill, July i ; Sugar Loaf Moun-
tain, Md., September lo-ii ; Crampton Pass, Md., September 14;
Antietam, Md., September 17 ; Fredericksburg, Va., December 11-15,
1862 ; Marye's Heights and Salem Church, Va., May 3-4 ; Deep Run
Crossing, Va., June 5 ; Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3 ; Fairfield, Pa., July
5 ; Antietam and Marsh Run, Md., July 7 ; near Leitersburg, Md.,
July 10; Funkstown, Md., July 11-13 ; Williamsport, Md., July 14;
Auburn, Va., October 13; Rappahannock Station, Va., November
7; Mine Run campaign, November 26-December 2, 1B63; Wilder-
ness, Va., May 5-7; Spottsylvania Court Hause, Va., May 8 to 21 ;
North Anna, Va., May 22-26; Totopotomoy, Va., May 27-31 ; Cold
Harbor, Va., June 1-12 ; before Petersburg, Va., June 18 to April 2,
1864-5 ; assault of Petersburg, Va., June 18-19 ; Weldon Railroad,
Va., June 21-23 ; Fort Stevens, D. C, July 12-13 ; Charleston, W.
Va., August 21 ; Opequon Creek, Va., September 13 ; Opequon, Va.,
3o8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
September 19 ; Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22 ; Cedar Creek, Va.,
October 19, 1864 ; Petersburg Works, Va., March 25 ; Appomattox
campaign, Va., March 28 to April 9, 1865.
Becker, Albert — Age 32 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 16, 1861; died of disease February 3, 1862, at Camp
Griffin, Va.
Conklin, John — Age 43 years. Enlisted October 8, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, October 9,
1S61; transferred to Company C, July 18, 1862; died July 31, 1862, at
Harrison's Landing, Va. ; also borne as John Conklin.
Deacon, Joseph — Age 23 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private, unassigned, July 6, 1864; no
further record.
Donelly, Patrick — Age 41 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years ; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; discharged
for disability, January 30, 1863, near Yorktown, Va. ; also borne as
Patrick Donnelly.
Doty, Daniel E, — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861 ; promoted corporal April 7, 1862; transferred to Co.,
C, July 18, 1862; captured and paroled, no dates; re-enlisted as a
veteran December 25, 1863; killed in action May 6, 1864, at the Wil-
derness, Va. ; also borne as Daniel K. Doty.
Doyle, Michael — Age 32 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 16, 1861; transferred to Company C, July 18, 1862; pro-
moted corporal and returned to ranks, no dates; transferred to
Veteran Reserve Corps December 9, 1863.
Gilfillan, William H. — Age 19 years. Enrolled August 14, 1861, at
New York City to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant Co. G,
September 16, 1861; as second lieutenant January 24, 1862; trans-
ferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; mustered in as first lieutenant. Sep-
tember 19, 1862; as captain Co. A, June 2, 1863; killed July 3, 1863,
at Gettysburg, Pa.; commissioned second lieutenant March 4, 1862,
with rank from January 24, 1862, vice V. V. Van Patten, promoted;
first lieutenant, October 17, 1862, with rank from September 24, 1862,
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR 309
vice John Fryer, promoted; captain, May 26, 1863, with rank frotn
May 3, 1863, vice H. B, Knickerbocker, killed.
Gray, John — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve three
years, and mustered in as private Co. G, October 17, 1861; died of
disease April 26, 1862, at camp in the field.
Kane, Patrick — Age 35 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co G, Sep-
tember 16, i86i ; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; re-enlisted as a
veteran December 24, 1863; wounded in action May 10, 1864, at
Spotsylvania, Va. ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September
16, 1864, as Patrick Kain; mustered out July 24, 1865, at Washing-
ton, D. C, as of Co. H, 14th Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps; also
borne as Patrick Keain.
Koch, Frederick — Age 35 years. Enlisted August 24, 186 1, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co, G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; discharged for
disability April ii, 1863; also borne as Frederick Cook.
Luckey, James — Age 32 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; discharged for
disability January 30, 1863.
McCauley, John — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; captured and
paroled, no dates; transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps July 20,
1863; also borne as John McCauly.
McDonald, James — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 24, 186 r, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; re-enlisted as a
veteran December 24, 1863; transferred to Co. D, December 31,
1863; re-transferred to Co. C; no date.
McKerlie, Cornelius— Age 18 years. Enlisted October 11, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 14, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; captured and
paroled, no dates; re-enlisted as a veteran December 24, 1863;
wounded in action May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness, Va., and absent at
muster out of company.
McReiley, James — Age 18 years. Enlisted October 11, 1861, at
21
310 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 14, 1861; no further record.
Miers, John G. — Age 24 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; captured and
paroled, no dates; re-enlisted as a veteran December 24, 1863;
wounded in action March 25, 1865, near Petersburg, Va. ; discharged
for wounds August 3, 1865, at Washington, D. C. ; also borne as John
Meirs, John G. Meirs and John G. Myers.
Mullen, John — Age 42 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, September
16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; also borne as John
Millar.
Neils, John — Age 30 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, September
i6, 1861; promoted corporal, no date; wounded in action June 27,
1862, at Gaines Mills, Va. ; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; died
of disease August 29, 1862, at Alexandria, Va.
Rivers, Charles — Age 28 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private, unassigned, July 6, 1864; no
fxirther record.
Rose, Edward — Age 19 years. Enlisted October 23, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 25, 1861; wounded in action June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills,
Va. ; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; discharged October 29, 1864,
in the field.
Seaman, Erastus — Age 38 years. Enlisted October 16, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 17, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; re-enlisted as a
veteran December 24, 1863; transferred to Co. I, April 17, 1864; pro-
moted sergeant April 18, 1864; wounded in action July 12, 1864, at
Fort Stevens, Washington, D. C. ; died from wounds July 25, 1864, at
Mount Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Seely, Henry C. — Age 35 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 16, 1861; wounded in'action June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills,
Va. ; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; died October 3, 1862, at
hospital, Washington, D. C.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 3^
Seider, Carl Augustus— Age 34 years. Enlisted August 24, 1S61,
at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; captured
and paroled, no dates; sergeant January 15, 1865; first sergeant
March i, 1865; mustered out with company June 27, 1865, at Wash-
ington, D. C. ; also borne as Carl A. Seider and Karl A. Seider.
^ Shaver, William H.— Age 38 years. Enlisted October 17, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 18, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862.
Shearer, Mathevv— Age 22 years. Enlisted October 3, i86r, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 9, 1861; discharged March 10, 1862, at New York City.
Shearer, William— Age 26 years. Enlisted October 10, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 14, 1861 ; wounded in action June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills,
Va ; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; discharged for disability
August 12, 1862; also borne as William Shearer.
Smith, John— Age 35 years. Enlisted August 24, 1861, at Schenec-
tady to serve three years; mustered in as corporal Co. G, September
16, 1861; promoted sergeant Co. C, July 18, 1862; returned to ranks
June 21, 1863; re-enlisted as veteran December 24, 1863; killed in
action March 25, 1865, near Petersburg, Va.
Van Eps, John E. — Age 38 years. Enlisted October 8, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 9, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; also borne as
John E. Van Epp.
Wait, George W. — Age 19 years. Enlisted October 18, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 19, 1S61.
Walser, Mathew — Age 42 years. Enlisted October 7, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years ; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 9, 1861 ; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; discharged
October 29, 1864, in the field.
Wenzell, Andrew — Age 27 years. Enlisted August 24, i85i, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 16, 1861; transferred to Co. C, July 18, 1862; also borne
as Andrew Wentzel.
312 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
SECOND REGIMENT OF CAVALRY (VETERAN).
Empire Light Cavalry.
June 23d, 1863, Col. Morgan H. Chrysler received authority to
re-organize the 30th New York Vol. Infantry, then discharged by
reason of the expiration of its term of service, as a regiment of
cavalry — the Empire Light Cavalry. July 20th, 1863, this designa-
tion was changed to Second Regiment Veteran Cavalry. The
regiment was organized at Saratoga Springs, and the companies were
mustered in the service of the United States for three years at Sara-
toga : A, on August 15 ; B and F, Aug. 26 ; C, September 9 ; D and
E, September 8 ; G and H, October 10 and 16, respectively ; I and
K, November 10; L, December 3, 1863 ; and at the Cavalry Depot,
D. C, M, December 30, 1863.
They were recruited principally : A, at Glens Falls ; B, at Albany,
Amsterdam and Schenectady ; C, at Saratoga ; D, at Saratoga,
Salem, Schroon, Shushan and Whitehall ; E, at Glens Falls, Albany,
Port Henry and Troy ; F, at Saratoga and Whitehall ; G, at Sara-
toga, Glens Falls, Addison, Bath and Schenectady ; H, at Hoosick
Falls, Malone and Plattsburgh ; I, at Queensbury, Saratoga and
Stony Creek ; L, at Saratoga, Chesterfield, Jay, Fort Ann, Northum-
berland and Wilton ; and M, at New York City.
The regiment left the state in detachments : Companies A, B and
C, in August ; D, E and F, in September ; G and H, in October ; I
and K, in November; L and M, in December, 1863 ; and served in
the Department of Washington, D. C, 22d Corps; in the Depart-
ment of the Gulf from February 16, 1864 ; in the Fifth Cavalry
Brigade, 19th Corps ; in the Fourth Cavalry Brigade, 19th Corps,
from June, 1864 ; in the First Cavalry Brigade, 19th Corps, from
September, 1864; in the Separate Brigade, Cavalry of the Reserve,
19th Corps, from November, 1864; in the First Brigade, Cavalry
Division, Department of the Gulf, from March, 1865 ; and com-
manded by Col. Chrysler, was honorably discharged and mustered
out November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 313
During its service it lost by death, killed in action, 2 officers, 10
enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, 3 officers, 20 enlisted
men ; of disease and other causes, 3 officers, 215 enlisted men ; total,
8 officers, 245 enlisted men ; aggregate, 253, of whom 7 enlisted men
died in the hands of the enem)^ The large number of men reported
drowned is owing to the loss at the foundering of the steamer North
America off the coast of Florida, December 22d, 1864. The regi-
ment, or portions of it, took part in the following engagements, etc.:
Red River campaign, La.; Little Washington, Campti, Pleasant Hill,
Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Fort Jessup, Baj'ou Sallina,
Yellow Bayou, Campti Bayou, below Cloutersville, Cane River
Crossing, Bayou Roberts, Mansura, Bayau de Glaize, Simsport, Baj-ou
Fordice, Atchafalaya River, La.; Bayou Gross Tete, La.; scout near
Morganiza, La.; Franklin, La.; Morganiza, La.; Maringuin, La.;
Rosedale, La.; Gross Tete, La.; College Hill, Miss.; between Jackson
and Clinton, L,a.; St. Francisville, La.; Bayou Sarah, La.; Fausse
River, La.; Clinton and Liberty Creek, Miss.; State Line, Pascagoula
River, Miss.; McLeod's Mills, La.; College Hill, Fla.; Pine Barren
Creek, Fla.; Cotton Creek, Fla.; Bluff Springs, Fla.: Pollard, Ala.;
Fort Blakely, Ala.; Mt. Pleasant, Ala.; Whistler's Station, Ala.
Adams, Charles — Age 27 years. Enlisted August 17, 1863, ^t
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, ^° serve
three years.
Adams, George— Age 21 years, Enlisted July 9, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve three
years.
Allen, Joseph— Age 26 years. Enlisted August 17, 1S63, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years.
Anderson, Thomas— Age 20 years. Enlisted July 30, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 5, 1863, to serve
three years.
Baker, Paul— Age 28 j^ears. Enlisted August 21, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve three
years; remarks on company muster out roll; discharged, no official
notice received.
3r4 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Ballon, Horace — Age 29 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. L, August 31, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out with detachment August 23, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala.
Bennett, Othello — Age 18 years. Enlisted December 28, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, unassigned, January 5, 1864, to
serve three years; no further record.
Bidwell, Homer A. — Age 18 years. Enlisted July 8, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, July 20, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala.
Binck, Edward S. — Age 27 years. Enlisted August 15, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 20, 1863, to serve
three years; appointed corporal August 26, 1863; mustered out with
company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala. ; also borne as
Edward C. S. Binch.
Bink, Wilhelmus — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 15, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 20, 1863, to serve
three years.
Brougham, W. M. H. — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 12, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 14, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1S65, at Talla-
dega, Ala. ; see Braugham.
Brown, James — Age 19 years. Enlisted December 16, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. D, December 26, 1863, to
serve three years.
Burnham, Lansing — Age 27 years. Enlisted July i, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, July 20, 1863, to serve -
three years.
Campbell, Allen — Age 38 years. Enlisted July 24, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to seive
three years.
Carr, Joseph — Age 22 years. Enlisted August 3. 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, ^o serve three
years.
Case, Sherman A. — Age 19 years. Enlisted September 22, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October 10, 1863, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. B, October 15, 1863; appointed first
sergeant, date not stated; mustered in as second lieutenant May i,
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 3T5
1865; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega,
Ala. ; commissioned second lieutenant January 20, 1865, with rank
from November 13, 1864, vice Shaw, discharged.
Castentine, Julius — Age 28 years. Enlisted December 16, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, December 17, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out October 30, 1865, at New Orleans as
Julius Castenbine ; also borne as James Castlebein.
Clute, Harry C. — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 8, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; appointed sergeant, date not stated; mustered out with
company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala. ; also borne as Harry
C. Clate.
Cole, David W. — Age 22 years. Enlisted September 2, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, September 6, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged with detachinent August 24, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Coles, Orrin S. — Age 18 years. Enlisted September i, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, September i, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out August 24, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Combs, Dwight — Age 18 years. Enlisted July 22, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. F, August 3, 1863, to serve three
years; transferred to Co. C, date not stated ; discharged March 28,
1864, for disability, at New Orleans, La.
Dailey, Joseph — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, September 6, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged August 24, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Darrow, Daniel, Jr.— Age 22 years. Enlisted August 10, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; appointed quartermaster-sergeant, date not stated ; cap-
tured, date not stated; exchanged May 27, 1S65; discharged Septem-
ber 4, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Dean, Andrew, Jr.— Age 18 years. Enlisted August 11, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years.
Dedrick, Henry H.— Age 18 years. Enlisted July 22, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out November 8, 1865.
Deere, William— Age 18 years. Enlisted August 10, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
3i6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala., as William. Deree.
Dollar, Robert G. — Age 40 years. Enlisted July 23, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; discharged March 17, 1864, for disability.
Donnelly, James — Age 21 years. Enlisted July 31, 1863, at
Schenectady; miistered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years.
Dorn, John G. — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 10, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years. Died; no official notification of death received.
Doty, George E. — Age 29 years. Enlisted February 22, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, February 29, 1864, to
serve three years; absent on furlough since October 15, 1865, and at
muster out of company, November 8, 1865; no further record.
Duclos, Edward — Age 22 years. Enlisted February 24, 1864, at
Schenectady.; mustered, in as private Co. M, February 24, 1864, to
serve three years; transferred to i42d Regiment, Second Battalion,
V. R. C, date not stated; mustered out with detachment, November
30, 1865, at New Orleans, La.
Dunnigan, Patrick — Age 25 years. Enlisted July 3, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 5, 1863, to serve
three years.
Edward, Thomas — Age 19 years. Enlisted July 30, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 5, 1863, to serve
three years.
Farthing, Lucius M. — Age 20 years. Enlisted December 11, 1863,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. D, December 14, 1863, to
serve three years; appointed corporal, date not stated; mustered out
with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Fitzgerald, James — Age 22 years. Enlisted August 20, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October 6, 1863, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. B, October 15, 1863; mustered out
with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Fosmire, George — Age 28 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, September 5, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged with detachment August 24, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 317
Garding, Frederick W.— Age 23 years. Enlisted September 21,
1863, at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October 10,
1863; mustered out with company Novembers, 1865, at Talladega,
Ala. ; veteran.
Gillespie, John— Age 18 years. Enlisted July 25, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 20, 1863, to serve three
years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega,
Ala., as Gillespia.
Godetto, Napoleon— Age 21 years. Enlisted January 27, 1864, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. E, February 16, 1864, to
serve three years ; mustered out with company, November 8, 1865,
at Talladega, Ala.
■ Heyser, Jacob C— Age 23 years. Enlisted August 10, 1863. at
Schenectady ; mustered in as corporal Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out with company, November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Hogan, Frank— Age 18 years. Enlisted July 10, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve three
years.
Hogan, Isaac — Age — years. Enlisted December 14, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, December 14, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out July 11, 1865, at New York City.
Horton, George J. — Age 22 years. Enlisted July 13, 1863, at Sche-
nectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company, November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala.
Jacobson, Henry — Age 22 years. Enlisted August 18, 1863, at Sche-
nectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala.
Johnson, Charles W. — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 7, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October 6, 1863, to serve
three years; appointed first sergeant October 10, 1863; mustered in
as second lieutenant, December 29, 1863, as first lieutenant and regi-
mental quartermaster, December i, 1864; discharged August 27,
1865, for absence without leave; conmissioned second lieutenant,
December 14, 1863, with rank from December 5, 1863, original; first
lieutenant and quartermaster, September i, 1864, with rank from
September i, 1864, vice Carter, promoted.
3i8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Johnson, Stephen E. — Age 25 years. Enlisted July 2, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; transferred, June 22, 1864, to V. R. C.
Ladd, George W. B. — Age 22 years. Enlisted July 2, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, July 20, 1863, to serve
three years; appointed first sergeant, date not stated; mustered out
with company, November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Lake, Emmet J. — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 3, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with detachment, August 23, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
La Rue, Samuel — Age 26 years. Enlisted July 14, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, July 20, 1863, to serve three
years; mustered out with company, November 8, 1865, at Talladega,
Ala. ; prior service Co. A, Eighteenth New York Volunteers.
Lepper, Jacob H. — Age 24 j'ears. Enlisted August 8, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 20, 1863, to serve
three years; died of disease, March 17, 1864, at New Orleans, La.
Linn, Archibald L.— Age 23 j^ears. Enlisted July 6, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as sergeant Co. B, October 31, 1863, to
serve three years; died of disease September 13, 1864, at New
Orleans, La.
Lintner, John — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 19, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 20, 1863, to serve three
years; prior service Co. B, 3 2d N. Y. Vol.
Luffman, Peter M. — Age 21 years. Enlisted July 8, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 14, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala.
McCarty, James — Age 33 years. Enlisted December t6, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, December 18, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala. ; veteran.
McDonald, Nelson — Age 25 years. Enlisted July 10, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, July 20, 1863, to serve
three years; appointed saddler, date not stated; mustered out with
company, November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.; veteran.
McGuire, Frank — Age 23 years. Enlisted July 27, 1S63, at Schenec-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 319
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve three
years.
Manning, James W.— Age 31 years. Enlisted August 19, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, Augiist 26, 1863, to serve
three years; appointed sergeant, no date stated; died May 5, 1864, of
disease at New Orleans, La.
Mathews, Clay — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectad)'; mustered in as private Co. B, September 5, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged with detachment August 24, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Meede, James H. — Age 20 years. Enlisted September 2, 1864, at
Schenectady^; mustered in as private Co. B, September 6, 1864, to
serve one j'ear; discharged with detachment, August 24, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Miller, William — Age 18 years. Enlisted, August 10, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 14, 1863, to serve
three years.
Miller, William J. — Age 21 years. Enlisted July 22, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serA^e
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Mills, James H. — Age 18 years. Enlisted December 14, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. I, Dec. 14, 1863, to serve
three years; drowned at sea December 20, 1864.
Mingo, Charles — Age 29 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. C, August 31, 1864, to serve
one year; discharged August 22, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Moffatt, William H. — Age 44 years. Enlisted August 13, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 20, 1S63, to serve
three years.
Murphy, John — Age 19 years. Enlisted July 30, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve three
years.
Penny, Francis Age 18 years. Enlisted August 27, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October i, 1863, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. B, October 15, 1863; mustered out
with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala. ; also borne as
Francis Perroy.
320 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Perry, Frank C. — Age 21 years. Enlisted July 13, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years.
Perry, Jacob L. — Age 21 years. Enlisted July 14, 1863, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve three
years; appointed sergeant, date not stated; died of disease March 25,
1864, at Cavalry Depot, D. C.
Pierson, Orson — Age 21 years. Enlisted September 18, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October 6, 1863, to serve
three years; transferred October 15, 1863, to Co. B; appointed cor-
poral, date not stated; sergeant May 5, 1865.
Powers, John — Age 44 5'ears. Enlisted, date not stated, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, February 29, 1864, to
serve three years; sick in New Orleans, La., hospital since February
28, 1865; mustered out of company November 8, 1865; no further
record.
Saxton, Edward — Age 38 years. Enlisted August 3, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years.
Schermerhorn, Brey C. — Age 28 years. Enlisted August 10, 1863,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863. to
serve three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala. ; also borne as Bracey T. Schemehorn.
Schermerhorn, Henry — Age 28 years. Enlisted August 13, 1863,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years. Prior service Co. E, i8th N. Y. Vols.
Schneider, Frederick — Age 40 years. Enlisted July 13, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala. ; also borne as Frederick Snyder; veteran.
Serberking, Frederick — Age 28 years. Enlisted August 20, 1863,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala., as Seiberking; veteran.
Shuster, George — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 12, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala. ; veteran.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 321
Simpson, James— Age 33 years. Enlisted August 10, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; appointed blacksmith, date not stated ; mustered out
with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Small, James N.— Age 26 years. Enlisted January 14, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private ('o. D, January 14, 1864, to
serve three years ; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Smith, Elias W. — Age 29 years. Enlisted August 25, 1864, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, September 6, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged with detachment August 24, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Smith, Henry — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 20, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; died of disease September 20, 1864, at New Orleans,
La.
Smith, Maus V. V. — Age 22 years. Enlisted September 5, 1864, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. E, September 2, 1864, to
serve one year ; mustered out with detachment August 23, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Smith, Thomas — Age 30 years. Enlisted as substitute August
II, 1863, at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 11,
1863, to serve three years ; mustered out with company November
8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Snyder, Henry — Age 21 years. Enlisted September 12, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, October 10, 1863, to serve
three years.
Solomon, Peter — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 9, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; appointed bugler, date not stated ; mustered out with
company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.; veteran.
Southard, Isaac B. — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 5, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years.
Starks, Daniel — Age 36 years. Enlisted December 7, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, December 7, 1863, to
serve three years; died of disease October 9, 1864, at New Orleans,
La.
322 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Steele, William — Age 36 years. Enlisted August 19, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, October 10, 1863, to
serve three years ; transferred to Co. B, October 15, 1863 ; mustered
out with company Novembers, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.; prior ser-
vice Co. D, 32d N, Y. Vols.
Steenson, Charles D.^ — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 20, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; appointed corporal, date not stated ; mustered out with
company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Van Debogart, James — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 3, 1863, at
Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talla-
dega, Ala.; veteran.
Van Nostrand, Kassan — Age 18 years. Enlisted September 7, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, September 7, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged Ausgust 24, 1865, with detachment, at
Talladega, Ala.
Van Patten, John — Age 44 years. Enlisted December 15, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as piivate, Co. B, December 16, 1863, to
serve three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Van Vranken, Edward — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 8, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; Co. M. O. R. remarks, no official notice of discharge
received.
Van Vranken, N. Allen — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 8, 1863,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years; died June 28, 1864, of disease at New Orleans, La.
Van Vranken, Samuel — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 12, 1863,
at Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years ; mustered out with company November. 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Vrooman, Jesse — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 17, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Vrooman, W. M. — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 17, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
■ SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 323
three years ; appointed corporal, date not stated ; mustered out with
company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Walker, Epaphroditus — Age 31 years. Enlisted August 23, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 3, 1864, to
serve one year ; mustered out with detachment August 23, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Walker, Francis R. — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 20, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, August i, 1864, to serve
one year; appointed sergeant, date not stated; mustered out with
detachment August 23, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.; also borne as Walter,
Francis Romaine.
Waad, Andrew J. — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 7, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to serve
three years ; appointed commissary sergeant, date not stated ;
mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
Wemple, William — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 25, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, September 5, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged with detachment August 24, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala.
Whitamore, Alonzo P. — Age 22 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, August 31, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with detachment, August 23, 1865, at
Talladega, Ala. ; also borne as Whitmore, Alonzo.
White, Emery J, — Age 21 years. Drafted, 1863, at Schenectady;
mustered in as private Co. L. August n, 1863, to serve three years ;
appointed sergeant, date not stated ; mustered out with company
November 8, 1865, at Talladega, Ala.
White, Frank — Age 36 years. Enlisted August 12, 1863, at Schenec-
tady ; mustered in as private Co. B. August 26, 1863, to serve three
years ; mustered out with company November 8, 1865, at Talladega,
Ala.
Whittes, John W.— Age 28 years. Enlisted September 5, 1864, at
Niska5'una ; mustered in as private Co. B, September 7, 1864, to serve
one year ; discharged with detachment, August 24, 1865, at Talladega,
Ala. ; as Whittle, John W.
Winnie, Hiram D. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 3, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 26, 1863, to
serve three years.
324 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
SIXTY-NINTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY (VETERAN).
First Regiment, Irish Brigade.
This regiment, Colonel Robert Nugent, originally recruited under
special authority from the War Department, was turned over to the
state September 2d, 1861, and organized in New York City as one
of the regiments of the Irish, or Meagher's Brigade, November 2d,
1 861. It was mustered in the service of the United States for three
years between September 7th and November 17th, 1861. A large
number of the members of the 69th State Militia joined the regi-
ment, on their return from their three months' service, and the
majority of the men were recruited in New York City, Company D,
however, principally at Chicago, 111.; Company F partly at Brooklyn
and K partly at Buffalo. June 12, 1B63, the regiment was consoli-
dated into a battalion of two companies, A and B. In February,
1864, this battalion returned from its veteran furlough with six com-
panies, A, B, C, F, G and K ; B and F being the former companies
B and A ; the others being newly organized. At the expiration of
its term of service, those entitled thereto were mustered out and the
regiment retained in service.
The regiment left the state November i8th, 1861 ; served at Fort
Corcoran, D. C, from November, 1861 ; in the Irish Brigade, Sum-
ner's Division, A. P., from December, 1861 ; in the same, Second
Brigade, Richardson's, First Division, Second Corps, A. P., from
March, 1862, and it was honorably discharged and mustered out
under Colonel Nugent June 30th, 1865, near Alexandria, Va.
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 8
officers, 154 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 5 officers,
94 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, i officer, 150 enlisted
men ; total, 14 officers, 398 enlisted men ; aggregate, 412 ; of whom
63 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy ; and it took part in
the following engagements, etc.: Rappahannock Station, Va., March
29 ; Siege of Yorktown, Va., April 16 to May 4 ; Fair Oaks, Va.,
May 31-June I ; Burnt Chimney, Va., June 19 ; Seven Days' Battle,
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. ' 3,5
Va., June 25 to July 2 ; Antietam, Md., September 17 ; near Charles-
town, W. Va., October 16-17 ; Snicker's Gap, Va., November 2 ;
Hartwood Church, Va., November 17; Fredericksburg, Va., Decem-
ber 11-15, 1862; Chancellorsville, Va., May 1-3 ; Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 1-3; Williamsport, Md., July 14; Auburn, Va., October 14;
Bristoe Station, Va., October 14; Mine Run campaign, Va., Novem-
ber 26 to December 2, 1863; Wilderness, Va., May 5-7; Spotsyl-
vania Court House, Va., May 8-21 ; North Anna, Va., May 22-26;
Totopotomoy, Va., May 27-31 ; Cold Harbor, Va., June 1-12 ; before
Petersburg, Va., June 15 to April 2, 1864-5; assault of Petersburg,
Va., June 15-19 ; Weldon Railroad, Va., June 21-23 ; Deep Bottom,
Va., July 27-29; Strawberry Plains, Va., August 14-18; Ream's Sta-
tion, Va., August 25 ; Hatcher's Run, Va., December 8-9, 1864 ;
Skinner's Farm, Va., March 25 ; Appomattox campaign, Va., March
28 to April 9, 1865.
Allen, James — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year; mustered in as private Co. H, August 30, 1864; died of disease,
November 2, 1S64, at Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C. ;
also borne as James H. Allen.
Banigan, Patrick — Age 29 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; promoted sergeant, no date; first sergeant January
I, 1865; mustered out with detachment, June 5, 1865, near Alexan-
dria, Va. ; also borne as Bannegan and Bannigan.
Barker, John L. — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady, to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; wounded on picket. October 24, 1864, and absent at
muster out of company; also borne as Baker.
Bartholomew, Chester — Age 17 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864,
at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. H,
September 3, 1864; wounded in action, April 7, 1865, at Farmville,
Va. ; mustered out on individual roll, July 11, 1865, at Lincoln Hos-
pital, Washington, D. C, as Bartholony.
Bass, Isaac — Age 17 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year; mustered in as private Co. H, August 29, 1864; mustered out
22
326 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
with detachment, June 27, 1865, at Satterlee Hospital, West Phila-
delphia, Pa. ; also borne as Boss.
Bedell, William — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va. , also borne as Berdell and Burdell.
Bop, Isaac, C. — Age 17 years. Enlisted August 20, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private, unassigned,
September 3, 1864; never joined regiment.
Bowers, George — Enlisted August 29, 1864, at Schenectady to serve
one year; mustered in as private Co. H, September i, 1864; missing
in action October 30, 1864; no record subsequent to April 30, 1865,
as dropped.
Broadley, Thomas — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; never joined company; also borne as Bradley.
Burns, Dennis — Age 22 years. Enlisted September 2, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. I, Septem-
ber 23, 1864; captured on picket October 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.
recaptured at Salisbury, N. C. no date; mustered out on individual
roll, August 14, 1865, at New York City.
Burns, Taylor — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment, June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
Bushmiller, Michael- — Age 17 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year; mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864; mus'
tered out June 3, 1865, at Alexandria, Va. ; as Bushmaland.
Campbell, John — Age 36 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E,
September 3, 1864; wounded in action March 25, 1865, at Hatcher's
Run, Va. ; discharged for disability November 22, 1865, at Harewood
Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Cams, John S. — Age 42 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; never joined company.
Carr, Richard — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864; pro-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 327
moted corporal March i, 1865; mustered out June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
Chase, Harlow — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E,
September 3, 1864; mustered out on individual roll, June 13, 1865, at
Campbell United States Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Colomar, Edwin C. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; promoted sergeant, no date; wounded March 25,
1865; returned to ranks, no date; mustered out on individual roll,
June 17, 1865, at Albany, N. Y., as Collamer; also borne as Collo-
mar and Collomer.
Conney, John G. — Age 26 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; promoted first sergeant, no date; returned to ranks,
January i, 1865; tnustered out with detachment. May 13, 1865, at
Mower General Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., as John J. Connery.
Ellis, John — Age 36 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at S'.-henec-
tady to serve three years; mustered in as piivate Co. H, September
3, 1864; absent without leave at muster out of company.
Fabien, Max — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at Schenec-
tady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E, September
3, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865, near Alexandria,
Va., as Fabian.
Force, Arthur W. — Age 16 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
. Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
Grapzincke, Marsh W. — Age 24 years. Enlisted August 30, 1S64,
at Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H,
September 3, 1864; absent without leave since October, 1864, and at
muster out of company: also borne as Grapzinke and Grapzinli.
Groff, Thomas — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 26, 1S64, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
Groyer, Charles — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years; mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864; also
borne as Grouse and Gruse.
328 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Halicus, Benjamin — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with company June 30, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
Hipe, Joseph — Age 44 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at Schenec-
tady to serve one year; mustered in as private, unassigned, Sept.
3. 1864; wounded in camp, March 25, 1865; mustered out July 22,
1865, at New York city; also borne as Haipt.
Howe, George W. — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year; mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864; pro-
moted corporal, January i, 1865; mustered out June 5, 1865, at
Alexandria, Va. ; also borne as How.
Kimball, Adam — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va., as Hiram.
Lambert, William — Age 25 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. D,
August 30, 1864; mustered out June 5, 1865, at Alexandria Va.
Lordell, John E. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year ; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864 ; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va., as John C.
Losee, John C. — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year ; mustered in as private Co. D, August 26, 1864 ; promoted
corporal January i, 1865; sergeant May 13, 1865; mustered out June
5, 1865, at Alexandria, Va. ; also borne as Losse and Lossee.
Lynch, Mathew — Age 27 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years ; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864 ; mustered out with company June 30, 1865, near Alex-
andria, Va.
Manning, John — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years; mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864; wounded
in action October 21, 1864, in front of Petersburg, Va.; died of his
wounds November 9, 1864, in hospital at City Point, Va.
Marsh, William — Age 38 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; captured in action October 30, 1864, Petersburg, Va.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 329
sent to Salisbury, N. C, November 4, 1864, and absent at muster out
of company ; also borne as Marsch.
Mingay, Henry M. — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years; mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864;
promoted sergeant March 22, 1S65; returned to ranks May 13, 1S65;
mustered out with company June 30, 1865, at Alexandria. Va. ; also
borne as Henry A.
Morris, Frederick — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
Morris, Jacob — Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one year, and
mustered in as private Co. H, August 30, 1864 ; no record subsequent
to April 30, 1865 ; as absent, missing in action October 30, 1864.
Mowery, Daniel — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; discharged for disability April 14, 1865, at Albany,
N. Y. ; also borne as Moury and Mowry.
Osman, Gilbert R. — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; discharged for disability July 5, 1865, at Harewood
General Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Renzie, Michael — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year ; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; promoted corporal Septembers, 1864; missing in
action October 30, 1864, near Petersburg, Va. ; absent at miTSter out
of company ; also borne as Rienzie and as Reinze and Renzie,
Michaels.
Reynolds, George E. — Age 17 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864 ; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va. ; also borne as G. William Reynolds; prior service in
Co. H, 177th Infantry.
Robinson, John — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. I, September 2, 1S64 ; cap-
tured on picket October 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. ; paroled, no
date; mustered out on individual roll August 4, 1865, at New York
City.
330 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Sicb}^ Jerome — Age i8 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; killed in action March 25, 1865, at Fort Stedman,
Va. ; also borne as Sixby.
Sullivan, Dennis — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864;
wounded November 29, 1864, in front of Petersburg, Va. ; mustered
out June 5, 1865, at Alexandria, Va.
Sullivan, James — Age 38 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864,, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; promoted sergeant October i, 1864; mustered out
with detachment June 5, 1865, near Alexandria, Va.
Van Aram, Charles E. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864,
at vSchenectady to serve one year ; mustered in as private Co. H,
September 3, 1864; captured in action October 30, 1864, at Peters-
burg, Va. ; died January 28, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. ; also borne as
Charles Van Arum and Van Aurm.
Walker, James — Age 16 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
vSchenectady to serve two years; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; absent without leave at muster out of company.
Whitman, John A. — Age 17 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year; mustered in as private Co. D, August 29, 1864;
mustered out June 5, 1865, at Alexandria, Va. ; also borne as Witman.
Wilcox, George W. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 26, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year ; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; wounded March 25, 1865 ; mustered out with detach-
ment June 29, 1865, at Whitehall Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. ; alSo
borne as George H.
Williams, James — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; absent without leave, at muster out of company.
Williams, Robert T. — Age 44 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment to date June 5, 1865,
near Alexandria, Va. ; also borne as Robert S.
Wise, George — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 27, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; promoted sergeant, no date; returned to ranks Feb-
ruary 8, 1865; wounded in action March 25, 1865, at Fort Stedman,
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR ' 331
Va. ; died of his wounds, April 4, 1865, at Armory Square Hospital,
Washington, D. C.
Worden, Theodore— Age 18 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. H,
September 3, 1864; wounded in action April 5, 1865, near Petersburg,
Va. ; mustered out August 8, 1865, at Douglas Hospital, Washington,
D. C. ; also borne as Wordon.
Wright, George H.— Age 19 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. E, Sep-
tember' 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 5, 1865, near
Alexandria, Va.
EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.
New York State Rifles ; Riflemen.
This regiment, Col. William A. Jackson, was accepted by the
state and received its numerical designation May 13th, i86r ;
organized at Albany, and there mustered in the service of the
United States for two years May 17th, 1861. May nth, 1863, the
three years' men of the regiment were transferred to the 121st N. Y.
Vols.
The companies were recruited principally : A and E at Schenec-
tady ; B, F, H and I at Albany and immediate vicinity ; C at Fish-
kill ; D (Walkill Guards) at Middletown and in Sullivan county ;
G at Canandaigua, and K at Ogdensburgh.
The regiment left the state June 19th, 1861 ; served at Washing-
ton, D. C, from June 21st, 1861 ; in Second Brigade, Fifth Division,
Army N. E., Va., from July 13th, 1861 ; in Franklin's Brigade,
Division of Potomac, from August 4th, 1861 ; in Newton's Brigade,
Franklin's Division, A. P., from October 15th, 1861 ; in Third Bri-
gade, First Division, First Corps, A. P., from March 13th, 1862 ; in
the Third Brigadey First Division, Sixth Corps, A. P., from May,
1862, and commanded by Colonel George R. Myers, was honorably
discharged and mustered out at Albany May 28th, 1863.
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 3
officers, 28 enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, i officer, 7
332 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, i ofificer, 35 enlisted men ;
total, 5 officers, 70 enlisted men ; aggregate, 75 ; of whom 3 enlisted
men died in the hands of the enemy ; and it took part in the follow-
ing engagements, etc.: Braddock Road, Va., July 16 ; Fairfax Sta-
tion, Va., July 17; Blackburn's Ford, Va., July 18; Bull Run, Va.,
July 21 ; Munson's Hill, Va., August 28 and November 16; Spring-
field Station, Va., December 4, 1861 ; Union Mills, Va., March 12 ;
West Point, Va., May 7 ; Seven Days' Battle, Va., June 25 to July
2 ; Burke's Station, Va., August 28 ; Crampton Pass, Md., Septem-
ber 14; Antietam, Md., September 17; Fredericksburg, Va., Decem-
ber 11-15, 1862; Franklin's Crossing, Va, April 29 to May 2;
Marye's Heights and Salem Church, Va., May 3-4, 1863.
Acker, Justice H — Age 20 years. Enlisted March 17, 1862, at Port
Jervis; mustered in as private Co. B, same date to serve unexpired
term of two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at
Albany, N. Y.
Acker, Musenon S. — Age 21 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; transferred to the Regular Army, date not stated.
Ainsworth, James — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 186 1, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Ames, John T. — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 22, i86r, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 186 1, to serve two
years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Anthony, William J. — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1S63, at Albany, N. Y.
Arretts, Marcus W. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted corporal October 11, 1861; sergeant September
2 3, 1862; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.,
as Marquis W. Ahreets.
Ball, James M.— Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 186 1, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as sergeant Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two
5'ears; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 333
Barhydt, Andrew D. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as corporal Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; reduced, date not stated; mustered out with company
May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Barhydt, Dallas — Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out June 30, 1863, as Dallas G. Barhydt.
Barringer, George C. — Age years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, no date, to serve two
years; no further record.
Parrup, Andrew C. — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as sergeant Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; reduced to ranks October i, 1861; transferred to Co. C,
July 2, 1862; mustered in as second lieutenant December 7, 1862;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; com-
missioned second lieutenant, November 10, 1862, with rank from
July 22, 1862, vice Holden, resigned.
Bell, Gleason — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
died of disease December 8, 1862, in Stafford County, Va.
Bink, Philip — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 25, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Bink, Wilhelmus— Age 18 years. Enlisted April 25, i86i, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N.
Y., as Wilhelmus L. Bink; subsequent service in Co. B, Second
Veteran Cavalry.
Birdsell, Peter— Age 21 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, date not stated, to serve two
yeas; no further record.
Bogardus, Joseph E.— Age 24 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861; to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Bovee, John N.— Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
wounded June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills, Va. ; discharged September
15, 1862.
334 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Brothers, James H. — Age 22 years. Enlisted April 22, i86r, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Bunton, Edward — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 22, r86i, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted corporal November i, r86i ; mustered out with
company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Gary, Edmond — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 22, 1S61, at Schenec.
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May, 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1S63, ^^ Albany. N. Y., as
Edward Cavey.
Chase, John F. — Age 30 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, in Co. E, at
Schenectad)'; mustered in as private Co. B, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disability, July 8, 1861, at Washington, D. C.
Christance, Francis — Age 27 5^ears. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as corporal Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; reduced, date not stated; mustered out with company May
28, 1863, at Albany, N.' Y.
Colby, Malan E. — Age 25 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
sent to insane asylum at Washington, D. C, February 13, 1863; no
further record.
Collins, Michael — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 22, i86i, at
Schenectady; mustered in as corporal Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disabilit)' November 23, 1861, at Alexan-
dria, Va.
Conant, Gideon — Age 28 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Conway, Patrick — Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Co. D, Sixteenth Artillery.
Cooley, William A. — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, i86i, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Corrnie, Dennis — Age 33 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 335
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, no date, to serve two years; no
further record.
Courtney, Robert— Age 18 years. Enlisted May 17, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, same date, to serve two
years; wounded June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills, Va. ; discharged
October 9, 1862, by reason of such wounds, from hospital at Phila-
delphia, Pa.
Crombie, Alexander M. — Age 27 years. Enlisted May 2, i86i, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1S61, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N.'Y.
Dailey, John — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 186 1, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; also
borne as John Daley.
Daley, Daniel — Age 21 years. Enrolled April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as first lieutenant Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted captain December 9, 1862; resigned, February
26, 1863, on account of wounds; commissioned first lieutenant July 4,
1861, with rank from April 22, 1S61, original; captain November 10,
1862, with rank from August 14, 1862, vice Gridley, promoted.
Dillon, John — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1S61, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Fourth Artillery.
Dolan, John — Age 32 j^ears. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N, Y. ; subse-
quent service in Co. E, Third Infantry.
Douglass, Hugh — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady'; mustered in as private Co. E, Alay 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company Ma}' 28, 1863, at Alban}', N. Y.
Fagan, Thomas — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Failing, Andrew R. — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as sergeant Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
336 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Gale, John H.— Age 28 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
accidentally shot near Washington, D. C. ; died June 28, 1861.
Geary, Thomas — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 22, 1S61, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 186 r, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Sixteenth Artillery.
Getman, Albert — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Gej'winto, Byron — Age 22 years. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as corporal Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted sergeant, date not stated; mustered out with
company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as Byron Gewint.
Gill, Lawrence R. — Age 23 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as sergeant Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted first sergeant November i, 1862; mustered out
with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Gregory, Orville — Age 21 j^ears. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; wounded June 27,. 1862, at Gaines Mills, Va. ; mustered
out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subsequent ser-
vice in Sixteenth Artillery.
Gridley, Joseph — Age 18 years. Enlisted May r, 186 1, at Schenec-
tady ; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; promoted corporal September i, 1861; mustered out with
company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Gridley, Nathaniel P. Y. — Age ig years. Enlisted April 22, 1861,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; killed June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills, Va.
Gridley, William S. — Age 22 years. Enrolled April 22, 1861, at
Schenectad}^; mustered in as captain Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; major August 14, 1862; mustered out with regiment May
28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; commissioned captain July 4, 1861, with
rank from April 22, 1861, original; major October 11, 1862, with rank
from August 14, 1862, vice Maginnis, promoted.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 337
Griepe, Harmon — Age 23 years. Enlisted April 29, 1S61, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; died of heart disease, June 30, 1862, at Savage Station, Va.
Groot, Edward W. — Age 19 years. Enrolled April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as second lieutenant Co. A, May 17, 1861,
to serve two years; discharged for disability, December 14, 1861;
commissioned second lieutenant July 4, 1861, with rank from April
22, 1861, original.
Harman, Guilford D. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Harrington, Able J. — Age 28 years. Enlisted May 2, 2861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, at Albany, N. Y.
Harris, William H. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years ; promoted coproral, date not stated ; captured June 27, 1862,
at Gaines Mills, Va. ; paroled, date not stated; mustered out January
28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Hart, John — Age 30 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1 861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Hawley, Edmond B. — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as musician Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; reduced, date not stated; killed in action September 14,
1862, at Crampton's Pass, Md.
Hoffman, George — Age 21 years. Enlisted May 2, 1891, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1 861, to serve two
years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ;
subsequent service in Co. F, Thirteenth Artillery.
Holt, Anton — Age 33 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Albany;
mustered in as private Co. H, same date, to serve two years; killed
in action June 27, 1862, at Gaines Mills, Va.
Horsefall, William— Age — years. Enrolled May 2, 1861, at Schen-
ectady ; mustered in as first lieutenant Co. E, May 17, 1861; to serve
two years; captain December 27, 1861; killed September 14, 1862, at
Crampton's Pass, Md. ; commissioned first lieutenant July 4, 1861,
with rank from May 2, 1861, original: captain January 3, 1862, with
rank from December 27, 1861, vice Truax, promoted.
338 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Hour, Michael— Ag-e 38 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co., A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; discharged for disability April 27, 1862, at Alexandria, Va.
Howd, Samuel — Age 24 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1891, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Co. E, Sixteenth Artillery.
Hungerford, Charles — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Jenner, John — Age 30 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Kalfels, Joseph — Age 39 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disability November 23, i86r, at Alexan-
dria, Va.
Kane, John — Age 26 years. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
discharged for disability September 24, 1861, at Alexandria, Va.
Knox, Valentine — Age 22 years. Enlisted April 29, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Lamars, Barney^Age 26 years. Enlisted April 23, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; absent, sick in hospital since August 12, 1862, and at mus-
ter out of company.
La Que, John — Age 20 years. Enlisted May i, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
La Rew, Samuel — Age 26 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y., as Samuel La Rue; subsequent service in Co. B, Second
Veteran Cavalry.
Leverson, Henry — Age 18 years. Enlisted April 29, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 339
two years; discharged May 19, 1861, by writ of habeas corpus as
Henry Levison.
Log-an, James — Age 26 years. Enlisted April 25. 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N, Y.
Lovett, Isaac C. — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Manley, Michael — Age 38 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as musician Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; no further record.
Marcellus, George H. — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, i86i, to serve
two years; no further record.
Marlett, Giles — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years,
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Maxwell, Legrant — Age 25 years. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company. May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y. ; subsequent service in Co. E, Second Veteran Cavalry.
Mayher, Jeremiah — Age 26 years. Enlinted May 2, 1861, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ;
subsequent service in Co. B, Second Veteran Cavalry, as Jerry Mahar.
McCann, John — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
McCarty, James — Age 30 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; mustered out June 2, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
McCormick, Thomas— Age 25 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as paivate Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863. at Albany,
N. Y.
McGraw, Edward D.— Age 25 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
340 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
McKinney, Patrick — Age 28 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
McKinney, William H. — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y. ; subsequent service in Co. D, Sixteenth Artillery.
McNeal, John — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
discharged March 10, 1863, near Falmouth, Va.
McNeil, James — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
promoted corporal August 12, 1862; mustered out with company May
28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Meyers, Robert — Age 21 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Miller, Robert J. — Age 24 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted sergeant, to date. May 17, 1861; mustered out
with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Mitchell, A. Barclay — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as musician Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; first lieutenant Co. C, June 16, 1861; captain October 19,
1861; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ;
commissioned first lieutenant July 4, 1861, with rank from June 14,
1861, original; captain November 15, 1861, with rank from October
19, 1861, vice Wiltsie, dismissed.
Mooney, Frank — Age 23 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Co. E, Second Veteran Cavalry.
Myers, Augustus — Age 25 years. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted corporal December i, 1861; mustered out with
company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as August Myers.
O'Brien, Patrick — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, . 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR 341
two years; promoted corporal December i, 1S61; mustered out with
company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as Patrick O'Bryan; subse-
quent service in Co. C, Fourteenth Artillery.
O'Connell, James — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two
.years; mustered out June 2, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
O'Leary, Michael — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y. , as Michael OLarney.
Otis, James — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 186 r, at Schenectady;
mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years; mus-
tered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Perry, Frank — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ;
subsequent service in Co. B, Second Veteran Cavalry.
Peters, Christopher — Age 21 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disability November 23, 1861.
Pexman, Augustus — Age 25 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y., as August Pexman.
Pillings. Charles — Age years. Enlisted -May 2, i86r, at
Schenectady; mustered in as musician Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years ; no further record.
Pollard, John H. — Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Pryme, James — Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; no further record.
Putman, John — Age 18 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
wounded, date and place not stated; discharged on account of such
wounds August 15, 1862, from hospital at Washington, D. C.
23
342 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Read, David F.— Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as David
F. Reed.
Reed, William H. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1S63, at Albany,
N. Y.
Riley, Samuel G. — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted corporal December 10, 1861; mustered out with
company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y., as Simon G. Reiley.
Roach, James — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
promoted corporal September 20, 1862; mustered out with company
May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subsequent service in Co. F, Thir-
teenth Artillery.
Rothenbiller, Joseph — Age 25 years. Enlisted April 26, 186 1, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disability September 24, 1861, at Alexan-
dria, Va.
Rust, Elisha C. — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1S61, to serve two years;
mustered out with compa,ny May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service Co. C, Sixteenth Artillery, as Elisha C. Rush.
Scheimerhorn, Ernott — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as first sergeant Co. E, May 17, 1861, to
serve two years; promoted sergeant-major November 14, 1861; mus
tered in as second lieutenant December 27, 1861; first lieutenant and
adjutant to date, August 2. 1S62; mustered out with company May
28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; commissioned second lieutenant January
3, 1862, with rank from December 27, 1S61, vice Vedder, promoted;
adjutant November 10, 1862, with rank from August i, 1862, vice J.
H. Russell, deceased.
Schermerhorn, Henry — Age 25 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as corporal Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; reduced, date not stated; mustered out with company
j\Iay 28, 1S63, at Albany, N. Y. ; subsequent service in Co. B, Second
Veteran Cavalry.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 343
Schremph, John — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1S61, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, i86r, to serve two years;
reported at muster out of company as having been sent to Alexan-
dria Hospital April 7, 1862.
Schutter, Lewis — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 15, i86t, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1S63, at Albany,
N. Y.
Schwantner, John — Age 34 years. Enlisted April 26, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1S61, to serve
two years; wounded, date not stated; discharged December 24, 1S62,
near Falmouth, Va., on account of wounds.
Scotland, Robert — Age 31 years. Enlisted April 22, r86i. at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y. ; subsequent service in Twentj'-first Cavalry.
Scully, John — rAge 32 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at Schenec-
tad}'; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1 861,' to serve two vears;
mustered out with company May 28, 1S63, at Albany, N. Y. ; subse-
quent service in Fourth and Thirteenth Artillery.
Seymour, Frank — Age 20 years. Enlisted May 2, 1S61, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two 5'ears;
■promoted corporal to date. May 17, 1861; sergeant, July 15, 1862;
tnustered out with company May. 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Shannon, George — Age 18 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two )'ears; discharged May 21, 1861, at Albany, N. Y., by writ of
habeas corpus.
Skelly, Edward S. — Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenectady; mus-
tered in as private Co. E, May 17, i86r, to serve two years; mustered
out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Soloman, Peter — Age 43 years. Enlisted April 28, i86r, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
promoted musician, date not stated; mustered out with company May
28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Stall, Henry B. — Age years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as sergeant Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted sergeant-major January 6, 1S62; mustered out
June 8, 1863.
344 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Stanton, William H. — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y. ; subsequent service in Thirteenth Artillery.
Strunk, Joseph — Age 19 years. Enlisted April 22, 1861. at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as sergeant Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; promoted first sergeant and mustered in as second lieutenant,
dates not stated; discharged August 24, 1863; commissioned second
lieutenant November 10, 1862, with rank from August 14, 1862, vice
Munger promoted.
Sutter, Charles — Age 38 years. Enlisted September 15, 1862, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private unassigned, same date, to serve
three years; no further record.
Tailing, Andrew R. — Age 20 years. Enlisted April 28, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as sergeant Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; no further record.
Thomas, Charles — Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two
years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Truax, Alfred — Age 30 years. Enlisted May 2, i86i, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as sergeant Co. E, May 17, i86i, to serve two
years; promoted first sergeant November 14, 1861; mustered in as
first lieutenant September 20, 1862 ; mustered out with company May
28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; commissioned first lieutenant December
15, 1862, with rank from September 20, 1862, vice Vedder, resigned.
Truax, Stephen — Age years. Enrolled May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as captain Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; resigned December 27, 1861; commissioned captain July
4, 1861, with rank from May 2, 1861, original.
Underhill, Franklin — Age 18 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disability March 28, 1863, at White Oak
Church, Va.
Underbill-, James — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, i86i, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Van Voast, Walter— Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady, as private Co. E, to serve two years; no further record.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR, 345
Van Vranken, Eleazer— Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1S61, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged for disability September 26, 1861, at Camp
King, Alexandria, Va.
Van Wee, Levi— Age 41 years. Enlisted May 3, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1S61, at Albany,
N. Y. ; subsequent service in Co. D, Thirteenth Artillery.
Vedder, Barney M.— Age 19 years. ■ Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; no further record.
Vedder, John — Age years. Enrolled May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as second lieutenant Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; first lieutenant December 27, 1861; captain September
20, 1862; mustered out with company May 28, 1863. at Albany, N. Y. ;
commissioned second lieutenant July 4, 1861, with rank from May 2,
1861, original; first lieutenant January 3, 1862, with rank from De-
cember 27, 1861, vice Horsefall promoted; captain December 15,
1862, with rank from September 20, 1862, vice Horsefall killed in
action.
Vedder, Rodney S. — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted commissary-sergeant November i, 1861; mus-
tered in as second lieutenant Co. H, June 27, 1862; detailed as quar-
termaster December 9, 1862; mustered out with company May 28.
1863, at Albany, N. Y. ; commissioned second lieutenant November
10, 1862, with rank from July 16, 1862, vice Lane promoted.
Vosburgh, Charles — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 18C1, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Wallace, Alexander — Age 21 years. Enlisted April 29, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; discharged on account of accidental gunshot wounds
January 2, 1862.
Walley, Charles C. — Age 20 j'ears. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; promoted corporal October 11, 1861 , sergeant November
346 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
14, 1S61; first serg-eant September 20, 1862; mustered out with com-
pany May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
Weatherwax, Walter — Age 19 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E. May 17, 1861, to serve
two years; mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany,
N. Y.
Whitbeck, Abram — Age 24 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, date not stated, to serve
two years; no further record.
Wille, Frederick — Age 23 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y. , as
Frederick Wiley.
Williams, John — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 2, 1861, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. E, May 17, 1861, to serve two years;
mustered out with company May 28, 1863, at Albany, N. Y.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT
OF INFANTRY.
The Hon. George E. Danforth received authority, July 19th, 1862,
to recruit this regiment in the counties of Delaware, Schenectady
and Schoharie. It was organized at Schoharie and there mustered
in the service of the United States for three years, September 2 2d
and 23d, 1862. June 5th, 1865, the men not to be mtistered out
with the regiment were transferred to the io2d N. Y. Vols.
The companies were recruited principally : A, B and F at Schenec-
tady ; C and K at Schoharie ; D' at Middleburgh, Fulton and
Broome ; E at Blenheim, Gilhoa, Broome, Jefferson, Conesville and
Summit ; G at Cobleskill, Richmondville, Sharon, Seward and
Gilboa ; H at Schenectady and Duauesburgh ; I at Schenectady,
Fulton, Conesville, Wright, Broouie, Duauesburgh, Gilboa, Middle-
burgh and Glen.
The regiment left the state under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel J. S. DeAgreda, September 25, 1862. It served in the
Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Corps, from October,
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 347
1862 ; in the First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Corps, from
May, 1863 ; on detached service at Alexandria, Va., in Angust, 1863 ;
in Second Brigade, Second Division, Twentieth Corps, from April,
1864, and, commanded by Colonel Allan H. Jackson, it was honora-
bly discharged and mnstered out June 10, 1865, at Bladensburgh,
Md. During its ser\'ice the regiment lost by death, killed in action,
4 officers, 59 enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, i officer,
25 enlisted men ; of disease and other causes 3 officers, 91 enlisted
men; total, 8 officers, 175 enlisted men ; aggregate, 183 ; of whom
19 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy ; and it took part in
the following engagements, etc. : Chancellorsville, Va. ; Gettysburg,
Pa.; Hagerstown, Md.; Wauhatchie, Tenn.; Chattanooga and Ross-
ville, Tenn.; Missionary Ridge ; Atlanta, Ga.; Rocky Faced Ridge,
Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain, Golgotha, Culp's
Farm, The Assault, Marietta, Chattahoochie River, Peachtree Cross-
ing, Peachtree Creek, Sandersville, near Green.sboro, Monteich
Swamp, Savannah, Campaign of the Carolinas ; Robertsville, S. C;
Lexington Cross Roads, S. C; Aversboro, N. C; Bentonville, N. C;
Smithfield, N. C; Raleigh, N. C; Bennett House, N. C.
IN THE FIELD AND STAFF.
Allan Jackson, lieutenant-colonel, March 10, 1863, Hope Landing,
Va. ; appoinled lieutenant Seventh Regiment, U. S. A. ; promoted to
captain and major; retired.
Henry Ramsey, Jr. — R. Q. M., August 6, 1864, in the field, Md.
Henry Palmer — Adjutant, June i, 1865, New Bladensburg, Md.
William H. Hoag — Surgeon, February 17, 1864. Lookout Valley,
Tenn.; resigned November 4, 1864.
Edward W. Groot— Adjutant, July 28, 1862, Albany, N. Y. ;
resigned April 8, 1863.
Andrew Carne}^— R. Q. M., July 28, 1862, Albany, N. Y.
All above, unless otherwise mentioned, were discharged June 10,
1S65, near Bladensburg, Md.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
George O. Van Eps — Sergeant-major. Enlisted at Schenectady
August 6, 1S62; wounded in action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
348 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Benjamin F. Sheldon — Sergeant-major. Enlisted at Schenectady
August 6, 1862.
Henry Ramsey, Jr. — Q. M. Sergeant. Enlisted at Schenectady
August I, i86z.
Henry Palmer — Q. M. Sergeant. Enlisted at Schenectady August
26, 1862.
Erwin W. Bowen — Sergeant-major. Enlisted at Schenectady
August 20, 1862.
All the above were discharged June 10, 1865, near Bladensburg,
Md.
COMPANY A.
Benjamin F. Sheldon — Captain; commissioned August 7, 1862;
discharged with regiment.
James D. Scott — First lieutenant; commissioned Augusts, 1862 ;
discharged with regiment.
William W. Moon — First sergeant; enlisted August 7, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Andrew W. Kelly — Second sergeant ; enlisted August 7, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment. In Rebel prison.
Joseph McGraw — Third sergeant; enlisted August 6, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment. In Rebel prison.
George Tiffany — Fifth sergeant; enlisted August 9, 1892; dis-
charged with regiment.
Isaac McGraw — Fourth sergeant; enlisted August 4, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Alonzo Gage — Corporal; enlisted August 11, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
George Ostrander — Corporal; enlisted August 25, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Alsdorf, Morgan — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Arnold, Peter J. — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Clute, Nicholas M. — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Chapman, George H.— Enlisted as private August 8, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 349
Dunbar, Friend H.— Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Heinamen, Charles H.— Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Horsfall, Garret — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Polch, Henry — Enlisted as private August 10, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Rumens, Charles — Enlisted as private July 24, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Spangle, Joseph — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Simpson, Thomas — Enlisted as private August 8, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Scheich, Andrew — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Van Aernam, Park W. — Enlisted as private August i, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Ward, James H. — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
West, John W. — Enlisted as private Augusts, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Kittle, James E. — Enlisted as corporal August i, 1862 ; no dis-
charge given.
Bond, Walter D. — Enlisted as corporal August 12, 1862; wounded;
in hospital, Albany, N. Y.
Auer, Frederick — Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; no discharge
given.
Beebe, Calvin H. — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; no dis-
charge given.
Brown, Richard — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; no discharge
given.
Clute, Nicholas — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; no discharge
given.
Ernest, Phillips L. — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862 ; no dis-
charge given; captured by the enemy.
Eshardt, Frederick L. — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; no
discharge given; wounded.
3SO SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Gage, Hiram J. — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; no discharge
given; wounded.
Gage, Wesson — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; no discharge
given.
Heddin, Herbert — Enlisted as private August 4, 1862; no discharge
given.
Hinly, Thomas — Enlisted as private August 11, 1862; no discharge
given.
McMarvin, William J. — Enlisted as private August 2, 1862; no
discharge given.
McCann, James — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862 ; wounded at
Annapolis, Md. No discharge given.
Marcellus, Nicholas — Enlisted as private Augusts, 1862; no dis-
charge given.
Marshall, Thomas — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; no dis-
charge given.
Newman, Henry — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; captured
by the enemy August 12, 1864.
Osborne, George C. — Enlisted as private July 24, 1862; no dis-
charge given.
Rickerman, Anton — Enlisted as private August ii, 1862; no dis-
charge given.
TuUock, John K. — Enlisted as private August 11, 1862; captured
by the enemy.
Tullock, James A. — Enlisted as private August 11, 1S62; no dis-
charge given.
Van Dyck, Cornelius — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862;
wounded ; no discharge given.
Watkins, James M, — Commissioned as captain August 12, 1862;
resigned February, 1863.
Bradt, Henry Y. — Commissioned as first lieutenant August 11,
1862; resigned February, 1863.
TurnbuU, George A. — Commissioned captain August 30, 1S62;
resigned February 3, 1864.
Armstrong, James — Enlisted as private August 13, 1S62; discharged
for disability in 1864.
Barringer, Jacob — Enlisted as private Augusts, 1862; discharged
for disability December, 1862.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 351
Babcock, William — Enlisted as private August i, 1862; discharged
for disability April, 1S63.
Bradt, John — Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; discharged for
disability 1863.
Cain, Isaac — Enlisted as private August i, 1862; discharged for
disability January, 1863.
Dean, William H. — Enlisted as corporal August 11', 1862; dis-
charged for disability April 16, 1863.
Kimble, Castleton E. — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; dis-
charged for disability December, 1863.
Montaney, William J. — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; dis-
charged for insanity in 1863.
McDonald, Hiram C. — Enlisted as private July 29, 1862; discharged
for disability.
Nichols, Nelson — Enlisted as private July 29, 1862; discharged for
disability.
Nichlas, George — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; discharged
for disability.
Switts, John H. — Enlisted as private August 14, 1862; discharged
for disability.
Shauber, Hubert A. — Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; dis-
charged for disability.
Wohmleich, Christian — Enlisted as private August 5, 1862; dis-
charged for disability.
Zubler, Rudolph — Enlisted as private August i, 1862; discharged
for disability.
Palmer, Henry I. — Commissioned second lieutenant August 9,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Bishop, George W. — Commissioned second lieutenant August 4,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Ramsay, Henry — Commissioned first lieutenant August i, 1862;
discharged with regiment.
Brothers, John — Enlisted as private August 21, 1S62; discharged
with regiment.
Barber, James — Enlisted as private August 8, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Cain, William H. — Enlisted as private July 31, 1S62; discharged
with regiment.
352 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Clute, Christian H. — Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Claapman, Lionel — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862 ; discharged
with regiment.
Dillon, Horatio P. — Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Deifendahl,' Gerard — Enlisted as private August' 10, 1862 ; dis-
charged with regiment.
Green, Aaron — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Heddin, Oliver — Enlisted as private August 13, 1S62 ; discharged
with regiment.
King, Henry — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
Marhell, Herbert — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862.
Osing, Andrew — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Reynold, Asa — Enlisted as private August 4, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
Rosenkrans, Charles — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Shape, Joseph L. — Enlisted as sergeant August 7, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Stevens, George E. — Enlisted as private July 22, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Beer, George H. — Enlisted as corporal August 6, 1862 ; discharged
with regiment.
Van Voast, Andrew — Enlisted as private August 11, 1862; lost a
leg ; discharged with regiment.
Van Benscoten, Jerome — Enlisted as private August 5, 1862 ; dis-
charged with regiment.
Youndley, Caleb W. — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862 ; dis-
charged with regiment.
Peasley, George A. — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862 ; discharged
with regiment.
Becker, John B. — Enlisted as private July 30, 1862 ; killed in action
at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Chapan, George — Enlisted as private August 8, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 353
Heibner, William — Enlisted as private August 15, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Kittle, Solomon — Enlisted as corporal August 7, 1862; killed in
action at Chatahoochie River July 14, 1864.
Palmer, Peter S. — Enlisted as corporal August 7, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July r, 1863.
Tooles, John A. — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Tooles, Cicero — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; killed in action
at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Bice, Benjamin B. — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; died from
wounds at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Bohanna, Jacob V. V. — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; died
in hospital at Annapolis, Md.
Palmer, George W. — Enlisted as private August 17, 1862; died July
19, 1864, from wounds received in action.
Robinson, Franklin — Enlisted as sergeant July 30, 1862; died in
Rebel prison, Va.
Smith, Frederick — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; died July
19, 1863, from wounds received at Gettysburg.
Welber, Silas — Enlisted as private August 7,' 1S62; died June 23,
1863, at Columbia hospital.
COMPANY B.
Smith, Daniel — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, September 29,
1862; discharged for disability at lookout Valley, Tenn.
Smith, Winfield S. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11,
1862; discharged for disability at Washington, D. C.
Stephens, Isaac — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 12,
1862; discharged for disability at Washington, D. C.
Sickler, Isaac — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7, 1862;
discharged for disability at Washington, D. C.
Shankle, Henry — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, September 17,
1862; discharged for disability at Washington, D. C.
Teller, Frederick — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 8,
1862; discharged for disability at Washington, D. C.
Forrest, Thomas — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 25,
1862; discharged at Albany.
354 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Bethman, — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 23,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Carroll, John J. — Enlisted as sergeant at Schenectady, August 7,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Dean, Ira B. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August ii, 1862;
discharged with regiment.
Davenport, Soloman — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
11, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Harbison, Robert — Enlisted at Schenectady, August 6, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Hall, John M. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 15,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Johnson, Benjamin — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 6,
1862; wounded at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Lambert, David — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 25,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Moore, Ransom — Enlisted as private at Schenectad3^ August 23,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Martin, William — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Sheldon, Benjamin — Enlisted as private, August 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Van-Epps, George O. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
6, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Van Patten, Harmon — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
12, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Van De Mark, L. V. K. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady,
August 6, 1862; discharged with regiment
Wemple, Walter V. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
28, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Wilkie, William G. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
II, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Youngs, William G. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
13, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Lyons, Samuel P. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 13,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Ashton, Geo. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11, 1862;
killed in action at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 8, 1864.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 355
Cooper, Gabriel A. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 23,
1862; killed in action at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 8, 1864.
Gelnn, P. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7, 1S62;
killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Hawkins, Leroy — Enlisted at Schenectady, August 14, 1862;
killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Livingston, James — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11, •
1862; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Mead, Lucino — Enlisted as sergeant at Schenectady, August 12,
1862; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Miles, Stephen A. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 5,
1862; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Peak, Henry — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 12, 1862;
killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Van Zandt, Abram K. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
7, 1862; killed at Peachtree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Rosa, Richard — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 6,
1862; killed at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 8, 1864.
Wessel, Richard — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 9,
1862: killed at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 8, 1864.
Aker, John — -Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11, 1862;
died at Hospital, Fairfax, C. H., Va., October 26, 1862.
Mead, Peter — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 12, 1862;
■died at Hospital, Fairfax, C. H., Va. October 22, 1862.
Mailer, James R. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 6,
1862; died at Andersonville, Ga. August 16, 1864, from wounds re-
ceived in action at Peachtree Creek, Ga. July 26, 1864.
Retiker, Cornelius — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 13,
1862; wounded at Chattanooga, Tenn. July 29, 1864.
Cramer, Abram — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11,
1862; discharged with regiment.
DeGraff, Joseph — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 14,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Deal, Edwin — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7, 1862;
wounded July i, 1863.
Bradt, Garret — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 9, 1862;
wounded in action July r, 1863.
Hamlin, David H. — Captain; enlisted at Schenectady, August 19,
1862; discharged with regiment.
3S6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Wilson, Soloman — Second Lieutenant; enlisted at Schenectady,
August 19, 1862; dischargfed with regiment.
Robinson, Duncan — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 14,
1862; wounded in action, July 20, 1864; in hospital at Nashville, Teun.
Barhydt, Cornelius — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7,
1862; wounded in action at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga. , May 4, 1864;
died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn.
Van Epps, Harrison — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
7, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Van Benthuysen, Groat^Enlisted as private at Schenectady, Aug.
9, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Weston, Frederick — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Graff, Alexander — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, January 11,
1864 ; discharged with regiment.
Grant, John D. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, December 12,
1863 ; discharged with regiment.
Carr, Peter — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11, 1862;
discharged with regiment.
Graff, Gustavis — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 7,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Hopkins, George — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 14,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Kelly, John — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, September i,
1864; discharged with regiment.
Houston, William — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 18.
1862; discharged with regiment.
Hogan, Patrick — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August is^
1862; discharged with regiment.
Kelly, Edward — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Lee, Charles — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 11, 1862;
discharged with regiment.
Markham, James — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 19,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Oliver, Abram A. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 26,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Pain, Thomas — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 22,
1862; discharged with regiment.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 357
Slover, Aaron — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 14,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Safford, Harry — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 13,
1S62; discharged with regiment.
Truax, Christopher — Enlisted as private at Schenectad}^ August
13, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Medler, Thomas — Enlisted as first sergeant at Schenectady, August
7, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Swart, John H. — Enlisted as second sergeant at Schenectady,
August 12, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Garrity, John B. — Enlisted as third sergeant at Schenectady. Aug.
8, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Schermerhorn, John — Enlisted as fourth sergeant at Schenectad}-,
August II, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Fisher, John H. — Enlisted as fifth sergeant at Schenectady, August
II, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Harmon, Anthony — Enlisted as corporal at Schenectady, August
15, 1862; discharged with regiment.
Rector, William — Enlisted as corporal at Schenectady, August 11,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Rolf, Samuel — Enlisted as corporal at Schenectady, August 6,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Bradt, John H. — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 8,
1862 ; discharged with regiment.
Bradt, William — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August n,
1862; discharged with regiment.
Beverly, John — Enlisted as private, August 16, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Boakes, William — Enlisted as private, August 11, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Brown, Henry— Enlisted as private, August 25, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Bailey, Jackson — Enlisted as private, August 11, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Benedict, Geo. W. — Enlisted as private, August 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Carr, Henry — Enlisted as private, August 8, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
24
358 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Dence, Joseph — Enlisted as private, August ii, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Dickens, Francis I. — Enlisted as private, August 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
De Graff, Jacob — -Enlisted as private, August 27, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Durker, Ed. R. — Enlisted as private, August 9, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Frias, John — Enlisted as private, August 11, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
Fuller, Wm. W. — Enlisted as private, August 11, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Firie, James H. — Enlisted as private, August 13, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Jones, Morris E. — Enlisted as private,. August 25, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Kirkpatrick, David — -Enlisted as private, August 7, 1862 ; discharged
with regiment.
La Grange, John S. — Enlisted as private, August 13, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Marcellow, Corn. — Enlisted as private, September i, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Neal, Phineas — Enlisted as private, August 8, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Pier, Wm. — Enlisted as private, August 13, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
Rolf, Geo. — Enlisted as private, August 17, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
Van Vranken, Aaron — Enlisted as private, August 6, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Brooks, Wm. H. — Enlisted as private, August 11, 1862; wounded
in action, July i, 1863; discharged with regiment.
Brewer, John — Enlisted as private, August 12, 1862; wounded in
action, July i, 1863; discharged with regiment.
Jassup, Joseph — Enlisted as private, August 14, 1862; wounded in
action, July i, 1863; discharged with regiment.
Loyal, Anthony — Enlisted as private, August 23, 1862; wounded in
action, July i, 1863, discharged with regiment.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 359
Mosher, Edwin — Enlisted as private, August 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
McCarty, Robt. — Enlisted as private, August 19, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Paige, Wm. — Enlisted as private, August 23, 1862; discharged with
regiment.
Rockwell, Wm. E. — Enlisted as private, August 12, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
McKinney, James — Enlisted as private, August 23, 1862; discharo-ed
with regiment.
Van Warmer, James — Enlisted as private, August 9, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
COMPANY F.
Kennedy, John W. — Commissioned second lieutenant May 2, 1863;
promoted from second sergeant to second lieutenant to date May 2,
i860; discharged with regiment.
Cramer, Henry P. — Enlisted as first sergeant, August 25, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
McMillan, Alexander G. — Enlisted as second sergeant, August 23,
1862.
Trager, August — Enlisted as third sergeant, August 23, 1862.
Carroll, Benjamin — Enlisted as fourth sergeant, August 23, 1862.
Howe, William H. — Enlisted as fifth sergeant, August 20, 1862.
Millen, Thomas — Enlisted as first corporal, September 5, 1S62;
wounded in left knee at Gettysburg.
Fair, Jacob — Enlisted as second corporal, August 29, 1862.
Whitmyer, William — Enlisted as third corporal, August 29, 1862.
Ketchum, George — Enlisted as fourth corporal, August 25, 1862.
Seigney, Abram C. — Enlisted as fifth corporal, August 25, 1862.
Brougham, Jacob — Enlisted as private, August 25, 1862; wounded
in left arm at Pine Knoll, Ga. , June, 1864.
Chambers, Henry C.-— Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
Doherty, James — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
Depew, John — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
Grupe, Dederick — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862.
Osing, William H. ^Enlisted as private August 30, 1862.
Parker, John — Enlisted as private August 28, 1862.
Penny, Martin- — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
36o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Plunkett, Pal — Enlisted as private September 7, 1864.
Russ, Christopher — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862.
Sacia, Abram — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862.
Shannon, James — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
Wood, James — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
Winter, Judson — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862.
Ward, Albert — Enlisted as private August 23, 1862.
White, William — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; wounded in
the head at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Weller, Columbus W. — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862.
Bakeman, Christopher — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862 ; cap-
tured by the enemy at Peachtree Creek.
Brandwill, William — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; sick in
hospital at David Island, at muster out of company.
Cooper, Ed. M. — Enlisted as musician August 26, 1862 ; orde:rIy at
camp parole at Annapolis, at muster out of cotnpany.
Farrell, John — Enlisted as corporal August 25, 1862 ; captured by
the enemy December i, 1864; absent from muster.
Hogan, Michael — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862 ; sick in hos-
pital at time of muster out of company.
Plato, Frederick — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862 ; captured by
the enemy at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Teller, Campbell — Enlisted as corporal August 25, 1862; sick in
hospital at David Island at muster out of company.
Brelnk, Elias — Enlisted as private August 29, 1862 ; discharged for
disability at Stafford Court House, January 12, 1863.
Eckert, August — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; discharged
for disability at Washington, D. C, February i6, 1863.
Horstmyre, Frank C.r— Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; dis-
charged for disability at Washington, D. C, November 24, 1862.
Gitzkona, Louis— Enlisted as private August 27, 1862; discharged
for disability at Fort Schuyler September 26, 1863.
Hoag, Chas. — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; discharged for
disability at Lookout Valley, May 17, 1864.
Hogan, Darius C— Enlisted as private August 28, 1862; discharged
for disability at Washington, D. C, August 14, 1863.
Kennedy, John W. — Enlisted as sergeant August 20, 1862; pro-
moted second lieutenant.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 361
Lansing-, Reuben — Enlisted as private August 28, 1862; discharged
for disability.
McClyman, Thos.— Enlisted as private August 28, 1862; discharged
for di.sability at Alexandria, Va., February 17, 1863.
McKinney, Wm. W.— Enlisted as corporal August 27, 1862; dis-
charged for disability at Nashville, Tenn.
Myers, James— Enlisted as private August 28, 1862 ; discharged for
disability May 17, 1S65.
Peek, Joseph G. — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; discharged
for disability at Annapolis, May i, 1864.
Plato, James — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; discharged for
disability at Newark, N. J.
Schermerhorn, Myndert— Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; dis-
charged for disability at Washington, D. C.
Truax, Elias — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862 ; discharged for
disability at Fort Schuyler, May 30, 1864.
Vrooman, Jacob — Enlisted as sergeant August 23, 1862; discharged
for disability at Washington.
Ward, Myndert — Enlisted as private September 4, 1862; discharged
for disability at Washington, May 14, 1863.
Wilder, Hiram — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; discharged
for disability at Bridgeport, Ala., May 30, 1864.
Yates, H. V. — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; discharged for
disability at Lookout Valley, March 30, 1864.
Brown, Clinton C— Enlisted as first lieutenant August 30, 1862;
promoted and transferred to Co. E, afterwards Captain, Assistant
Adjutant-General on Staff of General Bushbeck; afterwards com-
missioned Lieutenant-Colonel.
Turnbull, Geo. A. — Commissioned Captain August 30, 1862.
Austin Henry — Enlisted as private August 25, 1863; transferred to
Vetrean Reserve Corps.
Bealtinger, Henry — Enlisted as private August 29, 1863; transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps, January i, 1865.
Bentz, Christian — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; transferred
to Co. K, September 23, 1862.
Beaver, Peter — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; transferred to
Co. K, September 23, 1862.
Bohler, John J. — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862; transferred
to Co. K, September 23, 1862.
362 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Cornelius, David — Enlisted as private August 28; 1862; transferred
to Co. K, September 28, 1862.
Calkins, Henry C. — Enlisted as private August 23, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, February 11, 1864.
Cramer, John M. — Enlisted as private August 27, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 3, 1864.
Grim, John — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; transferred to
Co. K, August 28, 1862.
Hagadorn, James R. — Enlisted as private August 27, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 13, 1864.
Heilderbrandt, Charles — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862 ;
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 22, 1865.
Stopper, John — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862 ; transferred to
Co. K, September 23, 1862.
Snowden, William — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 10, 1864.
Slover, William — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps, Maj' 4, 1864.
Van De Bogart, John W. — Enlisted as private August 22, 1862;
transferred to Co, K, September 23, 1862.
Wilsey, Theodore — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 15, 1864.
Young, Addision M. — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September 26, 1863.
Young, Deodatus W. — Enlisted as private August 29, 1862; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January i, 1865.
Damm, Wm. J. — Enlisted as corporal August 26, 1862; killed in
charge of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. , June 27, 1864.
Hyart, John — Enlisted as Private August 24. 1862; killed in action
at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Proper, David S. — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Trask, Jacob — Enlisted as sergeant August 21, 1862; killed in action
at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Vanerman, Alonzo — Enlisted as corporal August 26, 18C2; killed in
action at Gettysburg, July i, 1863.
Kennedy, G. D. — Commissoned Major August 30, 1862; died in
hospital at Philadelphia, September 22, 1863.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 2,(^7,
Bouman, John — Enlisted as private August 26, 1861 ; died in hos-
pital at Lookout Mountain, August 20, 1861.
Trey, Geo. — Enlisted as private August 28, 1862; died at Fairfax
Court House, Va., October 22, 1862.
Alpin, John — Enlisted as private August 21, 1S62; died in Ander-
sonville Prison, Ga., October 17, 1864.
Jones, Evan — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; died at Ander-
sonville Prison, Ga., June 28, 1864.
Robinson, Wm. O. — Enlisted as private Augvist 25, 1S62 ; died at
Andersonville Prison, June 23, 1864.
Seaman, Steven — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; died at
Emery Hospital, Washington, D. C, October 8, i8'62.
Schermerhorn, Jacob — Enlisted as private September 15, 1862; died
at Carver Hospital, December 18, 1862.
Swailes, Samuel — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; wounded
in action at Gettysburg; died July 9, 1863.
Gates, Andrew C. — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862 ; died at
Stafford Court House, Va. , February 7, 1863.
COMPANY H.
Wood, Chas.— Enlisted as first sergeant August 13, 1862; discharged
with company.
Rockwell, Jay— Enlisted as fourth sergeant August 30, 1862; dis-
charged with company.
Chilson, Loran — Enlisted as first corporal August 13, 1862; dis-
charged with company.
Page, Phineas — Enlisted as fourth corporal August 13, 1S62; dis-
charged with company.
Moran, Wm. — Enlisted as fifth corporal September 3, 1862; dis-
charged with company
Brown, I. R.— Enlisted as sixth corporal August 9, 1862; discharged
with company.
Brown, Edward P.— Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; discharged
with company.
Gartner, Wm.— Enlisted as private August 16, 1862; discharged
with company. ,
Campbell, Lewis— Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; discharged
with company.
364 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
De Golyer, Arthur W. — Enlisted as private August 4, 1862; dis-
charged with company.
Filkins, Benjamin— Enlisted as private July 28, 1862; discharged
with compan}^
Fields, Samuel S. — Enlisted as private August 13, 1862; discharged
with company.
Fredericks, Elijah — Enlisted as private August 16, 1862; discharged
with company.
Jones, John C. — Enlisted as private August 18, 1862; discharged
with company.
Johnson, Wm. — Enlisted as private August 10, 1862;' discharged
with company.
Lester, Mordecai — -Enlisted as private August 19, 1862; discharged
with company.
Liddle, Thol. G. — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862; discharged
with company.
Murphy, Jerry — Enlisted as private August 4, 1862; discharged
with company.
Seaman, Robt. O. — Enlisted at private August 13, 1862; discharged
with company.
Stebbins, John — Enlisted as private August 18, 1862; discharged
with company.
Squires, George — Enlisted as private August 5, 1862; discharged
with company.
Sherman, Bactus — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862; discharged
with company.
Teller, Henry Y. — Enlisied as private August 13, 1862; discharged
with company.
Volkman, John — ^Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; discharged
with company.
Van Antewerp, Peter — Enlisted as private August 14, 1S62; dis-
charged with company.
Buhler, Joseph— Enlisted as private March 20, 1865; recruit.
Ackley, Ezra S.— Enlisted as second sergeant August 22, 1S62;
wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1S63; in hospital since at Balti-
more, Md.
Bradt, Geo. — Enlisted as third sergeant August 14, 1862; wounded
at Savannah, Ga., December 19, 1864; in hospital since at Savannah,
Ga. ; discharged June 21, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 365
Bennett, Geo. — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; captured by
enemy at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863,
Abies, John W. — Enlisted as private August 8, 1862; died in hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn.
Bradt, Aaron — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; died in hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn.
Burbank, H. H. — Enlisted as private August 9, 1862; wounded at
Dug Gap, Ga., May 8, 1S64; in hospital at Nashville ; discharged June
3, 1865, at Louisville, Ky.
Hughes, David — Enlisted as private August 14, 1862; sick in hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn.
Kennedy, James — Enlisted as private August 13, 1862; sick in hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn.
Kohn, Lewis — Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; wounded at
Dallas, Ga. , May 28, 1864, and in hospital at Madison, Ind.
Knight, Michael — Enlisted as private August 27, 1862; died in the
hospital at Nashville, Tenn.
Levy, William Thomas — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862;
wounded at Dug Gap, Ga. , May 8, 1864; in hospital at Washington,
D. C.
Mesick, Henry G. — Enlisted as corporal August 13, 1862; dis-
charged June 24, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Mackey, William — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; captured
by the enemy near Goldsboro, Aprils, 1865; discharged June 23,
1865, at New York City.
Preston, Henry — Enlisted as third corporal August 7, 1862; died in
hospital at Nashville, Tenn.
Philo, Isaac M.— Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; discharged
May 31, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Rockwell, Henry— Enlisted as private August 31, 1862; died in the
hospital at Albany, N. Y.
Sharp, Abram — Enlisted as private August 21, 1862; died in hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn.
Tymeson, Peter — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; detached as
clerk at Columbia Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Berry, Alden W.— Enlisted as sergeant August 11, 1862; discharged
for disability December, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Carley, Gerardus — Commissioned as first lieutenant September 2,
1862; discharged November, 1863.
366 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Countermine, Charles — Enlisted as private August i8, 1862; dis-
charged for disability January 16, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
Davis, Charles O. — Enlisted as private August 11, 1862 ; discharged
for disability June 28, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
Buesmaghlin, Peter — Enlisted as private July 23, 1862; discharged
for disability December, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Kuyser, Theodore — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; discharged
for disability November 11, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Lester, Alanson — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862; wounded;
discharged for disability January 27, 1864, at New York.
Lester, John — Enlisted as private August 24, 1862; discharged for
disability January 27, 1864, at Washington, D. C.
Herrick, Marcus A. — Enlisted as second lieutenant September 22,
1862; discharged March 1863, at Hope Landing, Va.
Myers, James — Enlisted as private August 19, 1862 ; discharged for
disability January 16, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
Mickler, Wm. H. — Enlisted as first sergeant September 2, 1862;
discharged to receive promotion of first lieutenant of Co. I.
Ouderkirk, Peter — Enlisted as private August i, 1862; discharged
for disability January 2, 1862, at Fairfield.
Rockwell, William E, — Enlisted as first sergeant September 3,
1862 ; discharged to receive promotion of first lieutenant of Co. B.
Tripp, Henry — Enlisted as private August 31, 1862 ; discharged for
disability April 5, 1863, at Hope Landing, Va.
Van Huysen, John — Enlisted as private August 24, 1862; dis-
charged for disability September 7, 1863, at Alexandria, Va.
Van Wormer, John — Enlisted as private August 22, 1862; dis.
charged for disability January i, 1863, at Washington, D. C.
Wasson, Andrew J. — Enlisted as private August 14, 1862; dis-
charged for disability May 9, 1864, at York, Pa.
Yates, Austin A. — Commissioned as captain September 22, 1862;
discharged June 12, 1863.
Acker, Adam — Enlisted as private August 15, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Bradt, Danice A. — Enlisted as private August 15, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Burk, James W. — Enlisted as private August 30, 1S62; discharged
with regiment.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 367
Breyner, Andrew — Enlisted as private Aug-ust 24, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Burrows, Clarence D.— Enhsted as private September 6, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Burrows, Danice — Enlisted as private September 6, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Countermine, William — Enlisted as private August 22, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Earles, William — Enlisted as private August 24, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Mochrie, Edward J.— Enlisted as private August 5, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Pudley, William W. — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Palmer, Henry — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Smith, Barney S. — Enlisted as private August 22, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Truax, Peter- — Enlisted as private August 13, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Barkhuff, James — Enlisted as private August 18, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Carl, Robert C. — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Chamberlain, Jesse — Enlisted as private August 16, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Frederick, Daniel — Enlisted as private August i, 1863; killed in
action at Dug Gap, Ga., May 8, 1864.
Miller, James — Enlisted as private August 13, 1862; killed in action
at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. , June 27, 1864.
Regies, George — Enlisted as private August 13, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg, Pa., July i, 1863.
Bradt, Oliver — Enlisted as sergeant August 25, 1862; died in hos-
pital January 28, 1864.
Dongal, John E. — Enlisted as private August 15, 1862; died in
hospital July 11, 1863.
Dongal, Robert E. — Enlisted as private August 22, 1862; died at
hospital October 31, 1862.
368 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Coton, Daniel — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; died in hos-
pital July 10, 1863.
Connell, John— Enlisted as private August 3, 1862; died in hospi-
tal July 10, 1863.
Myers, Henry — Enlisted "as private August 29, 1862; died in hos-
pital August II, 1863.
Somes, Horatio — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862; died October
30, 1862.
COMPANY I.
Gasser, Rudolph — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, March 20,
1865.
Goodspeed, William — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, July 29,
1862.
Jener, Charles — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 29,
1862.
Connelly, Patrick — Enlisted as private at Schenectad)^ August 20,
1862.
Stock, Christian — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 15,
1862; died in Brigade Hospital, Lookout Valley, Tenn., April, 1864.
Brotherson, Stephen — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August
22, 1862.
Laribee, Thomas — Enlisted as private at Schenectady, August 13,
1862.
Rooker, Ira — Enlistfed as private at Schenectady, August 21, 1S62.
COMPANY K.
Horn, Valentine — Enlisted as first sergeant August 27, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Burke, Simon — Enlisted as private August 15, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Bethman, Henry — Enlisted as private August 23, 1864; discharged
with regiment.
Blezer, Frank — Enlisted as private August 29, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Berbek, Conradt — Enlisted as private August 23, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Blum, Christian — Enlisted as private August 27, 1862 ; discharged
with regiment.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 369
Kunst, Frederick— Enlisted as private September 12, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Shuster, Antone— Enlisted as private September 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Van De Bogart, George— Enlisted as private July 23, 1862; dis-
charged with regiment.
Worster, Philip— Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Cramer, Adrian — Enlisted as private August 11, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Eisenminger, Ferdinand— Enlisted as musician January 6, 1864;
discharged with regiment.
