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USIS560.35

HTMW

Harbarb CoOege Itlirarp

nonrax
BRIGHT LEGACY

One half the incoBie frooi this L^facy, wkich wm rc-
ccWed Id itto under tbe will of

JONATHAN BROWN BRIGHT
of Waltham, MuMchiuetts, is to be expended for books
for the College Llbnrj. The other half of the income
b deroted to scholanhips in Harrard Unirefsltj for tbe
benefit of descendants of

HENRY BRIGHT, JR.,
who died at Watertown, MasMichnsetls, in i6a6. In the
absence of such descendants, other persons are cUfible
to the scholarships. The will requires that this anno«nce-
nent shall be made in ererj book added to tbe Library
under its prorisions.

HISTORY

OF THE

Town of Marlborough

Ulster County, New York

From its Earliest Discovery

By C. M. WOOLSEY

ILLUSTRATED

ALBANY

J. B. LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS

1908

-^ VT-

1 ' JUN 2^ )9)6

CONTENTS

Preface 7

CHAPTER I.

Introduction 11

How the Town Derived Its Name 16

The Town of Marlborough Ig

CHAPTER IT.

Early Patents and Land Grants 27

CHAPTER III.

The Indians 51

Maintonomah — A Poem .iij

The Early Settlers 80

Our Ancestors 80

CHAPTER IV.
Town of Marlborough in the Revolution, including:

The Committee of Safety 91

The Signers of the Pledge and Those Who Refused to Sign . . 9(5

Levies and Militia 101

Invasion of Canada 104

Lewis DuBois and William Martin 107

Soldiers from the Town 108

DuBois' Regiment 109

Captain Jacob Wood's Company and His Court-Martial . . 110, 113

General Vaughn's Expedition * 113

Lieutenant Roae Cashiered 1 1(5

Xcw Marlborough, 26 Apr. 1777. Proceedings of the Com-
mittee 117

Petition of Samuel Townsend 119

Petition of Elizabeth Wiggins 120

Lewis DuBois' Court-Martial 122

No Consideration Shown Traitors — General Clinton About

the Tories 125, 12(5

Jacobus Rose 12(5

Silas Gardiner 130

Arthur McKinney 131

Petition of the inhabitants of New Borough and New Marl-
borough 1 32

Petitions of Levi Quimby and Others 132

Jacob Dayton 135.

Petition of Leonard Smith 138

Petition of Cadwallader Colden, Jr 140

Petition of Elnathan Foster and Others }4'i

Tories 143

A Day of Rejoicing 145

4 Contents.

CHAPTER V. ,.^^,^
Precinct and Town Met»ting.s and Records 149

CHAPTER VI.
Ancient Roads 183

CHAPTER VII.

Marks of Cattle 201

Strays 204

Ancient Records 205

Ancient Town Matters 211

CHAPTER VIII.

The Village of Marlborough, 17«4 215

Colden's Ridge 216

The Map of Dr. Benjamin Ely 218

Slavery 224

CHAPTER IX.

The War of 1S12 and the Mexican War 237

Assessment on Bond Patent 242

Horatio Gates Safford's (iazetteer, etc 243

Ancient Houses 245

Mills and Factories 247

Vessels and Transportation 240

Ferries and Docks 253

Hudson River 257

Jeffrow's Hook 250

CHAPTER X.

Facts and Incidents 203

The Maid of Marll)orougli — A Poem 208

Men of Prominence 2(50. 270

Hallocks' Pcmds 270

List of Supervisors 273

TouTi Clerks and Justices of tlie Peace 275, 270

Lawyers and Doctors 270, 280

The Antwerp Raspberry 283

CHAPTER XL

Ancient Customs and Habits 285

Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather 207

Ancient Burial Places 302

The Men Who Voted in 1834 310

CHAPTER XI I.

The Civil War '^7

Lieutenant Edward Ketcham '^10

Lieutenant John Ketcham 310

Captain Nehemiah H. Mann 334

Recruiting for the 120th Regiment 341

Special Elections to Raise Money 344

List of those Enrolled in the Armv and Navy 340

State Militia 348

CHAPTER XIIL
The Presbyterian Society and Clnirch 351

Contents. 5
CHAPTER XIV. „,,„

PAGE.

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough 375

CHAPTER XV.