Slover, Aaron — Enhsted as private August 14, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Ekenhoff, John C— Enlisted as private August 15, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Grumm, John — Enlisted as private August 26, 1862; wounded in
action at Gettysburg.
Heddin, Oliver — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Herman, Phillip — Enlisted as private September 2, 1862; missing
inaction; returned.
Keller, John — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862; missing in
action ; returned.
Palmiteer, John — Enlisted as private August 30, 1862 ; captured by
the enemy; paroled.
Truax, Theodore — Enlisted as private August 4, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Van Able, John — Enlisted as private September 6, 1862; discharged
with, regiment.
Wagner, John — Enlisted as private September 6, 1862; discharged
with regiment.
Henry, Frederick — Commissioned first lieutenant September 8,
1862; resigned March 29, 1863.
Burkhardt, Joseph — Commissioned second lieutenant September
25, 1862; resigned June 15, 1863.
Gutland, Charles — Commissioned second lieutenant April i, 1863;
promoted first lieutenant from April i, 1863, and discharged a
paroled prisoner.
370 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Ball, Charles L. S. -^Enlisted as second sergeant August ii, 1862;
surgeon certified to wounds received in action.
Newber, Frederick — Enlisted as second sergeant September 3,
1862; wounded in action April 13, 1863.
Baldus, Charles — Enlisted as corporal July 30, 1862; discharged
January 21, 1865, for wounds received in action.
Brickner, Andrew — Enlisted as private August 20, 1862; surgeon
certified to disability.
Brughaught, Jacob — Enlisted as private September 2, 1862; disa-
bility.
De Voe, Hiram — Enlisted as private September 22, 1862; dis-
charged March 25, 1863, from hospital.
Klutz, Chas. — Enlisted as private August 28, 1862; discharged
September 25, 1863.
Runze, Chas. — Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; discharged
May 18, 1865.
Schnyder, Fred C. — Enlisted as private August 2, 1862; discharged
from Field Hospital April 15, 1863.
Schwartzman, Adam — Enlisted as private August 23, 1862; General
Hospital January 22, 1864.
Dandemark, L. V. K.— Enlisted as private August 6, 1862; hospital
at Baltimore, Md., March 20, 1863.
Bentz, Christian — Enlisted as first sergeant August 30, 1862; killed
in action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Bellinger, Jacob— Enlisted as private August 23, 1862 ; killed in
action at Dug Gap, Va., March 8, 1864.
Beaber, Peter — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Geiser, Jacob — Enlisted August 29, 1862; killed in action at
Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Link, Peter — Enlisted as private September 5, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Martin, Wiilliam — Enlisted as private August 7, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg July i, 1863.
Schelkoff, John — Enlisted as private August 25, 1862; killed in
action at Gettysburg.
Schmidt, Joseph— August 30, 1862; killed in action at Gettysburg
July I, 1863.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR 371
Stopper, John— Enlisted as private August 28, 1862; killed in action
at Peachtree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Eisemminger, Ferdinand— Enlisted as private; wounded in action
at Resaca, Ga. ; died June 16, 1864.
Genser, Ferdinand— Enlisted as private September 2, 1862; died of
disease June 15, 1863.
Osing, Andrew— Enlisted as private August 12, 1862; wounded in
action at Resaca, Ga. ; died June 19, 1864.
Reynolds, Asa — Enlisted as private August 4, 1862; died of disease
at Fairfax Court House December 6, 1862.
SEVENTH VETERAN REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.
In Spring, 1864, Colonel Van Schaack, under proper authority,
commenced the formation of a regiment, under the above title, and
the organization took place at Hart's Island, New York harbor.
The companies were mustered in the United States service for three
years: A, B, C, D and E March 29th, May ist, June 4th, July 15th,
and August 9th, 1864, respectively; for one, two and three years, and
Company F, Sept. ist, 1864 ; for one and three years. Company G,
Sept. 17th, 1864 ; and for one year. Companies H, I and K, October
13th, 22d and 31st, 1864, respectively. The three years' men of the
original Seventh Regiment, serving with the 52d N. Y. Vols., were
assigned to Companies A, B, C and D of this regiment, July 2 2d,
1864. The companies were recruited principally : A and C at
Brooklyn and New York City ; B at Brooklyn, New York City and
Albany ; and the other companies in New York City, Brooklyn,
Jamaica, Tarrytown, Albany, Poughkeepsie, Goshen, Schenectady,
Kingston and Troy.
The regiment left the state in detachments, the first. Company A,
in April, 1864 ; the companies, as they arrived, were attached to the
52d N. Y. Vols., and served as a part of this regiment until July 22d,
1864, when it appears on the records as a distinct organization. The
regiment served in the Third, and for a time in the Consolidated
Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, A. P., and was honorably dis'
372 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
charged and mustered out, under the command of Colonel Van
Schaack, August 4th, 1865, at Hart's Island, New York harbor.
During its service it lost by death, killed in action, 2 officers, 29
enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, i officer, 18 enlisted
men ; of disease and other causes, 53 enlisted men ; total, 3 officers,
100 enlisted men ; aggregate, 103 ; of whom 9 died in the hands of
the enemy ; and it, or portions of it, took part in the following
engagements, etc.: Wilderness, Va., May 5-7 ; Spotsylvania Court
House, Va., May 8 to 21 ; North Anna, Va., May 22-26 ; Totopoto-
moy, Va., May 27-31 ; Cold Harbor, Va., June 1-12 ; before Peters-
burg, Va., June 15, 1864, to April 2, 1865; assault of Petersburg,
Va., June 15-19; Weldon Railroad, Va., June 21-23 ; Deep Bottom,
Va., July 27-29; Strawberry Plains, Va., August 14-18; Ream's Sta-
tion, Va., August 25 ; Hatcher's Run, Va., December 8-10, 1864 ;
Petersburg Works, Va., March 25 ; Appomattox campaign, Va.,
March 28 to April 9, 1865.
Heinlein, Philip — Age 32 years. Enlisted September 8, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, September 8, 1S64, to
serve one year; mustered out with detachment, June 19, 1865, at
Hart's Island, New York harbor.
Kissel, Albert — Age 19 j^ears. Enlisted September 8, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, September 8, 1864, to
serve one year; killed April 2, 1865, near South Side Railroad, Va.
NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT OF INFANTRY (VETERAN).
Albany Regiment ; Columbia- Regiment.
This regiment was organized at Albany December i6th, 1861, by
the consolidation of the .regiment recruited by Colonel David J.
Cowles, with the men recruited for the Fredenhall Reo-iment, and
the appointment of Jacob Van Zandt as its Colonel. It was mus-
tered in the service of the United for three years between. September
and December, 1861. While on its veteran furlough, in September,
1864, it received a large number of recruits, enlisted and mustered
in for one year's service. At the expiration of its term of enlist-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 373
ment, the men entitled thereto were discharged and the regiment
retained in service. June 5th, 1865, it received the men of the 147th
New York Vols, not mustered out with their regiment.
The companies were recruited principally : A, B, D, F and K at
Albany ; C at Redford and Albany ; E at Hudson and Albany ; G at
Schenectady; H at Albany and Hillsdale; and I at Albany,
Chatham, Castleton and Hudson.
The regiment left the state January 9th, 1862 ; it served at and
near Washington, D. C, from January, 1862; at Key West, Fort
Pickens and Pensacola, Fla., from later in January, 1862 ; at Baton
Rouge, I,a., from December 19th, 1862; in Third Brigade, Grover's
Division, Department of the Gulf, from January 12th, 1863 ; in First
Brigade, Fourth Division, 19th Corps, from March, 1863 ; at Fort
Jackson, La., as heavy artillery, from July, 1863 ; at Baltimore, Md.,
in Second Separate Brigade, Eighth Corps, from October, 1864 ! in
First Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps, except Company E,
which remained at Baltimore, from March, 1865 ; in Third Brigade,
Third Division, Fifth Corps, from June, 1865 ; and it was honorably
discharged and mustered out, under Colonel Jonathan Tarbell, July
3d, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 2
officers, 62 enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, 2 officers, 48
enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, i officer, 187 enlisted
men ; total, 5 officers, 297 enlisted men ; aggregate, 302 ; of whom 2
enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy ; and it took part in the
following engagements, etc.: Milton, Fla., August 9-10 ; Gonzales,
Fla., October 27, 1862; near Port Hudson, La., March 14; Madam
Porter's and McWilliams' Plantations, La., April 13 ; Irish Bend,
La., April 14; Bayou Vermillion, La., April 17; Moundville, La.,
May I ; Siege of Port Hudson, La., May 23 to July 8 ; Donaldson-
ville, La., June 27 ; Bayou LaFourche, La., July 13, 1863 ; before
Petersburg, Va., March i to April 2 ; Appomattox campaign, Va.,
March 28 to April 9, 1865.
25
374 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Adams, Edgar — Age i8 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 8, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Adams, John — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, August 30, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Albertie, William — Age 42 years — Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. I, September 2, 1864; dis-
charged May 16, 1865, at Patterson Park Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Austin, Peter — Age 23 years. Enlisted November 23, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. H,
December 6, 1861 ; killed in action May 25, 1863, before Port Hudson,
La.
Bailey, Abram — Age 22 years. Enlisted Augiist 31, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; died of typhoid fever October 8, 1864, at Fort
McHenry, Md.
Baldus, Henry — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 8, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near
Washington, D. C.
Barker, Robert — Age 27 years. Enlisted September 3, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 6, 1864; absent, sick at Lincoln Hospital, Washington, D. C,
at muster out of company.
Bemore, Valentine — Age 38 years. Enlisted September 3, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. I, Septem-
ber 5, 1864; discharged June 9, 1S65, at Washington, D. C.
Bennett, Henry C. — Age 44 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. F, September 7, 1864;
discharged June 8, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Bennett, James alias John — Age 34 years. Enlisted at Schenec-
tady to serve one year, and mustered in as private, lanassigned, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; discharged January 17, 1865.
Bond, Jacob— Age 39 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. H, August 18, 1864; discharged
June 21, 1865, at Mower Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Bowtell, John H. — Age 30 years. Enlisted November 20, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as corporal Co. G,
SOLDIERvS OF CIVIL WAR. 375
November 23, 1861; promoted sergeant March i, 1863; discharged
for disability March 8, 1864.
Brady, Edward— Age 28 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; on detached service in October, 1864; no further
record.
Brockway, Josebins — Age 43 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private, unassigned August 25,
1864; discharged May 10, 1865, at Hart's Island, New York harbor;
also borne as John.
Bronk, Elias — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at Schenec-
tady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, September
3, 1864; wounded in action March 31, 1865, at Gravelly Run, Va. ;
discharged June 8, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Burns, Patrick — Age 27 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 30. 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; mus-
tered out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Cady, Martin — Age 25 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 20, 1861;
discharged December 23, 1864.
Carr, James — Age ^^ years. Enlisted November 20, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
November 23, 1861; missing in action June 14, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.
Carson, William — Age 27 years. Enlisted September 26, i86r, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; killed in action May 27, 1863, before Port Hudson,
La.
Collins, William — Age 30 years. Enlisted October 12. 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as corporal Co. G,
October 14, 1861; promoted sergeant prior to April, 1863; returned
to ranks, no date; discharged December 18, 1864.
Conlin, Patrick — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 23, 1864; dis-
charged June 29, 1865, at Satterlee Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. ; also
borne as Conden.
Cordeli, Christopher — Age 19 years. Enlisted September 5, 1S64,
at Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G,
376 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
September 7, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865,
near Washington, D. C.
Cordell, James — Age 16 years. Enlisted September 5, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 7, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near
Washington, D. C.
Couse, Ezra — Age 31 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8, 1864; dis-
charged June 12, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Couse, Theodore — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Daley, Thomas — Enlisted at Schenectady to serve three years, and
mustered in as private Co. G, December 16, i86i; discharged for
disability March 8, 1864.
Davenport, William — Age 24 years. Enlisted February 29, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three j-ears; mustered in as private Co. G,
March 3, 1864; on detached service since October, 1S64; no further
record.
DeLong, Peter — Age 37 years.' — Enlisted Noveinber 6, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three j^ears; mustered in as private Co. G,
November 9, 1861; wounded in action June 14, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; killed in
action April 4, 1865, at Gravelly Run, Va.
Duffey, James — Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 9, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Duntz, Nelson— -Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8, 1864; dis-
charged June 3, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Dwyer, Daniel — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 9, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. F, August
10, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Wash-
ington, D. C. ; also borne as Dewire.
Eldridge, David — Age 18 years, Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. I, September 8, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Evans, George A. — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 22,' 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, August
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 3^7
27, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Wash-
ington, D. C. ; also borne as Evens.
Parrel, Richard— Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. D, July 20, 1864; absent
at muster out of company; also borne as Farrell.
Fay, Thomas — Age 30 years. Enlisted October 20, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 23, 1861 ; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered
out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Finlay, James— Age 18 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three j-ears; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; on detached service since October, 1864; no further
record.
Fisher, John M.— Age 37 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. F, September 7, 1864; must-
ered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Fowler, James — Age 43 years. Enlisted November 21, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Nov-
ember 22, 1861 ; no further record.
Gaffney, Michael — Age 37 years. Enlisted October 28, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 31, 1861; wounded in action IVIay 27, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; promoted
corporal September 14, 1864; mustered out with company July 3,
1865, near Washington, D. C.
Gardner, James — Age 20 years. Enlisted February 24, 1864, at
Schenectady tqi serve three years: mustered in as private Co. G,
March 3, 1864; discharged June 27, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Gardner, William H. — Age 23 years. Enlisted February 24, 1864,
at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
March 3, 1864; mustered out with company July 3, 1865, near Wash-
ington, D. C.
Gates, Charles — Age 19 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; discharged
July 20, 1865, at New York City.
Getman, William C. — Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 20,
378 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
1861 ; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered out with
company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Gill, Cornelius — Age 21 years. Enrolled September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant Co. G,
September 30, 1861; promoted first sergeant March i, 1863; mustered
in as second lieutenant Co. C, June i, 1864; as first lieutenant Co. G,
January 20, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 3, 1865, near
Washington, D. C. ; commissioned second lieutenant February 9,
1864, with rank from September i, 1863, vice W. P. Clark, killed in
action; first lieutenant December 24, 1864, with rank from December
19, 1864, vice W. Harty, promoted.
Goodspeed, William — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 15, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, August
18, 1864; discharged May 30, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Gorgon, Peter — Age 17 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. F, September 19, 1864; dis-
charged June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Gow, John — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 30, 1864: promoted
corporal October 19, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10,
1865, near Washington, D. C.
Gutzman, Julius C. — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, September 6, 1864;
discharged June 2, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Hagadorn, Ezekiel — Age ^6 years. Enlisted December i, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as corporal Co. G,
December 4, 1861; wounded in action April 14, 1863, at Irish Bend,
La.; discharged for wounds April lo, 1864, at New Orleans, La.
Hallenbeck, Adam — Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, August 23, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington,
D. C. ; also borne as Hollenbeck.
Happs, John G. — Age 27 years. Enlisted September 5, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sept-
ember 7, 1864; absent, wounded, at muster out of company; also
borne as Hopp.
Harty, William — Age 22 years. Enrolled December 11, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as second lieutenant
Co. G, December 16, 1861 ; as first lieutenant April 3, 1863; as cap-
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR 379
tain Co. A, January 20, 1865; mustered out with company July 3,
1865, near Washington, D. C. ; commissioned second lieutenant Dec-
ember 20, 1861, with rank from December 3, 1861, original; first
lieutenant February 25, 1S63, with rank from December 31, 1862, vice
G. W. Schaffer, promoted; captain December 24, 1864, with rank
from December 10, 1864, vice E. A. Selkirk, discharged.
Harvey, James — ge 40 years. Enlisted November 13, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
November 14, 1863, before Port Hudson, La.; discharged for dis-
ability March 8, .1864.
Hauf, Martin — Age 36 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one )'ear, and mustered in as private Co. C, August 31, 1864; mustered
out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C. ; also
borne as Maurice.
Hayden, John C. — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. L, September 3, 1864; dis-
charged June 5, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Hogan, John — Age 32 years. Enlisted December 10, 1S61, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mtistered in as private Co. G,
December 11, 1861; killed in action June 14, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.
Hogan, Michael — Age 21 years. Enlisted September 26, iS6r, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861 ; no further record.
Holmes, Edward R. — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year; mustered in as private Co. H, August 3, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Hopman, Henry — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September i, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Housen, John — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1S65, near
Washington, D. C.
Housen, Peter — Age 20 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near
Washington, D. C. .
Hughes, John — Age 20 years. Enlisted September 26, 186 1, at
380 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; died of disease November 30, 1863, at Brasher City,
La.
Ingalls, Eli — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8, 1864; mustered
out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Jackson, Allan H. — Age 26 years. Enrolled October i, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as captain Co. G,
December 10, 1861; discharged February 23, 1863, by promotion to
major of 134th Infantry; commissioned captain December 20, 1861,
with rank from October i, 1861, original.
Jacobs, Henry F. — Age 29 years. Enrolled September 26, i86r, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant Co. G,
September 30, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; pro-
moted first sergeant no date ; mustered in as second lieutenant Sep-
tember 3, 1864; as first lieutenant Co. B, December 7, 1864; dis-
charged January 19, 1865; commissioned second lieutenant June 6,
1864, with rank from May 5, 1864, vice W. Diamond discharged;
first lieutenant November 30, 1864, with rank from November 17,
1864, vice J. H. Stewart, promoted.
Jermain, John H. — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, September 10, 1864;
died June 9, 1865, at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Johnson, Abram — Age 29 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 25, 1864; wounded
in action, no date; died of his wounds April 27, 1865, at Washington,
D. C.
Johnson, Stephen — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 25, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Jones, Rensselaer — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. H, August 23, 1864;
mustered out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Jones, William S. — Age 26 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, January i, 1862;
re-enlisted as a veteran March 21, 1864; promoted sergeant Septem-
ber 14, 1864; first sergeant same date; discharged January 4, 1865,
by promotion to first lieutenant Fifty-second Infantry.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 381
Jordan, Anthony — Age 21 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 6, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, "^^r
Washington, D. C.
Kable, John — Age 39 years. Enlisted September 2, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 7, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near
Washington. D. C.
Kane, James — Age 21 years. Enlisted November 8, 186 1, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
November 9, 1861 ; wounded in action May 27, 1863, before Port Hud-
son, La.; died of his wounds June 8, 1863, at hospital. New Orleans,
La.
Kearney, Richard — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 16,
1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; promoted corporal
September 14, 1864; sergeant, no date ; mustered out with company
July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C. ; also borne as Carney.
Keffe, Patrick — Age 35 years. Enlisted December 10, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
December 11, 1861; wounded in action May 27, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La. ; died of disease October i, 1863, at Brasher City, La. ;
also borne as Keefe.
Kelly, Peter — Age 30 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at Schenec-
tady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, September 6,
1864; died of wounds April 8, 186.S, at Washington, D. C.
King, Casper — Age 19 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. C, Septem-
ber 3, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near
Washington, D. C.
King, Charles — Age 22 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; discharged for disability January, 1863.
Knight, Samuel — Age 40 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. C, Sep-
tember 6, 1864; died of disease November 10, 1864, at Relay House,
Md.
Lacy, John — Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. B, October 24, 1864; wounded
382 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
in action, no date; discharged June 30, 1865, at David's Island, New
York Harbor.
Lappies, William — Age 34 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861 ; no further record."
Lappies, William H. — Age 22 years. Enlisted October i, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 2, i85i; died of disease May 4, 1863, at Hospital, Baton
Rouge, La.
Latta, Byron E. — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. K, September 7, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Lawrence, William — Age 45 years. Enlisted September 5, 1864,
at Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 6, 1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865. near
Washington, D. C.
Leaning, Clarence — Age ig years. Enlisted November 4, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co G,
November 5, 1861 ; discharged for disability January, 1863 ; also borne
as Laning.
Louk, Peter — Age 41 years. Enlisted November 6, 1861, at Schen-
ectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, November
9, 1861; died of disease, no date, at Pensacola, Fla.
Maloney, Anthony — Age 21 years. Enlisted November 3, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
Novembers, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered
out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Mathews, William — Age 21 years. Enlisted November 5, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Nov.
7, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; promoted corporal,
no date; returned to ranks October 19, 1864; mustered out with com-
pany July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
McDarby, Levi — Age 27 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
McGalpin, David — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 5, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 383
McGrath, John — Age i8 years. Enlisted December 15, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered as drummer Co. G,
December 16, 1861; returned to grade of private, no date; re-enlisted
as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered out with company July 3,
1865, near Washington, D. C.
McSherry, James — Age 32 years. Enlisted October 5, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 9, 1861; wounded in action April 14, 1863, at Irish Bend,
La.; re -enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered out with
company near Washington, D. C.
Miller, William H. — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. I, September 3, 1864;
discharged June 7, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Moon, James W. — Age 25 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8, 1864; dis-
charged July 5, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Moore, Norman — Age 44 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September i, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Moran, Anthony — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 6, 1864; discharged June 3, 1865, at Washington, D. C. ; also
borne as Morand.
Mulick, Thomas — Age 34 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 31, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Niles, Isaac— Age 22 years. Enlisted December 6, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
December 9, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; dis-
charged July 8, 1865, at Albany, N. Y.
Nuber, Jacob— Age 25 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September i, 1864;
wounded in action, no date; discharged May 31, 1865, at Washington,
D. C.
O'Brien, John— Age 27 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 20, 1861;
wounded in action May 25, 1863, before Port Hudson, La.; re-enlisted
as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered out with company July 3,
1865, near Washington, D. C.
384 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Ossenfort, Charles — Age 29 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 30, 1864;
absent, wounded, at muster out of company.
Page, Levi — Age 20 years. Enlisted September i, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 2, i86j.\ wounded in action March 31-, 1865, at Gravelly Run,
Va. ; discharged for disability May 31, 1865, at McClellan Hospital,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Peek, John — Age 18 5'ears. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 30, 1864; mustered
out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Peloquin, Peter — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as musician Co. C, January 6, 1865 ;
mustered out with company July 3, 1865, near Ball's Cross Roads,
Va.
Plaford, Edward A. — Age 22 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 2, 1864;
transferred to Co. A, October 3, 1864; died January 12, 1865, at Fort
McHenry, Md. ; also borne as Pla3rford.
Plumb, Henry — Age 36 years. Enlisted October 30, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years ; mustered in as private Co. G,
November i, 1861; died of disease March 6, 1864, at Fort Jackson,
La.
Piatt, Albert — Age 36 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. G, AUgust 30, 1864; mustered
out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Powers, Martin — Age 25 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, September 5, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Quackenbush, Daniel D.— Age 26 years. Enlisted November 5,
1861, at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co.
G, November 7, 1861; wounded in action May 27, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.; discharged for disability March 5, 1864.
Reese, James E. — Age 18 years. Enlisted October 20, 1861. at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 21, 1861; no further record.
Reilly, James — Age 22 years. Enrolled September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as first sergeant Co.
G, September 30, 1861; as second lieutenant December 31, 1862;
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 385
transferred to Co. K, no date; mustered in as first lieutenant Co. C,
August 31, 1864; as captain Co. G, March 29, 1865; discharged to
date, July 3, 1865; commissioned second lieutenant February 25,
1863, with rank from December 31, 1862, vice W. Harty, promoted;
first lieutenant June 20, 1864, with rank from June 13, 1864, vice W.
P. Barker, resigned; captain May 11, 1865, with rank from March 2,
1865, vice W. L. Evans, discharged.
Relyea, John — Age 26 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, August 26, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Ross, David — Age 27 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864, at Schenec-
tady to serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, September 5,
1864; mustered out with detachment June lo, 1865, near Washington,
D. C.
Ryan, John — Age 24 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 16, 1861;
wounded in action June 14, 1863, before Port Hudson, La. ; dis-
charged for wounds April 9, 1864, at New Orleans, La.
Sarsfield, Michael — Age 34 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 9, 1861; no
further record.
Schoolcraft, John — Age 41 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 31, 1864;
killed in action March 31, 1865, at Gravelly Run, Va.
Seiveking, Henry — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one j^ear, and mustered in as private Co. G, September i, 1864;
died of disease November 4, 1864, at Fort McHenry, Md. ; also borne
as Sieveking.
Sepf, Fidell — Age 28 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve two
years, and mustered in as private Co. A, July 25, 1864; discharged
July 10, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Shoffold, Fidel — Age 29 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, September 5, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C. ;
also borne as Schaffold and Shofold.
Shoffold, Frank — Age 25 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, August 27, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C. ;
also borne as Shaffold and Sheffold.
386 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Shoudy, James — Age 28 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 31, 1864; pro-
moted corporal, no date; mustered out with detachment June 10,
1865, near Washington, D. C.
Sky, George — Age 23 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. K, May 5, 1864; mustered
out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Smith, Hugh — Age 42 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 6, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Snyder, Morgan L. — Age 24 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. I, September 3, 1864;
discharged, no date, at Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Soreborn, Nicholas — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, August 30, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington,
D. C. ; also borne as Soerborn and Sourborn.
Spring, Mitchell — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, August 31, 1864; died,
June, 1865, at hospital, Washington, D. C.
Steinhaeur, Frederick — Age 20 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 30, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Stone, Levi — Age 24 years. Enlisted November 9, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
November 12, 1861 ; wounded in action June 14, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; died of
disease February 15, 1865, at Camp Bradford, Md.
Sullivan, James — Age 35 year. Enlisted October i, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G'
October 2, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; mustered
out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Swart, Philip — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year; mustered in as private Co. H, August 30, 1864; mustered
out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Sweeney, Daniel — Age 23 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant Co. G,
September 30, 1861 ; discharged for disability February 16, 1863.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 387
Sweeney, Hugh — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
three years, and mustered in as private Co. G, December 20, 1861;
wounded in action May 27, 1863, before Port Hudson, La. ; re-enlisted
as a veteran January i, 1864; killed in action March 31, 1865, at
Gravelly Run, Va.
Thompson, John — Enlisted October i, 1861, at Schenectady to serve
three years; mustered in as private Co. G, October 2, 1861; dis-
charged for disability July 20, 1862.
Thornton, Alvin — Age 29 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861 ; promoted corporal prior to April, 1863; wounded in
action May 25, 1863, before Port Hudson, La. ; re-enlisted as a vet-
eran January i, 1864; returned to ranks October 6, 1864; mustered
out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Thornton, John L. — Age 24 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861,
at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant Co. G,
September 30, 1861; wounded in action May 27, 1863, before Port
Hudson, La.; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; returned to
ranks October 6, 1864; absent, in confinement, at Fort McHenry,
Md., at muster out of company.
Thurber, Jacob — Age 24 years. Enlisted October i, 1864, at
Schenectady to serve three years ; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 2, 1861 ; died of disease October 22, 1863, at Brasher City, La.
Thurber, James — Age 22 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, Sep-
tember 30, 1861; re enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; died of
chronic diarrhoea -August 15, 1864, at Schenectady, N. Y.
Thurber, Mathias — Age 24 years. Enlisted October i, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years ; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 2, 1861 ; no further record.
Truax, John — Age 19 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve one
year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 6, 1864; dis-
charged June 14, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Turner, William — Age 21 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in as a private Co. E,. September 5, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 19, 1865, at Baltimore, Md.
Tymeson, Jacob — Age 28 years. Enlisted December 7, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as wagoner Co. G,
388 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
December 9, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; dis-
charged for disability January 23, 1865.
Van Patten, Henry — Age 26 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year; mustered in as private Co. G, September 2, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Van Patten, James — Age 42 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 2, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Van Voast, Adam — Age 31 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, August 31, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C. ;
also borne as Van Vorst.
Van Vranken, Cornelius — Age 36 years. Enlisted December 3,
1 86 1, at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private
Co. G, December 6, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864;
mustered out with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Van Wormer, Peter A. — Age 42 years. Enlisted at Schenectady
to serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. C, August 27, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Vein, Benjamin — Age 25 years. Enlisted October 23, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
October 26, 1861 ; discharged for disability, February 16, 1863; also
borne as Vine.
Waggoner, William — Age 21 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861,
at Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 30, 1861 ; re-enlisted as a veteran March 21, 1864; promoted
sergeant September 14, 1864; first sergeant, no date; mustered out
with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Walker, Albert F. — Age 29 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. I, September 3, 1864;
discharged May 30, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
Walton, Richard — Age 21 years. Enlisted September 26, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G,
September 30, 1861 ; no further record.
Weaver, Charles — Age 18 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. H, September 8,
1864; killed in action March 31, 1865, at Gravelly Run, Va.
Welch, William — Age 32 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 389
one year, and mustered in as private Co. B, October 24, 1864; dis-
charged June 29, 1865 at Satterlee Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Whittenberger, Frederick — Age 39 years. Enlisted at Schenectady
to serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. G, September 5,
1864; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington,
D. C.
Williams, Charles W. — Age 23 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve one year, and mustered in as private Co. A, September i, 1864;
mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
Wortmaster Valentine — Age 30 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to
serve three years, and mustered in as private Co. A, July 26, 1864;
mustered out- with company July 3, 1865, near Washington, D. C. ;
also borne as Whitemaster.
W}'and, Philip— Age 20 years. Enlisted November 4, 1861, at
Schenectady to serve three years; mustered in as private Co. G, No-
vember 5, 1861 ; re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864; promoted
corporal, no date; killed in action April 4, 1865, at Gravelly Run, Va.
Yoppke, Carl — Age 39 years. Enlisted at Schenectady to serve
one year, and mustered in ao private Co. G, September i, 1864; mus-
tered out with detachment June 10, 1865, near Washington, D. C.
TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Sickles' Cavalry.
September 4th, 1863, Colonel Henry F. Liebenau received author-
ity from the governor of the state to recruit a regiment of cavalry,
which, January 15th, 1864, received the above numerical designa-
tion. It was organized at Saratoga Springs and Hart's Island, under
Colonel Liebenau, and his successor, Colonel Gurdon Chapin, for a
service of three years ; Companies I and M, however, contained a
few men enlisted for but one year. The companies were mustered
in the service of the United States at Saratoga, A and B February
20th ; C and D March 19th; E and F April 14th and 23d, respec-
tively ; at Hart's Island, G April 20th ; H July 29th ; I September
1 8th; K May i6th-; and L and M October 15th and 20th, 1864,
respectively.
26
390 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The companies were recruited principally : A at Hancock, Sara-
toga Springs, Fremont and Greene county ; B at Hancock, Root,
Fremont and Stillwater ; C at New York City, Neversink, Goshen,
Saratoga, Halfmoon and Montgomery ; D at Saratoga, Montgomery,
New- York City, Schenectady and Root ; E at Saratoga, Goshen,
Kingston and New York City ; F at Saratoga and New York City ;
G and K at New York City; H at New York City, Brooklyn, Wil-
liamsburgh, Goshen and Watertown ; I at New York City, Brooklyn,
Alberg, Goshen, Jamaica, Poughkeepsie, Tarrytown and Troy ; L,
and M at New York City, Brooklyn, Jamaica, Goshen, Kingston,
Plattsburgh, Tarrytown, Troy and Schenectady.
The regiment left the state in 1864, by detachments, and served in
the Defenses of Washington, D. C, 22d Corps, from April, 1864; in
the Provost Guard, Army of the Potomac, from June, 1864 ; at
Washington, D. C, 22d Corps, from July 7th, 1864; in the P'ourth
Brigade, First Division, Cavalry, A. P., from August, 1864 ; in the
First Brigade, First Division, Cavalry, from September, 1864 ; in the
Army of the Shenandoah from October, 1864; and in the Cavalry
Division, Army of West Virginia, from April, 1865.
Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Aaron Seeley, the regiment
was honorably discharged, and mustered out June 27th, 1865, at
Hart's Island, New York Harbor, having during its service, lost by
death, killed in action, i officer, 10 enlisted men ; of wounds received
in action, 6 enlisted men ; of disease and other causes, 49 enlisted
men ; total, i officer, 65 enlisted men ; aggregate, 66 ; of whom 7
enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy. It, or portions of it,
took part in the following engagements, etc.: White House Landing,
Va., June 21 ; Charles City Court House, Va., June 25 ; Washington,
D. C, July 11-13 ; Halltown, Va., August 26 ; Duffield Station, Va.,
August 27 ; Leetown, Va., August 29; Bunker Hill, Va., September
2 ; Berryville, Va., September 3-4 ; Opequon Creek, Va., September
13 ; Opequon, Va., September 19 ; Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22 ;
Front Royal, Va., September 23-24 ; Luray, Va., September 25 ;
Port Republic, Va., September 26-27 ; Woodstock, Va., October 9 ;
near Conrad's Ferry, Va., October 22 ; Newtown, Va., November 12 ;
White Plains, Va., November 27-28; Upperville, Va., Nov. 29;
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 39:
Snicker's Gap, Va., November 30 ; Flint Hill, Va., December 20 ;
Madison Court House, Va., December 21 ; Jack's Shop, Va., Decem-
ber 22, 1864; Columbia Furnace, Va., January 19 and 29; Mount
Jackson, Va., March 4 ; Harrisonburg, Va., March 5 ; Rood's Hill,
Va., March 7 ; Staunton, Va., March 18, 1865.
Barclay, Henry— Age 32 years. Enlisted September 3, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as first sergeant Co. L, October 15, 1S64,
to serve one year; discharged with detachment June 10, 1865, at
Winchester, Va.
Branwhite, William — Age 40 years. Enlisted September 9, 1864,
at Schenectady ; mustered in as private Co. L, October 15, 1864, to
serve one year; discharged with detachment June 10, 1865, at Win-
chester, Va. ; also borne as Broithwhite.
Burns, John T. — Age 22 years. Enlisted February 5, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. D, March 19, 1864, to serve
three years; appointed first sergeant, date not stated; mustered in as
second lieutenant Co. L, Mays, 1865; mustered out with company,
June 27, 1865, at Hart's Island, New York Harbor, commissioned
second lieutenant April 22, 1865, to rank from March 27, 1865, vice
Mangaroh, discharged.
Hoffman, Chancy — Age 37 years. Enlisted September 7, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. L, October 15, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out, June 10, 1865, with detachment at Winchester,
Va.
Little, Hiram — Age 38 years. Enlisted February 5, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. D, March 19, 1864, to serve
three years; absent, sick at Remount Camp, Md., since November 2,
1864, and at muster out of company; no further record.
Magill, John F. — Age 21 years. Enlisted February 5, . 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. D, February 5, 1864, to
serve three years; appointed sergeant, date not stated; mustered
out June 9, 1865, from McDougall General Hospital, New York
Harbor.
Russel, George W. — Age 16 years. Enlisted March 5, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, April 14, 1864, to serve
three years; discharged as corporal for disability April 8, 1865.
Schleth, Henry W. — Age 24 years. Enlisted September 9, 1S64, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. L, October 15, 1864, to
392 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
serve one year; appointed corporal, date not stated; sergeant, to date
May I, 1865; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, at Win-
chester, Va. ; also borne as Schleith.
Shaw, Henry A. — Age 22 years. Enlisted February 4, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. C, March 19, 1864, to serve
three years; mustered out June 27, 1865, with company.
Snyder, Peter H. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 23, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. I, August 23, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out with detachment June 10, 1865, at Winchester,
Va.
FIRST REGIMENT OF MOUNTED RIFLES.
After the battle of Big Bethel, Va., June loth, 1861, Major-Gen-
eral Butler authorized Captain Judsou Kilpatrick, Fifth New York
Volunteer Infantry, to organize a squadron of cavalry for duty in
General Butler's department. This authority was approved by the
Secretary of War.
The companies were recruited principally : A and B at New York
City ; C and D — First and Second Cavalry Companies Tenth Legion
— at Monticello, Grahamville, Fallsburgh, Clayville, Middletown,
Ellenville and Newburgh ; E at Troy, Albany, Fort Edward, Salem,
Schenectady and New York City ; F at Troy, Buffalo and New York
City ; G at Troy, Chatham and New York City ; H at Troy, Buffalo,
Mt. Pleasant, Syracuse, Tarrytown and New York City ; I at
Canaan, Carmel, Chatham, North Castleton and New York City ; K
at Buffalo, Charlton, Livonia, Richmond, Springwater, Victor and
New York City ; L at Lenox, Oneida, Rome, Syracuse and Verona ;
and M at Chatham, North Castle and New York City.
The regiment lost by death, killed in action, i officer, 18 enlisted
men; of woirnds received in action, i officer, 12 enlisted men ; of
disease and other causes, 3 officers, 125 enlisted men ; total, 5 officers,
155 enlisted men; aggregate, 160; of whom 8 enlisted men died in
the hands of the enemy.
Brady, Michael — Age 20 years. Enlisted August i-i, 1862, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, August 11, 1862, to serve
three years; re-enlisted September i, 1864; promoted corporal April
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. .g^
26, 1S65; transferred to Co. K, July 21, 1865; appointed sergeant
August 15, 1865; designation of regiment changed to Fourth Provin-
cial Cavalry, September 6, 1S65.
Burke, Jacob— Age 24 years. Enlisted August 13, 1S62, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, August 13, 1862, to serve
three j'ears; mustered out June 12, 1865, at Richmond, Va.
Conde, Henry A,— Age 22 years. Enlisted August i, 1862, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, August j, 1862, to serve
three }'ears; promoted corporal January 25, 1S63 ; sergeant, Septem-
ber 15, 1863; re-enlisted September i, 1864; transferred July 21, 1865.
to Co. K; designation of regiment changed to Fourth Provincial
Cavalry, September 6, 1865 ; P^'ior service in Co. C, Seventh New
York Cavalry.
Heron. William T. — Age 22 years. Enlisted May 26, 1862, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, July 7, 1862, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. F, date not stated; captured at Scott's
Mills, Va. , May 17, 1863; paroled May 23, 1S63; re-enlisted Septem-
ber I, 1864; transferred to Co. C, July 21, 1865, as sergeant; mus-
tered out July 21, 1S65, at Richmond, Va., as supernumerary.
Hilderbrandt, Henry — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 13, 1S62, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, August 12, 1862, to serve
three years; promoted corporal December 14, 1862; sergeant, January
I, 1864; commissary sergeant July 10, 1S64; re-enlisted September i,
1864; transferred to Co. K, July 21, 1865; designation of regiment
changed to Fourth Provincial Cavalry September 6, 1865.
June, Lewis S. — Age — years. Enlisted August 12, 1862, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, August 12, 1862, to
serve three years; transferred to Co. F, July i, 1863; mustered out
July 12, 1S65, at Richmond, Va.
Kilmartin, Jacob — Age 23 years. Enlisted June 2, 1862, at Schen-
ectady; mustered in as private Co. E, June 19, 1862, to serve three
years; transferred to Co.'s F and H, dates not stated; re-enlisted
September i, 1864; promoted corporal November lo, 1S64; trans-
ferred to Co. K, July 21, 1865; mustered out July 21, 1S65, at Rich-
mond, Va., as supernumerary.
McMillen, Alexander — Age 34 years. Enlisted August 10, 1862, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. H, August 10, 1862, to serve
three years; mustered out June 12, 1865, at Richmond, Va.
394 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Smith, Lansing — Age 22 j-ears. Enlisted January 4, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, unassigned, Sixteenth Heavy
Artillery, January 10, 1864, to serve three years; transferred to Co.
H, First Mounted Rifles, May 26, 1864; to Co. K, July 21, 1865; dis-
charged, to date August 30, 1865.
Thomas, Daniel T. — Age 32 years. Enlisted January 2, 1864. at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, unassigned. Sixteenth Heavy
Artillery, January 12, 1864, to serve three years; transferred to Co.
H, First Mounted Rifles, May 26, 1864; to Co. K. July 21, 1865;
designation of regiment changed to Fourth Provincial Cavalry, Sep-
tember 6, 1865; also borne as Daniel Thomas.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OF CAVALRY.
Seymour Light Cavalry.
October 9th, 1862, Colonel Henry E. Davies received authority to
recruit a regiment of cavalry ; November 12th, 1862, Lieutenant-
Colonel Nathaniel Cole received orders to recruit the regiment, the
Davies Light Cavalry, until Colonel Davies would report from the
field. January i6th, 1863, Colonel David Webb, succeeded, on his
death, by Colonel Henry S. Gansevoort, was authorized to recruit
the Horatio Seymour Cavalry. January 28th, 1863, Colonel G. W.
B. Tompkins received authority to recruit the Tompkins Cavalry.
February 7th, 1863, Colonel Alfred W. Taylor was authorized to
recruit the New York Brigade. December 4th, 1862, Colonel Henry
F. Liebenau had received authority to recruit a regiment in the,
then, first seven congressional districts of the state — the Seymour
Light Infantry. These organizations were, June 20th, 1863, consoli-
dated, and the Thirteenth Regiment of Cavalry formed of them,
with H. E. Davies as Colonel, H. S. Gansevoort as Lieutenant-
Colonel, and N. Cole as Major. The companies were mustered in
the service of the United States for three years ; at Staten Island, A
February 25th ; B May 25th ; C and D June i8th ; E June 19th ; F
June 20th ; G July loth ; H August 7th ; and I November 23, 1863;
at Riker's Island, K and L ; and at Hart's Island, M, in March, 1864.
They were recruited principally : A, B, C, D and E, at New York
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 395
City ; F at New York City, Rome and Utica ; G at New York City,
Potsdam, Oswegatchie, Malone, Saratoga and Albany ; H, Halleck
Guards, at New York City, Ogdensburgh, Malone, Watertown,
Albany and Potsdam ; I at Albany, Buffalo and Watertown ; K, L
and M, at New York City and Brooklyn.
Six companies. A, B, C, D, E and F, left the state June 23d, 1863;
Companies G and H, August i^lth, 1863 ; the others in winter, 1863,
and spring, 1864; the regiment served in the Pennsylvania campaign
in June and July, 1863, (six companies), and after that in the 22d
Corps, Department and Defenses of Washington, D. C.
August 17th, 1865, the regiment, commanded by Colonel Henry
S. Gansevoort, was consolidated at Washington with the Sixteenth
New York Volunteer Cavalry, the consolidated force receiving the
designation. Third Provisional Regiment, New York Volunteer
Cavalry; the companies of the 13th becoming parts of the com-
panies of the new organizations, as follows : A of G, B of M, C of
H, D of D, E of L, F of A, G of B, H of F, I of E, K of K, L of C,
M of I.
During its service, the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 12
enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, 19 enlisted men ; of
disease and other causes, i officer, 98 enlisted men ; total, i officer,
129 enlisted men ; aggregate, 130 ; of whom 27 enlisted men died in
the hands of the enemy.
O'Brien, Edmund L. — Age 30 years. Enlisted September 8, 1864,
at Schenectady, N. Y. ; mustered in as private Co. M, September 8,
1864, to serve one year; appointed corporal January 20, 1865; mus-
tered out June 30, 1865, at Fairfax Court House, Va.
Sinimonds, Jacob E. — Age 21 years. Enlisted September 6, 1S64,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 6, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out June 30, 1865, at Fairfax Court House,
Va. ; also borne as Simmons, Jacob A.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY (HEAVY).
Colonel William A. Howard received authority May nth, 1863,
to organize this regiment in New York City.
396 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The companies were recruited all over the state. E at Schenec-
tady, Ephratah, Providence, Clifton Park, Galway, Oppenheim, Am-
sterdam, Saratoga, Ballston, Johnstown, New Albion, Glenville,
Waterford, Randolph, Albany and Tompkins.
The regiment left the state in detachments, the First Battalion,
Companies A, B, C and D, leaving October 5th, 1863 ; it served as
infantry and heavy artillery in the Departments of the East, until it
left the state ; and of Virginia and North Carolina ; the First and
Second Battalions in the Defenses of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va.,
and Newbern, N. C; the Third Batallion as a coast-guard on board
vessels of war along the Atlantic coast. Company C served at Fort
Hamilton, New York Harbor, from September 12th, 1863, to Octo-
ber 5th, 1863 ; Companies A and H as siege artillery in the Third
Division, Eighteenth Corps, Army of the James, from May, 1864, at,
and in the forces for the defense of Bermuda Hundred, Va., from
January, 1865 ; Companies I, K, L, and M in the Naval Brigade,
Army of the James, from July, 1864.
The regiment lost in the service by death, killed in action, i
officer, 2 enlisted men ; of wounds received in action, 2 enlisted men;
of disease and other causes, 3 officers, 144 enlisted men ; total, 4
officers, 148 enlisted men; aggregate, 152; and portions of it took
part in the following engagements, etc.: Operations against Peters-
burg and Richmond, Va., May 5-31, 1864; before Petersburg, Va.,
June 15 to April 2, 1864-5; assault of Petersburg, Va., June 15-17;
Swift Creek, N. C, October 7; Day's Point, Va., November 14-19;
Fort Fisher, N. C, December 25, 1864; Fort Fisher, N. C, January
15 ; Fall of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865.
Ackerman, William A. — Age 43 years. Enlisted January 13, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to
serve three years; mustered out June 17, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Arnold, Charles — Age 18 years. Enlisted September 4, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 4, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at Nor-
folk, Va.
Bell, William H. — Age 25 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864, at
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 397
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 31, 1864, to serve
one year; died December 30, 1864, at Base Hospital, Point of Rocks,
Va.
Bently, Francis— Age 38 years. Enlisted February 2, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth Ar-
tillery, July 18, 1865; also borne as Bently, Francis A., and Bentley,
Francis.
Bently, Orling G. — Age 21 years. Enlisted January 4, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery July 18, 1865; also borne as Bentley, Orling G.
Biteon, Hugh — Age 27 years. Enlisted February 9, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 3864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865; also borne as Biteon and Bitcum, Hugh.
Blake, James — Age 23 years. Enlisted April 28, 1864, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. H, April 28, 1864, to serve three
years; promoted corporal May i, 1865; mustered out with detach-
ment July 18, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Bodwell, Joseph — Age 19 years. Enlisted January 15, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, January 18, 1863, to serve
three years; no further record.
Brithoup, Jacob — Age 44 years. Enlisted January 21, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. G, June 27, 1865; to Co. M, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865; also borne as Brithoupt, Jacob.
Brodwell, Joseph — Age 19 years. Enlisted January 15, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; tranferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865.
Brower, Jeremiah — Age 43 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 30, 1865, to serve
one year; transferred to Co. K, April 14, 1865; mustered out with
company June 28, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Brower, Nicholas E. — Age 33 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 30, 1864, to serve
one year; died November i, 1864, at Base Hospital, Point of Rocks,
Va.
398 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Burk, John C. — Age 30 years. Enlisted February 8, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted corporal August 9, 1864; sergeant, March 24,
1865; mustered out with detachment July 18, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Bush, Jonathan T. — Age 18 j^ears. Enlisted September i, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. I, September i, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with company June 28, 1865, at Nor-
folk, Va.
Camp, Stephen — Age 44 years. Enlisted December 12, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, December 12, 1864, to
serve three years; transferred to Co. K, April 14, 1865; mustered out
with company June 28, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Clements, Albert C. — Age 16 years. Enlisted September i, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. I, September i, 1864, to
serve one year; died January 8, 1865, in General Hospital, Va.
Cramer, Peter W. — Age 30 years. Enlisted January 18, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted sergeant March 10, 1864; reduced August 9,
1864; transferred to Co. B, June 27, 1865; to Co. I, Sixth Artillery,
July 18, 1865.
Culver, Peter — Age 27 years. Enlisted January 8, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, January 12, 1864, to serve
three years; no further record.
Delaney, Patrick F. — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 29, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. B, August 29, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at Norfolk,
Va.
Donnelly, John — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 3, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, August 3, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. D, June 27, 1865; to Co. L, Sixth
Artillery July 18, 1865.
Empie, Eli — Age 18 years. Enlisted August 5, 1864, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 5, 1864, to serve three
years; mustered out with company June 28, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Farnie, David — Age 27 years. Enlisted January 4, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted sergeant August 24, 1864; reduced March 13,
1865; promoted corporal May 18, 1865; mustered out July 18, 1865, at
Norfolk, Va. ; also borne as Fannie, David.
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 399
- Fraily, Peter— Age 18 years. Enlisted August 5, 1864, at Schenec-
tady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 5, 1864, to serve one
year; mustered out with company June 28, 1865, at Norfolk, Va. ;
also borne as Fralick, Peter.
Hastings, James— Age 30 years. Enlisted September i, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, September i, 1864, to
serve one year;- promoted artificer January 17, 1865; mustered out
with detachment June 21, 1865, at Portsmouth, Va.
Hazelton, Erastus — Age 20 years. Enlisted January 19, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865.
Hill, Ephraim — Age 37 years. Enlisted August 17, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 17, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out with company, June 28, at Norfolk, Va.
Jessett, Joseph — Age 20 years. Enlisted January 20, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted corporal March 10, 1864; reduced August 3,
1864; transferred to Co. G, June 27, 1865; to Co.M, Sixth Artillery,
July 18, 1865.
Jessett, Robert — Age 21 years. Enlisted January 11, 1S64, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March lo,- 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. G, June 27, 1865; to Co. M, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865.
Jimmerson, Reuben — Age 19 years. Enlisted January 25, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March, 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. D, August i, 1864; to Co. L, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865.
Johnson, Ira — Age 28 years. Enlisted January 11, 1864, at Schen- "
ectady; mustered in as private Co. F, date not stated, to serve three
3'ears; no further record.
Kenney, Garrett — Age 44 years. Enlisted December 31, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; mustered out with detachment June 15, 1865, at
United States General Hospital, Portsmouth, Va.
Kroft, Charles — Age 35 years. Enlisted January 17, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. G, June 27, 1865; to Co. M, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865.
400 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Lansing, Merrills — Age 25 years. Enlisted August 31, 1S64, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, August 31, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out with company June 28, 1865, at Norfolk,^ Va.
Lingenfiter, Evart — Age 29 years. Enlisted December 22, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March ' 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. G, June 27, 1865; to Co. M, Sixth
Artillery July 18, 1865.
Maguyre, Richard — Age 37 years. Enlisted September 2, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 6, 1864, to
serve three years ; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at
Norfolk, Va. ; also borne as McGuire, Richard.
Marsellas, Stephen V. — Age 18 years. Enlisted January 27, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, January 27, 1864, to
serve three years; promoted corporal August 9, 1864; reduced Sep-
tember 4, 1864; transferred to Co. B, June 27, 1865; to Co. I, Sixth
Artillery July 18, 1865; also borne as Marseilles, Stephen V.
Mayhen, Marens M. — Age 18 years. Enlisted January 24, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery July 18, 1865 ; also borne as Mahen.
McFarland, John A. — Age 35 years. Enlisted February i, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery July 18, 1865.
Merrick, James E. — Age 28 years. Enlisted September i, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, September i, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with company June 28, 1865, at Nor-
folk, Va.
Millman, Adam — Age 19 years. Enlisted January 2, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, no date, to serve three
5^ears; no further record.
Myers, Augustus— Age 19 years. Enlisted December 16, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted corporal March 10, 1S64; reduced, date not
stated; again promoted corporal August 9, 1864; reduced October 15,
1864; transferred to Co. B, June 27, 1865; to Co. I, Sixth Artillery
July 18, 1865; also borne as Meyers, Augustus.
Newbegin, George— Age 39 years. Enlisted September i. 1864, at
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR. 401
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. G, September i, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at
Norfolk, Va.
Noyes, Dana W. — Age 25 years. Enlisted September i, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, September i, 1864, to
serve one year; promoted sergeant October 18, 1864; mustered out
with company June 28, 1865. at Norfolk, Va.
Orling, Thomas — Age 22 years. Enlisted January 19, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, unassigned, January 19, 1864,
to serve three years; no further record.
Patchin, Nelson E. — Age 26 years. Enlisted August 30, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 6, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at Nor-
folk, Va.
Salisbury, William H. — Age 23 years. Enlisted August 31, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, September 6, 1864, to
serve one year; mustered out June 21, 1865, with detachment, at Nor-
folk, Va.
Schofield, Wesley — Age 41 years. Enlisted August 15, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. F, August 15, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted wagoner ; reduced, date not stated; mustered
out with detachment June 21, 1865, at Norfolk, Va.
Scofield, Wesley — Age 41 years. Enlisted August 15, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, unassigned, August 15, 1864,
to serve three years; no further record.
Seelye, Charles — Age 19 years. Enlisted February 2, 1864, at ,
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted corporal August 9, 1864; reduced, date not
stated; transferred to Co. B, June 27, 1865; to Co. I, Sixth Artillery,
July 18. 1865; also borne as Seeley, Charles.
Shaver, George — Age 19 years. Enlisted January 20. 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E. March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; promoted corporal December 23, 1864; reduced Febru-
ary 9, 1865; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865.
Slater, Mortimer— Age 44 years. Enlisted December 31, 1863, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. M, December 31, 1864, to
serve three years; mustered out with company June 28, 1865, at Nor-
folk, Va.
402 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Snell, Norman — Age 24 years. Enlisted August 29, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. A, August 29, 1864, to serve
one year; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at Norfolk,
Va.
Underbill, William H. — Age 34 years. Enlisted January 25, 1864,
at Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to
serve three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K,
Sixth Artillery, July 18, 1865.
Vedder, Albert W. — Age 23 years. Enlisted September i, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private ("o. F, September i, 1864, to
serve three years; mustered out with detachment June 21, 1865, at
Norfolk, Va.
Vernett, Victor — Age 26 years. Enlisted January 13, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 10, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery, July 18, 1865; also borne as Vernert, Victor.
Warnett, Victor — Age 26 years. Enlisted January 13, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private, unassigned, January 13, 1864,
to serve three years; no further record.
Whittaker, Warren — Age 20 years. Enlisted January 20, 1864, at
Schenectady; mustered in as private Co. E, March 20, 1864, to serve
three years; transferred to Co. C, June 27, 1865; to Co. K, Sixth
Artillery, July 18. 1865; also borne as Whittaker, Warren, and War-
ren T.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
The 177th was formerly the Tenth Regiment New York State
National Guard of the city of Albany. It was enlisted in October,
1862, for nine months, but it was called upon to serve within two
weeks of the year, and those who did serve, served most heroically.
They were ordered at once to the Department of the Gulf and served
in Louisianna. While at Baton Rouge the record shows that men
were dying by scores from zymotic disease, as diphtheria, typhoid
fever and the like. Men fled from the regiment by scores, and of
the thirty-five men who enlisted from Schenectady, sixteen deserted.
The roll of honor of those who served through or died in service we
give as follows :
SOLDIERS OF CIVIL WAR 403
Clute, Peter C— Enlisted October, 1862; died in service April 23
1863.
Frangen, Mathew — Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Joynt, William — Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Keeler, garrison H. — Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Lally, James— Enlisted October, 1862; promoted to corporal and
sergeant; served through.
Morrison, Isaac R.— Enlisted October, 1862; died in service May
17, 1863.
Penkerton, Howard— Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Pilling, William — Enlisted October, 1862; promoted to corporal
and sergeant; served through.
Potter, Alonzo — Enlisted November, 1862; died in service April 18,
1863.
Rose, James — Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Russell, George A. — Enlisted November, 1862; died in service
April 18, 1863.
Stern, Henry C. — Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Stern, Moses — Enlisted October, 1862; served through.
Wolcott, Andrew — Enlisted October. 1862; served through.
Vroman, William — Enlisted October, 1862; discharged for disa-
bility March 9, 1863.
Captain Jacob Gerling— Enlisted at New York City for three
years; mustered in as private Co. E, Morgan Rifles, October 14, 1861 ;
transferred to Co. A, 58th Infantry, November 23, 1861; discharged
for disability June 21, 1862, at Winchester, Va. Afterwards held
rank of captain in National Guard.
ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SECOND INFANTRY.
This regiment received enormous bounty. Men are scattered
through it whose names are not known, and who were undoubtedly
gathered from all over the Canadas to fill the quota. They went to
the field as the war was ended, and were mtistered out in August, 1865-
It is believed that the' bounties paid the men of this command
abundantly rewarded their short service, and that they earned so
much money for such short service that they are not entitled to the
additional reward of fame.
404 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CHAPTER XXVI.
SCHENECTADY SOLDIERS IN THE SPANISH WAR.
The Second Regiment New York Infantry, United States Volun-
teers, assembled on Hempstead Plains, Eong Island, May 2, 1898.
The officers of the regiment were :
Colonel, Edward E. Hardin, Seventh U. S. Infantry.
Lieutenant-Colonel, James H. Lloyd, Thirteenth Battalion, N. G.
N. Y.
Major, James W. Lester, Fourteenth Battalion, N. G: N. Y.
Major, Austin A. Yates, Fifteenth Battalion, N. G. N. Y.
Surgeon, Lewis Balch, Major and Acting Assistant Surgeon-Gen-
eral.
Assistant Surgeons, First Lieutenant Henry C. Baum, Assistant
Surgeon, Forty-first Separate Company, N. G. N. Y.; First Lieuten-
ant Albert F. Brugman, Assistant Surgeon, Second Battery, N. G.
N. Y.
Chaplain, Hector Hall, D. D. •
Adjutant, First Lieutenant James J. Phelan, Adjutant, Thirteenth
Battalion, N. G. N. Y.
Quartermaster, First Lieutenant George M. Alden, Quartermaster,
Thirteenth Battalion, N. G. N. Y.
Sergeant Major, W. Swift Martin, Sixth Separate Company, N. G.
N. Y.
Hospital Stewards, Frederick W. Schneider, Hospital Steward^
Thirteenth Battalion, N. G. N. Y., and George Mclntyre, Private,
Twenty-first Separate Company, N. G. N. Y.
Companies E and F, both of which were from Schenectady, were
mustered into the Second Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry,
on May 16, 1898, and Major Austin A. Yates was placed in com-
mand of the Fifteenth Battalion, of which they formed a part.
■ SOLDIERS OF AMERICAN-SPANISH WAR. 405
On May i8th the regiment moved to Chickamauga, Ga., wTiere it
remained until June ist, when it proceeded to Tampa, Fla. On
arriving at Tampa, the regiment became part of General Shafter's
Fifth Army Corps, then under orders to proceed by transports to
Cuba. Owing to the lack of facilities for embarking troops and the
scarcity of transports, the Second Regiment was left behind with the
entire command under Brigadier-General Snyder. This was the
severest knock the regiment suffered, as both officers and men were
very anxious to go to the front, and had they gone they could not
have suffered any more than they did in the pestiferous camp at
Tampa, and in clearing ground under the broiling sun upon the
sands of Fernandina.
On July 20th an order was received for the regiment to proceed to
Fernandina, but owing to the difficult)' in obtaining transportation
the movement was not begun until the 26th. On July 24th the
regiment was transferred to the First Brigade, commanded by Briga-
dier-General J. W. Cline in the Third Division, commanded by
Brigadier-General Louis H. Carpenter of the Fourth Army Corps
under General Coppinger. On August 21st, orders were received
releasing the regiment from duty in the Third Division, Fourth
Army Corps, and transferring it to the Department of the East, and
directing it to proceed to Troy, N. Y. The movement began on
August 24th, and on reaching Troy the regiment was quartered in
Camp Hardin on the bank of Sand Lake.
On October 26th, the mustering out of the regiment began, and
on the 31st of that month. Companies E and F were mustered out.
Following is the list of officers and men from Schenectady who were
members of the Second Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry :
ROLL OF COMPANY E,
36TH Separate Company of Schenectady.
Schenectady Citizens Corps.
James M. Andrews, . . - - - Captain
George De B. Greene, - - - First Lieutenant
Transferred to Battalion Adjutant May 23, 1898.
27
4o6
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Donald J. Hutton, .... First Lieutenant
Promoted from Second Lieutenant June 22, 1898.
Charles E. Parsons, . . . . Second Lieutenant
Promoted from Sei'geant. Commissioned July 2, li
Thomas Carney, - - - -
William E, Walker
SERGEANTS
Charles M. Robinson,
Henry Y. Lighthall,
First Sergeant
Quartermaster-Sergeant
Frank Hoppman,
Roy E. Brizee.
CORPORALS
E. W. Schermerhorn,
Franklin P. Jackson,
Paul M. Pelletreau,
William M, Purman,
Augustus C. Smith,
Edward E. Yelverton,
Albert F. Dillman.
Charles H. Smith, Musician,
Frederick W. Sherman, Musician, William H. Reed, Musician,
A. C. Jackson,
Philip A. B. Bellin,
George E. Williams,
Winfred H. Larkin,
Fred L. Eisenmenger,
James McDonald,
James Roach, Artificer,
Alden, Clarence T.
Amsler, Jacob
Ayquoroyd, George
Bates, Arthur O.
Bernhard, David H.
Blauel, Theodore C.
Blood, John C.
Bradt, Ira V.
Brandow, Charles F.
Brickner, Conrad
Bronk, William J.
Burhans, William N.
Carpenter, William
Clark, Walter G.
Collette, George F.
Conlon, Charles E.
Cowles, John T., Jr.
Aaron Bradt, Wagoner.
PRIVATES
Hussong, George
Kelly, Patrick H.
Killian, John
Knopka, Fred
Lambert, James E.
Lippman, Edward G.
McCormick, James F.
McMullen, John J.
Messmer, Ernest
Metzger, Charles E.
Metzger, William W.
Maloney, Joseph F.
Moore, Augustus Andrew
Moran, John Henry
Miller, William W.
Myers, Charles L.
Nolan, James M.
SOLDIERS OF AMERICAN-SPANISH WAR.
407
Craig, Frederick M.
Crane, Peter
Crippen, Charles G.
Cunningham, William J.
Daniels, Charles H.
Daniels, Frank H.
Day, Frank H., Jr.
DeReamer, Albert E.
Dickson, Peter J.
Duck, Thomas
Dunbar, Garrett B.
Eberle, Frank A.
Eggleston, Edward
Filers, Edward S.
Fitzpatrick, Joseph J.
Flanagan, George H.
Fuller, Edward D.
Gardiner, Herbert
Glaser, Frederick
Glennon, Michael
Gregory, Alfred
Guiltinan, James M.
Herron, James H.
Hoppman, Henry
Horan, Jeremiah
Hulbert, Charles N.
O'Rourke, John F.
Orr, Harry R.
Page, Charles J.
Peek, James
Peters, DeWitt C.
Pfender, Philip
Seekins. Thomas E.
Sheldon, Jerry
Shook, Clarence
Singhouse, Philip
Smith, Abel
Snyder, Christopher N.
Speers, William J.
Stafford, Abraham
Steinert, Edward E.
Stevens, Henry W.
Still, Edwin Floyd
Strobel, Conrad J.
Toy, E. G.
Vedder, Clyde J.
Vedder, Henry S.
Vedder, Leonard
Wagner, David J.
Waldron, Charles E.
Walker, LeRoy E.
Wortman, Howard P.
Frank Bauder,
George W. Crippen,
Albert Wells,
Wayne R. Brown,
William C. Yates,
ROLL OF COMPANY F,
37TH Separate Company of Schenectady.
Washington Continentals.
Captain
First Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
First Sergeant
Quartermaster-Sergeant
sergeants
Aubrey A. Ross,
Fritz R. Champion,
William Leedom,
Roger G. Kinns.
4o8
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CORPORALS
Jesse S. Button,
William S. Barriger,
Ray Ro.we,
Edward Williams,
Franciscus J. Baumler,
George Boldt,
William K. Wands, Musician,
John H. Cross, Artificer,
Allen, John W.
Bancroft, Fred S.
Banker, William
Barry, George
Berger, Henry E.
Boldt, William
Broughton, Charles A.
Bojde, John H.
Boyle, Thomas
Bridgeman, Peter T.
Burke, Clarence W.
Castle, Willard A.
Chadsey, LeRoy
Clinton, Jacob S.
Clowe, Earl
Dolzen, Charles
Eagan, Joseph F.
Enders, Charles L.
Fenton, William M.
Ford, Harry B.
Gabel, Fred W.
Goetz, St. Elmo N.
Gould, Henry W.
Hall, Frank E.
Hanley, Patrick F.
Hallenbeck, Walter H.
Hambridge, Edward
Henry, Harry
George C. Caw,
Martin Hodges,
Walter H. Todd,
William Herzog,
John W. Healey,
Cyrus W. Rexford.
Frank Reha, Musician,
George J. Sells, Wagoner.
PRIVATES
Lubking, Frederick W.
Luedemann, William F.
Mallery, Arlington H.
Mawson, George H.
McChesney, Frank
McCready, William H.
McDonald, Thomas W.
Messmer, Charles P.
Monges, Richard F.
Nivison, William D.
Ogden, James
Penoyer, William H.
Potter, William
Powell, Albert A.
Purcell, John A.
Quackenbush, George
Ralph, James
Ragan, Lloyd E.
Reed, Fred L.
Richardson, Edward C.
Robinson, Rodman H.
Schermerhorn, Louis C.
Schneider, Henry C.
Shaw, John C.
Safford, Ward E.
Schick, Frederick
Sheffold, Delbert
Sheffold, William A.
SOLDIERS OF AMERICAN-SPANISH WAR. 409
Huber, Adolf Stevenson, Porter C.
Jones, Clinton Smith William A.
Jones, John S. Taylor, John
Jann, Victor Thorpe, James
Jandro, Elmer L. Thornton, Edward A.
Juno, Duncan McD. Tierney, James
Keating, Edward C. Tushingham, George W.
Kerber, John Van Vranken, Charles
Kleiner, Emil Van Vranken, Stephen T.
Knowlton, Daniel H. Warren, Clarence A.
Luckhurst, Judson B. Warner, Frank M.
Lovett, Lewis L. Whitmyre, Clarence
Lawyer, Otis Whitstead, Edwin J.
Levey, Elmer E. Young, Roy
Louder, Peter
The editor deeply regrets that he is unable to give the records of
those who fought in the Philippines and in China. He has made
every effort to ascertain who of Schenectady's sons engaged in two
national contests, in .which the United States won equal renown for
braver}', humanity and the exercise not only of military skill, but of
military diplomacy that is unsurpassed in all its history. He has
advertised in the daily papers of Schenectady for information as to
those who fought or suffered or died in these wars, and has received
no response, and has never been able to obtain any information. It
would be idle to attempt a search among the names of 446,000
enrolled in the records of the War Department, to find the scattered
few who did duty in the tropics. There are enough, however few,
to desei've honorable mention in those two wars, but even the names
of those few he has been unable to obtain.
410 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Towns of the County.
DuANESBURGH is the most western town of Schenectady County,
and is bounded on the north by Montgomery County, on the east by
the town of Princetown, on the south by Schoharie and Albany
Counties and on the west by vSchoharie County. Duanesburgh has an
area of about 42,000 acres. Its form is irregular, and its situation
elevated from 400 to 500 feet above the level of the Hudson at
Albany. Its surface consists of upland broken by the narrow valleys
and gullies of small streams. Schoharie Creek forms a small por-
tion of the western boundary and Norman's Kill flows through the
south part, entering the Hudson further down at a point about two
and one-half miles below Albany. The Bozen Kill, one of the
branches of Norman's Kill, is a picturesque stream on which is a fall
of seventy feet. Corry's Brook and Chuctanunda Creek also do their
part in draining the town. The hills which border these streams
are steep and in some places rocky. The soil is a stiff clay loam
with some intermixture of gravel.
The products are various, but grass succeeds better than grain and
the town is better adapted to pasturage than to tillage. During the
late years, the principal crops cultivated have been hay, oats, pota-
toes, buckwheat and rye. There are no fruits grown to speak of.
Maria Pond and Featherstonhaugh I^ake are two small sheets of
water in the northeastern part of the town, about 250 feet above the
canal. Maria Pond is about two miles in circumference and is a
very beautiful lake during the summer.
The Albany & Susquehanna Railroad extends through the
southern part with a station at Quaker street.
Duanesburgh was erected into a township by patent March 13,
1765, but was first recognized as a town March 22, 1788.
The first large tracts in what is now Duanesburgh were purchased
by different parties. In 1737 Timothy Bagley made a purchase and
TOWNS OF THE COUNTY. 411
was followed in 1738 by A. P. and William Crosby, and in 1739 by
• Walter Butler. Jonathan Brew.ster purchased a tract in 1770. These
included about 60,000 acres, which, with the exception of about
1,000 acres, known as Braine's Patent, came into the ownership of
Hon. James Duane, either by inheritance from his father or by pur-
cha.se.
Actual settlement of the town did not begin until 1765, when the
town was organized and Judge Duane contracted with about twenty
German families from Pennsylvania to begin a settlement. Of these,
sixteen families came and located permanently. Fifteen dollars per
annimi for each one hundred acres, pa^-able in gold and silver, was
the price paid for the renting of these lands.
When Judge Duane withdrew from active life, he gave to the
town a plot of ground ten acres in extent. This is called Center
Square, and was designed as a common for the village of Duanes-
burgh. Two churches, a school-house, and other buildings are situ-
ated in the locality.
Hon. James Duane, from whom the town was named, was born in
New York City, February 6, 1733, and was a lawyer by profession.
It is, however, as a high-toned patriot in the early part of the
Revolutionary struggle that he came into prominent notice. He was
a member of the First Provincial Congress that met at Philadelphia
in 1774, and was associated with Patrick Henry, John Adams, John
Jay, Richard Henry Franklin and other Revolutionary leaders. He
was again elected to Congress in 1775, but in 1776 returned home to
attend the New York Congress, of which he had been chosen a mem-
ber from New York City. The object of this congress was to form
a state government.
In 1784 he was elected Mayor of New York City, which office he
held for several years, and in March, 1789, he welcomed to that city
the first Congress under the present Constitution, and General Wash-
ington, as President of the Republic. In the same year President
Washington appointed him United State Judge of the District of
New York, which position he held until March, 1794, when he
retired and removed to Schenectady. He intended to take up his
412 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
residence in Duanesbnrgh, where he had already erected a church, but
died suddenly on the morning of February i, 1797. He was buried
luider Christ's Church, Duanesburgb.
NiSKAYUNA was formed from Watervliet, Albany County, N. Y.,
March 7, 1809, with a population of 681, and a part of Schenectady
was annexed in 1853. Niskayuna contains 10,471 acres.
The name of this town is derived from the term Nis-ti-go-wo-ne or
Co-nis-ti-glo-no, the name by which it is known on the old maps.
When the first white settlers arrived in the town, this place was
occupied by a tribe of Indians known as Conistigione.
Niskayuna lies on the Mohawk in the eastern part of the county.
Its surface is mostly upland, terminating in steep bluffs upon the
river valley. The intervales are very rich and productive. A strip
of land about a mile west, extending back from the summits of the
bluffs, has a hard clay soil, and a considerable portion of it is swampy
and unfit for cultivation. Farther south the soil is sandy.
Tradition has preserved a few of the following names of the chiefs
of the Connestigiune tribe who inhabited this section of the country:
Ron-warrigh-woh-go-wa, (signifying in Fnglish, the great fault finder
or grr.niljler), Ka-na-da-rckh-go-wa, (signifying a great eater),
Rc-)a-na, (a cllief), As-sa-ve-go, (big knife), and A-voon-ta-go-wa, (big
tree). Of these, the first riiade the greatest objection to alienating
lands to the whites and in each deed he was careful to have a cove-
nant inserted by which the rights of hunting and fishing were pre-
served to them. It was a common saying of his that " after the
whites had taken possession of our lands, they will make Kaut-sore
(literally spoon-food or soup) of our bodies." Yet he was on the
most friendly terms with the whites and was never backward in ex-
tending to them his powerful influence and personal aid during their
expedition against the Canadians in the French War. He took great
delight in instructing the boys of the settlers in the arts of war and
was constantly complaining that the government did not prosecute
the war against the French with sufficient vigor. The council fire
of the Connestigiune band was held about a mile south of the vil-
lage.
TOWNS OF THE CONNTY. 413
In 1687, Niskayuna was visited by a spy from the Adirondack
tribe, which was an ally of the French. Hunger drove him to the
house of a Dutchman by the name of Van Brakle, where he de-
voured an enormous quantity of the food set before him, which hap-
pened to be pork and peas. Although his movements had been
made with unusual caution, the eagle eye of the " Grumbler "
detected him. He waylaid him on leaving the house of his enter-
tainer and after a short conflict, killed him. Having severed the
head of the corpse from the body, he repaired to the house of Van
Brakle and threw the head into the window, exclaiming to the
owner: " Behold the head of your pea eater."
The first settlers of this town were an independent class of Hol-
landers who located outside the manor line to avoid the conflicting
exactions of the patrons and the trading government of the New
Netherlands. It was settled at about the same time as was Schenec-
tady.
Among the early settlers were the Clutes, Van Vrankens, Vedders,
Groots, Tymersons, Consauls, Pearses,'Van Brookhovens, Claas, Jan-
sen and Kriegers.
From an old document it appears that Harmon Vedder obtained a
patent for some land here in 1664.
Captain Martin Kriegier, who was the first burgomaster of New
Amsterdam, finally settled in Niskayuna, on the banks of the
Mohawk, " where the Indians carry their canoes across the stones."
In this retired and romantic spot, this brave soldier and just magis-
trate died in the year 171 2.
Glenville was named after Sanders L,eenderste Glen, the original
patentee. It was formed from the fourth ward of Schenectad)^,
April 14, 1820, and is the only town in the county north of the
Mohawk River. The country around Scotia was granted in 1665 to
Glen, a native of Scotland, who moved to Holland in 1645, o'^
account of religious persecution, and from there migrated to the New
Netherlands.
The greater part of the surface of the town is covered with a
thick deposit of drift which consists principally of clay, with some
414 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
outcrop of slate with hard pan in the southern and western parts
and loam in the eastern. Generally, the underlying rock is the shale
of the Hudson River group, which crops out in the valleys and the
bottom of the rivers.
The central and western parts are occupied by rugged and wooded
hills rising abruptly from the valley of the river to a height of three
hundred feet. The eastern part of the town is nearly level. The
Mohawk intervales have been devoted to the culture of broom corn
and are very fertile.
The principal streams are : Crabskill, Chaugh-ta-noon-da, Alphlaata
and Jan Wemp's Creeks and Verf Kill. Sander's Lake in Scotia is
about a mile in circumference.
On November 13, 1662, Van Slyck's Island was granted to Jacques
Van Slyck and later a new grant was made to Jacques Cornelise and
Jan Barentse Wemp.
Hoffman's Ferry was established about 1790 by Harmanus Vedder
and called Vedder's Ferry until 1835, when it was bought by John
Hoffman, from whom it took fts present name.
Among the first settlers were the Glens, Sanderses, Veiles, Van
Eppses, Ostrands, Tolls, Barhydts, Browns, Johnsons and Carpenters.
The village of West Glenville is situated ten miles from Schenec-
tady. It is in the northeast part of the town. East Glenville con-
tains a Methodist Episcopal church and a lodge of Good Templars.
High Mills is situated in the northeastern part of the town. At
this place the town built a fine iron bridge across the Alplaat Creek.
The village of Scotia lies between the Mohawk River and San-
der's Lake and is about one-half mile from Schenectady. Reesville
was a suburb of Scotia, but the two places have grown together and
are now known only as Scotia. Scotia, the ancient name of Scot-
land, was the name given by its first settler. This village com-
mences at a point nearly opposite the eastern extremity of the city
and extends westward about two miles along the north side of the
Mohawk.
On November 3, 1865, the first patent was granted by Governor
Richard Niccols to Sanders Leendertse Glen.
TOWNS OF THE COUNTY. 415
Princetown was formed March 20, 1798, from a portion of the
patent of Schenectady, and from lands originally patented to George
Ingoldsby and Aaron Bradt in 1737. This was subsequently sold to
William Corry, who formed a settlement which was long known as
Corry's Bush. Afterwards Corry sold his interest to John Duncan.
The town itself was named after John Prince of Schenectady, who
was in the Assembly as a member from Albany County. Its surface
consists of a broken upland gently descending towards the south-
east, with a stiff argillaceous mould resting on a compact of ponder-
ous hard-pan, with ledges of limestone, calcereous and silicious sand-
stone argillite.
The streams are Norman's Kill in the south, Piatt's Kill in the
center, and Zantzee Kill in the northwest. Upon this stream is a
cascade sixty feet high, and from this point to the Mohawk are
numerous falls and cascades.
The town contains 15,450 acres, and is an oblong square, ten and
one-half miles long north and south, by two and one-half miles wide.
It is located about seven miles northwest of Schenectady and six-
teen miles from Albany. It lies between the towns of Duanesburgh
on the south and Rotterdam on the north, and is a little west from
the center of the county.
Kelly's Station is a small hamlet in the southeast corner of the
town, eight miles south from Schenectady and three miles east from
Duanesburgh's four corners. Giffords is a small hamlet about three
miles northeast of Kelly's Station. Rynex Corners is eight miles
west of Schenectady and on the line of the towns of Rotterdam and
Princetown.
Rotterdam was formed from Schenectady on April 14, 1820, and
was formerly the Third Ward. Another part of the city was
annexed in 1853, ^^^ ^ P^^^ taken from the town and added to the
city in 1865.
The town contains 24,422 i-2 acres, and lies near the center of the
county upon the south bank of the Mohawk. The surface consists
of a broken hilly region in the northwest, a level intervale extend-
ing from the center towards the south, and a high plain on the east.
4i6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Part of the soil upon the west hills is a tough cla}' underlaid by
shale. The central valley or plain, five miles in extent, was named
by the Dutch the bouwlandts, or farm lands. The soil is a deep
alluvial. The east plateau is sandy and has formerly been regarded
as barren, but of late years has shown itself adapted for orchards
and especially for small fruits.
In the summer of 1661, Arant Van Curler, leader of the first
settlement, made application to Governor Stuyvesant for permission
to settle upon the great flats lying west of Schenectady.
Broom corn was first introduced into this town by the Shakers of
Watervliet and Niskayuna, and is now one of the most extensive
products of the soil. Mr. Martin De Forrest of Schenectady says he
well remembers the first piece of broom corn planted in Rotterdam,
near the city of Schenectady by the Shakers from Watervliet. It
attracted much attention and its peculiar adaption to this alluvial
soil soon brought it into general cultivation. Mr. Sanders Van Eps,
then an exteiisive farmer in Rotterdam, was one of the first to raise
it in large quantities and to manufacture it into brooms.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The History of Union College.
[Written especially for this work by Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond, D. D.,
President of the College.]
Education was one of the accepted and fundamental principles of
the new civilization which began with the planting of the American
colonies. With the early struggle for subsistence, in the face of dis-
couraofements and dano-ers, one collesfe after another was founded in
the then wilderness. These institutions nourished the spirit of
liberty which came to final expression in American independence.
The valleys of the Mohawk and Hudson were settled for the most
part by immigrants from Holland, and it may seem strange, know-
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 417
ing as we do the devotion of the Dutch to sound learning, that their
colonies were not among the first to establish a school of higher
education. Why is there not a college in this vicinity as old, at
least, as Harvard ? A single fact will account for this.
The American college began as a training school for Christian
ministers. It may be doubted if one of the earlier colleges would
have been founded but for the pressure of this necessity. Puritanism
had broken with the church of England, and so with the great
English tiniversities, and therefore it must train its own religioi;s
teachers.
No such necessity was laid upon the Dutch colonists, and for at
least a hundred years after the founding of New Amsterdam and
Fort Orange it was the settled policy of the Dutch either to bring
their ministers directly from Holland, or to send their youth to Hol-
land to be educated. The Dutch church in America was a compo-
nent part of the church of the mother country ; and when at last it
became independent under the leadership of Dr. John Livingston, it
at once established its own " School of the Prophets," Queen's Col-
lege, now Rutger's, at New Brunswick, N. J. This one institution,
almost synchronous in its origin with King's College, now Columbia,
in New York City, was for years abundantly sufficient for all the
needs of the Dutch colonists. But while the War of the Revolution
was still in progress, a movement was begun by the people of
Northern and Eastern New York, looking to the establishment of a
higher institution of learning, which should meet the needs of the
growing settlements along the Hudson and Mohawk ; not the needs
represented supremely by the church, but by the new national life
just awakening. It is worthy of emphasis that this was the distin-
guishing feature of the movement that led at last to the founding
of Union College. We need not hesitate to say that Union College
was more than any other institution in our land, the outgrowth of
national life and national feeling, and, to a very marked degree, the
college has been true in all her history to this national spirit. The
movement to which reference has been made began in 1779, with a
petition to the governor and legislature of the state, signed by 850
citizens of Albany and Tryon Counties, and 140 citizens of Charlotte
4i8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
County, now Washington, to found a college in Schenectady, to be
called Clinton College in honor of George Clinton, the governor.
The preamble of the charter as then proposed reads as follows :
" Whereas a great number of respectable inhabitants of Albany,
Tryon and Charlotte, taking into consideration the great benefit of a
good education, the disadvantages they now labor under for want of
the means of acquiring it, and the loud call there now is and no
doubt will be in a future day for men of learning to fill the various
offices of church and state ; and looking upon the town of Schenec-
tady in every respect the most suitable and commodious seat for a
seminary of learning in this state, or perhaps in America, have pre-
sented their humble petition to the governor and legislature of this
state, earnestly requesting that a number of gentlemen may be in-
corporated in a body politic, who shall be empowered to erect an
academy or college in the place aforesaid, to hold sufficient funds for
its support, to make proper laws for its government, and to confer
degrees."
The legislature was then in session at Kingston, and the petitions
were referred to a committee, which reported favorably about two
months later, October 20th, 1779, and recommended that the peti-
tioners be allowed to bring in a bill at the next session. This was
not done, however, for the reason, doubtless, that the emergencies of
the war diverted attention from the project.
But three years later, or in 1782, another petition, signed by
1,200 was presented to the legislature, still sitting at Kingston. It
was the closing year of the war, when all was confusion, and no
decisive action was taken by the legislature.
The petition called for the creation of a corporate body by execu-
tive act. This may have raised the question which resulted in 1786
in the creation of the Board of Regents of the University of the
State of New York, with authority to grant charters to colleges and
academies, so that the college in Schenectady may be said to be, in
an indirect way, the origin of the Board of Regents, or the entire
educational system of the state.
Early failures, however, did not discourage the friends of educa-
tion. In 1784 the Rev. Dirck Romeyn became pastor of the
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 419
Reformed Church in Schenectady. A man of ripe scholarship and of
aggressive energy, he threw himself at once with great enthusiasm
into the movement, and became the leader to whom more than to
any other one man final success was due. He first organized an
academy in Schenectady in 1785, and this academy became the visi-
ble representative of the struggling cause. Dr. Romeyn seemed to
realize the strategic importance of fostering an educational institu-
tion, even though it fell far short of their dreams and desires. And,
without doubt, the existence of this academy determined finally the
location of the college in Schenectady.
That the academy was regarded only as a means to a higher end,
appears from an interesting letter written by Dr. John H. Livingston
to his friend. Dr. Dirck Romeyn, in the winter of 1785-86. He says :
" If I can be serviceable to you in anything relating thereto ( i. e.^ to
the college project ) I shall be glad to receive your directions," and
in another letter, dated February 25th, 1786, he writes : "I shall be
happy to hear from you, and wish to know what prospects remain of
our sanguine expectations respecting your intended college. I have
understood some little misunderstanding has taken place in conse-
quence of different claims to the same lands which were intended to
be appropriated for a fund. I hope it may be amicably settled. It
would doubtless prove a great advantage to the town to have a col-
lege placed there, and its importance to literature and religion in
that quarter of our state need not be mentioned." From this time,
1786, almost every year brought some petition to the legislature,
either for the academy, or for the longed-for college. One of these
petitions, asking that power might be given by law to three or more
of the petitioners to purchase 15,360 acres of land from the Oneida
Indians at a nominal price for the benefit of a university, was
referred to a committee of the legislature, which reported as follows :
" That if it would not be derogatory to the interests of the state,
the prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted. Therefore,
resolved, that it would be derogatory to the interests of the state to
grant the prayer of the petitioners. N. B. " Interest " in this
report means dignity, honor, interest, peace and public faith.
Rejected and ended."
420 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
In a memorial dated February 29th, 1792, the proprietors of the
academy state that they had at that time about ei,o;hty students in
the English language, and nearly twenty pursuing the study of the
learned languages and higher branches, in preparation for the first or
more advanced classes in college. They were fully convinced of
their ability to establish and maintain a college. As a foundation
"for their fund, the town of Schenectady was willing to convey to the
trustees of a college, as soon as they were appointed, a tract of land
containing 5,000 acres. A pledge of 700 acres more was offered
from individuals, and a subscription of nearly ^1,000. The Con-
sistory of the Dutch church offered to give a building called the
" Academy," worth ;^ 1,500, and ;^250 for a library. In this memo-
rial we find another name for the college suggested, viz.: "the Col-
lege of Schenectady."
The application, however, was denied on the grounds that
sufficient funds had not been provided. The academy continued to
prosper, and one year later, in 1793, had 128 students, of whom
thirty-eight were pursuing the classical languages and other higher
branches.
The next petition was for a charter for the academy, and this was
granted January 29th, 1793 ; but an effort to obtain a college charter
one year later failed, because the state of literature in the academy
did not appear to be far enough advanced, nor its funds sufficient to
warrant its erection into a college. We must regard with special
gratification this jealous guarding of the degree-conferring power in
the early days of our commonwealth. It is all the more noticeable
in view of the easy indifference with which this power has been
granted in more recent years. Par from being dismayed by their
repeated failures, the promoters of the college movement gathered
their, forces for another effort, which finally proved successful.'
At a meeting of the Board of Trirstees of the academy upon the
19th day of August, 1794, the board appointed Stephen Van
Rensselaer, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, John Saunders, Nicholas
Veeder, Stephen N. Bayard, Joseph C. Yates and John Taylor a com-
mittee to digest and report a plan for a college to be established in
the town of Schenectady, and instructed the committee to form the
V cifjF C 5i;-//%OT,- £ 3re /•/:
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 421
plan upon the most liberal principles, so as to remove the objections
offered by the Regents. This committee met on the 17th day of
September, and after full discussion, resolved :
1. "That public utility, liberality of sentiment and entire exclu-
sion of all party whatsoever ought to be attended in forming a plan
for a college ; and
2. That in order to render the business more extensive, and to
collect the sentiment of others, this committee will meet at Albany
upon the nth day of November next, and invite a number of gen-
tlemen of information in the city of Albany to unite with them in
carrying the business of their appointment into effect."
This adjourned meeting was held at the house of James McGourk,
and was attended by representatives, not only from the city of
Albany, but from the northern and western parts of the state. Jere-
miah Van Rensselaer presided, and a general outline of a plan for a
college was agreed upon, and a committee appointed to perfect the
plan, and report at a subseqiient meeting to be held on the i6th day
of December. This committee consisted of John Taylor, Joseph C.
Yates, Stephen N. Bayard, John Saunders, Simeon DeWitt, Himloke
Woodruff, John V. Henry and William Pitt Beers.
Another committee, composed of John Lansing, Jr., Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer and Peter Gansevoort, Jr., was appointed to draw a circu-
lar letter to be printed and distributed through the northern and
western parts of the state, inviting prominent gentlemen to this
December meeting. '
The meeting was held according to agreement, again at the house
of James McGourk, when the full text of the appeal to the Regents
was agreed upon. In this appeal an elaborate plan for the college
was proposed, covering the organization and government of the
Board of Trustees, the constitution of the faculty, the range of
studies, the fees of students, and the salaries of the professors. The
cirrriculum was to include the Latin and Greek languages and anti-
quities, mathematics, natural philosophy and astronomy, geography,
rhetoric, logic and the Belles-Lettres, history, chronology, moral
philosophy and natural jurisprudence. The matriculation fee was to
28
422 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
be two and a half dollars, tuition sixteen dollars per year, and gradu-
ation fee six dollars. The president's salary must be not less than
$750, and a professor's salary not less than $500. No president or
professor being a minister of the Gospel could assume pastoral
chargfe of a church.
One reason for the failure of earlier efforts was undoubtedly the
jealousy of other cities or towns. Various places were advocated by
interested citizens : Hudson, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, I^ansingburgh,
Waterford and even Stillwater, but the most formidable opposition
came naturally from Albany. As early as January 4th, 1792, the
Common Council of Albany voted to convey a part of the public
square for the use of a college, provided that a charter could be
obtained, and a committee was appointed to secure subscriptions.
Efforts were increased when Albany learned of the activity of
Schenectady in the fall of 1794. A meeting was held' in the City
Hall of Albany on the last day of that year for taking measures
toward securing a charter for Albany College, and when Schenec-
tady's petition came before the Board of Regents in January, 1795,
it jostled against another from Albany proposing two acres for build-
ings and $50,000 in money.
It would be interesting to know the considerations which con-
trolled the decision of the Board of Regents as between these rival
claimants to the honor of a college site. It is not difficult to dis-
cover some of the determining factors in the case. First, the lack of
enthusiasm in Albany as compared with Schenectady. There was
no such hearty unanimity in that city indicative of the longing for an
educational institution that made the people of Schenectady one in
their efforts, year after year. After reading the whole story of the
contest one is convinced that Albany was not so eager for a college
because of what the college represented, as she was eager to keep
the college from going to Schenectady ; and so her efforts were spas-
modic, and she became thoroughly aroused only when she saw her
rival about to succeed.
Then it must not be forgotten that some leading Albanians
honestly favored Schenectadv, as shown by the meetings held at the
residence of Mr. McGourk. After Dr. Dirck Romeyn, the men most
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 423
prominent in the college movement were General Philip Schuyler
and Governor George Clinton, and both advocated the Schenectady
site. It was doubtless their influence that turned the scale in favor
of the smaller city ; but the importance of Dr. Romeyn's influence
is very pleasantly set forth in an interesting letter written to his son,
the Rev. John B. Romeyn, by Governor DeWitt Clinton, as follows :
" When the legislature met in New York about thirty years ago,
your excellent father attended the Regents of the university to
solicit the establishment of a college at Schenectady. Powerful
opposition was made at Albany. I was the secretary of the univer-
sity and I had the opportunity of observing the characters of the
men concerned in this application, and the whole of its progress to
ultimate success. I have no doubt that the weight and respectability
of your father's character procured a decision in favor of Schenec-
tady. Governor George Clinton and General Schuyler, almost
always in opposition to each other, united on this question. I had
frequent occasion from my official position to see your father. There
was something in his manner peculiarly dignified and benevolent,
calculated to create veneration as well as affection, and it made an
impression on my mind that will never be erased."
The month of February, 1795, witnessed the final triumph of a
cause which had found its first popular expression sixteen years
before. Upon the 8th of that' month the trustees were named, and
upon the 25th the full text of the charter was ratified by the Regents.
The news of the granting of this charter was received in Schenec-
tady with every manifestation of delight. I quote from the address
of Mr. Sweetman at the semi-centennial celebration. As he was a
member of the first class graduating, he was an eye-witness of what
he describes.
" The old brick academy on the corner of Union and Ferry
streets resounded with the tidings of success, and the night following
the windows were well studded with candles, and at a concerted sig-
nal all instantly in a blaze ; the little bell on top of the house jing-
ling most merrily ; the interior filled with happy boys, and the
streets crowded with sympathizing spectators. Had you been there,
424 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
you would have witnessed a joyful night, when the academy was
metamorphosed into Union College."
Mr. Sweetman describes what interested him most as a student,
the academy being the center of the whole scene, but the chronicles
of the day speak of the whole town given over to rejoicing, a general
display of flags, the ringing of all the bells, bonfires, and a great
illumination.
And so began the life of this historic institution. The iirst
trustees were : Robert Yates, Abram Yates, Jr., Abrahain Ten
Broeck, Goldsbrow Banyar, John V. Henry, George Merchant,
Stephen Van Rensselaer, John Glen, Isaac Vrooman, Joseph C.
Yates, James Shuter, Nicholas Veeder, James Gordon, Beriah Palmer,
Samuel Smith, Henry Walton, Ammi Rodgers, Aaron Condict,
Jacobus V. C. Romeyn, James Cochran, John Frey, D. Christopher
Pick, Jonas Piatt and Jonas Coe.
Of these, seven resided in Albany, six in Schenectady, three in
Ballston, and one each in Saratoga, Troy, Kinderhook, Palatine,
Herkimer, and Whitestown, N. Y., and Hackensack, N. J.
By the terms of the final petition for the charter, a majority of
the Board of Trustees could not belong to any one religious denom-
ination, and this led to the selection of the name " Union College "
as expressing the intention of uniting all religious sects in a com-
mon interest for the common good by offering equal advantages to
all, with preference to none. The purpose was to found an institu-
tion upon the broad basis of Christian unity, and this idea has ever
since been faithfully followed in the spirit of the original intention,
no particular religious denomination having at any time claimed, or
attempted to control its management, or to influence the choice of
trustees or faculty. It is believed that this was the first college in
the United States not confessedly denominational in its character ;
and in this respect, as in many others. Union College was a pioneer
in the educational world.
But the non-sectarianism of the college was only one way of
emphasizing the fact, to which allusion has already been made, the
distinctively national character of the institution. The state recog-
nized no religious creed as of supreme authority, neither should the
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 425
college created especially to serve the state. Still the college,
like the state, shovild be distinctively Christian in its spirit and aims.
A few months after the granting of the charter, the trustees of
the Schenectady Academy transferred their property to the trustees
of the college, and the latter body completed the organization of the
college, on the 19th day of October, 1795, by the election of the
Rev. John Blair Smith, D. D., of Philadelphia, as president, John
Taylor, A. M., the principal of the old academy, as professor of
mathematics, and the Rev. Andrew Yates as professor of Greek and
Latin.
A glance at the social and economic conditions under which the
infant college began its life may prove of interest.
Schenectady numbered less than 3,000 inhabitants. It was thor-
oughly, conspicuously, desperately Dutch. Many of the houses were
built of bricks brought from Holland, and all had their gable ends
toward the street. Dutch was the language of the home and the
market-place, and Dutch also were the hospitality to strangers, the
love of liberty, the simplicity of life, public and private virtues.
The great festivals of the year were Christmas, when Santa Claus
came, Paas and Pinxter. There were a few families of wealth and
prominence, but the great majority lived in comfort if not in luxury.
Poverty and wretchedness, as seen to-day, were almost unknown.
There were few demoralizing influences to greet the youth leaving
the restraints of home for the larger freedom of college life.
Although nearly as old as Albany or New York, Schenectady was
virtually in 1795 a, frontier town. Beyond it to the west all was
wilderness with here and there a little settlement, as at Cherry
Valley, Cooperstown, Palatine and Fort Stanwix, now Utica. But
the beautiful and fertile valley of the Mohawk had already begun to
attract immigrants, and the population along the river increased
rapidly. For all the ambitious youth of this region the new college
held out its arms, and its accessibility was a large factor in determin-
ing the prosperity which came a few years later. In return it sent
back to the growing villages young men trained for professional and
public life, and so contributed largely, from the earliest years, to the
intelligence and public spirit which have made this the Empire State.
426 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
But to return to the college itself. Its beginning was feeble. For
the first two or three years barely a score of students all told were in
attendance. Nevertheless, confidence in the future never wavered
and enthusiasm never failed. At the first commencement in 1797,
three seniors only were graduated ; but the occasion was one of
rejoicing, and was deemed of sufficient importance to draw many
distinguished visitors from a distance. The exercises were held in
the Reformed Church, then standing in the middle of Albany street,
now State street. To quote from one of the graduates of that day
in his address fifty years later :
" There within its massive and venerable walls, sparingly receiving
the light through the small squares of glass, on a cloudy and chilly
day, the first Wednesday in May, 1797, was celebrated the first Com-
mencement of Union College. But it was May Day and the spring
time of Union College ; not the dog-days of later years, when we are
sweltering with heat and panting for air. And we talked of flowers
and zephyrs and the loveliness of the renovating year. The number
of graduates was few indeed, only three. The house was filled to
overflowing. Amongst other distinguished citizens Governor Jay
and Stephen Van Rensselaer, lieutenant-governor, were present. Dr.
Smith, the president, acquitted himself to admiration. His parting
address to the graduates was pointed, parental, affectionate. The
whole audience was moved, and when he turned to speak of the
future, he lifted the assembly to new thoughts and prospects of
Union College, when it should rise with the rising country, increase
its numbers, extend its influence, acquire a name, win the confidence
of the- community, and command the respect and patronage of the
state."
From these words, it is evident that President Smith shared the
popular confidence in the future of the college. He was a man of
experience in educational work, having been president of Hampden
Sidney College in Virginia, although he came to Union College from
a Philadelphia pastorate. The rigors of our northern climate proved,
however, too severe for his health, and he resigned the presidency in
1799, to return to his former charge. He was succeeded the same
year by Jonathan Edwards, the younger, who brought the prestige of
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE.
427
a great name with character and ability that promised to add to its
greatness ; bnt after two years of service, marked by the steady
growth of the college, he died suddenly, and was succeeded in 1801,
by the Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, a graduate and president of Brown
University, and a Baptist, while his two predecessors had been grad-
uates of Princeton, and were Presbyterians, thus. confirming practi-
cally the undenominational character of the institution. Dr. Maxcy's
term of service was also brief, as he resigned in 1804, to accept the
presidency of South Carolina College.
The story of these early years should include a brief financial
statement, especially as this illustrates the relations between the
college and the state.
The trustees of the town of Schenectady gave originally 120,301 60
Other gifts in land and money by citizens of x\lbany,
Schenectady and other places fram 1795 to 1798 16,213 50
The State Legislature appropriated in 1795, for books
and apparatus - - - - 3,750 00
In 1796 for building - - . . 10,00000
In 1797 for salaries for two years - - - 1,500 00
In the years from 1797 to 1S04, for various purposes 62,862 13
Total of all gifts to the college from 1795 to 1804 $114,677 23
The amount seems large for that early day, and doubtless was, but
it should be remembered that much of this was in unproductive
lands and $56,000 had gone into the new college building, leaving a
very small sum for income-bearing investment. So that in reality
the college was seriously crippled financially.
But the most significant part of the above statement is the almost
annual appropriation from the legislature, showing that Union Col-
lege was at the beginning practically a state institution, thus giving
evidence that at that day the relation of sound learning to the
general welfare was appreciated. It may be questioned whether the
state ever spent money more wisely than when it thus fostered the
beginning of the institution that has given back to it and to the
nation more than 6,000 educated men, whose characters and talents
428 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
have contributed much to the development of American civilization.
It is generally admitted that no college in our land has during the
same period sent forth a larger proportion of broad-minded and
public-spirited citizens, who became leaders of men.
In 1804 we come upon the determining event in the life of the
college. The Rev. Eliphalet Nott, pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church of Albany, was called to the presidency, and held the office
until his death in 1866, or for a period of sixty-two years, the longest
presidential term in the history of American colleges. Dr. Nott
made Union College. The story of his administration is the story
of the progress of the institution from weakness and obscurity to a
position second to none among the colleges of our land. A man of
vigorous intellect, of limitless resources, of marvelous tact, of broad
sympathies, of imposing figure and an inspiring personality, he
brought all of his remarkable endowments to the service of the col-
lege. Students gathered about him in increasing numbers. From
fifteen in 1804, the Senior class numbered fifty-nine in 1814, ninety
in 1824, 105 in 1834, reaching the maximum 162 in i860. In 1845
at the close of the first fifty years of its life Union College had sent
forth nearly one-half as many graduates as Harvard College in all
her history of two hundred years.
Dr. Nott was pre-eminently a judge of men, and surrounded him-
self with teachers of recognized ability. The faculty contained such
men as Francis Wayland, afterwards president of Brown University;
Alonzo Potter, afterwards Bishop of Pennsylvania ; Andrew Yates,
Robert Proudfit, Tayler Lewis, Isaac W. Jackson, William M.
Gillespie and John Foster.
The original site of the college was the northeast corner of Union
and Ferry streets, and its home the old academy building. In 1796
a new and larger site was secured further east on Union street
between the present Erie Canal and North College street. A build-
ing was erected which doubtless seemed ample for all possible needs
of the new institution, but under Dr. Nott's vigorous management
it soon became evident that more room was needed. And with
characteristic foresight and ambitious purpose he secured a tract of
several hundred acres on the rising ground east of the city, and in
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE 429
1 81 3 the work of transforming this wilderness into a beautiful and
commanding college domain was begun under the direction of
Jacques Ramee, a French landscape architect, who had been em-
ployed by the United States government in laying out the city of
Washington. Mr. Ramee prepared an elaborate plan which included
not only the artistic treatment of the grounds, but also the grouping
of the buildings and even the designs of the buildings. This
accounts for the fact which has been often noted that Union College
alone, among our older institutions of learning, shows the early
adoption of a consistent and comprehensive plan, and that the
characteristic features of this plan are essentially foreign. There is
a suggestion of an old world convent or monastery in both the archi-
tecture and arrangemert of the buildings. The original plan, bear-
ing the date 181 3, and the signature of Jacques Ramee, was discov-
ered in Paris as recently as 1890 by Mr. W. E. Benjamin, a graduate
of the college, who secured it and brought it to America, where it
came into the possession of R. C. Alexander, a trustee of the college,
and by him was presented to the college.
With removal to its new site, the college assumed a dignity and a
relative importance which led almost at once to a large increase in
the number of students, and from that date to the beginning of the
Civil War, Union was generally recognized as among the three or
four leading institutions of the country. The name of Dr. Nott
became known throughout the land, and his genius as an educator
commanded attention and inspired confidence. His liberal policy
provoked wide-spread discussion, and while it aroused opposition, it
also gained favor. For the privilege of graduating at Union, many
students left other colleges at the end of the Sophomore or Junior
year, and completed their course under Dr. Nott, so that for many
years the upper classes at Union were larger than the lower. It has
been said so often that it is commonly believed that these upper
classes were recruited largely from students expelled from other
institutions. It is. true that Dr. Nott welcomed such students,
believing that every man should be given a second chance, and the
result in almost every instance justified his course, but the number
who came in this way was relatively small. The great majority
430 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
came from choice, attracted by the fame of the college, and especially
by the great reputation of its president, as a practical educator. His
aggressive independence was shown in many ways. He was the first
to recognize the value of the study of modern languages, the first to
anticipate the importance of a knowledge of the natural sciences
and of technical training. As early as 1833 a scientific course was
introduced running parallel for three years with the classical course,
and in 1845 a course in civil engineering was established. In this,
as in other respects, Union College became a pioneer, blazing the
way which nearly all our educational institutions have since taken.
Another influence contributing to the popularity and growth of
the college in the first half of the last century was the development of
student fraternities. To-day they represent much of the charm of
undergraduate life, and occupy a field of increasing influence and
importance, recognized by all but a few of our colleges. To Union
belongs the distinction of originating the fraternity system and
founding the oldest and best known of the Greek letter fraternities :
Kappa Alpha, in 1825; Sigma Phi, in 1827; Delta Phi, in 1828;
Psi Upsilon, in 1833; Chi Psi, in 1841, and Theta Delta Chi, in
1847. The sympathy of the authorities with these social and literary
organizations drew many students from other colleges in the days
when their aims and methods were misunderstood, and the element of
secrecy led to repressive measures.
The financial history of Dr. Nott's administration is too compli-
cated to be reviewed in detail within the limits of this article. At a
time when the accepted ethical standards permitted the use of the
lottery, many educational and religious institutions sought this
means of raising money. Among them was Union Colle.oe, which
received from the legislature from time to time lottery grants for
various amounts aggregating $280,000. The largest of these was a
grant for $200,000 which passed the legislature in 1814. This
amount, however, was not immediately realized, and the failure of
the agents originally appointed to conduct the lottery led Dr. Nott
to assume, eventually, the entire responsibility, and through his
eOicient management the college finally received the aid which the
state had intended to give. For his services he was entitled to a
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 431
commission, but how much he received was never known, as no
report was required by the legislature, and none was given. This
led, many years later, to the preferment of charges against the presi-
dent of the college, and the legislature appointed an investigating
committee. Before their report came up for final action. Dr. Nott
carried out his long standing purpose and made over to the college
what was practically his entire private fortune. This was so largely
in excess of any amount that he could have received from the man-
agement of the lotteries, that it silenced his detractors and vindicated
his private character, as well as his unselfish devotion to the college
with which his name had then been associated for half a century.
From the beginning of the presidency, the finances of the college
had been virtually under his direct personal control, and it was well
understood that he made no distinction between the income of the
college and his personal income, but freely drew from the latter to
meet educational needs as they arose. He was not only a shrewd
business man, but an inventor, and some of his inventions, notably
his stoves, brought large financial returns. His own fortune, as well
as the funds of the college, had been invested in Long Island City
real estate. All of these large holdings became the property of the
college, and under favorable conditions would have proved of
immense value, but even the genius of Dr. Nott could not foresee
the course of Long Island City politics, which encouraged all that is
objectionable in city life, to the serious impairment of real estate
values. Notwithstanding this opposing influence, the Long Island
City property proved an available asset for the support of the college
for many years. It was sold in 1897 for $1,100,000, a sum sufficient,
after the payment of debts, to cover all the funds which from first to
last had been invested in the property.
After serving for nearly fifty years, and when approaching his
eightieth birthday, Dr. Nott felt it advisable to share in some measure
the executive responsibility, and the Rev. Laurens P. Hickok, D. D.,
was called from Auburn Theological Seminary to the office of vice
president of the college ; but although this led to a division of labor,
Dr. Nott remained the actual as well as the nominal head of the col-
lege until his death in 1866, at the advanced age of 93 years.
432 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The effect of the Civil War was seriously felt during the close of
his administration, and there is abundant reason for the claim that
Union si:ffered more than any other northern college during that
period of strife. The college had always been popular in the south,
and in i860 nearly every southern state was represented among the
undergraduates. All of these students left with the outbreak of
hostilities, and at the same time many of their friends and class-
mates from the north answered the call of President lyincoln for
volunteers. The story has often been told of the company that was
drilled daily on the college campus by the Professor of Modern Lan-
guages, Colonel Peissner, who afterwards fell at Chancellorsville. Of
the students who left for the war only a few returned to complete
their course. Among these was Harrison E. Webster, who later
became the president of the college.
But the Civil War was not alone responsible for the loss of
students, and with it the loss of prestige, during this period. The
college missed the vigorous leadership of the man who had so long
conducted its affairs with autocratic power. At the very time when a
clear brain and a strong will were most needed, they were lacking.
Dr. Nott was still president, but with the increasing infirmities of
extreme old age his masterful spirit was broken. Upon his death in
1866, Dr. Hickok, the vice-president, succeeded to the ofhce of
president, but two years later he resigned in accordance with a pur-
pose he had long entertained to withdraw from administrative work
when he had reached the age of seventy. The Rev. Charles A.
Aiken, D. D., of Princeton College, was chosen to fill the vacancy,
but his tenure of office was also brief, as for domestic reasons he
resigned in 187 1.
The influences already indicated had worked disastrously for the
college. From i860, when the largest class in the history of the
college was graduated, the number of students had steadily decreased,
until in 1872 the graduating class was the smallest since the earliest
years of Dr. Nott's administration. Evidently the time had come
for some decided change, and the trustees called to the presidency
the Rev. Eliphalet Nott Potter, a grandson of Dr. Nott, and a son
of the Bishop of Pennsylvania, who had been for many years a
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 433
professor in the college. Dr. Potter was then in the full vigor of
young manhood, of commanding presence, and endowed with many
attractive personal qualities. The task before him was difificult in
the extreme, but he addressed himself to it with characteristic
earnestness and zeal, and soon enlisted the practical support of many
powerful friends. Unfortunately, however, he aroused opposition
also, and after thirteen years of service he resigned to accept the
presidency of Hobart College. Early in his administration Dr.
Potter conceived the idea of associating the professional schools in
Albany with the college in Schenectady, and in 1873 the Albany
Medical College, the Albany Law School, the Dudley Observatory
and Union College were brought together under the corporate title
of Union University, and in 1881, the Albany College of Pharmacy
was organized as another department of the university.
To President Potter is also due the credit of restoring to the col-
lege the patronage of southern students. Funds which he secured
for this special purpose enabled him to offer financial aid to those
who had been impoverished by the war, and a steadily increasing
number availed themselves of the educational advantages thus
brought within their reach. Those who came were almost without
exception representatives of old southern families, and their presence
did much to revive the spirit and traditions of former times. In
addition to these important services, 'President Potter increased the
material equipment of the college by the erection of the Powers
Memorial Hall and the Nott Memorial Building, the latter the most
imposing structure on the college grounds.
After President Potter's resignation in 1885, the Hon. Judson S.
Landon, Justice of the Supreme Court, and a member of the board
of trustees, acted as president ad interim for four years, or until the
office was filled in 1889, by the election of Professor Harrison E.
Webster, of the University of Rochester. Dr. Webster had formerly
been connected with the faculty of Union College, and was extremely
popular among the yonnger alumni, who rallied enthusiastically to
his support, and the college at once responded to the quickening
influence. The classes again increased in numbers, and signs of
renewed prosperity miUtiplied, but President Webster, who had suf-
434 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
fered for years from the results of his early campaigns as a soldier,
found his health unequal to the responsibilities which he had
assumed, and so tendered his resignation in January, 1893. The
trustees, however, were unwilling to accept his resignation at that
time, and gave him leave of absence for travel and rest in the hope
that his strength might be restored. In this, however, they were
disappointed, and when in January, 1894, his resignation was again
before them, it was accepted. He was succeeded by the Rev.
Andrew V. V. Raymond, an alumnus of the college of the class of
1875, who was called to the presidency from the pastorate of the
Fourth Presbyterian Church of Albany, and formally entered upon
the office at the Commencement in June, 1894.
The following year the college celebrated its centennial anniver-
sary. This was an occasion of exceptional interest, and brought
together hundreds of alumni and many distinguished educators,
representing all of the older and many of the younger institutions of
learning in the east. Preparations for this important event had been
carried on by various committees for two years, and the exercises
covered four days, beginning with Sunday, June 23, 1895. The
nature and scope of the celebration are shown by the following
program which was carried out in every particular :
PROGRAM OF THE
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
OF Union College
AND THE
Commencement Exercises
OF THE
Class of 1895.
Sunday, June 23.
morning service.
First Reformed Church, 10.30 a. m.
Sermon by the Rev. George Alexander, D. D., '66, pastor of the University Place
Presbyterian Church of New York City.
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 435
AFTERNOON SERVICE.
First Reformed Church, 4.00 v. M.
Conference, '■ Religion and Education," led by the Rev. A. C. Sewall, D. D., pas-
tor of the First Reformed Church, Schenectady, N. Y.
Addresses by
The Rev. B. B. Loomis, '63, of Canajoharie, N. Y., representing tlie Methodist
■Church.
The Rev. W. Scott, '68, Principal of the Connecticut Literary Institution, repre-
senting the Baptist Church.
The Rev. W. D. Maxon, D. D., '78, Rector of the Calvary Episcopal Church, of
Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Rev. Thomas E. Bliss. D. D., '4S, of Denver, Colorado, representing the
Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. Frederick Z. Rooker, D. D., '84, Secretary to the Apostolic Delegate,
Monsignor Satolli, Washington, D. C.
Hymn.
Benediction.
EVENINCt service AND BACCALAUREATE SERMON.
First Reformed Church, 7.30 p. m.
Baccalaureate Sermon by the Right Reverend William Croswell Doane,
Bishop of Albany, N. Y.
CHIEF MARSHAL, Mekton R. Skinner, '95.
Monday, June 24.
EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE.
MORNING SESSION.
College Chapel, lo o'clock.
Subiect; "The School," Melvil Dewey, Secretary of the Board of Regents ot the
LTniversity of the State of New York, presiding.
Addresses by
Prof, William H. Maxwell, Superintendent of Schools, Brooklyn, N. Y.
C. F. P. Bancroft, Principal of Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Colle.ge Chapel, 2.30 o'clock.
Subject: " The College," President Scott, of Rutgers College, presiding.
Addresses by
President Andrews, ot Brown University.
President Taylor, of Vassar College
ATHLETIC CONTEST.
Under the direction of the Track Athletic Association.
College Oval, 4.30 p. m.
436 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE— Continued.
EVENING SESSION.
First Presbyterian Church, S.oo o'clock.
Subject: " The University," President Oilman, of Johns Hopkins University,
presiding.
Addresses by
President G. Stanley Hall, of Clark University,
Professor Hale, of Chicago University,
Chancellor MacCracken, of the University of the City of New York.
TUESDAY, June 25.
ALUMNI DAY.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PHI BETA KAPPA SOCIETY.
English Room, g a. m.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SIGMI XI SOCIETY.
Engineering Room, 9 a. m.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TRUSTEES.
Philosophy Room, 10 a. m.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE GENERAL ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION,
Hon. Amasa J. Parker, President, presidmg.
College Chapel, 10 a. m.
ELECTION OF ALUMNI TRUSTEE, 12 M.
CENTENNIAL BANQUET.
Memorial Hall, 1.15 p. M.
President Raymond, presiding.
Music — By the Glee, Mandolin and Banjo Clubs,
GREETINGS FROM
Chancellor Anson J. Upson, of the Board of Regents of the University of the
State of Nevir York.
Professor George Herbert Palmer, of Harvard University.
President Patton, of Princeton College.
President Andrews, of Brown University.
Professor Henry Parks Wright, Dean of Yale College.
Professor John Haskell Hewitt, of Williams College.
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 437
Professor Charles P. Richardson, of Dartmouth College.
Professor J. H. Van Amringe, Dean of Columbia College.
Professor William MacDonald, of Bowdoin College.
Professor John Randolph Tucker, of Washington and Lee University.
President Scott, of Rutgers College.
Professor Oren Root, of Hamilton College.
Professor Anson D. Morse, of Amherst College.
Chancellor MacCracken, of the University of the City of New York.
President Taylor, of Vassar College.
REUNION OF ALL CLASSES ABOUT THE 'OLD ELM, ' AND
IVY EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1895.
College Garden, 3.30 i'. m.
RECEPTION BY PRESIDENT AND MRS. RAYMOND.
President's Residence, 5.00 r. m.
COMMEMORATIVE ADDRESSES AND CENTENNIAL POEM.
First F'resbyterian Church, 8.00 i' M.
Rev. Chas'. D. Nolt, D. D,, '54, presiding.
AllURI'.SSK.S HY
Hon. George'F. Danforth LL. D.. '40.
Rev. Staley B. Rossiter, D. D., '65.
I'CIK.M KV
William H. McElroy, LL. D., '60.
WEDNESDAY, June 26.
MEMORIAL DAY.
THE COLLEGE IN PATRIOTIC SERVICE.
College Campus, S.30 A. M.
Presiding Otficer, Gen. Daniel Butterfield, LL, D,. '49.
I'lag-raising. with artillery salute
Address by Major Austin A. Yales, '54.
THE COLLEGE IN PROFESSIONAL LIFE.
Memorial Hall, g.^o a m.
Presiding Officer, W. H. H. Moore, '.14.
AllDKI'SSKS IIV
Hon. J. Newton Fiero, '67, late President of the New York State Bar Association.
Rev. Tennis S. Hamlin, D. D., '67.
Major John Van R Hoff, M. D., U. S. A., '71.
29
438 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
ALUMNI BANQUET. ■ ...
Memorial Hall, i.oo p. m.
Hon. Aniasa J. Parker, '63, President of the General Alumni Association, presiding.
Addresses by Alumni and others.
Music — The Glee, Banjo and Mandolin Clubs.
CELEBRATION OF THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF THE
ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF UNION COLLEGE.
College Chapel, 4.00 r. m.
Presiding Officer, President Cady Staley, '65, of the Case School of
Applied Science.
Addresses by Hon. Warner Miller, LL. D., '60, find Gen. Roy Stone, '56.
THE COLLEGE IN STATESMANSHIP AND POLITICS.
First Presbyterian Church, 8.00 P. M.
Presiding Officer, Hon. John Gary Evans, '83, Governor of South Carolina.
Music — Introductory — The College Banjo and Mandolin Clubs.
Address by Hon. Daviu C. Robinson, '65.
Song— The College Glee Club.
Address b}' Hon. Charles Emory Smith, LL. D., '61.
Song— The College Glee Club.
THURSDAY, June 27.
COMMENCEMENT DAY.
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1895.
First Presbyterian Church, lo.oo a. m.
UNIVERSITY CELEBRATION.
REV. DR. ELIPHALET NOTT. POTTER,
President of Hobart College, President of Union College 1S71-S4, Class '61,
Founder of Union University, introducing,
The Honorary Chancellor and Centennial Orator,
RIGHT REV. HENRY C. POTTER, D. D.,
Bishop of New York.
Music.
CONFERRING OF DEGREES.
HISTORY OF UNION COLLEGE. 439
The centennial celebration served above all else to emphasize the
exceptional part which Union College had taken in the constructive
life of the nineteenth century. In every department of American
interests and activities her graduates had been among the leaders.
The array of distinguished names presented liy those who spoke for
the various professions and callings was a revelation to many, and in
no other sphere of effort had the influence of the college been more
pronounced than in that of the public ser\'ice.
The college began its second centur)' under many encouraging
conditions, and these later years have witnessed substantial progress.
The financial situation, especially, has been cleared of all uncer-
tainty. The burden of indebtedness which until recently threatened
the very life of the institution, has been entirely remo\'ed, and a
policy inaugurated which bri'ngs the expenditures each year within
the assured income. The productive funds of the college have been
increased by legacies aggregating $100,000, and by the sale of cer-
tain outlying portions of the college domain in Schenectady. The
one hundred acres that remain constitute an ample site for all
possible future growth. A beautiful building for the use of the
Young Men's Christian Association of the college has been erected
by the Hon. Horace B. Silliman, LL. D., of the class of 1846. The
South College dormitory has been practically reconstructed and
transformed into a modern dormitory through the gifts, for the most
part, of citizens of Schenectady. Several fraternity houses have
been built, adding greatly to the attractiveness of the campus, and
through the generosity of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, the central build-
ing, known as the Nott Memorial Hall, is now being transformed
into a library and museum.
In addition to these material improvements, the work of instruc-
tion has increa.sed greatly in efficiency, especially on the side of
applied sciences. In 1895 an electrical engineering course was insti-
tuted, and within the past year this has been brought into .special
prominence through the active co-operation of the General Electric
Company, whereby a complete equipment of the electrical laboratory
has been secured, money obtained for salaries, and the entire work of
this department placed under the direction and supervision of Mr.
440 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Charles P. Steinmetz, the special electrician of the company, who
has become Professor of Electrical Engineering in the college.
Under these conditions the college is certain to take a leading place
among the institutions offering courses of instruction in electrical
science. But while emphasis is thus placed for the present upon its
technical work, there is no intention of abandoning the position
which the college has always held as an institution for classical and
literary training. The old courses are maintained with added
efficiency, and the technical courses are arranged so as to include'
many culture studies not usually found in these courses.
In 1896 the question of the removal of the college to Albany
came under discussion through the efforts of prominent Albanians to
secure the legislation necessary to enable the city to offer a suitable
site and $750,000 for buildings. This enabling act failed to pass the
legislature because of political complications and the organized
opposition of the citizens of Schenectady, and so the proposition
never came before the board of trustees for formal consideration. It
is not probable that the question will ever be revived. Union Col-
lege will remain for all the future in the city which has been its
home for more than a hundred years, and where the memories and
traditions of its honorable past will prove an inspiration for the
further fulfillment of its mission to America and the world.
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Press.
The first printers in Schenectady were Wyckoff and Brokaw,
about the year 1792. Their office was on the south corner of State
and Washington streets. This firm continued until 1795, when
Brokaw went out and Wyckoff continued the business alone.
The first newspaper printed in Schenectady was called
The Mohawk Mercury. It was published as early as February,
1796, and as late as 1798. It was probably started by C. P,
THE PRESS. 441
Wyckoff, who published it as late as December, 1 797. Some time,
probably in 1798, Wyckoff was succeeded in his business by John L.
Stevenson. Whether Stevenson continued to publish the Mohawk
Mercury is not known.
The Schenectady Gazette began to be published by J. L,.
Stevenson, January 6, 1799, on the corner of Albany (State) and
Ferry streets, and December 20, 1802, he gave it the more compre-
hensive name of
The Western Spectator and Schenectady Weekly Adver-
tiser, which was continued as late as May 23, 1807, when he
removed his printing office to Union street, a few doors west of the
Dutch Church, and discontinued the paper.
The Western Budget was issued by Van Veghten & Son, at
No. 10 Union street, the next month following the discontinuance
of the Western SjDectator. The Budget continued three years, and
the last year was i.^sued by Isaac Riggs, and at about the sanre time,
June, 1807, Ryer d. Schermerhorn began the publication of
The Mohawk Advertiser, and continued it at least three years,
and was succeeded by T. Johnson, who published it for W. S. Buel,
at his bookstore, near the corner of State and Ferry streets. Scher-
merhorn was the first native printer, and followed his trade for many
years. He kept a small supply of books on sale at his office, and
among publications which he issued was an edition of Smith's His-
tory of the State of New York, with additions.
The Western Budget was continued by Isaac Riggs until June,
18 10, when he changed the name to the
Schenectady Cabinet. In 1814 Isaac vStevens was associated
with him for a short time, occupying No. 2 Cook's Row, (No. 34
Ferry street.) Thence he removed to 23 Union street, next east
of the Dutch Church, which he occupied until his death as a dwell-
ing, and for many years his printing office was under the same roof.
In 1837 he was succeeded by his son, Stephen S. Riggs, who changed
the name of the Cabinet to
442 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Freedom's Sentinel, under which name he continued the paper
until Januaiy, 1843, when he resumed the former name, calling the
paper the
Schenectady Cabinet and Freedom's Sentinel, which name
it bore until January i, 1850, when it was again called the Schenec-
tady Cabinet, and until it ceased to be published January i, 1856.
The Miscellaneous Cabinet, a weekly publication of eight
pages, octavo, was begun in July, 1823, Isaac Riggs, printer. Its
contents were mainly literary selections, and original productions
written mostly by the students of the college.
The Mohawk Sentinel was begun June 24, 1824. It was
printed by G. Ritchie, Jr., at the sign of Faust and Franklin's head,
Ferry street, and is said to have been edited by Archibald ly. Linn,
then a young lawyer of the city. This paper adx'ocated the election
of Mr. Crawford for the presidency.
The Protestant Sen'itnel began June 11, 1830, and was
printed and published by Rev. John Maxon. It was understood
to be the organ of the Seventh-day Baptist denomination.
Schenectady County Whig. — This paper was commenced
November i, 1S30, at 34 Ferry street, by C. G. and vS. Palmer, and
continued till C)ctober, 1834, when the paper and all the appur-
tenances of the printing office were sold to Nathan Stone, who, on
the i(Sth of November, following, assigned the paper to Giles 'F.
Yates, Esq. vStone was the owner of the " Schenectady Piookstore,"
on the west corner of State street and Mill Lane. He published the
Whig, at 77 State street, for ten weeks, the last numljer being issued
December 30th. Its direct descendant was
The Reflector and Schenectady Democrat, the first number
of which was issued January i, 1835. Mr. Yates made this a very
entertaining family paper. During 1835-6 he published many
valuable articles of an antiquarian and historical character. It was
printed by Robert P. Paine, on the west corner of State street and
Mill Lane. In July, 1835, the printing was done by Yates & Cook,
THE PRESS. 443
the latter being- associated with G. F. Yates. Julj^ i, 1838, E. H.
Kincaid became proprietor of the Reflector for the next three and a
half years, when, February 5, 1841, Abraham A. Keyser purcha.sed
it at the commencement of Vol. VII, and David Cady Smith was
associated with him as editor.
The Schenectady and Saratoga Standard was published
about the year 1833, af 96 Washington street, by Israel Sackett,
printer, with Thomas Jefferson Sutherland, attorney-at-law. No. 14
Ferry street, as editor. Its principles were anti-masonic. After the
first year the name was changed to the Saratoga and Schenectady
Standard, and it was published in Ballston by the same printer.
The Wreath, " devoted to polite literature," was commenced
November 22, 1834, by William H. Burleigh, proprietor and editor,
and Isaac Riggs, printer. It was a half-monthly of forty pages, and
was issued about six months. During this time its name was
changed to The Literary Journal, "a repository of public literature
and fine arts." It was published in Albany, Troy and Schenectady,
and numbered consecutively with the Wreath, and continued until
June, 1835, perhaps a little longer. The articles were chiefly original.
The Mohawker was published by Riggs & Norris in 1835.
The Schenectady Star was published by Jesse and Dauiel
Stone, and this partnership was dissolved in October, 1835.
The Antiquarian and General Review, a monthly magazine,
mainly of a religious character, edited and published by Rev. Wil-
liam Arthur, (father of President Arthur), was begun in 1845, ^"d
continued two years, making two thin octavo volumes.
Freeman's Banner, a political paper, was published during the
presidential campaign of 1848. It was the organ of the party
known as the " Barn-burner.s." It was edited and published by
Judge Piatt Potter..
The Daily Ancient City was the first daily paper issued in this
city, and commenced in 1852 by Mr. Riggs. It lived only a few
months.
444 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTOR\
The Schenectady Democrat was begun January 3, 1854, by
William H. Colbourue and W. N. Clark. In 1857 it was sold to
A. J. Thompson, and in April, 1859, ^'^ Gyrus Thayer, and united
with the Reflector, October, i860. The united paper was called
The Schenectady Reflector and Democrat. It was pub-
lished in 1864 at 134 State street.
The Schenectady Evening Star. The first successful daily
paper established in Schenectady was the Evening Star, although
when first started it was under the name of the Morning Star. It
was edited and published by Walter N. Clark and William N. Col-
bourne. During the first year of its life, namely on September 17,
the time of its issue was changed from morning to evening and the
name was changed to the Evening Star. On March 5, 1857, the
firm of Colbourue and Clark was dissolved and Mr. Colbourue took
entire charge. Later on in the year, Isaac M. Gregory, who was
subsequently managing editor of the New York Graphic was asso-
ciated with Colbourue in editing the paper. About the year 1861
Colbourne sold the paper to H. L. Grose of Ballston, who conducted
it until 1863, when it was sold to William D. Davis and Isaac M.
Gregory. Again Mr. Gregory's connection with the paper was
short, for during the following )'ear he sold out his interests to
Davis, who continued proprietor of the paper until 1865, when ne
sold out to J. J. Marlette.
Mr. Marlette conducted the paper from 1865 until 1874, when he
admitted his son to partnership and it was conducted by J. J. Mar-
lette & Son from 1874 to 1876.
Previous to 1865 the paper had been Republican in politics, but
since that date it has been a steadfast organ of the Democratic
party.
In 1876 the publishing department passed into the hands of A. A.
Marlette who had control of the paper until 1901.
In 1880, when the Morning Gazette was discontinued, that paper
was purchased by the proprietor of the Star, and for a time the name
Schenectady Evening Star and Gazette assumed, but was soon
changed back to the original name of the Schenectady Evening
THE PRESS. 445
Star. On April i, 1900, the paper passed into the management of
I. C. Chamberlayne. In March, 1902, the present stock company,
the Star Printing Company, bonght out Mr. Chamberlayne, lessee.
This company, of which John McEncroe is president, now conducts
the paper. Mr. McEncroe is also proprietor of the Weekly Reflector.
Edward McEncroe is editor of the Evening Star.
The Schenectady Gazette. This enterprising daily was
established in the 5'ear 1893 as an evening paper, but as tliere was a
crying demand for a morning paper in the city it changed the time
of its issue from evening to morning during the first year of its life.
In 1899 the paper passed into the hands of Gerardns Smith, Esq.,
and it was then determined that its policy should be so just, broad
and liberal that the public could become partners in the enterprise,
sharing its advantages and becoming personally interested in its
success. And the determination has been rigidly adhered to. The
response of the people has been so general that the results far exceed
the greatest expectations of those who formed it.
The Gazette moved into its present quarters on March 25, 1899,
and from that date the line which divides smaller from greater
careers was crossed in the history of the paper. The plant was
fitted up with all modern improvements, including Mergenthaler
typesetting machines and the Cox Duplex Press.
The growth of the paper, however, soon surpassed the capacity of
the Cox Duplex Press, and a large double press from the famous fac-
tory of R. Hoe & Co., was installed. It is said that this press is the
largest in any newspaper office in the state between New York and
Rochester.
While the Gazette is considered a family paper, it is distinctly
Democratic in its politics. Its circulation is about 10,000. The
growth of the paper has been at least commensurate with that of
the city during the life of the paper, and that has been remarkable
if not phenomenal.
Gerardns Smith, the president and treasurer of the Daily Gazette
Company, is a native of Schenectady, and was born in the year 1857.
He was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy and Union College,
446 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
after which he took up the study of law, and was admitted to the
bar in 1879. He has held various important offices in the city,
including that of Surrogate's Clerk and Alderman. He made a
magnificent run for the office of Mayor in 1895, and lost by only
a few votes. He is a Democrat in politics and has been a delegate
to several national conventions. He takes a great interest in the
progress of Schenectady, with which he is personally identified to a
large extent and is president of the Schenectady Contracting Com-
pany, trustee of the Park View Cemetery, trustee of the Schenectady
Trust Company and a member of several of the leading clubs of the
city, besides being prominently connected with a very enterprising
newspaper.
W. B. Osborne is managing editor of the Gazette. He was born
in Buckingham County, Virginia, in 1873, ^'^*^ received his education
in the public schools of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and Albany, N. Y.,
finally taking a two year's course at the Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, Troy, N. Y. His newspaper experience comprises service
on the editorial staffs of the Times, Union, Journal, Express, Argus
and State, (the latter now defunct) of Albany, and the Troy Record.
He is the son of Morris B. and Elizabeth M. Osborne, and grandson
of the late E. B. Osborne, former senator from the old fifteenth dis-
trict (Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia counties).
The Schenectady Republican, a weekly made out of the Even-
ing Star, was commenced in September, 1S57, by William M. Col-
bourne with Judson S. Landon as editor.
The Schenectady Daily News was begun in April, 1859, by I.
W. Hoffman and E. F. Loveridge, and expired June, 1861.
The Railsplitter, a political weekly paper, was published a few
months during the fall of i860.
The Schenectady Daily Times was commenced January, 1861,
and united with the Evening Star in June of the same year, under
the name of the Schenectady Daily Evening Star and Times, and
was published in 1864, by W. D. Davis and Isaac M. Gregory, at No.
170 State street.
THE PRESS. 447
In 1865, Mr. Davis, who was tlien sole proprietor, sold it to J. J.
Marlette.
The Dorpian was published in 1S67. It was edited by A. A.
Marlette and A. W. Kelly. Its publication was continued but a few
months.
The Schenect.\dy Gazette, a weekly paper, was begun in 1S69
by W. N. Thayer. In 1872 James H. Wiseman and Harman Sey.
monr were the publishers. In 1874 it was purchased by G. W. Mar-
lette and William H. Lee. ]\Ir. Lee subsequently withdrew from the
partnership. The Schenectady Daily Gazette was started by the
proprietor of The Weekly Gazette, January i, 1879, and ceased to
be issued July 28, 1S80, when it was sold and united with the
Schenectady Evening Star..
The Locomotive Firemen Monthly Journal was first pub-
lished in 1872 under the direction of the International Union of
Locomotive Engineers. It was edited by Henry Hoffman until 1878
when it was discontinued.
The Schenectady Union was established in the fall of 1865 by
Hon. Charles Stanford, who was at that time a candidate for re-elec-
tion to the state Senate, and, being an enemy to the canal ring, then
causing much talk, was taking a very active part in politics. At
that time the Republicans of Schenectady had no newspaper. Dur-
ing the campaign of 1864 a peculiar condition existed. The Repub-
licans of Schenectady and the editor of the local Democratic paper
entered into an agreement whereby the Republicans were to have the
use of three columns daily in the Democratic paper, for which, of
course, they had to pay a certain amount of money. This unheard-
of condition of things was not satisfactory to Senator Stanford, so
he purchased a plant at Poughkeepsie and located it on the third
floor of his building at the corner of State and Center streets in
Schenectady. Here he established The Union as a Republican
oro-an, the first issue appearing on October 28, 1865. Here The
Union remained for a number of years._ It was subsequently
removed to the adjoining building on Center street, and from there
to its present location in the Central Arcade.
448 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
The first editor of The Union was A. S. Burdick, who remained
only a short time and was succeeded by George W. Reynolds of
Oneonta. Mr. Reynolds remained with the paper about two years
and was succeeded by Col. Solymon G. Hamlin, who was both editor
and business manager. Mr. Hamlin at this time held the offices of
Postmaster and School Commissioner, and during his trips to the
rural schools the editorial chair was filled by Major Austin A. Yates.
Mr. Hamlin was connected with The Union for about eleven years,
finally retiring because of ill health. He lived but a short time after
his retirement from The Union. Welton Stanford, son of the pro-
prietor, had acted as associate editor with Mr. Ha;nlin for a number
of years and he now became editor and manager. A few years later
he was in turn succeeded by Omie F. Vedder, who edited and man-
aged the paper until it was purchased by John A. Sleicher of Troy,
N. Y. The paper passed into the hands of Mr. Sleicher on its i8th
birthday, October 28, 1883. He made many improvements in the
office and installed Sydney W. Giles of Troy as business man.iger.
Lewis C. Beattie and George W. Cottrell were members of his staff.
Although the paper increased both in prestige and patronage under
Mr. Sleicher, he sold out to Hon. George West in the spring of 18S4
and George W. Cottrell was placed at the head of the paper as editor
and manager. Mr. Sleicher is now editor of Leslie's Weekly of New
York. In 1887 William D. Davis became connected with the paper
and soon after became business manager. He made many improve-
ments in the office and introduced a Cox Duplex Press, the first of
its kind in Schenectady to print from a roll of paper. Mr. Davis
remained with The Union until July 7, 1897, when it was purchased
by Messrs. Olin S. and James H. Callanan. This change marked a
new era in the life of The Union.
On May 28, 1898, Olin S. Callanan retired from The Union to
become vice-president of the Callanan Improvement Company of
Albany, N. Y., and James H. Callanan became sole proprietor and
still conducts the paper.
The Weekly Union was established in 1866, but at the breaking
out of the Spanish- American War in 1898, the publisher made it a
THE PRESS. 449
semi-weekly, which he is still issuing at the rate of the old weekly,
namely one dollar a year. The circulation of The Daily Union is
largely confined to the city, but the Semi-Weekly goes into the
homes of fully four-fifths of the people of Schenectady and the bor-
dering parts of adjoining counties. These two papers are the only
Republican newspapers in the county and naturally are very popular
organs, exerting great influence upon the public life of the county.
The Union has trebled its circulation, advertising business and job
printing patronage since the present proprietor came into possession,
and it is now one of the best newspaper properties in the state, fully
equipped with all modern machinery and located in a city where the
present population is set down as 50,000, and which promises to con-
tinue growing and advancing.
The Daily Union is issued every evening (Sunday excepted) and
consists of eight, ten and twelve pages of seven columns each,
according to the advertising seasons and the amount of news. Dur-
ing the holiday season as many as fourteen pages have been necessary
to accommodate its news and advertising. The Semi-Weekly Union
consists of six or eight pages of seven columns each, and is issued
Tuesday and Friday.
James Henry Callanan, editor and proprietor of The Schenectady
Union, was born in South Bethlehem, Albany County, N. Y., August
18, 1865. His parents were Henry W. and Sarah (Spaun) Callanan.
His paternal ancestors came from Ireland, while his mother was of
Holland descent. The members of both families fought in the
Indian and Revolutionary Wars. His father was a fanner and mer-
chant. James H. Callanan was educated in the public schools, at
Pennington Seminary, New Jersey ; the University of Vermont at
Burlington, Vt., and at the University of Rochester, being a member
of the class of 1887 in the latter institution. He first took up the
profession of teaching, and was principal of schools in Coxsackie,
Callanan's Corners, Coeyman's, N. Y., and New Orleans, La. In
February, 1892, he accepted a position on the reportorial staff of the
Albany Evening Journal and subsequently filled every editorial
position on that paper, including that of managing editor, and there
he laid the foundation of a successful journalistic career.
4S0 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
In July, 1897, he purchased The Schenectady Union in partner-
ship with his brother, as has already been recorded in this article.
Individually, as well as through the columns of The Union, Mr.
Callanan is a strong factor in the Republican party of Schenectady
County. He has never sought or desired any political office himself,
yet he always takes a deep interest in all public questions, and
especially in the success of the Republican party of which he is an
active and influential leader. He has devoted himself to journalism,
to the advancement of his political friends, and to the general wel.
fare of his community. He has served as a member of the non-par-
tisan Board of Education of Schenectady, and is a member of the
Chi Psi college fraternity and of the Knights of Pythias. At present
he is a member of the New York State Connnission of the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition at St. Louis. Mr. Callanan has attained a high
reputation both as an editor and author. His editorials exhibit not
only great force of character but also literary excellence. While
teaching school he published a book entitled : " Practical Questions
in United States History." He is often called upon for public
addresses, and during political campaigns has made many important
speeches for the Republican ticket under the auspices of the Repub-
lican State Committee.
On July I, 1893, Mr. Callanan married Carrie Van Zandt Hauen-
stein of Burlington, Vt. They have had three children : Jessie H.
Callanan, who died August 3, 1899 ; Marion Spaun Callanan and
Carolyn Callanan.
Das Deutsche Journal was started on March 10, 1900, by M.
Kreuzberger, who is still the sole proprietor and publisher. It is a
weekly German paper, comprises eight pages, and is strictly indepen-
dent in politics. In April, 1901, "The Amsterdam Deutsche
Zeitung " was consolidated with Das Deutsche Journal. This is the
only German paper now published between Albany and Utica, and it
has a deservedly large circulation throughout the Mohawk valley
A job printing office is conducted in connection with the paper
where all kinds of book and job work, both English and German, is
done. The paper is published at No. 314 State street, Schenectady,
N. Y.
THE BENCH AND BAR, 451
CHAPTER XXX.
Bench and Bar of Schenectady County.
The Bar of Schenectady County was organized immediately after
the formation of the county in March, 1809. In that year Schenec-
tady County was erected from territory taken from the western por-
tion of Albany County and, while the Schenectady County Bar had
no separate existence previous to 1809, it is virtually as old as the
Bar of Albany County.
. In this year also, the county courts were organized, under the
constitution and laws of the state. The Court of Common Pleas,
Court of General Sessions of the Peace, and the Surrogate's Court
were established, and times and places were appointed for holding
the Circuit Courts, the Courts of Oyer and Terminer and of Equity
and Supreme Court terms.
The judiciary of the county consisted of the Hon. Joseph C. Yates,
appointed a justice of the Supreme Court by Governor Tompkins, a
few weeks previous to the act establishing the county ; Hon. Gerrit
S. Vedder, who was appointed first judge of the Court of Common
Pleas of the county ; William J. Teller, surrogate ; Peter F. Vedder,
clerk; James V. S. Riley, sheriff; James Barent, under sheriff, and
Richard Oothout, crier of the court.
The first court held in Schenectady County after its organization
was a Court of General Sessions, which began on May 9, 1809. The
court consisted of Hon. Gerret S. Vedder, first judge, and Associate
Judges John Yates, Jonathan Herrick, Jacob R. Vrooman and Peter
Van Slycke.
The first Circuit Court and Court of 0}'er and Terminer held in
the county after its organization, began its session on October 23,
1810, with Hon. Ambrose Spencer as presiding judge. Although
this court was called a Circuit Court and Court of C)yer and Ter-
miner, it was merely a Circuit Court without the criminal side, as no
Court of Oyer and Terminer had been held in the county at that
time.
452 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Justice Ambrose Spencer, who presided at this sitting of the court
was one of the most learned and distinguished jurists in the state or
nation at tliat time. He was appointed in 1804, and served until
1819, when he was appointed Chief Justice of the state. He was the
father of the great lawyer and statesman, John C. Spencer.
The Bar of Schenectady County has never been large, the number
of its members being quite limited, and 3'et it has ever held a dis-
tinguished position among the other counties of the state. Many
members of the Schenectady Bar have risen to the highest rank in
their profession ; many have been elevated to the Bench, and not a
few to prominent civil positions in the state and nation. In the year
1830, there were only twelve members of the Bar in this county,
namely : Christopher Fonda, admitted in 1822 ; Joshua D. Harmon,
admitted 1822 ; Samuel D. Jones, admitted 1816 ; Archibald L. Linn,
admitted 1823; Alonzo C. Paige, admitted 1818; Abram Van Ingen,
admitted 1818; Edward Yates, admitted 1818; Gilbert F. Yates,
admitted 1822; Joseph C. Yates, admitted 1792; Henry Yates, Jr.,
admitted 1799; John B. Duane, admitted 1825, and Jacob C. Fonda,
admitted 1826. In 1840 the membership of the Bar had increased
to eighteen, the new members being Piatt Potter, James M. Bouck,
John Brotherson, Stephen A. Daggett, Henry Fuller, James Fuller,
Alexander Gibson, John Howes, S. H. Johnson, S. R. Van Ingen and
James B. Van Voust. During this decade some of the previously
mentioned members had died.
In the present year, 1902, the members of the Bar of Schenectady
are :
Angle, Edwin C. Levis, Howard C.
Blesamg, Alexander T. Lomasney, R. T.
Briggs, Walter McMillan, John J,
Carr, James O. McShea, John
Clute, Jacob W. Miller, John D.
Clute, John F. Naylon, Daniel. Jr.
Coffin, Edward R. Nolan, James J.
Cooper, Frank Nolan, William P.
Cooper, James C. Palmer, Charles E.
Cooper, R. J. Paige. Douglass
/Z^^Ls-
H
THE BENCH AND BAR.
453
Cutler, Edward D.
Davis, Albert G.
DcRemer, John A.
Dillingham, A. J.
Fairlee, Alvah
Featherstonhanyh, Georg-e W.
Fenvvick, Alexander
Fok'}', Miehael
Glen, Henry
Glen, Horatio G.
Go(jdrich, James A.
Grupe, H. C.
Hardin, Charles H.
Hastings, Charles
Hollister, tTeorge C.
Hnbliard, Lester
Jackson, A. H.
Jackson, Samuel W.
King, Louis M.
Kreigsman, Edward E,
Landon, Robei't J.
Landon, Hon. Judson S.
Parsons, Hinsdall
Robinson, Hubbell
Sanders, Charles P., Jr.
Schermerhorn, E. Nott
Schoolcraft, J. Teller
Smith, Davis Cad\'
Smith, (reoi-ge H.
Smith, Everett
Strong, Alonzo P.
Strong, Homer
Strong, Marvin H.
Van Voast, Albert B.
Van Voast, [ames A.
Van Voast, John C.
Vcdder, Alexander M.
Veddcr, Henry S.
Veeder, James W.
Wemple, Alex. T. G.
We m pie, W. W.
Whitmyer, Edward C.
Yates. Austin A.
Prior to 182 i justices were appointed by the Conncil of Appoint-
ment. In tliat 3'ear a new Constitution was adopted, and tliey were
afterwards appointed by tlie Board of Snperx-isors and the Court of
Common Pleas combined. This rule continued until 1827 when tlie
law was again changed, and they have since been elected by the
people.
Tlie new Constitution of 1846 abrogated the Court of Common
Pleas and substituted County Courts, the County Judge to be elected
by the people. The first County Judge in Schenectady under this
law was Samuel W. Jones, wdio was then County Judge under the
old regime and who was elected under the new nile, June, 1847.
Following are the names of the presiding judges of the Court of
Common Pleas of the County and of the County Court : Gerrit S-
Vedder, appointed March 11, 1S09 ; Gardner Cleveland, May 25,
30
454 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
1812; David Boyd, February 5, 1823; Samuel W. Jones, January
31, 1835; Archibald L,. Linn, July 17, 1840; Samuel W. Jones,
February 10, 1845.
The following judges were elected under the provisions of the
Constitution of 1846 : Samuel W. Jones, elected June, 1847 i
Stephen S. Johnson, November, 1851 ; John Sanders, November,
1855; Stephen H. Johnson, November, 1859; Judson S. Landon,
February i, 1865, ( Judge Johnson resigned and Judge Landon was
appointed to fill his place. He served till the close of 1869, when
Walter T. L,- Sanders, elected November, 1869, took his place);
Austin A. Yates, November, 1873 ; David C. Beattie, November,
1879; David C. Beattie, November, 1885; Edward D. Cutler,
( appointed to fill out unexpired term of Judge Beattie ) elected
November, 1890; Alonzo P. Strong, November, 1896; Alexander
M. Vedder, November, 1902.
District Attorneys — John K. Paige, appointed June 11, 1818 ;
Alonzo C. Paige, September 3, 1823; Piatt Potter, January 15, 1839!
Benjamin F. Potter, elected June, 1847 i Samuel L. Baker, Novem-
ber, 1850 ; James Fuller, appointed in place of Baker, resigned
August 22, 1851 ; John Van Santvoort, November, 1851 ; Samuel T.
Freeman, appointed in place of Van Santvoort, resigned, January 7,
1856; Judson S. Landon, November, 1856; John G. McChesney,
November, 1862 ; John L- Hill, November, 1865 '■< Austin A. Yates,
November, 1868; Alonzo P. Strong, December 24, 1873, i^ place of
A. A. Yates, resigned; Daniel C. Beattie, November, 1874; Charles
E. Palmer, November, 1877 ; J. Teller Schoolcraft, November, 1880
and 1883 ; Alexander M. Vedder, November, 1886; Daniel Naylon,
Jr., November, 1889; William W. Wemple, November, 1892, 1895,
1898 ; Walter W. Briggs, November, 1901.
Surrogates — William J. Teller, appointed May 30, 1809; Robert
Hudson, April 6, 1813 ; William J. Teller, March 3, 1815 ; John Yates,
THE BENCH AND BAR. 455
February 12, 1816 ; Giles F. Yates, February 21, 1821 ; John San-
ders, February 13, 1840; David Cady Smith, February 13, 1844.
Under the provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1846,
the County Judge, in counties of less' than 40,000 population, also
holds office as Surrogate. In Schenectady' County the offices of
County Judge and Surrogate were held by the same man from 1846
down to the year 1903. With the recent rapid increase in popula-
tion in the county, this condition changed so that a Surrogate was
elected in November, 1902, Edward C. 'Whitmeyer being elected to
to the office.
County Clerks— Peter F. Vedder, appointed March 11, 1809;
Joseph Shurtleff, February 26, 1810 ; P. F. Vedder, February 14, 181 1 ;
Jellis A. Fonda, May 25, 1812 ; Joseph Shurtleff, March 12, 1813 ;
Jellis A. Fonda, February 13, 18 15, Jellis A. Fonda, elected Novem-
ber, 1822; John S. Vrooman, appointed by Governor in 1834 ; Jona-
than C. Burnham, elected in November, 1834; Archibald Campbell,
November, 1837 ; Silas H. Marsh, November, 1843 ! David P.
F'orrest, November, 1849; Marvin Strong, November, 1852; John
W. Vedder, November, 1858; John M. Banker, appointed May r,
1861, in place of Vedder, resigned; James G. Caw, elected Novem-
ber, 1864; J. Fonda Veile, November, 1876, served by re-election
until December 31, 1882 ; Thomas Yelverton, November, 1882 ;
Elmer Milmine, appointed to fill vacancy caused by death of Yelver-
ton, 1888 ; James B. Alexander, elected 1889-1901.
During its earlier history the Bar of Schenectady County was
graced by some men of great ability. Some of them also adorned
the Bench and achieved permanent distinction. To-day tlie personnel
of its members will compare favorably witlr that of the legal frater-
nity of any other county in the state, while some have achieved a
distinction that will entitle them to an honored place in the annals
of tlie Bench and Bar of their county, which shall be written for
some future generation. For obvious reasons only the great
deceased are mentioned in this chapter,
456 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William Kendall Fuller, popularly known in his day as
General Fuller, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., November 24, 1792.
He was educated in the schools of his native place and was gradu-
ated at Union College in 18 10. He studied law in the office of
Henry and John B. Yates, then considered the most prominent
practitioners in Schenectady County, and was admitted to practice
in the Supreme Court of the State in 18 14. Soon after his admis-
sion to the bar he entered into partnership with Hon. John B. Yates,
after which they moved to Utica, Oneida County, where they opened
an ofhce and practiced law until the spring of 1816, when they
removed to Chittenango, Madison County.
The public seems to have entertained the most perfect confidence
in the integrity and abilities of Mr. Fuller. Soon after his settle-
ment at Chittenango, offices came to him unsolicited, and, after hold-
ing many minor positions, in the year 1823 ^^^ "^^s appointed by
Governor Yates to the position of Adjutant-General of the State of
New York. This position he held through the regime of Governor
Yates and for several months of the succeeding term of Governor
Clinton.
After leaving the office of Adjutant-General he returned to Chitte-
nango and interested himself in the management of valuable real
estate there. He was a commissioner under legislative acts to drain
the Canasagara Marsh, and was one of the directors and secretary and
treasurer of the " Side-cut" from Chittenango to the Erie Canal. He
died in Schenectady, March 3, 1837.
Charles Fuller, brother of William Kendall Fuller, born April
I, 1809, was also a lawyer, who resided and practiced in the city of
Schenectady. Another brother, Henry F., born February 2, 18 11,
practiced law in Schenectady for several years before removing to
New York City, where he continued his profession throughout his
life.
THE BENCH AND BAR. 457
Robert Yates was one of the first Judges of the Supreme Court
of the State of New York, and subsequently Chief Justice. Abraliam
Yates, Jr., Mayor of Albany, and Christopher Yates, father of Joseph
C. Yates, were cousins, and were identified with the great movement
which terminated in the independence of the American colonies.
Chief Justice Abraham Yates was a member of the convention which
adopted the Constitution of 1777. He represented New York in the
Philadelphia Convention in 1787, and was a member of the State
Convention called to ratify the Federal Constitution.
Joseph C. Yates was born in Schenectady, November 9, 1768,
and studied under the Reverend Dr. Romain and his son, Theodoric
Frelinghuysen Romain. He then returned to Schenectady where he
completed his education under the instruction of Rev. Alexander
Miller and John Honeywood. Afterward he entered the office of
Peter W. Yates, a lawyer of distinction and a leading anti-P'^ederalist,
of the city of Albany. In 1792 Mr. Yates was called to the Bar, and
soon afterwards opened an office in Schenectady. He was very
influential in founding Union College, and was one of the trustees
named in the charter granted by the Regents of the University in
1790. He remained a member of the Board of Trustees until the
day of his death, and it may well be said that the earlier history of
Union College is largely blended with that of Joseph C. Yates. In
1806 and '07 he was a member of the State Senate from the Eastern
District. In 1808 Mr. Yates was again elected from the Eastern
District to the State Senate. Soon after his election he was
appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, wdiieh position
he occupied until January 20, 1823, a period of fifteen years. In
November, 1822, he was elected Governor of the State. He resigned
his office as Justice of the Supreme Court, and on the first of January,
1823, ^^ 'w^^ inaugurated Governor of the State. Governor Yates'
term of oflSce expired January i, 1S25, ^"'^ ii"" ^^28 he was elected
President of the Electoral College. Governor Yates was married
three different times. His first wife was Mrs. Ann Ellice, of Schen-
4s8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
ectady. His second wife was Maria Kane, of Albany. They had one
daughter, who married John Keyes Paige, Mayor of Albany. His
third wife was Ann Elizabeth. DeLancy. They had two daughters.
Mr. Yates died in Schenectady March 19, 1837, at the age of sixty-
nine years.
Alonzo C. Paige, LL. D., was born in Schaghticoke, Rennselaer
County, N. Y., in 1797. His father was Rev. Dr. Winslow Paige, a
Presbyterian clergj-uian. He entered Williams College at an early
acre and graduated before he had attained his sixteenth birthday. He
studied law in the city of Schenectady and was admitted to the Bar
in 1818, and opened an office in Schenectady in 1819. In 1824 he
was appointed District Attorney, which office he held for fifteen
years. In 1826 he was elected Member of Assembly and was
re-elected in 1827, '28 and '29. In 1830 Chancellor Walworth
appointed him Reporter of his court, which position he held until 1846.
In 1838 Judge Paige was elected Trustee of Union College, which
place he held for thirty years, and until his death. Before the
adoption of the Constitution of 1846 Judge Paige was twice elected
to the Senate of the State, and was made a member of the Court for
the Correction of Errors. At the first election under the Constitution
of 1846 he was elected a Justice of the Supreme Court. He was for
two years a member of the Court of Appeals. In 1857 he received
the degree of LL. D. The last public position occupied by Judge
Paige was that of a member of the Constitutional Convention of
i867,-'68. He died in March, 1868.
Platt Potter was born at Galway, Saratoga County, N. Y.,
April 6, 1800. His father, Restcome Potter, was a native of Massa-
chusetts. During his boyhood Judge Potter attended the common
schools and the Academy at Schenectady, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1824. He studied law under Hon. Alonzo C. Paige. He was
admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court in 1828, opened an office in
Minaville, Montgomery County, N. Y., and continued there until
THE BENCH AND BAR. 459
1833, when he mo\'ed to Schenectady and entered into partnership
with Mr. Paige, his former preceptor. They dissolved partnership
after a period of thirteen years. In 1830 Mr. Potter was elected
Member of Assembly from Montgomery Connty. In 1836 he married
Antoinette, danghter of Hon. Winslow Paige, D. D. From 1S39 to
1S47 li^ held the office of District Attorney for Schenectady County
and was at the same time Master and Examiner in Chancery, having
been appointed in 1828. In 1857 he was elected Justice of the
Supreme Court of New York. During this time he also served as a
Judge of the Court of Appeals. He was re-elected in 1865 to the
Supreme Bench of the state. In the same year Judge Potter was
elected Trustee of Union College, which institution conferred on him,
in 1867, the degree of hh- D.
Judge Potter was not only an eminent jurist, but a wise and able
statesman, and both of these qualities were evinced by him in a
marked degree in the celebrated case of " High Breach of Privilege
of the Honorable, the Assembly of the State of New York in the
matter of the Honorable Henry Ray, Member of Assembly from
Ontario." On January 20, 1870, a subpoena was issued requiring Ray
to appear as a witness in criminal proceedings before the Grand Jury
of Saratoga County and this subpcEua was issued by order of the
Court of which Hon. Piatt Potter was the presiding Justice. Ray
refused to obey the subpoena and was arrested. The Assembly took
up the matter and passed a resolution requiring Judge Potter to
appear at the Bar of the House to be publicly censured by the
Speaker for his high breach of the privilege of the House. Judge
Potter obeyed the requisition, but delivered so masterly a speech on
the case, that the House, instead of censuring him, passed a resolu-
tion exonerating him from all blame.
He was also a legal writer of note, and among his works should
be mentioned Potter's Dwarris, which is an interpretation of Ameri-
can Statutes and Constitutions, and is built upon the principles laid
down by the English writer, Dwarris. This work was published in
1870. In 1875 he published Potter's Edition of John Willard's
Equity Jurisprudence, which he had greatly enlarged. In 1870 he
46o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
published an original work in two volumes, entitled : " Potter on
Corporations." All of these works are recognized as standards.
Alexander J. Thomson was born in the town of Niskayuna,
Schenectady County, N. Y., in 1823, and, on his mother's side, was
descended from the celebrated Yates family. He graduated from
Union College in the class of 1848, and, having studied law during
his college course, completed liis reading in the office of Hon. A. L-
Linn, and was admitted to practice in May, 1849. For two years
he practiced in New York City, after which he located permanently
in Schenectady. From 1851 to 1856 he was associated with Jrrdge
Uinn and from 1856 to 1858 with Judge Landon. From 1S5S to
1864 he and Hon. Samuel Jackson were partners. In 1S81 he
associated James A. Van Voast with him, and this partnership con-
tinued until 1S87, after which he practiced alone until the time of his
death, in 1901.
He was alwaA's active in politics, although not notable as an office
holder. He was Treasurer 'of the City of Schenectady in 1S46 and
'47, and was Supervisor several times. He was Police Justice from
1868 to 1872, and recei\'ed the nomination of tlie Democratic Party
both for Member of Assembly and for Congress. In 1S72 he was the
nominee of his party for County Judge. From 1855 to 1858 he con-
ducted a Democratic paper in Schenectady.
From 1856 to 1863 |ie was Law Lecturer in LTnion College and in
1883 gave a course of lectures on the "History of Political Parties
Since the Foundation of the Country."
Mr. Thomson joined the Presbyterian Church in 1S47, helped to
establish the East Avenue Preslj)tcrian Chnrcli, and was trustee,
deacon and elder in that chxu'ch.
Hon. John Sanders was born in Glenville, N. Y., in 1802. He
graduated from Union College in 1822, was admitted to the Bar in
1825 ^'^^'^ practiced for a year in Albany, and afterwards in North
THE BENCH AND BAR, 461
Hampton, Catskill and Clermont, N. Y. In 1836 he settled in
Schenectady, and was appointed Surrogate in 1840 by Governor
Seward, which office he held until 1844. He was County Judge
from 1855 until i860, and was the author of a history of Schen-
ectady.
Hon. Walter T. L. Sanders, son of Hon. John Sanders, was
bom in Catskill, N. Y., vSeptember 7, 1831, and was admitted to the
practice of law in Schenectady in 1858. He was elected Clerk of
the Board of Supervisors in i860. County Judge in 1S70, and Member
of Assembly in 1876. He died in March, 1901.
CHAPTER XXXI.
The Medical Society.
The first medical society of the county of vSchenectady was
organized in the city of vSchenectady June 11, iSio.
The societ)' was formed under an act passed by the legislature of
New York, April 4, 1806, entitled "An Act to Incorporate Medical
Societies for the Pur^Dose of Regulating the Practice of Physic and
Surgery." The physicians and surgeons of each county of the state
being thus empowered to join themselves into societies, those of this
county met on the day first above given and enacted their by-laws
and regulations. Under such, the society was to consist of a
" President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and not less than
three nor more than five Censors, to be chosen b)- ballot, annually, at
the anniversary meeting of the society." The President was " to
preside at all meetings, preserve order, put all questions, declare the
decisions of the society, and in case of an equal decision, shall have
the casting vote ; he shall also appoint all committees, unless the
society choose to apijoint them by special resolution."
462 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Article V provided that the " Censors shall meet whenever
notified * * * to examine all stndents in Anatomy, Physiology,
Snrgery, Midwifery, Materia Medica, Pharmacy, Theory and Practice
of Physic and Chemistry." Not less than three Censors to form such
examining board.
By Article VI, the stated meetings of the society were " to be held
on the second Tuesday in June, September, December and March,"
at 10 o'clock A. M. Special meetings could be held, though, at any
time " when the President, at the request of two of the members,
shall order the Secretary to send to each member a notification "
of the intention of such meeting. Not less than five members
constituted a quorum. A student, successful in his examinations
before the Censors, received upon the payment of two dollars,
and signing the declaration prescribed by the State Medical Society,
his diploma. It cost one dollar to become a member, and the annual
dues were two dollars, payable quarterly, and for non-attendance at
the stated meetings a fine of one dollar was levied.
To these by-laws and regiilations tlie following names are signed :
Thos. Dunlap, Daniel J. Toll, Alex. • G. Fonda, Cornl Vrooman,
Robt. M. G. Walnisley, Abraham D'Lamater, John Wood, Daniel
McDougall, P. B. Noxon (?), J. J. Berkley, E. B. Sprague, J. W.
Conklin, Stephen Remington, John B. Judson, Arch'd W. Adams,
David Low, Joseph Koon, J. C. Magoffin, John S. L- Tonelier,
Benjamin F. Joslin, Edward H. Wheeler, Abram W. Van Woert,
Edgar Fonda, A. J. Prime, Andrew Truax, L. Sprague, James
Chandler, Orasmus Squire (living 1885), A. M. Vedder, Benjamin
Weeks, John S. Crawford, N. Marselis, J. Stackpole, Edwin A. Young.
This society held regular meetings in 1810, 1811 and 1812, but
from 181 2 to 1825 all records are lost, although it is presumable that
the society was maintained during those blank years. From 1827
until 1833 there appears to be no record of any meetings of the
society. Of course, during these apparent interegnums, the Censors
must have met regularly, as it was their duty to examine students
for medical diplomas. Regular meetings were held from 1833 until
1836, but at the meeting in the last named year there was no quorum
present, and interest in the society seemed to be on the wane. The
THE MEDICAL SOCIETY. 463
regular anniversary meetings were held from 1S3S to 1S41. At the
meeting in 1841 a resolution was passed to the effect that it was
proper to charge the sum of one dollar, and not less than fifty cents,
for visits and medicine in ordinary cases. At that meeting, also, a
committee was appointed for the purpose of regulating the charges
of phj-sicians, and the President was directed to deliver an annual
ad.lress or pay a fine of one dollar. No business of any importance
seems to have been done in the year 1S41. The oificers of that year
were directed to hold over another )-ear, but internal di.s.sensions had
destro)'ed the efificiency of the society, as such, and it soon ceased to
have an existence.
In the Daily Union of January 16, 1S69, there appeared a call for
a meeting of physicians and surgeons to organize a medical society,
and in furtherance of this design a meeting was held January 19, at
the Cady House. The following medical gentlemen were present :
A. M. Vedder, h. Ellwood, J. D. Jones, Charles Hammer, N. S.
Cheeseman, B. A. Mynder.se, G. W. Van Voast, Robert Fuller, and
William N. Duane ; and the society formed by the election of A. M.
Vedder, President ; J. D. Jones, Vice ; L. Ellwood, Secretary ; N. S.
Cheeseman, Treasurer and G. W. Van Voast, B. A. Mynderse and
A. M. Vedder, Censors.
The membership fee was fixed at two dollars, and in order to
become a member.it was decided that it would be necessary for the
applicant to submit his diploma to the Censors for examination.
The title of the .society, as shown by its by-laws, adopted January
II, 1870, is "The Schenectady County Medical Society." x^nnual
meetings are held the second Tuesday of every January, and
semi-annual meetings, the .second Tuesday in June. From the time
of organization up to the present the society has been in a healthy
condition.
The enormous strides which have been made, both in surgery and
medicine, during the last third of a century, have naturally tended
to produce increased activity in medical societies all over the
country, and the Schenectady County Medical Society has kept fully
abreast of the times by an interchange of views and experiences
among its active and enlightened members.
PART II
BIOGRAPHICAL
BIOGRAPHICAL
THE SPITZER FAMILY.
Members of this family were once prominent in Schenectady,
where the name is still honored, and where interest in the family has
recently been revived by the erection of a handsome monument in
Schenectady by General Ceilan M. Spitzer and Adelbert h- Spitzer,
to the memory of the founder of the family in America, Dr. Ernestus
de Spitzer.
Although the older members of the family have been long dead,
and the younger representatives are to-day identified with a neighbor-
ing state, Schenectady was the first permanent home of the family in
America, and not only the family name, but this city, is held in high
regard by the living representatives of the family, as has been
indicated by the erection of the monument referred to. The first of
the Spitzers in this country was
Dr. Ernestus de Spitzer, surgeou-general, who was born in
Heilbronn, in the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, April 6, 1709.
He descended from the ancient Von Spitzers, a family of noble
knights, who flourished in a town of tlie same name in lower
Steiermarke, a German province, v/here they were enrolled among
the nobility in the early part of the fourteenth century, having been
allied to royalty itself. The family controlled the city government
of Heilbronn from 1602 to 1682. His grandfather. Dr. John Von
Spitzer, who was also an LL. D., was burgomaster of the city of
Heilbronn for over forty years. Ernestus de Spitzer, the first of the
family to come to America, sailed from Rotterdam, Holland, on the
ship " Two Brothers," Thomas Arnott, captain ; and on the ship's
list he wrote his name with a " De," the Latin for '' Von." He
landed in Philadelphia, October 13, 1747, and later settled in
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Schenectady, N. Y., where he practiced medicine and snrgery for
many years with success. Dr. Spitzer was a very important per-
sonage in that city, being one of the first practicing physicians, and
is mentioned in both Pearson's
and Sannders' early history of
tliat part of New York State.
He served with distinction in
the French and Indian War as
surgeon, at the garrison at Os-
wego, N. Y., from October 28,
1753, to May 22, 1755, and later
received an appointment as sur-
geon-general of the Provincial
forces. Dr. de Spitzer was mar-
ried to Barbara Wilfelin, of
Dutch ancestry, by whom he
had tliree sons and one daughter,
Garret, Aaron, Ernestus Jr., and
Elizabeth. Garret and Aaron
served in the Revolutionary
War. Their descendants mar-
ried into the Schermerhorn and
Astor families. After the French and Indian War he returned to
Schenectady and practiced his profession until his death, which
occurred October 8, 1789. His remains were buried in the old Dutch
cemetery in Schenectady. In 1901 his monument was restoi'ed by
his descendants, and the names of his sons. Garret and Aaron, who
served in the War of the Revolution, were placed upon it.
Garret de Spitzer, physician and soldier, was born in Schenec-
tady, N. Y., Jime 20, 1758, oldest son of Dr. Ernestus and Barbara
(Wilfelin) de Spitzer. He was known as a great Indian fighter, and
served in the War of the Revolution, after which he returned to
Schenectady. A few years later, with his family, he removed to
Wastina, now Rotterdam, N. Y., where he was one of the fir.st
practicing physicians. He was married to Annatje, daughter of
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Nicholas and Susannah Sixbur}',
and had eight children, six sons
and two daughters, Aaron, Nich-
olas, Jeremiah, Peter, John,
Joseph, Susannah and Barbara.
Dr. Spitzer died in Rotterdam,
N. Y., June 2, 1801, and was
buried in the old Dutch cemetery,
Schenectady, N. Y.
Nicholas Spitzicr, physician
and stock farmer, was born in
Schenectady, N. Y., November
26, 1783, second son of Dr. Garret
and Annatje (Sixbury) de Spitzer.
He practiced medicine in Schen-
ectady until he was fifty-two
3'ears of age, when, on account
of poor health, he gave up his
profes.sion, and, with his family,
removed to. Medina, Ohio, where
he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits and stock farming. His
health was not improved by the
change, and in a few years he
retired from business, his oldest
son, Garret, taking charge of his
affairs until the close of his life.
When he went to Ohio he left off
the prefix " De " to his name,
wdiich was frequently done in the
ea;ly years of the republic. His
health was greatly improved
without business cares, and he
lived to be an old man. He was
married to Nancy, daughter of
31
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Jacob and Maria (Schermerhorn) Bovee, and had four sons and five
daughters, Garret, Aaron, Matthew, Jacob, Maria, Susan, Sallie, Sarah
and Mary. Dr. Spitzer died at Medina, Ohio, December 6, 1868.
Aaron Bovee Spitzer, banker and business man, was born in
Schenectady, N. Y., October 8, 1823, second soti of Nicholas and
Nancy (Bovee) Spitzer. He was a general business man, and con-
sidered a good judge of credit and values, and was engaged in the
banking business for several years with his oldest son, Ceilan Milo
Spitzer, and lyudwig Wideman.
He was a lover of horses, owned a
stock farm near Medina, and bred
some very fine specimens. Mr.
Spitzer retired from active business
in 1886. He was married to Laura
Maria, daughter of Joseph and
Harriet (Draper) Perkins, and had
)ne son,: Ceilan M. Spitzer. He
v,as. married the second time to
Vnna Maria Collins, and by this
marriage had three sons, Frank
P., Garret E., and Sidney Spitzer.
He was a life-long Republican,
and at the time of his death a
member and deacon of the Con-
gregational Church. He died in
Medina, Ohio, May 13, 1892. ■
General Ceilan Milo Spitzer, banker, was born at Batavia,
N. Y., November 2, 1849, eldest son of Aaron Bovee and Laura Maria
(Perkins) Spitzer, and a great-great grandson of Dr. Ernestus de
Spitzer. Through his mother he is descended from James Draper, of
Roxbury, Mass., and Quartermaster John Perkins, of Ipswich, Mass.,
the first of their families in America. His great grandfather,
Nathaniel Perkins, before he was of age, was aid-de-camp to General
George Washington. Mr. Spitzer's great-great-great-great grand-
father, Hendricks Cornelius Van Buren, was a soldier in the Indian
BIOGRAPHICAL.
war of 1663, being stationed at Fort Cralo, in Papshire, and was an
ancestor of President Martin Van Buren. He is also a descendant
on the maternal side (being the great-great-great grandson) of Jacob
Janse Schermerhorn, founder of the family bearing his name in
America, who came from Waterland, Holland, in 1636, and settled in
Beverswyck, in the New Netherlands, where he became a man of
wealth and prominence until his death in Schenectady in 1688.
Ceilan Milo Spitzer was educated in the schools of Medina, Ohio,
whither his family had removed in 1851, and at Oberlin College.
He entered upon his active business career in 1869 by purchasing a
half interest in a drug store at
Seville, Ohio, which he sold out
two years later, and, with his
father, opened the Seville Ex-
change Bank, under the style of
C. M. Spitzer & Co., a banking
house which obtained immediate
standing and reputation in the
financial world. In 1877 a branch
bank was opened at Medina, Ohio,
and in 1878 the German-American
Bank of Cleveland, Ohio, was
organized, the last enterprise
growing in such immediate favor
that Mr. Spitzer purchased the
interest of I^udwig Wideman, who
had become partner, in 1873, ^^"^
during the next two years conducted a general banking and invest-
ment business. In January, 1880, owing to financial depression, the
bank failed, and soon after settled with its creditors on a forty per
cent, basis. Ten years later, however, quite without legal or moral
necessity, Mr. Spitzer paid all the bank's debts in full, an act which
has deservedly given him a high reputation in the business world.
With Ludwig and Jerome P. Wideman, he opened the bank of
Fremont, at Fremont, Ohio, in 1880, but he sold it the following
year, and formed the firm of Spitzer, Wideman & Co., bankers, at
8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Toledo, Ohio. In the following year Mr. Spitzer purchased the
interest of the Widemans, and formed a co-partnership with his cousin,
Adelbert L- Spitzer, under the firm name of Spitzer & Co., bankers.
In 1887 a branch oiifice was opened in Boston, Mass. In May, 1899,
the Boston office was moved to 20 Nassau street, New York City. The
firm has enjoyed a continuous and permanent increase in prosperity,
and is now the oldest and one of the most successful investment bank-
ing houses in the central west, buying and selling mimicipal bonds
and other high-grade investment securities. Mr. Spitzer is also a stock-
holder and director in six other banks, including the Ohio Savings
Bank and Trust Company, and the Security Trust Company, Toledo;
a director of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Company, and
president of the Spitzer Building Company, which erected, in 1893,
the modern ten-story fire-proof building in Toledo. In January, 1900,
Go\'ernor George K. Nash appointed him quartermaster-general of
Ohio, with rank of brigadier-general. Mr. Spitzer is one of the leading
citizens of Ohio, and is ever ready to foster or contribute to any
worthy artistic, business or benevolent enterpri.se in his adopted city.
He has always refused to permit his name to be used for any electi\'e
office, preferring to exert his influence and benefit his fellow men in
the capacity of a private citizen and a general of financial affairs. He
is a member of the Toledo and Country Clubs, of Toledo, and the
Middle liass Club, of Put-in-Bay, also a member of the Ohio Society
of New York. He has traveled widely, both in this country and
abroad, and his Colonial home, "Innisfail," on Collingwood Avenue,
is filled with numerous choice specimens of the artistic and curious
from all parts of the world, including a fine art gallery. He was
married in 1884 to Lilain Cortez, daughter of Alexander McDowell,
a lineal descendant of Elizabeth, sister of William Penn, and a
cousin of General Irvine McDowell. They have no children.
Garret Spitzer, financier, was born in Schenectady, N. Y.,
November 7, 181 7, oldest son of Nicholas and Nancy (Bovee) Spitzer.
He was an excellent business man, and his judgment and opinion
were often sought on financial and business propositions. He was
for over twenty )'ears one of the advising directors of the Ohio
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Farmers' Insurance Company, and for several years was associated
with his two sons, Adelbert L. and Amherst T. Spitzer, in tlie
banking and investment business. During tlie Civil War he was an
extensive shipper ofgrain, (lour and wool, and owned ,a large stock
farm south of Medina. He always , -.cr.7.T^,-,v^
voted the Republican ticket, and
was a member of the Conjrreea-
tional Church. He was married
to Mary Jane, daughter of Hlisha
and Sarah (Thompson) Branch, by
whom he had three sous and five
daughters, Amherst T., Aaron E.,
Adelbert, L., Alice, Evelyn, Fran-
celia, Euette, and Bessie Spitzer.
Mr. Spitzer died in Medina, Ohio,
January 3, 1891.
-^.i^^^QuM^r^^^^^^^
The Spitzers of to day are worthy
descendants of a name lono- hon.
o
ored in this coimtry. General
Ceilan M. Spitzer has attained dis-
tinction in the military and public life of the state of Ohio, and he and
Adelbert L. Spitzer, his cousin, are prominent bankers in New York
City and Toledo, Ohio. Carl B. Spitzer, oldest son of the latter, was a
well-known athlete, being at the present time the holder of the
championship record for the mile run at Yale College, where he
graduated. In 1899 ^^ ^^'^ sent to England by Yale College, with
five others, to compete against the combined teams of Cambridge and
Oxford. Lj'man S. Spitzer, second son of Adelbert L. Spitzer, was
also a graduate of Yale College, and edited the college paper in his
Senior year.
Adelbert Lorenzo Spitzer, banker, was born in Medina, Ohio,
in 1852, youngest son of Garret and Mary Jane (Branch) Spitzer, and
great-great grandson of Dr. Ernestus de Spitzer. On his mother's
side he descends from James Thompson, who came from England
with a large colony, under the lead of Governor Winthrop, landing
to
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
on New England shores in June, 1630; he was one of the first
settlers of Charlestown, Mass. He died in 1682, at the age of eighty-
nine years. The Thompsons in England were eminent in the
intellectual, social and religious world, a number of them being
knighted. James Thompson, a de-
scendant of James, the colonist, with'
four of his five sons of twenty-one
years and upwards-, signed, with
others, a covenant, adopted July ij
1774, to join in the defense of the
colonies against the aggressions of
the mother country. Two of his
sons, John and Joseph, had already
served in the French and Indian
Wars ; four sons, James,'' Jonathan,
John and Joseph, and eight of his
grandsons, were in the War of the
Revolution. Mary Hancock, the
wife of James Thompson, was a,
cousin of John Hancock, Governor
of Massachusetts. Another ances-
tor, John Thompson, was one of the framers of the National Banking
Act, and established the First National Bank of New York, the first
bank that was organized in the United States under this act. He
later established the Chase National Bank of New York City, the
name being given in honor of Salmon P. Chase, who was Mr.
Thompson's warm and personal friend. Mr. Spitzer, through his
mother, is a cousin of George K. Nash, Governor of Ohio. Mr.
Spitzer was educated in the local schools and the I^odi (Ohio)
Academy. At the age of twenty he entered the Exchange Bank of
Seville, Ohio, and became cashier, and in 1873, in partnership with
his brother, Amherst T. Spitzer, he established the banking house
of Spitzer Brothers at North Amherst, Ohio. In 1878 he purchased
his brother's interest. The following year he was elected a director
of the First National Bank of Oberlin, Ohio. In 1882 he sold out
the North Amherst Bank and removed to Toledo, associating himself
BIOGRAPHICAL. ii
with his cousin, Ceilan M. Spitzer, in the banking and investment
business, under the firm name of Spitzer & Co. Mr. Spitzer is a
stockholder and director in five other banks, inckiding the Merchants
National Bank and Home Savings Bank in Toledo, and is secretary
and treasurer of the Spitzer Building Company. He is a member
of the Toledo Country and Polo Clubs, of Toledo, being president of
the last named ; of the Middle Bass Club of Put -in-Bay, and the
Triton Fish and Game Club, of Canada. He is a well-known horse-
man and an excellent whip. He has a large stable of horses, and
with his four-in-hand coach, has won several blue ribbons at different
horse shows and driving associations. In 1875 he was married to
Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Lyman L,. Strong, a descendant of
Caleb Strong, Governor of Massachusetts, and cousin of William
Strong, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
They have three sons and one daughter, Carl B., Lyman S., Roland
A., and Luette Ruth Spitzer.
Hon. Jacob WinnE Clute was born in Schenectady, N. Y.,
October i, 1847, and is the son of Jacob F. and Jemima (Winne)
Clute, and is descended from Holland-Dutch ancestry. His father
was a native of Schenectady. Having completed his school educa-
tion at the age of nineteen years, he began the study of law in the
office of Judges F. B. Mitchell and D. C. Beattie. He was admitted
to the Bar in 1868, and opened an office with Judge Mitchell on State
street, Schenectady, subsequently forming a co-partnership with him.
This continued until the death of Judge Mitchell, since which time
he has practiced alone. In 1893 he was elected Mayor of the city,
and was re-elected in 1895. Hon. Jacob W. Clute married Elizabeth
G., daughter of Francis Van de Bogert, and they have two children,
Earl W. and D. Vedder. Mr. Clute has long been identified with
the progress and development of Schenectady, has been a leading
spirit in most of its important movements, and was one of those
through whose efforts the General Electric Company located in
Schenectady.