The Baptist Society and Church 405.

Catholics and Catholic Churches 414

The Episcopal Churches 419

The Milton Society of Friends 425

CHAPTER XVI.

Marlborough 431

Milton 437

I-Attintown ''. 440

Societies and Institutions 451

Business Enterprises 457

People, Lands and Conditions 459

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

" C. M. Woolsey Frontispiece.

^ Large Ancient Map Drawn by Dr. Benjamin Ely,

In povkei on front cover,

PAGE.

i ' Map of TouTi, 1874 20

'Commission of William Woolsey 102

'Order for Payment of Money Due X\w Otlicers 108

-Certificate of the OflScers of Lewis DuBois' Regiment lOS

>" Assessment in Captain Wood's Company 110

''Order by Captain W^ood * 112

• Ancient Signatures 148

"The Col. I^ewis DuBois House 210

(^ "Map of Village of Marlborough, 1704 '. 214

"•Residence of C. M. Woolsey 230

Assessment Roll — Bond Patent 242

• The Oldest House in the Town ! 244

• The C. M. Woolsey Building 202

''Smith's Falls 268

Long Pond 270

' Long Pond 272

The Elijali Lewis House 274

"The Anning Smith House 2S0

'The Noah Woolsey House 290

•'The Old Chestnut Tree at Lyons (^)rner 302

•Edward Hallock Ketcham 310

• .John Townsend Ketcham 320

Hartshorn's Store, [Marllwrough 350

'Marlborough Presbyterian Church 370

'Marlborough M. E.* Church 400

• Falls at Marlborough Village 432

• Milton Village 430

• C. J. Miller Building 444

PREFACE

Many people never look at the preface of a book;
yet it may have considerable merit, as it presents in
some small degree what we may expect to find further
on. In most all communities but little care has been
taken to preserve the original events, the commence-
ment of things as we might say, and the commence-
ment of all things is most interesting, whether they
be of the town, county or state. And what a great
thing it would be to know the beginning of the crea-
tion — the world and the stars and all that God made
for the pleasure and benefit of all people — all this
we may never know, yet we can have the consolation
of knowing something about the people and condi-
tions of former times in our own neighborhood. It
has been said by a great writer that local history was
the greatest of all history ; it brings us in touch with
the place and its inhabitants of former times. We see
why certain habits and customs have l)een handed
down to us — connects the past with the present —
shows the character and services of our fathers —
and, as far as may be, produces the familiar scenes
of by-gone years. But what little care has been taken
to preserve ancient papers and records and memor-
anda of past events. Oftentimes someone during a
long life would gather up valuable material, and al-
most before he was in his grave, all this treas-
ure would be transferred to the garret or wagon loft,
never to be examined again, and in time scattered and
forgotten. This comes home to me. I well remem-
ber, when a little child of a few years, my grandfather,
Richard I. Woolsey, died, and his large trunk, filled
with valuable records of the past, which had been the

[7]

8 History of Marlborough.

pride of his life to gather and save, was removed to
the room over the wagon shed and it was a pastime
for otlier little children and myself to examine and
scatter this data all about the building in the s-earch
for a stray picture. No one appeared to know its
value. How safely we would treasure those records
if we had them now ! The works of the dead are soon
forgotten, but in after years we realize our mistakes.
It has been a great labor and required diligent re-
search to find as much as I have. I have examined old
papers to secure notices and advertisements, and have
visited many cities to examine libraries and ancient
records, and though I have not always l>een success-
ful, yet enough facts have been obtained to show
that our town was, in education, patriotism, and all
things that make up good citizenship, the equal of any
of the towns in the county. I find the trouble has been
that while other places boasted of their ancestry and
great deeds, there was no one to do justice to our town
and record its honored past. Marlborough has al-
ways been a quiet and modest town and allowed other
places to get ahead of it. No one ha^ sung its praise
or recorded its worth; we hoj^e hereafter it will be
known far and near, that there is such a i)lace as the
Town of Marlborough.

The author has tried his best to be impartial, and
if certain family names and certain events appear to
be more generally used than others, it is only l>ecause
we were able to get such information. We could not
write about men and things of which we could get no
record. I have asked a great many people to give me
infonnation al>out their families so I could incorpo-
rate it in this work, but with few exceptions, they
could help me little; therefore I could not write alK)ut
what I did not have. I feel that there are many things
that could have been said, yet I could not get the neces-
sary information; so do not blame me for the omis-
sions that have been made.