12 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Hon. Judson Stuart Landon, LL. D., was born in Salisbury,
Lichfield County, Connecticut, December i6, 1831. He was edu-
cated in the common schools and in the Amenia and New York
Conference Seminaries. In 1853 he became teacher of Latin, Mathe-
matics and Natural Sciences in the Academy at Princetown, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., and, while teaching, pursited the study of law
without an instructor. In 1854 he entered Yale College, where he
studied law for one year. In 1855 he returned to the Academy as
its Principal, and diiring the same year received the degree of Master
of Arts from Union College. In 1856 he was admitted to the Bar,
began the active practice of his profession, and was elected District
Attorney, and in February, 1S65, was appointed County Judge to fill
a vacancy, and in the fall of that year was elected for a term of four
years. In- 1S67 he served as a member of the State Constitutional
Convention. In 1873 he was elected Justice of the Supreme Court
in the Fourth Judicial District and was re-elected in 1SS7. During
part of his first and second terms he served on the Appellate Division
of the Supreme Court, and on November 28, 1891, was designated a
member of the Second Division of the Court of Appeals by the Gov-
ernor, and again to the Court of Appeals January i, 1900, under
Section 7, of Article VI of the Constitution, as amended in 1899.
On January i, 1902, he retired from the Court of Appeals upon the
expiration of his second term of service, and is again engaged in the
active practice of his profession. He enjoys a high reputation both
as a jurist and a Judge, being regarded as one of the ablest Justices
of his day.
Judge Landon has always taken a warm interest in educational
matters, and has been identified with Union College and the Albany
Law School for many years. He is a member of the University
faculty, is one of its trustees, is a member of the PiOard of Governors
and of the Finance Committee. He received the degree of LL- D.
from Rutgers College in 18S5.
Hon. Edward D. Cutler was born at Ballston Spa, N. Y., Decem-
ber 18, 1849, and was educated in the common schools and at the Classi-
BIOGRAPHICAL. 13
cal Institute of Schenectady. In 1877 I'e entered the hiw office of
Hon. Austin A. Yates, where he studied for two years, and in 18.S0
graduated froiu the Albany Law School, after which he became a law
partner wnth Judge Yates. In the fall of 1884 lie received the unan-
imous nomination of the Democratic party of Schenectady County
for Member of Assembly and was elected by a handsome majority,
nmning 625 ahead of his ticket.
Hon. Austin A. Yates was born in Schenectady, N. Y., March
24, 1836. After a preparatory education he entered LTnion College,
and was graduated from that historic institution in 1854. He then
took up the study of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1857.
Immediately after his admission he began the practice of his profes-
sion, and was for a time editor of the Schenectady Daily News.
During tlie Civil War he raised a company, of which he became
Captain, and at the close of the war was breveted Major for merito-
rious services. He was made assistant to the Judge Advocate Gen-
eral in 1865, at the close of the war. He commanded the company
which hanged the murderer of Lincoln, Company F, 14th Volunteer
Resen-es. In 1867 he was elected District Attorney of Schenectady
and was re-elected in 1870, but resigned in 1873, on his election
to the office of County Judge. In 1879 he was appointed attor-
ney to the Insurance Department by the State Superintendent of
Insurance. He was Member of Assembly in 1887 and 1S89.
Upon the breaking out of the Spanish-American War, Major
Yates went to the front for the second time, upon this occasion as
Major in the vSecond Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry and
served until the regiment w-as mustered out. He was retired in 1900,
upon his owrt application. He has been einplo}'ed as attorney in
different departments of the state.
Hon. D. C. Beattie was born in Salem, N. Y., December 2, 1827,
and was graduated from Norwich University in 1845, He practiced
law in Chicago from 1850 to 1S59, and Wf|S located in- Albany from
14 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
i860 to 1862, coming to Schenectady in February of the latter year.
Here he carried on his practice with success, and gained popularity
so that he was elected District Attorney of Schenectady County in
the fall of 1874, and filled that office from January i, 1875 to Decem-
ber 31, 1878. In the fall of 1879 he was elected County Judge, and
took office on January i, 1880.
Hon. Samuel W. Jackson was born in the town of Palatine,
Montgomery County, N. Y., June 28, 1821. His father, Allen H.
Jackson, a native of the same county, was engaged in mercantile
pursuits. He was a graduate from West Point, was by profession a
civil engineer, and was at one time chief of the corps of engineers of
the New York & New Haven Railroad, and subsequently the Central
Railroad of New Jersey. The progenitor of this branch of the
Jackson family was Colonel Samuel Jackson, an Englishman, who
came to America about 1790 and settled at Florida, Montgomery
County. He served honorably in the war of 181 2 and died in 1846.
Samuel W. Jackson's mother was Diana (Paige) Jackson, sister of
Judge Paige, of Schenectady.
After receiving an academic education he entered the Sophomore
class of Union College in 1840, and, after a highly creditable coUrse,
was graduated in 1842 with honors.
Having begun a course in legal reading in the office of Alexander
Sheldon previous to entering college, he resumed this study after
graduating, and completed his legal course in the ofiice of Paige &
Potter in Schenectady. He was licensed as an attorney under the
old regime in 1843 ^'^^'^ ^s counsellor in 1846. Upon being admitted
to the Bar in 1843 he began the practice of his profession at Gilboa,
Schoharie County, N. Y., and continued thus occupied until 1850,
when failing health forced him to retire for a time from active work.
In 1856, however, his health being re-established, he resumed his
professional duties, practicing in, New York, but in 1858 he
returned to Schenectady, where he has since remained, and where
he has achieved a high reputation as a jurist.
BIOGRAPHICAL. ' ij
He was appointed by Governor Hoffman in 1867 to fill the unex-
pired term of Judge E. H. Rosecrans of the Supreme Court. In
1872 he was appointed a member of the Constitutional Convention,
and is now attorney for the New York Central Railroad for his
locality.
Mr. Jackson, although an octogenarian, is still actively engaged in
the practice of his profession, and owing to his fine legal attainments
has long enjoyed a large and desirable clientele. He is a man of
varied acquisitions, cultured and liberal, and has been called upon
to occupy important ofhcial positions.
Edward E. Kreigsman, son of Arnold E. G. and Eva H. (Lucas)
Kreigsman, was born in the city of Albany, N. Y., February 2, 1852.
His father died in April, 1858, and he and his mother moved west to
Ohio, and lived for a time on a farm of an uncle, near Toledo. In
1862 he came to Schenectady, where he attended school for the fol-
lowing two years, when, in 1864, he began the active duties of life
by selling papers. In 1865 he entered the services of George Clair as
paper carrier, and was one of the first to sell the Schenectady Union.
In 1866 he entered the employ of O'Brien & Yates, cigar manufac-
turers, with whom he remained some time. In February, 1869, he
entered the classical department of the Union school and was gradu-
ated in the class of 1872. He then entered Union College and was
graduated from that time-honored institution in the class of 1876.
• Immediately after graduating Mr. Kreigsman began the study of
law in the office of Alexander J. Thomson, and was admitted to the
Bar in 1878. In 1881 he was appointed City Clerk, and served until
May, 1883. In Axigust of 1881 he formed a partnership with H. G.'
Glen in the fire insurance business, and in December, 1882, he pur-
chased thfe interest of Mr. Glen and consolidated the agency of
Schermerhorn & Company, and he is still a member of that firm.
In addition to holding the office of City Clerk, Mr. Kreigsman has
been Registrar of Vital Statistics and Clerk of the Board of Water
Commissioners. In 1891 he was elected County Treasurer for a term
i6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
of six years, and discharged the duties of that ofifice with such
acceptability that he was re-elected in 1897.
In October, 1879, Edward E. Kreigsman married. Elizabeth M.
Butler, and they have a family of four children.
Mr. Kreigsman is a member of New Hope Lodge, No. 730, F. and
A. M., and is highly popular with all classes because of his energy
and enterprise and the active interest which he takes in public affairs
and the promotion and advancement of the welfare of Schenectady.
James A. Goodrich was born in Schenectady County, N. Y.,
November 15, 1856. After passing through the public schools he
took a course in the Classical Institute, from which he graduated in
1874. He then entered the Albany Business College and was gradu-
ated therefrom in 1876. He then entered Union College, and after
a highly creditable course was graduated with the degree of A. B. in
the class of 1879.
In the fall of 1879 ■^^'^- Goodrich began the study of law in the
office of Hon. A. A. Yates, where he remained for two 3'ears, after
which he took a course in the Albany Law School, from which he
was graduated May 25, 1882, and two days later he was admitted to
the Bar at the General Term at Albany, N. Y. He then returned to
tlie office of Yates & Cutler for a shoit time, after which he opened
an office of his own and began the practice of his profession indepen-
dentlv, in which he has since been engaged with conspicuous success,
not only building up a high reputation as an advocate and counsellor,
but also making himself many friends as a man and a citizen.
On February 11, 1890, James A. Goodrich married Jennie, daughter
of Robert and Agnes (Harvey) Clemments.
Mr. Goodrich's parents were William Luther and Mary (Walker)
Goodrich. William Luther Goodrich was cashier of the Schenec-
tady Bank for many years, and was also president of this bank for a
time. He was also accountant of the Schenectady Savings Bank and
was engaged in the banking business altogether for a period of fifty-
two years. Mr. Goodrich's mother, Mary Walker, was the daughter
BIOGRAPHICAL. 17
of James Walker, one of the leading- merchants of his day in
Schenectady.
James A. Goodrich is a member of the Schenectady Bar Associa-
tion, and is widely interested in chnrch and benevolent work. He
is a member of th'- First Presbyterian Church, is clerk of Session
of that church, and is one of the trustees of the Y. M. C. A., of
which he has been president for fourteen years, and still retains that
office. He is also president of the Schenectady County Bible
Society, and is Trustee of the Home for the Friendless.
Horatio G. Glen was born in the city of Schenectady December
26, 1S59, and was educated in the public schools and the High
school of his native city, graduating from the latter in 1S77. After
leaving the High school he entered Union College, and was graduated
from that historic institution in the class of 1S81, with the degree of
A. B. He then took up the study of law at the Albany Law vSchool,
and graduated therefrom in 1883. He was also admitted to the Bar
in that year. Immediately after being admitted he began the
practice of his profession in Schenectady, and has taken a prominent
part in the Bar of the county.
Mr. Glen is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Mohawk
Golf Club, the Alpha Zeta, the Psi Upsilon and the Phi Beta Kappa
Societies. In politics he is a Democrat, and held the office of City
Clerk for seven years, namely, from 1885 to 1S92.
On October i, 1884, Horatio G. Glen married Laura M., daughter
of E. W. and Rachael Moore. They have three children, Laura C,
Horatio G. Jr., and Ethel M. Mr. Glen's parents were Henry C. and
Agnes (Schermerhorn) Glen. His ancestors, who were of Scotch
descent, were among the early settlers of Schenectady.
Mr. Glen was one of the founders of the Daily Gazette, and is an
enterprising and courteous gentleman, who takes an interest in the
welfare and progress of Schenectady, both politically and com-
mercially.
i8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William Dewar Ellis — William Dewar Ellis, son of John and
Arminda Green (Maxon) Ellis, and a scion of one of the oldest and
and most notable families in this state, was born in the city of
Schenectady, August 15, 1856. He received a liberal education, not
only in American colleges, but also in France and Switzerland,
adding to his store of theoretical knowledge by travel and practical
observation.
As a business man he has been identified with the manufacturing
business in connection with the celebrated Schenectady Eocomotive
Works. He was treasurer of the Company from 1891 to 1901, was
vice-president and treasurer from 1893 to 1897, and was president
and treasurer from 1897 to 1901.
Mr. Ellis is a member of some of the most exclusive, as well as
some of the best known societies in the state of New York. Among
them may be mentioned the Society of Sons of the Revolution, the
Union Eeague Club, the Republican Club, the New York Athletic Club,
the Suburban Riding and Driving Club, the Automobile Club, and the
Transportation Club. All these clubs are of New York City. He is
also a member of the Saratoga Club and the Golf Club of Saratoga,
and also of the Mohawk Club and the Mohawk Golf Club of
Schenectady.
His business career has been intimately associated with the opera-
tions of the Schenectady Locomotive Works. The original company,
which was known as the Schenectady Locomotive Engine Manufac-
tory, was formed in January, 1848. The capital for the construction of
the building was raised by the citizens of Schenectady, and the
money for the equipment with machinery, by the Norrisses of Philadel-
phia, Pa., who agreed to pay the interest on the capital annually, and
to pay the stockholders the whole capital in eight years, and
thus become the owners of the property themselves. This company
carried on the works for about one year, but their affairs turned out
so badly that they abandoned the enterprise, and the works remained
idle for twelve months, during which time a part of the personal
property was sold for taxes. The works were finally sold, and the
purchasers under the sale were John Ellis, Daniel D. Campbell and
^
X'^ ^y^-f^^^'^^y' ''
A. S" C- ff<'.'.-;,—i,.- SBrJ //l^
m^-X)^^
BIOGRAPHICAL. ip
Simon C. Groot, who, with others, raised a new capital, and on June
14) 1 85 1, the Schenectady Locomotive Works was launched as an
incorporated company.
John Ellis was the first president of the company, and when he
died, October 4, 1864, he was succeeded by his son, John C. Ellis,
who served as president until June, 1878, when Charles G. Ellis was
elected, and retained the office until his death. May 15, 189 1. He
was succeeded as president by his brother, Edward Ellis, who died
February 27, 1897, when William D. Ellis was elected to the
position, which he held until June 15, 1901, when the concern was
sold and merged into the American Locomotive Works.
Walter McQueen was superintendent of the works from 1851 to
1876, and vice-president from 1876 to 1893, in which year be died.
John Swift succeeded Mr. McQueen as superintendent, and was
followed by Albert J. Pitkin, who held this position until 1897, when
he was elected vice-president and general manager, A. M. White
becoming superintendent in his stead.
The company began in a very modest way, and has gradually
grown to enormous dimensions. The output in 1851 was five
locomotives; in 1901 over four hundred were turned out, and over
3,300 men now find employment in these shops.
Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond, D. D., LL. D. — Rev. Andrew
V. V. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., was born at Vischer's Ferry, Saratoga
County, N. Y., August 8, 1854. His father was a minister of the
Reformed Church and a graduate of Yale College in the class of
1825, and of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, class
of 1828. His mother was Catherine M. Miller, of Little Falls,
N. J.
In 1856 his father accepted a call to the Reformed Church in
Lawyersville, Schoharie County, N. Y., and Dr. Raymond's earliest
recollections are of that delightful locality. It is doubtful if many men
of his age can remember as many old customs as he, for Schoharie
County was then without a railroad and without any close connection
20 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
with the world of activity and progress. It was then, as now, a
stronghold of Democracy, and as his father was a Repnblican, and
voted for Lincoln, he felt that he aronsed prejudices which interfered
with his iisefnlness, and so accepted a call to a church near Cohoes,
in 1S64.
From that time Andrew V. V. Raymond's education was carried
on in the public schools of Troy, first in the Fourth Ward School
and later in the High School. After leaving the High School he
studied with a private tutor for one )'ear, and entered Union College
in the fall of 1872, as a Sophomore. He took the A. B. course and
graduated in the class of 1875. ■ After leaving Union College he
attended the New Brunswick Theological Seminary for the full
three years' course, and in 1878 was licensed to preach by the Classis
of Schenectady, N. Y. A month later he was ordained and installed
as pastor of the First Reformed Church of Paterson, N. J.
In January, 1881, he began his work as pastor of the Trinity
Reformed Church at Plainfield, N. J., where he remained until
February, 1887, when he became pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian
Church of Albany, N. Y.
In Januar}', 1894, he was called to the presidency of Union College,
bnt did not assume the active duties of his office until June, 1894.
This prominent and responsible position he has since held and ably
filled. Before his election as president of the College he had been
for several years president of the Alumni Association of the College,
and in this way had become familiar with the work of the institution
and acquainted with its friends and supporters.
In 1887 Union College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor
of Divinity, and in 1894 Williams College gave him the degree of
Doctor of Laws. His work has been devoted almost exclusively to
the building up of Union College, although as opportunity offered,
he has made many addresses at educational conferences. In 1891 he
was president of the Association of Colleges and Preparatory Schools
of the Middle State and Maryland, and he is now a member of the
Uniform Entrance P'xamination Board, which was first organized by
that Association.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 21
E. W. Rice, Jr., Vice-President of the General Electric Company,
was educated in the Central High School of Philadelphia,
and was graduated from that institution, with first honors,
in the class of 1880. During his course at this school, he gave
striking evidence of the possession of those talents and abilities
which have since distinguished him and made him prominent among
the electrical manufacturers of the world. As early as 1878, while
attending the Central High School, he attracted the attention of
Prof. Elihu Thomson, who then taught chemistry and mechanics in
that institution, by his skillful amateur work in constructing
telephones, telegraphs, electrical machines, induction coils and small
dynamos. Subsequently he won the admiration of Prof. Thomson
by his success in grinding and polishing glass specula, and in silvering
them by a new method, which had been communicated to him orally,
a rare feat for any one to perform, even after having seen it done
many times.
In the summer of 1880 E. W. Rice, Jr., was called upon to make
his choice of careers. He could go through college with a prospect
of a career which promised to be distinguished, or he could attach
himself and his fortunes to the then infant industry of electric arc
lighting. With a remarkable precision of judgment he chose the
latter, abandoned the attractions and honors of a college career, and
became Prof. Thomson's assistant in the American Electric Company,
at New Britain, Conn., then newly formed to manufacture arc light
apparatus, under the Thomson-Houston patents.
The first two years at New Britain, although fruitful in technical
development, fell far short of the business results in the new
enterprise which had been fondly anticipated, so that Mr. Rice,
although he had practically the responsibility of foreman of the
electric works, found time to wind armatures, and in various ways
improve his knowledge and thoroughly acquaint himself with
manufacturing details.
However, in the fall of 1882, the tide of prosperity set in. Messrs.
A. A. Pevaer and Silas A. Barton came from Lynn, Mass., to buy a
lighting plant, and ended by buying a majority interest in the stock
32
22 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
of the American Electric Company. They transferred the plant to
Lynn, and re-named the concern the Thomson-Houston Electric
Company. Then followed two or three years of delightful work for
Mr. Rice, who was permitted to devote his abilities to experiment
and invention, and during these years his name became familiar in
the patent office, frequently with that of Prof. Thomson, for radical
improvements in the electrical art, but principally at that time in
the perfection of arc lighting systems.
When the works were moved from New Britain to Lynn Mr. C.
A. Coffin became associated with Messrs. Pevaer and Barton, and owing
largely to his eiTorts and ability, the year 1885 found the enterprise
growing and prospering with surprising rapidity, and the need of a
superintendent of the works with an adequate technical knowledge
of electricity, began to be acutely felt. Mr. Rice, though still
considerably under thirty years of age, was asked to accept this
position, and although reluctant to sever his close association with
Prof. Thomson, he again made a wise decision and accepted. Under
his able management the work was systematised, through his tactful
direction production was hastened and cost of manufacturing reduced.
When Mr. Rice took charge of the Thomson-Houston factory at
Lynn in 1885 only a few hundred men were employed in the works,
but in 1892 there were 3,700 men on the pay roll. In this year an
important change in its career took place. The Thomson-Houston
and Edison Electric Companies were consolidated into the new
concern, known thereafter as the General Electric Company, with
Mr. C. A. Coffin as president and Mr. Rice as technical director-
From that date down to the present the history of the life of- Mr-
Rice is a history of the technical development, and indeed of the
success of the General Electric Company. On June 26, 1896, he was
elected to the office which he now holds, that of third Vice-President
of the Company, in charge of its technical and manufacturing
departments.
In July, 1901, the Electrical World and Engineer made the
following reference to Mr. Rice :
" It is worth while to look back at the large and varied experience
which Mr. Rice has had in the electrical field during the past
BIOGRAPHICAL. 23
sixteen years in which he has been engaged, not in a subordinate
capacity, but in positions where his word counted with that of only
nine or ten other men in the world, in picking out the path of least
resistance for the advance of electricity in the arts. He has seen the
flexibility af the arc lamp developed to meet almost every condition
of electrical circuit. The responsibility for making the crucial
experiment of the West End Street Railway of Boston, an electrical
and mechanical success, fell upon his shoulders. He has furthered
the growth of long-distance electrical transmission of power, with its
many difhcult problems, about which the non-technical world knows
nothing, and the technical world, not directly interested, little more.
He has followed closely the electrical and mechanical development
of the polyphase motor, and has personally done much to insure its
successful operation in driving textile and other classes of mills. He
has attacked successfully the weak point in distributing systems of
polyphase currents of large volume at high voltage by the invention
of an oil switch — the cellular switch — and a switching system, at
once safe and simple. And he has provided a means by which
alternating currents may be used for mixed lighting and power
circuits, with constant voltage, automatically regulated. As for the
rest of his inventive work, it is partially indicated in the statement
that he has been granted more than one hundred patents. While
himself thus fertile as an inventor, he also possesses the valuable
faculty of directing the inventive ability of others to meet the cases
constantly arising in the industrial development of the art.
" Mr. Rice is a member of the American Institute of Electrical
Engineers and of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science in this country, and is a member of the Institution of Civil
Eno-ineers and of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in Great
Britain. After the Paris Exposition, last year, he was created a
Chevalier of the Legion of Honor."
Daniel Cady Smith was born in Florida, Montgomery County,
N. Y., August 23, 1813, and attended the district schools for ten
years. He came to Schenectady in 1833, took up the study of law,
and was admitted to the Bar in May, 1837. Mr. Smith was Alder-
man of the city for six years, and was the last Surrogate of the coun-
ty, serving four years. On October 31, 1849, Daniel Cady Smith
mLrried Eleanor Carley. They have had five children, three of
whom are living.
24 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
John N. Parker, Assistant Superintendent of Pnblic Works,
State of New York, was born in the town of Providence^
Saratoga County, N. Y., September 20, 1854. His parents were
Robert and Margaret (Timeson) Parker. His mother died when
he was but six years old, and he was sent to live with his aunt,
in Montgomery County. There he received such schooling as he
could get during the winter months, and as soon as he was strong
enough, he worked on a farm during the summer months, at first for
six dollars a month. After working two years at these wages he got
an increase in his salary, and received eight dollars a month for the
next two years. Quitting farm work, he obtained a position as
water boy on the Erie Canal at one dollar per day. He was next
employed in a hotel kept by his uncle, Hii'am Parker, at the
Acqueduct, and remained with him for a period of eleven years.
During all this time Mr. Parker had been gradually saving money,
and after leaving his uncle, he rented a hotel at Rexford Flats, which
he conducted for about seven years. During this time he embarked
in the produce business, with which he is still connected, under the
firm name of John N. Parker & Company. After selling out his
hotel at Rexford Flats he opened the hotel at the Acqueduct, which
he conducted for about four years, after which he went out of the
hotel business altogether, and built a fine residence near the
Acqueduct, where he now resides.
Mr. Parker is connected with a number of business enterprises,
and is treasurer of the Schenectady Paving and Contracting Company,
which is the largest concern of the kind in this part of the state. He
is also interested in the Niskayuna Ice Company.
Mr. Parker has long been an ardent and active Republican, and is
widely known as a successful politician. He is honored with the
esteem and confidence of his own party, of which he is the leader in
Schenectady County, and is recognized by the Democratic press as a
formidable opponent. He is well known to leading Republicans
all over the state, and his voice is everywhere respected in the
councils of his party. He was Road Commissioner for a time, and
represented his town on the Board of Supervisors for two terms,
being elected each time without opposition, and in 1894, under
BIOGRAPHICAL. 25
Governor Morton's regime, he was appointed Division Superintendent
of the Erie Canal for the Eastern Division, which position he still
holds, and the duties pertaining to which he has always discharged
with his characteristic zeal and fidelity.
Mr. Parker is also widely known in the secret society world. He
is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's
Chapter, No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's Commandery, No. t,j^ K. T.,
and the Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is a charter member
of the Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe, Independent Order of Red Men
and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a
director in the Schenectady Trust and Deposit Company.
Mr. Parker has unquestionably been the architect of his own
fortunes. By his own unaided efforts and fine abilities he has become
a successful business man and a prominent man of affairs, and is
recognized as one of the substantial and honored men of Schenectady
County. During his entire career he has never received a dollar
which he has not earned, and he enjoys the highest confidence and
respect of his fellow men.
On October 14, 18S1, John N. Parker married Kate Blair, daughter
of John Blair. They have a family of three children, John R.,
Ethel B., and James C.
Maxwell Warren Day was born in Honeoye, Ontario County,
N. Y., in 1865, and was graduated from Williams College in 1887
with the degree of A. B. He was salutatorian of his class, and was
a member of the Zeta Psi and Phi Beta Kappa college societies. A
year later he took a post-graduate course at the same college.
In 1889 he entered the employ of the Thomson-Houston Electric
Company, at Lynn, Mass., where he spent several years in the testing
and engineering departments.
After the consolidation of the Thomson-Houston and Edison General
Electric Companies, he came to Schenectady in 1894, and since that
time has been connected with the engineering work of the Power
and Mining Department.
On June 17, 1891, he married Nellie G. Davis, of Honeoj'c,
26 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
daughter of Charles G. and Sarah G. (Putney) Davis. They had
two children, only one of whom is living, Irving M., born April i,
1894. Mrs. Day died August 10, 1900.
Mr. Day is a member of the First Reformed Church, and has
served at different times as deacon and as assistant superintendent,
and superintendent of the Sunday School.
His parents were Rev. S. Mills Day and Ducy Maxwell Day, and
he is descended from Ralph Day, who came from England to Massa.
chusetts before 1660.
George H. Abrams was born in Chenango County, N. Y.,
May 18, 1869, and was educated in the schools of his native
county. After leaving school he went west, and was on a cattle
ranch for two years. Returning east, he studied architecture, and in
1899 opened the ofl&ce where he has since been actively engaged in
the work of his profession.
On June 10, 1891, George H. Abrams married Henrietta Neilons,
daughter of George and Clara (Teachout) Neilons. They have two
children, Ethel and Gertrude.
Dr. Robert D. Austin was born in Galway, Ireland, March
9, 1864. He is a son of Rev. William D. Austin, rector of the
parish of Castlecomer, and Jane (Seal) Austin.
Dr. Austin received his early education in his native land, and
came to America in 1883. In the fall of 1886 he entered McGill
University, Montreal, and was graduated from the veterinary depart-
ment on March 28, 1889; Shortly after graduating he came to the
United States and settled in Schenectady, and began the active
practice of his profession. He is a member of the New York
Veterinary Society, and was appointed one of the tuberculosis
inspectors of the state.
Dr. Austin is a member of St. George's L,odge, No. 6, E. and A.
M., and is a Republican in politics. He married Gertrude C.
Sherman, daughter of Colonel Sherman and Jennie (Gaylor) Sherman.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 27
They have three children, Agnes lyOrna, Dorothy Jane, and Gertrude.
Dr. Austin is of Scotch-Irish descent, his distant ancestors having
come over from Scotland and settled in Ireland.
Major James Madison Andrews, son of James Madison and
Effie (Cochran) Andrews, was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y.,
April 2, 1868. He attended school in his native place, entered
the United States Military Academy at West Point, N. Y., in
1886 and was graduated in 1890. Immediately after gradu-
ating he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, First LTnited
States Cavalry, and served in Montana and through the Sioux
campaign of 1890 and '91. He then served a year in Arizona and
resigned November 9, 1892. He moved to Schenectady and became
connected with the Schenectady Locomotive Works, where he
remained until 1894, when he entered the employ of the (rcneral
Electric Company, where he now holds the position of electrical
engineer.
He was elected First Lieutenant of the Thirty-sixth Separate
Company, N. G. N. Y., in September, 1895, and Captain, April, 1898.
This Company became Company E, Second Regiment, New York
Volunteers in May, 1898. He served with his regiment throughout
the war with Spain from May 2, 1898 until October 31, 1898, and
acted as Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division, Third Army
Corps, General L- S. Carpenter, commanding. Was on the military
staff of Governor Roosevelt, 1898- 1900, and represented the State
of New York at the National Militia Convention at Tampa, Florida,
March, 1899. In February, 1901, he was elected Major, Second
Regiment N. G. N. Y.
Major Andrews is a member of the Military Order, Loyal Legion
and the Military Order of Foreign Wars, the Association of Graduates
United States Military .Academy, the Army and Navy Club, New
York City, the University Club, New York City, the Transportation
Club, New York City, the Mohawk Golf Club, Schenectady, N. Y.,
the Mohawk Club, Schenectady, N. Y., the Saratoga Golf Club,
Saratoga, N. Y., St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's
28 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's Commandery No. t,-], K. T.,
the Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Troy, N. Y., and the Albany
Savereio^n Consistory, thirty-second degree. He is also a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Military Service
Institution, and St. Andrew's Society, Schenectady, N. Y.
Peter Bernardi was born in the city of Schenectady March
I, 1865. His first business experience was in the capacity of drug
clerk in Troy, which position he held for eighteen months. He
then entered the Jones Car Works in Schenectady, where he
remained until 1883, when he went into the cigar business, as a
manufacturer, with his brother, J. H. Bernardi. He remained in
the cigar business until 1890. From 1890 until May i, 1894, he
was employed in the United States mail service. He then went
into the cigar business asjain with his brother, and so continued
until 1898, when the firm of Gleason & Bernardi, undertakers and
embalmers, was formed. In this business Mr. Bernardi has since
remained.
Mr. Bernardi served for five years in the 37th Separate Company,
and was discharged a sergeant ; was second lieutenant in the 36th
Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., three years, and received his
commission as captain of the 136th Separate Company. He is a
member of Schenectady Uodge No. 38, Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, the St. Francis vSociety, and the Schenectady Eiederkranz
Singing Society.
Elizabeth Benedict was born in the city of Schenectad}',
N. Y. Her parents were William F. and Sarah (Swan) Bene-
dict. Her father was born in the town of Charlton, Saratoga
County, and lived in that county until twenty years of age. In
1865 he went to Albany where he engaged in the junk business,
handling iron and brass for the foundries of Troy and Albany. This
business he continued until 1877, when he came to Schenectady.
He died October 20, 1886. Miss Benedict's father was married
BIOGRAPHICAL. 29
twice, and had two sons and one daughter by his first marriage. He
had seven daughters and two sons by his second marriage. Miss
Benedict's motlier was his second wife.
Conrad Baumgarther was born in Germany, January 26,
1856. After receiving a preliminary education, he took a course
in the Technical College at Stuttgart, Wiirttemberg, and gradu-
ated therefrom in 1877. He then went to Turkey as a civil
engineer for the Austrian government, and remained there three
years. From Turkey he returned to Germany, and then came to
America in 1880. After landing in New York he secured a position
as foreman for Mej'ers & Company, with whom he remained for six
years, after which he was employed with the Edison Company for a
short time. He then came to Schenectady and entered the employ
of the General Electric Company, and after he had been six months
in the works, was made foreman of the Tool Department, Shop No.
17, his present position.
In June, 18S3, Conrad Baumgartuer married Mary Volz, who is
also a native of Germany.
Mr. Baumgarteur is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F.
and A. M., Mount Pleasant Lodge No. 717, I. O. O. P., and also of
the Liederkranz Societ}^
Aaron J. BradT was born in the town of Niskayuna, Schenectady
County, N. Y., May 24, 1847, and was educated at the district
schools. After his school days he worked on a farm and then moved
into the city of Schenectady in 1886, and took a position in the
General Electric Works, where he is still emploj'ed. He has always
taken an interest in public affairs, and when in Niskayuna was
collector for two years. He is a member of the Order of Mohawks
and of the Second Reformed Church.
In November, 1866, Aaron J. Bradt married Margaret Bell, of
Schoharie, who died, leaving two sons, Francis and William. On
October 31, 1886, he married Nellie Vansice, his present wife. Mr.
30 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Bradt's ancestors were Mohawk Dutch, and the family is an old
American one. His parents were William H. and Amanda (L,endt)
Bradt.
John Austin Bige^ow was bom in Schenectady County, N. Y.
where he passed the most of his life, and died in the city of Schenec.
tady, October 15, 1874. He was the son of John Nelson and Subina
(Preston) Bigelow. He was educated at Union College, and was a
soldier in the War of the Rebellion.
On September 4, 1866, John Austin Bigelow married Nancy M.
Knowlton, daughter of Alexander R. and Hannah (Haynor) Knowl.
ton, of Saratoga County. They had two children, namely, John,
who is an employe of the General Electric Company, and Preston,
who was drowned, along with his father, October 15, 1874. From
the close of the war up to the time of his death, Mr. Bigelow was
engaged in the grocery business.
Robert G. Brooke was born in Ireland, September 11, 1849,
and was brought to this continent by his parents when he was
five years old. They first located in Canada, and Robert G.
Brooke learned the trade of machinist at Brantford, Ontario.
From Brantford he went to Warren, Pa., where he had charge
of erecting a large engine. He then went to Elkhart, Indiana,
where he remained for five months, after which he joined
the Porter Manufacturing Company, of Syracuse, N. Y., and re-
mained with them for thirteen years. During nine years of that
time he was their erecting engineer, and the balance of the time held
the position of foreman.
Leaving Syracuse, Mr. Brooke went to Mexico, where he remained
for two years, and was engaged in the mining business. He then
returned to the Porter Manufacturing Company, and remained with
them until 1886, when he located permanently in Schenectady. He
was at first foreman in the shafting department (Shop No. 10), of the
General Electric Works, and when Shop No. 9 was built, he took
BIOGRAPHICAL. 31
charge of it until Shop No. 16, the largest shop in the world, was
opened, when he became its general foreman, and still occupies this
important position.
Mr. Brooke is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association
of the Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus. He has been
a member of the Civil Service Board for the past ten years, and has
also been a member of the Board of Managers of the Ellis Hospital
for some time.
In 1878 Robert G. Brooke married Catherine Brennan, daughter of
John and Margaret (L,ane) Brennan. They have one daughter,
Genevieve 1,. A. Mr. Brooke's parents were John and Margaret
(Ferris) Brooke. His mother, Margaret Ferris, was born on the
same day as Queen Victoria.
Mr. Brooke's position at the head of the largest shop in the world
is the best indication of his ability as a mechanical expert, and his
standing in the city is indicated by the honorable offices which
he holds.
Albert R. BurTiss, son of William and Eva (Hess) Burtiss,
was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., July 10, 1846. He was
educated in the district school of his native place, and at the
breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he was one of those who
went to the front to fight for the integrity of the Union. He enlisted
in Battery K, First New York Light Artillery, and served with his
command for three years and nine months.
After receiving his honorable discharge he returned home and
secured a position on the New York Central Railroad as brakesman.
After serving for some time in this capacity he was promoted to the
position of conductor, and remained in the service of the New York
Central for a period of twenty years altogether.
In 1890 he embarked in his present business, dealing in stoves,
sporting goods, bicycles, and so on. This was in Gloversville, N. Y.^
but in 1 891 he removed to Schenectady, and established himself
there. The business has been successful and prosperous throughout
its entire career, and in 1901 Mr. Burtiss admitted his son, Benjamin
32 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
A. Burtiss, into partnership with him, under the firm name of A. R.
Burtiss & Son, b}' whom the business is now conducted.
In November, 1872, Albert R. Burtiss married Sophia Caney,
daughter of Edwai'd B. Caney. They have one son, Benjamin A.
Burtiss, above referred to.
Mr. Burtiss is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. & A. M.,
the Roj'al Arcanum, the Home Circle, and the G. A. R.
Charles H. Benedict, manager of the Van Curler Opera
House, was born in Penn Yan, N. Y., November 6, 1865, and
was educated at the Penn Yan Academy, of which he is a
graduate. His first business experience was with an importing
house, which dealt in kid gloves in New York City, and he remained
there six years. He then entered the theatrical business as booking
agent, and was so engaged for two years. In 1892 he came to
Schenectady to take the position of lessee and manager of the Van
Curler Opera House.
In February, 1892, Charles H. Benedict married Mary De Wolfe,
daughter of Charles and Mary E. (Snell) De Wolfe. His parents
were Alonzo and Rose (Davis) Benedict.
Mr. Benedict is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.
Charees Burrows was born in the city of Peoria, Illinois,
August 3, 1859, and removed to Schenectady, when about eight
years of age, where he has lived ever since. He was a graduate
of Union School, and entered business as a printer at the age
of sixteen. This makes his business career almost twenty-eight
years, which gives him the credit of being the oldest business man in
Schenectady for his age. In 1S98 he opened one of the leading
stationery and art goods stores in the city. He is also the patentee
of several improvements in special ruling machines for printers and
bookbinders, which are being built by the New Century Machine
Company, of Buffalo, N. Y., in which he holds a half interest
BIOGRAPHICAL. 33
Myron Bellinger was born in Seward, Schoharie County,
N. Y., February 16, 1859, -in^ was educated in the district scliools
of his native place. He came to Schenectady in the spring of 1881,
and worked for Englenian & Thornton in the paint business for
one year, at the expiration of wliich he bought out Mr. Thornton,
and the firm became Engleman & Bellinger, as it exsists to-day.
During its long career the firm has built up an enviable reputation
for fair dealing, and in addition to their large retail business, they
also do considerable manufacturing, and are considered one of the
leading paint houses of this part of the state.
On June 27, 1894, Myron Bellinger married Rosanna Trigg,
daughter of John and Anna (Dickens) Trigg, and they have two
children, namely, Marion and Helen. The Trigg family are of
English origin, and Mrs. Bellinger was born in that country.
Mr. Bellinger's parents were David D. and Sophia (Zeh) Bellinger,
and were of German descent.
Mr. Bellinger is a prominent mason and a member of St. George's
Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M.,
and St. George's Commandery No. i^y^ Knights Templar.
James F. Burns, son of John and Mary (Kigher) Burns, was born
in Schenectady, N. Y., in the month of September, 1869, and was
educated in the public schools.
His first employment was in the capacity of messenger boy in the
telephone office, but during the first seven years of his active
employment he was variously engaged. After this he worked for
two years with the General Electric' Company, after which he was
with the Schenectady Illuminating Company for a period of two
years, and had charge of the switch-boards, and so on, for them.
Resolving to better his education, he left off work for a time, and
took a course in Spencer's Business College, from which he was
graduated in 1888.
In 1890 he opened his present business, that of dealer in electrical
supplies. This business is not confined to the city of Schenectady,
but covers a radius of one hundred miles outside of the city. He
34 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
gives employment to fourteen people, and handles everything in the
line of electrical supplies for houses, offices, and so on, carrying on
a large and flourishing enterprise. His store is one of the finest of
its kind, not only in Schenectady, but in this part of the country.
Mr. Burns is a member of the Order of Elks, of the Knights of
Columbus, and of the Exempt Firemen. He is State Inspector of
the Board of Underwriters, is Superintendent of Fire Alarms, and
also of the Police Signal System, and is a member of the State
Electrical Contractors' Association.
Charles H. Betts was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., October
29, 1840. He was educated in the public schools, and afterwards
learned the carriage trade. He was engaged in the carriage business
in Mechanicville until 1881, when he removed to Schenectady,
where he has since resided, and where he conducts a carriage
repository and general repair shop in the Truax Building, on Ferry
Street.
On February 18, 1868, Charles H. Betts married Martha, daughter
of W. S. and Caroline Miller. They have two children, namely. Dr.
Fred Betts, who is a dentist in Kingston, N. Y., and George Betts.
Charles H. Betts is a member of the Order of Red Men, and also
of Montgomery Lodge, No. 504, F. and A. M.
Edward S. Brignall was born in the city of Schenectady,
N. Y., September 17, 1858. After his school days he became a
clerk for David Ostrom in the dry goods business for three
years, after which he was bookkeeper for Diment & Son for
seven years. He then embarked in the shoe business on his own
account in 1887. This business he still conducts, and his establish-
ment is one of the most popular in its line in the city.
On September 17, 1888, Edward S. Brignall married Mary E.
Seymour, and they have one son, Charles S. Mr. Brignall's parents
were Thomas and Hester (Van Buren) Brignall. Mr. Brignall is a
member of the Order of Red Men.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 35
John T. Broderick was bom in Oswego County, N. Y., June 26,
1866. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native
place, and after his school days entered the employ of Henry R-
Worthington, a pulp maker, of New York City, with whom he
remained until 1889.
After leaving Mr. Worthington he went to Lynn, Mass., where he
secured a position with the Thomson Houston Company, with whom
he remained until 1894, when he came to Schenectady with the
General Electric Company. He has been in the employ of this
company constantly since that date, and now occupies the position of
general assistant to the vice-president, E. W. Rice, Jr.
Mr. Broderick is a gentleman of fine literary attainments, and is a
writer of note. He has contributed many valuable articles on
economics and industrial subjects to various publications, showing
himself to be a profound student of national and public affairs.
His social organizations are : the Masonic, in which he is affiliated
with St. George's Lodge, No. 6, E. and A. M., and the Mohawk
Golf Club.
In April, 1894, John T. Broderick married Mary J., daughter of
Charles and Elizabeth (Liscomb) Green, and they have one daughter,
Helen. Mr. Broderick's parents were Daniel and Mary (Danaher)
Broderick.
Daniel Bradley was born in the state of Vermont, May
3, 1816. His parents were Eli A. and Eliza (Orrasber) Brad-
ley. He was engaged in the transportation business for thirty
years, and lived for a long time in Whitehall, N. Y. He came
to Schenectady in 1850 and sold out his transportation business
in 1865. He has lived in the house where he now resides for fifty
years. Mr. Bradley is a member of the I. O. O. E., and was one of
the trustees of the Methodist Church in Whitehall for years, when he
lived in that village. He is now a member and a trustee of the
Congregational Church in Schenectady.
Mr. Bradley has been twice married. His first wife was Harriet
Gibbs, who died in 1872. In 1876 he married Rachael Hulbut, his
present wife. They have two children, Amanda E. and Daniel E.
36 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Joseph H. Bernardi was bom October 25, 1858, in the city of
Schenectady, and was educated in the public schools of his native
place. After leaving school he learned the trade of cigar maker, and
in 1882 began business in that line on his own account, which
business he still conducts.
In addition to conducting his business Mr. Bernardi takes an active
part in public and social affairs. He has represented his ward at the
Council Board, and in 1897 was elected to the office of city treasurer,
to which he was re-elected in 1899. He is organist and musical
director in St. John's Church choir ; is a member of the Order of
Red Men, the Elks, Knights of Columbus, the Schenectady Club,
the Republican Club, and the Liederkranz Musical Society.
In 1 886 Joseph H. Bernardi married Tfieresa, daughter of Michael
and Sarah Barry. They have three children, Maria T., Genevieve
and Helen B. Mr. Bernardi's parents were John and Mary (Claesgeus)
Bernardi, who came from Germany and settled in Schenectady in
1854.
Ernest Jacob Berggren was born in New York City, July 30,
1863, ^i^d 'w^s educated in the schools of Hoboken, N. J. He
prepared himself for an accountant, and in 1879 became assistant
bookkeeper for Thomas A. Edison, at Menlo Park, N. J., and since
that date he has been continuously associated with the interests of the
great inventor. He Iras been associated with Mr. Edison longer than
any other man ever in his employ, and his whole business life has
been in connection with the electrical industry.
Mr. Berggren came to Schenectady from New York, December 18,
1886, when the office force of the Edison Machine Works moved
from New York to this city. Subsecjuently, when the General
Electric Company established its shops here, he became an account-
ant with this company, and is now the chief accountant of the
Schenectady works.
He is a member of the Schenectady County Republican Club, of
the Edison Mutual Benefit Association, and of the Royal Arcanum.
On July 2, 1889, Ernest Jacob Berggren married Olive Furman.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 37
They have had three children, namely Hilda May, John Ernest
(deceased) and Linda Elizabeth. Mr. Berggren's parents were Carl
Leonard Berggren and Josephine (Schultzberg) Berggren.
When the volume of business transacted, and the number of men
employed by the General Electric Company is contemplated, it will
readily be realized that the position of chief accountant of these
works involves an oversight and responsibility not exceeded by any
national secretary, and the fact that Mr. Berggren occupies this
position is the best indication of his capacity and ability, to say
nothing of the zeal and proficiency which have kept him connected
with the General Electric Company, and one of its prime factors,
during his entire business life.
He is a genial and courteous gentleman, who has many friends,
both in Schenectady and the metropolis, and is one of the bright
minds that contribute to the success of the greatest manufacturing
industry in the world.
Mrs. Johk H. BamE was born in Niskayuna, Schenectady County,
N. Y., August 28, 1 82 5. She is the daughter of Albert F. and
Nancy (Failing) Vedder. She was educated in the public schools of
Schenectady, and on November 5, 1842, married John H. Bame, who
was born in Rensselaer County, April 19, 1825. His parents were
David and Margaret (Barringer) Bame. Mrs. Bame's mother, Nancy
Failing, was the daughter of Peter and Keziah (Higbee) Failing.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bame were as follows : Melissa, born
June 23, 1848; Vedder, born May 23, 1S56, died December 10, 1856;
Margaret V., born May 23, 1858.
Melissa married Rozelle Kosboth December 12, 1S66. Her
husband died February 4, 1882. They had four children, namely,
Ettie, Kittie Weaver, Margaret, and John B. Ettie married Alonzo
P. Walton, September 7, 1887. Kittie Weaver married William
Pierce Landon, son of Hon. Judson S. Landon, September 14, 1892; she
died May 25, 1893. Margaret was born July 3, 1874, and married
Harry Landon Butler Ryder on June 16, 1896. They live in
33
^,8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
J
Poiig'hkeepsie, N. Y. John B. married Mabel Weed Van Dyke
December 22, 1896. He is in the livery and real estate business in
Schenectady.
Margaret V. Bame married Willis T. Hanson October 5, 1881.
They have had three children, of whom two are living — Willis, Jr.
and Fnlford. Mr. Hanson is the well known manufacturer of Pink
Pills.
John H. Bame was the first man to start a livery in Schenectady,
in the year 1855 ; he was also the first owner of a hearse in the city.
From the livery he branched out into the carriage and harness
repository l:)usiness, and also into real estate. He was one of
Schenectady's most prominent business men in his day, and had
retired at the time of his death.
George A. Cassedy, son of William A. T. and Ellen (Teachont)
Cassedy, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., November 8, 1870.
He was educated in Saratoga County and at the Lansingburgh
Academy, graduating from this institution in 1887. He taught
scliool for two years, and in 1889 entered the employ of L. A. Young,
in the piano business, with whom he remained for six years. In 1897
he succeeded to the business, which he carried on until May 15, 1900^
when a stock company was organized under the name of the George
A. Cassedy Company, with Mr. Cassedy as secretary.
On June 27, 1900, George A. Cassedy married Clara, daughter of
Thomas and Jane (Swatling) Mohan. Mr. Cassedy is a member of
Champion Lodge, No. 554, I. O. O. F., and is an enterprising and
successful business man.
Howr.AND S. Barney, one of the best known and, undoubtedly,
the oldest business man in Schenectady, was born in" Saratoga
County, N. Y., March 23, 1822. His parents were Dr. Z. H. and
Eliza (Swain) Barney. Dr. Barney moved to Minaville, Montgomery
County, N. Y., in 1826, and there Howland S. Barney attended the
common schools until fourteen years of age, when he came to
BIOGRAPHICAL. 39
Schenectady and took a position as clerk in the dry goods store of
Sydney B. Potter, where he remained fonr years. He then entered
the employ of John Olin, and nltimately became his partner in 1849,
under the firm name of John Olin & Company.
In 1853 ^'^^- Barney bought the interest of the retiring partner in
the firm of Barringer & Company, and five years later the name of
the firm was changed to H. S. Barney & Company, which it has
ever since maintained, and has become one of the most widely known
and popular department stores in this part of the state. The high
standing and prolonged existence of this house under one name is a
tribute to the business enterprise and ability of Mr. Barney.
In 1856 Howland S. Barney married Sarah, daughter of Joseph
Horsefall, of Schenectady. They have two children.
Warren B. Clark was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June
15, 1870. After receiving a liberal public school education he went
to New York City to study drawing, which he pursued for two years,
and then sttxdied architecture in the same city for two years more. In
1897 he came to Schenectady, and was engaged in architectural work
until July, 1901, when he entered the works of the General Electric
Company, taking a position in the office of W. A. Pearson, where he
is still engaged.
On November 24, 1897, Warren B. Clark married Ricie S. Lewis,
daughter of Harmon J. Lewis, of Norwich, N. Y. Mr. Clark's
parents were Amasa C. and Elizabeth H. (Frieze) Clark. He is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the
K. O. T. M.
W. J. Cunningham was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
February 22, 1847. His parents were James and Rose (Malon)
Cunnincrham. He received his education in the public schools of
the city of Schenectady, and, when quite young, moved to the town
of Glenville, where he engaged in farming for a few years. Retiirn-
ino- to the city, he learned the trade of blacksmith, which he
40 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
followed in the Locomotive Works for a period of five years, after
which he worked in Albany, where he was engaged at his trade for
three years. Returning to Schenectady, he embarked in the grocery
business, which he followed for seven years, at the end of which time
he eng-aeed in the meat busine.ss, which he sold out at the end of
three years. He finally went into the real estate business, in which
he has been very successful, and in which he is still engaged.
In 1 886 W. J. Cunningham married Nellie McCarn, and they have
had four children, three of whom are living, William J., Joseph F.,
and Justin, and one, Raymond P., deceased.
Calvin H. Chambers was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
September 17, 1868, and was educated in the schools of his native
place. In 1882 he took a position as office boy in the jewelry store
of James Sanders, with whom he remained for two years, after which
he was employed for three years in the Steer's meat market. He
next went into the Locomotive Works to learn the trade of machinist,
and after an apprenticeship of three and one-half years he was pro-
moted to the draughtsman department, where he remained until the
panic of 1893. In 1894 he entered the employ of the General
Electric Company, and has been with them ever since.
On September 17, 1901, Calvin H. Chambers married Jessie Kellam.
Mr. Chambers' father was David Chambers, who was born in Albany,
N. Y. His mother was Elizabeth (Davis) Chambers, who was a
native of Charlestown, Montgomery County, N. Y. Mrs. Chambers'
parents were Jeptha and Myra (MacNeil) Kellam. Mr. Chambers
resides in the house in which he was born, and in which his father
resided for fifteen )-ears. He is a trustee of the Emmanuel Baptist
Church, and is a member of the Red Men, of the Tribe Schaugh-
naueh-ta-da.
Seth L. CluTE was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
September 5, 1842, and was the son of John F. and Anna (V^an
Patten) Clute. He was in the grocery business for twenty years, and
BIOGRAPHICAL. 41
was one of the well known and enterprising citizens of Schenectady,
and served a term as sheriff of the connty, to which he was elected
in the fall of 18S4. This office had once been filled by his father,
and by both alike, its duties were discharged with marked ability and
efficiency.
He always took a lively interest in public affairs ; was a Republican
in politics, and represented his ward at the Council Board for a term.
He was, for many years, a member of the Commercial Traveler's
Association, of Syracuse, N. Y., and was so at tlie time of his death.
When the Northrup religious services were held at Union Hall some
sixteen )-ears ago, he took an active interest in the movement, and
contributed largely to its success. He was always interested in the
success and welfare of others, and of the community at large, and so
had many friends. This fine trait in his character no doubt led to
his success in two important election contests, when the odds against
him were so large that he scarcely expected to win.
Mr. Clute was twice married. His first wife was Virginia Dillen-
beck. His second wife was Anna Van Vranken, daughter of Jacob and
Marilla (Baumes) Van Vranken.
Seth L. Clute died in the spring of 1901. Three children survive
him, namelj', \'irginia, Weidman, and Lauren. The Clute family is
an old and honored one in Schenectady, where the ancestors of the
present generation ]ia\e resided since tlie earh- days.
A city paper, commenting upon Mr. Clute at the time of his death,
said : " Seth L. Clute was one of nature's noblemen. LZver solicitious
for others, of a generous, hearty and sympathetic temperament,
strictly honorable and honest in his dealings, courteous and friendly
at all times, his acquaintance was large and his friends were legion."
Ephriam Clowe was born in Glenville, Schenectady County, N.
Y., October 27, 1831. He was educated at the district school, and
lived on his father's farm until 1848, when he moved to Scotia, and
worked at the blacksmith's trade for three years. In 1852 he moved
into Schenectady, where he continued at his trade for forty years.
42 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Mr. Clowe is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F.,
Schangh-nangh-ta-da Tribe, No. 123, I. O. R. M., Shiawassee Council,
No. 29, D. of P., I. O. R. M.., the Exempt Firemen's Association, and
the Haymaker's Association, No. 349 ■/2-
On May 21, 1854, Ephriam Clowe married Loui.sa McMichael.
There children are Ida, Frank F., Grace, and Earle. Mr. Clowe's
ancestors were Mohawk Dutch.
George W. Cary was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
and is a son of John E. and Katherine C. (Clackner) Cary. He came
to Schenectady and began to work in the Schenectady Locomotive
Works, at his trade of machinist, in 1878, and continued there until
1884. He retired from active work in 1885, and died April 16. 1901.
He was a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., and of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He left one son, George W.
Cary, who now operates the Electric Carpet Cleaning Works in
Schenectady. He was for eigliteen years a member of the old
Schenectady Washington Continentals.
George Clute was born in the city of Schenectady, March 12,
1849, ^^^ 'w^s ediTcated in the public schools. He worked in
Shear's quarry for six weeks, and was employed on the canal for
a like period. He then worked for Benjamin Van Vranken for a
time, after which he was engaged in the nursery for Dr. Pearson
for a period of two years. He was" also employed by Mr. Bradley
and Mr. Vrooman, and worked on a gravel train for three months.
When seventeen years of age he drove for Dr. Hickok, then president
of Union College, and when twenty-two years of age lie again drove
the college team for a season. He was employed by the Westing-
house Company for some time. He has been superintendent of
the grounds of Union College for the past twenty years.
In 1873 George Clute married Carrie Melber. They have five
children, namely, Lewis, Anna (now Mrs. Ed Sweeney), Rosa
(now Mis. George Moss), William, and George. Mr. Clute's ancestors
were Mohawk Dutch.
.^^^A-^^.-^jk-au'^-'^
BIOGRAPHICAL. 43
Frederick S. Auchenpaugh, son of Frederick and Aplonia Ann
(Ostrander) Auchenpaugh, was born in Schoharie County, N. Y.,
March 20, 1855. After his school da^-s lie took a position as brake-
man on the Delaware &. Hudson Railroad. After a time he became
fireman, and after three years' work in this capacit\', was made a
locomotive engineer. For the next nineteen years he ran a locomo-
tive on the Fitchburg Railroad, now the Boston & Maine. In
1896 lie became bookkeeper for Hoke & Marlett, at Rotterdam
Junction, N. Y., with whom he remained a }ear, after which he went
to Williamstown, Mass., and opened a hotel, , which he conducted
until 1899. He then moved to Schenectady and purchased the
Gilmore House, which he still conducts.
On April 28, 1876, Frederick S. Auchenpaugh married Rub)-
Vernum, daughter of Jediah and Lucinda (La Barron) Vernuni.
They have two children, Frederick V., born August 23, 1S97, and
Hiland W., born June 13, 1899.
Mr. Auchenpaugh is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F.
and A. M., Montgomery Chapter, No. 257, R. A. M., and Washington
Commandery, No. t,t„ Knights Templar, of Saratoga Spriug.s, N. Y.,
and also of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and the Liquor
Dealers' Association. Mr. Auchenpaugh is a genial and popular
gentleman, who has been uniformly successful in all his undertaking.^,
and who has made many friends in all walks of life by his honesty
in business and his generous and considerate treatment of all men.
Jacob A. Cramer was born in Pennsylvania July 7, 1850, and is
a son of Jacob and Mary (Haight) Cramer. He received his early
education in the public schools of Brooklyn, N. Y., and came to
Schenectady County, N. Y., in 1863, and worked on a farm for two
years. I^eaving the farm, he learned the trade of painter, and has
since been engaged in that line as contractor.
On September 5, 1873, Jacob A. Cramer married Sarah Eckrich,
daughter of Adam and Margaret (Winter) Eckrich. They ha\'e three
children, Anna L., Josephine, and Francis J.
44 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Edwin Clute, proprietor of the Ellis House, one of the well
known hostelries of Schenectady, is a son of John and Mar}- (Borden)
Clute, and was born in the town of Gilderland, Albany County, N-
Y., September 26, 1865. He was educated in the district schools of
his native town and in the Union School of Schenectady. In 1884
he embarked in the hay and straw business, in which he was success-
fully engaged until the year 1900, his operations being principally in
Albany County. He then bought the Ellis House and moved to
Schenectad}', where he has since resided, and where he has been very
successful, owing to his enterprise and geniality.
In October, 1891, Edwin Clute married Eliza, daughter of Corne-
lius and Catherine (Piersou) Miller. He is a member of Noah .
Lodge, No. 754, F. and A. M., Noah Chapter, No. 264, R. A. M., and
Schenectady Lodge, No. 480, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
In politics Mr. Clute is a Democrat, and has always taken an active
interest in the success of his party.
James Clute was born in Rotterdam, N. Y., April 14, 1822, and
was the son of Tumius and Nancy (Crawford) Clute. His father was
one of a family of seven sons. After his school days James Clute
was employed on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age.
when he embarked in the grocery business in Rotterdam, and in
which he was engaged until 1871, when he sold out, moved into the
city, and was engaged in the fruit and candy business for three )'ears,
He was then engaged in the manufacture of brooms for a year, after
which he retired. While living in Rotterdam Mr. Clute was Super-
visor of that town for a term, and was also Supervisor of the 5th
Ward in Schenectady.
William Danco was born in Soest, Westfalen, Germany, in
April, 1850. He graduated from the Polytechnic School of Aachen
in 1873 with the degree of M. E. He then worked in a locomotive
works in Russia until 1881, when he came to New York to work on
the Brooklyn Bridge. In 1882 he entered the Edisou Machine
BIOGRAPHICAL. 45
Works of New York, and in 1885 came to Schenectady with the
General Electric Company. He remained with the General Electric
Company nntil 1894, when he opened an architect's office on his own
acconnt, and is still engaged in that profession.
Mr. Danco's parents were Carl and Mary (Wolf) Banco. He is a
member of the German Club, and is a Democrat in politics.
Fari,ey F. Dunear was born in Schenectady, N. Y., March 15,
1867, and was educated in the Union School of his native city. His
first employment was in the shipping room of Weiderhold & Company,
where he remained for a short time, after which he went into the
cutting department, where he learned cutting and trimming, and of
which department he became foreman at the age of twenty years.
On June 17, 1891, Farley F. Dunbar married Adele Striiben,
daughter of Tobias and Catherine (Sniuck) Striiben. His wife was
born in Hamburg, Germany, in the year 1866. They have one
daughter, Adele, who was born April 4, 1895.
Mr. Dunbar's parents were Frank and Barbara (Gilb) Dunbar.
His father came from Germany in 1851, and his mother in 1852.
They settled in Troy, in which city they were married. Mr. Dunbar
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
John B. Dayton was born in the town of Niskayuna, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., February 18, 1863. His parents were Patrick
and Margaret (Leonard) Dayton. He was educated in the district
school, and for a time followed railroading. He was station agent
for the New York Central Railroad for thirteen years, the la.st three
of which he was located in Schenectad)'. Since leaving the rail-
road he has been employed in the transformer department of the
General Electric Company.
On October 26, 1886, John B. Dayton married Anna Gorman, of
Troy, N. Y. They have two children, John J. and Margaret.
46 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Frank V. De Forest was born in the city of Schenectady,
April II, 1S43, '^""^ "^'^s the son of C). L. and Sarah (Vedder) De
Forest. After leaving school, he was a clerk in a grocery store for
two years, after which he entered the Schenectady Locomotive
Works and learned the trade of machinist. He remained in the
Locomotive Works for six }ears and spent a 3'ear at Corinth,
Saratoga Connty, putting up machinery in the pulp mills. He was
then in the grocery business for four years, and in December, 1881,
he was appointed Assistant Chief of Police, which position he still
holds, along with that of Assistant Chief of Detectives.
On December 22, 1869, Frank V. De Forest married Raie Scarff.
They have a family of eight children living, namely, Walter, Frank
v., William, Jay, Nellie (now Mrs. Leonard Effner,) Belle, Martha,
and May.
David J. Cronin w<as born in New York City, March 29, 1871,
and was the son of Thomas and Mary (Duane) Cronin.
On December 12, 1899, he married Margaret Walsh, daughter of
John and Catherine (Murphy) Walsh, of Cohoes, N. Y.
Mr. Cronin was in the undertaking business in Schenectady for
seven years. He was a graduate of Xavier College, New York City,
and was an enterprising young business man. He died December
18,1 900.
Theodore L. Commoss was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., July i,
1873, and was educated at Oakwood Seminary, Union Springs, N.
Y. After his school daj's he was employed in New York and
Brooklyn with a wholesale casket company, and later on was with
Stephen Merritt & Company, of New York. He spent seven years
in Cohoes and Saratoga, and is a graduate of the United States
College of Embalming, New York City. His license is No. 463.
In April, 1900, he settled in Schenectady and embarked in business
on his own account, which he has since conducted with gratifying
success.
T. L. Commo.ss is a son of Stephen Otis and Louise (Pelser)
BIOGRAPHICAL
47
Commoss. His father was a native of New York City and his
mother (deceased) was a native of Connecticut.
Mr. Commoss is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and
A. M., Rising Snn Cliapter, No. 132, and Washington Commandery,
No. 33, Knights Templar, Saratoga vSprings, N. Y. He is also a
member of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F., the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and the Mohawk Club.
Nicholas Buys, son of Henry and Harriet (Veeder) Buys, was
born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y., Septem-
ber 7, 1857, and was educated in the district school. After leaving
school he took a position as lock-tender on the Erie Canal, where he
remained for six years. He then worked for the Boston & Hoosac
Tunnel Railroad for two 3'ears, after which he was on the Fitchburg
Railroad for several years. His next position was that of fireman on
the West Shore Railroad, but after two years in this position, returned
to the Fitchburg as fireman, which position he held for four years,
when he was promoted to night foi'eman for the same railroad, and
held that position for nine year's. He is now night mechanic for the
Boston & Maine Railroad. Mr. Buys is a member of Westina Lodge,
No. 762, 'and of the Red Men, of Rotterdam Junction.
On December 25, 1877, Nicholas Buys married Ida Breys, and they
have two children living, Mabel and Jennie.
OrEn Finch, son of John J. and Calista (Gray) Finch, was born
in Otsego County, N. Y., May 10, 1866. After his .school days he
learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for seven years,
after which he took up the study of architecture, and in 1896 went
to Gloversville and opened up an office. After spending two years
in Gloversville, and some time in study and travel, he went to
Oneonta, where he remained for two and one-half years.
In July, 1902, he came to Schenectady, where he has since
resided, his residence in the city being- contemporaneous with the life
48 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
of the "new city," in the designing and building up of which he has
performed a notable part. Among the building designed by him
might be mentioned all the buildings of the Oneonta, Cooperstown
& Richfield Springs Railroad, including depots, car-houses and
office buildings.
On November 12, 1901, Oreii Finch married Helen, daughter of
James and Mary (Broughton) Munn.
Mr. Finch is a member of Cobleskill Lodge, No. 394, F. and A.
M., and of Richmondville Lodge, No. 525, I. O. O. F.
Samuel A. Weast, son of James and Margaret (Clogston) Weast,
was born in the town of Princetown, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
August 13, 1832, and was educated at the district school and at the
Charlotteville Academy. After leaving the academy Mr. Weast taught
school during the winter months for a number of years, while in the
summer he worked at the carpenter trade. He was afterwards elected
school commissioner, and was the second commissioner elected in the
county. He is a Republican in politics, and has held the office of
town clerk for the town of Princetown, and was also supervisor of
the town for two years.
In February, 1864, Samuel A. Weast married Sarah McMillan.
Mr. Weast's ancestor's on his father's side were Dutch, and on his
mother's side were Scotch.
Mr. Weart's occupation at the present time, and since he was
married, has been farming.
Joseph C. Dancer was born in Birmingham, England, September
I, 1859, ^"^ began his mechanical career as an apprentice with James
Watt & Company, in the Soho Foundry. Subsequently he was in
the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, England, and later was with Yarrow
& Companj', torpedo boat bnilders. Thus, before coming to America,
he already had a large and varied experience and a thorough mechan-
ical training.
BIOGRAPHICAL. . 49
In 1889 Mr. Dancer came to the United States and entered the
services of John Roches, a ship-bnilder, at Chester, Pa., where he
remained two years. He then came to vSchenectady to work for the
Edison Company, but in 1891, just four months after his arrival, he •
was made superintendent of the Pattern Shop, which position he
now holds with the General Electric Company.
It is stated upon the best of authority that this Pattern Shop is
without a superior in the entire world, and the fact that Mr. Dancer
is its superintendent, is the best indication of his skill in this line, as
well as of his executive ability.
Mr. Dancer is a prominent Mason, and is affiliated with St. George's
Lodge, No. 6, ¥. and A. M., St. George's Chapter, No. 157, R. A. M.,
and St. George's Commandery, No. T,y, Knights Templar. He is
also president of the Schenectady Club, is a member of Champion
Lodge, No. 554, I. O. O. F., a director of the Building & Loan
Association, one of the Board of Directors of the Edison Mutual
Benefit Association, and a member of the Republican Club. His
father, Cornelius Dancer, was a Mason in Birmingham, England, for
over thirty years.
On April 27, 1893, Joseph C. Dancer married Harriet, daughter of
John H. and Mary Seeley, of Glenville, N. Y. His parents were
Cornelius and Emma (Baker) Dancer, both natives of England.
As will be seen from the foregoing, Mr. Dancer not only holds an
important and responsible position in the General Electric Works,
but is also prominently identified with leading organizations and vital
interests of the city of Schenectady. He is a public-spirited man,
who is always found on the side of progress and enterprise, and is ever
ready to aid every worthy cause looking toward advancement in any
field of public affairs or of human life.
J.A.COB Endres, son of Joseph and Mary (Ellis) Endres, was born
in Schenectady, N. Y., September 6, 1S60, and was educated in the
public schools and the Union School of Schenectady. At the age of
twenty-three Mr. Endres began farming on his own account in
Schenectady County, and has always followed this occupation.
50 schj:nectady county: its history.
On June i6, 1883, Jacob Endres married Mary, daughter of L,eo and
Frances (Link) Greeley, and they have a family of five children, the
second youngest of whom died December 20, 1901.
Mr. Endres takes an active interest in public affairs and politics,
but has always avoided public office.
W. C. Eger was born in the city of Berlin, Germany, but was
brought to this country when one year old. After residing three
years in New York-City, his parents removed to Schoharie County,
N. Y., but subsequently came to Schenectady, and here W. C. Eger
was an apprentice at the machinist's trade for nine years.
Having learned the trade, he went to Europe for a year, after
which he returned to this country and embarked in the florist's
business with his father. In 1878 he went into this business alone,
and is still so engaged, conducting one of the finest florist's establish-
ments in this part of the state.
In April, 1878, W. C. Eger married Sophia Freitag. They have
two sons, Julius and Eewis. His wife died in June, 1901. Mr. Eger
is a member of the Red Men and the Mohawk organization. His
parents were John C. and Emily (Hasserick) Eger.
David B. Engleman was born in Schenectady, N. Y., May 21,
1854, and was educated in the schools of his native place. After
spending a year as a clerk in a dry goods Iiouse he engaged in the
paint business in 1872 with T. B. Thornton, under the firm name of
T. B. Thornton & Company. The firm name was subsequently
changed to Engleman & Thornton, and in 1882 to Engleman &
Bellinger, when Myron Bellinger became a member of the firm.
They conduct a large wholesale and retail business in paints, and
also manufacture to a considerable extent themselves. The house
has a high reputation throughout Schenectady and the surrounding
country, and does a large business.
Mr. Engleman is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and
A. M., St. George's Chapter, No. 157, R, A. M., St. George's Com-
BIOGRAPHICAL. 51
mandery, No. 37, Knights Templar, and to the Council at Troy. He
is a past master of the Blue Lodge, past high priest of the Chapter,
and a member of the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the
Mohawk Club, and was school commissioner in the years 1888
and 1889.
On February 8, 1878, David B. Engleman married Malinda Bellin-
ger, who died in 1882. In June, 1889, he married Irene S. Robison,
his present wife. Mr. Engleman's parents were Solomon and
Magdalene (Bellinger) Engleman, and he was their only child. His
father was a native of Berlin, and came to the United States in 1840.
He was born in 1799 and died in 1882.
W. C. Finch, son of Benjamin and Helen S. (Delamater) Finch,
was born in the town of Knox, Albany County, N. Y., October 15,
1876. He moved to Schenectady in 1887, and attended school in
that city for several years. He also graduated from business college,
and took a complete course in the National School of Electricity.
In the fall of 1894 he entered the employ of a small electrical con-
cern in Schenectady, and later finished his practical experience in
electricity with a large electrical firm in New York City.
On March i, 1899, he joined William F. Hahn in establishing a
wholesale and retail electrical, photographic and bicycle supply
business, with stores located in Schenectady, Albany and Troy,
together with a well equipped plant for the manufacture of electrical
apparatus, giving employment to over fifty men.
Mr. Fineh is a member of Lhc Merchants' Association of New
York State, the Electrical Contractors' Association of New York
State, and of the Young Men's Christian A.ssociation.
Patrick Finegan was born in Clinton County, N. Y., February
25, 1844. His parents were Edward and Lillie Finegan. After his
school days he remained on the farm in Clinton County until 1864,
when he went west to California, where he was engaged in the
52 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
milling business until 1883, when he returned to Clinton County and
resumed farming. He remained in his native county until 1899,
when he settled in Schenectady, and is employed in the works of
the General Electric Company. On January i, 1876, Patrick Fine-
gan married Anna McCoy.
Ulrich L. Fisler was born in Switzerland, January 17, 1859, and
came to America at the age of fourteen. He came directly to
Schenectady, where he settled, and went to work for C. P. Sanders,
with whom he remained nine years. He then took a position in the
car shops of the New York Central Railroad Company, but only
remained a short time, after which he had a position in the freight
department for the same road for two years. He next worked for
Stephen Gates for two and one-half years, after which he embarked
in the trucking business on his own account and still continues in
that occupation.
Mr. Fisler married Henrietta Draper, and they have three children,
namely, Charles, Henry and Arthur. His parents were Abram and
Barare Fisler.
William L,. Fodder, M. D., was born at Cohoes, Albany County,
N. Y., February 12, 1S76. He graduated from the High School in
1893, and in 1894 entered the Albany Medical College, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1897 with the degree of M. D.
After graduating he occupied the position of house physician at the
Ellis Hospital for one year, after which he was in the hospital corps
during the Spanish-American War for a period of five months.
Shortly after returning home from the war he opened an office in
Schenectady, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his
profession.
On November 29, 1900, William E- Fodder, M. D., luarried
Josephine, daughter of Edward and Susan (Kingston) McNeary, of
Cohoes. His parents are John and Margaret (Ayres) Fodder.
Dr. Fodder is a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society,
St. George's Eodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., and the University Club.
v (^-itMal ilk K
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BIOGRAPHICAL. 53
Hon. Henry S. De Forest — No city in the United States has
experienced such an advancement during the last decade as has Schen-
ectady, and no man in this flourishing little city has been so intimately
associated with its growth and development as the subject of this
sketch.
Hon. Henry S. De Forest was born in the city of Schenectady in
the year 1847, ^""^ '^^s been identified with it and its business and
public affairs all his life. For the past seventeen years he has
devoted his attention to the real estate business, and has become the
recognized leader in this line, not only in Schenectady, but in this
part of the state. He is not only an extensive dealer in real estate,
but is himself a large property owner, so that his interests are
intimately interwoven with those of the city. He owns the largest
office building in the city, and has built hundreds of houses during
the last few years. Millions of dollars worth of real estate in the
city of Schenectady have passed through his hands, most of it
being sold on easy terras, so that purchasers were given the best
advantages possible. His liberal and honorable treatment of cus-
tomers was well illustrated during the panic of '93, when it is on
record that he did not foreclose a single mortgage or demand any
stringent terms from any purchaser. When Schenectady's new life
began, he was a potent force in assisting its growth and development.
In addition to his activity in putting up new buildings, he laid out
many new streets, and, by his enterprise and energy, aided immensely
in establishing and maintaining the spirit of confidence in the new
growth of the city, which to-day has become a permanent realization.
The confidence which the public has in him as a capable, honor-
able, and enterprising man, was first expressed when he was
elected City Recorder, and was emphasized by his election to the
office of Mayor of the city for two terms, namely, from 1885 to 1887,
and again from 1889 to 1891.
Of the many benefits which Schenectady has secured through him
may be mentioned the fine railroad depot, the handsome Edison
Hotel, and the elegant Van Curler Opera House. He has left his
impress upon the history of the best days in the life of the city of
34
54 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Schenectady, and is still aiding in promoting its welfare and
advancement.
Mr. De Forest is a director of the Schenectady State Bank, of the
Van Curler Opera House, of the Schenectady Contracting Company,
and is the principal owner of the Daily Gazette, the leading Dem-
ocratic paper of Schenectady.
Although Mr. De Forest has his politics, and has held public
office, his regime bears a striking contrast to the mere politician.
During his term of office he looked only to the welfare and advance-
ment of his city, and no considerations of party, creed or influence,
could swerve him from his duty to the public at large. And he has
had the felicity of seeing many notable and permanent improvements
made, as well as the honor of being the official herald of the new
Schenectady.
Hon. Henry S. De Forest is a descendant of one of the old and
well known families of this part of the state. His grandfather,
Jacob De Forest, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., May 28,
1754. He was the father of Obidiah L,. De Forest, who was the
father of the subject of this sketch. Obidiah L,. De Forest was a
prominent man of his day, and held the office of sheriff of Schenec-
tady County.
James Warrrn Vedder was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in
1873. He attended the public schools, and after gradtiating there-
from, entered Union Classical Institute, from which he graduated in
1890, and entered Union College in 1894. After completing his
course he entered the Albany Law School, graduating in 1899, in the
fall of which year he was admitted to the Bar. He immediately
located in this city, where he has since been actively engaged in the
practice of his profession. Mr. Vedder is a member of the following
societies : Sigma Phi Society, the Mohawk Club, the Mohawk Golf
Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Schenectady
County Republican Club, and the Schenectady County Bar Asso-
ciation.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 55
George deB. Greene was born in the city of Annapolis, Mary-
land, in the year 1870, and was prepared for college by private
tuition and in the schools of Washington and Philadelphia. He
then entered Cornell University, and was graduated in the class of
'93 with the degree of M. E.
After graduating he went to New York City and worked for the
Edison Illuminating Company for one year, after which he entered
the New York office of the General Electric Company, where he
remained for two years, coming to Schenectady in the employ of the
same coiupany. He was connected with the Foreign Department of
this company until the breaking out of the Spanish-American War,
in the spring of 1898.
He was Second Lieutenant of the 36th Separate Company, but
went to the front as First Lieutenant of Company E, Second New
York Volunteer Infantry, in May, 1898, and was appointed Battalion
Adjutant in June of that year. He also acted as Ordnance Officer of
the regiment during all the time it was out, and was with the regi-
ment from its first muster at Camp Black, to Chickamauga, to
Tampa, to Feruaudina to Camp Hardin.
In June, 1899, George deB. Greene married Harriet M. Campbell,
of Schenectady, a granddaughter of Hon. Alonzo Christopher Paige,
and daughter of the late Douglas Campbell and Harriet B. (Paige)
Campbell. Douglas Campbell was the author of "The Puritans in
England, Holland and America."
Mr. Greene's father was S. Dana Greene, a commander in the
United States Navy, who served as executive officer on the Monitor
in its famous fight with the Mernmac in 1862, and who commanded
his ship at the end of that fight. He served in the navy all his life,
and his name is one of the most distinguished in the roll of America's
naval heroes. He was a son of Major-Geueral George S. Greene, who
saw much active service in the Civil War, and who was a prominent
civil engineer, both before and after that conflict. He graduated
from West Point when he was twenty-three years of age, and died at
the ripe old age of ninety-seven, being at the time of his death the
oldest living graduate of West Point,
56 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
George deB. Greene's mother was Mary W. Dearth, of Rhode
Island, and he belongs to the same family as General Nathaniel
Greene, a famous Revolutionary soldier of that state. His wife's
father was a major in the Civil War, and was also a prominent
lawyer.
Henry Geisenhouer was born in Germany, October 13, 1858,
and was educated in tlie schools of his native place. He learned the
trade of machinist and gnnmaker, serving an apprenticeship of four
years, and worked in various gunshops, and served three years in the
German cavalry until 1881, when he went to Holland, working in
gunshops, and proceeded from there to England, spending six months
in London at gun and machine shops. He came to the United States
in the fall of iS8r, and settled first in Virginia. Here he first ran a
gas engine in a hotel for seven months, and then- went to the Roanoke
Locomotive Works, after which he moved to New York, where he
remained two years, and was employed in the Scale Works. He next
went west to Oregon, Washington, California and Arizona, spending
nine months on the trip, after whicli he went to Fort Smith,
Arkansas, Paris, Texas and St. Louis. From St. Louis he went to
Springfield, Mass., and later returned to New York City, where he
took employment with the Edison Company in 1886. In that year
he came to Schenectady as a mechanic, and is now foreman of
the experimental department of the General Electric Company.
This position he has held since 1889.
On May 11, 1887, Henry Geisenhouer married Caroline Hines.
They have one adopted son. Layman. Mr. Geisenhouer is a member
of the Royal Arcanum, the Edison Mutual Benefit Association, and
the Methodist Society.
Mason W. Hall was born in the village of Crescent, Saratoga
County, N. Y., July 19, 1871. His first position of importance after
leaving school was that of cashier and bookkeeper for Charles C.
Yund, of Amsterdam, N. Y., with whom he remained for two and
BIOGRAPHICAL. 57
one-half years. He next entered the eniplo)' of Knox & Knox, with
whom he remained for fonr years. Part of this time he resided in
Binghamton, attending to the affairs of his employers.
In 1893 ■'^^ came to Schenectady and, along with Jesse L. Patton,
formed the partnership of Patton & Hall, shoe dealers, and established
the house which subsists to-day in Schenectady under that name.
The firm of Pattoir & Hall has become one of the best known shoe
houses in this part of the state. They have a branch store on lower
State Street, and also one in Amsterdam, and one in Johnstown, N. Y.
On September 6, 1898, Mason W. Hall married Nellie C. Chubb,
niece of Walter and Ellen Wellman, of Schenectady. They have one
son, Howard W., born March 15, 1902. His parents were Henry E.
and Sophia J. (Van Keuren) Hall. Mr. Hall is a member of
St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., St. Paul's Lodge, No. 17,
I. C). O. F"., and the Union Presbyterian Church.
Ei^MER A. GasnkR was born in West Fulton, Schoharie County,
N. Y., June 8, 1871, and was educated in the public schools of his
native place. After his school days he remained on the farm for
about six years, and then engaged in the milk business, coming to
this city to reside in 1896. Two years later he embarked in the
laundry business, in which he has since been engaged, and in which
his intcfj-rity and perseverance have won him many friends and
established on a firm footing the " Union Laundry," one of the best
laundries in Greater Schenectady.
On December 28, 1892, Elmer A. Gasner married Hattie A. Mosher,
who was a teacher in the public schools of Saratoga County, and who
was born in Galway, Saratoga County, N. Y., March 29, 1871.
Their children are : Leroy O., Ernest W., and Ralph E. Mr. Gasner's
parents were G. W. and C. C. (Perry) Gasner. His father was a
soldier, having served his country in the Civil War of i86i-'65, in
which he was wounded.
Mr. Gasner is a member of the Modern Woodmen, and in politics
is a Republican.
58 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William J. Gleason, son of Michael and Bridget (Keane)
Gleason, was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., November 30,
1864. He was educated in the schools of his native city, and, after
leaving school, secured a position as a clerk for Yates & Moir, with
whom he remained for one year. He then worked for R. T. Moir
until 1899, when he succeeded to the business, and now has the finest
book store and stationery business in the cit}'. He also deals in wall
paper, picture frames, mouldings, and so on, and through his business
enterprise and lionorable methods, has built up a large trade.
Mr. Gleason takes an active interest in the welfare and progress of
Schenectady, being particularly devoted to the cause of education, and
represents the Third Ward upon the Board of Education. He is a
member of the Order of Red Men, Knights of Columbus, the
Schenectady Club, and Lodge No. 480, B. P. O. E.
Mr. Gleason's parents came from Ireland in 1S63 and settled in
Schenectady.
William Gregg was born in Schenectady, N. Y., July 7, 1863,
and was educated in the public schools. He learned the moulder's
trade and worked at it for twelve years. He was tben appointed
captain of the state scow, under James McKain, and filled that
position for four years, after which he embarked in the liquor
business, in which he is still engaged.
On April 29, 18S9, William Gregg married Catherine Hayes, and
they have one daughter, Sarah. Mr. Gregg's parents were George C.
and Eunice (Thornton) Gregg.
Mr. Gregg is a member of the Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe, No. 123,
Independent Order of Red Men, and also of the Liquor Dealers'
Association.
Henry Grupe was born in Morsum, Hanover, Germany, in 1845,
and was educated in his native country. He came to America and
located in Schenectady in 1S66. His first employment here was with
Brown's F'urniture Company, where he remained a year, after which
he worked for DeForest, in the same line, and remained with him
■ £'i/ S" C'. ^iy/i^~u fJ:
-^(^ty^.-,;::^^ -^
^^^^u^c-^<.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 59
until he went out of business. He then went to work for Charles
Yates, but after a time entered the employ of the Schenectady
Car Works, and later on went to Green Island. Returning to
Schenectady, he embarked in the upholstering business, in which he
is still engaged.
In March, 1878, he married Caroline Wilhelniina Pullman. They
have four children, Mamie, wife of Fred Sleeter ; Addie, Lena, and
Ethel. Mr. Grupe is a member of the German Benevolent Society.
Edward F. Garijng, son of Jacob and Anna (Naiven) Garlino-,
was born August i, 1859, and after his school days took up the
printer's trade, which he learned, but abandoned to become a moulder
at which business he worked for ten years.
He next embarked in the coal and wood business on his own
account, but at the expiration of fourteen months, branched out into
street contracting, at which he is still engaged. Mr. Garling was the
first to introduce the block asphalt in the city of Schenectady, and
it was he who built Nott Terrace, one of the principal streets in the
city. In 1889 he again branched out, and opened a wholesale liquor
store, although he still continues his business of street contracting.
Recently he opened a palm garden, which is one of the nicest in
the city.
On May 29, 1883, Edward F. Garling married Ella E., daughter of
Patrick and Josephine (Ouinn) Farrell. He is a member of the Order
of Red Men and also of the Royal Arcanum.
John A. De Remrr is one of the leading members of the
Schenectady County Bar. He was for a short time tutor in mathe-
matics in Union College, but for many years has devoted himself en-
tirely to the practice of his profession. He has taken an active
interest in politics and has held several important offices, among
them that of Postmaster of Schenectady.
6o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Charles V. S. Gates, son of Stephen and Rebecca (De Forrest)
Gates, was born in Schenectady, October 3, 1851. He was educated
in the Union School, and his first business occupation was in the
capacity of clerk for Van Vranken & Company, with whom he
remained for four years. He next took a position in the furniture
store of Jacob De Forrest and remained with him three years, after
which he worked on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad for seven years.
In 1880 Mr. Gates established his present business, that of baggage
and express.
Mr. Gates is a charter member of Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe, No.
123, Independent Order of Red Men.
Joseph C. Galaise was born in Clinton County, N. Y., March
28, 1870, and was educated in the schools of his native place. He
began his business career as a clerk in a dry goods store, after which
he took a course in St. Joseph's College, Cohoes.
In 1880 he came to Schenectady and took a position in the L,oco-
motive Works, where he remained for some time. He was also a
machinist in the General Electric Works for a period of three years,
after which he was a bartender until 1900. By that time, having,
through his frugality, saved enough money to embark in business for
himself, he bought out his present place of business.
Mr. Galaise is a member of the Order of Foresters of America, the
F. O. E., No. 56, of Troy, and St. Jo.seph's Society.
Joseph C. Galaise is a son of Joseph and Celia (Sharon) Galaise,
who were originally from Plattsburgh, N. Y. His ancestors were
of French and Scotch descent.
Henry Simon Vedder was born in the village of Niskayuna, N.
Y., in October, 1876, and received his early education in the district
schools of his native place. He entered Union Clas.sical Institute in
1889, from which he was graduated in 1892. On November 19, 1900,
Mr. Vedder was admitted to the Bar. He is a veteran of the late
Spanish- American War.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 6i
Peter B. Harbison, son of James and Margaret (Britton) Har-
bison, was born Jnne 17, 1855. He was educated in the Union
School of Schenectady, and served five years as an apprentice in the
Schenectady Locomotive Works, where he learned the trade of
machinist. In 1878 he left the Locomotive Works and entered the
employ of the Westinghonse Company, with whom he remained for
a year, after which he returned to the Locomotive Works, where he
has since been employed, and where he is now a contractor.
In August, 1878, Peter B. Harbison married Sarah L-, daughter of
Jacob S. and Mary A. (Blackburn) Glen, and they have one daughter,
Mary G.
Mr. Harbison is a Republican in politics, and takes an active
interest in the success of his party, as well as in the welfare and
progress of the city of Schenectady. He represented his ward on
the Board of Aldermen for twelve and one-half consecutive years, and
is now one of the Fire Commissioners.
Edward Hanigan was born in the town of Glenville, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., October 30, 1861, and is the son of Thomas and
Harriet (Levalley) Hanigan. He was educated in the district schools
and at the Classical Institute of Schenectady, after which he was
farming in the town of Glenville until twenty-six years of age. In
1887 he moved into Schenectady and learned the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked for three years, and then engaged in contracting,
which he has since continued.
Mr. Hanigan is a member of K. of C, of Schenectady Coimcil, No.
20 r, and the A. Z. Society of the Cla.ssical Institute.
On June 17, 1S88, Edward Hanigan married Mary Cuuningham,
daughter of James and Rose Cunningham. Their children are
Joseph, Edward, and Clarence A.
Jacob Henny was born in Zurich, Switzerland, May 20, 1852,
and was educated in the Polytechnic School of his native city. He
came to the United States in 1868, and until 1878 was occupied in
studying and learning the trade of machinist iu New York City,
62 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
after which he entered the employ of the Genei'al Electric Company.
He was sent by this company to Peterboro, Ontario, to look after
their interests in that city, and remained there nntil 1893, when he
was transferred to Schenectady and made foreman of the tool room,
which position he still occupies.
Ou June 4, 1 88 1, Jacob Kenny married Pauline Whitman, who,
like himself, is a native of Switzerland. They have two children,
Jacob and Emma.
Mr. Kenny is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
■the Edison MiTtnal Benefit Society, and the Swiss Mutual Benefit
Society. His parents were Jacob and Barbara (Gross) Kenny.
Jui^ius Kennemann, son of George and Sophia (Kirchoff) Henne-
mann, was born in the city of Schenectady, November 29, 1858. He
was educated by private tuition and in the public schools and the
classical school of his native city, and began the active business of
rife as a gardener and nurseryman. He followed this business for
three years and then entered the Schenectady Eoconiotive Works,
where he learned the trade of machinist, at which he worked for
eighteen years, eight of which he was in the General Electric Works.
On October 23, 1885, Mr. Kennemann married Ella Whitbeck, and
they have two children, Paul and Lillian. Mr. Hennemann's father,
who was a German, came to this country in 1846.
Homer Strong was born in Walervliet, Albany County, N. Y.,
in 1875. He moved to Schenectady in 1890, and there entered the
public schools. Having graduated from the High School, he entered
Union College and graduated in the class of 1898. He also attended
the Cornell Law School, graduating in 1899, and was admitted to
the Bar in the same year. He has since been actively engaged in
the practice of his profession in this city. Mr. Strong is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of this city, the
Mohawk Golf Club, the Republican Club, and the Schenectady
County Bar Association.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 63
Frederick A. Howe was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 12,
1861 and, after his school da}'S, was apprenticed at the hammer-
maker's trade in the Cleveland Forge and Iron Works, where he
remained fonr years. He came to Schenectady in 1881 and took
emplo^'ment in the Schenectady Locomotive Works, where he has
since remained, and where he is now foreman in the hammer shop.
Mr. Howe is not only an expert in his line, bnt is possessed of sonnd
executive ability, and these combined have placed him in his present
responsible position.
On January 2, 1883, Frederick A. Howe married Mary E., daughter
of Wallace and Fanny (Ransom) Campbell, of Cleveland, Ohio.
They have five children, Winifred A., Albert, Rupert, Howard, and
Morris. Mr. Howe's parents were Albert and Susan (Douglass)
Howe.
Mr. Howe is a Republican in politics and a staunch adherent of
his party, and has held the office of Excise Commissioner. He is also
a prominent Mason and is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6,
F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter, No. 157, R. -A.-M., and St.
George's Commandery, No. 37, Knights Templar.
George B. Hegeman was born in the town of Princetown ^
Schenectady County, N. Y., June 21, 1853. In 1872 he entered the
employ of the American Express Company, and from 18S5 to 1898
was agent for that company in Schenectady. In 1898 he went to
work for the Westinghouse Company, and now has charge of the
shipping department in this establishment.
On May 19, 1876, George B. Hegeman married Edith Vedder, who
died June 29, 1889. On September 23, 1891, he married his present
wife, Mary E. Rolfe. They liave one daughter, Maud E. Mr.
Hegeman's parents were H. Roger and Esther M. (Bacon) Hegeman.
He is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., St.
George's Chapter, No. 157, R. A. M., De Witt Clinton Council, No.
22, of Albany and St. George's Commandery, No. t,-], Knights
Templar. He is also a mendjer of Cyprus Temple, N. M. S., of
Albany.
64 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William F. Fitzgerald, Proprietor of the
Fitzgerald Shorthand and Business School,
277 State St., Schenectady, N. Y.
The transaction of business at the beginning of the twentieth century-
presents a striking contrast to the methods employed at the beginning
of the nineteenth. The railcar has supplanted the cart, steamships
have superceded sailing vessels, the telegraph has invaded the
business of the postoffice, and stenography and the typewriter have
almost made obsolete the old method of longhand correspondence.
The number of students who elect to follow commercial pursuits,
has made the business school an indispensable adjunct to the educa-
tional institutions of to-day. Some of these offer splendid advantages
to those desiring a thorough business education, and prominent among
them in the state of New York is the Fitzgerald Business School, of
Schenectady.
William Francis Fitzgerald, proprietor and principal of the Fitz-
gerald Shorthand and Business School, was born August 20, 1856, at
East Albany, now Rensselaerville, N. Y. He is the son of Charles
Francis and Sarah Wilcox, who removed when he was a few
months old, to Valatie, Columbia County, where his boyhood
days were passed.'; When between two and three years of age his
father died, and he was legally adopted by Henry Fitzgerald, of that
village, whose name he afterwards bore. He was educated in the
public and private schools of Valatie and at the Kinderhook
Academy. After leaving school he spent several years in the drug
store of the village, connected with which was the telegraph and
express business. Here he worked early and late, and obtained some
valuable experience. Preferring the telegraph to the drug business,
he accepted, in 1875, a position as telegrapher with the Western
Union Telegraph Company at Schenectady, where he remained until
1879, when he went to New York City as an operator for that
company, remaining there but a short time.
From early boyhood Mr. P'itzgerald had an insatiable longing to
learn the art of shorthand writing. In the fall of 1876 he took up
that study, and became infatuated with it. During his years as
,^^^.eZ^--
BIOGRAPHICAL. 65
a teacher and practitioner he has accnmnlated a large and vaUiable
library of shorthand literature, being one of the most complete on the
subject in the United States. He is a first-class law and general
reporter, being a member of the New York State Stenographers'
Association. While at public school he learned bookkeeping. In
addition to mastering the text-books he borrowed numerous works on
the subject, and thoroughly mastered them in every detail.
In the fall of 1879 he became, and for two years was, private
secretary for the division superintendent of the Louisville and Nash-
ville Railroad Company, at Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.
Afterward he was for six years bookkeeper for the Troy Steel and
Iron Company, at Troy, N. Y., and later was connected with the
Schenectady Locomotive Works for four years. For ten years he
was a prominent coal dealer in Schenectady. During all this period
he was reporting, teaching and studying, preparing himself for
business school work.
In 1897 the demand on him for instruction in business branches
had so grown that he felt compelled to establish a special institution,
and the Fitzgerald Shorthand and Business School at once supplanted
all other institutions of the kind in the city of Schenectady.
This school has become one of the most successful of its kind in the
state. The ease with which its graduates obtain positions of trust
and importance in all parts of the city and country is the best proof
of its efficiency.
Mr. Fitzgerald has surrounded himself with a corps of experienced
and practical instructors, and his school is thoroughly equipped in
every way so as to afford students the highest advantages and the
best opportunities to obtain a practical business education. He is
universally regarded as one of the best stenographic experts in the
state, having reported many celebrated speeches, investigations,
courts-martial, court proceedings and conventions, where not only
speed, but accuracy, was needed. It is, therefore, manifest that a
school conducted by such a man must offer special inducements to
all who desire to follow business pursuits. He has a host of friends,
especially among the many students who have left his school to take
lucrative positions secured by him at the completion of their course.
66 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
He is thorough, enterprising, and quick to adopt any new method
that will be to the advantage of the student.
The courses taught in his school are : shorthand, typewriting,
business studies, mechanical- drawing, telegrapliy, and the English
branches.
The tuition is moderate, and the instruction is practically individ-
ual, which is very advantageous to every student attending this
institution.
February 17, 1881, Mr. Fitzgerald married Annie Iv. Van Epps, of
Schenectady. They have three children, Mary, Lena, and Evart.
Mary, who is an accomplished stenographer, is her father's head
assistant, having full charge in his absence.
In addition to being a teacher of the highest order, Mr. Fitzgerald
is an enterprising gentleman, wlio takes an interest in the welfare
and growth of the city, where his admirable school is located, and is
personally popular because of his courteous, affable manner, and the
lively and intelligent interest which he takes, not only in educational
and literary matters, but in all worthy movements.
Wai,ter Briggs was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., March 14, 1857. He received his early educa-
tion in the district schools of that place. He left Duanesburgh and
came to Schenectady in the fall of 1879, and attended the Quaker
Street Literary Institute for one year, after which he was principal of
the Scotia public school for four years, during which time he read
law in the office of Samuel W. Jackson. Three years later he was
admitted to the Bar and opened an office in this city in October, 1883,
since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his
profession. Mr. Briggs was Alderman of the Fourth Ward for four
years. He was elected District Attorney of the County in 1901, and
is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., the Masonic
Order, and the Odd Fellows. On August 26, 1882, Walter Briggs
married Adeline C. Wilbur, of Duanesburgh. They have three
children — two sons and one dausrhter,
BIOGRAPHICAL. 67
Joseph K. Crafts was born in Wheatley, Mass., June 9, 1820,
and is the son of Rufus and Lucy (Kellogg) Crafts. After his school
days he moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was engaged in the
meat business for eight years. He came to Schenectady in 1S49 ^""^
engaged in the tallow business, which he followed for fifteen years,
retiring at the end of that time. Mr. Crafts married Grace Maria
McClain in Schenectady, and they have a family of nine children,
five of whom are living.
Mr. Craft's brother, George W. Crafts, went to California in the
great gold rush of 1849, and met with much success.
Henry C. HorsTman was born in Germany, October 22, 1863.
His parents were Christian and Caroline (liaston) Horstman, and he
was educated in the schools of his native country. He came to
America when seventeen years of age, and landed in Schenectady on
April 24, 1880. He worked on a farm for several years, and then
took a position as fireman on the New York Central & Hudson River
Railroad. After firing for ten years he became an engineer, and
still runs an engine for the New York Central. He is a member of
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and of the German M. E.
C. Society.
On April 17, 1890, Henry C. Horstman married Louise Horstman,
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Boatman) Horstman. They have
three children, Clarence E., Irwin B., and Raymond K.
Allen Heyer Jackson was born in Schenectady, N. Y., June
23, 1864. He was prepared for college at the Union Classical Insti-
tute, and entered Union College in 1882, and was graduated there-
from in 1886 with the degree of B. A. He then entered the Albany
Law School and graduated in 1888, being admitted to the Bar in
May, 1888. Mr. Jackson practiced law in New York from 1893 to
'95, and then returned to his native city, where he is now actively
engaged in the practice of his profession.
68 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Charles HolTzmann was born in Alsace, then a province of
France, in October, 1852. He came to New York City when fourteen
years of age, and to Schenectady in 1869. He had learned the trade
of cutter, and followed it until 1872, when he went into the tailoring
business on his own account. In this business, as well as in clothing
and gents' furnishing, he has since been engaged, and conducts one
of the representative houses in this line of business in Schenectady.
In 1876 Charles Holtzmann married Anna Reiber, and they have a
family of three children, namely, Charles Jr., Clara, and Elsie.
Caleb Harrod was born in England, August 25, 1825. ^is
parents were Charles and Mary (Hunt) Harrod, who came to America
in 1832, so that Mr. Harrod has resided in this country since his
seventh year. The family located in New York and Caleb Harrod
became a sailor, and occupied the position of steward for ten years-
He then learned the trade of machinist, which he followed during
the rest of his active career. Mr. Harrod is a member of Metropol-
itan Lodge, No. 55, F. and A. M., and the Metropolitan Chapter, of
Brooklyn, N. Y.
In 1845 Caleb Harrod married Caroline Bleckmore. Their children
are : Ada (who married Parker Dunning), Ellen (who married Alfred
W. Hull), and Charles Harrod.
Alexander Fenvvick was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
in 1872, and received his early education in the public schools of his
native city. He afterwards entered the Albany Law School, from
which he was graduated in 1897. Shortly after he was admitted to
the Bar, and has since been engaged in the active practice of his
profession. In January, 1902, Mr. Fenwick was appointed City
Clerk for one term. Mr. Fenwick is a member of St. George's
Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., Macabees Main Tent, No. 242, and is a
prominent member of several other fraternal organizations. On
January 6, 1900, Mr. Fenwick married Lela Gregg.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 69
George Holtzmann was born in Alsace-Lorraine, in the German
Empire, in April, 1851. In 1872, he came to the LInited States and
settled in Newark, N. J., where he learned the trade of barber,
remaining in Newark for two years. In 1874 he came to Schenec-
tady and established the bnsiness in which he has since been
engaged. From the opening of his business in this city he has
evinced the most praiseworthy enterprise, and to him belongs the
credit of putting in the first public baths in the city, which he did in
1876. He subsequently engaged in the liquor and bottling business,
which he still owns.
In 1885 Mr. Holtzmann was elected a member of the Common
Council and served for six years. In 1897 ^^^ ^^^ again elected, and
is now serving his fourth term. He takes great interest in all public
affairs and the advancement and progress of his city, carrying into
public life the same spirit of enterprise which has distinguished and
made him successful in private affairs. He was chairman of the
Road and Bridge Committee of the City Council for nine years, and
he was the instigator of the first asphalt pavement which was laid in
the city, in i88q.
In politics Mr. Holtzmann is a consistant Democrat, and is highly
popular with his party. He is a member of Schenectady Lodge, No.
227, I. O. O. F., and also of Schenectady Lodge, No. 480, B. P. O. E.
In 1874 George Holtzmann married Madaline Holtzmann, who died
in 1890, leaving two children, Lena and Laura. In 1893 he married
Madeline Woolf.
Alonzo Paige Strong was born in the town of Duanesburgh,
Schenectady County, N. Y., August 17, 1843. He left Duanesburgh
when four years of age and has since lived in the city of Schenec-
tady. He received his education at Union College, from which he
gradnated in 1864, and at Harvard Law School, from which he grad-
uated in 1866. He was admitted to the Bar in the same year.
Tudcre Strone has been Alderman for three years, City Attorney for
two years. District Attorney for one year, and County Judge and
Surrogate for six years.
35
70 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William G. B. Hall, M. D., was born in Cobleskill, N. Y., in
1864, and received his literary education in the Troy Conference
Academy, Poultney, Vermont, from which he was graduated in the
class of 1885. He taught school in Saratoga and Albany Counties
for seven terms, and in 1891 he entered the medical department of
the University of New York, graduating therefrom in the class of
1894 with the degree of M. D. He then spent a year as house
physician in the Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1895 he
opened an office in Mount Pleasant, Schenectady County, and after
two years' practice there moved into the city, where he has since
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession.
During the smallpox epidemic of 1900 Dr. Hall was physician in
the pest-house for about four months. He is an earnest student of
his profession, and takes a genuine interest in every case which he
attends.
Dr. Hall is a member of Mount Pleasant -L,odge, No. 319, I. O. O
F., and Truth Lodge, Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed
through all the chairs. He is also a member of the Schenectady
County Medical Society, and is medical examiner for the endowment
rank. Knights of Pythias, and the John Hancock Life Insurance
Company.
On December 28, 1898, William G. B. Hall, M. D., married Julia
C, daughter of James B. and Emma (Chism) Pierson. His parents
were Reverend Aaron and Judith (Farnham) Hall. His father was
for fifty-six years an active minister of the Gospel, and was a member
of the Troy Conference longer than any other man. He is now
retired. Dr. Hall is himself a member of the State Street Methodist
Episcopal Church.
George W. Featherstonehaugh was born in Havre, F'rance,
in 1850. He came to this country at an early age and graduated
from Union Classical institute in 1S67. He graduated from Union
College in 1871 and from the Albany Law School in 1873, "^ which
year he was admitted to the Bar.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 71
Henry A. Kerste was born in the city of Schenectady, Angust
4, 1S65. He received his preliminary education in the public schools
of his native city, and graduated from the Albany College of Phar-
macy with the degree of Ph. G. He then took a position as clerk
with Dr. G. Stenifuhrer, with whom he remained for nine years. In
1889 he opened a drug store on his own account at 412 Union Street,
where he remained until 1893, when he built the block in which his
business is now located. His drug store is admittedly the finest in
the city of Schenectady.
In June, 1891, Henry A. Kerste married Su.san L., daughter of
Michael Glas. His parents were Edward and Catherine (Neuber)
Kerste. His father was a native of Germany, but came to Schenec-
tady in the first half of the nineteenth century.
Thomas Killian was born in Ireland, August r, 1837, and came
to the United States with his mother in 1853. He settled in
Schenectady, and there learned the trade of brick mason. After
working at his trade for some time he became a contractor, which
business he still pursues.
In December, 1869, Thomas Killian married Mary Rice, who died
in 1895 leaving six children, namely, John, Catherine J., Frances,
Edward, Joseph, and Mary.
Andrew T. G. WemplE was born in the town of Princetown,
Schenectady County, N. Y., Angust 9, 1874, and attended the district
schools of that city until he entered Union Classical Institute in the
fall of 1889, from which he graduated in the class of 1892. He
entered Union College the same fall, graduating in 1896 with the
degree of Bachelor of Science. He then studied law in the oiifice of
Hon. W. W. Wemple for two years, and was admitted to the Bar
July 6, 1899. Mr. Wemple is a member of Phi Phi Fraternity, St.
Paul's Lodge, No. 17, I. O. O. F., and the University Club. On
February 7, 1900, Andrew T. G. Wemple married Nellie Blitters-
dorff, of Glens Falls, N. Y., and on November i, 1900, opened a law
office in Schenectady,
72 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William F. Hahn was born July 8, 1874, in Albany, N. Y.
His parents were Angust and Wilhelmina (Hoffman) Hahn. After
completing the cnrricnlum in the common schools of his native city
he took a business college course in Schenectady, and later a
post-graduate course in a correspondence school of law. After
several years employment as construction engineer for the Western
Union Telegraph Company, Western Electric Company, and General
Electric Company, oh March i, 1899, he joined W. C. Finch in
establishing their wholesale and retail electrical, photographic and
bicycle supply business, with stores located in Schenectady, Albany
and Troy, together with a well equipped plant for the manufacture
of electrical apparatus, giving employment to over fifty men.
Although Mr. Hahn has contributed a few articles to the technical
journals he has found little time in the press of his routine duties
to contribute much of that which he is so well qualified to write
upon, for the benefit of electrical readers.
Mr. Hahn has introduced a great many methods of manufacture
and manipulation, which, for obvious reasons, are unpatented.
Mr. Hahn is an enthusiastic member of the Ten Eyck Lodge,
F. and A. M., the Merchants' Association of New York State, the
Electrical Contractors' Association of New York State, and the
Young Men's Christian Association. He has a very wide circle of
friends and acquaintances.
Margaret H. Ketchum was born in Schenectady County, N.
Y., and has always resided in her native place. Her parents were
Robert C. and Agnes (Harbison) Ketchum. Her father, Robert C.
Ketchum, was born in Albany County, June 8, 1813. He was
engaged in the grocery business until the breaking out of the War
of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company C, Tenth Regiment,
New York Volunteer Infantry. He died in the service, June 9,
1863. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Miss Ketchum's maternal grandfather, Robert Harbison, and his
wife, Margaret Watson, were natives of the north of Ireland. Miss
Ketchum is one of a family of three children. The others are James
Watson Ketchum, a real estate dealer, and Mary F. Ketchum.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 73
George W. Jarrard was boni in the town of Peru, Clinton
County, N. Y., January 3, 1859, and was educated in tlie public
schools of his native place. He worked on the farm until 1881
when he moved to Sandy Hill and engaged in the business of con-
tracting and building, which he followed for ten years.
In February, 1891, he moved to Schenectady and formed a partner-
ship with Byron G. Knapp in the lumber business, under the
firm name of Knapp & Jarrard. This firm continued until 1901,
when Mr. Jarrard retired from business and has since devoted his entire
time and attention to contracting, in which he was engaged to some
extent during the last two years of his partnership with Mr. Knapp.
On October 24, 1896, George W. Jarrard married Evelyn, daughter
of Hugh and Catherine (Gill) Smith. His parents were James and
Jane Jarrard.
Wallace WemplE was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schen-
ectady County, N. Y., January 19, 1862, and received his early edu-
cation in the district schools, afterwards entering Union Classical
Institute, from which he graduated in the class of 1881. He then
entered Union College in 1882 and graduated from the Law Depart-
ment. He was afterwards Principal of the school in Scotia, N. Y.
P>etween 1882 and 1884 he was law clerk with Hastings & School-
craft, and in 1885 entered the Albany Law School, graduating there-
from on May 20, 1886, with the degree of LL- B. He was admitted to
the Bar May 7, 1886, when he opened an office in this city. He was
elected District Attorney in 1895 and was re-elected in 1898. Mr.
Wemple is a member of St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., the
Chapter and Commandery, of Bloss Council, of Troy, N. Y., and
the Oriental Shrine, also of Troy. He is also a past officer in the
Royal Arcanum, and belongs to several fraternal organizations.
On November 14, 1894, Wallace Wemple married M. Adelaide
Quaife. They have three children living and two dead. Mr.
Wemple's parents were of Holland-Dutch ancestry.
74 ' SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Henry A. KurTH, M. D., was born in Germany, September 4,
1863, but came to this country with his parents in 1868. They came
direct to Schenectady and made this city their permanent home, and
here Henry A. Kurth was prepared for college at the Union Classical
Institute, from which he graduated in 1883. He then entered Union
College, and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1887 with the
degree of A. B. He next entered the medical department of Colum-
bia College, and received his degree of M. D. in that institution in
1890. After graduating he spent a year as Intern in the German
Hospital, New York City, and in 1891 began the regular practice of
his profession in Schenectady. He is a member of the Schenectady
County Medical Society.
In 1893 Dr. Kurth married Mary E. Hawkes. His parents were
Frederick and Anna Kurth.
Nicholas Kadel was born in Hessen, Germany, August 21, i860.
He came to the United States when twenty-two years of age, and
after a few months' sojourn in other places, settled in Schenectady
in August, 1882. His first business experience was as a clerk in the
grocery business for eight months, after which he became clerk in the
liquor business for Mr. Wienke for three years. In 1886 he embarked
in business for himself, which he has since continued with marked
success. He is the proprietor of the Oak Cafe, one of the handsomest
and most up-to-date in the city. This cafe is finely appointed and
handsomely furnished.
Marvin Hewitt Strong was born in the city of Schenectady,
N. Y., December 25, 1875. Ae graduated from Union Classical
Institute in 1892 and from Union College in 1896. He then en-
tered the Harvard Law School, from which he was graduated in 1899,
and was admitted to the Bar in the same year. Mr. Strong is a
Secretary of the Bar Association of Schenectady County, and is a
son of Judge Strong, in whose office he has practiced since being
admitted to the Bar.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 75
George M. Kivlin, son of George and Mary (Slattery) Kivlin,
was born in Columbia County, N. Y., March 7, 1874. He received
his literary education at the Valatie High School, from which
he was graduated in 1890. He then took a course in the
Albany Business College, from which he received his diploma in
1893. After leaving the business college he became private secretary
for George W. Martin, and filled this position for three years. He
then took a course in the United States College of Embalming, and
after receiving his diploma, went to Albany, where he was employed
for a time in the undertaking business. Leaving Albany, he went to
Brooklyn, and there opened up an undertaking establishment on his
own account, which he conducted for some time. In 1901 he
settled in Schenectady, where he has since been successfully engaged
in the undertaking business.
Mr. Kivlin is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, the Modern Woodmen, the Foresters, the Y.
M. C. Club, and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Andrew Kinum was born in Baden, Germany, October 14, 1842.
He learned the trade of mason and stone cutter in his native country,
and came to America in the year 1867. Immediately after arriving
in this country he located in Schenectady, where he pursued his
trade as a contractor, and has done work all over the state.
On October 14, 1876, Andrew Kinum married Mary Fagel, who
was born in Minden, Germany, July 8, 1854. They have a family of
nine children living, namely, Mary K., Edward A., John J., Clara C,
Albert T., Louis A., Pauline A., Ruth E., and Helen F.
Alexander T. Blessing was born in the town of Princetown,
Schenectady County, N. Y., June 30, 1869. He entered Union
Classical Institute in 1888, and, after completing his course, entered
Union College, from which he was graduated in 1897. Mr. Blessing
was admitted to the Bar at Albany in 1899, and has practiced his
profession in the city of Schenectady since that time. On August
17, 1889, Alexander T. Blessing married Addie Wemple.
76 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
Martin Kreuzberger, son of John and Annie B. Kreuzberger,
was born in Germany, November ii, 1859. In 1873 he came to
America with his parents. They settled in Troy, N. Y., but in 1879
Martin Kreuzberger moved to Schenectady and continued at his
trade of printer. Subsequently he went to work in the office of the
Deutscher Anzeiger weekly paper, and there he remained until 1894,
when he formed a partnership with a Mr. McCally, under the firm
name of McCally & Kreuzberger, job printers. This firm existed
until 1898, when Mr. Kreuzberger succeeded to the business, and in
1900 began the publication of Das Deutsche Journal, which he
has since continued to publish. In 1901 he took charge of the
Journal of the same name, formerly published in Amsterdam, and
consolidated the two papers.
On May 28, 1887, Martin Kreuzberger married Annie King, of
Schenectady, and they have four children, Minnie, Annie, Martin, Jr.,
and Josephine. "Mrs. Kreuzberger died January 29, 1901.
Mr. Kreuzberger is a member of Schenectady L,odge, No. 227,
I. O. O. F., Dorpian Encampment, No. 126, I. O. O. F., the Tui'n
Verein, the Vereiu Germania and the Typographical Union.
Christian Koch was born in the state of Whitenburg, Germany,
December 23, i860, and was educated in the public schools of his
native country. There also he learned the trade of cabinet-maker
and the art of draughtsman, at which he worked for seven years
before coming to America in 1882. He settled in Schenectady and
worked in the Locomotive Works for a year and a half, after which
he was in the car shops of the Jones & Gilbert Car Works for three
years. He then returned to the American L,ocomotive Works, where
he remained for several years, after which he entered the works of
the General Electric Company, and has been in the pattern shop for
about twelve years.
■On May 8, 1885, Christian Koch married Mrs. Fred Steeb, and
they have a family of seven children. Mr. Koch's parents were John
and Anna Koch. His father was born in 1807.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 77
David Mahony, son of Dennis and Elizabeth Mahony, was
born in New York City, Angnst 11, 1R63, bnt has lived in Schenec-
tady since 1870, and was edncated in the schools of this city. He
first began work in a knitting mill, where he remained for eighteen
months, after which he worked in his father's dairy for another
eighteen months. He then took up the trade of carpenter, which he
learned, and at which he worked for two )ears. After spending two
years in Long Island City he returned to Schenectady and worked
for James Mahony for a time, after which he engaged in contract-
ing on his own account, which business he still continues.
On Angirst 2, 1886, David Mahony married Ellen McConnick,
daughter of John and Ellen (Dalton) McCormick. They have six
children living, Edward, Da^•id, Dennis, Leo, Nellie and Mary
Elizabeth.
John G. Looschen was born in Germany, January 28, 1828, and
was edncated in the old country. He came to Albany, N. Y., in
1866, and was first employed as a bricklayer, bnt later on as manager
fpr Daly & Wickam, contractors. He remained with them for
twenty years, and in 1891 ccme to Schenectady and opened an
architect's office, in which line he has since been engaged.
In June, 1865, John G. Looschen married Lina Rodeak, and they
have three children, Edward, Lina, and Alma. Mr. Looschen's
parents were Jeremiah and Lina (Carstaus) Looschen. They came to
the United States in i860 and settled in New Orleans. His father
was a cabinet-maker.
James A. Luckhurst was born in Schenectady on the
24th of December, 1866, , and received his education at the Union
School in his native city. He worked as bundle boy in the stationeiy
store of James H. Barhydt for two years, when he engaged with
Henry RaUiSey in the grocery business, and remained with him for
two years. He next worked for Vedder & Lyons in the grocery
business for two years, after which he went west and remained
for eighteen months. Returning east, he entered the Schenectady
78 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Locomotive Works, where he learned the trade of blacksmith, and
remained in these works four )-ears altogether. He then went into
business along with his father, and had charge of the livery stables
He sncceeded to the business on May 7, 1900.
Mr. Lnckhurst is a member of New Hope Lodge, No. 730, P. and
A. M., and also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
On March 17, 1892, James A. Luckhurst married Alida M.,
daughter of William Graver. Mr. Luckhurst's parents were George
T. and Helen M. (McKinney) Luckhurst.
S. P. McLachlan was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady
County. N. Y., May 13, 1849, ^^'''^^ after his school days was engaged
in the occupation of farming until 1891 when he moved into the city
of Schenectady and embarked in the mercantile business, which he
has since successfully pursued. On May 21, 1872, S. P. McLachlan
married Isabella Alsdorf, daughter of Eli and Catherine (Rector)
Alsdorf. William Howard McLachlan is their only .suviving child.
Mr. McLacklan's parents were Peter and Catherine (Van Patten)
McLachlan. Peter McLachlan was a native of Amsterdam. His
father was also named Peter, and was a native of Scotland, but came
to America when sixteen years of age. Catherine (Van Patten)
McLachlan was of Holland-Dutch descent.
James Milmine, son of William A. and Elizabeth (Luke) Milmine,
was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., March 24, 1840, and was
educated principally in the district schools of his native county. He
came to Schenectady in 1857, and was a clerk in Barney's stoYe for
three }'ears. In i860 he went into partnership with David Murray
in the dry goods business, under the firm name of D. Murray &
Company. This firm lasted for nine years, and was then dissolved,
Mr. Milmine carrying on the business for the next twelve years.
James Milmine married Julia A. Sweet, daughter of William C. and
Clara (Dunham) Sweet. They have two children, Maud and Nellie.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 79
Edward L,. Kerste, son of Edward L. and. Catherine (Smith)
Kerste, was born in Schenectady in the month of May, 1869. He
was graduated from the Schenectady High vSchool in the class of
1884, and soon afterward entered a drug store in order to learn that
business, and pursued his studies therein for three years. He then
entered the employ of R. T. Moir, in the stationery business. In
1891 lie embarked in the bicycle business for himself, in which he is
still engaged.
In 1892 Edward L. Kerste married Nellie, daughter of Arthur
Chadsey. They have two children, Edward L., Jr., and Mildred.
Mr. Kerste is a member of the Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe, No. 123,
Independent Order of Red Men, of Schenectady Lodge, No. 480,
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and of the Fire Department.
Anna Mathews was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
March, 1827, and on August 5, 1851, married Andrew Mathews.
Seven years later, on August 5, 1858, Mr. Mathews died, leaving
two children, Deborah and Grace. Mr. Mathews was engaged in
the dry gopds business for many years previoiis to his death. The
Mathews family is of Scotch-Irish descent.
John Charles Van Voast was born in Orleans County, N. Y.,
September 17, 1864. He graduated from the public schools of
Schenectady and from Union Classical Institute in 1887. He then
took a course in the Albany Law School, graduating therefrom in
the class of 1890. Mr. Van Voast then taught school for one year in
the Academic Department of the Catskill Free School of Catskill,
N. Y. He was admitted to the Bar at Albany in 1890, afterwards
spending one year in the Surrogate's office in Schenectady, and has
since been practicing his profession in Judge Strong's office. At the
present time Mr. Van Voast is an Alderman of the Second Ward.
His father is Albert Van Voast and his mother, Julia (Ramsey) Van
Voast. Mrs. Van Voast is a native of New York City and Albert
Vaii Voast of Schenectady.
8o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John D. Miller was born in Troy, N. Y., October i, 1871. He
was educated in the schools of Troy and at St. Mary's College,
Quebec, where he took a highly creditable course and graduated in
1890, with the degree of A. B. After graduating he came to Schenec-
tady and began the study of law in the office of Alexander J.
Thompson and was admitted to the Bar in 1892, at the General
Term in Albany, N. Y. Immediately after being admitted he
opened an office in Schenectady and began the active practice of his
profession, which he has since pursued.
Mr. Miller is a member of the Mohawk Club, the Golf Club, the
Schenectady Club, the University Club and the Gun Club, as well as
of Van Vranken Hose Company No. 2, the Red Men and the Benev-
olent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a Democrat. He
is a Sidepath Commissioner. He is also vice president of the
Trader's Paint and Varnish Company.
On November 9, 1901, John D. Miller married Hedwig R., daugh-
ter of Jacob and Elizabeth Durler. His parents were Isaac and
Agnes (Fountain) Miller.
A. Vedder Magee was born in Schenectady, N. Y., February 19,
1876, and was educated in the public schools, the Schenectady High
School and also in a business college. After leaving college he took
a position as clerk in the store of H. S. Barney & Company, where
he remained two years. On July i, 1896, he embarked in the real
estate and insurance business, in which he has since been engaged.
Mr. Magee's parents were Hilton and Tamason (Hagadorn) Magee.
His father was born in Bethlehem, N. Y., and his mother in Glen-
ville, Schenectady County, N. Y. His ancestors were Scotch and
English.
Tom Moore was born in the city of Cohoes, Albany County, N.
Y., Augiist 20, 1869. After taking a course in the Albany Military
Academy, he entered Union College but did not complete his course.
His collegiate career being broken up, he entered the employ of the
BIOGRAPHICAL. 8i
Plioenix Bridge Company, at Phoenixville, Pa., and remained with
them for five years. In 1894 he entered the works of the General
Electric Company, where he has since remained, and is now con-
nected with the Production Department.
On November 19, 1890, Mr. Moore married Bertha, daughter of
Jacob V. and Mary E. (Mix) Vrooman. They have two children,
Marjorie and Donald. The Vrooman family is one of the oldest in
Schenectady, the original settler of this name having been one of
the pioneers of this part of the state. Mr. Moore's parents were
Joseph W. Moore, M. D., and Jane E. (Younglove) Moore.
Mr. Moore takes a lively interest in the affairs of the city of
Schenectady, and is a member of the Board of Sidepath Commis-
sioners. He is also a member of the Mohawk Golf Club and of the
college fraternity, Delta Phi.
Jacob Garling was born in Limburg, Germany, September 21,
1831. He came to America in 1851, and located in Schenectady.
He learned the trade of moulder and worked at his trade in the
Schenectady Locomotive Works for thirty-four years. He served as
a soldier in the Civil War and is a member of the G. A. R., German
Veterans, Post No. 90. He enlisted in 1861 and served three years
and four months with the rank of captain. He is a Democrat in
politics and was a city alderman from 1886 to 1889.
In 1856 Jacob Garling married Anna Nevin. His parents were
Jacob and Anna Garling.
Major Charles F. Lewis, son of Tayler and Jane K. (Payne)
Lewis, was born in New York City, June 14, 1844. He came to
Schenectady when quite young, and was educated in the High School
and at Union College.
In July, 1862, he enlLsted in Company A, 119th Regiment, Vohin-
teer Infantry, as second lieutenant, and served in all for two years,
retiring with the rank of major. After leaving the army he entered
into the service of the United States government at Washington in
82 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the Internal Revenne Department, which position he held for some
time. He is now United States post-office inspector.
In March, 1865, Major L,ewis married Catherine R. Smith, and
they have a family of two children, namely, Edward and Keziah.
Major Lewis is a member of Bnrnside Post, No. 8, G. A. R., located
at Washington, D. C, and of Washington Commandery, Loyal
Legion. He is also a member of Chi Psi College fraternity.
Major Lewis's father was a professor in Union College.
James Moffett was born in Ireland, Febrnary 2, 1846, and was
edncated in the old conntry. He came to America in 1866 and
settled in Schenectady. He was first employed by the Schenectady
Locomotive Works, bnt later became an agent for an ale brewery.
In 1890 he embarked in the wholesale liqnor business on his own
account, and has since been engaged in that enterprise.
In April, 1880, James Moffett married Julia Hazan, who died in
1 88 1. In April, 1883, he married Celia Kelley, and they have a
family of six children, James, Mary, Andrew, Thomas, John, and
Edward.
Mr. Moffett is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the
Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, and the Catholic Church. In
politics he is a Democrat, and has served as County Committeeman.
Thomas E. Leavitt was born in Biddeford, Me., July 12, 1848.
In 1863 he enlisted in Company E, 30th Regiment, Maine Volunteer
Infantry, and served until the close of the war. After receiving his
honorable discharge, he enlisted in the regular army. After serving
one year as corporal, he was promoted to sergeant, and served in all,
three years under General Alexander M. Cook. He also served as
first lieutenant in the old Massachusetts State Guard, and as second
lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain of Company E, Second
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, for nine years, being its
first commander.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 83
Returning to civil life, he served a three years' apprenticeship at
the trade of machinist and then went to Worcester in the employ of
ly. W. Pond. In 1883 he went to Orange, Mass., with the Rodney-
Hunt Manufacturing Company as mechanical superintendent and
remained with them for eight and one-half years. He then estab-
lished the Leavitt Machine Company at C)range, Mass., and was
superintendent of the works for two years, after which he went to
Lynn and joined the Thomson-Houston Company as foreman,
remaining with them for a year and a half. In 1S94 he came to
Schenectady and entered the employ of the General Electric Com-
pany and, in 1899, became general foreman of the Railroad Motor
Works, his present position.
On January 22, 1873, Thomas E. Leavitt married Valeria F.
McKnight. They have two children, Herbert E., born February 2,
1874, and Merrimond H., born February 9, 1888. Mr. Leavitt's par-
ents were Thomas W. and Mary A. (Hammond) Leavitt. His
father was a native of New Hampshire and his mother a native of
Maine. Mr. Leavitt is quite active in political affairs, and is a mem-
ber of the Masonic fraternity.
Howard C. Levis was born at Mount Holly, N. J., March 21,
1859, ^"'i was educated at Columbia College, graduating from the
law department of that institution in the class of 1880. He was
admitted to the Bar of the state of New York, in December, 1880,
and to the Bar of the state of New Jersey in June, 1881, and he is
Special Master in Chancery and Supreme Court Commissioner of
New Jersey.
After being admitted to the Bar Mr. Levis practiced his profession
at Mount Holly, along with his father, Franklin B. Levis, initil April
1889, when he became connected with the law department of the
Westinghonse Electric Company (now the Westinghouse Electric and
Manufacturing Company), of Pittsburg, Penn., and was secretary of
that company. He resigned this position early in 1891, and became
connected with the law department of the Thomson-Houston Electric
Company, being located first at Chicago, and afterwards at St. Paul.
84 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
When the Thomson-Houston Company was acquired by the General
Electric Company, he continued with the latter at St. Paul until 1894,
when he moved to Schenectady to become assistant counsel for the
company, which position he still fills, and is also chairman of the
company's local committee.
Mr. Levis is president of the Edison General Electric Company, of
the Edison Electric Light Company and of some others of the con-
stituents of the General Electric Company and also of some of the
electric companies controlled by the General Electric Company.
Mr. Levis was admitted to the Bar of Illinois in 1889, to the Bar
of Minnesota in 1889, and was admitted to practice in the United
States Supreme Court in 1898.
In 1884 Howard C. Levis married Jane Chester Coursen, daughter
of Hon. William A. Coursen, late of Morristown, N. J. They have
two children, namely, Chester Coursen, born in 1885, and Edith
Chetwood, born in 1886. ■
Charles H. Kaler was born in Suffolk County, Long Island,
October 11, i860. He first worked in a rubber factory for about two
years. He then went to Patchogue, Long Island, where he worked
as a clerk for one year, when he went to Brooklyn to learn the trade
of machinist. After spending three years at this trade in Brooklyn,
he crossed over to New York and was employed in the Brown
Machine Works for a year and one-half. He next engaged with the
Hoe Printing Press Company, and remained with them six months,
when he entered the Edison Machine Works in New York City, and
was connected with them until he came to Schenectady in 1884.
He has been with the General Electric Company since it started in
Schenectady, and is now foreman in the winding department. Shop
No. II.
In 1881 Charles H. Kaler married Mrs. John King, nee Margaret
M. Parker, and they have one son, Edward W. Kaler. Mr. Kaler's
parents were David and Elizabeth (Robinson) Kaler. The Kaler
family is of German origin. Mrs. Kaler has a son by her first hus-
band, Edward W. King.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 85
John H. Clark was born in England, April 7, 1859, bnt came to
America in 1873, and completed his education in the state of Massa-
chusetts. After leaving school, he entered a machine shop and
worked at his trade therein for nineteen years. Part of this time he
was foreman and superintendent for the Whittier Machine Coinpany.
He was also mechanical expert for Governor Ames.
In January, 1892, he went to Boston and entered the office of the
Thomson-Houston Company, and remained there until April, 1895,
when he was transferred to the works of the General Electric Com-
pany in Schenectady, N. Y. He is now consulting engineer at these
works.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Saugatuck Lodge, F. and A. M.,
East Bridgewater, Mass., of the Mohawk Club, of the Massachusetts
Charitable Mechanical Association, of the Engineer's Club, New
York City, and of the Mohawk Golf Club of Schenectady, N. Y.
In 1878 John H. Clark married Emma Richards, daughter of
David and Sarah (Boswell) Richards of Boston, and they have one
daughter, Mabel S. Clark.
George C. Moon, Deputy County Clerk of the county of
Schenectady, is the son of George W. and Catherine K. (Rosa) Moon,
and was born in the city of Schenectady, March 24, 1861.
After leaving school, he secured a position as ca.shier with the
finn of Thomas H. Reeves & Company, which responsible position
he occupied until the year 1891.
In 1892 he became a member of the staff of the Schenectady
Daily LTnion in the capacity of city editor, and was so engaged until
the fall of 1899, when he secured a clerkship in the County Clerk's
office, and on January i, 1901, was appointed Deputy County Clerk,
which position he still holds.
Mr. Moon is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.,
Schenectady City Lodge No. 319, Knights of Pythias, of which he
is a charter member, Schenectady Lodge, No. 480, B. P. O. E., and
also belongs to the Schenectady County Republican Club.
36
86 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Levi Case, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens
of Schenectady, was born in Prescott, Ontario, Jnne 22, 1817. His
parents moved from Prescott across the St. Lawrence River to
Ogdensbnrg shortly after his birth. When he was ten years old they
moved to Watertown, N. Y., and lived there for six years. In 1833
they moved to vSchenectad}', where Mr. Case has since resided. His
father was a tinner, and Levi Case worked at this trade for abont
three years with his father when he began making copper tea
kettles, which pnrsuit he followed for three years more. In 1840 he
embarked in bnsiness on his own acconnt, in company with a Mr.
Smith, nnder the firm name of Smith & Case, dealers in copper, tin-
ware and stoves. This partnership lasted for two }-ears and Mr. Case
started in bnsiness alone in 1843. The firm of Levi Case & Com-
pany is now one of the snbstantial bnsiness honses of Schenectady,
although Mr. Case has not given the business his personal attention
for some time, having sold out his interest to his son, Lee W. Case,
and F. W. McClellan.
On IMarch 10, 1841, Levi Case married Catherine H. Felthousen.
They had a family of six children, of whom three are living,
namel}', Sherman, Lee W., and Anna B. His wife died in August,
1892.
Mr. Case is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has
held some public positions during his life. He was elected alderman
in 1 849 and was re-elected in 1850. He served one term as Super-
visor, to which office he was elected in 1852.
Walter L. Huggins M. D., was born at Napoli, N. Y., March
25, 1872. He graduated from the High School in 1891, and in 1892
entered Union College, from which he was graduated in the class of
1896 with the degree of Ph. B. After completing his course at
Union, he entered the Albany Medical College, and was graduated
therefrom in 1899 with the degree of M. D. Soon after receiving
his degree he was appointed house physician at the Ellis Hospital,
Schenectady. In December, 1899, he opened an office in Schenectady,
and has already established himself in a good practice.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 87
On June 4, 1901, Walter L. Hnggins, M. D., married Edith Mae
Hazard, daughter of Theodore B. and Sarah Hazard, of Buffalo. His
parents were ^Imore D., and Estella C. (Town) Huggins, of Sala-
manca, N. Y.
Dr- Huggins is a member of the Schenectady County Medical
Society, St. George's Lodge, No. 6, F. and A. M., the Medical Greek
Letter Fraternity, Nu Sigma Nu, the American Academy of Medi-
cine, and Schenectady University Club.
John F. Madgett was born in Buffalo, September 29, 1863. He
moved to Canada when five }'ears of age and was educated in that
country. After his school days he learned the trade of machinist
with his father. They lived in Indiana, Ontario, and later at Hamil-
ton, and he finished his trade when seventeen years of age. He
entered the employ of the Webster Sewing Machine Company, and
later worked for the L,. D. Sawyer Company, agricultural works, and
afterwards in oil refining. Later he was in the employ of J. H.
Killy & Company, manufacturers of steam engines. He then took
a course of instruction for more experience, and subsequently was
employed by the Hamilton Machine Tool Company, in whose works
he was foreman at the age of twenty. In 1S87 he entered the
employ of the Edison General Electric Company at Montreal,
Quebec, and has since been engaged with that company and its suc-
cessor, the General Electric Company. He inaugurated the first
factory for the company in Sherbrook, Quebec, which was subse-
quently removed to Peterborough, Ontario, and was superintendent
at these points. In 1893 ^^^ came to Schenectady as chief inspector
of the Schenectady Works, which position he held for ten and one-
half years, after which he was promoted to assistant superintendent,
which position he still holds.
On May 16, 1882, John F. Madgett married Frances Ann Sweet-
love, daughter of James and Mary Sweetlove, and they have two
children, John Henry Franklin, born July 31, 1883, and Ethel
Sweetlove, born August 18, 1888. The son was born in Hamilton,
Ontario, and the daughter in Sherbrook, Quebec. Mr. Madgett's
88 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
parents were Thomas and Caroline S. Madgett. His father was a
native of England and his mother of Saratoga Connty.
Mr. Madgett is a member of Peterborough Ivodge No. 155, F. and
A. M., Canada, St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's
Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar, and Oriental Temple, A. A.
O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y. He is also a member of Court Stanley
No. 7680, Ancient Order Foresters, Canada.
Eugene C. Hartley, one of the prominent and best known
business men of the city of Schenectady, was born in Fulton County,
N. Y., August 20, 1849. He was educated in the district schools
and at the Fort Edward Institute, and subsequently taught school
for about six years.
Abandoning the school room he entered mercantile life as a
traveler for a wholesale glove house, and was on the road for about
four }-ears. In 1878 he came to Schenectady and embarked in the
grocery business in partnership with L. N. Reese, under the firm
name of Reese & Hartley. This firm continued in existence for ten
years, or until 1888, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Hartley has
since continued the business alone. His trade is reputed to be one
of the largest in his line in the city, and his business prosperity is to
be attributed to his honorable methods and square dealing.
Mr. Hartley is a member of St. George's Eodge, No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. George's Chapter, No. 157, R. A. M., and St. George's Com-
mandery, No. T^-j^ Knights Templar.
In October, 1878, Eugene C. Hartley married Mattie Hamilton,
daughter of John and Mary Hamilton. They have one daughter,
Bessie M., who is a student in Elmira College.
Mr. Hartley's parents were Isaac and Sarah (Barlow) Hartley.
His father was a native of Schenectady County. His ancestors were
English, from which country the original American Hartley came
over to Schenectady in 1792. Mr. Hartley's grandfather was a class-
mate with the poet Wordsworth in England. His grandparents were
Isaac and Jane (Smithson) Hartley. She was of the Smithson
family, after which the Smithsonian Institute was named.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 89
Edward Murday was born in Passaic, N. J., October 10, 1S67.
His parents were Charles and Sarah (Bishop) Murday, both of whom
were natives of Ireland. After his school days Edward Murday
worked as a clerk for a year and a half, after which he served three
years' apprenticeship at the trade of machinist. In 1889 he went to
Lynn, Mass., and entered the employ of the Thomson-Houston Com-
pany, where he remained for a short time, after which he entered
the employ of the Walton Watch Tool Company, and remained with
them for nine months. He then went to Troy and worked for the
Rensselaer Manufacturing Company, with whom he remained for two
years, when he went to work for W. and L- E. Gurley, manufac-
turers of mathematical instruments, with whom he remained for a
year when he returned to Lynn, where he worked for two years with
the Thomson-Houston Company. In 1893, he came to Schenectady
as a machinist for the General Electric Company, and in 1898 was
made foreman of the Switch Board Department.
Edward Murday married Harriet Fagel of Schenectady, and they
have one daug-hter, Eleanor. Mr. Murday is a member of Lodge No.
480, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
James F. Moffett, Jr., son of James F. and Celia (Kelly)
Moffett, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., February 2, 1884, a"d was
educated in the public schools and at Fitzgerald's Business College.
After leaving the business college he entered the Renonard Training
School for Embalmers and graduated therefrom February 24, 1901.
He then formed a partnership with George M. Kivlin, under the
firm name of Kivlin & Moffett, which continued until November i,
1 901, when Mr. Moffett succeeded to the business which he has since
conducted alone. Before going into business for himself, Mr.
Moffett was for two 3'ears assistant to the late David J. Cronin, one
of the leading undertakers of the city.
Mr. Moffett is a member of Court Dorp No. 392, Foresters of
America, of Neptune Hose Company No. 3, and the Young Men's
Catholic Club, and is a capable and enterprising young business
man.
90 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William M. Madigan, son of Patrick and Mary (Sheehan)
Madigan, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., September 19, 1861.
After leaving school he worked on a farm for two years, and then
went into the business of florist, which he followed for two years,
when he entered the shops of the New York Central Railroad Com-
pany at Albany as a machinist's apprentice, and, after six years
experience there, he went to Mechanicville as foreman in the railroad
shops at that place. He remained in Mechanicville for six months
when he took a position in the Schenectady Locomotive Works, and
remained there for eighteen months. He then went back to the
railroad shops at West Albany, and remained there five years, at the
expiration of which time he entered the employ of the General
Electric Company and returned to Schenectady. He was foreman of
Shop No. 10 for eight years, and was then transferred to Shop No. 9,
which position he now holds.
On May 22, 1883, William M. Madigan married Alice Morrow,
who died April 6, 1884. On March 4, 1886, he married Maggie
Garrity, and they have a family of seven children : Raymond, Wil-
liam, Carl, Gertrude, John, Helen and Edwin.
Myron F. Westover, secretary of the General Electric Com-
pany, was born in Vinton, Iowa, July 10, i860, and was educated at
the Iowa State University. After graduating he took up the study
of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1882. He then began the
practice of his profession and was so engaged for three years. He
became private secretary to President Coffin of the Thomson-Hous-
ton Electric Company iir 1888. This company having been absorbed
by the General Electric Company he became secretary of the latter
corporation in 1894, which office he still holds.
On November 5, 1886, Myron F. Westover married Lou E. Ham,
and they have one son, Wendell Westover, born in the year 1895.
Mr. Westover's parents were William and Sarah J. Westover. His
father came of New England stock and the original Westover in
this country settled at Windsor, Connecticut, in 1649.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 91
Joseph I. Mitchell, son of Reuben and Jane (Cowlani) Mitchell,
was born in Leiscestersliire, England, March 26, 1858, and came to
the United States of America in 1869. He settled first in the state
of Connecticut, and thei'e learned the trade of machinist. He
worked for the Russell & Irwin Manufacturing Company of New
Britain, Conn., for five years, and in 1882 he went into the employ
of the General Electric Company at New Britain, Conn. Later on
he was sent by this company to Lynn, Mass., to work in their shops
there, and remained for some time. In 1896 he came to Schenectady
in the employ of the General Electric Company, and now has charge
of the transformer department.
For over thirty years Mr. Mitchell has been actively engaged as a
machinist in connection with the electrical business, and he is
today one of the valuable men who conduce to the efficiency of the
great manufacturing company with which he is associated.
On August 14, 1879, Joseph I. Mitchell married Mary J., daughter
of Michael J. and Elizabeth (King) Holmes. They have four
children, namely : Mae, born July 26, 1S80, Eva, born January 28,
1882, Irving, born August 6, 1884, and Gladys, born August 12,
iJ
V. Hanson Yates was born in Schenectady, N. Y., August 15,
1857, ^^^'^ "^^s educated in the schools of his native city. He is a
son of Nicholas and Harriet (Hanson) Yates, and is one of a family
of ten children.
After attaining his majority he embarked in the carpet business,
including interior decorations, and conducted this business for seven-
teen years, or until 1894, when he went into his present business,
that of conducting a boat livery. He has one of the finest boat
liveries in the state, and keeps about one hundred boats on hand at
all times.
Mr. Yates is a member of one branch of the Yates family, which
has been well known in Schenectady County for over a century.
For further particulars see article on the Yates family, in the general
part of this work.
92 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Major E. Nott Schermerhorn — This well known lawyer and
soldier was born in Schenectady County, N. Y., December 22, 1838,
and is one of the seventh generation of his family in America, his
ancestors having come over from Holland in 1640.
On May 2, 1861, E. Nott Schermerhorn enlisted as a private in
Company E, i8th New York Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered
in as first sergeant on May 17 of the same year.
The 1 8th New York Volunteer Infantry, " New York State Rifles,"
was organized at Albany, May 17, 1861, with William A. Jackson,
colonel ; William H. Young, lieutenant-colonel, and George B.
Myers, major. They left the state on June 19 of that year and
served in the Third Brigade, Fifth Division, Army of Northeast
Virginia, until August, after which they formed a part of Franklin's
Brigade, Division of the Potomac, until October, 1861. They then
became a part of the Third Brigade, First Division, First Army
Corps, Army of the Potomac, until May, 1862, after which they were
with the Third Brigade, First Division, Sixth Army Corps, Army of
the Potomac, until May, 1863.
Mr. Schermerhorn was promoted to sergeant-major, November 14,
1 86 1, and immediately afterwards was commissioned second Heuten-
ant of Company E, to rank from December 27, 1861. On Aiignst 2,
1862, he was promoted to first lieutenant and adjutant, and led the
left wing of the regiment in action at the Battle of South Mountain,
Md., September 14, 1862. He was captured with General E. H.
Stoughton, March 9, 1863, at Fairfax Court House, Va., while serv-
ing as assistant adjutant-general on his staff with the rank of captain,
but he was not long in the hands of the rebels, managing to make
his escape the same night.
A detailed account of the services of this splendid soldier is
legitimately a part of this article and eminently worthy of preserva-
tion. He first served in the defences of Washington, D. C, from
June 21, 1861, until March 13, 1862, and during this time partici-
pated in the skirmish on Braddock Road, July 16, 1861, Blackburn's
Ford, 1861, and the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. He was
on outpost and picket duty on Little River Turnpike and near
Alexandria, from August until December, 1861, and was engaged in
BIOGRAPHICAL. 93
the skirmish at Munsou's Hill, on August 28 ; the skirmish at
Springfield Station, while guarding a wood train, October 4 ; the
skirmish at Munson's Hill, November 4 and November 16 ; at
Springfield Station, December 4, 1861, and at Union Mills, March
12, 1862. His command moved from Alexandria to Shipping Point,
York River, April 17-21, joining the Army of the Potomac before
Yorktown. Here he was engaged in the action at West Point, May
7, and was in the entrenched camp at Courtney's House up to June
25. He was engaged in the seven days battles which lasted from
June 25 to July 2 ; participated in the Battle of Gaines' Mills, June
27 ; in the action at Garnett's and Golding's Farms, supporting the
artillery, June 28. He was in the Battle of Glendale or White Oak
Swamp Bridge and the Battle of Malvern Hill, July i. He moved
to the support of Pope's forces in Virginia, August 16-27, ^^^^ "^^^ in
the action at Burk's Station, August 28, 1862. He participated in
covering the movement from Bull Run and holding Centreville
Heights, August 31 and September i, 1862, moving upon the latter
date to the support of the troops at Chantilly. On September 14 he
led his men in the celebrated bayonet charge which forced the passage
at Crampton's Gap, South Mountain, when Cobb's Georgia Regi-
ment was completely routed. He participated in the great Battle of
Aiitietam, September 17, 1862, and was on picket duty on the upper
Potomac from September 25 to October 31 of that year. He was
also in the prolonged Battle of Fredericksburg, which lasted from
December 11 to December 15. From December 19, 1862, until
April 28, 1863, his regiment was camped near White Oak Church.
From April 28 until May 2, 1862, he was engaged in the operations
at Franklin's Crossing or Deep Run, and in the assault and capture
of Mary's Heights, on May 3. He was in the Battle of Salem
Heights, May 3 and 4, and covered the movement to Bank's Ford
and the removal of the pontoons May 7.
He was mustered out of the service with his regiment at the
expiration of his term of service and with the brevet rank of major,
May 28, 1863. Previous to this, on May 11, 1863, General Hooker
expressed his appreciation of the services of Major Schermerhorn's
regiment in General Orders No. 50, bearing date of that day.
94 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
After his honorable and brilliant services in the army, Major
Schermerhorn returned to Schenectady and entered the Internal
Revenue office as deputy collector. He also took up the study of
law, entered the Albany' Law School, from which he was graduated
in 1S77, and was admitted to the Bar as attorney in the same year.
In 1879 he was admitted as attorney and counselor at Albany and
began the active practice of his profession, coupling therewith real
estate and insurance. He is also a partner in the house of Schermer-
horn & Company, which was formed in 1885.
In 1867 Major Schermerhorn married Gertrude Ward, daughter of
James H. and Rebecca (Swart) Ward. They have a family of four
children : J. Ward, Bartholomew, Linwood Gale and C. Ellis Scher-
merhorn.
Major Schermerhorn is a member of the Loyal Legion ; was presi-
dent of the Board of Education of the city of Schenectady for a
number of years ; president of the Board of Water Commissioners
and deputy collector of Internal Revenue for the Eighteenth Con-
gressional District, which office he held for eighteen years. He has
always taken a deep interest in the progress and welfare of Schenec-
tady, and is one of its truly representative men. He has never
sought office and the positions which he has held, have come to him
without his seeking.
Arthur Marvin, M. A., was born at Fly Creek, Otsego County,
N. Y., August 25, 1867, and was prepared for college at the Coopers-
town, N. Y., High School, where he was awarded in 1885 the Averell
gold medal for highest excellence in scholarship. In the fall of 1887
he entered the Syracuse University, where he remaii:ed until the
spring of 1889, when he entered the Sophomore class at Yale
University, graduating in 1S91 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
After leaving college he was appointed teacher of German and Latin
in the Ball High School of Galveston, Texas, in 1891-92. He then
taught in the Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, Conn., the
oldest Yale Preparatory school, from 1892 until 1S97. In June, 1896,
he received the degree of M. A. from Yale University on examination
BIOGRAPHICAL.
95
in English. In 1897 he was appointed principal of the Schenectady
Union Classical Institute or High School, which position he now
occupies.
Mr. Marvin is widely known as a successful teacher, lecturer and
editor of educational works. He edited the students' edition of
Irving's Alhanibra, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, and was also
editor of the Regents edition of Irving's Sketch Book, published by
Houghton-Mifflin & Co., both of which are being widely used in
schools. He represents Schenectady County in the State Teachers'
Association, and has delivered several addresses at the meetings of
the Associated Academic Principals held in Syracuse, at the Regents'
convocation held in Albany, and at other places.
On August 25, 189 r, he married Perthenia Weeks Root of
Cooperstown, N. Y. A unique incident in her career is that she
also was awarded the Averell gold medal at Cooperstown in 1886.
They have three children, Dorothea, born in New Haven, Conn.,
June 24, 1S96, Donald, born in Schenectady, N. Y., April 19, 1899,
and Beatrice Blanche, born in Schenectady, N. Y., May 15, 1901.
His parents were George H. and Ann Eliza (Miller) Marvin.
George H. Marvin was born in Milford, Otsego County, N. Y., and
was engaged in the loan and brokerage business there. His wife,
Ann Eliza Miller, was born in Binghamton, N. Y., and resided there;
in Dubuque, Iowa, and in Otsego County, N. Y., after her marriage.
He is a member of the University Club, Delta Upsilon (college)
Fraternity, of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., and St. George's
Chapter No. 157, R. A. M. He is also a member of the Modern
Lano-nage Association, the National Educational Association and
several other educational organizations.
Dana A. Barnes, son of John W. and Sophia A. (Dana) Barnes,
was born in Syracuse, N. Y., July i, 1S61. His first employment
was in the capacity of a machinist with the Porter Manufacturing
Company, with whom he remained three and one-half years, after
which he went to Penn.sylvania with Struthers, Wells & Company,
and remained with them for five and one-half years. He next
96 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
entered the employ of the John T. Noye Mannfacturing Company of
Buffalo, N. Y., as tool-maker and draughtsman, and was with them
for three years. He then went to Dunkirk, N. Y., and was employed
with the Martin Anti-fire Car Heating Company as general superin-
tendent for three and one-half years.
In 1 89 1 he moved to Schenectady, N. Y., to take the position of
mechanical superintendent for the Westinghouse Company, which
position he still occupies.
In October, 1893, Dana A. Barnes married Metta B., daughter of
Henry L. and Metta (Barnes) Edwards. They have two sons, Dana
A. Barnes, Jr., who was born March 5, 1897, and John Edwards
Barnes, born February 27, 1902.
Abram G. Vedder was born in Schenectady July 23, 1853. After
his school days he was a clerk for one year in Schenectady, after
which he went to Albany and clerked for a year. Returning to
Schenectady he joined with Jerome G. Morgan and formed the firm
of Morgan & Vedder, dealers in groceries. This firm continued for
eight years, after which Mr. Vedder was in business for himself for
three years. He then took a position as traveling salesman for a
New York grocery house, but after a short time he abandoned the
road and succeeded E. W. Moore in the bakery business. He con-
ducted this enterprise for two and one-half years, when he returned
to the grocery business, in which he was engaged for the next eight
years. He then spent a year in the west as a dealer in real estate in
Wisconsin. In 1891 he returned to Schenectady and opened a real
estate office which he conducted until 1895, when he engaged with
the General Electric Company as stock-keeper, which position he
still retains.
On May 12, 1875, Abram G. Vedder married Harriet E., daughter
of David Tichenor and Fannie E. (Ward) Tichenor. They have
one son, Arthur T. Mr. Vedder is a member of the Baptist church
and is one of the trustees of that body. His parents were Francis
A. and Mary A. (Peek) Vedder. His ancestors came to the United
States from Holland and settled in Schenectady in the year 1630.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 97
Henry S. Edwards was born in Bristol, Ontario County, N. Y.,
August 18, 1825. While he was still quite young, his parents
removed to Saratoga County, and here he was educated in the dis-
trict schools. He began the active duties of life in the hardware
store of Abraham Van Vorst, where he remained for three years.
He then entered the employ of John I. Yates, hardware merchant,
with whom he remained for six years. In 1851 he formed a part-
nership with Isaac Harris, under the firm name of Edwards &
Harris, which continued for several years. He finally sold out of
this business and became a junior member of the firm of J. Walker
& Company. They carried on a large grocery and seed business,
and also dealt extensively in agricultural implements. After three
years he sold out of this business and embarked in the hardware
business by himself, doing a fine trade for a period of twelve years,
when he disposed of the business and spent some time traveling
through the west. Returning to Schenectady, he and his brother,
Eewis B. Edwards, formed the company of H. S. Edwards & Brother,
hardware dealers, which firm continued for ten years, at the end of
which period Mr. Henry S. Edwards assumed the entire business and
carried it on alone until 1891, when he retired from active pursuits.
In i860 Mr. Edwards became director in the Mohawk National
Bank, of which later on he was made vice-president, and finally, in
1894, was elected president, which position he held until his death,
which occurred the 12th day of March, 1903. Among all the officers
and directors of the bank in i860, Mr. Edwards was the only sur-
vivor at his death.
On May 20, 1846, Henry S. Edwards married Elizabeth L. Butter-
field. They have one daughter, Harriet E, widow of William J.
Liddle. She has one son, Henry S. Liddle, a physician of Schenec-
tady, who married Annie S. Hillabrandt, of Johnstown, N. Y.
Henry S. Edwards was a son of Samuel B. and Ruth L,- (Rogers)
Edwards. Mr. Edwards' father and his father's two brothers mar-
ried three sisters.
Mr. Edwards was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and
charter member and president of the board of trustees of the Y. M.
C. A.
98 SCHENTECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Mr. Edwards' life has been a long and honorable one and he was,
for nearly half a century, a prominent figure in both the business
and financial circles of Schenectady.
Michael Nolan was born in Ireland, March 12, 1827, ^"'i ^^'^^
the son of William and Catherine (O'Byrne) Nolan. He came to
America and settled in Schenectady in 1849. He learned the trade
of mason in Ireland and has worked at it for forty years, thirty years
of which he was also a contractor. He is now retired.
In 1853 Michael Nolan married Honoria Drurry. Their children
are : Mary, William P., Michael D., Katie C, Hannah, James and
Matthew.
William P. Faust, M. D., was born in Ponghkeepsie, N. Y., in
April, 1873, and is a son of John and Anna M. (Freitig) F'aust. His
parents were natives of Germany and came to the United States of
America in 1854.
William P. Faust received his literary education at the public
schools of Poughkeepsie, graduating at the Poughkeepsie High
School in 1892, and pursued his medical studies at the New -York
Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital and the New York Post
Graduate School and Hospital.
William P. Faust, M. D., came to Schenectady in 1895, and has
already assumed a prominent place in the front rank of the jDhysi-
cians of this city. He is prominent in Masonic circles and is a
member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's
Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's Commandery No. 37,
Knights Templar and the Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of
Troy, N. Y. He is also a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17,
I. O. O. F., Schenectady City Lodge No. 317, Knights of Pythias,
and of the Albany County Homeopathic Medical Society, as well as
of the American Institute of Homeopathy.
On September 9, 1S96, William P. Faust, M. D., married Mary
Alvord, daughter of James and Julia A, (Peer) Hickok.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 99
Hon. John C. Myers was boni in the city of Schenectady, July
2?) 1^571 and wa.s educated in the public schools of his native place,
at the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa., and Eastman's Business
College.
Mr. Myers has been actively identified with the business life and
affairs of Schenectady for the last dozen }'ears, and is very popular,
not only in political, but also in business circles. In politics he is a
Democrat, is an active and influential worker, and is highly esteemed
by his party. His first political contest was against Hon. A. A.
Yates for Member of Assembly, in which he was defeated, but in
1890 he was elected sheriff of Schenectadv County and served the
full term of office. In 1893 ^'^^ ^^s again nominated by his party
for Member of Assembly and was elected. He was renominated in
1894 and again in 1896, but lost both of these contests. In 1897 he
again contested the district and was elected, receiving 3,717 votes
against 3,545 for the Republican candidate and eighty for the Prohi-
bition candidate. During his Legislative career Mr. M^-ers was
instrumental in securing the passage of several important bills relat-
ing to Schenectady, and which have been of great benefit to the
city. During' the session of 1898, he was a member of the Com-
mittees on Cities and Agriculture.
Mr. Myers has for some years been engaged in the hotel business,
and is now proprietor of the Imperial Hotel, one of the best con-
ducted caravanseries in the city.
W. W. GODDARD, M. D., was born at Ballston Spa, Saratoga
County, N. Y., June 10, 1872, and is the son of Aaron and Caroline
(Briggs) Goddard. Caroline Briggs was the daughter of Job and
Jane (McQueen) Briggs.
Dr. Goddard received his literary education at the Egbert Insti-
tute, Cohoes, and the Albany Academy.- He studied medicine with
Dr. James Duane Featherstonhaugh, in whose office he remained
three years, after which he attended the Albany Medical College in
1894, graduating therefrom with the degree of M. D. After grad-
uating he was appointed resident physician and surgeon of Ellis
loo SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
Hospital, Schenectady, N. Y., which position he held from 1894 to
1895. He then opened an office and began the public practice of
his profession in April, 1895.
Dr. Goddard has been very successful in his profession and has
held several public offices. He was for two years County Physician,
namely, from 1897 to 1899, and is a member of the Schenectady
County Medical Society. He was appoiated, under President
McKinley, one of the Board of United States Examining Surgeons
for a term of four years, and is now serving on his second term. In
1897 he was appointed one of the hospital staff of Ellis Hospital,
which position he still holds. He has served two terms as attending
physician and surgeon at the Children's Home, and is examiner for
several of the largest insurance companies doing business in the city
of Schenectady. He is also a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6,
F. and A. M., is one of the directors of the University Club, and is
president of the Captain Thomas Webb Club, a member of the
Mohawk Golf Club, and second vice-president of the Southbridge
Oil and Development Company.
Charles E. Merriam, son of Henry and Ann E. (Reeve)
Merriam, was born June 26, 1838. He is one of a family of six
children, the others being Henry G., of Waverly, N. Y., Helen, of
Goshen, N. Y., Frank A., of Chicago, Reverend Alexander R.
Merriam of Hartford, Conn., and Alma E., of Goshen, N. Y. His
father, Henry Merriam, was born December i, 1802, and died Feb-
ruary 14, 1895. His mother was born May 3, 1810, and died
September i, 1901.
Charles E. Merriam was engaged in the dry goods business until
1873, under the firm name of Merriam and Millspaugh. At that
date he went into the hardware business with his brother, Henry G.,
under the name and style of Merriam Brothers, and remained in this
business until 1894, when he closed out his hardware store and went
to Albany as vice-president and general manager of the Standard
Wagon Company, which did $250,000 worth of business annually.
BIOGRAPHICAL. loi
In 1898 Mr. Merriam took the management of tlie New York Life
Insurance Company for the counties of Schenectady,' Fulton and
Montgomery, with offices in the city of Schenectady, which position
he still occupies to the advantage of the New York Life.
On March 23, 1864, Charles E. Merriam married Jane E., daughter
of Reverend Daniel Wells, who was for fifteen years treasurer of the
Board of Foreign Missions of New York City. Mrs. Merriam's
mother was Elizabeth Hamilton of Princetown, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs.
Merriam have a family of five children, namely, Frank A., Elizabeth
R., Mary E., wife of Dr. Charles A. Gwynn of Auburn, N. Y., Anna
A., and Charles W.
Mr. Merriam has long taken an active part in church affairs, and
is a fine public speaker. He was treasurer of the Y. M. C. A. of the
state of New York for several years.
John McDermott was born in Ireland in the year 1839, but has
resided in America since 1848, and has lived in Schenectady since
that year. After being occupied in various employments until i860,
he learned the mason's trade and worked at it until 1876, when he
went into the contracting business. He has been engaged upon
buildings for the Locomotive Works since 1877, and has completed
a great many outside contracts, including the Catholic church and
other edifices.
In October, 1865, John McDermott married Anna McCrowe, who
died in 1886, leaving five children. Mr. McDermott is a member of
the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic church. He takes an
active interest in public affairs and is one of the progressive men of
the city. He held a seat at the Common Council for twelve years,
was a member of the Board of Education for two years, and is now
president of the Board of Water Commissioners. At the present
time Mr. McDermott .is one of the managers of the Schenectady
Savings Bank ; one of the trustees of the Ellis Hospital and a stock-
holder and director of the Van Curler Opera House.
37
102 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
James H. Van Auken, son of Levi and Susan M. (Furbeck) Van
Auken, was born in Schenectady County, N. Y., December 15, 1842.
He was educated at the Union School, from which he was graduated
in 1862. He then entered the book store of Young & Graham, as a
clerk, and remained with them for a period of three years. He then
embarked in business on his own account in company with C. B.
Swart, under the firm name of Swart & Van Auken. This partner-
ship existed for twelve years, at the end of which time Mr. Van
Auken sold out his interest and established a book store of his own,
which he conducted until 1892, when he disposed of the business
and started a music store. This business he carried on until 1899,
when he took up the real estate business, in which he has since been
actively engaged.
On January 16, 1867, James H. Van Auken married Sarah M.,
daughter of Duncan and Rachael (Lansing) McDonald. They have
two children, William J. and Charles E.
Mr, Van Auken is a member of the Netherland Society, of St.
Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., and of the Second Reformed
Church. He has been deacon and elder in the church and superin-
tendent in the Sunday School for many years. He is a Republican
in politics and represents the fourth ward on the Board of Aldermen.
Lewis Beck Seeking was born in Columbia County, N. Y.,
January 23, 1868. He was prepared for college at Catskill Academy,
N. Y., from which he graduated in 1887. He then entered Union
College and, after a highly creditable course, was graduated with the
degree of civil engineer in the class of 1892. Almost immediately
after his graduation, Mr. Sebring was appointed assistant city
engineer for a term of two years, and subsequently for three years
held the office of city engineer.
In politics Mr. Sebring is a Republican, and had charge of work
on the improvement of the Erie Canal.
On June 24, 1897, Lewis Beck Sebring married Agnes E., daugh-
ter of Christian and Mary (Daniels) Bulla, and they have one son,
L^ewis Beck, Jr.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 103
Mr. Sebring's parents were Reverend Elbert M. Sebring and
Annie T. (Beck) Sebring. His father was a minister of the Dutch
Reformed Church, of which Lewis B. is also a member, and he has
held the office of deacon for three years in the Second Reformed
Church of this city.
Mr. Sebring's ancestors were Dutch and English and settled in
Schenectady in 1684. His great-great-grandfather was the Reverend
Dirck Romeyn, who was the first pastor of the First Reformed
Church of Schenectady and one of the founders of Union College.
WiixiAM W. Snell was born at Braman's Corners, Schenectady
County, N. Y., September 5, 1873, ^"^^ ^^^ educated in the schools
of his native place. After leaving school he took up the printer's
trade in the Evening Star office in 1890, and after learning his trade
was foreman for four years, until 1899, when he opened his job
printing office, which he still conducts and which has been very
successful owing to first-class work, and the fact that Mr. Snell gives
the business his personal attention.
On June 16, 1898, Mr. Snell married Miss Rose Crook, daughter
of Eben and Sarah Crook. They have one son, Edgar W. Mr.
Snell's parents, were George A. and Catherine L. (Washburn) Snell.
He is a member of Cantuquo Tribe No. 361, Independent Order of
Red Men, the Royal Arcanum No. 983, Jr. O. A. W. No. 120,
Schenectady City Lodge No. 319, K. of P., and Typographical
Union No. 167.
Anna M. Van Deusen, whose maiden name was Anna M. Yates,
married Wallace Van Deusen in 1874. He was born in Schoharie
County, N. Y., and embarked in the grocery business in 1876, which
he pursued until 1893, when he retired. He died in 1897. The
children of the family are Mary and Arthur H. The Van Deusen
family is of Holland ancestry.
I04 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Henry W. Primmer was born in Schenectady, N. Y., March 5,
1846. He was edncated in the town of Glenville, and followed the
occupation of farmer in that town until 1886. In that year he went
to Albany and engaged in the produce business for a time, after
which he was in the drygoods trade. In 1891 he settled perma-
nently in Schenectady, and engaged in the mercantile business for
six 3ears, at the end of which time he retired from active business
pursuits.
On June 13, 1883, Henry W. Primmer married Ella, daughter of
Francis and Keziah (Mills) West. They have one daughter, Viola.
Mr. Primmer's parents were Walter and iX.bigail (Bolt) Primmer.
His ancestors on his father's side were Germans, from which country
his grandfather, Peter Primmer, came to America. His maternal
grandfather, John Mills, came from Scotland. Both Mr. Primmer
and his wife are members of the First Baptist Church.
Harmon A. Stalky, M. D., one of Schenectady's leading physi-
cians and surgeons, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., June 10, 1865.
He was educated in the public schools and was graduated from
Berkley Seminary at Oakland, Cal, in 1880. After completing his
literary education he returned east and began the study of medicine
in the Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated in the
class of 1891. He was resident physician at the Albany County
Hospital for two years, after which he removed to Schenectady and
took up the public practice of his profession.
On June 12, 1895, Harmon A. Staley, M. D., married Lela D.
vSchermerhorn of Albany. They have one son, Leland.
Dr. Staley is a member of both the Albany County Medical
Society and the Schenectady County Medical Society ; also of the
State Medical Association. He served three 3'ears as county ph)'si-
cian and is examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of
Massachusetts, as well as of the Bankers' Life Insurance Company.
He is Court Physician to the Electric City Lodge of the Order of
Foresters, and is a member of Truth Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 105
William A. Pearson, son of William A. and Margaret Pearson,
was born at Sayre, Pennsylvania, in Jnly, 1855. He graduated from
the High School of his native place in 1870, after which he served
an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade in the Delaware, Lacka-
wanna and Western Railroad shops at Scranton, Pa., finally becom-
ing foreman of these shops. Leaving Scranton, he went to Omaha,
Nebraska, and entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad as
civil engineer, and remained with that road in this capacity for three
years. He next went to Carson City, Nex'ada, to accept a position
as master mechanic, and remained there for one and one-half years.
Lea\'ing Carson City, he went to Virginia City to become superin-
tendent on the Comstock and remained there two and one-half years
when he went to Maine, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, where he
engaged in the mining business with headquarters in New York and
Boston, and remained in this position for four years. Pie then
returned to Scranton, Pa., and engaged with the Dickson Manufac-
turing Company, being connected with the Marine Department as
their superintendent. There he remained for three years, when he
engaged with the Boies Wheel Company as superintendent, and
remained with them until December, 1893, when he came to
Schenectady, and is now the chief engineer of the General Electric
Works in this city.
In May, 1885, William A. Pearson married Mary Burns, who died
in 1886, and in 1888 he married Helen Franklin, who died in 1896.
Mr. Pearson is a member of the American Society of 'Mechanical
Engineers ; also of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St.
George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's Commandery No.
37, K. T., and of the Royal Arcanum.
Frank Maxon was born in Schenectady, April 24, 1856, and
received his prelimiirary education in the public schools of his native
place, General Russell's Commercial Institute and Hopkins' Gram-
mar School, graduating from the latter institution. He then entered
Yale College, but did not complete the full course. Subsequently,
io6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY
however, he took two courses at the Albany Medical College. He
then went to work with his father, who was connected with the
Schenectady Elevator Company, and remained with him until the
death of the latter, which occurred in 1886.
After the death of his father, Mr. Maxon embarked in the real
estate business, in which he has been engaged ever since.
In November, 1894, Frank Maxon married Amanda Van Auken,
daughter of Levi Van Auken. Mr. Maxon's parents were George
G. and Ann M. (Wood) Maxon. The ancestors of the Maxon family
in this country came from Wales in the early part of the seventeenth
century.
Warren W. Vedder was born in the town of Rotterdam,
Schenectady County, N. Y., June 27, 1856. After leaving the pub-
lic schools, he drove a team on the canal for a time and later on was
steersman on a boat, after which he was a boat owner himself. Sub-
sequentl}', he was a lock tender for ten years.
In 1878 he came to Schenectady and was captain of a state scow
under Frank Curtiss for one year. He then went to work for
Eggleson & Van Voast, lumber dealers, with whom he remained a
year, after which he was clerk for Bostric & Fillings, grocery dealers,
for nine years.
In 1888, Warren W. Vedder embarked in his present business,
that of hotel proprietor, in which he is still engaged.
On November 20, 1879, Warren W. Vedder married Mary E.,
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bond) Lockwood. They have five
children living : Pearl, Hattie, Blanche, Jacob, Flossie and Carlyle,
(deceased). Mr. Vedder is a son of John D. and Jane A. (Sprung)
Vedder, both of whom were born in Schenectady County. He is a
member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., and is a descendant
of one of the old Holland families of the Mohawk valley. Mr.
Vedder takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of his county, and has achieved a gratifying success in all his
business affairs.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 107
W. Scott Hunter was bom in Saratoga County in March, li
His parents came to Schenectady when he was a child, and he was
educated in the public schools of this city, graduating from the
academic department in 1864. In that year he entered Union Col-
lege, and after a highly creditable course, was graduated with the
degree of A. B. in the class of 1868.
After leaving college he accepted a position as clerk in a woolen
mill, of which he subsequently became manager, which position he
held until 1893.
In 1895, the Metropolitan Paving and Construction Company was
organized with which Mr. Hunter was connected. This company
continued in existence until 1900, when it was succeeded by the
Schenectady Contracting Company, with Mr. Hunter as secretary,
which position he now fills.
The business of this company, since its inception, has been large,
owing to the enterprise and successful management of its members.
In a growing city like Schenectady, where new streets are being
projected and improvements being made on the old thoroughfares,
a company like the Schenectady Contracting Company, whose
members are enterprising and progressive men, becomes a most
important and valuable factor.
In addition to his business affairs, Mr. Hunter takes great interest
in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of Schenectady,
and has held different important public offices. He represented the
second ward on the Board of Aldermen from 1877 to 1880; was
excise commissioner for some time, and is now president of the
Board of Education. He is also a prominent Mason and is afiliated
with St. George's Lodge No. 6, E. and A. M., which he has served
as Master and for the past twenty years as treasurer, St. George's
Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., which he has served as High Priest, and
St. George's Commandery No. 2i7i Knights Templar.
In February, 1871, W. Scott Hunter married Mary, daughter of
William H. and Harriet (Millard) Clark. They have two children,
namely : Arthur W. Hunter, an attorney living in Duluth, and a
daughter, Grace Hunter. Mr. Hunter's parents were Arthur W. and
Mary (Foster) Hunter.
io8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Charles F. Rankin . was born in the city of Schenectady,
February 6, 1850. He was educated in the public schools of his
native city, and at the Fort Edward Institute, and, after his school
days, took up the business of manufacturing brooms, in which he
was engaged for four years. He then lived on a farm for two years,
after which he returned to the broom business in which he was
engaged until 1884. In that year he formed a partnership with
Andrew Wolf in the wood and coal business, under the firm name of
Wolf & Rankin. This firm continued in business for five years,
when Mr. Rankin succeeded them and conducted the business alone
until 1900, when he admitted his son-in-law, Birnie R. Carey, into
partnership, the firm name becoming Rankin & Carey. They handle
wood, coal, lime, cement, hay, straw and so on, and give employment
to an average force of from fifteen to twenty people.
On October 21, 1875, Charles F. Rankin married Louise H.,
daughter of Frederick and Henrietta (Wormer) Pepper. They have
one daughter, Tillie M., wife of Birnie R. Carey.
Mr. Rankin's parents were Frederick and Louise (Lukins) Rankin.
They came from Germany in 1849, lived in Schenectady three
years and finally settled on a farm in Schenectady County.
Mr. Rankin and his family are members of the State Street
Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an honorary member of the
Y. M. C. A. He is also a member of Schenectady Council No. 193,
Royal Arcanum, and is an enterprising and progressive business man
who is highly respected by all classes of the community.
Charles Brown, proprietor of The Edison, was born in Lynn,
Mass., in the month of April, 1854. He was educated in the public
schools there, from which he graduated in 1872. ■ His first business
after leaving school was in a shoe manufacturing establishment, at
which he worked for two years. He then went to Boston and was
in the employ 0|f, the United States .Hotel, where he remained for
four years. This was the beginning of his career as a hotel man.
He next went to the Bay State House in Worcester, Mass., and, after
eleven years as an employee, he bought the hotel. The firm was
BIOGRAPHICAL. 109
Douglass & Brown, and they conducted the house for five years. In
1892 Mr. Brown came to Schenectady and became proprietor of The
Edison.
On August 14, 1889, Charles Brown married Cora Richardson, and
they have one son, Charles Foster.
Mr. Brown is a member of Ouinsigamond Lodge, F. and A. M.,
Eureka Chapter, Roj'al Arch Masons, of Worcester, Mass., and of
Schenectady Lodge No. 480, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, of which he is a charter member. Mr. Brown is very popular
with the traveling public and conducts one of the finest hotels in the
state.
Walter S. Moody was born in the city of Boston, Mass., Sep-
tember 20, 1864. He was graduated from the Boston High School
in 1883, after which he took a course in the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, from which he graduated in the class of 1887.
After completing his education, he taught for a year in the depart-
ment of physics and electricity in his Alma Mater, after which he
entered the employ of the Thompson Electric Welding Company, as
assistant electrician, and remained with them for four years. He
next joined the Thomson-Houston Company, and has been con-
nected with them and their successors ever since. He came to
Schenectady, December i, 1896, and is now engineer of the transfor-
mer department of the General Electric Company.
On June 6, 1891, Walter S. Moody married Florence C, daughter
of Baptiste and Elizabeth (Cohen) Gilmour. They have one daugh-
ter, Jean. Mr. Moody's parents were Luther R. and Emily (Sher-
man) Moody.
Anna E. Stoops is a native of Schenectady and is the daughter
of William and Jane E. (Harrison) Stoops. Her father is a native
of Ireland and came to the United States and settled in Schenectady
in 1849, since which date he has continuously been engaged in the
tailoring business. He was born on Christmas Day, 1829, ^"^ was a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for a great many
no SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
years. There were five children in the family, namely : Alonzo C,
(deceased), William J., Mary F., now Mrs. N. C. Mandeville, Mar-
garet Jane, (deceased) and Anna E. Stoops. Their mother died in
1868. Miss Stoops has lived in the house where she now resides on
Jay street for thirty-five years.
Albert Johnson Pitkin was born in Akron, Ohio, in the year
1854, and is the son of Caleb J. and Elizabeth (Bancroft) Pitkin.
He was educated in the public and high schools of his native
place. In 1871 he was apprenticed as a machinist to the Webster,
Camp & Lane Machine Company of Akron, Ohio, and remained
with them until 1874. Subsequently he held a position in the draw-
ing room of the P)aldwin Locomotive Works at Philadelphia, Pa.,
until 1880, when he assumed the position of chief draughtsman of
the Rhode Island Locomotive Works at Providence, R. I. In 1882
he became mechanical engineer of the Schenectady Locomotive
Works and in 1884 was made superintendent of these works. Upon
the death of Edward Ellis, in February, 1897, he was made Vice-
President and General Manager of the Schenectady Works, and upon
the sale of these works to the American Locomotive Company, was
elected first Vice-President.
The Schenectady branch of the American Locomotive Works has
experienced a marvelous growth in the last few years, and its expan-
sion during half a century has been wonderful. The output in 1851
was five locomotives ; at present it is employing about 5,000 men
with an annual output of 700 locomotives.
Marcus Wing was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady
County, N. Y., November 26, 1836. When he was quite young, his
parents removed from Duanesburgh to Erie County, N. Y., making
the trip in a covered wagon. Later on the family moved to Niagara
County, and here Marcus Wing was educated in the public schools.
His first employment after leaving school was in the capacity of drug
BIOGRAPHICAL. iii
clerk, which position he retained for fonr 3'ears, at the expiration of
which time he went into the drng business on his own account at
Coxsackie, N. Y., and conducted it until 1880, when he sold out and
removed to Schenectady, which he has since made his permanent resi-
dence. Upon coming to Schenectady, he secured a position as com-
mercial traveler, and was on the road for the eight following years.
In 1888 he embarked in the real estate and insurance business which
he still conducts, and which, through his able management and per-
sonal ability, he has developed to very large dimensions.
Marcus Wing was a son of Daniel and Sarah (Babcock) Wing,
who were of Holland origin.
In January, 1863, Marcus Wing married Elizabeth Brown, who
died in 1875. He subsequently married Ann E. Chrisler, who died
in 1890. He has one son, Edmond Marcus, now in the drug business
in Schenectady.
Albert Bensen Van Vranken, M. D., was born in the house in
which he now resides, March 27, 1874. He received his literary
education in Union College, from which he was graduated in the
class of '96 with the degree of Ph. B. Three years later he received
the degree of A. M. from Union, but in the meantime had entered
the medical department of Columbia College, New York City, and
graduated therefrom in the class of 1900, with the degree of M. D.
After receiving his medical degree, he was connected with the New
York Hospital and the Manhattan State Hospital for some time, and
in 1901 opened his present office at 410 Union Street, Schenectady,
where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his
profession. He is a member of the Schenectady County Medical
Society, of the Holland Society, and of the Chi Psi college frater-
nity. Dr. Van Vranken is a son of Edward W. Van Vranken, a
practicing lawyer in New York City, but formerly of Schenectady,
and who graduated from Union College in the class of 1866. Dr.
Van Vranken is a descendant of Ryckert Van Vranken, who came
from Holland in the year 1660, and settled in Albany. The family
afterwards removed to Niskayuna and from there came to Schenec-
112 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
tady. In 1755 Richard Van Vranken and Dirk Van Vranken,
brothers, bought land on the south side of Union street, between
Center and Jay streets, a part of which is still owned and occnpied
by the Van Vranken family, Dr. Van Vranken being of the seventh
generation.
John Diehl, general foreman of Shop 23, General Electric Com-
pany, was born in the southern part of Germany, February 26, i860.
After his school days he learned the machinist's trade and was
employed in this occupation in his native country until the year 1880
when he came to America and located in New York City, where he
secured a position with William Fix, manufacturer of telegraph
instruments, and remained with him for three years. He then
entered the employ of the Hammond Typewriter Company, as fore-
man of the assembling department, and remained with them until
1888, when lie engaged with Edison & Burgmann, with whom he
remained until their consolidation with the General Electric Com-
pany in 1891, when he came to Schenectady in the employ of this
company. In 1892 he was made assistant foreman, and upon the
consolidation of the Thomson^Houston Company, he was made
general foreman or Shop No. 23, which position he still holds.
Mr. Diehl is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
and is a prominent Mason, being a member of St. George's Lodge
No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St.
George's Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar and the Oriental
Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y. He is also a member of
Schenectady Lodge No. 4S0, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Schenectady Turn Verein and is president of the Schenec-
tady Liederkranz. He is a director of the Edison Mutual Benefit
Association, the United Machinist of Northern New York, and the
Gold and Stock Life Insurance Company.
He is a Republican in politics, and in 1900 was elected to the
Board of Aldermen from the fifth ward of the city of Schenectady.
In January, 1882, John Diehl married Louise, daughter of George
and Susan (Staufenburg) Lutz, and they have four children, Louisa,
Frederick, Katie and Susan.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
113
Valentine Wallburg was born in the city of Boston, December
12, 1S41. When he was five years of age his parents moved to
Needham, Mass., and there he received his education.
He started out to learn the trade of gun-maker, but upon the
breaking out of the Civil War in 1861, he enlisted in Company C,
5th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and served his three months.
In 1862 he re-enlisted, this time in Company D, of the same regiment
and served until the latter part of 1863, when he had a sun-stroke,
from which he suffered for a year and which rendered him unfit for
service for that length of time. He then entered the Watertown
Arsenal as armorer and remained in that position for six years.
Upon leaving the arsenal, he entered the services of Boyd & Tyler,
who were manufacturing a breech-loading shot gun, and remained
with them for a )'ear, after which he went to Boston and opened an
insurance office, but, after six months he entered the employ of
Grover & Baker in the sewing machine business and remained with
them for three years. In the fall of 1874, he went to Augusta, Me.,
and had charge of a gun store and shop for Robert Love for fourteen
months, after which he entered the employ of the Evans Rifle Com-
pany at Mechanic's Falls, Me., where he remained until the fall of
1876. Returning to Boston, he entered the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology and was a student under President John G. Runkle
and Professor Whitaker, who established the first shops for mechani-
cal arts. He remained there until 1878, when he went to Orono,
Me., as instructor in the Maine State Agricultural College. He
subsequently returned to Boston with G. W. and F. Smith to work
on the safety deposit vaults for the Equitable Insurance Building.