Preface. 9

I give many names. Names are dry reading, but
they are useful for reference, delightful to the de-
scendant who sees his grandfather's upon an honored
roll, invaluable to the future historian, and represent
the living facts without which history could not be
written. It is the men and not the things which make
the records. God made the world, and wondrous and
beautiful it is; but, without the men who inhabit it,
how useless and extravagant would it appear! So
this history of the men who trod the soil we tread, who
saw the same hills, the same valleys, the same broad
Hudson that we see, but in a different age and genera-
tion, in less cultivated and more troublf^some times, is
presented to the Town of Marlborough.

Local history has been neglected. Historians have
generally written of great events of a national charac-
ter ; of the great statesmen ; of the leaders of armies,
who marched through provinces and subdued i)rinci-
palities and kingdoms; but the mass of the people
who make up the nation, the bone and sinew — the
millions of the middle class have hardly received a
passing notice.

The sun is great and incomprehensible beyond and
abov« all, but for what would it answer if it had no
earth to shine upon? What would the statesman and
general accomplish without the help of the plain
people of the little towns and villages all over our
land? They make the statesman and the general.
Were it not for the humble people they lead, what
would they accomplish? Until within a few years but
little attention has been paid to local history. The
Daughters of the Revolution have done much toward
this end and all over the land, bronze tablets mark
the spots of great achievements, or the places where
patriots fell. To the humble people of the town and
of the state, is this little work, with all its imperfec-
tions, dedicated.

C. M. W.

HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH

CHAPTER I.

Introduction.

Why do I write this bookf The fact is, I am not a
writer, never had a desire nor did I ever intend to
write a book, but some time since, at the request of
those interested in the history edited by Judge Clear-
water, I hunted up ancient documents, traced the truth
of old. traditions, and in doing so became very much
interested. I would find out things about the town
and its people in olden times of which I had never
heard, and becoming interested, would trace them to
their source. In such research I would discover other
matters, and thus obtained much information which
was sent to be incorporated in the county history.
When the book was published, I was disappointed in
finding but a small part of my contribution, and it was
all right, as the history of Kingston and all the towns
afforded so much material for a book that most of the
articles had to be reduced in size, that the book should
not be too large. In accepting a part of my article,
Judge Clearwater wrote me:

Your article contains a great deal of interesting and im-
portant data ♦ ♦ ♦ What you should really do is to write
and publish an exhaustive liistory of the Town of Marlborough.
Doubtless you could sell a great many copies by subscription.
* * * The article you have written will direct attention
to the importance of Marlborough from a very early period,
and will serve to excite and revive interest in the town and its
men.

[11]

12 History of Marlborough.

I thought that what I had found, and more that I
had obtained from time to time, should not be lost.
It was doubtful if anyone again would ever attempt to
collect together, what I had discovered, and I felt it
should be preserved for coming generations.

The History of Marlborough published some years
since, and also the History of Marlborough contained
in Sylvester's Ulster County History are full of
errors, and, instead of informing j^eople, mislead
them. Many statements are made as facts which are
only predicated on old traditions which never had any
foundation in truth. These histories were not written
by natives of the town, but by people who knew
nothing alx)ut the town or where to find data concern-
ing it, and were not particularly interested to have it
accurate. I, therefore, feel that what goes down to
posterity about our town should l>e as accurate as ])os-
sible ; and though I may have made some errors, 1 have
tried to found my book on old records, papers, maps
and traditions, which I have followed to their source;
and though about only two hundred years have
elapsed since the town was first settled, I have found
it almost impossible to obtain any old papers or docu-
ments from any of the old families that might throw
light on the early history and the stirring events of
the Revolution. People have ransacked their garrets
and old trunks without avail; or, at least, with little
success. I even advertised and did not get a single
idea, so I was driven to my own resources and re-
searches, and I had some advantages ; my great-great-
grandparents, Richard Woolsey and Sarah Fowler,
settled here among the first. They left eight boys and
four girls, thus my family was early identified with
the town. A few original papers and documents had
been preserved in the family, or scattered around and
left undisturl)ed only 1>ecause they were not discov-
ered. And then I had lots of familv and town tradi-

Introduction. 13

tions, and putting them all together and following them
up, I have been enabled to write this book. And I
claim for it, that it contains much that would never
have been known otherwise. I can say that it is in
the great part absolutely correct, as I have many of
the original documents. I have written this book for
the interest I felt in it, and in the old people and cus-
toms. I have been well paid for all my trouble in the
pleasure I have taken in its preparation. My curi-
osity would be aroused when I discovered any event
of importance and it was a satisfaction to trace it out.
The habits and customs of the people who came here,
and of those who were born and died here, the per-
sons who were the people of the town in their day,
who reared their families, did their business here, cul-
tivated the same fields that we are now working, went
to the same churches, attended the same schools, and
did much as we are now doing — they cleared up the
forests. They were our ancestors and the neighbors
of our ancestors; their shadowy forms in remem-
brance, history and tradition float before us. When
we read and think about them and trace the lands
they owned, the houses they built, we almost feel that
we have seen them, that they have come down from
the shadowj' past and have communed with us, have
told us of their lives, have pointed out to us and de-
scribed the aspect of the town in their day, have
rehearsed to us the events which were considered of
importance in their time.

It is a pleasure and a duty to preserve their names
and memory so far as we can, and I am perfectly con-
tent if this venture pays the i)rinter and binder. I
can state only the plain facts about a plain people.
Our town has produced no great men ; no great events
have happened here; no great city has arisen; no
great mechanical industries have developed. We have
never had what might be called a town center, part

14 History of Marlborough.

of our people went in one direction and the rest in
another out of the town to do much of their necessary
business.

The people have always been quiet, consistent,
consevative, honest, industrious. Christian, and a
patriotic people, not unlike the great body of people
who form our commonwealth.

I have not attempted to give the record of families ;
I can not give the record of my own family correctly.
My great-great-grandfather, born in Westchester
county in 1697, settled in this county early in 1700,
and left a large family and numerous descendants;
outside of my own line, I can not trace them with any
degree of certainty. I certainly would fail trying to
make a family record for other peoi)le. The attempt
to do so by those who have written about the town,
has generally proven a fraud and a failure. I give
the names of the people who lived at different times,
and the dates and the capacity in which they served,
so that anyone familiar with his own family history,
can trace them out for liimself.

In former times when this town was a part of New-
burgh, its associations and interests were all with that
section. Newburgh was its center for business, banks
and trade, and when it was taken off and made a
separate town, it ever since has retained to some ex-
tent the same relation to Newburgh. After the
di\dsion, and after Newburgh was taken off of Ulster
county, Marlborough l>ecame a lx)rder and corner
town, and having but little interest with the rest of
the county it never received the consideration it
deserved.

This history comprises events from the earliest
settlement of the town to the close of the ci\dl war,
though some matters are referred to which occurred
since. The intention has been to preserve the record
of the early events as they would soon pass out of

Introduction. 13

existence and be forgotten. The papers and records
which I have given in full, instead of a reference to
the same, are published to show the habits, customs
and transactions of the people in those times. They
will certainly give anyone a better conception and
knowledge than anything I might write about them.
It is always a great advantage to have the original
document to judge from for yourself and one can
form his own conclusions and often arrive at a better
understanding than from any comments the writer
might make about them ; so I have given many in full,
and just as they are, with all their incorrect spelling,
grammar and other inaccuracies.

In this brief history, no attempt is made to give all
the events and conditions that have transpired in the
town from the first settlement, but more particularly
to obtain and record the earlier events, the trials and
struggles, the habits and customs of the sturdy and
industrious people who settled here in earlier times,
and carved a home and name among these stony hills
and valleys; and they are worthy of all praise for
what they accomplished, for several colonies at dif-
ferent times had previously examined and inspected
these shores, but were discouraged at their rugged-
ness and apparent barrenness of soil, and settled in
other places; and these who settled here had hardly
emerged from the wilderness, hardly completed com-
fortable houses and buildings, and cleared but a small
part of the land, when they were called upon to face
a long and bitter war with a foreign nation, when they
must endure great suffering and privation. Many of
their neighbors took sides in opposition; but by the
lapse of time, and the neglect and destruction of
earlier papers and records of those times, very little
has been left to us. An effort has been made to gather
the remaining fragments, and preserve them that all
should not be lost, and especially that the stirring

16 History of Marlborough.

events that tried our ancestors' hearts in the great
strife, and their names and memory, should not be
lost from the earth.