Later he went with the Norton Door Check Company, and after
remaining with them a short time, entered the employ of the Globe
Nail Works. His next position was that of foreman for the Johnston
Rock Drill Company, with whom he remained for two years, when
he went to Lynn, Mass., in the employ of the Thomson-Houston
Electric Company, and remained with them until the fall of 1884,
when he again returned to Boston and was in the employ of the Bos-
ton Gas Light Company for four years. In 1888 he rejoined the
114 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Thomson-Houston Electric Company at Lynn, Mass., in the capacity
of assistant foreman, and a year later having charge of the commu-
tator department.
In May, 1893, ^^ '^^^ appointed manager of the River Works,
where he remained until 1894, when he came to Schenectady and
took charge of the commutator department of the General Electric
Company, which position he now holds.
On June 14, 1899, Valentine Wallburg married Mary C. Ellis of
Schenectady. He has two children, Arthur V., and Alice M., by a
former marriage.
Mr. Wallburg is a member of the Odd Fellows, being affiliated
with the West Lynn Lodge and Fraternity Encampment, also of
West Lynn. He is also a prominent Mason, and is a member of St.
George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157,
R. A. M., St. George's Commandery No. 37, K. T., and the Oriental
Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y. He keeps his affiliation
with the veterans of the Civil War through Gen. Lander Post No. 5,
G. A. R. While in Lynn, Mr. Wallburg was a member of the
school board and also of the Republican Club. While in Lynn he
was on the board of directors of the Loan Association. He took
quite an interest in politics in ward No. 6 in Lynn.
Mr. Wallburg achieved distinction while at the Institute of Tech-
nology in Boston by the many devices originated by him in vice
work there, and he received many high encomiums from President
Runkle for his originality and ability.
Reed a. SauteR, M. D., was born in the city of Schenectady,
August 22, 1869. He graduated from the High School in 1887 and
then began the study of pharmacy in the drug store of his brother,
William Sauter, where he remained four years. Then in 1889, he
entered the Albany College of Pharmacy and was graduated there-
from in 1 89 1, with the degree of Ph. G. After graduating he
returned to his brother's store, where he remained for a year, after
which he entered the Albany Medical College, and was graduated
with the degree of M. D., in 1895, standing at the head of his class.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 115
Then, after a competitive examination, he was appointed Intern in
the Albany City Hospital, where he remained for one year. In 1896
he opened an office in Schenectady, where he has since been engaged
in the active practice of his profession.
Dr. vSauteris a member of tiie Schenectady Connty Medical Society,
of tlie Independent Order of Foresters and of the University Club.
On October 24, 1900, Reed A. Sauter, M. D., married Anna,
daughter of Charles and Catherine (Yakel) Aussiker of Oneonta.
Dr. Sauter's parents were John C. and Mary A. (Bearup) Sauter.
His father came to Schenectady from Germany in 1848 and died in
December, 18S9.
Dr. Sauter is examiner for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance
Company and the Metropolitan of New York.
Thomas ,F. McGregor — In a growing city like Schenectady,
there is naturally a large demand for plumbing and gas fitting, and
the man who is an expert in this line is invaluable where new build-
ings are being erected, and it is essential to have first class plumbing
in order to secure the perfection which is always looked for in
modern buildings. Thomas F. McGregor, whose place of business
is at No. 147 Jay street, is recognized as an expert in this line, and
also as a thoroughly reliable and responsible business man. He con-
ducts a large business, giving constant employment to a force of
thirty-six skilled mechanics, and some of the most important con-
tracts in the city have been entrusted to him. All kinds of tin,
copper and sheet iron work is turned out at his shop and he also
carries a large stock of the best makes of parlor and cook stoves and
ranges. His specialty is tin, slate, metal and gravel roofing, and
every contract which he undertakes is carried out under his own
personal supervision, thereby guaranteeing the best work possible.
Mr. McGregor is not only an active and enterprising business man,
successful in his own line, but also takes great interest in the welfare
and progress of the city generally. He is a member of the Masonic
Lodge, St. Andrews Society and Schenectady Tribe No. 1 23, Inde-
pendent Order of Red Men,
ii6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John H. Collins, M. D., was born in Salem, Washington Connty,
N. Y., June 30, i86g. He received a fine literary education at the
Washington Academy in his native place and then taught school for
two years, after which he was variously employed until 1894, when
he entered the medical department of the University of Vermont,
and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1897, with the degree of
M. D. x\fter graduating he remained in Burlington and entered the
office of Dr. W. G. Flanders, where he remained for about six
months ; but in the fall of that year (1897) he came to Schenectady,
located permanently, and began the practice of his profession in this
city, where he has already acquired a high reputation as a popular
and successful physician and surgeon.
Dr. Collins is a member of the Schenectady County Medical
Society and of the college fraternity. Alpha Kappa Kappa, of which
he has been Grand Secretary for three consecutive terms. During his
last year in college he was chapter president and was delegate from
the Delta Chapter to the national convention at Boston. He is also
a member of the Knights of Columbus, of the Catholic Benevolent
Legion, in which he has held the office of president for two years, of
Cantuquo Tribe No. 361, of the Independent Order of Red Men, of
Division No. i, Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the Modern
Woodmen of America.
In June, 1900, John H. Collins, M. D., married Mary F., daughter
of Thomas and Mary Toohey of Schuylerville, N. Y.
Dr. Collins is a son of Martin H. and Margaret (Howard) Collins,
both natives of Ireland.
Dr. Collins is a thorough illustration of the younger and more
advanced physicians who, in their medical course, have profited by
the remarkable advancement in the sciences of medicine and surgery
in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. He is also a public
spirited and enterprising gentleman, who takes an intelligent interest
in the welfare and progress of his adopted city and he stands high,
not only with the public at large, but with the learned profession to
which he belongs.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 1,7
Thomas L. Wasson was born in Schenectady in July, 1873, ^^^
was educated in the schools of his native place. He has been a
hotel man all his life. In 1894 his father died and he and his
brother Andrew, succeeded to the business which they still conduct.
Thomas L. Wasson's parents were Thomas L. and Mary (Westcott)
Wasson.
Mr. Wasson is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the
National Order of Mohawks and is vice-president of the Wine &
Liquor and Beer Dealer's Association.
Hon. B. Cleveland Sloan — One of the notable men in the
public life of the city of Schenectady at the beginning of the
twentieth century, is the Hon. B. Cleveland Sloan. He is a'
Southerner by birth, having been born in the state of South Caro-
lina, and the gentlemanly attributes of the well bred Southerner,
which were inculcated in his early days, are still a strong character-
istic of his individuality. He was born in the south and prepared
for college at the Columbia Military Academy, winning a scholarship
to Union College, where he completed his education, and was
graduated in the class of 1883. He then took a course in the Albany
Law School, from which he was graduated in 1884, and subsequently
received the degree of A. M. from Union College.
Having completed his educational career, Mr. Sloan returned to
his native state and for four years was assistant clerk in the House of
Representatives of South Carolina. On July 20, 1886, he was com-
missioned by Gov. J. C. Sheppard, a second lieutenant in the Colum-
bian Artillery and served the full term of enlistment in this
celebrated military organization, which is one of the best known and
most popular in the state of South Carolina. When attending the
military school it was conducted by Captain Hugh S. Thomson, who
afterwards became governor of the state of South Carolina, and also
assistant secretary of the treasury under President Cleveland. Cap-
tain Thomson is now comptroller of the New York Life Insurance
Company.
38
ii8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Within a short time after the expiration of the term of his enlist-
ment, Mr. Sloan came to Schenectady, N. Y., and being impressed
with its natural and acquired advantages, which insure a prosperous
future, he made it his permanent home. Here he became represen-
tative of the Provident Life and Trust Company, a Quaker organiza-
tion of Philadelphia, and through his energy, activity and business
ability he has become district manager for this company, and has
made it one of the most active and successful agencies in the city.
It is but natural, and fortunate, that a man of Mr. Sloan's ability
and education should take an active interest in public affairs. In
politics he is an unswerving Democrat and has held a seat in the
Board of Aldermen with credit to himself and profit to the city.
While chairman of the committee on claims and accounts, the
systematic manner in which he always prepared his audits made
them not only very valuable but convenient for reference. He has
for years been active in the support of his party throughout the
county, as well as in the city, and stands high in the councils of the
party, and in the respect and esteem of his fellow Democrats. He is
always abreast of the times, clear in his views and strong to uphold
them, true to his friends, staunch to his cause and always reliable.
In addition to politics and business Mr. Sloan has also achieved
distinction as a literary man, having "written and copyrighted many
fine articles. One of the New York insurance journals offered a
prize for the best essay on " What is the Best System of Life Insur-
ance?" and Mr. Sloan's article, which has since been very widely
read, was awarded the prize.
Mr. Sloan is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.,
with which he has been affiliated since April 13, 1893. He has been
a member of the Knights of Pythias for about twelve years, was
a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity when attending Union College,
and is a member of the First Reformed Church.
On his father's side Mr. Sloan is of Scotch-Irish descent, and on
his mother's of Huguenot extraction. His more immediate ances-
tors, however, have been residents of America for generations,
^V 3;^^M/A„-„ i _g„ ,Y)'
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BIOGRAPHICAL. 119
Charles Proteus Steinmetz, one of the foremost electricians
and scholars of this country or of this day, was born in Breslaii,
southeast Germany, April 9, 1S65. After graduating from the high
school, he entered the University of Breslau, in 1882, where he
studied mathematics and astronomy, subsequently taking up physics
and chemistry, following this by a course of medicine, and ultimately
studying national economy. Through this last study, he became
interested in the political controversy between the German govern-
ment and the opposition parties which was at its height at that time,
namely, 1887. Through his interest in the matter, he ultimately
became very active, espousing the side of the Social Democratic
Party. His advocacy of the principles of this party was so strong
and his views so pronounced that he became involved in difficulties
with the German government, whiclr sought to prosecute him, but
he escaped to Zurich, Switzerland, in 1888, and there entered the
Polytechnic Institute to study mechanical engineering.
In May, 1889, Mr. Steinmetz came to the United States, and soon
found a position with the Eickemeyer & Osterheld Manufacturing
Company, in Yonkers, N. Y. He very soon became a warm personal
friend of Mr. Eickemeyer, who, after leaving Germany in 1848, under
circumstances similar to those accompanying Mr. Steinmetz' emigra-
tion, had become one of the leading inventors and a pioneer in the
field of electrical engineering, and who was the author of a number
of inventions of fundamental importance.
In 1893 the Eickeujeyer & Osterheld Manufacturing Company
was absorbed by the General Electric Company and Mr. Steinmetz
then went to Lynn, Mass., at that time the headquarters of the
General Electric Company. With the transfer of the headquarters
of this company to Schenectady, in 1894, he came to the latter place
where he has since remained.
Mr. Steinmetz, in addition to being a highly successful, practical
engineer, is also the author of numerous publications of high value.
These not only comprise treatises on purely mathematical subjects,
but also on the science of electricity and electrical engineering. He
made extensive experimental investigations on magnetism in connec-
120 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
tion with Mr. Eickemeyer, and the results of these experiments were
published in three papers during the years i892-'93 and '94, and led
to the foundation of the law of Magnetic Hysteresis.
At the International Electrical Congress held in Chicago in 1893,
Mr. Steinmetz read a paper on " The Application of the Complex
Quantity in Electrical Engineering." The theory of complex quan-
tities, as applied to electrical phenomena, introduced and developed
by Mr. Steinmetz, has now become the most powerful and important
method of dealing with these phenomena. In 1897 he published an
extensive work entitled, " Theory and Calculation of Alternating
Current Phenomena," which work has been translated into several
languages and several editions have been issued in the United
States. A more recent and very important pirblication of his is a
treatise on " Theoretical Elements of Electrical Engineering."
Through his intelligence, education and advanced views, Mr.
Steinmetz naturally gravitated to this country and became associated
with the General Electric Company, the greatest electrical concern
in the world today, and in the carrying on of this vast enterprise he
is, unquestionably, a very valuable factor.
Isaac H. Spoor was born in Albany County, N. Y., November
20, 1851. When ten years of age he came to Schenectady, where he
remained for the next eleven years, and, upon attaining his majority,
he learned the telegraph business, and was operator in the Grand
Central depot in New York for six months.
Leaving New York, he returned to his native city, Albau)', and
took the position of bookkeeper with Chapin & Foster, dealers in
pictures. In 1874 he went to Newtonville, and embarked in the
grocery business on his own account. While at Newtonville he was
postmaster for two years. , He next went to Lishas Kill, where he
was in the mercantile business for two years, after which he con-
ducted a general store in Dunnsville for some time, and there he was
postmaster for three and one-half years.
On October 15, 1881, Isaac H. Spoor married Jennie Hallenbeck,
of Albany, N. Y. They have two children. Lulu and Anna.
BIOGRAPHICAL. i2t
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Spoor went to Savannah, Wa)'ne
County, N. Y., where he was in tlie grocery business for one }'ear,
when he finally settled in Schenectady and established a grocery
business, which he conducted for seven years. He then built a block
and retired from business for two years, at the end of which time he
embarked in the restaurant business, which lie conducted for one
year.
Returning to the grocery biisiness, he was again engaged in that
line for five and one-half years, after which he again withdrew from
business and spent considerable time in traveling, including the
Southern States and Cuba in his travels.
In August, 1901, he opened his real estate office, which he still
conducts, dealing in city real estate generally, as well as looking
after his own private interests.
Mr. Spoor's parents were Johu J. and Anna E. (Hallenbeck)
Spoor. His ancestors on both sides were' of Holland descent. His
paternal grand-parents were Jacob and Hannah (Smith) Spoor, and
his maternal grand-parents were Captain Tunis Hallenbeck and
Margaret (Crounse) Hallenbeck.
Mr. Spoor has always been an enterprising and successful business
man, and is to-day one of the substantial business men of the city of
Schenectady.
Bernard Whyte was born in Ireland, March 3, 1834, and was
the son of James and Catlierine (Gannon) Whyte. After his school
days he was engaged in farming in the old country until July, i860,
when he came to the United States. He first settled in Albany and
remained there a few years before coming to Schenectady. In 1865,
he came to this city and was employed in the Schenectady Locomo-
tive Works for twenty-five years. At the expiration of that time he
embarked in the grocery business, which he still conducts. Mr.
Whyte is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division
No. I, and was a member of the Board of Education for a term.
On October 15, 1863, Bernard Whyte married Mary Maloney and
they have two children, Mary Ann and Rosa.
122 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Richard T. Lomasney, Esq. — The Bar of Schenectady includes
many brilliant lawyers, jurists and .judges, and among them a high
and honorable position is occupied by the subject of this sketch, who
is thoroughly representative of what may fittingly be called the
yoimger circle of Schenectady's representative men.
Richard T. Lomasney was born in Schenectady, N. Y., October 2,
1859, and received his preliminary education in St. John's Roman
Catholic School, and the Union Classical Institute of his native city,
graduating from the latter institution with honors in the class of
1876. He subsequently entered Union College, and after a creditable
course, was graduated from that old and well known institution in
the class of 1881. Immediately after graduating he took up the
study of law in the office of Judge S. W. Jackson, and was regularly
admitted to the Bar in September, 1883.
On January i, 1884, Mr. Lomasney was appointed clerk of the
Surrogate's Court, and held this, his first political office, until 1892.
In 1886 he was the Democratic nominee for District Attorney, but
Schenectady was then, as now. Republican. In 1892 he was
appointed State Bank Examiner and, at the expiration of his term of
service, he returned to Schenectady and opened his law offices in the
Ellis Building, subsequently removing to his present location in the
Veeder Building on State street, where he has succeeded in building
up a fine legal practice, and has made for himself a respected name
in the legal profession. He does a general law business and prac-
tices in all the courts of the city, county and state, and, through his
success as a lawyer and his ability as a counsel, he has built up an
extensive clientile.
In 1894 he was the delegate of his party to the state convention
that nominated Governor Flower, and has since been a delegate
several times. He stands high in the councils of his party in
Schenectady, and his voice and opinions are always sought on ques-
tions and occasions of any importance.
Richard T. Lomasney married on April 29, 1886, Annie Tempany,
daughter of ex-Alderman Tempany, and they have a family of foiir
daughters.
BiOGkAPHiCiAL. i2j
Mr. Lomasney is a member of St. John's chnrch and of the A. O.
H., and was for some time. president of the local organization. He
was the county delegate from this organization to the national con-
vention of the order, held at Hartford, Conn., in 1890.
It is not only because of his position in legal, political and social
circles that Mr. Lomasney is entitled to ample recognition in a
history of his native county, but also because he takes an intelligent
and active interest in everything tending to the progress and advance-
ment of Schenectady.
John Wiederhold & Co. — This house was established about a
quarter of a century ago by John Wiederhold and Charles S. Wash-
burne, and its record has been one of unbroken success and pros-
perity. This establishment is one of the notable manufacturing
houses of Schenectady, and they make ladies' and childrens' under-
wear. The trade of the house extends all over the United States,
and the quality of its goods is not excelled by that of any other
house in the world. They employ about 500 hands.
Mr. Wiederhold is a native of Germany and Mr. Washburne is a
native of the state of New York. Both are enterprising and suc-
cessful business men, and the great industry which they represent is
an important factor in the business and connnercial life of the city
of Schenectady. A house like this is a benefit to the reputation of
a city, abroad as well as at home, and their goods make a market
for themselves because of their quality, excellence of workmanship
and lowness of price, and naturally attract attention to the place
where they are manufactured.
William Stoops was born in the north of Ireland in the year
1825, and came to America and settled in Schenectady, N. Y., in the
year 1849. He worked at his trade, that of tailor, until 1864, when
he opened a business of his own, which he has since conducted.
Mr. Stoops is a thorough mechanic in his line and has, throughout
his long career, built up a high reputation, both for good work and
honorable business methods.
124 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Henry R. Yates, chief of the Schenectady Fire Department, is
a son of Charles M. and Mary (DeForrest) Yates, and was born in
the city of Schenectady, February 27, 1870. After receiving a
thorough public school education, he took a course in the Trinity
Military Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of
1887.
After leaving college, Henry R. Yates took a position in his
father's furniture store, and remained there in that capacity until the
business was closed out in 1899. In September of that year he was
appointed chief of the Schenectady Fire Department, which position
he has filled with such ability and public satisfaction that he is still
in office.
On November 20, 1890, Henry R. Yates married Julia, daughter
of Daniel Thomas, and they have one son, Edward Yates.
Mr. Yates is a member of the Order of Elks, of the Red Men, of
St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., and of St. George's Lodge No.
6, F. and A. M.
He has always taken a lively and active interest in the piiblic
affairs of the city of Schenectady, and represented the second ward
at the Council Board for a period of four years.
Hiram Pearson was born in the city of Scranton, Pa., Septem-
ber 22,' 1862. He is a son of William Anson and Margaret
Pearson. He was educated at the Scranton High School, firom
which he graduated in the class of 1878. After leaving school he
learned -the trade of machinist and was in the employ of the Dixon
Manufacturing Company for a period of five years, after which he
became foreman in the Boies Steel Car Wheel Works, which position
he filled for four years, after which he was made assistant superin-
tendent and,, remained with this company in that capacity for four
years more.
In 1894 Mr. Pearson came to Schenectady and entered the service
of the General Electric Co'mpany as draughtsman. After working
two years in the draughting room, he was made chief engineer of
the power house, which position he still occupies.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 125
Mr. Pearson is a prominent Mason and is a member of St. George's
Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M.,
Bloss Council No. 14, St. George's Commandery No. 37, Knights
Templar, and the Oriental Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Troy,
N. Y.
On January 5, 1885, Hiram Pearson married Tillie M., daughter
of John G. and Caroline Sailer. They have five children, namely,
Margaret Irene, William- Anson, J. Sailer, Harold Austin and Helen
Cordeaux.
John S. Weeks was born in the city of .Schenectady, July 4,
1863. His parents were John S. and Elizabeth (Glenn) Weeks. His
mother's father was Simon Glenn. John S. Weeks was educated in
the Union school of his native city and worked for the New York
Central Railroad Company as fireman for six years. He began firing
in 1878, and in 1884 became an engineer on the road. He is a
member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and also of
the Royal Arcanum.
John S. Weeks married Ella Grey, daughter of Henry and Mary
(Maser) Grey. They have two children, Elizabeth and Mary.
Stevenson Bros. — The business of Stevenson Brothers, plumbers,
was established in 1875 by William R. Stevenson. In 1876 he
admitted his brother, Charles D., into partnership, and the present
firm name of Stevenson Bros, was adopted, and under it the business
has been carried on ever since. They occupy premises 117x40 feet,
three stories high, and also have another store across the street
98x30 feet, two stories high. They employ about twenty-five people
and their business is not only one of the largest of its kind in
Schenectady, but in this part of the state.
William R. Stevenson was born in Saratoga County in January,
1856, and his brother, Charles D., was born in the same county in
January, 1851. They are both enterprising and honorable business
men.
126 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Theodore Stebbins was born in Waterloo, Iowa, April 23, 1865.
He was educated in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
from which institution he was graduated in 1886, with the degree of
S. B. Since that time he has been in the employ of the General
Electric Company in Boston, New York, Chicago and Schenectady.
He came to Schenectady in 1894, and has resided here permanently
since that time. Mr. Stebbins is a member of the American Insti-
tiite of Electrical Engineers, and his entire professional life has been
in connection with the General Electric Company, its predecessors
and allied interests.
Milton G. Planck, M. D. — One of the best known and most
successful physicians of the city of Schenectady, was born in the
town of Sharon, Schoharie County, N. Y., February 4, 1842. After
receiving a sound common school education, he was prepared for
college at the seminaries of Fort Plain and Cazenovia, and entered
Union College in 1863, being graduated therefrom, after a highly
creditable course, in the class of 1867, with the degree of A. B.
Immediately after gradriating he entered the ofhce of Dr. A. M.
Vedder for the study of medicine, and remained in this office for
three years ; but, during the winter months of that time, he attended
lectures in the medical department of Columbia College, and
received his degree of M. D., from that college in March, 1870. He
then opened an office of his own in Schenectady, and began the
regular practice of his profession, in which he has built up the repu-
tation for being one of the most skillful and successful practitioners
of the city or county.
He is a member of both the Schenectady County Medical Society
and the New York State Medical Association, and also of the college
fraternity. Phi Beta Kappa. He has held the offices of county and
city physician, and has held the office of county coroner for two
terms.
In addition to his medical profession. Dr. Planck has given a great
deal of time and attention to the cultivation of the sugar beet, and
has contributed many able articles on this subject to agricultural and
BIOGRAPHICAL. 127
other publications. He has given particular attention to the develop-
ment of the special branch of this industry which is located at Rome,
N. Y.
In June, 1871, Milton G. Planck, M. D., married Elizabeth A.,
daughter of Stephen and Elanor (Livingston) Livingston of Johns-
town, N. Y. They have had four children, namely, Nellie L., Irena
D., wife of Harry Hissong, auditing clerk to the paymaster-general
of the United States Army, and now at Manila, P. I ., Bertha,
(deceased) and Ida D. Dr. Planck's parents were Adam and Irena
(Dunckle) Planck. His ancestors were Germans and came to the
United States in 1810.
Personally Dr. Planck is a courteous and affable gentleman, and
his success is due to this, as well as to the fact that he has always
been a student as well as a practitioner, and has kept up with, the
rapid march of science in medicine and surgery which has character-
ized the last quarter of the century. He also takes a lively interest
in the progress and welfare of the city of Schenectady, with whose
affairs he has been intimately associated for the last thirty-two years.
William A. Warner was, born in Glenville, Schenectady
County, N. Y., October 7, 1850, and was the son of Martin and
Margaret (Walton) Warner. He was educated in the district schools
and remained on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, when
he went to Albany and worked for the Hudson River Bridge Com-
pany until 1873. On July 7, 1873, he began firing on the D. & H.
Railroad and remained with them in that capacity until 1879, when
he was promoted to the position of engineer and ran an engine until
February, 1901. He is now a machinist in the round house, and is
a member of the Brotherhood of Engineers.
On September 12, 1876, William A. Warner married Mary
Reao-an. They have two children. Marguerite, now Mrs. Irving S.
Williams of Schenectady, and Francis. Mr. Warner's ancestors
were of German extraction and his wife's of American origin.
128 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
James McKinney -was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in October,
1841. After his school days he learned the trade of cigarmaker,
but shortly after the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, he
enlisted in Company B, 134th Regiment, New York Volunteer
Infantry. This was in 1862, and he served for three years, or until
the close of the wai. After the war he returned home and resumed
his trade, in which he was engaged until 1890, when he embarked
in the real estate business, which he has since pursued. Mr. McKin-
ney is a member of Horsfall Post, G. A. R.
Janet Murray, M. D., C. M., was born in Peebles, Scotland, in
i860. Her parents were Ralph and Isabella (Kerr) Murray. She
was educated partially in England and finished in Canada. She
entered Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, 1887, finally grad-
uating from the medical department of that institution in the class
of 1891, with the degree of M. D., C. M. While attending college
she was also connected with the offices of Drs. Irwin of Kingston and
Embury of Belleville, Ontario.
In 1892, Dr. Murray located in Schenectady and began the regular
practice of her profession, which she has successfully pursued for the
past ten years. She is a member of the Schenectady County Medical
Society.
Rev. William H. Walsh was born in the city of Troy, N. Y.,
and received his secular education at St. Peter's Parish school, St.
Michael's College of Toronto, and St. Charles' College, Ellicott City,
Md., graduating from the latter institution in 1890. He then
entered St. Joseph's Theological Seminary of Troy, N. Y., from
which, in 1895, he was ordained a priest. In that year he was
appointed to St. Bridget's Parish, Watervliet, N. Y., his first charge.
He subsequently ofificiated as chaplain in the Troy Hospital, and in
1899 came to St. John's Church, Schenectady, as curate, in which
position he has since be^n laboring. He is a member of the Knights
of Columbus and of all the church societies.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 129
John J. McMuixEn, one of the young attorneys of Schenectady,
was born in that city, January 15, 1877. He received his literary
edncation in the public schools and the Classical Institute of
Schenectady, and then entered the Albany Law School in the year
1900. He took the full two years' course and was graduated in
June, 1902, with the degree of LL. B. In the next month (July) of
that year, he was admitted to the Bar at Catskill, N. Y.
He began practice in Schenectady, acting as a clerk in the ofhce
of Hon. Austin A. Yates for about a year. He is still located in
these oiSces.
Mr. McMullen is a member of the Alpha Zeta and Delta Phi
college fraternities, of the Republican Club and the Spanish War
Veterans. Upon the opening of hostilities with Spain in the spring
of 1898, he enlisted in Company E, Second Regiment, New York
Volunteer Infantry, and received his honorable discharge when the
regiment was nnistered out.
Mr. McMullen's parents were James H. and Catherine (Hagan)
McMullen, both of whom are deceased. The family has lived many
)-ears in Schenectady and has always been highly respected, both in
business and social circles.
William White was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., June 23,
1868, and is a son of Edward and Winifred (Plower) White. After
his school da)S he learned the trade of machinist in the village of
Herkimer, and then came to Schenectady, where he worked in a
knitting mill for six months, after which he entered the Schenectady
Locomotive Works where he remained for five years. He was
employed as a steam-fitter in New Haven for three and one-half
years, after which he took employment in the works of the General
Electric Company in Schenectady, and is still connected with that
company running a drill press.
While in New Haven, he married Mary E. Compton in 1894.
Mr. White is a member of the National Order of United Workmen,
of the Red Men, and of Division No. 2, Ancient Order of Hiber-
nians. Mr. White's father was a soldier in Grant's array.
130 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
George G. Wise was born in Lyme, Grafton County, New
Hampshire, in 1848. He is the son of George W. and Harriet M.
(Gardner) Wise. His first business experience was in the retail meat
business, in connection with which he was also in the droving busi-
ness until i8go, when he moved to Mechanicville, N. Y., where he
opened a meat market. This business he conducted for two years,
after which he took a position with the S. & S. Company, with
which he was connected for eight years.
Mr. Wise is a member of Mount Cube Lodge No. 10, F. and A.
M., of Orford, N. H., and St. Andrew's Chapter, Lebanon, N. H.
He was chief of police at Lyme, N. H., for seven years, and was tax
collector for five years. His wife's maiden name was Ida F. Danfort,
daughter of William F. Danfort. Mr. Wise's ancestors were English
and his wife's Scotch.
P. Thomas Markey, M. D., son of Thomas H. and Margaret
(McGovern) Markey, was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
August 23, 1871. He graduated from the High school in the class
of 1890, and then entered the Albany Medical College, from which
he was graduated in 1893, with the degree of M. D.
Immediately after graduating, he opened an office at St. Regis
Falls, N. Y., where he practiced for a few months, when he came to
Schenectady and remained for a time. He then went to Wood
Haven, Long Island, where he acted as assistant physician at Dr.
Combe's vSanitarium, and where he remained for over a year. He
next opened an office in New York City and practiced here for a
year, but finally, in 1897, he returned to his native city and located
permanently, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of
his profession.
Dr. Markey is a member of the Franklin County Medical Society,
of the Schenectady County Medical Society, of the New York State
Medical Association, and also of the college fraternities Alpha Zeta
and Phi Sigma Kappa. Dr. Markey married Rose Banker Barrett,
June 6, 1900. Her parents were Thomas Barrett and Mary Eliza-
beth Barrett.
BIOGRAPHICAL, 131
LrOUis Nicholas was born in Germany, September 12, 1862, and
came to the United States and settled in Schenectady in 1880. Here
he was first employed in the Schenectady Locomotive Works for
eighteen months, after wliich he went to Green Island and worked
in the D. & H. Railroad shops there for six months. From Green
Island he went to the New York Central shops at West Albany,
where he remained a year, after which he went to the Boston &
Albany shop in East Albany, where he remained three years. At
the expiration of this time, he went to Frankfort, N. Y., and was
employed in the West Shore Railroad shops four and one-half years,
after which he went to Syracuse, and had charge of the round house
there for the New York Central Railroad for three years. He next
went to Atlanta, Ga., and worked for tlie C. of G. Railroad for one
year, when he went to Macon, Ga., to take charge of the round
house there for the G. S. & F. Railroad, and remained in that posi-
tion two years. In 1893 ^^^ returned to Schenectady and embarked
in his present business. In 1901 he built the premises which he
now occupies.
On June 12, 1883, Louis Nicholas married Sophia Bohrer of
Schenectady, and they have three children living, Alfred, Amelia
and John, and one child, Josephina, deceased.
John Webber was born in Devonshire, England, November 27,
1842, and began to learn the trade of carriage builder when eleven
years of age. In 1859 he came over to New York, where he worked
at his trade for eight months, when he moved up to Albany, where
he worked for about fi^'e years. He then worked at Troy for a year,
after which he went to Saratoga, where he remained for three and
one-half years. In 1870, he came to Schenectad}', which he made
his permanent home, and where he has since carried on his business.
On January i, i860, John Webber married Sarah M. Wannier of
Saratoga Coimty. They have three children, Roy Webber, who
lives in Chicago, Hattie, wife of C. W. Armburst of Chicago and
George Webber.
132 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John Webber's parents were Benjamin and Mary (Phillips)
Webber. They came over from England in 1859, and settled on
Washington avenue, Schenectady, where they lived the remainder of
their lives. Mr. Webber's wife died in 1885, and in 1886 he married
Agnes Dugall, his present wife.
Herman C. Grupe was born in Schenectady, N. Y., and was
educated in the Union school of his native city. He then took up
the study of law and was admitted to the Bar in the spring of 1885.
In the spring of that year, also, he went to Dakota Territory, and
was admitted to practice in that state in June, following. He there
began the practice of law and was appointed clerk of the District
Court for Walworth County in July, 1886, and held that office until
December, 1889; afterwards he went to Butte City, Montana, in
July, 1890. In July, 1892, he came east and settled in Albany. In
the spring of 1897 he opened a law office in Schenectady with Hon.
Austin A. Yates, with whom he is still associated.
Mr. Grupe has been twice married. His first wife was Mary L,.
Apps, who died leaving one son, H. L^ouis Grupe. On April 20,
1 90 1, he married Katherine C. Helling. They have one child,
Everett Grupe. Mr. Grupe's parents were Deitrich and Mary Grupe.
They were married in 1850, and were both Germans, coming to this
country from the kingdom of Hanover. Deitrich Grupe came over
in 1846 and enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican War. Subsequently,
in 1862, he enlisted and served in the War of the Rebellion. Her-
man C. Grupe is a member of the I. O. O. P., and of the Evangelical
Congregational church.
J. Eeland FitzGerald was born in Oswego, N. Y., August 9,
1858. He received his early education in the High school at
Mechanicville, N. Y., and in Brunswick, Ga. He then took a course
in Union College and graduated as a civil engineer in the class of
1880. He took a post-graduate course in chemistry in 1881.
He was employed by a railroad company in Sinoloa, Mexico, from
BIOGRAPHICAL, 133
1881 to 1S83, and in 1884 was assistant engineer in the constrnction
of sewers. In 1886 he was the engineer in charge of the construc-
tion of sewers in the city of Schenectad}', and from 1886 to 1890
was occupied in the private practice of his profession as a sanitary
engineer. During this time he constructed sewers and water works
at Round Lake, Green Island, Greenbush. and other places. , From
1890 to 189 1 he was city engineer for the city of Schenectady, and
from 1 89 1 to 1899, "^^s again engaged m private practice as sanitary
engineer in the construction of sewers and water works at Canton,
Hoosick Falls, Tarry town and other places. From 1899 to 1902 he
was a second time city engineer for the city of Schenectady. Since
that date he has again been engaged in private practice in Schenec-
tady.
In 1888 Mr. FitzGerald was elected a member of the American
Society of Civil Engineers. In September of that year (1888) he
married Grace, daughter of Benjamin Van Vrankin, of the city of
Schenectady. ' '-
Charles G. McMullen, M. D., was born in Schenectady, N. Y.,
February 2, 1874. He was prepared for college at the High school,
from which he was graduated in 1893, and entered Union College,
where he spent two years, and then entered the Albany Medical
College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1898. After
graduating he spent one year in the Albany City Hospital as Interne.
In 1899 Dr. McMullen returned to Schenectady, opened an office
and began the regular practice of his profession, in which he has
since been most successfully engaged.
He is a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society, of
the Alpha Delta Phi and of the University Club.
On October 18, 1899, Dr. Charles G. McMullen married Frederica,
daughter of John R. Bartlett, R. N., and Ellen (Walkem) Bartlett,
his wife, of Plymouth, England. They have one daughter, Catherine
E.
Charles G. McMullen, M. D., is the son of James H. and Catherine
(Hagan) McMullen.
39
134 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Walter E. Talbot was born in St. Louis, December i8, 1867,
and received his preliminary education in Montrose, Pa., graduating
from" the High school when seventeen years of age. He then
learned the art of photography, at which he spent three years'
apprenticeship, after which he spent a year in each of the following
places : Williamsport, Binghamton, Memphis, Birmingham, Ala.,
Dancaster, Pa., and Rochester, N. Y. In 1890, he came to Schenec-
tady, and, in conjunction with S. O. Smith, formed the firm of Smith
& Talbot, which existed for six months, when Mr. Talbot succeeded
to the business which he has since conducted and which he has made
highly successful. In 1890, he built the Talbot Block in which he
has his studio, one of the finest and best equipped in the state.
In 1890, Walter E. Talbot married Cynthia Babcock of Montrose,
Pa., daughter of Willis and Florence (Sweet) Babcock. They have
one son, Sydney. Mr. Talbot's parents were Joel and Melgerette
(Allen) Talbot. Walter Allen, an ancestor on his mother's side, was
a pioneer in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Talbot is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. George's Comman-
dery No. 37, Knights Templar and of Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N.
M. S., of Troy, N. Y. He is also a member of the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks, the K. O. T. M., and of the Red Men.
Captain William M. Purman was born in Waynesburg, Pa.,
May 17, 1872, and was prepared for college in Washington, D. C,
after which he entered Cornell University, and was graduated there-
from in the class of 1895, with the degree of M. E. He then came
to Schenectady and entered the employ of the General Electric
Company, and is now employed in the Switch Board Department.
During the war with Spain Captain William M. Purman was in
Porto Rico with General Miles, attached to the First Engineer
Corps. He served from May, 1898, until October of that year. He
is a member of the 36th Separate Company, N. Y. N. G., and of the
college fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. His parents were James J. and
Mary (Winthrow) Purman.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 135
Alice Duane Stevens, a teacher in Nott Terrace school,
Schenectady, N. Y., is a native of this city, and she and her sister,
Mary Vibbard Stevens, and brother, Edward Vibbard Stevens, are
the surviving children of Henry Stevens, who was a native of
Johnstown, N. Y., and who married Harriet Ann Vedder of West
Milton, N. Y. She had two sisters, Mrs. Chauncey Vibbard and
Mrs. Nicholas Swits, who lived in this city.
Henry Stevens was paymaster of the New York Central Railroad
when his brother-in-law, Chauncey Vibbard, was first general super-
intendent of that road.
Miss Stevens' great-great-grandfather, on her father's side, was
Lodewick Putnam, a major in the Continental Army, and brother of
General Israel Putnam. Major Lodewick Putnam's daughter, Anna,
married Miss Stevens' great-grandfather, Amasa Stevens, who was an
Indian fighter and scout in the Continental Army, and on whose
head Sir William Johnson set a price. Having been absent from his
family eighteen months, he ventured to visit them, much against the
wishes of his friends. He was discovered crawling through a win-
dow, was pulled out feet foremost by Indians, and burned at the
stake ; his wife, fleeing with her children, witnessed the scene from
a distance. The baby in her arms is said to have been Henry
Stevens, father of Lodewick Putnam Stevens, who married Anna
Yanney of Johnstown, N. Y. They had six children of whom
Henry Stevens was the youngest, and, through his mother, related to
the present Yanneys, Edwards and Youngloves of Johnstown, N. Y.
The Stevens family came from the Berkshire Hills of Massa-
chusetts, and the Putnanis from Salem, Massachusetts.
Miss Stevens' mother married, for her second husband, Joseph
Younglove, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, a cousin of Henry
Stevens. Henry Stevens died February 10, 1886, and Harriet N.
Vedder, his wife, April 8, 1900.
Miss Stevens' mother, Harriet N. Vedder, was of pure Holland
Dutch ancestry. Her mother, Eve Bradt, married Simon P. Vedder
in 1796. Both were of Rotterdam, N. Y. They had eleven chil-
dren, nine of whom grew up. Eve Bradt was born in the ancient
brick house west of the first lock in Rotterdam, at that time owned
136 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
by her uncle, Jacobus Bradt, arid now by the estate of the late Simon
Schermerhorn. Eve Bradt's aunt, Angelica Bradt, married Daniel
Campbell, from whom the late Daniel Campbell inherited the prop-
erty by changing his name. Had Eve Bradt named her first born son
Daniel Campbell, he would have had the property instead of the late
Col. Campbell, but she gave the boy her father's name, Abraham, and
named her second son Daniel Campbell, on account of which he
received a small legacy while Eve Bradt Vedder herself, received 270
acres of land on which stood a hotel and three mills in West Milton,
Saratoga County.
The Bradts descended from two brothers who came from Holland
and were among Albany's first settlers ; one, Albert Andriese,
remained there and was the ancestor of those in Albany County.
His brother, Arent Andriese Bradt, was one of the first proprietors
of Schenectady in 1662, about which time he died, leaving a widow
and six children. His wife was Catalyntje, daughter of Jacques
Conielson Van Slyke. Samuel Bradt, with one of his children, was
killed in the Schenectady massacre of 1690. His sou. Captain Arent
Samuelse Bradt, was the heir of his grandfather, Arent Andriese
Bradt, and was a member of the Provincial Assembly in 1745, and
was a trustee of Schenectady from 1715 to 1767. He married
Cathrina, daughter of Jan Pieterse Mabie. Their son, Abraham,
was born December 13, 1727. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, and married Sara, daughter of Frederick Van Patten, February
2, 1761. Their children were Aaron, Rebecca, Elizabeth, John,
Frederick, Katherine and Eve. Eve Bradt was Miss Stevens'
grandmother, who moved soon after she was married on the land
inherited from her aunt, Angelica Campbell, at West Milton, N. Y.
Miss Stevens' grandfather, Vedder, descended from Harmon
Albertse Vedder, one of the first settlers of Beverwyck (Albany)
before the year 1667. He sold his house and lot on State street,
between Green and Pearl streets, to Rutger Jacobson. In 1663,
Harmon Albertse Vedder leased his bowery at Schenectady for six
years for 500 guilders rent. In 1664, he, together with William
Teller and Sanders Glen, petitioned Governor Stuyvesant to have
their land surveyed in Schenectady,
BIOGRAPHICAL. 137
Arent, son of Harmon Albertse Vedder, married Sarah, daughter
of Simon Groot, and settled on the south side of the Mohawk river,
opposite Hoffmans.
Philip, son of Aaron, was a lieutenant in the Revolution and
married Margarita, daughter of Takerius Vander Bogart, December
I, 1770. Their children were Takerius, Simon P. (Miss Stevens'
grandfather), Mary, wife of Frederick Bradt, and Eleanor, wife of
Almon Horton. Takerius Bradt, as well as his brother, married Eve
Bradt, daughter of Jacobus Bradt, and cousin of the other Eve
Bradt, who was born in the house afterward inherited by lier cousin.
Eve Bradt, daughter of Jacobus. Simon P. Vedder was born in an
ancient house on Front street, facing Church street.
The children of Simon P. Vedder and his wife. Eve Bradt, were
Abraham, Angelica, who married Nicholas Swits, Campbell, Sarah,
who married Dr. John Walls, Mary Ann, who married Chauncey
Vibbard, Elizabeth, who married Robert Speir, Eleanor, who married
Rev. Andrew J. Wylie, Harriet Ann, who married Henry Stevens
and two who died in infancy.
Peter TymESEN was born in the town of Niskayuna, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., July 19, 1861, and was the son of Eldred and
Elizabeth (Groat) Tymesen. His mother was a daughter of
Abraham Groat. Peter Tymesen was educated in the district schools
and the Union school of Schenectady, and was a grocery clerk for
eight years before embarking in that business on his own account.
He conducted a grocery store for fourteen years, when he engaged in
the ice business which still occupies his attention. Mr. Tymesen is
a member of Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe No. 123, Independent
Order of Red Men, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
Ancient City Lodge No. 183.
On June 27, 1888, Peter Tymesen married Adriane Hegemau,
daughter of David and Emma (Stevens) Hegeman. They ha\'e one
child, Emma Elizabeth. Mr. Tymesen is a scion of one of the
oldest families in the state. His ancestors, who were Holland-Dutch,
settled in this country over two hundred years ago.
138 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William Dobermann was born in Germany, August 17, 1852,
and came to the United States in 1869. He settled first in New
York City, and remained there for several years. In that city he
took up the business of catering, and after some time removed to
New Haven, Conn., where he remained for five years, after which he
went to Troy, where he was engaged in the business for six years,
after which he spent two years in Albany and, finally, in 1893, he
came to Schenectady, located permanently, and prosecuted his busi-
ness of catering with such enterprise and success, that to-day he is
the leader in his line in the city.
Mr. Dobermann is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and
A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., Bloss Council No. 14,
R. & S. M., St. George's Commandery No. 54, Knights Templar and
the Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y. He is also
a member of Schenectady Lodge No. 319, Knights of Pythias, the
Rathbone Sisters, the Order of the Eastern Star and the German
Club.
On April 28, 1883, William Dobermann married Charlotte Carrel,
and they have one daughter, Marie T. Dobermann.
Frank H. Mountain was born in Fort Edward, N. Y., May 17,
i860, but has resided in Schenectady since 1865. He received his
preliminary education in the Classical school and entered Union Col-
lege in 1880, where he remained for one year, when he entered the
baseball profession and remained in it until 1887. He was in the
railroad mail service for a time and, during 1887, was in the gents'
furnishing business. In 1888, he entered the employ of the General
Electric Company as a clerk, which position he retained for six
years. In 1894 he was made chief of the Fire Department, which
position he still occupies.
On March 17, 1885, Frank H. Mountain married Sarah Hosey,
daughter of James and Jennie (O'Rourke) Hosey. They have four
children, Martin James, Jennie, Rose and Raymond. Mr. Mountain's
parents were David and Elizabeth (Condon) Mountain. They qame
from Ireland about 1847.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 139
Edward Otten, son of Charles and Theresa (King) Otten, was
born in Schenectady, February 20, 1856, and was educated at the
German Catholic School. His first employment^was in the spinning
room of the Roy Shawl factory, where he remained four years. He
then took up the cigarmaker's trade in the Baum cigar store, where
he remained for two and one-half years, after which he was a clerk
in the shoe store of John Consaul for four years. He next entered
the employ of James Creig, with whom he worked for three and one-
half years, after which he had a position in the Givens House (now
the Edison) for three years. His next position was that of transfer
clerk in the office of the American Express Company, where he
remained two years, after which he entered the Jones Car Works to
learn the trade of blacksmith, and remained there for four years.
He then took a position in the Merchant's Hotel, where he remained
for two and one-half years, after which he embarked in the liquor
business on his own account, and in which he is still engaged.
On October 21, 1883, Edward Otten married Margaret, daughter
of James and Bridget Bray. His wife died in 1884.
Edward Otten is a member of Cantuquo Tribe No. 361, Indepen-
dent Order of Red Men, Court Cohennat No. 3,477, I. O. O. F., and
of the Liquor Dealer's Association.
Mr. Otten's parents came from Germany to Schenectady in 1842,
and his father died in 1863.
Nicholas D. Proper was born in Schenectady, N. Y., October
20, 1849. He was educated at the Union school and worked as a
moulder for eighteen years in a stove works, and at the Schenectady
Locomotive Works. In 1885, he went into the ice business in com-
pany with W. V. Palerson, and later on succeeded the firm, and for
twelve years successfully conducted the business alone. He then
admitted his son, Miram H., into partnership under the firm name of
N. D. Proper & Son, under which title the business is still con-
ducted. They do a large trade and handle, on an average, 13,000
tons of ice per annum.
140 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
On February i8, 1872, Nicholas D. Proper married Harriet J. Van
Der Moor, daughter of Adolph R. and Harriet J. (Hilderbrandt) Van
Der Moor. They haye two children, Miram H. and Adolph Richard.
Mr. Proper's parents wer^ William H. and Mahitable M. (Corl)
Proper. He is a member of Schenectady City Lodge No. 186,
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is an enterprising and
substantial business man.
Charles J. Haubner was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 19,
1865. In 1880, he came to America and settled in the city of
Schenectady,' where he completed his education. His first employ-
ment was with the Jones Car Works, where he remained for three
years, after which he went to West Albany, and took a position in
the' New York Central Railroad shops, as a painter, and remained
there for seven years. In 1890 Mr. Haubner opened his present
business, which he has since continued.
On June 15, 1888, Charles J. Haubner married Catherine, daugh-
ter of Mathias and Christiana Tries. They have two children,
Joseph, born February 26, 1892, and Carl, born July 18, 1895.
Mr. Haubner takes a deep interest and an active part in public
affairs, and the progress and development of the city of Schenec^
tady. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1897 he was elected to
the Common Council from the fifth ward, and served until January
I, 1902. He was one of the instigators and promoters of the paid
fire department for the city, and is a member of the Protection Hose
Company, of the B. P. O. E., of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Asso-
ciation and of St. Joseph's Church. He is also a member of St.
Francis Society and the National Order of Mohawks. He was
appointed by Mayor Duryea a member of the committee to reorgan-
ize the Fire Department. He served as a member of the committee
on roads and bridges, during his connection with which 150 miles of
streets were paved. He was appointed chairman of the committee
on lamps, and has also served on several minor committees.
Mr. Haubner's parents were John and Margaret (Miller) Haubner.
They were native Bavarians, and did not come over to America.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 141
Mr. Haubner has been more or less siiccessful in business, and in
1900 he purchased his present property. In the same year he built
his two-story building, 65x22 feet, which is one of the nicest places
in the city.
Herbert E. Waeker was born in Rockford, Illinois, February
II, 1868. His parents came east and settled at Sandy Hill, N. Y.,
when he was about three years old, and he was educated in the pub-
lic schools of that place.
His first employment was in the capacity of a drug clerk and he
studied pharmacy until 1899, in which year he opened a business
establishment on his own account in the city of Schenectady. In
1902 he admitted his brother, William H. Walker, into partnership,
and they have now the finest pharmacy in the city. It is known to
everyone as the Walker Pharmacy. Both members of the firm are
members of the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows. They are
enterprising, successful and popular business men. Their parents
were George M. and Frances A. (Ashbury) Walker.
Orpheotjs Trumbeey, son of James and Pernelia (Hibbard)
Trumbley, is a native of Schenectady County, N. Y., and was born
March 15, 1828. He was educated in the district schools and at the
Herkimer Academy. After leaving school he was farming for five
years in Herkimer County, N. Y., after which he took the position
of fireman on the New York Central Railroad and continued in this
occupation for seven years, after which he was promoted to engineer.
He was an . engineer in active service for forty-six years, after which
he retired. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Eup-ineers, and is one of the oldest members of the Brotherhood.
On January 4, 1853, Orpheous Trumbley married Anna Eliza
Smith. They have one son, William A. Trumbley, who is also a
locomotive engineer, and who resides at Bath-on-the-Hudson. Mr.
Trumbley's ancestors were French and American. . His wife's people
were New Englanders.
142 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William H. Whitmyre, Inspector of Plumbing for the city of
Schenectady, is a son of William C. and Mary (Wortman) Whitmyre,
and was born in the city of Schenectady, in May, 1866. After leav-
ing school, he learned the plumbing trade and, after serving his
apprenticeship, established the plumbing firm of W. H. Whitmyre
& Company. He continued this business until 1899, when he was
appointed to the position of Inspector of Plumbing, and on March i,
completed his third term in this office, a record which indicates the
ability and faithfulness with which he discharged his duties.
In April, 1890, William H. Whitmyre married Louise, daughter
of Christian Bowman. They have a family of three children,
namely, Kittie, James and Ralph. Mr. Whitmyre's ancestors were
Germans and his parents came to this country in 1850.
George F. Tighe was born in Boston, Mass., October 8, 1869,
and was educated at the High school in Boston, from which he
graduated in 1882, the Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., from
which he graduated in 1889, and Harvard University, where he
attended lectures in the Medical Department for two and one-half
years. At that stage of his career he was appointed to West Point,
where he remained four years. After leaving West Point he was
assistant to Senator John Reade of Boston, who was an undertaker,
for seven years. He was next associated with George Winterbottam
of New York for three years in the capacity of assistant undertaker.
In 1889, Mr. Tighe came to Schenectady and opened an undertak-
ing establishment on his own account. In February, 1901, he
graduated from the Renonard Training School for Embalmers.
On September 9, 1892, George F. Tighe married Beatrice O'Hearn,
daughter of Patrick and Mary O'Hearn. They have one son, Charles
A. R. Tighe. Mr. Tighe's parents were Thomas and Norah
(Duggan) Tighe. Thomas Tighe was the founder of Company G,
Ninth Massachusetts Regiment, and supplied all the money necessary
to equip the company during the War of the Rebellion. He also
served through that war himself.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 143
Georg;e F. Tighe is a member of the Knights of Columbus, is
Chief Rangei' of the Foresters, a member of the Red Men, treasurer
of Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, captain of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks,
of the Woodmen, and is adjutant of the Uniformed Rank K. O. T. M,
He is also a member of the Spanish War Veterans Association. He
served nine months in Company E, Seventy-first Regiment, New
York Volunteers, during the Spanish-American War, and was
eighteen months in the Thirteenth Regular Infantry. He was one
of the first to enter the Spanish block house when the ilag was
lowered at San Juan.
H. E. ToRREY — One of the most successful of undertakers in this
part of the state is H. E. Torrey of No. 466 State street, Schenec-
tady, N. Y. Previous to coming to Schenectady, Mr. Torrey had
served in the largest undertaking and embalming establishment in
the world, that of the Stephen Merritt Burial Company of New
York City, where his experience as a practical embalmer, as well as
in other lines of the profession, was wide and varied. Mr. Torrey is
a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Embalming, but in addi-
tion to this, spent a year in Bellevue Hospital of New York, where
he took a special course in surgery. He has, therefore, had not only
an extensive, but an excellent training for his business.
Mr. Torrey was born in North Bennington, Vt., and on March 8,
1902, married Harriet Sherman. Mrs. Torrey was born at Halifax,
Vt., and received her early education in the schools of her native
state. She also is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of
Embalming, having graduated September i, 1901. Her parents
were Hosea and Francelia Tyler.
Mrs. Torrey is the only practicing lady embalmer and funeral
director in the county. They recently purchased a new ambulance
which is the finest ever turned out by the manufacturers, James
Cunningham & Sons, of Rochester, N. Y.
They are in every way equipped for carrying on the business of
undertaking and funeral directing with the highest degree of success.
144 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Thomas Prentice was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland,
February 17, 1862, and was educated in the Grammar school of his
native city, from which institution he was graduated in 1879.
After leaving school he took a position as doffer in a cotton mill
at New Lanark, and remained there six months, after which he went
to Stanmore, as page boy, which position he held for two years. He
then took up the blacksmith trade, as an apprentice at Carloch, and
remained there five years, after which he returned to his native city^
Glasgow, and entered the employment of a firm of shipbuilders,
working at his trade of blacksmith. Subsequently he worked in the
Dobbs Locomotive Works, where he remained three )'ears, after
which he moved to Sheffield, England, where he was employed by
the Thomas Firth Steel Company for six months.
For some time Mr. Prentice had been contemplating a trip to
America, with a view to bettering his condition and prospects ;
accordingly, in 1884, he sailed for New York, and after arriving
there secured employment with the Dry Dock Car Company, where
he remained six months, after which he was a blacksmith for the
Elevated Railroad Company for nearly two j-ears. Leaving New
York, he went to Paterson, N. J., and worked as blacksmith for the
Rogers Locomotive Works for five years, three years of which he
was assistant foreman of the blacksmith department. He next
moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he was employed in the Loco-
motive Works as foreman for one )-ear.
In 1895, Mr. Prentice came to Schenectady to take employment
with the General Electric Company, and is now superintendent of
the blacksmith shop in the works.
Mr. Prentice is a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 219, I. O. O. F.
and of the Schenectady County Republican Club, with which party
he is affiliated, and in the success of which he takes an active and
earnest interest. He also takes a deep interest in public affairs, and
has achieved a high reputation as a public speaker, having taken the
stump for his party on different occasions, and always with great
success. On May 30, 1889, he attracted a great deal of attention
because of an address delivered by him to the members of Post
Horsfall No. 90, G. A. R. Not only was this address a masterly
BIOGRAPHICAL. 145
effort, but it is also notable because Mr. Prentice was the first foreign-
born American ever asked to acdress a G. A. R. post on Memorial
Day. The Schenectady Daily Union devoted two columns to this
address, and the entire press of the city gave it liberal and compli-
mentary notices.
When President Roose\'elt was a candidate for governor of the
state of New York in 1898, he visited Schenectady on November i
of that year, and Mr. Prentice made the address of welcome to him,
on behalf of the workmen of Schenectady.
On September i, 1887, Thomas Prentice married Ida V., daughter
of Asa D. and Elizabeth (Sayre) Bennett. They have three children,
Thomas, Edward Harper and Ida Vincent. His father was Thomas
Prentice, who now resides in Newark, N. J. His mother was Janet
(Bow) Prentice, who died in Newark, N. J.
Mr. Prentice is popular, not only with the workmen, bnt with all
classes in Schenectady. He is a courteous and genial gentleman,
and well deserves the success he has attained.
Clarence A. MacMinn, M. D., was born in Tread well, Delaware
County, N. Y., September 2, 1872. He graduated from the High
school in Oneonta in 1891, after which he held a position in the
postoffice for two 5'ears. He then entered the office of his uncle. Dr.
J. A. Mnnson of Woodbonrne, to study medicine, and in 1895
entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was
graduated in 1898. After graduating he spent some time in the
Willard Parker Hospital and also in Bellevue Hospital. In the fall
of 1898 he came to Schenectady and begau the active practice of
his profession in this city. He is a member of the Schenectady
County Medical Society and of the K. O. T. M., and is examining
physician for the ladies of the K. O. T. M. He is also a member of
the University Club.
On September 21, 1898, Clarence A. MacMinn, M. D., married
Antionette, daughter of Charles E. Smith. They have one son,
Charles S. Dr. MacMinn's parents were Charles and Josephine
(Munson) MacMinn.
146 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Edwin Schermerhorn was born in Saratoga County, N. Y.,
June 4th, 1862. After his school days he moved to Schenectady and
entered the employ of Andrew McMullen, with whom he remained
for two years, after which he was in the employ of the Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company for three years. He next worked on the
horse cars for a time, after which he was with S. R. James for about
a year, when he took a position on the street railroad where he
remained for five years. Leaving the street railroad, he was a clerk
in the Aitken Tea Store for five years.
In October, 1899, Mr. Schermerhorn embarked in the insurance
business on his own account, and, besides other interests, is now
agent for the United States Health and Accident Insurance Com-
pany.
On March 2, 1885, Edwin Schermerhorn married Ida M. Smith,
daughter of Judge David F. and Martha J. (Swett) Smith of Cres-
cent, N. Y. She died Nbvember 6th, 1893, leaving two children,
Charles V. and Olive L-
On June 19, 1B95, Mr. Schermerhorn married his present wife,
Anna C. Smith, sister of his first wife. Mr. Schermerhorn's parents
were Clinton M. and Ann E. (Fuller) Schermerhorn. He is a deacon
in the English Lutheran church of which he has been a member for
ten years.
Ed. L. Davis. — It is to the architect that every edifice owes not
only its beauty, but its substantial qualities which make it attractive
and serviceable. Moreover, the history of a city is indicated to no
small extent by the architecture of the different periods of its
growth, and its commercial prosperity and enterprise is always
crystalled in its architecture.
During the later and more flourishing days of the city of Schenec-
tady has Mr. Ed. L. Davis played an important part in designing and
superintending the structure of important edifices in this city,
among them the residences of J. Bayard Backus, M. DeForest Yates,
Robert J. Landon, William Faust, M. D., Edward E. Kreigsman,
W. C. Mason, Wallace Schermerhorn, C W. Bailey, Mason Hall,
BIOGRAPHICAL. 147
m
Albert J. Levy and several public bnilding-s, including the Kinu
Building, Talbot Building, Burtiss Building, Empire Laundry Build-
ing, Allen Building, Empire Apartment Building, apartment house
for Louis Faust, M. D., and the Schenectady County Almshouse.
He was born in the city of Schenectady, December 26, 1856, and
was graduated from the High school in the class of 1874. After
graduating, he was a drug clerk for Dr. A. Truax & Company for a
period of six years, after which he conducted a drug business of his
own for nine years.
In 1 891 he took up the profession of architect, in which he has
since been constantly engaged and in which he has become the
acknowledged leader in Schenectady. Many of the best private
residences of the city have been erected according to his plans and
under his supervision, and not only has he plaj'ed an important part
in building up the new city, but he also takes a lively interest in the
progress and advancement of Schenectady in every way.
He is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.,
Schenectady City Lodge, No. 319, Knights of Pythias, of the Red
Men, and Lodge No. 480, B. P. O. E., and represented the second
ward on the Board of Aldermen in 1902-03.
January 22, 1889, he married Harriet D., daughter of Jacob N. and
Sarah A. (Van Patten) Vedder. His wife died in 1890, leaving one
daughter, Harriet E.
Mr. Davis is of Welsh descent. His parents were James H. and
Caroline A. (Clute) Davis.
George B. Teames, M. D., was born in Litchfield County, Conn.,
June 8, 1857. He entered Dartmouth College in 1876, and was
graduated from that institution in the class of 1880, with the degree
of B. S. For the next three years he was engaged in civil engineer-
ing, and then began the study of medicine. After a time he again
took up engineering and followed it for five years in the west.
In 1890, he was graduated from the College of Physicians and
Snrgeons in New York City, with the degree of M. D., and imrne-
diately after gradirating, opened an office in New York, and began
148 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
the regular practice of his profession. He remained in New York
City until 1898, when he located permanently in Schenectady, and
has built up a large and influential practice during the four years of
his residence here.
Dr. Teames is a member of the Schenectady County Medical
Society, and during his residence in the west was elected to the office
of County Surveyor iu the state of Kansas. He also held the office
of Deputy United States Mineral Surveyor in Idaho, to which he
was appointed November 12, 1883.
In February, 1887, George B. Teames, M. D., married Elma Stam-
back of Richmond, Indiana. They have one daughter, Elma, born
February 11, 189 1.
Dr. Teames' father was George W. Teames, who was born in
Albany County, N. Y., and died February 19, 1900. His mother
was Julia A. (Bertrand) Teames. She was born in Saratoga County
and was of French descent. Her grandfather, Bertrand, was a sol-
dier in the Revolutionary War.
Personally Dr. Teames is a courteous and affable gentleman, and
although he has resided in Schenectady but a few years, he is already
regarded as one of the leading physicians of the city. . ;., •
Herman V. Mynderse, M. D., son of Barent A. Mynderse, M.
D., and Albertine S. (Tenbroeck) Mynderse, was born in the house
where he now resides on Liberty street, Schenectady, N. Y., May 29,
1861. After a thorough preparatory education, he entered Union
College and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1884.
He then took a course in the Albany Medical College, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1887, with the degree of M. D.
After graduating he spent a year in the Nursery and Child's Hospital
in New York City, after which he returned to Schenectady and
began the regular practice of his profession in his father's office,
which he has continued up to the present time.
Barent A. Mynderse, M. D., father of the subject of this sketch,
was also a graduate of Union College and a member of the class of
1849 ; also of the Albany Medical College of the class of 1853. He
BIOGRAPHICAL, 149
practiced medicine in Schenectady from the date of- receiving his
degree until the time of his death, October 2, 1887. He was not only
a prominent physician, but was one of the respected men of his day
in Schenectady. The Mynderse family is one of the oldest in
Schenectady, and the name is one of the most honorable in the
history of the place.
Herman V. Mynderse, M. D., is not only a successful and popular
physician, but is also associated with the progress and development
of the city of Schenectady. He was a member of the Board of
Education for a period of eight years, and was president of the
Board during the last two years of his service. He is also a director
in the Mohawk National Bank.
John Wirtenberger was born in Schenectady, July 25, 1870,
and was educated at the Classical school. After leaving school he
embarked in the grocery business, which he conducted for five years,
at the end of which period he was burned out. A year subsequently,
in 1 90 1, he purchased his present business.
Mr. Wirtenberger is a member of the Red Men, the National
Order of Mohawks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Keystone
Club. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes a lively interest in
the success of the party. He has always been a successful and
highly respected business man.
In April, 1898, John Wirtenberger married Bertha Ruede of
Watervliet. His parents were Jacob and Barbara (Smith) Wirten-
berger. His father was born in Germany in 1832, and came to
America and settled in Schenectady in 1850. His mother was also a
native of Germany.
Mr. Wirtenberger purchased the property at the corner of State
and Clinton streets, more familiarly known as the Old Corner, where
he now conducts a first-class cafe. He also has the largest and best
equipped pool and billiard parlors in the city. His father, Jacob
Wirtenberger, was forty years in the same business in this city.
40
150 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Colonel Robert Furman. — No story of Schenectady would be
complete nor to an old resident at all satisfactory, without a record
of the eminent services rendered in the closing- years of the last cen-
tury by Colonel Furman. Foremost in every enterprise that infused
new blood and life into the city of his adoption, one of its best and
most valued representatives in the Ivegislature, colonel of its regi-
ment, promoter of the greater enterprises that awoke it from a slum-
ber of half a century, he was for more than forty years a veritable
headlight on the engine of progress. He lived to see the city in the
younger growth of its wonderful development ; it is to be deeply
regretted that he cannot in the morning of the twentieth century
realize that he builded better than he thought or knew.
Robert Furman was born in Franklin, town of Kirkland, Oneida
County. His family were in comfortable circumstances. His father,
James Furman, was an officer in the War of 1812, rendering brave
and efficient service at Sacketts Harbor and along the northern fron-
tier. The Colonel's early education was obtained at a classical
academy in Mohawk, Herkimer County, and though not collegiate
was thorough and complete enough to cause him in after life, with
the accumulation of experience, to be recognized as a thoroughly
well informed man. At the age of seventeen he came to Schenec-
tady, whither his brother, Rensselaer, had preceded him and entered
his store as a clerk. Attentive to business, honest and trustworthy,
he attracted the attention of Myndert Van Guysling, a prosperous
merchant, and was taken into his employ.
On December 2, 1857, he married Catharine Ann Van Guysling, the
daughter of his employer, and before the death of his father-in-law,
had established a firm and solid position among the energetic busi-
ness men of the city.
Ostensibly a merchant, he was really a projector of enterprises, a
restless but steady promoter of large and successful business ventures.
Most all of the great manufacturing establishments of the city, that
have followed the plant of the Locomotive Works in the middle of
the last century, owe either their inception or present stability to his
unceasing efforts in behalf of his adopted city. He was on the rolls
■ io id' :-^'""'"-'s n Br-j A-:''
vaAaavjcwv
'■4.- SZ-rifc-i'Sf.-'l'^-' -^S'f'-l ■-'••
BIOGRAPHICAL. 151
of the attorneys of the state and United States Court, and his name
appears a generation ago on the calendars of these tribunals.
But the role of merchant and lawyer though well sustained were,
as were all of his avocations, subordinate to an unconquerable spirit
of enterprise that was a boon to our city. It was a languid town
when he came here. It was a city of abounding prosperity when he
left it for the lovely resting place in Vale cemetery which he had
done so much to create.
He first came into public notice as colonel of the 83d Regiment,
and the organization and establishment of that regiment redounds to
the credit of his loyalty and patriotism. He was to the last, of stern
and uncompromising Democratic faith, but he was one of that grand
host known as war democrats, and upheld always the flag and honor
of his country, in whatever hands they were entrusted. Governor
Horatio Seymour and Colonel Robert Furman were warm personal
friends. Meeting one day in New York during the draft riots of 1863,
the governor asked the colonel to raise a regiment. That, Mr. Fur-
man at once acceded, and bent himself resolutely and determinedly
to the work, is to his lasting credit. The guardsmen of today may
look back with a superior, sometimes a supercilious smile at the old
New York Militia, but then regiments were recruited for actual
service for the front and his regiment was one that was well drilled
and prepared to go to the seat of war at a moment's notice.
There was nothing encouraging to enlistments then — we were in
the midst of disaster. The army in front was almost mutinous,, for
money, real money, was getting scarce and the faith that afterwards
became unfaltering was weak in all this northern country. Seces-
sion was exultant in the south. Copperheads were crawling from
their burrows in loyal states. Regiments were enlisted for active
participation, with war in its bloodiest stages and the flag in the
darkest of storm and half hidden by the shadow of defeat. The
reo-iment went into service, was ordered to the Buffalo rendezvous to
be equipped and sent to the front which was then on northern soil.
The defeat of General Lee at Gettysburg and his retreat caused this
order to be countermanded, but no one doubts that Colonel Furman
would have lead his regiment into any service to which his country
152 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
called him. Let it be remembered that when the 83d entered into
service to obey the call of the president nobody was playing soldier
anywhere.
He was elected to the Legislature over Austin A. Yates by forty-
eight votes, reversing a majority of five hundred of the year before.
He is remembered as an ideal legislator. At first he was smiled at
as absurdly chimerical, but when chimeras grew one by one into
possibilities and probabilities, and came to the full fruition of accom-
plished fact, the city rang with applause. In his one term — he
could never be induced to run again — he secured an appropriation
of $30,000 for an armory at Schenectady, and paved the way for the
superb structure that now buttresses the park with its stern and
imposing architecture.
He got an appropriation of $30,000 for the survey of the Schenec-
tady & Ogdensburgh Railroad, to run from here to Canada, and he
astounded the state by obtaining a bill for the appropriation of
$100,000 for an observatory at Union College. The Republican
governor thought this was going too far and promptly vetoed the
bill. Had the governor done the right thing, with the nerve of the
assembl)'man from Schenectady, that observatory would have been
today a home and headquarters for the education of the astronomical
world.
A beautiful tribute to his work and memory is contained in two
unassuming acts of his which gave help to those who had no votes
nor political influence — bills making appropriations to aid the warm-
hearted women of the Old Ladies Home and the Sisters of Charity.
The colonel could and did do many nice, quiet, unassuming acts of
kindness like these in his busy, restless life; and there are many of
God's poor living among us who will give their testimony to this
today.
His work in behalf of this city can be most eloquently summed by
the briefest and most unadorned statement of his deeds.
In conjunction with the late Colonel Campbell and Judge Piatt
Potter he was instrumental in organizing the Schenectady &
Ogdensburgh Railroad for the survey of which, he and the congress-
man paid out of their own pockets.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 153
Both of these public-spirited citizens, organized and paid for the
survey of the Schenectady & Athens Road. Senator Stanford in
the full tide of his business prosperity, united with him in a project
to build a locomotive works under management of Peter McQueen,
then one of the greatest locomotive builders in the mechanical world.
Stanford invested $100,000. Financial reverses and his death
caused the project to fall through. The struggling Edison Works
of Guerck street, in New York City, made a bid for the plant. The
price demanded was $45,000. But $37,500 could be raised and aided
by Ex-Judge A. P. Strong and the Hon. John A. De Reiner, the
balance, $7,500, was raised.
He was one of the trustees of the Y. M. C. A., and gave $3,000 to
its building fund.
Crescent Park was a sand heap. The colonel and Judge Piatt
Potter owned property on the south side and donated the land to
widen the street. It is a poor little park now but beautifully located
and the only free breathing spot in all the city, and these gentlemen
gave all the resting place in town that a tired man can get in the
city without being a trespasser.
He went after the great railroad promoter, A. R. Chisholm of New
York, brought him here and induced him to come here and build
our street railroad.
He died January 5, 1894, at his beautiful home corner Smith and
La Fayette streets, at the age of sixty-eight; before the three score
and ten that the Bible and Revised Statutes have prescribed as the
normal limit of mental and physical vigor. His death was a serious
loss, for he was, as we can now plainly see, a most valuable citizen.
His end is said to have been hastened, if not caused, by a malaria that
owing to insufficient or improper city drainage carried away many of
his neighbors. If this is so, it did most unpoetical injustice to the
man who had done all he could for the city v.'hose atmosphere was
at last his poison.
He left surviving him, besides his widow, four sons : Robert Fur-
man, M. D., Van Guysling Furman, Hamilton Earle Furman and
Harry Alonzo Furman, and one daughter, Katharine Ann.
In person Colonel Furman was a man of full habit, portly and
154 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
well preserved. There was nothing of the keen and wily look that
romance gives to the successful capitalist. His manner and speech
were open, frank and blunt and permeated with a sense of humor
that was almost joviality.
He was unstintingly charitable to the poor, intensely sympathetic
with the suffering, yet so unostentatious that few knew from whence
came the sorely needed help. Merchants were directed to send
abundant stores and from his own doors almost daily went relief to
every worthy soul of whose trouble he knew.
He was a thorough business man all through, and if he was inex-
orable in the enforcement of that which was his right and due, he
always unreservedly recognized and yielded to the rights of others.
Many a man whose head is well above water in these calmer, better
days, should, if he does not, speak kindly of the man who tided him
over in the months and years of storm and panic.
He was the best and most amiable of neighbors, a husband and
father whose business ability acquired a beautiful home and left a
large competency. He was dearly loved, not alone by his wife and
children, but by his family connections far and near, for he was kind,
indulgent and generous to a fault with all. To the devoted affection
which gave him in life the happiest of homes is added that reverence
for his memory that is the best of all testimony to his warmth of
heart.
A decade has passed since his death during which the resurrected
city has made wonderful history. A magnificient superstructure has
been raised on solid foundation. It is but justice to the dead, it is
not invidious to the living, to say that among those who laid that
foundation there is no name more prominent than that of Robert
Furman.
H. EarlE Furman was born in the city of Schenectady, March
12, 1872. He received his preliminary education in the public
schools of his native place and at the Union Classical Institute,
from which he was graduated in the class of 1890. He then entered
Union College and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1894,
with the degree of A. B,
BIOGRAPHICAL. 155
Mr. Furman's father was engaged in the real estate business. He
died in February, 1894, and H. Earle Furman succeeded him in the
business, which he has since successfully conducted.
Mr. Furman's parents were Robert and Catherine A. (Van Guys-
ling) Furman. In addition to being engaged in the real estate busi-
ness, Robert Furman was also an attorney-at-law, colonel of the 83d
Regiment and member of assembly 1868 to 1869.
H. Earle Furman is a member of the Alpha Zeta fraternity of the
Union Classical Institute, and Chi Psi fraternity of Union College.
Robert Furman, M. D., son of Colonel Robert Furman and his
wife, Catherine Ann (Van Guysling) Furman, was born in the city
of Schenectady, May 5, 1863. He received his literary education at
the public schools and Union College. He then entered the Albany
Medical College from which he was graduated in the class of 1889
with the degree of M. D. He subsequently took a post-graduate
course and since 1892 has been engaged in the practice of medicine
in New York City.
In 1891 Dr. Robert Furman married Frenek Dodd of New York
City. They have one daughter, Consuelo. Dr. Furman is a mem-
ber of the college fraternity. Phi Sigma Kappa.
Charles LimmER was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., April 14,
i860, and is the son of lyconard and Mary (Shafer) Limmer. He
was educated in the public schools of Cobleskill, N. Y., and for some
time pursued the occupation of landscape gardener. Since 1884 his
business has been that of florist. He came to Schenectady in 1901,
and established himself in business as a florist, which he still con-
ducts.
In 1897 Charles Dimmer married Carrie Davis, of Cobleskill, N.
Y. They have three children, Mildred Elizabeth, Charles Davis and
Harold Leonard.
While in Cobleskill Mr. Dimmer held the office of Overseer of the
Poor from 18S9 to 1893, and was a member of the Board of Alder-
men from 1898 to 1900.
156 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Daniel Posson was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady
County, N. Y., April 24, 1861. He is the son of George and Eliza-
beth (Becker) Posson. He was educated at the district schools and
afterwards farmed for two years. He then moved to Greene County
and worked in a mill for J. Dean for two years, after which he
returned to Glenville for one year. He then entered the Schenectady
Locomotive Works, where he learned the trade of machinist, at
which he worked for four years, when he took employment in the
Wire Works and remained there for five years. He then went to
Newburgh, N. Y., and worked in the wire business for six months,
after which he returned to Schenectady and entered the General
Electric Works, where he is still employed. Mr. Posson is a Repub-
lican in politics and is a member of Champion Lodge No. 554,
I. O. O. F.
On February 4, 1885, Daniel Posson married Alice L. Rothwell,
daughter of Edwin and Eliza (Chapman) Rothwell. They have two
children, Lizzie J. and Alice Lavina. Mr. Posson's ancestors were
German and his wife's were English.
HiNSDiLL Parsons was born February 10, 1864. After com-
pleting his common school education he entered Trinity College and
graduated from that institution in 1884. He later entered the
Albany Law School and graduated therefrom in 1885, and was
admitted to the Bar of the state of New York in the same year, at
Albany, N. Y.
In 1889, Hinsdill Parsons became patent attorney for the Walter
A. Wood M- & R- M. Co., but left their employ in 1894 and became
resident attorney for the General Electric Company at Schenectady,
N. Y. In May, 1901, he was appointed general counsel and fourth
vice-president of the General Electric Company.
Mr. Parsons is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Psi
fraternities, with which he became associated during his college
course.
In September, 1889, Hinsdill Parsons married Jessie Burchard at
Hoosick Falls, N. Y.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 157
Hon. Frederick Eisenmenger was born in the city of Schenec-
tady, N. Y., March 21, 1849, and received his early education in the
schools of his native place. In 1862 he left school and enlisted in
the 134th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. He was a
member of Company B, and his father, who was a soldier in the
same regiment, was a member of Company K. He served until the
close of the war, and was with Sherman in his famous march from
Atlanta to the sea. He received his honorable discharge June 10,
1865, after which he returned home and served an apprenticeship at
the trade of machinist in the Schenectady Locomotive Works, where
he remained until May 2, 1882. Upon that date he was appointed
Police Justice, to which office he was elected in 1883. He was
re-elected in 1887, 1891, 1895, 1899, and in fact, has held the office
continuously since his appointment in 1883, a record which speaks
volumes for his high efficiency and public popularity in the dis-
charge of his duties in this office.
In 1874 Judge Eisenmenger married Louise, daughter of Lewis
and Louise Pepper. They have two children, namely, Frederick L-
and Clara L. Judge Eisenmenger's parents were Ferdinand and
Wilhelmina (Lamann) Eisenmenger, both of whom were natives of
Germany. They came to the United States some time between 1840
and 1850. Ferdinand Eisenmenger served as a soldier in the War
of the Rebellion and was killed in the Battle of Resaca, Ga., May
16, 1864.
Since the foregoing was written Judge Eisenmenger was elected
mayor of the city of Schenectady, on November 3, 1903.
Jay Cady Wemple was born in Schenectady, N. Y., August 16,
1873. -^^s parents were Edwin and Lillie (Banker) Wemple. He
received his early education in the public and high schools of his
native city, after which he spent one year in Union College and then
took a commercial course in a business college, from which he was
graduated in 1893. He then took a position with E. A. Thrall &
Co., jewelers, in New York City, and remained with them for one
year, after which he was employed for two years with Jay C. Wemple
iS8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
& Co., of New York City, dealers in shades. He then took a position
with the General Electric Company, being employed in experimental
engineering work. In 1903 he became resident agent in Schenec-
tady for the Prudential Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Wemple is a prominent Mason, being Past Master of New
Hope Lodge No. 730, F. and A. M., a- member of St. George's
Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and of St. George's Commandery, No. 37,
Knights Templar, of which he has been captain-general. He is also
a member of the A. A. O. N. M. S., Troy, N. Y., and has held the
office of second vice-president of the Past Masters' Association of the
17th Masonic district. His school society is the Alpha Zeta.
In 1 901 Jay Cady Wemple married Anna L. Teller of Schenectady,
N. Y. .
Matthew Davis was born in Germany in the year 1854 and
came to Schenectady in 1862.
He was educated in the public schools and afterwards learned the
trade of warper and was employed at Roy's Mills, manufacturers of
shawls. He retired from active work in 1888. In 1878, Matthew
Davis married Bernadina Sonnenberg of Schenectady, and they have
a family of three daughters. Matthew Davis died in Schenectady in
the year 1895. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and was
a highly respected citizen and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of
all who knew him.
James O. Carr was born in Manchester, N. H., and attended the
public schools until 1889, when he began to work as a clerk for his
father in the paint business. He was subsequently in the employ of
John P. Squires & Co., Boston, Mass., and afterwards was connected
with the Thomson-Houston Electric Company.
Mr. Carr is secretary and treasurer of the Schenectady Railroad
Company, which position he has held since 1901. He is a member
of the Mohawk Golf Club and of the Railway Benefit Association,
besides being a prominent Mason. In the Masonic fraternity he is a
BIOGRAPHICAL. 159
member of Washington lyodge, F. and A. M., Manchester, N. H.,
St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and St. George's Com-
mandery No. 37, Knights Templar, Schenectady, N. Y., Bloss
Council, Troy, N. Y., the Albany Sovereign Consistory and the
A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y.
In 1895, James O. Carr married Sara E. Appel of Los Angeles,
California.
Perry T. Hanscom was born in Sheffield, Vermont, July 17th.
1870. After a preparatory course at the Lyndon Institute, he
graduated from the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College of Boston
He then took up electrical work at which he was engaged for the
following two years.
In 1891, he entered the employ of the Thomson-Houston Company
at Lynn, Mass., remaining three 3'ears, and came to Schenectady in
1894, where he has since been with the General Electric Company,
and is now assistant engineer of the power and mining department.
In October, 1897, Perry T. Hanscom married Etta Rogers, of St.
Johnsbury, Vermont. They have one daughter, Mildred. Mr.
Hanscom's parents were Aaron and Lydia Hanscom.
Mr. Hanscom is a charter member of the Mohawk Golf Club.
Joseph Pitts was born in Germany, November 17, 1857, and
came to the United States in 1874. He was first employed on a
farm, but afterwards learned the baker's trade, which he began in
1880, and at which he was employed in Albany before he came to
Schenectady in 1890. In this year he established a bakery in
Schenectady, which he has since conducted.
On April 25, 1880, Joseph Pitts married Anna M. Kneiper, and
they have a family of nine children, Joseph, Peter, Julius, Frank,
George, Nannie, Anna, Marguerite and John. Mr. Pitts is a member
of the Catholic church, the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association
and the St. Francis Society.
i6o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Alfred Edwin Gregg was born at Rotterdam, Schenectady
County, N. Y., September 28, i860. His parents were James and
Polly (Thomas) Gregg. He received his preliminary education in
the public schools and the Classical Institute of his native city, after
which he took a course in Rutger's College, from which he was
graduated in the class of 1886. For six years he was a traveling
salesman for C. Van Slyck, of Albany, after which he entered the
employ of the General Electric Company, in 1892, being employed
in the production department.
Mr. Gregg is a member of Schenectady Council No. 983, Royal
Arcanum, and of the Ki Psi and Alpha Zeta college societies.
In 1885 Alfred Edwin Gregg married Elizabeth Meade of Schenec-
tady. They have one son, Clarence Edward.
Nicholas I. Timeson is a self-made man in every respect. He
was born in Princetown, Schenectady County, N. Y., June 26, 1855,
and spent his early boyhood days in attending the district school and
doing chores on his father's farm.
At the age of twelve he started out to meet the trials of the world
alone and went to Chicago, where he secured a position as driver for
a showcase manufacturing company. In the evenings he attended
night school. A few months of Chicago life satisfied him and he
returned to Schenectady to find work with Chapman, the baker,
then located at the corner of Ferry and Liberty streets. He remained
in Schenectady about a year and then went on the New York Cen-
tral trains as newsboy for the Union News Company. While in that
position he saw an advertisement that Jacob De Forest, an under-
taker, desired an apprentice. He answered and was accepted and
from that time his career in the undertaking business dates.
For nine years he remained with De Forest and devoted himself
to the study of embalming. Then he went on the New York Central
for a short period as fireman, after which he entered the employ of
Charles N. Yates & Sons, undertakers, with whom he remained
twenty years, or until August 16, 1899. In that year, with Edward
L,. Fronk, he formed a copartnership and started in business for him-
ui^fun'^i^^
L^!^-^^^>iZ.-^^~TUJ
BIOGRAPHICAL. i6i
self. The firm's parlors were first located in the old Schenectady
Bank building. They are now at 134 State street and are fully
equipped and complete in every particular.
Although Mr. Timeson is a graduate of several embalming schools,
his knowledge has been largely acquired and perfected through
practice and experiments. He has achieved some startling results in
the art of embalming and some of the cases which he has handled
have become historic in the annals of the undertaking vocation. In
one case he embalmed a body after it had been in the casket for a
year and made it appear as natural as on the day when life passed
away.
Mr. Timeson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Red
Men, Elks, Grangers, Royal Arcanum, Foresters, Mystic Shrine and
the Holland Society. He also served in the Home Guard and was a
member of Company C, 83d Regiment, under Colonel Robert Fur-
man.
Mr. Timeson has always taken an active interest in the National
Embalmers' Association, having been a member for four years and
held the office of first vice-president. He was elected president of
the New York State Embalmers' Association at Syracuse, N. Y.,
September 16, 1903.
On July 8, 1874, Nicholas I. Timeson married Eva B. Teller, who
died June 30, 1884, leaving three children. May, Roy and Millie.
On November 18, 1885, he married Amelia Cramer. Mr. Timeson's
parents were Nicholas and Jane (Van Patten) Timeson. His mater-
nal grandfather, Nicholas Van Patten, was a soldier in the War of
1812.
Jesse L. Patton was born in the town of Florida, Montgomery
County, N. Y., in March, 1870. After leaving school he took a
position as clerk in a grocery store for W. P. Myers, in Amsterdam,
N. Y., and there remained for two years. He next accepted a posi-
tion as bookkeeper for Knox & Knox, shoe dealers, of Auburn,
N. Y., and remained with them for four years. In 1893 he removed
i62 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
to Schenectady and joined Mason W. Hall in forming the partnership
of Patton & Hall, shoe dealers, which partnership still subsists.
In May, 1899, Jesse L. Patton married Rita, daughter of Peter and
Emma (Gates) Van Vranker, and they have one son, Charles G.
Mr. Patton's parents were Charles and Ellen (Newkirk) Patton.
His grandfather, William Patton, came from Scotland in 1820, and
settled in the town of New Scotland, Albany County, N. _Y. Mr.
Patton is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.
The firm of Patton & Hall has become one of the best known
shoe houses in this part of the state. They have a branch store on
lower State street, and also one in Amsterdam, N. Y.
Adam F. Shaffer was born in Syracuse, Onondaga County,
N. Y., October 19, 1866, and was educated in the schools of his
native city. After his school days, he spent a year in the flour and
feed business and then served an apprenticeship at the trade of stone-
cutter. He worked on the state capitol for six years and spent six
years in the south and west. He worked on the Vanderbilt mansion,
Biltmore, North Carolina, and later worked in Chicago and Pitts-
burg. In 1893 h^ came to Schenectady and embarked in his present
business in partnership with Newton J. Kellam under the firm name
of Kellam & Shaffer. They are general street contractors and
builders and deal extensively in cut stone. They have completed
many important contracts and are now putting up a new library
building in Schenectady.
In February, 1892, Adam F. Shaffer married Alice Carey,
daughter of Judge John Carey and Elizabeth (Theetge) Carey of
Chemung, N. Y. Mr. Shaffer's parents were Philip and Caroline
(Knipp) Shaffer. He is a member of St. Paul's Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
of the Sheridan Cavalry Troop and of St. George's Masonic Lodge.
Mr. Shaffer is building an elegant brownstone and brick house on
upper Main street, the design of which is something new in archi-
tecture.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 163
Peter Munson Doty was born in Schenectady, March 25, 1846.
His parents were Munson Smith and EHza (Knowlton) Doty. He
was educated in the Union school, after which he took up railroad-
ing and served as fireman for five years, after which he became an
engineer on the New York Central Railroad. Leaving railroading
he took a clerkship in the hat business with Van Horn & Son, and
remained with them until 1875, after which he was a traveling sales-
man for Cottrell & Leonard of Albany, for one year. He owned a
bakery on the corner of Union and Jay streets, Schenectady, for
three years, after which he embarked in the hat business on his own
account and, after twenty years of successful business, retired in
1900. '
In 1874 Peter M. Doty married Lavinia Diment of Schenectady,
N. Y. They have three children, namely, Daniel K., born in 1875 ;
Bessie, born in 1879, and Leila, born in 1883. Mr. Doty is a descen-
dant of Edwin Doty, who came over to America in the Mayflower in
1620.
Mr. Doty is a prominent Mason and is Past Master of St. George's
Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., Schenectady. He is also a member of
Apollo Chapter No. 48, R. A. M., Troy, N. Y.; Bloss Council No.
14, Troy, N. Y., and Apollo Commandery No. 15, K. T., Troy,
N. Y.; also of Delta Lodge of Perfection, Delta Council Prince of
Jerusalem, Delta Chapter Rose Croix, Troy, N. Y.; Albany Sovereign
Consistory and the A. A. O. N. M. S., Troy, N. Y., and of the
Masonic Veterans' Association. He is also a member of Champion
Lodge No. 554, I. O. O. F., Schenectady, N. Y.; is an ex-assistant
chief engineer of the Fire Department, and a member of the Exempt
Firemen's Association. He served as Police Commissioner from 1882
to 1894, inclusive.
John J. Moffett was born in Ireland, July 9, 1863. His parents
were James and Julia (Dunleavy) Moffett. He received his early
education in Ireland and came to. America, settling in Schenectady
in 1880. He entered the Locomotive Works and worked as a boiler-
maker for eight years, after which he became agent for the Granger
i64 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Brewing Company of Hudson, N. Y., and remained in this position
until 1899. In that year he embarked in the coal, wood and feed
business, in which he is still engaged.
Mr. Moffett is a member of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Red Men, the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Order of Haymakers and the Robert
Emmet Literary Association. He is at present a member of the
Board of Water Commissioners for the city of Schenectady.
In 1886 John J. Moffett married Ellen F. O'Brien of Cohoes, N.
Y. They have two children, one son and one daughter.
Horace Wheeler Philbrook was born in Aroostok County,
Maine, August 21, 1873. -^^^ parents were Ira E. and Emily
(Tenny) Philbrook. He was educated in the public schools of
Bangor, Maine ; St. Paul's Cathedral School, Garden City, Long
Island, and by private tuition until 1889. In that year he took up
electrical engineering in the Edison General Electric Company, New
York City, after which he took the students' course in Schenectady,
completing his electrical studies in 1902. He is now employed in
the production department of the General Electric Company.
Mr. Philbrook is a member of the Knights of St. John and Malta,
the Ancient Essenic Order and the Schenectady County Republican
Club, of which he is an active member. He is also an active politi-
cal worker.
In 1897 Horace Wheeler Philbrook married Jessie Campbell of
Schenectady. They have one daughter, Audrey.
Edward L- Haight was born in Saratoga County, N. Y.," March
27, 1859, ^"d was educated in the public schools and the Halfmoon
Academy in his native county. He worked for some time in the
lumber business for his father, and in 1889 went into the stone,
brick and lumber business as a partner in the firm of Shear &
Haight, and is still so engaged.
BIOGRAPHICAL. - ■ ' •" jg^
Mr. Haight is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M.V'St. George's Command-
eryNOi 37, Knights Templar, Schenectady, N. Y.; also of the A. A.
0-. N.'M. S., Troy, N. Y.; the Albany Council, the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and of the 'Mohawk Club.
In 1882 Edward L. Haight married Ida Sickler of Halfmoon.
They have a family of two children. Mr. Haight's parents were
Henry L. and Mary E. (Van Benthuisen) Haight.
Hon', a. J. QuACKENBUSH was born in the town of Guilderland,
Albany County, N. Y., June 20, 1853. He was graduated from the
Albany Business College in 1869, after which he entered his father's
wholesale commission house in Albany, where he remained for four
years. In 1874 he moved to Fuller's Station and engaged in the
general freighting business which he continued until 1879, when lie
settled permanently in Schenectady. ' ■
In this city he continued the freighting business until 1889, when
he sold out and accepted the position of eastern agent for the
Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association of St. Louis, Mp. i This
position he still holds, and has become one of the most widely
known and most popular man in his line in this part of the state.
Some time after becoming the eastern agent for the' Anheuser-
Busch Brewing Association, Mr. Quackenbush established the
Excelsior Bottling Works, located at 314 to 318 South Centre street.-
He is the sole proprietor of this fine plant, which is one of the
largest and best' equipped in the state. He is a large manufacturer
of carbonated water and soft goods,- and his motto is: " Not how
cheap, but how good." ' He is an active," enterprising and successful
business man and gives his personal attention to his trade, so that
his customers are always assured of receiving satisfactory goods.
In politics, Mr. Quackenbush is a Democrat and takes a warm per-
sonal interest in the welfare and progress of the city of Schenectady.
He is active, not only as a worker, but in the councils of his party,
and has been elected to the city council on several occasions, besides
41
i66 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
having represented Schenectady County three different terms in the
state Legislature. He was also the candidate of his party for senator
and was defeated by only a small majority, although this district is
heavily Republican.
Mr. Quackenbush is a courteous, genial gentleman, noted for his
honorable methods and square dealing, both in business and politics,
and is justly entitled to the high reputation which he enjoys. He is
identified with about all the leading societies in the city, among
which may be mentioned, New Hope Lodge No. 730, F. and A. M.,
St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and Lodge No. 480, Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks.
George Westinghouse, Senior, and The Westinghouse
Company Agricultural Works — George Westinghouse, Senior,
the founder of the works in Schenectady, N. Y., bearing his name,
and father of the inventor of air brakes for railroads, was born in
Pownal, Vermont, in the year 1809. After spending a few years at
farming he soon saw that no material progress could be made in the
raising of small grains, unless there were devised some method for
threshing out the grain, which would be more rapid, more thorough
and more available under the varied conditions of the crop, than the
flail. He saw that when this was accomplished, the acreage of
sowed grain could become unlimited and that thereby the farmer
would be enabled to derive greater revenue from outside markets.
Mr. Westinghouse then began to build machines for threshing grain
and established himself, first in the town of Florida, in Montgomery
County, N. Y., and soon removed to Central Bridge in Schoharie
County, where he built up an extensive business. In 1856, needing
larger facilities, he removed to Schenectady and established these
works, and with the co-operation of his sons, there has been built up
and established a large and extensive business.
Mr. Westinghouse retired from active business shortly before his
death which occurred in the year 1884, he having seen the fulfill-
ment of the ideas which he conceived a half century before, and
leaving sons fully capable to continue the work which he had begun.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 167
He was a man of sterling qualities, of strong convictions, and was
singularly firm in his adherence to principle. Weighing carefully
whatever questions were presented to his mind, whether of a public
or business nature, nothing but an absolute conviction of error of
judgment could swerve him from the path he had marked out as
that of duty. His word once pledged was sacred, and he died pos-
sessing the entire confidence of the community in which he lived.
The early threshing machines made by Mr. Westinghouse were
quite crude affairs, and consisted merely of a drum or cylinder
having teeth and revolving against a concave also having teeth.
These machines were intended only to thresh the grain out of the
straw, separating it from the straw being left for hand manipulation.
However, he quickly saw that an apparatus could be attached to and
worked in conjunction with this crude threshing machine, whereby,
with power derived from a horse tread-mill which he also devised in
connection, the grain could be threshed out of and separated from
the straw by one machine, and with horse power, thus materially
increasing the capacity. Even then the threshed grain had still to
be cleaned of chaff by a hand machine known as a fanning mill, so
pursuing his inventive ability still farther he attached shaking sieves
and a wind blast to the thresher and shaker and called it a winnower,
which virtually contained all the elements that are in the modern
threshing machine.
The field was growing with rapid strides, the acreage of small
grains was increasing yearly at an enormous rate and larger machines
were demanded. This required more power than could be produced
by horse tread powers, and Mr. Westinghouse then brought out his
lever horse power, operated by as many as twelve horses which
traveled in a circle attached to the ends of levers, thus operating a
system of gearing and generating power.
But at the close of the Civil War the agricultural development of
the country advanced with such bounds that horse powers were rele-
gated to the past and larger threshing machines with numerous labor-
saving attachments were made, and to run them, the Westinghouse
steam engine was built. At first these engines were drawn from job
to job by horses, but soon their size became so great that the steam
i68 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
power was used to propel them and at the same time haul the thresh-
ing machine. So great is the demand for capacity in these days
that this company now build threshing machines capable of thresh-
ing as much as seven thousand bushels of oats in ten hours, and
which will clean and weigh or measure the grain ready for market.
Such machines are equipped with self-feeders,, pneumatic straw car-
riers, etc., and the steam engines operating them develop as high as
forty horse power. The threshing outfits are owned by threshermen
who go from farm to farm and thresh for a certain price per bushel,
according to the kind of grain or seed and the size of the job.
The manufactures of this concern are in use in both hemispheres
and they employ at their works from two hundred and fifty to three
hundred men, and their works have been in continuous operation in
Schenectady since 1856.
Joseph Russ was born in England, February 12, 1862, and is the
son of Simon and Mary (Best) Russ, who brought him to the United
States when he was eight years of age. They located in Watervliet,
Albany County, and Joseph Russ was educated in . the Watervliet
. schools and the Schenectady Business College. He learned the
trade of blacksmith in Watervliet and in 1886 came to Schenectady
and worked two years for Albert Pillion. He then opened a shop of
his own on State street, which he conducted , for two years when he
bought out Mrs. Pillion, and has since conducted the business of.
blacksmith and carriage-maker at the old stand.
Mr. Russ is a member and Past Grand of Champion Lodge No.
554, I. 0.0. P., of the Schenectady Tribe of Red Men, of Court
Cohannet, Independent Order of Poresters and of the Firemen's Asso-
ciation. He was a volunteer fireman for five years. He is also a
member of the Order of Sons of St. George, George Stephenson
Lodge No. 318. Mr. Russ is a Republican in politics and takes an
active interest in public affairs.
On April 29, 1885, Joseph Russ married Mary A. Knight, daughter
of Samuel and Hannah Knight. They have three children, Herbert
S., Myrtle and Raymond M. .
BIOGRAPHICAL. ~' 169
Charles S. Phillips was born on Long Island, August 22, if
and received an academical education, graduating in 1876.
After leaving school he served a four years' apprenticeship at the
trade of machinist in the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadel-
phia, Pa. He remained with the Baldwin's for a period of eighteen
years altogether, occupying successively the positions of machinist,
assistant foreman and traveling engineer. In the capacity of travel-
ing engineer, he was sent to all parts of the world to deliver and set
up engines, and thus gained not only much valuable knowledge in
connection with his business, but also of the outside world.
In 1894 Mr. Phillips came to Schenectady and entered the
Schenectady Locomotive Works, where he was employed until 1896,
when he accepted a position with the General Electric Company, as
assistant foreman, for six months. At the end of that time he was
made foreman in the Marine Engine Department, which position he
now holds.
In 1887 Charles S. Phillips married Anna Mahery, who died nine
months later. On June 15, 1895, he married Zada Smith. His
parents were Daniel Y. and Martha E. (Corwin) Phillips.
Mr. Phillips is of Welsh descent, and is a member of St. George's
Lodge No.' 6, F. and A. M.
Melvin T. Reynolds was born in the town of Thurman, War-
ren County, July 4, i860. After his school days he learned the trade
of carriage-maker at which he worked for seven years in Glens Falls.
For the next twenty-one years, or up to the present time, he has
been engaged in the carpenter business and for the last ten years has
been a contractor.
He came to Schenectady in 1887 and has been a factor in the
activity of the building trade during the recent years of the city's
growth.
On October 8, 1881, Melvin T. Reynolds married Mary McElroy,
daughter of John and Anna (Farrar) McElroy. Mr. Reynolds'
parents were Joseph and Mary (Pelletier) Reynolds. His father's
people were New Englanders and his mother's were French.
I70 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Archibald C. Pickford was born in Schenectady, May 20, 1870,
and was educated in the public schools of his native city and at
Union College. After leaving college, he was collector upon the
Albany Day Line of boats for three years, after which he took up
the study of law, which he continued for one year. In 1893, he took
charge of his father's meat business, which is still conducted by the
firm of Pickford Brothers, his partner being William D. Pickford.
On December 10, 1895, Archibald C. Pickford married Emma
Heatley, daughter of Philip and Mary (Hutchinson) Heatley. Mr.
Pickford's parents were William D. and Elizabeth Pickford. His
mother died in January, 1894, and his father in August, 1893.
Mr. Pickfprd is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., and of the Phi Delta Theta Society.
Mr. Pickford has two brothers and one sister, namely, Edward P.,
M. D., of Washington, D. C, William D., his partner, and Phoebe,
wife of Morris Blair of Schenectady. The family is of English
descent and came to Schenectady in 1821.
Walter J. Rickey was born at Athol, Worcester County, Mass.,
January 7, 1871. He graduated from the High School in 1888.
During the two succeeding years he was connected with various
kinds of manufacturing work. In 1890 he attended the Mount
Hermon School, and in 1891 entered the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology where he took a course in mechanical engineering, and
was graduated in 1895. After leaving college, he entered the employ
of the T. & B. Tool Company of Danbury, Conn., where he remained
for two and one-half years, and was their assistant-superintendent
when he left their service. In 1897, he entered one of the manu-
facturing departments of the General Electric Company in Schenec-
tady, of which department he is now the head.
On June 27, 1901, Walter J. Rickey married Grace, daughter of
Hon. Judson S. and Emily A. (Pierce) Landon of Schenectady. Mr.
Rickey's father was George W. Rickey and his mother Jane A.
(Flint) Rickey. Mr. Rickey is a member of the Mohawk Golf Club
and of the General Electric Engineering Society.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 171
Robert S. Ross was born in Schenectady, N. Y., April 4, 1854,
and was educated in tHe public schools of his native city. After his
school days he learned the trade of machinist in the Schenectady
Locomotive Works, where he was employed for twenty-one years.
For the last thirteen years he has been an employee of the General
Electric Works.
On February 15, 1885, Robert S. Ross married Eleanor Scullen,
daughter of James and Ellen (Keys) Scullen. They have three
children, Robert S. Jr., Genevieve and Esther. Mr. Ross' parents
were Duncan and Eleanor (Service) Ross, and he is of Scotch
descent. He is a member of the Order of Red Men and of the
Catholic church.
WiLUAM M. RiKER was born in Columbia County, N. Y., Janu-
ary 16, 1819. He was engaged in the occupation of farming until
1852, when he settled in Schenectady and formed a partnership with
William Palmer in the hay and straw business. This partnership
continued for five years, when Mr. Palmer retired and his place was
taken in the firm by Nicholas Schermerhorn, and they conducted the
business for two years. Mr. Riker then bought his present farm and
followed gardening for a number of years. In 1900 he sold part of
this farm, now known as the Boulevards, to the Briggs Company.
On November 27, 1847, William M. Riker married Eliza Dedrick.
His parents were Joseph and Catherine (Clapper) Riker.
Charles F. Peterson was born in Stockholm, Sweden, Sep-
tember 6, 1 856, but has resided in the United States since 1884. He
was employed as a manufacturer of jewelry in the old country, and
when he came to New York he entered the employ of the General
Electric Company. He came to Schenectady in 1897 with this
company and is now foreman of the Mica-Department, in which 400
people are employed. In April, 1888, Charles F. Peterson married
Edith Tinnerholm, who is also a native of Sweden. Mr. Peterson is
a member of the Order of Red Men and of the Protective Home
Circle.
1)2 - SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
/William Ryan,- son of. William and. Mary (Enright) Ryan, was
born in Ballston^ Spa,' Saratoga County, N. Y., January lo, 1861.
After leaving school^ he went to work in the freight house at Balls-
ton ior the D. &-H. Railroad Company, after which he was a brake-
man on the same road for a year. He then became a fireman, and
after six years' experience in that position became a locomotive
engineer, and has run an engine on the road ever since. It is a
peculiar fact worthy of note that Mr. Ryan has not, during his life,
drawn a cent of money from any one except the Delaware & Hudson
Railroad Company. ■
In 1883 Mr. Ryan moved to Schenectady from Ballston and on
February 6, 1889, he married Anna M. Brady of Schenectady. They
have three children, Mary E., Julia and Anna E. He is a member
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Brotherhood of
Ivocomotive Engineers.
Patrick McDermott was born in County Roscommon, Ireland,
in January, 1843. His parents were Patrick and Mary (Conroy)
McDermott, who came to America in 1848 and settled in Schenec-
tady, so that Patrick McDermott was educated in the public schools
of this country. After leaving school he worked for seven years in a
shawl factory, after which he entered the Schenectady Locomotive
Works, and there learned the trade of boilermaker, at which he
worked until 1873. ^^^ that year he went to West Albany and
worked in the railroad shops until 1876, in which year he went to
Peru, South America, where he held a government position for four
years.. Returning to the United States he worked in the railroad
shops at West Albany until 1885, when he embarked in the meat and
grocery business, in which he is still engaged. ' ■.
In 1882 Patrick McDermott married 'Anna Kane and they have
five children,, namely, Mary,- Leo, Anna, Genevieve and John F.
. Mr; McDermott is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the
Catholic Benevolent Legion, and was for a long time connected with
the Schenectady Fire Department, having been at one time assistant
engineer.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 173
Rev. Father John L,. Reilly was born in the- city of Albany,
N. Y., in May, 1853. ^° began his studies in the Christian
Brothers' Academy in his native city, and was graduated therefrom
in the class of 1868. He then entered Niagara University from
which he was graduated in 1872 with the 'degree of A. B. The
degree of A. M. was subsequently conferred upon him by this uni-
versity. After leaving Niagara he entered the Provincial Seminary
at Troy, N. Y., and was ordained a priest in 1876.
After his ordination, he worked among the mission churches in
northern New York until the fall of 1876, when he was appointed
curate of St. John's Church in Syracuse, N. Y. Later he became
curate at the Cathedral in Albany and in 1878 he spent some time in
Kurope. Returning from Europe, he resumed his position as curate
in the Cathedral at Albany. In 1882 he became secretary and chan-
cellor of the diocese, but in the fall of that year he went to Case-
novia as pastor of the church there. In the spring of 1885 he
returned to Albany and again became secretary and chancellor of
that diocese. In January, 1886, he came to Schenectady as pastor
of St. John's Church, where he has since ministered.
Father Reilly is a member of the Board of Managers of Ellis
Hospital, of the Humane Society, of the Knights of Columbus and
of all of his church societies. His parents were John and Rose
(O'Neill) Reilly.
The pastors of St. John's Church since it was founded under Rev.
Charles Smith of St. Mary's Church, Albany, were the Reverend
Fathers Kelly, McCloskey, Falvey, McGeough, Clark and Scully, the
last named being the predecessor of Father Reilly.
The first church building of St. John's Church was a small frame
structure near the Mohawk Bridge on Washington avenue, where
Father Smith of Albany occasionally officiated. This was used until
1839, when a very commodious building was erected on Franklin
street. This was used until recently when the splendid new church
edifice was erected through the efforts and under the direction of
Father Reilly.
174 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Henry A. Miller, son of Charles A. and Eleanor (Lighthall)
Miller, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., December 29, 1852, and
received a sound education in the public schools of his native city.
His first active employment after leaving school was in the capacity
of a newsboy on the old Rensselaer & Saratoga Railway. He then
went to Schenectady" where he served an apprenticeship at the tin
and coppersmith's trade, at which he worked for five years. He was
next employed as a fireman on the New York Central Railroad,
where he remained until 1879, ^^ which year he received an engi-
neer's certificate. He has since followed that occupation on the
Delaware & Hudson Railroad and bears a splendid reputation for the
fidelity and ability with which he discharges the important duties of
his position.
Mr. Miller is a member of Dorpian Division No. 172, Brotherhood
of Docomotive Engineers, and has filled all the chairs of that order.
He is also a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen.
On August 3, 1875, Henry A. Miller married Anna E. Wolf and
they have a family of three children, Eleanor B., William W. and
Dorothy S.
Christian L. Staver was born in Germany, July 29, 1863, but
was brought to the United States by his parents in 1866, and was
educated in the schools of Boonville, Utica and the Union school of
Schenectady. His first business occupation was in the capacity of
clerk for Ernest Steinfuhrer, with whom he remained two years. He
then took up the trade of machinist in the Locomotive Works and
remained there for five years. In 1888 he entered the employ of
the General Electric Company as machinist, and is now foreman of
the power and mining department.
On October 9, 1884, Christian L,. Staver married Anna Simpson,
daughter of Thomas and Rachael (Van Der Bogart) Simpson. They
have a family of six children, namely, Elizabeth, Florence, Lewis,
Thomas, Minnie and Esther. Mr. Staver is one of the police com-
missioners of the city of Schenectady.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 175
Charges Schlansker, son of Christian and Mary (Roderfelt)
Schlansker, was born in Germany, November 15, 1853. He was
educated in the schools of his native country and worked on
his father's farm until 1871 when he came to the United States
of America. In this country he followed farming for a year and
one-half, when he removed to Schenectady and took up the trade
of boilermaker in the Locomotive Works. He has remained in
the Locomotive Works ever since he first entered them and now
holds the position of night foreman.
In May, 1876, Charles Schlansker married Mary Cerockemeyer,
who is also a native of Germany. They have four children, Edward,
William, Henry and Mary. Mr. Schlansker is a member of the
German Benevolent Society and of the German Methodist Episcopal
Church. He is an honest, industrious and upright man and has a
host of friends in the city of Schenectady.
Thomas H. Reeves was born in England, April 12, 1830. He
was educated in England and came to Schenectady in 1852. He
began the active duties of life in this city as a clerk for William
McCamus & Company, with whom he remained until 1874, when
Mfc McCamus retired and the firm of T. H. Reeves & Company
was formed. This company carried on the business until 1892,
when the stock company known as the Reeves- Veeder Com-
pany was formed, with Thomas H. Reeves as president. This is
now one of the large department stores in the city of Schenectady,
and is favorably known over a wide range of territory outside the
city. To Thomas H. Reeves, who was the founder of this business,
is largely due the credit of the great success of this enterprise.
On November 27, 1854, Thomas H. Reeves married Elizabeth A.
Van Voast, who was born April 13, 1833. They have a family of
three children, Edward H. Reeves, who is an engineer on the New
York Central & Hudson River Railroad, Ella, who is the wife of
Harvey R. Henry of Vermont, and Frank P. Reeves, who was a mem-
ber of the Reeves- Veeder Company, now the Reeves-Luflman Co.
176 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
John Franklin Clute was born in the town of Guilderland,
Albany County, N. ¥., February 20, 1855. He was prepared
for college at the Union Classical Institute and then took a course in
Union College, from which institution he was graduated in the class
of 1876. He read law in the office of John A. DeRemer and was
admitted to the Bar in 1879 in which year he began the active prac-
tice of his profession in Schenectady.
In 1882 John Franklin Clute married Nettie Augusta Palmer of
Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y. They have a family of
nine children, three sons and six daughters. Mr. Clute is a member
of the Ki Psi, college fraternity.
Albert Lawrence Rohrer, electrical superintendent of the
Schenectady Works, General Electric Company, was born on Febru-
ary 29, 1856, in Farmersville, Montgomery County, Ohio. After
receiving a public school education, he took a ' normal school course
and, after he had graduated from the normal, 1878, he took a special
course in physics and mechanics in the Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio.
In June, 1884, Mr. Rohrer entered the employ of the Thomson-
Houston Electric Company in Lynn, Massachusetts, and has been
identified with that company and its successor, the General Electric
Company, ever since. He was transferred to the Schenectady Works
immediately after the consolidation of the Edison General Electric
Company and the Thomson-Houston Electric Company, in May,
1892. He has always been a student, and his practical mind has
made excellent use of his educational training.
Since coming to Schenectady, Mr. Rohrer has taken a warm interest
in the affairs of this fast growing city, and has particularly identified
himself with its educational life, being a trustee of the Free Public
Library Association and a member of the! Board of Education. He
is also a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers,
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Ohio Society
of New York City, director in the Union National Bank and vice-presi-
dent of the Park View Cemetery Association. He is a prominent
BIOGRAPHICAL. 177
Mason and is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.,
St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., Past Commander of St.
George's Com mandery No. 2,7, Knights Templar and of Oriental
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Troy, N. Y.
At the annual meeting of St. George's Commandery No. t^j,
Knights Templar, for the election of officers, which was held on May
20, 1902, Mr. Rohrer was presented with a Past Master's jewel, and
the incident is thus referred to by a local paper : " At the conclusion
of the business Sir Knight William W. Wemple presented Past Com-
mander A. L. Rohrer with a handsome Past Master's jewel, suitably
engraved and inscribed. The presentation came as a complete sur-
prise, and Sir Knight Rohrer is the first Past Commander to be so
honored. The presentation speech was a fitting one and the recip-
ient responded in a happy manner."
On April 8, 1891, Albert Lawrence Rohrer married Carrie L.
Gould. They have one daughter, Miriam. His parents were Aaron
and Elizabeth (Ozias) Rohrer. Aaron Rohrer was born in Mary-
land.
Harry E. Webster was born in Albany, N. Y., August 21, 1861,
and is the son of Thomas and Catherine (King) Webster. His father^
Thomas Webster, was a native of Dundee, Scotland. The family
moved to Schenectady when Harry E. Webster was six months old
and he was educated in the public schools of that city. He was
apprenticed as pattern-fitter and stove-mounter with the Schenectady
Stove Company for about four years, after which he went to Detroit,
Michigan, and there learned the trades of millwright and machinist.
He then spent about six years in travel over the United States after
which he returned to Schenectady and for sixteen years had charge
of the machinery for the Wiederhold Company.
The firm of Webster & Stevens, dealers in bicycles and so on,
was formed in the winter of 1902 and still exists. In addition to their
bicycle salesroom and repair shop they also conduct a news and
stationery department.
178 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Mr. Webster takes an active part in the public affairs o£ the city
of Schenectady and has been a member of the Board of Aldermen for
four years. He was first elected in 1898. He has served as chair-
man of the Republican City Committee for three years and at the
time of this writing is chairman of the Committee on Roads and
Bridges. He is also prominent in fraternal organizations and is a
member of New Hope Lodge No. 730, F. and A. M. of which he is Past
Master ; of the I. O. O. F., of which he has been Deputy District
Grand Master; of Schenectady City Lodge No. 319, Knights of
Pythias, of which he is a charter member and was its first Chancellor
Commander, and of the K. A. H. 0., at Galveston, Texas.
On June 20, 1887, Harry E. Webster married Henrietta, daughter
of Cornelius and Ellen (McLeod) Stevens. They have two children,
Lillian Grace and Kathleen M. Mr. Webster's ancestors were
Scotch and English and his wife's were Scotch.
Joseph W. Smitley was born in Pittsburg, Pa., March 4, 1848.
He was educated by private tuition and in the schools of his native
city, and in 1868, entered the employ of the Pullman Palace Car
Company, representing them as superintendent in Pittsburg. This
position he occupied for five years and, in 1873, went to Philadelphia
to act as superintendent for the same company in that city. He
remained in Philadelphia imtil 1886, when he was transferred to
New York City, assisting in the management of the affairs of the
Pullman Palace Car Company in the metropolis until 1891, when he
resigned his position and settled permanently in Schenectady.
Mr. Smitley has been associated with the growth and development
of the city of Schenectady since taking up his residence here, and
has aided in promoting several important enterprises. He was first
president of the Van Curler Opera House, was one of the organizers
of the Union National Bank, of which he was vice-president for
several years, and is a stockholder in the Locomotive Works.
On November 25, 1874, Joseph W. Smitley married Ida, daughter
of John and Martha Phillips of Pittsburg. Her father was the
BIOGRAPHICAL. 179
founder of the firm of J. and H. Phillips. She died in 1886, leaving
one son, Robert L,. Smitley, a student in Yale College.
On October 35, 1888, Mr. Smitley married Mrs. John C. Ellis, a
member of one of Schenectady's oldest and most reputable families.
Mr. Smitley is a member of Washington Lodge No. 153, F. and
A. M., Pittsburg, Pa., and of the Albany Consistory, and is a thirty-
second degree Mason.
His parents were John and Keziah (Whitmore) Smitley, both
natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Smitley's European ancestors were
natives of Switzerland, from which country his grandfather, Jacob,
came over to America.
Mr. Smitley has not only had a large business experience and has
had control of very important interests, but has also been an exten-
sive traveler. He has been essentially a business man, and a very
successful one.
Porter Devendorf was born in Cedarville, Herkimer County,
N. Y., July 7, 1848, but was educated at Grand Rapids, Michigan,
where he lived for some time.
He learned the trade of painter and worked at that business until
he came to Schenectady, which was on January 27, 1884. Here he
entered the Jones Car Shops as painter, and remained with them
until 1889 after which he was with the Wagner Sleeping Car Com-
pany for one year, after which he was in the Gilbert Car Works of
Troy, N. Y. After leaving the Gilbert Car Works he settled in
Schenectady and embarked in business for himself as a painter and
paperhanger. In 1893 he opened up his present business. He
gives employment to about twenty-five people and takes contracts for
painting, paperhanging and decorating, and has established a high
reputation as an artistic workman. He also has a carriage painting
establishment and has a branch house in the city of Troy.
In August, 1886, Porter Devendorf married Margaret Bennett,
daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Turnbull) Bennett of Schenec-
tady. They have one son, Earl Devendorf.
i8o SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
Mr. Devendorf is a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F.,
of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of
United Workmen and of the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Devendorf is of Holland descent. His parents were Daniel
and Julia (Reed) Devendorf. His father was a native of Herkimer,
and his mother of Michigan.
Benjamin H. Ripton was born in Johnstown, N. Y., March 21,
1858, and was educated in the Johnstown Academy and Union Col-
lege, graduating from the latter institution in the class of 1880.
After graduating Mr. Ripton decided to make teaching his life
profession, and has attained to a high rank therein. He was teacher
in Whitestown Seminary from 1881 to 1885, ^''^^ "^^^ vice-principal
of that institution during the years 1 882-1 883 and was principal
from 1883 to 1885. In 1886 he received the appointment of pro-
fessor of mathematics in Union College and ably filled this chair
until 1894, when he was made professor of History and Sociology.
In 1894 he was also made Dean of Union College, which position he
has filled up to the present time.
Dean Ripton is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and of the Psi
Upsilon fraternity, and has been president of the Alpha Chapter, Phi
Beta Kappa since 1894. He is also a member of the American His-
torical Association and of the American Economic Association.
On June 2, 1880, Benjamin H. Ripton married Francena Nare of
Johnstown, N. Y. They have two daughters, Maud and Ruth. Mr.
Ripton's parents were Henry Ripton, born in Johnstown, N. Y., and
Anna (Hunter) Ripton, born in Portadown, County of Armagh, Ire-
land. She came to this country in 1842 and settled in Johnstown.
Dean Ripton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
was a delegate to the general conference of that church held in the
century year, 1900. •
After the death of Treasurer Gilbert K. Harroun in September,
1901, Dean Ripton was appointed by the trustees, acting treasurer of
Union College, and held that position until the election of a perma-
nent treasurer at the end of the year.
BIOGRAPHICAL. , i8i
John S. Juno — It is doubtful if any man in Schenectady has
been more intimately connected with the life and growth of the new
city than has John S. Juno, the subject of this sketch. He is not
only an extensive dealer in real estate, but is himself a large owner
of realty in the city, and has for some years been treasurer of the
Schenectady Board of Trade. He is therefore not only in touch
with every movement and undertaking looking toward the advance-
ment of the city, but is one of the leaders in every such movement.
He embarked in the real estate and insurance business in 1890 and
has been very successful, not only in ordinary transactions, in which
his business is extensive, but also in carrying through large deals for
companies and corporations.
He has attained a high reputation in the insurance business
because of the fidelity with which he looks after the interests of the
insured at all times, and especially in case of loss. He always sees
that settlements are'prompt and payments made in full, and he repre-
sents only first-class companies.
Mr. Juno is public spirited, enterprising — the type of man who
is always invaluable in the development of a city and the manage-
ment of aifairs.
He is one of the charter members of the Schenectady Board of
Trade, and also treasurer of the same. He was largely instrumental
in developing the fine residential section of Schenectady lying east
and north of Union College, and is one of a few men who induced
the Brandywine Lace Mill to locate in this city.
John F. StoEber was born in North Prussia, Germany, Febru-
ary 22, 1843. H^ fi'^st worked on a farm for two years and then
learned the brewer's trade at which he worked until 1871. The fol-
lowing year he came to America and settled in Oneida County,
N. Y., and engaged in the tannery business, which he pursued for
four years. He then moved to the town of Florida, Montgomery
County, where he was engaged in farming for twelve years, when he
came to Schenectady and embarked in the hotel business as pro-
42
I»2
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
prietor of the Commercial Hotel. He conducted this house for three
years, after which he was engaged in the liquor business for some
time. He followed farming for three years and in 1898 came into'
Schenectady again and became proprietor of the City Hotel, which'
he still conducts.
In May, 1869, John F. Stoeber married Sophia Schwenn. They
have had two children, Fredaricke, who died when two and one-half
yaars of age, and Ernest, who is now in business with his father.
Mr. Stoeber is a member of Schenectady Lodge No. 227, 1. O. O. F.,
of which he is a Past Grand, and also of the Amsterdam Lodge of
the German Sick Society.
Mr. Stoeber's parents were John and Mary (Wustenberg) Stoeber.
His father is dead, but his mother is still living at the age of ninety-
two years, in Oneida County.
Ernest Stoeber married Jessie Hawker on January 7, 1891. Their
living children are Ruth, Blanche, Helen and John. Two sons,
Walter and Herbert, are deceased.
Ernest Stoeber is a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F.
and of the Citizens Corps Band.
Newton J. Kellam was. born in Delaware County, N. Y.,
February 23, 1862, and is the son of Jeptha S. and Almira (MacNeil)
Kellam.
In 1894 Newton J. Kellam settled in Schenectady and embarked
in the contracting business in which he is still engaged as senior
partner in the firm of Kellam & Shaffer. They are dealers in cut,
sawed and planed stone for building purposes, besides which they'
are retailers in paving brick, flue linings and other building materials.
They are located on Fonda street, opposite the Locomotive Works,
and have a commodious stone-yard and mill where their cutting is
done.
Mr. Kellam is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F. and Royal Arcanum,
Schenectady Council No. 983.
BIOGRAPHICAL. ' ' ' 183
Charles Shaker was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., May 26,
1865. After his school days he learned the trade of painter with"
J. B. Bender, and has made this his life business. He came to
Schenectady in 1887 and subsequently formed the firm of Shafer &
Barry, painting contractors.
Mr. Shafer is an enterprising and successful business man and is a
member of New Hope Lodge No. 730, F. and A. M., St. George's
Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F.,
Schenectady City Lodge No. 318, Knights of Pythias, of the Red'
Men and St. George's Commandery.
Adolph Rockmer was born in Germany, February 10, 1869, and
was educated in his native land. He was a clerk in a grocery store
for some time in Germany, and came to the United States in 1885,
settling in Schenectady the same year. In 1887 he took a position
in the General Electric Works as iron moulder, which position he
still retains.
On May 6, 1891, Adolph Rockmer married Rose Koch, daughter
of Adam and Elizabeth (Goetz) Koch. They have two children,
Edward Adam and Lillian Elizabeth. The ancestors of the family
on both sides were German.
Aaron B. Bradt was born in Rotterdam, Schenectady County,
N. Y., May 24, 1841, and is the son of Aaron I. and Eliza C.
(Vedder) Bradt. He attended the public schools until 1858, when
he became actively engaged in farming, which occupation he pur-
sued until 1896, when he retired from active work: He came to
Schenectady in 1896, where he still resides, although he still con-
trols two large farms.
In 1868 Aaron B. Bradt married Catharine E. Gregg, and they
have one daughter, Mrs. Cora E. Vedder, who lives in the city of
Schenectady.
i84 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Anthony R. Thornton was born in Schenectady, N. Y., March
7, 1859, and was educated in the Schenectady Union public schools.
He afterward learned the cigarmaker's trade and worked at it for
twenty years, from 1870 until 1890, when he was elected city mar-
shal, which office he has filled with credit to himself and advantage
to the city ever since.
In politics Mr. Thornton is a Democrat and is connected with
several fraternal organizations in the city. He is a member of the
C. M. I. U. of A.; also of St. Paul's I^odge No. 17, I. O. O. F.,
Schenectady City Lodge No. 39, Knights of Pythias, of the Red
Men, of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., and is a life mem-
ber of the Exempt Firemen's Association. He is a Trade Unionist
and was one of the organizers of the city Trades Assembly, of which
he is a representative at the present time, and is one of the labor -
leaders of the city.
On May 20, 1879, Anthony R. Thornton married Ella, daughter
of James and Clarissa (Steers) Brewer. They have two children,
Edward Earl and Bessie A. Mr. Thornton's ancestors were Hol-
landers. His parents were Jacob and Dorcas (Reed) Thornton. His
grandfather was Thomas W. Thornton, and his grandmother was
Sarah (Steers) Thornton.
William O. Wakefield, son of Harry and Sarah (Houghton)
Wakefield, was born in Gardiner, Maine, January 2, 1840. He was
educated in the public schools and at Kent's Hill Seminary, Reed-
field, Maine.
When the War of the Rebellion broke out, he went to the front
with the i6th Maine Regiment and saw considerable active service.
He was wounded in battle and subsequently received his honorable
discharge because of wounds.
After serving in the war he learned the trade of machinist, making
a specialty of draughting. He came to Schenectady of 1893 ^^'^
entered the draughting department of the General Electric Company,
with which company he is still connected.
In 1870 William O. Wakefield married Delia Goodwin of Gardiner,
Maine. They have two daughters.
C'^f ^ d^ M^///^'^s -df'Src A-^
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BIOGRAPHICAL. 185
Orra R. WESTOVER was born in Cohoes, Albany County, N. Y.,
May 6, 1853, and was educated in the common schools of his native
place. His father was one of those who gave their lives for the
integrity of the Union and died in the War of the Rebellion, in 1862,
leaving Orra R., with a mother and one younger brother. They had
little means and Orra R. was compelled to leave school at sixteen
years of age and commence the battle of life for himself, which he
did by taking up the blacksmith trade, as an apprentice. After
serving three years in a horseshoeing and jobbing shop in Cohoes, he
went to Massachusetts and engaged in a carriage shop, still under
instructions. He spent four and one-half years altogether in his
apprenticeship, and after becoming master of the blacksmith trade in
all its branches, he still found his income very limited ; times also
had become dull, and not readily finding employment in the line of
his trade, yet not content to be idle, he accepted a position in a
hotel as assistant cook in North Adams, Mass. After becoming
familiar with his new business, and with a good recommendation, he
secured a situation as head cook in the Hotel Brunswick, Albany,
N. Y., and remained there until the hotel changed hands, a period of
more than two years. He next accepted a position in the Hotel
Windsor, on Maiden Lane, Albany, but, becoming dissatisfied with
the long hours of hotel and restaurant life, he resigned his position
as hotel and order cook and shortly afterwards came to Schenectady,
where he settled. This was in the year 1872, and he at once went
back to his old trade, securing a good position in the Locomotive
Works where he remained for more than thirteen years, leaving there
when the works closed down for repairs. He next secured a position
in the General Electric works in which he remained until the fall of
1896, when he was elected Superintendent of Poor.
Mr. Westover is in every sense a self-made man, rising from the
position of a poor boy to that of a highly respected citizen and an
office- holder in the most progressive little city in New York State.
He held a seat on the Board of Aldermen for three years during
which time he never missed a meeting, regular or special. He repre-
sented the fifth ward on the Board of Aldermen, and at this writing
i86 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
is serving a second term as Superintendent of Poor, in which office
he has given the highest satisfaction.
Mr. Westover is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. George's Chapter No.. 157, R. A. M.,. St. George's Com-
mandery No. 57,, K. T., the Oriental Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of
Troy, N, Y., St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., Schaugh.naugh-
ta-da Tribe No. 123, Improved Order of Red Men, Court Electric City
Nq. 1655, .1. O. F. and of the K. and L. of H. He has held responsi-
ble positions in all of these orders and has been a member of the
Albany Street Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.
On February 18, 1870, Orra R. Westover married Clara Sitterly,
who died August 9, 1899, leaving one son, Orra R. Westover, Jr.
On October 3', 1901, Mr. Westover married Margaret Jewett. Mr.
Westover's parents were John and Maria (Searles) Westover.
. James , B. Mc.Kain, son of Allen and Sally (Eaton) McKain,
was born in Otsego County, N. Y., September 25, 1847. ^^ "^^^
educated in the public schools' and the Jonesville Academy, from
which institution he graduated in the class of 1867. After his
school days he took up farming on the old homestead at Rexford
Flats, N. Y., where he still maintains his home. His parents settled
there in 1851.
Mr. McKain is a member of the firm of Winne & McKain, dealers
in coal, hay and feed, Schenectady, N. Y., and is also a dealer in
hay and straw at Mechanicville, Stillwater and Reynolds.
In 1893 Mr. McKain was appointed, under Governor Flower,
superintendent of Section 2, of the Erie Canal, and still retains that
position. He is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and St. George's Com-
mandery No. .37, Knights Templar, of Schenectady, N. Y., and also
of the A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, N. Y.
In 1872 James B. McKain married Sarah A. Parker of 'Rexford
Flats, and they have two sons, Allen P., born in 1881, and Hiram J.,
born in li
BIOGRAPHICAL. 187
Charles A. Luffman was born in Saratoga County, N. Y.,
December 32, 1858, but has resided in Schenectady since 1863.
After his school days he became bundle boy for William McCamus
& Company, and has been with that firm and their successors ever
since, finally becoming a partner in the Reeves-Veeder Company,
which has recentlj^ changed its name to the Reeves-L,ufTmau Com-
pany.
Mr. lyufJman's parents were John D. and Jane (Steenburgh) Luff-
man. .
George T. Ingersoli,, superintendent of the Schenectady Water
Works, is a son of Hiram j. and Eva E. (Van Epps) Ingersoll and
was born in Schenectady, N. Y., November 6, 1847. After receiving
a public school education, he entered the Schenectady Locomotive
Works as an apprentice machinist and remained there four years.
He then secured a position in the Illinois Central Railroad shop at
Chicago, where he remained for three years, after which he. returned
to New York State to take a position in the shops of the New York
Central Railroad at Syracuse, where he remained one year, when he
was transferred to West Albany, in the employ of the same company.
In 1876 Mr. Ingersoll was appointed under-sheriff of Schenectady
County and filled that position for three years, after which he went
back to the Schenectady Locomotive Works and was engaged in
delivering engines until 1883, when he was made foreman and held
that position until 1899. In this year he was appointed superinten-
dent of the Schenectady Water Works, which position he now holds.
He had entire charge of the building of the new water works,
including putting in the new machinery throughout, he having
designed the plant himself. For some time before the construction
of the new water works the very important question was being
agitated of constructing a new station and water supply for the city,
the supply then in use having been pronounced by the State Board
of Health as one of the worst in the country. Mr. Ingersoll devoted
the greater portion of two years' time to making extensive tests of
all the surrounding streams, lakes and underground sources, and
i88 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY,
finally recommended to the Board of Water Commissioners the
building of the present plant. The Water Board endorsed his recom-
mendation and forwarded it to the mayor and common council, who
promptly approved of the same and gave authority for the issuing of
bonds to pay for constructing the works. The design of suction
gallery, buildings and piping system was entirely originated by Mr.
Ingersoll.
Mr. Ingersoll is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A.
M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M., and of Schenectady
L,odge No. 480, B. P. O. E. His ancestors were Hollanders who
came to this country in the early days, and may be ranked among
the first settlers of Schenectady County.
Rev. Joseph Henrich, son of George and Elizabeth (Zimmer-
man) Henrich, was born in Rennerod, Province of Hessen, Nassau,
Germany, September 6, 1873. He took a course in the Gymnasium,
at Hadamar, and was graduated therefrom in 1893. He then went to
Floreffe, Belgium, and studied in the small seminary of Bishop
Namur, and there made his philosophy. From there he went to the
American College at Louvain, Belgium, and graduated therefrom in
1897. At this college he made his geology. On June 29, 1898, he
was ordained a priest by Right Reverend Bishop J. T. Vanderstappen
in Louvain. Immediately after his ordination he returned home for
a vacation and celebrated his first mass in his native place on July 2,
1898.
In September, 1898, he came to the United States, located at Cox-
sackie, and officiated in St. Mary's Church for seven months, at the
expiration of which time he was transferred to Schenectady as assis-
tant to Rev. Father Schoppe, pastor of St. Joseph's German Roman
Catholic Church. Father Henrich combines scholarly attainments
with an earnest Christian zeal, which have made him highly popular,
not only with the large congregation of St. Joseph's Church, but
with the public at large. He is a member of the Catholic Mutual
Benevolent Association and has done much to make the society
popular and useful.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 189
Samuel Burnett Howe was born in Groton, Tompkins County,
N. Y., and received his early education in the district school and the
Groton Academy. He then took a course in Union College and was
graduated from that institution in the class of 1862. He taught in
the Ithaca public schools, the Catskill Free Academy and the Albany
public schools, and came to Schenectady in 1868. He is now the
efficient Superintendent of Schools for the city of Schenectady.
Mr. Howe mariried first, Sarah M. Crain on July 15, 1862, and
second, Emma W. Crain in 1890. The children of the family are
Mather Crain Howe, Dr. Rose Howe Jameson and Samuel Burnett
Howe, Jr. Mr. Howe's parents were Perry and Mary (Love) Howe.
His grandfather, Moses Howe, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War.
Mr. Howe is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi college fraternity
and has devoted his entire life to the cause of education. He has
held his present position of Superintendent of Public Schools in the
cit}^ of Schenectady for thirty-five years.
Jesse R. Lovejoy was born in the City of Columbus, Ohio,
November 10, 1863. His parents were Nathan Ellis and Caroline
(Perkins) Lovejoy. He was educated in the public schools and the
Ohio State University, from which institution he graduated in the
class of 1884, with the degree of B. Sc.
He took a short post-graduate course in electrical engineering and
in 1886 was in the employ of the Thomson-Houston Company. In
1900 he joined the General Electric Company and is now manager
of the lighting department and railway department and general
manager of the supply department.
■ Mr. Lovejoy is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta college society,
of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the American
Society of Advanced Science, the Franklin Institute, the General
Electrical Engineers' Society and the University Club of New York
City.
In 1893 Jesse R. Lovejoy married Mary Emily Gould of Lebanon,
New Hampshire.
I90 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Isaac Y. Teller was born in Schenectady, N. Y., April 20, 1840.
After his schoolboy days he took up the trade of carpenter and
worked at it for seven years, after which he was engaged in the hotel
business for twenty-five years. He then went to Newburgh, N. Y.,
where he engaged in the instalment business for two and one-half
years. He then returned to Schenectady and entered the hotel busi-
ness again, this time for four years, after which he embarked in the
real estate business, in which he is still engaged.
In 1861 Isaac Y. Teller married Sarah A. Cawood, daughter of
John Cawood. His wife died in 1891, leaving four children, namely,
Elizabeth, wife of Harrison J. Herbert,' Elnora Emma, wife of
Thomas Wilcox, Dr. William S. Teller and Eva J. Teller. Isaac Y.
Teller's parents were James W. and Eva (Yates) Teller.
Martin P. Swart, son of Henry H. and Maggie (Putnam)
Swart, was born in the city of Schenectad}', N. Y., November 29,
1865. After going tlirough the city schools, he entered Union Col-
lege in the class of 1888. He then entered the store of H. S. Barney
& Company, as a clerk, and remained in that position for nearly five
years. In 1892 he became a partner in the firm of Reeves-Veeder
Company, now the Reeves-Luffman Company, one of the leading
department stores in this part of the state, and is one of the active
members of the house.
On October 20, 1899, Martin P. Swart married Harriet W., daugh-
ter of Levi Clute and Agnes Becker, his wife. Mr. Swart is a mem-
ber of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., of the Mohawk Club,
Mohawk Golf Club and of the college fraternity. Delta Upsilon.
Mr. Swart, although a young man, has through his own enterprise
and ability, become one of the representative business men of
Schenectady County, and his case furnishes a striking illustration of
the fact that a college man may become a very successful business
man, as indeed he should, for education should be an aid to enter-
prise in any direction and not a detriment, as is sometiines contended
by those who do not appreciate colleges.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 191
Burton Van Zandt, M. D., was born in the town of Rotterdam,
Schenectady County, N. Y., April 25, 1870. He was educated in
the public schools of his native city, and was graduated from the
classical department in 1889. He then entered Union College and
was graduated from this time honored institution in the class of 1893,
with the degree of A. B. Having decided to enter the medical pro-
fession, he took a course in the Albany Medical College and was
graduated therefrom in the class of 1896, with the degree of M. D.
In the fall of that year he opened his office in Schenectady where he
has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession. Dr.
Van Zandt is a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society,
of Champion Lodge No. 554, I. O. O. F., of Maine Tent No. 242,
K. O. T. M., and of his high school and college fraternities.
On August 25, 1896, Burton Van Zandt, M. D., married Alice M.,
daughter of James and Mary J. (Carey) Fyvie. They have one son,
Douglas R. Dr. Van Zandt's parents are John B. and Emily (Cor-
nell) Van Zandt. The family is of Holland descent.
William Gibson Gilmour, son of John and Janette (Gibson)
Gilmour, was born in the city of Schenectady, May 13, 1866. He
was prepared for college at the Schenectady High School and then
entered Union College, from which he was graduated in the class of
1887. After leaving college he became associated with the Schenec-
tady Locomotive Works, and was connected with them until the con-
solidation of that company with the American Locomotive Works.
■ On December 5, 1893, William Gibson Gilmour married Lillian
B., daughter of Edward and Mary C. (Walker) Ellis, and they have
one son, William E. Gilmour. The Ellis family is one of the most
prominent in the city of Schenectady, and one of the best known in
New York State. The name has long been associated with the
Locomotive Works and is a synonym for integrity and success.
Mr. Gilmour died October 31, 1901. He was a member of the
Mohawk Club and of the Sigma Phi college fraternity. After
graduating from Union College, he took up the study of law and was
admitted to the Bar but never practiced. •
192 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
EcwARD h- Fronz was born in the city of Albany, N. Y.,
November 9, 1848, and was the oldest of a family of six. When he
was about five years of age, his parents moved to Montgomery
County, where most of his mother's family resided, and besides, his
father thought it well for boys to have some experience in farming.
For several years they lived in Minaville, and in that vicinity, and
-there Edward L,. Fronk received his early education, also helping on
the farm in the summer.
From 1863 until 1869 he was with the family of Garrett Van
Deveer, a well-to-do farmer in the town of Florida, but, thinking it
wise to learn a trade, he secured a place with the firm of Charles
Timnierman & Sons, who were undertakers and manufacturers of
caskets and furniture in Amsterdam, N. Y. There he learned the
trade of finishing caskets and furniture, painting, graining and
assisting in undertaker's work. After remaining with this firm for
nearly four years, he went to Albany in the employ of Wickam &
Harris, contractors, architects and builders, who made a specialty of
furnishing all grades of fine hard wood, etc. Mr. Fronk had charge
of the finishing department of their furniture establishment while he
remained with them.
In 1879 he embarked in business for himself and continued there-
in until December, 1881, when he came to Schenectady in the
employ of C. N. Yates, undertaker and dealer in furniture. He
remained with that house for about seventeen years, and during
most of the time was engaged in the undertaking department along
with Mr. N. I. Timeson, Jr., another employee of the firm. Charles
N. Yates died February 3, 1890, and after that the firm name was
C. N. Yates & Sons for several years. It then became Mary Yates
for about three years, after which it was closed out, and Mr. Fronk
joined with N. I. Timeson, Jr., secured the undertaking business of
the old firm and located for nearly two years where the Schenectady
Bank once stood near Church street. Later, they obtained the resi-
dence of Mrs. William H. Smith, 134 State street, next door to the
Yates store, at present the New York store, where they have very
large pleasant rooms, including a chapel for funeral services and all
conveniences for carrying on the undertaking business.
ij^za^i-^-^j^-^ ^'^A^^->^
BIOGRAPHICAL/. ' 193
Both of Edward L. Fronk's parents were very ingenious and per-
severing. His mother was an expert carpet weaver and, when the
old hand looms were in use, she wove carpets in the old mill of
Stephen Sanford of Amsterdam. She could card the wool and spin
the yarn used in knitting mittens and stockings for her family. She
was also a good dressmaker and tailoress, having learned both of
these trades. She was a devout Christian woman and a member of
the Baptist Church in Amsterdam, and was always very careful that
her children should grow up to be useful.
Edward L. Fronk is himself a member of the Methodist Church,
which he joined when about eighteen years of age, at the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Minaville. He has been a member of the
Schenectady church for about twenty years and is one of the official
board. He takes an interest, not only in all good work but in the
welfare and progress of Schenectady and in every movement tending
towards progress and advancement. He is a lover of all good books,
as well as of music and works of art, and has a special fondness for
fine paintings of which he is a connoisseur.
Jacob Fronk (father) was born in Albany County, N. Y., February.
14, 1822, and died in Amsterdam, N. Y., May 22, 1889. His wife,
Anna M. (Johnson) Fronk, was born in Montgomery County, N. Y.,
May 12, 1821, and died March 27, 1874.
On April 25, 1882, Edward L. Fronk married Delia M. Beecher,
daughter of Clark and Anna M. Beecher, both of whom were natives
of Newark Valley, N. Y.
Mr. Fronk is a licensed member of our New York State Em-
balmers' and Undertakers' Association and of our National Em-
balmers' Association. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum,
and is a charter member- of Schenectady Council, which numbers at
the present time about three hundred members. Mr. Fronk is an
officer and an active member of the Y. M. C. A. of this city.
Henry A. Miller, agent for the Dobler Brewing Company, was
born in Detroit, Michigan, November 16, 1861. He was educated
by private tuition and afterwards learned the trade of moulder. He
194 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
worked at his trade in Detroit for twelve years and then went to
Albany, N. Y., where he worked for six years. He next went to
Troy, where he worked at his trade for three years, after which he
returned to Albany and remained nine months.
In 1893 Mr. Miller came to Schenectady to act as agent for the,
Pobler Brewing Company, and has since resided in this city where,
he gives his undivided attention to the interests of the well known
company he represents.
William Thomas Clark was born in England, July 12, 1870,
but has resided in the United States since 1874. His people settled
in Gloucester, Mass., where he received his early education. After
his school days he entered the employ of the Whittier Machine Com-
pany of Boston, Mass., and remained with them for. seven years
altogether, five years of this time being spent in Boston and two,
years traveling on the road for his house. His next employment
was with the Otis Elevator Company of New York, for whom he
acted as superintendent of construction for five years, after which he
was with the Sprague Electric Company in the same capacity for
two years. He then joined Henry R. Worthington, taking the
superintendency of his factory, and remained with him for one and
one-half years. In 1900 he came to Schenectady and entered the
employ of the General Electric Company, where he now fills the
position of assistant mechanical superintendent.
Mr. Clark is a member of Commonwealth Lodge No. 408, F. and
A. M., and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. On March
3, 1893, William Thomas Clark married Annie Holmes, daughter of
William D. Holmes of Mount Vernon, and they have two children
Lucy Beatrice and John Lester.
Mr. Clark's parents were John and Caroline (Prior) Clark.
Mr. Clark has been essentially the architect of his own fortunes
and has, by his own enterprise and ability, raised himself from the
position of apprentice mechanic to that of a mechanical superinten-
dent in one of the greatest manufacturing establishments of the
world.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 195
Dayton L,. KaThan, M. D., was born in Saratoga County, N. Y.,
Nov. 16, 1856. He received his literary education at a select school,
the Albany Normal College and the Geneseo Normal School, gradu-
ating from" the latter institution in 1881.
After leaving college he taught school for three years. For one
year he was principal of the Stillwater schools, and during the two
succeeding years, he taught languages in the Mechanicville schools.
In 1883 he entered the Albany Medical College, and, after a
highly creditable course, was graduated in the class of 1886 with the
degree of M. D. After receiving his degree he spent one and one-
half years in the Albany City Hospital as house physician, and subse-
quently took two post-graduate courses in New York City.
In 1888 Dr. Kathan opened an office in Schenectady and began
the regular practice of his profession which he has since continued,
building up a high reputation as a successful physician and surgeon
and attaining an enviable popularity, not only with the public at
large, but with the profession to which he belongs. He is a member
of the Schenectady County Medical Society and also of the State
Medical Society.
In April, 1896, Dayton h. Kathan, M. D., married Anna B.,
daughter of Caleb and Elizabeth (Banker) Meeker. They have one
son, Roland Kathan. Dr. Kathan's parents were Truman and
Ducinda (Gray) Kathan. The first representative of the Kathan
family in America was Captain John Kathan, who came from England
in the year 1629, and settled in Boston, removing afterwards to
Brattleboro, Vt. . His son, Charles Kathan, was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War. This soldier had a son, also named Charles,,
whose son, Luke, was the father of Truman Kathan, the father of
Dr. Kathan.
Andrew Wolf was born in Schenectady, N. Y., September 14,
1843, and was educated in the public schools of his native place. He
first learned the machinist's trade in the New York Central shops in
West Albany, where he worked for four years. He then moved to
New York City and went into the advertising business, in which he
196 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
remained for fifteen years. Returning to Schenectady he engaged in
the grocery business and so continued for four years. He then went
to Allentown, Pa., and was engaged in the same business there for
two years. Again he returned' to Schenectady and embarked in the
coal and feed business, which he carried on very successfully
for eight years, after which he was engaged in the knit goods busi-
ness for two years. Finally he became a member of the firm of
Peckham, Wolf & Co., lumber dealers, which is now one of the
largest concerns of its kind in this part of the state.
In 1883 Mr. Wolf married Emma J. Stebbins. He is the son of
Henry and Anna (Ward) Wolf.
In politics he is a Democrat and has held the office of supervisor
from the fourth ward and that of alderman from the second ward in
the city of Schenectady.
Thomas M. GlEASON, son of Michael and Bridget (Kane) Gleason,
who came from Ireland to Schenectady in 1863, was born in the
city of Schenectady, N. Y., March 3, 1879.
He was educated in St. Paul's Parochial School, and began the
active affairs of life as a clerk in the office of the General Electric
Company. He remained for biit a short time with the General
Electric people, when, having decided to embark in the undertaking
business, he took a course of study and training at the Champion
College of Embalming at Utica, N. Y. He then entered the employ
of D. J. Cronin, in the undertaking business, and remained with him
for three years, after which he was with R. E. Jacobs for one year.
In the year 1898, the firm of Gleason & Bernardi, undertakers and
embalmers, was formed, which has become one of the most popular
and successful in the city of Schenectady. Both gentlemen give
their personal attention to the details of the business, and both are
painstaking, courteous and popular.
Mr. Gleason is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association, and
in politics is a Democrat. His father died in September, 1900 ; his
mother died in April, 1901.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 197
Everett E. Lucas was born at North Carver, Mass., December
7, 1863. After his school days he learned the trade of shoemaker
and followed that occupation for four years, when he abandoned it
and learned the trade of machinist. He then entered the employ of
the American Heeling Company, with whom he remained for one
year, after which he went to Waterbury, Conn., and took a position
with the Plume & Atwood Manufacturing Company. After one year
in this establishment he took employment with the Waterbury Mal-
leable Iron Company, where he remained for another year. He then
joined the Thomson-Houston Company at Lynn, Mass., and, upon
the consolidation of that company and the General Electric Com-
pany, he came to Schenectady with the latter company, and is now
foreman of the cut-out and socket department.
Mr. Lucas is a member of the Order of Knights and Ladies of
Honor No. 12, of the Royal Arcanum No. 983, and of St. Paul's
Lodge No. 17, L O. O. F.
On November 25, 1882, Everett E. Lucas married Harriet I.
Atwood, who died in May, 1889. In June, 1890, he married his
present wife, Anna P. Overton, and they have one daughter, Pauline
G. Mr. Lucas is a son of John B. and Abigail R. (Dunham) Lucas.
Ira B. Hedden, son of Archibald and Hannah (Vedder) Hedden,
was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
October 18, 181 8. After his school days he ran his own canal boat
on the Erie Canal for five years, after which he owned and conducted
a meat market in the city of Schenectady for two years. He then
engaged in , farming in the town of Glenville, which he made his
life business.
In 1849 Ira B. Hedden married Angelica C, daughter of Abram
and Catherine (Clute) Van Antwerp. Their children are Frank
A. F., Isaac V., and Belle E. T. Mr. Hedden has always been a
Republican in politics and for three years was assessor in the town
of Glenville. "His father came from New Jersey to New York state
in 1812.
43
igS SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Frank P. Reeves, one of the best known business men in the
city of Schenectady, is the son of Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Van
Vorst) Reeves, and was born in Schenectady, N. Y., May 12, 1866.
He was educated at the public and high schools of his native city,
graduating from the latter institution in 1885, after which he entered
his father's store as a clerk and remained there in that capacity until
1892, when he became a partner in the well known firm of Reeves-
Veeder & Company.
On June i, 1899, Frank P. Reeves married Marie, daughter of
Michael Glas, and they have one son, Thomas H. Reeves.
Mr. Reeves is essentially a business man and, therefore, takes no
active part in politics ; he is, however, a member of the Order of
Red Men, of the Knights of Pythias and of the Knights of Malta
and St. John.
Mr. Reeves is of Holland descent on his mother's side and gener-
ations of this branch of the family have lived in America.
George J. Dent was born in Smithville, N. Y., June 4, 1833,
and was the son of Joseph and Betsy (Lawton) Dent. He was
educated in the public schools and by private study, and worked on
the farm in the summers, teaching school in the winters for a few
years. He then moved to Athens, N. Y., where he. was employed as
railroad freight agent for four years. He came to Schenectady in
1870 and received the appointment of policeman, which position he
held until the time of his death in 1892. He took a great interest in
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a member of that
organization for many years.
On April 10, 1856, George J. Dent married Sarah Birley, daughter
of William and Phoebe A. (Phelps) Birley. They had three children,
Frank I., born October 5, 1857, who is engineer on a Hudson River
steamboat; Richard Ward, born January 6, 1861, who graduated from
Union College in the class of '83 and is a lawyer in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and Grant R., born January 28, 1872, who is connected with the
Schenectady Union.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 199
Allen W. Johnston, a son, and the youngest child of George D.
and Atlanta (Allen) Johnston, was born in Montgomery County,
N. Y., in the year 1847. He was educated at Union College, and
after leaving that institution was agent for the New York Central
Railroad at Palatine Bridge for some time, after which he accepted a
position as teller in the National Spraker Bank, which position he
held for five years. He then went to Albany to take a position in
the Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank, and, after remaining there for
some time, finally settled in Schenectady.
He is now treasurer of the Schenectady Savings Bank, which was
chartered in 1834. The first officers of this bank were : president,
Joseph C. Yates ; vice-president, William Cunningham ; secretary,
William A. S. North ; treasurer, Thomas Palmer, and accountant,
William H. Palmet.
William H. Oatting was born in the city of Schenectady, May
i5i 1867, and received his education at the Union school. His first
active work in life was in the capacity of bookkeeper in the office of
the Maxon Elevator, which position he occupied for nine years. In
June, 1890, he entered the employ of the General Electric Company
as a machinist, in which capacity he worked for six months, after
which he was bookkeeper for two years, then entered the superin-
tendent's office where he remained six months, when he was pro-
moted to the general manager's office, where he is still employed.
Mr. Oatting is associated with several prominent societies, among
them the Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe No. 123, Order of Red Men,
the Edison Mutual Benefit Association and the Episcopal Church, of
which he has been a vestryman for four years. He is very promi-
nent in the Order of Red Men, and has filled all the chairs in the
local tribe of the order, and has taken the Pocohontas degree.
On June 4, 1890, William H. Oatting married Minnie, daughter of
Alexander and Mary Vedder, and they have one son, William H., Jr.
born September 21, 1897. Mr. Oatting's parents were Henry and
Anna (Simpson) Oatting. His mother was born in England and
came to America in 1852 ; his father was born in Germany and came
to America in 1854.
200 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Charles Gilchrist Briggs, M. D., was born in Saratoga County,
N. Y., March 25, 1865, and was educated at the Ballston High
School, from which he was graduated in 1881. He then took a two
years' course at the Drury College, Springfield, Missouri, and after
kaving that institution returned east and entered the Albany Medical
College in 1886, from which, after a highly creditable course, he
graduated in the class of 1889 with the degree of M. D. After gradu-
ating. Dr. Briggs spent one year in St. Peter's Hospital as house
physician, and also a year at Dr. Strong's Sanitarium at Saratoga
Springs, N. Y.
In 1 891 Dr. Briggs opened his office in Schenectady and began
the regular practice of his profession, and has attained a high repu-
tation as a skillful and successful physician and surgeon. He is one
of the visiting physicians to the Ellis Hospital, and is a member of
the Schenectady County Medical Society. He is also examining
physician for several prominent life insurance companies, among
them the Provident Life and Trust Company, the National Life
Insurance Company and the Aetna Insurance Company.
Socially, Dr. Briggs is also a member of several important orders
and societies. He is a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, F. and
A. M., of the Mohawk Club, the Mohawk Golf Club, the Schenec-
tady Gun Club and the college fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta.
On February 22, 1892, Charles G. Briggs, M. D., married Laura
H. Phillips. Dr. Briggs is a son of Daniel C. and Catherine M.
(Gilchrist) Briggs. Daniel C. Briggs represented Saratoga County
in the Assembly at Albany for the years 1883 and '84.
Amanders Metzger was born in the Empire of Germany in
June, 1850, and was educated in his native country.
He came to the United States of America in 1872 and settled in
New York City, where he went to work with Thomas A. Edison,
who will always be remembered as the greatest electrician of his age,
and probably of the world. Mr. Metzger had studied electricity in
Germany, and was employed by Mr. Edison upon experimental work
until 1874, when he accepted a position with the Western Union
BIOGRAPHICAL. 201
Telegraph Company as mechanical expert. He remained with the
Western Union people for five years, or until 1879, "when he went
back to Mr. Edison and remained with him until the consolidation
of the electrical business in 1894, since which time he has been with
the General Electric Company at Schenectady, N. Y., and he is now
general foreman in the electrical department of the Schenectady
works.
Mr. Metzger is an electrical and mechanical expert of a high order,
as his position in the works of the General Electric Company clearly
indicates.'
In March, 1879, Amanders Metzger married Eliza Kuhn and they
have had two children, namely, August, deceased, and Helen
Metzger.
Mr. Metzger takes an active and intelligent interest in the welfare
and progress of Schenectady, and has served two terms as fire com-
missioner.
WitLiAM MuDGE was born in England, December 20, 1838, and
was a son of William and Jane (Avent) Mudge. He came to America
when quite young and was educated in the public schools of Schenec-
tady. After his school days he worked in the Locomotive Works for
two years, after which he was farming in Newtonville, Albany
County, for five years, after which he settled in the town of Duanes-
burgh, Schenectady County.
On September 20, i860, William Mudge married Nancy M. Mott,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Mott, and they have two children.
John Turnbull,. son of Joseph W. and Sarah (Schermerhorn)
Turnbull, was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County,
N. Y., December 5, 1856. After his school days he began farming
in Saratoga County, where he lived for several years, finally moving
to his present farm in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County.
On December 10, 1891, John Turnbull married Maggie, daughter
of George and Belle Pangburn, and they have a family of three
children.
202 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Henry Fliegel, son of Henry and Gertrude (Ivohre) Fliegel, was
born in Albany, N. ¥., November 29, 1866. He attended the public
schools of his native city for a time and later entered the German
Catholic School in Albany. After leaving school he took up the
study of pharmacy and entered the store of C. H. Gans, with whom
he remained for thirteen years. He was next with William
McAllister for four years, after which he moved to the city of Schenec-
tady, where he erected a business block in which he has an elegant
drug store, one of the most complete in northern New York.
On September 26, 1894, Henry Fliegel married Celia, daughter of
Harmon and Katie (Beal) Van Laak. Mr. Fliegel's parents were
natives of Germany.
Cornelius Bradt was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., June 12, 1842. He lived on the farm until
April 21, 1861, on which day he enlisted in the 19th N. Y. Volun-
teer Infantry. He served one year with this regiment, which saw a
great deal of hard fighting and was so cut away that there were too
few men left to be called a regiment. These men, among whom, was
Mr. Bradt, were transferred into the Third N. Y. Artillery with which
he was thereafter connected for the time of his service. After the
close of the war he returned home and resumed farming, which he
followed for two years, after which he worked for the New York
Central & Hudson River Railroad on the Troy-Schenectady Division
for twenty-one years. He was also baggageman at the depot in Nis-
kayuna for a year, after which he returned to farming.
On December 8, 1863, Cornelius Bradt married Barbara Wolf, a
native of Germany. They have had a family of fourteen children, of
whom nine are still living, namely, William Henry, Fred, Eugene,
Cornelius, Jr., Anna, Emma, Theresa, Ida and Ada. Mr. Bradt's
parents were Cornelius and Nancy (Karns) Bradt, both of whom were
natives of the town of Rotterdam. Mrs. Bradt's parents were John
and Anna Wolf. The Bradts are an old family in Schenectady
County and are of Holland-Dutch descent.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 203
Fred W. Berning was born in Germany, June 12, 1848. His
parents were William and Mary (Whitmier) Berning, and with them
he came to America when three years of age. They settled in
Schenectady and he was educated in the public schools of that city.
Fred W. Berning married Catherine L,., daughter of Frederick and
Anna (Newman) Bowman. They have six children, all of whom
are living. Mr. Berning is a member of the Order of Red Men,
Lodge No. 249, Scotia, N. Y., and of the Scotia Lodge of Odd Fel-
lows, No. 845.
David W. Walpole was born in the house in which he now
resides in Mariaville, Schenectady County, N. Y., November 22,
1845. His parents were Richard and Margaret (King) Walpole, both
of whom were natives of Ireland and came to the United States in
1837. After his school days Mr. Walpole engaged in the milling
business at Oswego, where he located in 1861. He lived there eight
years and then went to Champlain, where he remained one year,
after which he returned to his native place. Here he conducts a
grist mill, a saw mill and cider mill, and is also interested in farming.
He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in further-
ing the interests of his party. He was elected Justice of the Peace in
1880 and still retains that office. He was one of the first_ excise com-
missioners of the town and has been a county committeeman for
eight years.
On March 3, 1866, David W. Walpole married Frances L. Lock-
wood, daughter of Charles P. and Helen (Roth) Lockwood, who sub-
sequently died. On February 23, 1876, Mr. Walpole married for his
second wife, Julia L. Dome, daughter of William B. and Martha
(Barrows) Dome, who died June 2g, 1896, leaving four children,
namely, Mary B., Martha J., Grace M. and Helen E. Mr. Walpole
has a brother, Thomas Walpole, and a sister, Jane A. Dickson, living
in Oswego, N. Y.
Mr. Walpole is a member of New Hope Lodge No. 730, F. and A.
M., and has been a Mason since 1868.
204 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Bertie D. Koons was born on the farm where he now resides in
the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady County, N. Y., October i6,
1868. He was educated at the district school and afterwards ran a
hay press for a number of years, subsequently going into farming.
On October 2, 1899, Bertie D. Koons married Katie .Selkirk, who
only lived a short time after their marriage. On January i, 1901, he
married Pearl Guernsey, his present wife. Mr. Koons' ancestors
were Holland Dutch and settled in Duanesburgh in the early part of
the last century. His parents were John W. and Eleanor (Jones)
Koons. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest
in the affairs of the town and county.
James Devine was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y.,
February 17, 1856. His first employment was in the capacity of
fireman on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, which occupation he
followed for seven years. At the end of this time, he was promoted
to engineer and ran an engine for the D. & H. Railroad for a period
of twelve years, after which he was an engineer on the New York
Central Railroad for three months, filling out a total period of twelve
years engineering.
Leaving the railroad, he went into the employ of the Schenectady
Locomotive Works as traveling engineer, and remained in this posi-
tion for three years, during which time he delivered engines to all
parts of the world.
He next went into the street contracting business, which he made
his permanent occupation, and at which he is still engaged. In 1898
he branched out and opened his restaurant business opposite the
New York Central depot, and is one of the best public caterers in
this part of the state.
In politics Mr. Devine is a Democrat, and he has taken an active
interest in the public affairs of the city, having served in the city
council from the year 1885 to 1891.
Mr. Devine's parents were Michael and Bridget (Scott) Devine.
They were natives of Ireland and came to the United States of
America in 1847.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 205
Juan Pangburn was born in the town of Florida, Montgomery
County, N. Y., April 27, 1853, and after his school days took up the
occupation of farming, in which he has since been continuously
engaged. He began on his own account in 1873.
On June 28, 1876, Juan Pangburn married Anna Smith, daughter
of Peter and Rebecca (Dorn) Smith. Mr. Pangburn's parents were
Cornelius and Margaret Ann (McMillan) Pangburn. His father was
of Mohawk Dutch descent and his mother of Scotch ancestry. Pang-
burn is an old family in this part of the state.
Mr. Pangburn is a Republican in politics and takes an active
interest in the success of his party and the welfare of his town and
county. He has held the office of assessor in the town of Duanes-
burgh since 1889.
Hrnry S. Cornell was born in the town of Glenville, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., December 31, 1828. His parents were Oliver
and Maria (Sweet) Cornell. He was educated at the district school
and remained on the farm with his father until he was twenty-three
years of age when he began farming on his own account, which he
has since pursued. Besides his regular farming business he has also
been engaged in raising fine horses and dealing in agricultural imple-
ments. He is a director of the Schoharie and Schenectady County
Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association.
A. S. Fay, M. D., son of A. C. and Julia E. (Kerr) Fay, was born
in Potsdam, N. Y., November 16, 1872. He received his literary
education at the Potsdam Normal School, and, after leaving that
institution, took up the study of medicine. Dater, he entered the
University of Vermont and was graduated from the medical depart-
ment in the class of 1896, with the degree of M. D. He first began
the practice of his profession at Ellenburg Center, N. Y., where he
remained for three years when he moved to Bellevue, Schenectady
County, where he has already attained a high reputation as a skillful
physician and surgeon.
2o6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
On March i6, 1899, A. S. Fay, M. D., married Minnie F., daughter
of W. J. and Josephine (Ayer) Smith.
Dr. Fay is a member of Mount Hermon Lodge No. 572, F. and A.
M., of Ellenburg, N. Y., also of Ellenburg Lodge No. 700, I. 0. O. F.
The Fay family is one of the oldest in America, having come over
to this country in the Mayflower. •
John Hagadorn was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady
County, N. Y., November 21, 1838. His parents were Jonathan and
Lydia (Bell) Hagadorn. Lydia Bell was the daughter of John and
Tammason (Scohfield) Bell. John Hagadorn was educated in the
district schools and at the Ballston Academy, after which he taught
school for three years. He then took up farming and settled upon
the farm where he now resides.
On December 8, 1869, John Hagadorn married Emma Kaley,
daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Dollar) Kaley. They have two
children, George W. and Mary Ella. Mr. Hagadorn's ancestors were
Holland Dutch.
Mr. Hagadorn takes an active part in local politics, and is a strong
Republican. He has been assessor of his town for three years, was
a Justice of the Peace for five years, and is now school trustee for
his district.
Chari<es a. Fagei, was born in Germany, January 4, 1855, but
came to America in 1871 and settled in Schenectady Count}', N. Y.,
where he has since remained and where he has been engaged in the
occupation of farming. Mr. Fagel's parents were Fred and Eliza-
beth (Myers) Fagel, and four generations of the family lived in the
house in the old country where he was born.
Charles A. Fagel married Carrie, daughter of Charles and Louise
(Teman) Burmaster. They have three children, Ella, Emma and
Elizabeth.
Mr. Fagel is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Ger-
man Methodist Church of Schenectady, N. Y,
BIOGRAPHICAL. 207
Jacob Lewis was born in Albany County, N. Y., February 8,
1 840, and was the son of Henry and Catherine (Ostrander) Lewis.
He was educated in the district schools and was engaged in the
occupation of farming until 1882, when he entered the employ of the
New York Central Railroad, with which company he still remains,
being at present night watchman at the freight house in Schenec-
tady.
On July 2, 186 1, Jacob Lewis married Rebecca Van Natler. Mr.
Lewis' ancestors were Mohawk Dutch.
Mrs. Lewis was born in the town of Glenville; March 31, 1840.
Her parents were Richard and Anna (Vandenburg) Van Natler. Mr.
Van Natler was born in this state and Mrs. Van Natler in Rotter-
dam.
George Matthews was born in Kent, England, August 8, 1826,
and was educated in Gibbon's School in his native country. He was
engaged in flower gardening in England for six years, and came to
the United States in 1852. He settled in Schenectady County, and,
after working on a farm for Mrs. Katie Duane for one year, he
embarked in farming on his own account. He has resided on his
present farm for forty-six j'ears. On February 10, 1852, George
Matthews married Mary Harden and they have had a family of six
children, two of whom are living. Mr. Matthews has always been a
Republican and his first vote in the United States was cast for John
C. Fremont. His parents were Richard and Emily (Crittenden)
Matthews.
John Plant was born in Albany County, February 8, 1858, and
was educated in the public schools. He worked on the farm Until
twenty-one years of age, when he took up the trade of carpenter,
which he learned and at which he worked for five years in Saratoga
County. He then went to Albany County, where he remained for
five years, after which he came to Schenectady in 1887 and worked
at his trade for two years, after which he embarked in the contract-
ino: business which he has since followed.
2o8 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
On September 25, 1878, John Plant married Emiline GrifEen,
daughter of Cornelius and Bridget (Boland) Griffen of Albany. They
have one daughter, Helen. Mr. Plant's parents were James and
Bridget (Quirk) Plant. His father was a native of Albany County
and his mother of Ireland. She came to America in 1854. His
paternal grandfather, John Plant, was a native of Canada and his
paternal grandmother, Eva Bradt, was a native of Albany County.
Richard Walton was born in the town of Glenville, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., September 6, 1841. He was edticated in the
schools of his native town and remained on his father's farm until
1864, when he moved into Schenectady and took a position on the
railroad, where he remained until 1881. Mr. Walton takes an active
interest in the public affairs of Schenectady, is a Democrat in politics,
and was superintendent of sewers for three years.
On December 24, 1862, Richard Walton married Rebecca B.
Mabie. They have one son, Alonzo Page Walton, born February' 26,
1864. Mr. Walton's parents were John Walton, born in Glenville,
N. Y., April 6, 1812, and Prudence (Lawrence) Walton, born in
Glenville, N. Y., August 2, 1821.
Alonzo Page Walton married Ettie Kosboth, September 7, 1887.
They have two sons, Alonzo Page, Jr., and Richard Walton, second.
Andrew J. Hunter was born in the town of Duanesburgh,
Schenectady County, N. Y., April 16, 1863. He has been a farmer
all his life and is one of the leading agriculturalists of the town. He
is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and in politics is
a Republican.
On October 16, 1889, Andrew J. Hunter married Lea J.
McMillan, daughter of William Allen and Eliza Jane (Stewart)
McMillan. They have a family of six children. Mr. Hunter's ances-
tors came from Scotland and settled in Schenectady County in the
early 40's. His parents were Richard and Margaret (Lander) Hunter.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 209
James S. Vrooman, son of Tunix and Elizabeth (Sanders) Vroo-
man, was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady Countyj N. Y.,
June 29, 1879, and was educated in the district school. He was
reared on his father's farm and then engaged in farming and garden-
ing on his own account, in which business he is still engaged. On
August 8, 1897, James S. Vrooman married Georgiana, daughter of
Edward and Nettie (Calmer) Van Patten. They have two daughters,
twins, Lula and Lola, born August 25, 1898. Mr. Vrooman's ances-
tors on his father's side were Holland Dutch, and on his mother's
side they were English.
Aaron P. Van Dyke, son of Peter and Sarah (Taylor) Van Dyke,
was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
January 17, 1835. He was educated in the district school and
worked on his father's farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he
engaged in business for himself. He conducted a grocery store in
Schenectady for five years, at the expiration of which time he sold
out and moved onto his farm where he has since resided, and where,
in addition to farming, he conducts a butter dairy. On December
25, 1865, Aaron P. Van Dyke married Catherine, daughter of Peter
and Prudence (Gates) Vedder. They have two children, namely,
Mrs. Sarah Putnam and Mr. Vedder Van Dyke.
James Van Epps was born in the town of Rotterdam', Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., April 11, 1840, and was educated in the district
schools and at the Union school in the city of Schenectady. After
his school days he remained on his father's farm for eight years,
when he began farming on his own account, and is widely known as
a breeder of fine Jersey cattle.
On January 13, 1876, James Van Epps married Cornelia S. Van
Patten. Mr. Van Epps' parents were Alexander J. S. and Eliza
(Bradshaw) Van Epps. His father's people originally came from
Holland and his mother's from England.
2 10 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Fred SiEGEL, son of Michael and Dorothy (Hornburger) Siegel,
was born in Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y., August 7, 1862.
After his school days he worked on a farm for eight years and then
engaged in the hay, straw and coal business with George W. Kelley.
The partnership continued for some time and Mr. Siegel finally suc-
ceeded to the business, which he has since conducted, and which he
has greatly enlarged during the last few years, dealing not only in
feed stuffs, but in farm produce and farming implements.
Mr. Siegel is a Republican in politics and has always taken an
active part in public affairs. He was elected Justice of the Peace in
1889, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.
On June 3, 1896, Fred Siegel married Anna M. Sweet of Albany,
and they have one son, Frank Curtis Siegel.
Henry C. Weast was born in the town of Princetown, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., September 4, 1842. He was educated at the
public schools and has been a farmer all his life, first working on his
father's farm and afterwards for himself.
On November 19, 1873, M^- Weast married Addie, daughter of
Frederick and Rachael (Ostrander) Bradshaw, and they have a family
of five children. Mr. Weast's parents were James and Margaret
(Clogston) Weast. He is a prominent farmer and is a strong Repub-
lican.
IvEANDER C. WiLBER was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., April
6, 1851, and was the son of Joseph and Fanny (Hines) Wilber. After
his school days, he remained on the farm with his father for some
years before embarking in that occupation on his own account. He
came to Schenectady County in the year 1885.
On December 21, 1879, Leander C. Wilber married Adelia,
daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Wilber. They have a family of
one son and two daughters. Mr. Wilber is a Republican in politics
and has held the oflSces of school trustee and postmaster. His
ancestors were Yankees and Holland Dutch.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
211
James W. Levey was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., on' the farm where he now resides, November 9,
1859. His parents were Michael J. and Catherine (Weast) Levey.
After his school days he worked on his father's farm until he was
twenty-four years of age, when he continued the same occupation on
his own account.
In September, 1883, Ja^es W. Levey married Leah Bertha,
daughter of James L. and Jane Ann (Wingate) McMillan, and they
have one son, Andrew M.
Mr. Levey is a Republican in politics, and takes an active interest
in the success of his party. He has held the ofSces of assessor and
census enumerator.
William Vedder was born in the town of Niskayuna, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., December 14, 1822, and was a son of John and
Alida Ann (Winne) Vedder.. He was a farmer all his life and was a
highly respected gentleman. He died in 1890, leaving one daughter,
Miss Katherine Vedder. The ancestors of the Vedder family came
from Holland and settled in Schenectady County in colonial days.
The farm upon which Miss Vedder resides has been in the family
for ninety-six years. Miss Vedder has an aunt living with her who
was born on this farm in 1809.
Munsell says of the Vedder family in Schenectady :
" Harmen Albertse Vedder owned much land here at an early day,
removing here in about 1672. He died June 18, 1714, leaving five
sons and one daughter. Albert Vedder, eldest son of Harmen, was
born in 1671. He was captured by the Indians in 1690, and was
kept in captivity for several years. His village lot was on the north
side of Union street. It was afterward owned by Regnier Schaets.
Harmanus Vedder, son of Harmen, was an Indian trader, and owned
a village lot on the north corner of State and Church streets. In
1757 Harmen Vedder, Jr., conveyed this lot to Alexander Vedder.
Ferry street (extended south) passes through this lot. Arent Vedderj
son of Harmen, married Sara, daughter of Symon Groot, and had
eleven children, all of whom, save one, were living, and had families.
212 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
August lo, 1846, when he made his will. His village lot, on the
west side of Washington street, is now owned by D. Cady Smith.
Johannes Vedder, fourth son of Harmen, was carried to Canada in
1690, with his brother, Albert. He inherited a portion of the " hind-
most " farm. No. 8, from his father. Corset Vedder, fifth son of
Harmen, lived in "Schaghkook" until 1720, when he removed to
Niskayuna. He owned four morgens of his father's farm."
John Wright was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., June 18, 1841. His parents were Henry and
Jane (lyiddle) Wright. Since his school days he has been engaged
in farming and speculating, and has taken considerable interest in
local affairs. He is a Republican in politics and holds the office of
commissioner of highways.
John Wright married Lucy Avery, daughter of Moses and Evelyn
(Cornell) Avery, and they have a family of four children.
Elias Bradt was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady
County, N. Y., April 27, 1861, and is a son of Oliver and Laura Anna
(Frederick) Bradt. After his school days Mr. Bradt remained on his
father's farm with his mother for ten years, after which he continued
in the same occupation on his own account, which he has since
pursued.
Mr. Bradt is a Republican in politics and is a member of Beth-
Omen Lodge No. 521, I. O. O. F., of Quaker street, town of Duanes-
burgh ; also_ of the Patrons of Husbandry and Empire Grange No.
784.
On January 26, 1882, Elias Bradt married Frances Munger,
daughter of Robert and Leah (Lewis) Munger. They have one son,
Oliver Bradt, born October 30, 1883. Mr. Bradt's ancestors were
Mohawk Dutch and the original progenitor of the family in America
settled in Schenectady County at an early date.
Mr. Bradt's father died in the War of the Rebellion.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 213
Addison L. Wilbur was born in the town of Wright, Schoharie
County, N. Y., April 17, 1835. His parents were Rodney and
Theresa (Wood) Wilbur. After his school days he was employed
on a farm for five years, at the end of which time he began farming
on his own account. On February 10, 1864, Addison L. Wilbur
married Sarah, daughter of William H. and Katherine (Clark) Shute,
and they have a family of seven children. Mr. Wilbur's ancestors
came from Rhode Island and settled in this state in the early days.
William Green, Jr., was born in the town of Niskayuna,
Schenectady County, N. Y., August 9, 1869, and after his school
days followed the occupation of farming and dairying.
On May 9, 1894, he married Anna Miller, daughter of Wesley and
Mary (Scarf) Miller. He was a member of the Red Men, Lodge No.
1234, and a Democrat in politics. His parents were William and
Lavinia (Clapper) Green. Mrs. Green's people were Mohawk Dutch.
She still conducts the farm. William Green, Sr., was born in Ger-
many and Mrs. Green was born in Schenectady County. Mr. Wil-
liam Green, Sr., died January 27, 1901.
Abram p. Bronk was born on the farm where he now resides in
the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady County, N. Y., January 12,
1842. His parents were Philip and Elizabeth Bronk. After his
school days, Mr. Bronk remained on his father's farm until he began
that occupation on his own account. Mr. Bronk is a Republican in
politics, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of his
town and county.
On March 27, 1866, Abram P. Bronk married Rosena Piatt,
daughter of Jesse and Elsie Piatt. They have one son, A. Earl
Bronk. The family are Presbyterian, and Mr. Bronk has been a
trustee of the Presbyterian Church for thirty-five years. His ances-
tors were Holland Dutch and the family has resided in this part of
the state for many generations.
44
214 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William Pettit was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., June 4, 1828, and was the son of Joseph and
Hannah (Koontz) Pettit. After his school days he worked on the
farm with his father for some time before starting in the same occu-
pation for himself. He married Mary Elizabeth Wiley on December
23, 1865. They have a family of three children. Mr. Pettit's ances-
tors came to this country several generations ago.
Philo Avery was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady
County, N. Y., October 18, 1858. After his school days he worked .
on the farm for his father for four years, at the end of which time he
embarked in farming on his own account, to which he subsequently
added speculating in cattle.
On March 8, 1893, Philo Avery married Dora Tiffany, daughter of
William and Anna Eliza (Durfee) Tiffany, and they have one son,
William T. Avery. Mrs. Avery was born in Duanesburgh, March
8 1 87 1. Mr. Avery's parents were Louis and Phoebe (Ladd) Avery.
Louis Avery was born in Duanesburgh, August 19, 1820. His wife,
Phoebe Ladd, was born in the same town, June 6, 1822. Their
children were: EHphalet, born May 8, 1842, (deceased); William H.,
born December 8, 1843; Mary, born September 13, 1845; Martha,
born April 28, 1847; Louis, Jr., born February 18, 1849; Phoebe
Isabel, born June 4, 1851 ; Charles, born May 18, 1853, ^^^^ Eva
Eugenea, born December 26, 1861. Philo Avery is a member of
Beth-Omen Lodge No. 521, I. O. O. P., Quaker Street, and holds the
office of deputy sheriff in Schenectady County.
Christian Shopmyer was born in Germany, November 12, 1826,
and was the son of Fred and Louisa (Stenia) Shopmyer. He was
educated in his native country and ser^^ed in the German army
for three and one-half years. He came to America in 1861. In 1851
he married Elizabeth Lebeck. Their children are Mrs. Carrie Mielke,
Henry C, Louis, John H., Christopher H., Mrs. Sarah Lange, Aaron,
William F., and Benjamin.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 215
William Snyder was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., October 16, 1853. He was educated in the
district school and the public schools of Schenectady, and has always
been engaged in the occupation of farming. He takes an active part
in public affairs, is a Democrat in politics, and has served on the
election board for nine years.