In conclusion, I would say, that if I have succeeded
in pleasing anyone, in giving any information of the
past, and in preserving the traditions and history of
the town, I am content.

How THE Town Derived its Name.

Marlborough was so named after John ChurcliilK
Duke of Marlborough, the greatest and most success-
ful general in English history. He was born at Ashe,
in I>evonshire, England, in 1650. The course of his
early education is but little known, and it is probable
that he learned but little from schools and books. At
the early age of twelve, his father carried him to
Court, where the loyalty of the family was well
known. He soon became a page to the Duke of York,
and was commissioned as ensign in the guards at
sixteen. He was at the battle of Tangier and in
engagements with the Moors; on his return to Eng-
land he became captain. His further advancement
was promoted by his comely person and prepossessing
manners, his own merit, and the influence of his sister,
Arabella, mistress of the Duke of York. She was the
mother of the celebrated Duke of Berwick. In the
campaign from 1672 to 1677 liis (Marlborough's)
courage and ability gained him the praise and in-
fluence of the celebrated Turenne. His prosperity
was still further secured by his marriage with Sarah
Jennings, a lady of talent, imperious disposition, and
beauty, and one of the Maids of Honor to the Princess
Anna. She was a great favorite with her mistress
and had great influence over her. He previously had
become a Lieut.-Colonel and Colonel. In 1681 he

How THE Town Derr^ed Its Name. 17

became a Baron. When. King James came to the
throne, he was made a Peer, and a general in the
army. On William's ascension to the throne he was
raised to the dignity of the Earl of Marlborough.
The same year he won the battle of Walcourt over
the French, and became the head of the army. He
had many successes, and rose to the position of the
Duke of Marlborough. In 1704 the Duke led the allied
armies into Germany, and with Prince Eugene of
Savoy, stormed the French and Bavarian lines at
Donauworth and overthrew their armies in the great
and decisive battle of Blenheim, in recognition of
which the Parliament and the Queen caused Blenheim
palace to be built. In 1705 Marlborough was made a
Prince of the Empire. In 1708 he won the battle at
Oudenorde which resulted in the total defeat of the
French. In 1709 he fought the battle of Malplaquet
and in 1710 took town after town from the French.
It would fill a book to tell of his exploits. He brought
great honor and renown to the English nation, and
in recognition of his great services Blenheim castle
was presented to him, and has ever since remained
the estate of his descendants, the subsequent Dukes of
Marlborough.

He was a great man in many ways, but all his
descendants, Ihe subsequent Dukes of Marlborough,
have accomplished little but to marry rich American
wives, who were fools enough to exchange great riches
for empty titles and pay off the debts of profligates
and bankrupts who had only a title and a great name
to give in return. In fact, Blenheim castle and estate
would long since have been gambled away and spent,
but under English laws these great estates can not
be taken from the family. The family can not pass
title, and judgment and encumbrances can not take it
away. What a pity we can not sometimes keep the
old homestead in the family in this country in the
same way!

18 History of Marlborough.

The Iron Duke, as he was called, rose from small
beginnings, with little education, to be the greatest
general of his age. He died in 1722, idolized by all
the E]nglisli people.

The ancestors of many of our first settlers were
soldiers under the Duke, and had marched with him
through many of the countries of Europe, and had
been participants in his great campaigns and battles
and victories. In their childhood, in their native
land and around the firesides of their forefathers it
was told to them in song and story of the great deeds
of the Iron Duke and of his men. All the English-
speaking people sang his i^raises, and boasted of his
great renown. Thus it was quite natural that our
English ancestors would have named the Presbyterian
society, the precinct, and afterward the town, after
him.

The Town of Marlborough.