On December 6, 1877, William Snyder married Jeanette, daughter
of John aud Sarah Jane (Burdick) Robinson, and they have a family
of two children. Mr. Snyder's parents were Benjamin and Maria
(Drum) Snyder. His ancestors came from Germany at a very early
date.
Henry C. Finke was born in Preuss Minden, Westfalen, Ger-
many, June 10, 1844. He was educated in the public schools of his
native country, but came to America in 1868, landing upon March
26 of that year. He remained in the United States nine months,
then returned to Germany and brought over his family in 1871. In
this country Mr. Finke has always followed the occupation of farmer.
On April 15, 1864, Henry C. Finke married Elizabeth Horstmyer,
who died in Illinois, August 6, 1880, leaving a family of nine
children.
On February 14, 1882, Mr. Finke married for his second wife,
Louise Wettingfeld, and they have a family of seven children.
John A. Vedder was born on the farm on which he now resides
in the town of Niskayuna, Schenectady County, N. Y., November
17, 1832. He was educated in the' public schools and took up the
trade of machinist, but after about a years' experience in this line,
he relinquished it and went into farming, which occupation he has
since followed.
On November 22, 1865, John A. Vedder married Mary A. Peck,
daughter of Solomon and Mary (Turpenning) Peck, and they have a
family of four children. Both the Vedder family and the Turpen-
ning family are of Holland Dutch descent.
2i6 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Garret W. FreLIGH was born in the town of Knox, Albany
County, N. Y., April 17, 1845, and was the son of George and Mar-
garet (Weatherwax) Freligh. He was educated in the district school,
the Fort Edward Institute and the Jonesville Academy. He then
taught school for one year in New York state, and at the age of
twenty-two moved to Iowa, where he taught school for three years.
He returned to Albany County in 1871, and finally settled in Schenec-
tady County in 1876 and embarked in the occupation of farming.
In politics Mr. Freligh has always been a staunch Republican and
now represents the town of Niskayuna in the Board of Supervisors,
which office he has held for six terms and is at the present time
chairman of the board.
On October 21, 1875, Garret W. Freligh married Mary C. Van
Vankins, daughter of Peter and Mary (Pearse) Van Vankins. They
have two children, George M., born October 22, 1878, and Adam V.,
born May 15, 1885. Mr. Freligh's ancestors came from Holland in
colonial days. One of them settled at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where
he engaged in milling and for quite a time furnished the government
with ground grain during the American Revolution. He was very
patriotic and had the enmity of the Tories, one of whom laid in wait
to shoot him during one whole afternoon, to .which fact he after-
wards confessed. Mr. Freligh's grandfather was a doctor and lived
in Albany County. He was at one time a member of assembly and
was a writer of both prose and poetry of considerable merit.
C. F. HoRSTMYER was born in Minden, Germany, December 19,
1836, and was the son of Charles F. and Caroline (Wese) Horstmyer.
He landed in the United States, May 8, 1852, and settled in Mont-
gomery County, where he remained twelve years, during which time
he was engaged in farming. In 1864 he moved to Schenectady and
was occupied with farming and cheese-making for five years, after
which he spent five years in the dairy business, at the expiration of
which time he resumed farming, which he has since pursued. Mr.
Horstmyer married Caroline Schwentker, and they have a family of
seven children.
BIOGRAPHICAL. ' 217
Charles Louis Niermeyer was born in Prussia, Germany, May
24) 1857. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth Niermeyer.
He came to America in 1876, landing at New York on May 7, of
that year, and in this country has always been engaged in the occu-
pation of farming. He first settled in Montgomery County, where
he worked out for three years, after which he went to Illinois, where
he remained four years. He then returned to Montgomery County
and remained two years, after which he went back to Germany in
May, 1885, making a short visit and returning to this country in the
same year. Shortly after his return, he settled in Schenectady
County, where he has since remained.
Charles Louis Niermeyer married Mary Pepper, daughter of John
C. and Louisa (Denenburgh) Pepper. Mr. Niermeyer's half brother,
Frederick Rothmyer, was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War of
1870. He also has a brother, Christian, living in Schenectady, who
served three years in the German army.
Aaron Van Vranken was born in the town of Niskayuna,
Schenectady County, N. Y., in September, 1832. His parents were
Jacob C. and Jane (Cowen) Van Vranken. He has always followed
the occupation of farming. He has been twice married. His first
wife was Mary Ann Pearse, who died, and he subsequently married
Harriet Bentley.
Howard P. Dare was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., November 29, i860. He was the son of Simon
and Jeanette (Howard) Dare. He was raised on the farm and after
his school days continued in that occupation, at first on his father's
farm and subsequently for himself.
In 1883 Howard P. Dare married Catherine Lane, daughter of
Joseph D. and Catherine (New) Lane, and they have a family of nine
children. Mr. Dare takes an active interest in the afTairs of his town
and county, and is of English descent.
2i8 ■ SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
P. H. QuACKENBUSH was born in the city of Colioes, N. Y., Janu-
ary 24, 1838, and was the son of Abram J. and Harriet (Smith)
Quackenbush. His parents moved to Montgomery County, N. Y.,
when he was quite young, and he was educated at the district schools
of that county. In 1861 he moved to Schenectady and took a
position with the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Com-
pany, with whom he worked for thirty-five years as a conductor.
After leaving the position of conductor, he was yardmaster in the
city of Schenectady for some time.
In 1863, P. H. Quackenbush married Kate Morgan. To them
were born two children, Gertrude and George. Mrs. Quackenbush
died in 1887. In 1889 Mr. Quackenbush married for his second
wife, Kate McCaffey. Mr. Quackenbush's father's people came from
Holland and his mother's from Scotland.
John Vanderbelt was born in Watervliet, Albany County,
N. Y., and was the son of Richard and Catherine (Oliver) Vander-
belt. He came to Schenectady at the age of twenty-one and engaged
in farming, which occupation he has since pursued in the town of
Niskayuna. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active
interest in local affairs. He has been commissioner of highways
for a number of years and assessor for five years.
John Vanderbelt married Mary, daughter of John and Ann (Van
Vranken) Pearse, and they have a family of five children, Charles
Edward, Eugene, Anna, Kittie and John H. The ancestors of the Van-
derbelt family were Holland Dutch.
William J. Wilkson was born in the town of Duanesburgh,
Schenectady County, N. Y., March 7, 1846. He was reared on the
farm and after his school days remained with his father for several
years before embarking in the same business on his own account.
His parents were James Henry and Catherine (Rayner) Wilkson, and
he was one of a family of five children, in which there were two sons
and three daughters. The family is of English origin.
; . BIOGRAPHICAL. 219
Caroline Wilson Worden was born in Saratoga County, July
28, 1835. Her parents were George C. R. Wilson and Charity
(King) Wilson. She resided in Saratoga County for twenty-seven
years and, on January 29, 1863, she married Clark V. Worden, who
was born in Rensselaer County, June 29, 18 17. His parents were
Asa and Abigail (Bentley) W^orden. Mr. Worden conducted a
grocery store in Schenectady for three years, was superintendent of
poor for a time and was sherilT of the county for one term. He also
had charge of the state boat on the Erie Canal for one year, after
which he engaged in fanning. Mr. Worden died May 29, 1898. Mr.
and Mrs. Worden had one daughter, Carrie, who married William
Whillans.
Mr. Worden was connected with the marshal's office durino- the
last year of the War of the Rebellion.
James Donohue was born in Ireland, August 3, 1826, but has
lived in the United States since 1848, in which year he came over
and settled in this country. He was educated in the public schools
of Ireland, and learned the trade of papermaker, which he followed
for eight years. He then took up farming and has since been
engaged in that occupation and has resided on his present farm for
the last thirty years. James Donohue married Mary Souls and they
have a family of four children, three daughters and one son.
John vSeawson was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., August 7, 1832, and was a son of Henry and
Elizabeth (Stillwell) Slawson. He was reared on the farm and has
always been engaged in this occupation. He married Mary Ann
Ladd, and they have had a family of three daughters, two of whom
are living. Mr. Slawson's ancestors were Holland Dutch. The
original progenitor of, the family in America settled in this state at
a very early date.
220 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Lewis Rowe was born in Oak Hill, Schoharie County, N. Y.^
July 1 8, 1836, and was educated in the Schoharie High School. After
leaving school he took up the study of law with Joshua Donlanson,
with whom he remained for two years, at the end of which time he
was admitted to the Bar. He then practiced law for several years,
but, having a fondness for agricultural pursuits, he took up farming,
in which occupation he is still engaged. He is also a well-known
breeder of sheep and Jersey cattle.
On March 9, 1868, lycwis Rowe married Alice Dodge, daughter of
John and Amanda Dodge, and they have two children, Clifton and
Bertha. Mr. Rowe's ancestors on his father's side were German, and
on his mother's side, French. His parents were Morgan and Lurena
(Germond) Rowe.
Silas Van Patten was born in Rotterdam, Schenectady County,
N. Y., October 15, 1840, and was the son of Nicholas and Rebecca
Ann (Kaley) Van Patten. After his school days he learned the
trade of carpenter which he followed for fifteen years, after which he
engaged in farming and milling. Subsequently, he opened up a
stone quarry and now does a large business in this line, as well as
carrying on his agricultural affairs.
On December 24, 1874, Silas Van Patten married Nancy Diddle,
daughter of Robert and Abigail Diddle. They have four children,
Ida Belle, Sarah D., Howard A. and Fremont D. Mr. Van Patten's
ancestors were Mohawk Dutch. He is a member of St. George's
Dodge No. 6, F. and A. M., in the city of Schenectady.
Zadok Brown was born in Albany County, N. Y., December 22,
1852, and was the son of Silas and Elmira (Zimmer) Brown. After
his school days Mr. Brown embarked in farming and bee raising,
both of which occupations he has continued, and is also a dealer in
fertilizers and a manufacturer of sleighs. He devotes his winters to
the latter industry.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 221
Mr. Brown is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of Schoharie
Valley Lodge No. 491, F. and A. M.
On July 31, 1878, Zadok Brown married Emma T. Morse, daugh-
ter of Elisha and Sophia (White) Morse, and they have a family of
eight children, two of whom are school teachers. Mr. Brown's
ancestors on his father's side were of English descent. His great-
great-grandfather came from Connecticut before the Revolutionary
War into New York state along with Van Rensselaer. His mother's
people were Germans and came to this country before the Revo-
lutionary War, in which some of them were soldiers.
Zerah Jenkins was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., May 16, 1842. He was reared on his father's
farm, and remained there for some time after his school days. Later
on he went into speculating in New York City. Finally he began
farming in his native town and still pursues that occupation.
On December 20, 1876, Zerah Jenkins married Nettie Mosley,
daughter of Sylvanus and Augusta Mosley. Mr. Jenkins' parents
were Nathaniel and Eleanor (Shannon) Jenkins.
Mr. Jenkins is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in
the public affairs of his town and county, in which he enjoys a high
popularity. He is now serving his second term as county coroner.
Amos Van EpS, son of Hamilton A. and Rachael (Van Wormer)
Van Eps, was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady County^
N. Y., March 3, 1835, and was educated in the district school of his
native town. His father was a farmer and he remained on the home
farm for some years after he left school, and then embarked in farm-
ing on his own account. His ancestors were Mohawk Dutch and
the family has resided in New York state for generations. His
father, Hamilton A. Van Eps, was born in Schenectady County, June
16, 1800, and died February 16, 1885. Mr. Van Eps is a member of
the First Reformed Church of Glenville, and was inspector of
elections in his town for three terms.
222 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Peter E. Cole was born in Athens, Greene County, N. Y.,
August 30, 1833. His parents were Peter and Anna (Wood) Cole,
and his father was a farmer. After his school days Peter E. Cole
engaged in farming and has, continued in that occupation all his life.
He ran a hay press for a short, time and is well known throughout
this part of the country as_ a, noted breeder of Jersey cattle and
Chester white hogs. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
■ . On February 14, 1855, Peter E. Cole married Catherine Frayer,
who died in 1886. In 1888 he married Lucy Loomis. Mr. Cole's
grandfather on his mother's side, Jacob Wood, was a Revolutionary
soldier. His mother's people were New Englanders, but on his
father's side he is of German descent. Both families are old Ameri-
can ones and have been in this country for many generations.
Latin A. Johnson was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., and is a
son of David ar 1 Christina (Harder) Johnson. His mother's father
was John Harder.
Latin A. Johnson was educated at the district schools of his native
county and has always been engaged in the occupation of farming.
In politics he is a Democrat and has held the office of deputy sheriff
for over a dozen years.
On October 18, 1891, Latin Johnson married Ellen L. Walton.^
Mr. Johnson's ancestors were Mohawk Dutch and the family has
lived in this part of the state for many generations.
Nicholas Fuller, son of William and Helen M. (Mabee) Fuller,
was born in the town of Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., June
22, 1863, and was educated in the district school of his native town.
He remained on the farm with his father until 1888, when he took a
position as office clerk with the Fitchburg Railroad and remained
with that corporation until the spring of 1901, when he returned to
farming, in which occupation he has since been engaged.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 223
Mr. Fuller is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M.,
and of Champion Lodge No. 554, I. O. O. F., both of which lodges
are in the city of Schenectady.
On December 17, 1895, Mr. Fuller married Tillie C, daughter of
William and Jane (Caldwell) Ossing. The Fuller family is one of
the oldest in America, as Mr. Fuller traces his ancestry back to
Thomas Fuller who came over on the Mayflower.
Nathaniel S. Chessman, M. D., was born in Montgomery
County, N. Y., in June, 1836. His parents were Benjamin and Thank-
ful (Sanford) Cheesman.
Dr. Cheesman received his literary education at Union College,
from which he was graduated in the class of 1856. He then entered
the Medical College at Albany and was graduated therefrom in i860
with the degree of M. D. He practiced in Schenectady for
many years, and also was located for a time in Scotia, this county.
He was a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society, and
held the offices of health officer and coroner. He came of an old
Mohawk Dutch family which has existed in this part of the state for
many generations. Dr. Cheesman died September 13, 1901.
Margaret M. Hayes was born in the town of Glenville,
Schenectady County, N. Y., on the farm where she now resides,
September 30, 1825. ^^^ parents were' Samuel and Angelica
(Truex) Hayes. Miss Hayes was educated at the district school and
always lived on the farm with her father, where he settled imme-
diately after his marriage. When Miss Hayes was a girl, the only
way of going to Schenectady was by following a blazed road through
the woods. There was a family of twelve children but Miss Hayes
is the only one of the family now living. Her father was a strong
Republican and was a member of that party from its formation until
the time of his death. Her grandfather, Hayes, was a Frenchman.
Her mother's people were Holland Dutch.
224 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
William W. Fisher was born in the town of Glenville, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., July 9, 1858, and was educated at the district
school and the Troy Business College. Since his school days he has
been engaged in farming. Mr. Fisher is a member of the I. O. O. F..
Touareuna Lodge No. 35, located at Glenville, N. Y. In politics
he is a Republican and has been a member of the election board
several years.
On November 21, 1900, William W. Fisher married Jennie E.
Romeyn, daughter of John V. and Eleanor (Van Wee) Romeyn. Mr.
Fisher's grandfather, Fisher, came from Scotland to this country early
in the nineteenth century. His mother's people are descended from
the celebrated Conde family, and Adam Conde, the progenitor of the
family in America, settled in Schenectady County at the close of the
Revolutionary War.
Frederick D. Larrabee was 'born in Amsterdam, N. Y., May
30, 1836. His parents were Simon G. and Sarah (De Graff) lyarra-
bee. Frederick D. Larrabee moved to Schenectady County when
sixteen years of age and began farming, which business he has
always followed, although at one time he speculated in real estate in
addition to farming.
On April i, i860, Frederick D. L,arrabee married Susan Aulsdorf.
They have a family of five children, all of whom are living. Mr.
L,arrabee's ancestors were Holland Dutch.
John Henry Conde was born in the town of Glenville, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., May 30, 1837, and was the son of Charles and
Maria (Slingerland) Conde. He was educated at the district school
and remained on the farm with his father until twenty-one years of
age, when he began for himself in the same occupation, which he has
since pursued.
In 1 86 1 John Henry Conde married Frances Young, who died
leaving a family of four children, two sons and two daughters. For
his second wife Mr. Conde married Margaret Enuis in 1895. Mr.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 225
Conde belongs to one of the oldest families in the Mohawk valley,
and is of Holland Dutch descent. The progenitor of the family
came from Holland and settled in this country at a very early date.
In politics Mr. Conde is a Democrat and is a member of the First
Reformed Church.
J. Dewitt Lynk was born in Madison County, N. Y., January 9,
1847. His parents were John W. and Catharine (Harder) Lynk and
he was educated in the schools of Canastota, N. Y. He has always
been engaged in the occupation of farming and settled in the town of
Glenville in the year 1862.
On August 29, 1867, J. Dewitt Lynk married Mary J. Lowe,
daughter of David and Rachael (Staley) Lowe. They have one
daughter, Rachael Smith. Mrs. Lynk's ancestors came from Scot-
land and settled in this state in the latter part of the eighteenth cen-
tury. Mr. Lynk's ancestors were Holland Dutch. In politics he is
a Democrat and is [a member of Touareuna Lodge No. 35 of Glen-
ville, N. Y.
D. N. Peek was born in Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
May 5, 1854. After his school days he learned the trade of carriage-
maker and followed that occupation for sixteen years, when he went
into the mercantile business and started a store and hotel.
Mr. Peek is a Democrat and is an active worker in his party, in
which he .is highly popular. He was postmaster under Cleveland
during both of that president's administrations, is now a deputy
sheriff and has held the office of collector and other town offices. He
is a member of Beth-Omen Lodge No. 521, I. O. O. F., of the Society
of the Netherlands, and of the Lodge of Red Men at Mariaville.
D. N. Peek married Mary J. Smith, daughter of William and
Hannah (Dingman) Smith. They have a family of one son and
three daughters. Mr. Peek's parents were Andrew D. and Caroline
(Thomas) Peek.
226 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
SpEncerXhristman was born in the town of Root, Montg-oraery
County, N. Y., January 20, 1822. He was a son of Martin and Sallie
(Salisbury) Christman. He was educated in the public schools of
his native county, and moved to Schenectady County in 1847. ^'^•
Christman has been a farmer since he was twenty-five years of age,
and has held the offices of assessor and commis,sioner of highways
in his town. In politics he is a Republican and is a member of the
Christian Church.
On January 7, 1847, Spencer Christman married Nancy A.
Weaver, daughter of Jacob and Deborah (Coffin) Weaver. They had
a family of four children, three of whom are dead ; one son, William
W. Christman is living. Mrs. Christman died October i, 1900. The
Christmans are of Holland Dutch descent.
John D. Abell was born in Cherry Valley, Schoharie County,
N. Y., February 10, 1874. He was educated in the district schools
and lived on the farm with his father until 1895, when he began
business on his own account.
On November 15, 1893, John D. Abell married Nellie Reagan,
daughter of John and Mary (McCann) Reagan. They have three
children. May A., Lizzie and John. Mr. Abell's ancestors on his
father's side were English, and on his mother's side were Germans.
His parents were John and Caroline (Houser) Abell.
Eugene J. Ryon, the popular and well-known manager of the
Electric Express Company in the city of Schenectady, N. Y., is the
son of Professor Charles M. and Sarah A. (Vincent) Ryon. Prof.
Ryon is a well-known educator and was superintendent of the schools
of Kingston, N. Y., a position which he held very much to the
advantage of that city from 1875 until 1902.
Eugene J. Ryon first attended the public schools in Kingston,
N. Y., and then took a course in the Kingston Free Academy, from
which he was graduated in the class of 1881.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 227
On July 29, 1882, he entered the employ of the American Express
Company in Kingston, and was connected with that office until Feb-
ruary, 1884, when he was transferred to the Rome, N. Y., office,
where he remained until November, 1885, at which time he was pro-
moted to the position of agent at Little Falls, N. Y. In August,
1891, he was transferred from Little Falls to the Yonkers, N. Y.,
agency, and in 1892 he took charge of the office at Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., and there remained until he came to Schenectady in October,
1900. He remained with the American Express Company in
Schenectady until January i, 1902, when he resigned his position
and accepted one with the Electric Express Company, with which
he is still connected.
Eugene J. Ryon married Susie V., daughter of William S. and
Freelove (Armstrong) Cary. They have two children, Alfred H. and
Frances A.
Mr. Ryon is a member of Triune Lodge No. 783, F. and A. M.,
Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, R. A. M., St. George's Commandery
No. 37, Knights Templar and Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and when he resided in
Kingston was a member of the 14th Separate Co., N. G. N. Y.
Mr. Ryon is essentially a business man and is popular with the
business public in Schenectady not only on account of the prompt
attention which he gives to everything which comes before him, but
also because of the uniform courtesy extended to all with whom he
comes in contact.
Rockwell Harmon was born in Charlton, Saratoga County,
N. Y., November 3, 1803. He was a descendant of John Harmon,
who came to America from England about 1640. His grandfather
was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and took part in the
Battle of Bennington. In 1825 ^^ married Eleanor De Remer,
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Angle) De Remer, and removed to
Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., where he was engaged in the
leather and shoe business for thirty-five years. They had three
children, William De R., born in 1827, ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ Richmond, Va.)
228 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
in 1866; James H., born in 1829, ^^^^ ^" West Troy, N. Y., in 1894 ;
and Julia A. C, born in 1840. James H. Harmon married Emeline
Gillespie, daughter of James and Lucretia (Chamberlain) Gillespie,
and removed to West Troy where he was extensively engaged in the
lumber business. It was largely owing to his efforts that the Y. M.
C. A. of that place was organized, and also the Fairview Home for
friendless children. He was for many years a prominent member
and elder in the North Reformed Church of West Troy.
Rockwell Harmon, after the death of his first wife, married Amelia
A. Smith, daughter of Jacob and Ann (Curran) Smith. They had
one child, Catherine L., born in 1850, who married Spencer S.
Potter, son of Johnson and Susan (Romeyn) Potter. They have
three children. Rev. Rockwell Harmon Potter born 1874, pastor of
the Center Congregational Church of Hartford, Conn., Clayton
Johnson Potter, born 1878, at present a theological student, and
James Henry Potter, born 1888.
Rev. Rockwell Harmon Potter married Jean A. Gilchrist, daughter
of John Montgomery and Ida (White) Gilchrist. They have two
children, Montgomery Gilchrist Potter, born in 1899, and Amelia
Harmon Potter, born in 1901.
Rockwell Harmon died April 8, 1896. He was a man of sterling
integrity and strict temperance principles. His chief interest was in
his church, the First Reformed of Glenville, of which he was for
fifty years an elder and for forty years the treasurer.
William D. Suits was born in the town of Mohawk, Mont-
gomery County, N. Y., August i, 1858. He was reared on the farm,
and after his school days he remained with his father for some time
before embarking in business for himself.
On December 21, 1881, William D. Suits married Carrie Young
daughter of Alexander and Emiline (Vanauken) Young. They
have three children, Raymond, Emma and Elmer. Mr. Suits is of
Holland Dutch descent, and his parents were Daniel and Margaret
(Sitterly) Suits. He resided in Albany County for ten years before
settling permanently in Schenectady County.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 229
Capt. Herman Philip Schuyler, a scion of one of the oldest
and most highly respected families of New York State or of the
United States, was born in Albany County, N. Y., September 13,
1842. His parents were Thomas Hook and Angelica (Aspinwall)
Schuyler, His father was born in the old Revolutionary house
which is still standing on Schuyler Place, Locust Grove, in Schenec-
tady.
Although the earlier years of the life of Herman P. Schuyler were
passed under difficulties and he had almost no opportunity for educa-
tion, his success in life has shown that he possesses all the fortitude,
perseverance and ability which characterized the Schuylers of old
and made the name historic in this country.
At nine years of age he left school and began selling newspapers
and doing chores. He was variously occupied from that time on
until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, when he enlisted
as a ■ private, in 1 861, in the First Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment.
He served throughout the war and not only proved a true and faith-
ful soldier, but so distinguished himself that he successively rose
from the ranks to corporal, sergeant, orderly-sergeant, sergeant-major,
then to a commissioned officer and finally attained the rank of cap-
tain.
After the war was over, he entered the employ of John A. Gris-
wold & Co., in the iron business, and became sales-manager for that
house and the succeeding companies. This was the John A. Gris-
wold who ran for governor against John T. Hoffman in 1868.
From 1885 until 1893 he was engaged in the iron and steel manu-
facturing business at Chester, Pa. He then became credit manager
for the General Electric Company, and in 1895 was made assistant
treasurer of that company, with headquarters at Schenectady, N. Y.
Capt. Schuyler is a member of the military order, Loyal Legion;
of the Army and Navy Club, New York City, and the Fort Orange
Club, Albany, N. Y.
Captain Schuyler's life has been one of continual activity. Start-
ing out as a poor boy he bravely carried on his struggle with the
world ; at the age of nineteen he was a soldier fighting in the field
45
230 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
for his country, and as a soldier attained both rank and distinction ;
as a business man he has risen to a position of great responsibility in
connection with the financial department of the largest manufactur-
ing concern in America, probably in the world. Notwithstanding
the pressure of his important duties, his genial nature and high-
mindedness have prevented him acquiring the austerity which too
often accompanies success, and he is always a courteous and affable
gentleman.
Captain Schuyler was married in 1870, and has one daughter. Miss
Mabel Schuyler, and one son, Herman P. Schuyler, Jr.
Thomas R. Potter was born in the town of Glenville, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., December 2, 1837, and was a son of Johnson
and Susan M. Potter. He was educated at the district school and
the Amsterdam Academy, and has been engaged in the occupation
of farming all his life.
On January 6, 1861, Thomas R. Potter married Jane Ann Van
Wormer, who died June 9, 1893, leaving two children, Frank R. and
Eliza Jane. On September 8, 1897, Mr. Potter married for his
second wife, Effie C. Van Wormer. Mr. Potter is a member of
Touareuna Lodge No. 35, I. O. O. F., of Glenville, N. Y., and also of
the First Reformed Church of Glenville.
Charles Scheuer was born in Batteau, Germany, September 22,
1858. His parents were Winfield and Helen (Horwittle) Scheuer.
He was educated in Germany and came to the United States of
America in 1883. After coming to this country he worked for a
time as a blacksmith in the horse-car barns at Albany, N. Y., after
which he removed to Rynex Corners, in the town of Princetown,
Schenectady County, N. Y. Before coming to America, Mr. Scheuer
served three years as an infantry soldier in the German army, and is
a member of the German Soldiers' Lodge in Schenectady, N. Y. He
married Bina Tirolf, and they have a family of seven children.
^ 'jy ift/-^. ^'. ^^-'///f^f.-^s S Srf A^-^
^c-/7i£4' (y^^^c
BIOGRAPHICAL. 231
John D. Van EpS was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., November 21,
1 841. His parents were Isaac D. and Eliza (Staley) Van Eps.
When quite young he was brought to Schenectady with his parents
who settled upon a farm, and he has followed the occupation of a
farmer all his life. When he was sixteen years of age his father
died and he was left to take care of the farm from that time on.
On September 21, 1886, John D. Van Eps married Helen E-,
daughter of John Davenport.
Mr. Van Eps is a Republican in politics and has been a supporter
of that party since it came into existence. He cast his first presi-
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has voted for every Republi-
can president since that date.
Alonzo Pangburn was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., August 2, 1839, and was educated in District
School No. I of his native town. His father was a farmer and Mr.
Pangburn has always followed this occupation himself. He is a
prominent Democrat in the town of Rotterdam, and was elected to
the office of Justice of the Peace in 1877, and has continuously held
this office since that date, a period of twenty-five years. Mr. Pang-
burn, in addition to his farming operations, is also an extensive
manufacturer of cider.
On December 15, 1881, Alonzo Pangburn married Hattie Matice.
His ancestors came from Holland, and he is a member of Boer Lodge
No. 811, I. O. O. F., of the city of Schenectad5\
Hon. James T. Wasson, one of the best known public men of
Schenectady County, was born in Rotterdam, F'ebruary 2, 1861. He
was educated at the public schools, and after receiving a liberal edu-
cation, took up the trade of blacksmith, at which he worked for one
year. He then began to learn the trade of moulder, at which he
worked for four 3-ears in Schenectady, when he went to New York
to finish his trade with John Roach, the noted shipbuilder. After
working two years in the shipyards, he returned to Schenectady and
232 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
was in the employ of the American Express- Company for five years.
While with the express company he went to night school and busi-
ness college. His next position was that of receiving clerk for the
General Electric Company, where he remained two years.
After leaving the General Electric, in 1892, Mr. Wasson formed a
partnership with D. H. Williams, in the plumbing business under
the firm name of Wasson & Williams. The firm existed for three
years, at the end of which time Mr. Wasson assumed the entire
business, which he has since conducted alone.
In politics Mr. Wasson is a Democrat and has always taken an
active part in furthering the interests of his party, with which he is
deservedly popular. In the fall of 1899 he was nominated by the
Democrats for the office of sheriff of Schenectady County and was
elected. He discharged the duties of that responsible office faith-
fully and creditably for the years 1900, 1901 and 1902, when his
term expired.
Mr. Wasson is a member of several prominent clubs and societies,
among them being the Schenectady City Club, the Democratic Club
and the Mohawk Club. His societies are : St. George's Lodge No. 6,
F. and A. M.; Deo Volente Encampment No. 112, Knights of St.
John and Malta; Schenectady Lodge No. 480, Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks; the Royal Arcanum, the Red Men and the
German Liederkranz.
In June, 1891, James T. Wasson married Mollie Van Derbogart of
Schenectady and they have two children, James T., Jr., and Mary. Mr.
Wasson's parents were Thomas L. and Mary J. (Wescott) Wasson.
John Jewett was born in Albany County, N. Y., May 31, 1859.
His parents were Jacob and Nancie (Setterly) Jewett. Mr. Jewett
has lived in the town of Niskayuna, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
since he was ten years of age, and has always been engaged in
general farming, but for the last seven years has also conducted a
dairy business. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of
Schenectady Lodge No. 319, Knights of Pythias. On January 12,
1889, Mr. Jewett married Nancy E. Mudge. The Jewett family is
of Holland Dutch descent.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 233
Rev. Bernard Schoppe, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Schenec-
tady, N. Y., was born in Westphalia, Germany, in November, 1847,
and was graduated from the School of Rheine in 1870. He then
took a four years' course in theology at the University of Munster,
finishing in 1874. He was ordained a priest and came to America in
that year (1874) and settled at Sand Lake, where he remained until
1879. That was his first church in this country. Later he went to
Troy and was pastor of St. Lawrence Church, which he built and of
which he had charge for ten years. He then went to Albany as
pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Church, where he remained
another ten years. In 1899 he went to Schenectady to take charge
of St. Joseph's Church, where he has since remained, officiating with
great acceptabilit}'.
Since residing in America, Father Schoppe has made two visits to
Europe. His parents celebrated their golden wedding in 1896.
St. Joseph's German R. C. Church was formally organized on
January 23, 1859, when about seventy-five members met and resolved
to build a church which should be called St. Peter's Church.
Previous to that time the German Catholics of Schenectady had been
visited by Rev. Father Theodore Noethen of Albany and other
secular priests. On February 6th of the same year, collectors were
appointed to take up a house collection, and on February 20th the
large lot, corner State and Albany streets, was purchased for two
thousand dollars. The congregation did not hold together very well
and this fine site was lost. Finally the generous Bavarian, Joseph
Harreker, bought and presented a site to the congregation. The
church was named St. Joseph's Church, after its founder, and was
dedicated June 29, 1862, by Rev. Father Alphonse Zoeller, O. M. C,
of Utica. Services were held in this church regularly by the Fran-
ciscan fathers of Utica. Father Oderic established a cemetery on
East avenue. Father Pius was the first resident pastor and he
established both a parsonage and a school. In October, 1868, the
Franciscan fathers were called away and shortly afterwards the Fran-
ciscan sisters were succeeded by a secular teacher. Rev. Maurus
Ramssauer then became pastor. In 1876 he was succeeded by Rev.
J. Henry Cluver, D. D. Through his efforts a fine church was
234 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
built. The cornerstone was laid July 28, 1877, by Rev. Thomas
Biirke of Albany, N. Y., and the church was dedicated on March 3^'
1878, by Right Rev. Bishop Francis McNierny of Albany. On
December 14, 1881, Bishop McNierny consecrated the new marble
side altars, and in August, 1882, the cemetery was considerably
enlarged. On December 8, 1883, Rev. J. Herman Wibbe succeeded
Dr. Cluver. In 1884 three new bells were placed upon the church.
In 1884 a large brick schoolhouse was erected, connecting the old
schoolhouse with the sisters' house, and a new story was added to the
latter, bringing the whole under one metal roof. In 1899 Rev.
Father Schoppe became pastor, as has been already noted.
Dayton Watkins was born in the town of Charlton, Saratoga
County, N. Y., August 21, i860, and was educated in the district
school and the Charlton Academy. He also took a special course
under James Weld of Charlton. He then taught school for some
time, after which he moved to Troy and was engaged in the grocery
business for four years, after which he moved into Schenectady
County and took up farming, which occupation he still follows.
On August 24, 1883, Mr. Watkins married Harriet, daughter of
Alexander and Nancy (Cole) Hollenbeck. They have three children,
Edith, Clarence and Jeanette. Mr. Watkins' parents were David M.
and Jeanette (Davison) Watkins. ,
Martin Hodges was born in Essex County, N. Y., November 21,
1865. He was engaged in farming and lumbering until 1888, in
which year he went to work on the Boston & Albany Railroad,
where he remained for six months. He was then engaged in the
insurance business in Troy and Cohoes until 1892, when he moved
to Schenectady. He is the representative of the Manhattan Eife
Insurance Company and of the Great Eastern Casualty Company in
this city, and is one of the best known men in his line in Schenec-
tady.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 235
Mr. Hodges was a member of the National Guard and served
during the Spanish-American War in the Second Regiment, New
York Volunteers. He is now Past Captain of the General Eugene
Griffin Command No. 63, Spanish War Veterans. He is also a mem-
ber of Schaugh-naugh-ta-da Tribe No. 123, Independent Order of
Red Men, Degree of Pocahontas No. 189, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks No. 480, Court Dorp No. 392, Foresters of America
and of St. John's Church.
On April 28, 1898, Martin Hodges married Grace Eoomis
daughter of Louis and Minnie Loomis of Syracuse. His father was
William and his mother, Catherine (Fogart}') Hodges. They were
both natives of Ireland, and his father was a soldier in the War of
the Rebellion.
John N. Jones was born in Albany, N. Y., February 15, i860,
but has resided in Schenectady County since 1884. After his school
days, he worked as a clerk in the bookstore of S. R. Gray, Albany,
N. Y., for five years, and was in the pork packing business in that
city for two years. He was also collector for the Albany Argus for
about a year, and spent a year on a stock farin in Kansas.
In 1884 he came to Schenectady County and settled in the town
of Princetown, where he has since followed the occupation of farmer.
He is a member of the Grange and of the United Presbyterian
Church, and represented the town of Princetown on the Board of
Supervisors for four years.
On March 24, 1884, John N. Jones married Mary Tinning,
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Coulter) Tinning. They have three
children, Ellen, Miriam and John. Mr. Jones is of English descent.
His parents were John and Harriet (Spencer) Jones.
Henry W. Veeder, son of William and Jeronia (Wescott) Veeder,
was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
November 13, 1842. Mr. Veeder has always been a farmer, and for
fourteen years was engaged in the dairy business, as well as in farm-
236 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
ing. He is a Democrat in politics and was assessor of his town for
sixteen years. He is a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. and
A. M., Schenectady, N. Y.
On February 6, 1868, Mr. Veeder married Martha, daughter o^
Angus and Anna (Buchan) Robinson. They have six children, five
daughters and one son. Mr. Veeder's ancestors came from Holland
and his wife's from Scotland.
Pasquala MargiotTA was born in the village of Belle, Italy, in
the year 1857. He was educated in the public schools of his native
country, and was engaged in farming until 1887, when he came to
the United States, landing in New York. He remained in that city
for some time, after which he came to Rotterdam Junction, where he
worked on the railroad for several years, after which he embarked in
the hotel business, in which he is still engaged. In politics Mr.
Margiotta is a Republican, and has always been a faithful worker in
his party.
On March 19, 1881, Pasquala Margiotta married Tresa Navatta.
They have one son, Joseph. Mr. Margiotta's parents were Joseph
and Vicengo Margiotta.
Charles Ladd was born in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenec-
tady County, N. Y., October 31, 1844. He was educated at the
public schools and at the Fort Edward Institute, and, after his school
days, took up the occupation of farming. He was on the farm at
home with his father for some time and also operated a hay press,
after which he engaged in farming on his own account.
On March 11, 1870, Charles Ladd married Sarah Carey, daughter
of William D. and Hannah (Wells) Carey. Mr. Ladd's parents were
Charles and Prudence (Victory) Ladd. The ancestors of the Ladd
family were English people. In politics Mr. Ladd is a Republican
and is a member of the Baptist. church.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 237
Alexander Ennis, M. D., was born in Princetown, Schenectady
County, N. Y., November 7, 1830. He attended school in the city
of Schenectady during the years 1845, 4^ ^'^^ '47) ^^^ ^^^ 1847
entered the Sophomore class in Union College. In 1850 he was
graduated from Union and then took up the study of medicine at the
Albany Medical College, and received his degree of M. D. from that
institution in 1855. He first began the practice of his profession at
Richford, Tioga County, N. Y., where he remained for three years
when he moved to Esperance, Schoharie County, N. Y., and then to
Pattersonville, where he now resides and where he has been actively
engaged in practice since 1868.
Dr. Ennis has always taken a deep interest in public affairs and
has been coroner for twenty years, besides holding the office of health
officer ever since the organization of town health boards. He is a
member of the Schenectady County Medical Society and is now the
delegate to the State Medical Society.
On October 25, 1855, Alexander Ennis married Mary, daughter of
Jeremiah and Janette (Cullings) Murray. They have a family of one
son and two daughters. Dr. Ennis was the son of Robert and
Isabelle (Milroy) Ennis. Robert Ennis came to this country from
Ireland in the year 1800.
Dr. Ennis is probably the oldest practitioner in Schenectady
County, and one of the oldest in the state.
Alexander L. Jones was born in the town of Duanesburgh,
Schenectady County, N. Y., October 30, i860. His parents were
Alexander D. and Mary (Liddle) Jones. After his school days he
began farming, which business he still continues, and is well known
in this part of the country as a breeder of Jersey cattle.
On April 3, 1890, Alexander L. Jones married Adora L., daughter
of Amos K. and Caroline (Frink) Mosher. They have one son,
Harry A., borii November 6, 1892. Mr. Jones is descended from
Scotch ancestry who came to America and settled in this state in the
early days of the country's history.
238 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Edward V. Slawson was born on the farm where he now
resides in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
June 9, 1862. He was educated at the district school, has been a
fanner all his life and is a Republican in politics. He is a well
know breeder of Shropshire sheep.
On June 25, 1888, Edward V. Slawson married Matie Frisbee,
who died September 15, 1900. Mr. Slawson's parents were Silas S.
and Sarah (Koonts) Slawson. The family is an old American one
and has resided in this country for over two hundred years.
George W. Wemple was born in the town of Rotterdam,
Schenectady County, N. Y., November 27, 1865. His parents were
Jacob D. and Mariofi (Darrow) Wemple. He was educated in the
district schools of his native town, and has made farming his life
occupation. He is a Democrat in politics and takes an active
interest in the success of his party, and local affairs generally.
Henry Andrew, Jr., was born in Cohoes, Albany County, N.
Y., May 30, 1871. He received his early education in the public
schools and afterwards entered the United States School of Embalm-
ing, New York City, and graduated therefrom in August, 1900.
Mr. Andrew was for some tirrie with J. H. Blighton of New York,
one of the large undertakers of that city. In March, 1902, he came
to Schenectady and embarked in business on his own account and
has been deservedly successful.
On January 20, 1897, Henry Andrew, Jr. married Lydia E.,
daughter of Daniel C. and Deborah (Hodges) Eggleston, of Saratoga
County, N. Y. They have one son, Douglass H., born August 14,
1902. Mr. Andrew's parents were Henry and Mariah Andrew.
They came from England to Albany County in 1861. His mother
died December 25, 1872.
Mr. Andrew is a member of St. John's Lodge F. and A. M., and
of the Albany street M. E. church.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 239
Albert Shear, son of Daniel and Caroline Shear, was born in
Saratoga County, N. Y., in March, 1855. He came to Schenectady in
1868, and when sixteen years of age embarked in the stone business,
which enterprise he has pursued all his life, and which he has
developed to very important dimensions. In 1882 he formed a part-
nership with Edward L. Haight, under the firm name of A. Shear &
Company, dealers in building stone, brick and masons' supplies
generally. They own and operate the celebrated Duanesburgh,
Schenectady and Aqueduct quarries. The business has been very
successful and both members of the firm are rated among Schenec-
tady's best business men.
In 1879 Albert Shear married Iva J. Snyder and they have five
children, namely, Carl, Eva, Maud, Bessie and Dudley.
Mr. Shear is a prominent Mason, being a member of St. George's
Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., St. George's Chapter No. 157, R. A. M.,
and St. George's Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar. He is also
a member of the Order of Red Men and a director of the Van Curler
Opera House.
Major George Williamson Van Vranken, son of Peter and
Arrietta (Lansing) Van Vranken, was born in Lishaskill, N. Y.,
October 12, 1863, of unalloyed Holland Dutch ancestry. After
attending the public schools he took a course in the Union Classical
Institute and then entered Union College. He subsequently changed
to Cornell University and was graduated from that institution in the
class of 1885. He then engaged in teaching and took a course in
the Albany Law School, graduating therefrom in 1887. He was
admitted to the Bar in the same year.
After his admission to the Bar he came to Schenectady and prac-
ticed law for three years. In 1890 he became actively interested in
real estate operations, and his holdings of real property have always
been considerable. He was a promoter of the Schenectady Opera
House Company and has always been one of its directors.
It is as a contractor, however, that Major Van Vranken has made
his acquaintance extended and his influence felt in the community.
240 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
Since 1895 he has been president and manager of the Metropolitan
Paving and Construction Company and since its organization some
years ago has been manager of the Schenectady Contracting Com-
pany. Besides being interested in various contracting firms and cor-
porations, he conducts a considerable contracting business in his
individual name.
Being a member of the National Guard he was appointed Judge
Advocate by General Amasa J. Parker on the Third Brigade staff
with rank of Major in 1890.
In politics he is a Democrat and represented Schenectady County
in the Assembly of 1890.
He is a member of the Beta Theta Phi college fraternitj', of St.
George's Lodge No. 6, F. and A. M., and of the Mohawk Club.
Major George W. Van Vranken in 1895 married Laura, daughter
of David J. DeCamp of French Huguenot family. They have two
children, one son and one daughter.
Hon. Andrew J. McMillan was born in the town of Rotterdam,
Schenectady County, N. Y., and received a liberal education at the
district schools. After his school days he took up the occupation of
farming, which he has made his life business and which he pursues
in his native town of Rotterdam.
Mr. McMillan has long taken an active part in public affairs and is
one of the best known public men in Schenectady County. He is a
Republican in politics and a member of the Schenectady County
Republican Club. He has been a member of the Board of Super-
visors of Schenectady County, and has represented his county in the
state legislature as a Member of the Assembly. In the fall of 1903
the Republicans nominated him for County Treasurer and his
election followed. He is a member of Boer Lodge No. 8ri, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
In November, 1882, Hon. Andrew J. McMillan married Annie L.
Liddle, and they have one son, Everett McMillan. Mr. McMillan's
parents were Andrew and Ellen (Darrow) McMillan.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 241
Robert J. Turnbull was born in the town of Dnanesburgh,
Schenectady County, N. Y., April 16, 1848, and since his school
days has been engaged in the occupation of fanning, with the excep-
tion of five and one-half years, during which time he carried the
mail from Mariaville to Schenectady.
In June, 1870, Robert J. Turnbull married Sarah A. Clute,
daughter of Bartholomew and Margaret (Spitzer) Clute, and they
have a family of five children. Mr. Turnbull's ancestors came from
Scotland and settled in. the town of Princetown. Mr. Turnbull is a
member of the Presbyterian Church and takes an active interest in
local politics. His parents were Paran R. and Mary E. (Darrow)
Turnbull.
Frank Aucompaugh was born in the town of Duanesburgh,
Schenectady County, N. Y., August 24, 1856. His parents were
Robert and Ellen (Pulver) Aucompaugh. They moved to the town
of Princetown in 1866, and Frank Aucompaugh was reared on the
farm and educated at the district school. He worked as a hired man
until 1884, when he engaged in farming for himself, which occupa-
tion he still continues.
On January 3, 1884, Frank Aucompaugh married Ida Smith,
daughter of Cornelius and Caroline Smith, and they have a family
of four children, William, Carrie, Mabel and Edith. The Aucom-
paugh family is of Holland Dutch descent.
Frederick William Frost, son of Luther and Mary (Mathews)
Frost, was born at Richland, Oswego County, N. Y., September 29,
1853. -f^^ '^^s educated in the district school and at the Pulaski
Academy, where he finished in 1875. After leaving school he was
engaged in the lumber business at Saginaw, Michigan, until 1877,
after which he took up farming until 1881. For the next two years
he was engaged on construction work as foreman on the West Shore
Railroad. In 1884 he was with the North River Construction Com-
pany, and in 1885 was in the Motive Power Department. For the
242 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
next fourteen years he was a locomotive engineer. From 1899 until
1 901 he was proprietor of the Hotel Robinson, Schenectady, N. Y.
In the latter year he went into the employ of the General Electric
Company, where he still remains.
Mr. Frost is a Democrat in politics, is an active worker and is a
member of the Democratit County Club and the Mohawk Club. He
is a member of New Hope Lodge F. and A. M., of the Brotherhood
of Ivocomotive Engineers, is president of the local union, No, 188,
and president of the Trades Assembly. He is also a prominent Odd
Fellow and is a rnember of both the subordinate lodge and the
Encampment. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master,
I. O. O. F. ' > ' -
In 1877 Frederick W. Frost married Sarah M. Wallace of
Williamstown, N. Y., and they have a family of four children. He
has resided in the city of Schenectady since 1902, and was elected
alderman for the seventh ward in the fall of that vear.
Samuel McClintock Hamill, son of Samuel M. and Matilda
M. (Green) Hamill, was born in Lawrenceville, N. J., and was pre-
pared for college in the Lawrenceville school, of which his father
was the head for a period of fifty years.
After receiving his preparatory edircation he entered Princeton
University and, after a highly creditable course, was graduated there-
from in the class of 1880, with the degree of A. B. In 1883 his
Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of A. M.
From 1880 to 1883 he was a teacher in the Lawrenceville school
and, during part of this time studied law, but never applied for
admission to the Bar.
Leaving Lawrenceville, he accepted a position with the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad and was general freight agent in the
St. Louis office for one year. Later on he was in the paymaster's
office and in the office of the second vice-president. Subsequently
he became manager of the grain elevator for this railroad in Peoria,
Illinois.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 243
In 1886 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, to take the position of assis-
tant secretary of the Brush Electric Company, and remained with
thetn for three years. He had charge of the eastern business of the
company, with offices in New York City, and was general manager
and vice-president of the company at the time it consolidated with
the General Electric Company. As soon as the consolidation was
consummated, he settled in Schenectady, where he has since been
connected with the lighting department of the General Electric
Company.
Since coming to Schenectady Mr. Hamill has identified himself
with the growing city, and is now a prominent and permanent factor
in its affairs. He is president of the Schenectady Trust Company, a
trustee of the Ellis Hospital, vice-president of the University Club
and president of the Mohawk Country Club. He is also a member
of the Union Club of Cleveland, Ohio, the Country Club of Trenton,
N. J., the University Club of New York City, and the Princeton
Club of New York City. He is a director in a number of electric
companies and electric railroad companies all over the country.
Starting out as a student, and beginning the active duties of life
as an educator, Mr. Hamill early developed a capacity for business
and executive ability which drew him into commercial affairs, in
which he has been highly successful. His splendid education and
trained mind have naturally led him to take an interest in all public
affairs, political as well as industrial, and the number of corporations
with which he is identified, and the prominent clubs of which he is
a member, indicate his activity, standing and success. While a resi-
dent of Cleveland, Ohio, he was associated in a social way with
Senator Hanna.
In November, 1900, Samuel McClintock Hamill married Maria
Woodward Baldwin, of the city of Baltimore.
GusTAVE A. HeckelER was born March 22, 1861, and was
educated at the district school in the town of Charlton, Saratoga
County, N. Y. After his school days, he began farming on his
father's farm in Charlton and when 18 years of age he became a
244 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
member of the firm of Heckeler Bros. In 1891 they purchased a
half-interest in the Highe Mills, which they conducted for seven
years, Mr. Heckeler being manager of the mills. They also con-
ducted a mill at Vischers Ferry, Saratoga County, N. Y. They
subsequently exchanged the mills for a farm in Gle'nville, N. Y.
Farming is Mr. Heckeler's favorite occupation', and he has followed
that business since disposing of his milling interests.
In politics Mr. Heckeler is a Democrat, and has been honored by
his party with a place on the ticket upon different occasions. He
ran twice for Highway Commissioner in the town of Glenville and
once for Collector in the town of Charlton, but both of these towns
are strongly Republican. ' -
In i8g6 Gustave A. Heckeler married Lida Vedder of Glenville,
daughter of A. F. Vedder, and niece of Judge Vedder of Schenec-
tady. They have had two children, one of whom is deceased, and
the other is a boy four years of age.
Charles L,. Horstman was born in Germany, May 28, 1843,
and was educated in the public schools of his native country. In
1866 he came to the United States and settled in Schenectady. Here
he first engaged in the manufacture of brooms, and remained in that
business for ten years. He then embarked in dairying and has since
followed that occupation.
On March 28, 1870, Charles L. Horstman married Caroline Shoe-
maker. Mr. Horstman's parents were Charles and Elizabeth (Cline)
Horstman.
Nicholas Bradt, son of Abraham and Maria (Vedder) Bradt,
was born in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y.,
September 14, 1824. He has been a farmer all his life and lives on
the old Woe-Stina Place, seven miles west of the city of Schenec-
tady, and near the old road house of the West Shore Railroad. On
November 38, 1857, he married Hester Bradt, who was born Novem-
BIOGRAPHICAL. 245
ber 13, 1834, and they have a family of seven children, Maria,
Helen, Abram, Frank, Maggie, Lizzie and S. Vedder.
Abraham N. Bradt was born August 16, 1793, and married Maria
Vedder in iSig.' He was a son of Nicholas A. Bradt, who was born
in the old house near the first lock of the Erie Canal west of
Schenectady. The date of his birth was August 18, 1773, and he
died July 8, 1850. His wife was Margaret Mabee. The original
Bradt settled in Schenectady County in 1728.
Wii^LiAM R. Vroman was born in Albany County, N. Y., June
6, 1861. He was reared on the farm and has always pursued that
occupation. He is of Holland Dutch descent, and his parents were
Albert and Susan (Vernorman) Vroman.
On November 30, 1890, William R. Vroman married Ada M.
Seism, daughter of Jacob and Rachael Seism. His wife died April
II, 1896, leaving two children, Herman and Nellie.
In politics Mr. Vroman is a Democrat, and he is a member of
Beth-Omen Lodge No. 521, I. O. O. F., Quaker Street.
William Osborne was born in the city of Schenectady, October
12, 1859, and was educated in the Union school of his native place.
He then learned the trade of painter, at which he was engaged for
twenty years. He then went into the hotel business at Rotterdam
Junction. On December i, 1901, he came to Schenectady, and is
now engaged in business at No. 305 State street.
On December 20, 1878, William Osborne married Angelica
Veeder, who died December 31, 1899, leaving two children. Mr.
Osborne's parents were William and Hannah (Johnson) Osborne.
In politics Mr. Osborne is a Democrat and has many friends not
only in his party, but throughout the county. He has held the office
of school commissioner and has served on the county committee for
the Democratic party for fifteen years.
46
246 SCHENECTADY COUNTY: ITS HISTORY.
CORNEUUS TymESEN was born in Schenectady, N. Y., August 8,
1845. His parents were Bartholomew and Catharine (White)
Tymesen. He attended the public schools until 1858. Afterwards
he took a position as clerk in the postoffice under Postmaster Dodge
and remained in that position for four years. He was then delivery
clerk in the postoffice for the next four years and then accepted a
position as keeper at Sing Sing, where he remained for four and one-
half years more. He then entered the employ of the New York
Central Railroad Company at Schenectady, N. Y., and remained
with them for twenty-three years, after which he took a position
with the General Electric Company, with whom he is now engaged.
In 1866 Cornelius Tymesen married Sarah Van Voast of Schenec-
tady, N. Y. They have one son, Harry Tymesen, who is a time-
keeper in the draughting department of the General Electric Com-
pany. Cornelius Tymesen is a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen.
GENERAL INDEX.
Aal Plaats, 4
Aalplans creek, 90
Academy, first, 419
memorial of, 420
trustees of, 420
Address of Washington, 128
Aertse, Joris, 52
Aiken, Rev. Chas. A., D.D., 432
Alexander, Rob., 51
Andreis, Daniel, 52
Antwerpen, Jan Danielse, 65
Appeal to governor of Mass., 46
Apple, John, 28
Architecture of Schen., 76
Athens Branch R. R., 168
Attack on Schenectady, 43
of 1691, 66
Ax men, 205
Bancker, Gerrit, 24
Bar of Schenectady county, 452
Barheyt, John
descendants of, 282
Bayard, Stephen, 123
Beal, Moses, 130
Beaverwyck, 22
Beck, Caleb
descendants of, 266
Beekman, Christopher, 146
Benne Kil, 76
Beukendaal massacre, 79
Bickford, Lieutenant, 64
Bloomer, Capt., 91
Boats of Schenectady, 123
Bonts, Stephen, 54
Borsboom, Peter Jacobse, 26
Bosie, Philip, 266
Boundary of original town, 132
Bradt, Arent, 10, 75
Capt. Arent Andrease, 231
Catalina, 25
Jane, 142
Braine's Patent, 138
Brokaw, first printer, 440 ,
Brougham, John, 94
Joseph, 94
Brouwer, Philip Hendrickse, 17
Buildings burned, 155
saved, 159
first, 13
Burr, Theodore, 146
Call for troops, 175
Callanan, James Henry, 449
Campbell, Wm. L., 202
Canada Creek, 92
Canastagione, 60, 73
attack on, 65
Carley, Joseph
descendants of, 291
Carnegie, Andrew
gift to Union, 439
Cause of fire, 161
Cavalry, Empire Light, 294
Second Veteran, 294
Cemetery, old, 192
Centre Square, 411
Charter, city, 133
Chew, Lieutenant, 84
Cholera in city, 169
Christianse Christian, 30
Christoffelse, David, 52
Chrysler, Col. Morgan H., 294, 312
Church. Sergeant, 50
Clatie, Cornelius, 66
Clements, Peter, 237
descendants of, 268
Clerks, County, since 1809, 455
Clinch, Robt.
hotel, 127
Clinton, Gov. George. 423
Cloutman, Edward, 72
Clute, Johannes, 34
descendants of, 246
J. W., 193
Colonial documents, 65, 71
Committee of correspondence, 102
Common council, 144, 212
Company A, 176 . .
members of, 348
B, 177, 353 . -
C, 178
D, 181
E, 405, 177
248
INDEX.
F, 179. 359, 407 ,
G, 178
H, 180, 363
I, 368
K, 368
of Capt. Gerrit A. Lansing, 94 '
36th, 184
37th, 184
Condre, Major, 56
Connor, Francis, 85
Convention at Albany, 58
Copperheads, the, 100, 175
Corl, Hendrick
descendants of, 284
Corlard, old name for city of Schen.,
72
Corn, Arnout. 53
Corps, A. O. H. rifle, 185
Cortelyou, Jacques, 8
County court
judges of, 453
courts
organization of, 451
judiciary of, 451
Court, first, 451
Crosby, A. P., 138
Cruelties of savages and white men, 71
Cuyler, Cornelius, 102
Danforth, Hon. George E., 346
Darling, John, 82
Dauce, John, 94
Davids, Thomas
descendants of, 266
Davies, Col. Henry E.. 394
De Bi-abander. Claas, 66
Deed by Mohawks, 131
Defences, first, 11, 50. 74
De Graf?, Abraham, 82
Class Andrease. 35
descendants of, 250
Daniel, 94
Nicholas, 82
William, 82
De Goyer, Jan Roeloffse, 51
Delanquav, Mushur, 93
De Monjignat, Comptroller-Gen., 41
Depot, Erection of, 193
Depreciation of money, 108
De Roy. Jonas, 65
Descrintion of fire. 160
Desertion of Garrison, 64
De Winter. Bastion, 25
Duane. Jud^e James, 126, 411
Duanesburgh
sale of, 138
boundaries, 410
waters, 410
products, 410
railroads, 410
first purchasers, 410
settlement of, 411
Dunbar, John
descendants of, 281
Robert, 72
Duncan, John, 89, 133
Dutch church, 189
Eagle hose company, 211
East Glenville, 414
Edwards, Jonathan, 427
Eenklwys, Hanse Janse, 28
Eighteenth regiment infantry, 331
organization, 331
movements, 331
deaths, 331
Electric city, 197 ■
Ellis, John, 173
Ellis locomotive works, 173
Ellice, Alexander, loS
Engineers, chief, 208, 211
Engine, first suction, 207
Ets, Robert, 70
Fahn, District Attorney, 148
Field and Staff, 347
Fire of 1861, 187
bag company, 204
companies
early, 143, 203, 209
engines of, 206
of 1819, 154
department
incorporation of, 207
guards, 211
First hose company, 207
regiment of mounted rifles
organization, movements,
deaths, '?Q2
Fonda. A. G., 158 ■.
Jilis, 63
Jellis. 90
Forrest, Capt. Ned, 187
Fort Bull, 92 ■
on Ferry street, 75
Herkimer, 91
Hunter, 5
Schenectady, 61
Simon. 85
Stanwix, 91
Forty-third regiment infantry
organization. 306
movements, deaths. 307
Frisbie. Col. Edward, 293
Frontenac, 40 , • '
Fuller, Chas., 456 . . ■ . , > -■
INDEX.
f49
Jeremiah, 32
Samuel, 95
descendants of, 287
William Kendall, 456
Garrison of city, 76
Gates, Gen., no
General electric works, 195
Geneva river, 92
Geological formation of Schenectady,
4
Gerritse, Frederick, 254
Giffords, 415
Girard house, 60
Givens hotel, 165
Glen, Abraham, 75
Alexander Lindsay, 6, 18
Colonel, 68
descendants of, 217
Henry, 102, 127, 135
Jacob, 81
Jacob S., 123
Johannes Sanders, yd
John, 127
Major John A,, 19, 132
Sander Leenderse, 132, 413
Glenoilly, 65
Glenville, town of, 413
origin of name, 413
formation of soil, 413
waters, 413
early settlers, 413
Government of Schenectady, 10
Graham, John, 109
Grant, Ralph, 52
Great flat, 6
West Indian company, 9
Gridley, William Seward, 175
Groot, Dirck, 65
Lewis. 82
John, 72
Symon Symonse, 27, 53, 73
Gysbert, Gerrit, 65
Haight, Mr., 161
Hamilton, Alexander, 120
Hearsay, David, 146
Hemstraat, Dirk Takelse
descendants of, 282
Hendrick, King, 90
Hessling, Robert, 51
Hickok. Rev. Laurens P., 431
Hii?h Mills, 414
Hilton, Benjamin, 104
Hoburt, John Gloss, 135
Hofifman's ferry, 413
Holland. Jonas, 149
Horsfall, Billy, 177, 187
Hose company, first, 207
Howard, Col. William A., 395
Hudson river road, 168
Hudson's tavern, 139
Hunter, Hon. Robert, \-\% ' ■'
Hull, William, (>2,
Inclined Planes, i66 ■ '
Indian Tribes
Flatheads, 72 '
Mohawks, I . .
Nepissings, 72
Abenakis, 72
Iroquois, 72
Inger.soll, George, 215
Inland Lock Navigation Co., 122
Jackson, Capt., 178
Col. William, 177, 186, 331
Jansenists, 38
Jesuits, 38
Johnson, Col. Guy, in
Daniel, 132
Sir William, 90, 91, 98, in
Jones, Samuel W., 453
Krigier (Crigier), Capt. Martin, 30,413
Kellys station, 415
Kennedy, Capt., 179
Kilpatrick, Capt. Judson, 392
Lafayette, visit of, 152
Lands, division of, 11, 16
Landon, Hon. Judson S., 433
Judge. 37
Lansing, Gerritt, 94
Lee, Samuel, 158
Leisler, Gov., 64
Letter from Five Nations, 58
to Gov. Fletcher, 66
of Gov. De Witt Clinton, 423
Liebenau, Col. Henry F., 389
Lighthall, Abraham
descendants of, 278
Limits, fire, 204
Little, Thomas, 94
Livingston, Brocholst, 152
Locomotive works, 173
Lusher, Eri. 123
Lyman, William, 158
Maalwyck, 3
Map of Schenectady, 60
Marselis, Ahasuerus, 63
descendants of 248
Gerritt, 3^. 51, 248
Martin, D., 158
Mauquas river, 132 '
250
INDEX.
Maxcy, Rev. Jonathan, 427
McGinnis, William, 90
McGourk, James, 421
IMcKean, Col. James B., 299
McMurrey, Mayor, 3, II
McQueen, Walter, 174,
Mead, Lieutenant Lucius, 179, 187
Mebie, Jan Pieterse, 244
descendants of, 244
Medical society, 461
Mercury, Mohawk, first paper, 440
Miller, Rev. John, 59
Military companies of city, 69
force in 1700, 86, 94
Minister, first, 2;
Mitchell, Andrew
descendants of, 292
Hugh, 102
Mohawk bridge, 145
sale of, 148
flats, 4
river
tributaries of, 4, 121
Mohawks, the, i
castles, I, 2 '
relics. I, 2
Monroe, Major John, 287
Mumford. B. M., 158
Mutchcraft (Mascraft), Daniel, 65
Mynderse, John, 63
Johannes
descendants of, 259
Newspapers
Antiquarian and General Review,
443
Daily Ancient City, the, 443
Daily Union, 449
Deutsche Journal, Das, 450
Dorpian, the, 447
Freedom's Sentinel, 442
Freeman's Banner, 443
Locomotive Firemen Monthly
Journal. 447
Miscellaneous Cabinet, the, 442
Mohawk Advertiser, the, 441
Mohawker. the, 443
Mohawk Mercury, the, 440
Mohawk Sentinel, the. 442
Protestant Sentinel, the, 442
Railsplitter. the, 446
Reflector and Democrat, the. 444
Reflector and Schenectady Demo-
crat, the, 442
Schenectady Cabinet, 154, 441
Cabinet, 154, 441
Cabinet and Freedom's Sentinel,
442
County Whig, 442
Daily News, 446
Daily Times, the, 446
Democrat, the, 444
Evening Star, the, /j^^
Gazette, 441, 445, 447
Republican, the, 446
and Saratoga Standard, 443
Star, the, 443
Union, the, 447
Weekly Union, the, 448
Western Budget, the, 441
Spectator and Weekly Adver-
tiser, 441
Wreath, the, 443
New York Central R. R., 168
West Shore and Bufialo R. R., 169
Niagara, 92
Ninety-first regiment, infantiy
organization, 372
movements, 373
deaths, 373
Niskayuna
settlement, 412
situation, 412
formation of soil, 412
first settlers, 413
Non-commissioned staflf, 347
Norris Bros., 173
North, Gen. 124, 125, 127, 135
Nott. memorial building, 433
Rev. Eliphalet, 428, 430, 431
Office holders, early, 133
since 1798, 137
One hundred and ninety-second infan-
try, 403
seventy-seventTi infantry, 402
organization, movements,
deaths, desertions :
thirty-fourth regiment infantry,
organization, 346
movements, 346
deaths and officers, 34"
Old fort, ss
description of, 74
Oneidas, attack on, 67
Ontassaago, 72
Oothout, Abraham, 102, 286
Orange. 72
Order of commissioners, 59
Gov. Cornbury, 76
Oswego, 92
Oudikirk, John, 63
descendants of, 257
Packets. 171
Paige, Alonzo C, LL.D., 458 ;
INDEX.
251
Hon. Keyes, 149
Patroons, 7
Peace Treaty, 97
Peck, Jan, 29
Peek, Harmanus, 13s
Peissner, Col., 181, 187, 432
Petition for fort, 75
of inhabitants, 66
Phelps, John, 82
Phillipsen, Philip, 85
Pitkin, A. J., 174
Police commissioners, 201
early, 199, 144 '
Polish lancers, 184
Poopendal, 79
Population in 1698, 61
184s, 171
Post routes, 130
Potter, Piatt, 458
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, 432
Powell, Thomas, 130
Powers memorial hall, 433
Prideaux, Gen., 91
Prince, John, 138
Princetown
town of, 415
formation of soil, 415
waters in, 415
acreage of, 415
shape, 415
forming of, 137
Privileged West India company, 7
Proposition of Indians, $7
Proprietors, original, 17
Prunus, Peter, 94
Putnam, Johannes, 28
John, 52
Quackenbos, Johannes, 63, 75, 236
descendants of, 264
Rachel, 85
Quebec, 72
Queens fort, 62, 74
Ramee, Jacques. 429
Ramsay. Hon. Henry, 165
Ravages by French and Indians, 72
Raymond. Andrew V. V., 434
Reformed Dutch church, 13
Regiments, organization, movements,
members :
first regiment mounted rifles, 392
second regiment veteran cavalry,
182
second regiment; 404
13th regiment heavy artillery, 39S
cavalry, 394
7th veteran of infantry, 371'
i8th regiment infantry, N. Y. State
rifles, 331
New York volunteers, 176
2Sth regiment cavairy, 389
30th regiment infantry, 293
43d regiment infantry, veteran, jo6
69th regiment, infantry, 324
77th regiment, veteran, 181, 299
8ist regiment, 182
83d regiment, 183
gist regiment of infantry, veteran,
372
119th regiment, 181
134th regiment infantry, 346
177th regiment infantry, 402
I92d regiment, 182, 403
Albany and Columbia regiment,
372
Schenectady regiment, in
Report of comptroller, no
Riddle, Hugh, 150
Riot at Firemen's Contest, 172
Robinson, Capt. Hugh, 151
Roelafsen, John, 29
Rogers, John, 130
Romeyn, Rev. Dirck, 419
Rev. John B., 423
Rosa, Edward, Esq., 103
Roseboom, John, 102
Major, 92
Rose Lane, 125
Roth, Charles, 178
Rotterdam
town, 415
forming of, 415
acreage of, 415
formation of soil, 415
Ryley, Phillip
descendants of, 283
Rynex Corners, 415
Samuel. Simon, 94
Sand Kil, 132
Sander, Capt., 5=;
Sanders, Chas. P., 148
Hon. John, 102, 134, 158, 460
Hon. Walter T. L., 461
Saratoga and Schenectady R. R., 167
Schaats, Rynier, 30, 52
descendants of, 221
Schenectady
borough of, 136
charter. 9, 136
Cofifee house, 130
description of, 3
and Duanesburgh R. R., 168
after the war, 119
eighteenth century, 68, 71
2:53
INDEX.
fashions of, 139
growth of, 197
locomotive works, 197
massacre, 37
mayors of, 137
origin of name, 3
members of assembly, 134
purchase of, 8
railroads of, 163
seal of, 144
senators of, 136 •
settlement of, 6, 9
in 1795, 42s
site of, 5
Schermerhorn, E. Nott, 177
Hon. Simon, 6, 56, 215
Ryer, 132, 133
Schuyler, Gen., 132, 423
Lieutenant, 91
Scotia, 414
Scott, Gen., 150, 151
Second regiment cavalry, 312
organization, 312
movements, 312
deaths, 313
Second regiment New York infantry,
404
officers, 404
movements of, 405
companies of, 405
Settlers, early, 6, 27
Seventh regiment infantry, 371
organization, 371
movements, 371
deaths, 372
Seventy-seventh regiment, 299
organization, 299
movements, 300
deaths, 300
Shaffer, Geo. W., 179
Shannon, 94
descendants of, 284
Silliman, Hon. Horace B., LL.D., 439
Sixty-ninth regiment infantry, 324
organization, 324
movements, 324
deaths, 324
Smith, John, 70
Rev. John Blair, D.D., 425
Thomas. 65
Sndom (Sodus), 92
Soldiers of civil war, 292
Soanish war, 404
Spencer, Judge Ambrose, 452
Sprague, Asa, 130
Stage, Albany and Schenectady, 130
Stanford, Senator, 213
Steam engine, first, 208
Steers, St. John
descendants of, 279
St. George's church, 76
Stevens, Jonathan, 35, go
descendants of, 255
Steuben, Baron, 124
Stoddert, Lieutenant, 85
Streets of Schenectady, 145
paving of, 145
Washington, 155
Front, 157
Church, 156
Handalaer, 78
Martyrlaer, 60
State, IS
Union, 156
Stuyvesant, Gov., 3, 6
Stockades, 76
moving of, 76
Surgeons, 182
Surrogates, 454
since 1809, 454
Suter, Mrs. Margaret, 158
Swits, Isaac, 28, 53
Isaac I., 94
Switz, Isaac Jacob, 94
Talmage, Lieutenant Enos, 13
Taylor, John, A. M., 425
Teller, Jacobus, 102
Johannes, 53, 133
John, 6
William, 24, 225
Thesschenmaecker, Dominie Petrns,
27. 52
Thirteenth regiment cavalry, 394
organization, 394
movements, 395
deaths, 395
Thirteenth regiment heavy artillfery,
396 _
organization, 306
movements, 396
deaths, 396
infantry, 203
^ organization, 293
movements, 294
deaths, 294
Thomson, Alexander J., 460
Thornton, Major, 109
Thorpe, Aaron, 130
Thornton. James, 94
Matthew, 94
Toll. Carel Hansen, 3^, 257
Tomlinson. David, 158
Tories, the, 100
Towerereune, 34
Townships, forming of, 137
J205EX.
?S5
Traders, 6 ■ : '
Truax, Capt. Andrew, 96
company of, 96
Philip, 94
Stephen, 177
Trustees, first, 132
Turnbull, George A., 179
Twenty-fifth regiment cavalry, 389
organization, 389
movements, 390
deaths, 390
Union college, 139
address of Mr. Sweetman, 423
centennial anniversary, 434
efifect of civil war, 432
faculty in 1845, 428
financial statement, 1795 to 1804,
427
first commencement, 426
first trustees, 424
founding of, 417
fraternities of, 430
granting of charter, 423 '
growth of, 428 • .
improvements of, 439
petition for, 418
removal of, 428
. trustees. 1794, 420
university, 433
United Netherland company, 7 .
Van Antwerpen, 82
Van Antwerp, Danielse, 71
Van Brakel, Stephen, 53
Van Corlear, 2, 3, 16, 17
Van Curler, Arent, 5, 6, 416, 417
Vail de Bogart, Frans Harmense, 52
Van Der Bogart, Harmon Myndertse,
descendants of, 242
Vander Volgen, Lawrence, 54
Van Ditmars, Barent Janse, 30, 50
Van Dyke, Capt. Cornelius, 94, 104, 109
descendants, 256
Van Eps, Abraham, 159
Jan, 132
John Baptist, 133
Johannes, 27
Van Olinda, Pieter Danielse, 26
Van Patten, Class Frederickse, 27
Dirck. 94
Phillip, 94 ,
Van Rensselaer. Nicholas, 3, 10, 103
Van Schaick. Col., 371
Capt. Anthony, 85
Van Slyck, Adrian, 82
Albert, 80
Cornelius Antonisen, 6, 22
descendants of, 223
Harman, 65
Island, 413
Jacques Cornelius, 6, 26, 131
Van Valkenburg, Isaac, 237
Van Velsen (Van Westbrock), Swear
Teunise, 22, 51, 131, 132
Van Vranken, Claas Gerritse
descendant:s-of, 268
William,. 148
Van Voast, Giles, 63
Van Zandt, Col. Jacob, 372
Vasborough (Vosburgh), Peter, 85
Vedder, Albert, 53, 85
Johannes, 53
Harmon, 413
Harman Albertie, 27
Veeder, Albert, 65
Gerrit Simons, 65
Harmen, 82
Peter Simons, 65
descendants of, 220
Simon Volkertse, 21
Viele, Arnout Cornelsie, 51
Cornelise, 6, 82
Maria, 51
Vieles, Claas, 91
Vinton, Col. Francis L., 306
Vischer, Frederick, 128
Volunteer companies of civil war, 175
organization, 175
officers, 175
Volunteers under Lieutenant Bickford,
6S • ■
Vrooman. Adam, 33, 49, 132, 86
descendants, 237
Barent. 54 . -
Catherine, 142
Engel, 52
Hendrick Meese, 30, 31
Isaac, 133
Tohannes Seyer, 8$
Peter, 82 ,■ -\
Walter, Hon. T. L., 461 ^
Walton, Jonathan. 123 , - . . ,
Wardens, fire, 206 •■ -■■
Ward, Jabez, 213
War of 1812. 140
Wars, colonial, 86 ■ :
companies of. 86
Washington at Schenectady, 127
Water supnlv 213
\A''atkins, John Delancy. IS3 -'
Weakness of Schenectady, 67
Webb. John, 54 ^
Webster, President Harrison E., 432
254
■ INDEX.
Wells, Rotterdam, 213
Wemp, Baret, 133, .
John, 65
Ryer, 182
Myndert, 132
Wemple, Arent, 94
Barent, 94
Col. Abram, 109, 128 .
Jan Barentse, 26
descendants of, 233 ■
Myndert, 49
Lieutenant, 91
Wendell, Harmanus, 102
Robert H., 150
West Glenville, 414
White, William, 103
Williams, Gol., 90
Wilson, James, 102
Wyckoff, first printer, 440
Yanses, the, 140
Yates, Abraham, 14
house of, 14
Rev. Andrew, 425
', Arthur R., 185
.;' ■ Austin A., 180, 404
Christopher,: 90
diary of, 90
Giles F., Esq., 81
Henry, Jr., 134
Rev. John Austin, D.D., 170
John D., 185, 274
Joseph, 90, 141, 152
descendants of, 270
Joseph C, 90, 141, 451, 457
Robert, .135, 457
Zouaves, Seward volunteer, 175
officers of, 176
BIOGRAPHICAL.
PART II.
Abell, John D., 226
Abrams, George H., 26 •
Andrew, Henry, Jr., 238
Andrews, Mai. James Madison, 27
Auchenpaugh, Frederick! S.^ 43
Aucompaugh, Frank, 241- ■
Austin, Dr. Robert D., 26 . ■
Avery, Philo, 214
Bame, Mrs. John H., 37 . .,■
Barnes, Dana A., 95 ■ .
Barney, Howland S., 38
Baumgartuer, Conrad, 29
Beattie, Hon. D. C, 13
Bellinger, Myron, 33
Benedict, Charles H., 32
Elizabeth, 28 --..„.■,
Berggren, Ernest Jacob, 36 .
Bernard!, Joseph H., 36 • . ■
Peter, 28 -. ■ -
Berning, Fred W., 203
Betts, Charles H., 34 ■ -
Bigelow, John Austin, 30 ■
Blessing, Alexander T., 75 • ■
Bradley, Daniel, 35
Bradt, Aaron B., 183
Aaron J., 29 r
Cornelius, 202 • -
Elias, 212 , - ■ ' , . :
Nicholas, 244
Briggs, Charles Gilchrist, M. D., 200
Walter, 66
Brignall, Edward S-r 34 . , •
Broderick, John T., 35
Bronk, Abram P., 213
Brooke, Robert G,, 30
Brown. Charles, 108
Zadok, 220 ^;
Burns, James F., 33
Burrows, Charles, 32
Burtiss. Albert R., -31 , ■_ .
Buys, Nicholas, 47 _ '' ,
Carr, James O., 158
Cary, George W., 42 / ' .
Case, Levi, 86
Cassedy, George A., 3& ,
Chambers, Calvin H., 40 ■
Cheesman, Nathaniel ,S., M. D!, 223
Christman, Spencer, 226
Clark. -JohnH., 85 /
Warren B., 39 ' ' \
William Thomas, 194 ' '.
Clowe, Ephriam, 41 ' ' ,', , .
Clute, Edwin, 44 • .
George, 42 . .
Hon. Jacob Winne, 11.
James, 44 ,.,.,, ,
John Franklin, 176
Seth L., 40 '
INDEX.
2S5-
Cole, Peter E., 222
Collins, John H., M. D., 116
Commoss, Theodore L., 46
Conde, John Henry, 224
Cornell, Henry S., 205
Crafts, Joseph K., 67
Cramer, Jacob A., 43
Cronin, David J., 46
Cunningham, W. J., 39
Cutler, Hon. Edward D., 12
Dancer, Joseph C, 48
Danco, William, 44
Dare, Howard P., 217
Davis, Ed. L., 146
Matthew, 158
Day, Maxwell Warren, 25
Dayton, John B., 45
De Forest, Frank V., 46
Hon. Henry S., 53
Dent, George J., 198
DeRemer, John A., 59
Devendorf, Porter, 179
Devine, James, 204
Diehl, John, 112
Dobermann, William, 138
Dobler Brewing Co., 193
Donohue, James, 219
Doty, Peter Munson, 163
Dunbar, Farley F., 45
Edwards, Henry S., 97
Eger, W. C, 50
Eisenmenger, Hon. Frederick, 157
Ellis, John, 173— Part I
William Dewar, 18
Endres, Jacob, 49
Fugleman, David B., 50
Funis, Alexander, M. D., 237
Fagel, Charles A., 206
Faust, William P., M. D., 98
Fay, A. S., M. D., 205
Featherstouhaugh, George W., 70.
Fenwick, Ale.xander, 68
Finch, Oren, 47
W. C, SI
Finegan, Patrick, 51
Finke, Henry C, 215
Fisher, William W., 224
Fisler, Ulrich L., 52
Fitzgerald, William F., 64
J. Leland, 132
Fliegel, Henry, 202
Fodder. William L., M. D., 52
Freligh, Garret W., 216
Fronk, Edward L., 192
Frost, Frederick William, 241
Fuller, Nicholas, 222
Furman. Col. Robert, 150
H. Earle, 154
Robert, M. D., 55
.Galaise, Joseph C, 60
Garling, Edward F., 59 '
Jacob, 81
Gasner, Elmer A., 57
Gates, Charles V. S., 60
Geisenhouer, Henry, 56
Gilmour, William Gibson, 191
Gleason, William J., 58
Thomas M., 196
Glen, Horatio G., 17
Goddard, W. W., M. D., 99
Goodrich, James A., 16
Greene, George DeB., 55
Green, William, Jr., 21,3
Gregg, William, 58
Alfred Edwin, 160
Grupe, Henry, 58
Herman C., 132
Hahn, William F., 72
Haight, Edward L., 164
Hagadorn, John, 206
Hall, William G. B., M. D., 70
Mason W., 56
Hamill, Samuel McCIintock, 242
Hanigan, Edward, 61
Hanscom, Perry T., 159
Harbison, Peter B. 61
Harmon Rockwell, 227
Harrod, Caleb, 68
Hartley, Eugene C, 88
Haubner, Charles J., 140
Hayes, Margaret M., 223
Heckeler, Gustaye A., 243- , .
Hedden, Ira B., 197
Hegeman, George B., 63
Hennemann, Julius, 62
Henny, Jacob, 61
Henrich, ReV. Joseph, 188
Hodges, Martin, 234
Holtzmann, Charles, 68
George, 69
Horstman, Charles L., 244
Henry C, 67 •
Horstmyer, C. F., 216
Howe, Frederick A., 63
Samuel Burnett, 189-
Huggins. Walter E., M. D., 86-
Hunter, Andrew J., 208/
W. Scott, 107
IngersoU. Georee T., 187
Jackson. Hon. Samuel W., 14
Allen Heyer, 67 -
Tarrard, George W., 73
Jenkins, Zerah, 221
Tewett. John, 232
Johnson. Eatin A., 222-
Allen W., 199
256
INDEX.
Jones, Alexander L., 237
John N., 235
Juno, John S., 181
Kadel, Nicholas, 74
Kaler, Charles H., 84
Kathan, Dayton L., 195 '
Kellam, Newton J., 182
Kerste, Henry A., 71
Edward L., 79
Ketchum, Margaret H., 72
Killian, Thomas, 71
Kinum, Andrew, 75
Kivlin, George M., 75
Koch, Christian, 76
Koons, Bertie D., 204
Kreigsman, Edward E., 15
Kreuzberger, Martin, 76
Kurth, Henry A., 74
Ladd, Charles, 236
Landon, Hon. Judson Stuart, LL.D.,
12
Larrabee, Frederick D., 224
Leavitt, Thomas E., 82
Levey, James W., 211
Levis, Howard C, 83
Lewis, Maj. Charles P., 81
Jacob, 207
Limmer, Charles, 155
Lomasney, Richard T., Esq., 122 ■
Looschen, John G., 77
Lgvejoy, Jesse R., 189 ■ .
Lucas, Everett E., 197
Luckhurst, James A., 77
Luffman, Charles A., 187
Lynk, J. Dewitt, 225
MacMinn, Clarence A., M. D„ J45
Madgett, John F., 87
Madigan, William M., 90
Magee, A. Vedder, 80
Mahony, David, 77
Margiotta, Pasquala, 236
Markey, P. Thomas, M. D., 130
Marvin, Arthur, M. A., 94
Mathews, Anna, 79
Matthews, George 207
Maxon, Frank, 105
McDermott, John, loi ■
Patrick, 171
McGregor, Thomas F., US
McKain. James B., 186 .
McKinney, Jarnes, 128
McLachlan, S. P., 78
McMillan, Hon. Andrew J., 240
McMullen, John J., 129
Charles G., M. D., 133
Merriam, Charles E., 100
Metzger, Amanders, 200
Miller, John D., 80
Henry A., 174
Henry A., agt. Dobler Brewing
Co., 193
Milmine, James, 78
Mitchell, Joseph L, 91
Moffett, James, 82
James F., Jr., 89
John J., 163
Moody, Walter S., 109
Moon, George C, 85
Moore, Tom, 80
Mountain, Frank H., 138
Mudge, William, 201
Murday, Edward, 89
Murray, Janet, M. D., C. M., 128
Myers, Hon. John C, 99
Mynderse, Herman V., M. D., 148
Nicholas, Louis, 131
Niermyer, Charles Louis, 217
Nolan, Michael, 98
Oatting, William H., 199
Osborne, William, 245 ■■ •
Otten, Edward, 139.
Pangburn, Juan, 205
Alonzo, 231
Parker, John N., 24 ■
Parsons, Flinsdill, 156
Patton, Jesse L., 161
Pearson, William A.,
Hiram, 124 .
Peek, D. N., 225
Peterson, Charles F.,
Pettit, William, 214
Philbrook, Horace Wheeler, 164
Phillips, Charles S., 169
Pickford, Archibald C, 170
Pitkin, Albert Johnson, no*
Pitts, Joseph, 159
Planck, Milton G., M. D.,' 126
Plant, John, 207
Posson, Daniel, 156
Potter, Thomas R., 230
Prentice, Thomas, 144 \ . '
Primmer, Henry W., 104
Proper, Nicholas D., 139
Purman, Capt. William M., 134
Quackenbush. Hon. A. J., 165 i'
. P. H., 218
Rankin, Charles F., 108
Raymond, Rev. Andrew V. V., D. D.,
LL.D., 19
Reeves, Thomas H., 175
Frank P., 198 ,
Reilly, Rev. Father John L., 173 . -
Reynolds, Melvin T., 169
Rice, E. W., Jr., 21
Rickey, Walter J., 170
Riker, William M., 171
105
171
INDEX.
257
Ripton, Benjamin H., i8o
Rockmer, Adolph, 183
Rohrer, Albert Lawrence, 176
Ross, Robert S., 171
Rowe, Lewis, 220
Russ, Joseph, 168
Ryan, William, 172
Ryon, Eugene J., 226
Sauter, Reed A., M. D., 114
Schermerhorn, Maj. E. Nott, 92
Edwin, 146
Schlansker, Charles, 175
Schuyler, Capt. Herman Philip, 229
Schoppe, Rev. Bernard, 233
Scheuer, Charles, 230
Sebring, Lewis Beck, 102
Shear, Albert, 239
Shafer, Charles, 183
Shaffer, Adam F., 162
Shopmyer, Christian, 214
Siegel, Fred, 210
Slawson, Edward V., 238
John, 219
Sloan, Hon. B. Cleveland, 117
Smith, Daniel Cady, 23
Smitley, Joseph W., 178
Snell, William W., 103 ,
Snyder, William, 215
Spitzer family, the, 3
Dr. Ernestus de, 3
Garret de, 4
Nicholas, 5
Aaron Bovee, 6
General Ceilan Milo, 6
Garret, 7
Adelbert Lorenzo, 9
Spoor, Isaac H., 120
Staley, Harmon A., M. D., 104
Staver, Christian L., 174
Stebbins, Theodore, 126
Steinmetz, Charles Proteus, 119
Stevens, Alice Duane, 135
Stevenson Bros., 125
Stoeber, John F., 181
Stooos. Anna E., 109
William, 123
Strong* Homer, 6i
Alonzo Paige, 69
Marvin Hewitt, 74
Suits, William D., 228
Swart, Martin P.. 190
Talbot, Walter E., 134
Teames. Georee B,, M. D., 147
Teller, Isaac Y., 190
Thornton. Anthony R., 184
Tighe, George F., 142
Timeson, Nicholas L, 160
Torrey, H. E., 143
Trumbley, Orpheous, 141
Turnbull, Robert J., 241
John, 201
Tymesen, Cornelius, 246
Peter, 137
Van Auken, James H., 102
Van Deusen, Anna M., 103
Van Dyke, Aaron P., 209
Vanderbelt, John, 218
Van Eps, Amos, 221
John D., 231
Van Epps, James, 209
Van Patten, Silas, 220
Van Voast, John Charles, 79
Van Vranken, Aaron, 217
Albert Bensen, M. D., iii
Maj. George W., 239
Van Zandt, Burton, M. D., 191
Vedder, Henry Simon, 60
Abram G., 96
James Warren, 54
John A., 215,
William, 211
Warren W., 106
Veeder, Henry W., 235
Vroman, William R., 245
Vrooman, James S., 209
Wakefield, William O., 184
Walker, Herbert E., 141
Wallburg, Valentine, 113
Walpole, David W., 203
Walsh, Rev. William H., 128
Walton, Richard, 208
Warner, William A., 127
Wasson, Thotnas L., 117
Hon. James T,, 231
• Watkins. Dayton, 234
Weast, Samuel A., 48
Henry C, 210
Webber, John, 131
Webster. Harry E., 177
Weeks, John S., 12,=;
Wemple. George W., 238
Andrew T. G, 71
Wallace, 73
Jay Cady, 157
Westover, Myron P., 90
Orra R., 185
Westinghouse, George Sr., and _ the
Westinghouse company agricul-
tural works, 166
White, William. 129
\A/'hitmypr, William H., 142
Whvte. Bernard, 121
Wiederhold and Co., John, 123
Wilber, Leander C, 210
Wilbur, Addison L., 213
Wilkson, William J., 218
2s8
INDEX.
Wing, Marcus, no
Wirtenberger, John, 149
Wise, George G., 130
Wolf, Andrew, 195
Worden, Caroline Wilson, 219
Wright, John, 212
Yates, Henry R., 124
Hon. Austin A., 13
V. Hanson, 91
PORTRAITS,
Auchenpaugh, F. S
DeForest, Hon. Henry S.
Ellis, John-
Ellis, William Dewar
Fitzgerald, W. F; . .
Fronk, Edward L. .
Furman, Col. Robert
Garling, E. F.
IngersoU, George T.
Landon, Hon. Judson S.
Raymond, Andrew V. V., D
Spitzer Family
Steinmetz, Charles Proteus
Stoeber, John F. .
Timeson, Nicholas I.
Wasson, Hon. James T.
Westover, Orra R.
Yates, Hon. Austin A. .
D., LL.D
facing page 43 part 2
S3 2
173 " I
18 " 2
64 " 2
192 " 2
150 " 2
59 " 2
212 " I
453 " I
. " " 420 " I
pages 4-10 part 2
facing page 119 part 2
. " " 181 " 2
. " " 160 " 2
. " " 231 " 2
i8s " 2
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