There is no record that any white man set foot in
what is now the Town of Marlborough previous to
1684. By tradition it is claimed that previous to the
time when the Twelve Patentees acquired title to their
lands, known as the Paltz Patent, from the Indians
in 1677, they had visited the country here, but had
been deterred from settlement by the ruggedness and
barrenness of the soil. No effort was made to obtain
possession of the land at Quassaick, now Newburgh,
and vicinity from the Indians until 1684, when Gov-
ernor Dongan bought of Mangenaett, Tsema, Kegh-
gekapowell, alias Joghem, who claimed to be the
** native proprietors and principal owners" of the
lands mentioned in the deed, **with the consent of
Pemeranaghin, chief sachem of Esopus Indians " and
other Indians named, '*all that tract and parcel of

The Town of Marlborough. 19

land situate, lying and being upon the west side of
Hudson's River, beginning from the south side of
the land called called the Paltz, and extending thence
southerly along the said river to the lands belonging
to the Indians at the Murderer's Kill (now Moodney
Creek), and extending westward to the foot of the
High-hills called Pit-kis-ka-ker and Aia-skawosting."
This tract ran from the Paltz purchase, on the nortli,
to Murderer's Creek (now Moodney Creek), on the
south, and bounded on the northwest and west by the
Shawangunk mountains until a point was reached
from which a due east and west line would strike the
mouth of Murderer's Creek. For this immense tract
Governor Dongan paid * ^ the sum of ninety pounds and
eleven shillings" in the following articles, viz.: **1()
fathoms blue duffels, 10 fathoms red duffels, 200 fath-
oms white wampum, 10 fathoms stroudwater, (red
cloth,) 10 fathoms blue cloth, 10 blankets, 10 guns, 10
kettles, 10 duffel coats, 10 drawing knives, 10 shirts,
10 tobacco boxes, 10 childrens' shirts, 10 pairs of hose,
10 pairs of shoes, 50 lbs. powder, 50 bars of lead,
10 cutlasses, 10 hatchets, 10 scissors, 10 tobacco
tongues, 100 flints, 2 rolls tobacco, 20 gallons of rum,
2 vats of strong beer, and 1 barrel of cider." These
lands were relinquished, and the Indians residing
thereon united with Maringoman at his castle on
Murderer's Creek, about eight miles from its con-
fluence with the Hudson.

It will be observed that what is now the Towns of
Marlborough and Piatekill were embraced tin ithis tract.
This land, purchased by Gov. Dongan, was conveyed
by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher, his successor, in a patent
to Capt. John Evans, dated September 12, 1694, and
was called the Manor of Fletcherdon. The patent,
however, was in 1699, annulled by an act of the
Colonial Assembly, and the land reverted to the
Crown. It was claimed that while these lands were

20 History of Marlborough.

in the possession of Evans, no settlements were made^
except one by a family near Murderer's Creek, but
by his petition it appears that he had planted several
families of Scotch and Irish on the lands and had
disbursed a large sum of money in clearing and im-
proving the same, and it is quite certain that Dennis
Relje (Relyea), or as he was afterwards called ** Old
Dennis " was settled on the stream that is now called
the Old Man's Kill at the present village of Marl-
borough soon after Evans got the patent. He was
the first settler of the town of whom we have any
knowledge; and the stream or kill there was called
after him. We find it so called in the year 1697.
Evans tried very hard to have this patent restored to
him and he made the following petition:

To the Queen's most excellent Majesty

The humble Petiticm of John Evans Captn of your Majesty's
ship the Defiance Sheweth — That your petitioner l)eing Com-
mander of the Richmond Man-of-Warr in tlie year 1G93. wan
sent to attend the j)rovince of New York in America, where he
continued almost six years, and performed considerable Sen* Ice
for the benefit of that Colony.

That Coll : Benjamin Fletcher then (iovr of Xew York in
consideration thereof and of five hundred jmunds paid to him
by your PetitiontT, in lieu of his established f(H?s upon grants
of lands, l)y letters Patent under the great seal of that province,
granted unto your ])etitioner and his lieirs, a large tract of un-
ap])ropriated land called Murderers creek, containing 18 miles
in length fronting on Hudson's River, and 30 miles backwards
which had been bought by Coll Dongan when Govr of New
York from the Indian natives for seventy pounds. On which
tract your Petitioner exjuMided great sums of money in clearing
several places for Farms, and planted several familys of Scots
and Irish under Annual rents, intending to retire thither him-
self, when there should be a hapj)y and lasting peace*.

That after Coll: Fletcher and your Petn'r being conmuuul^l
from Xew York to Engld the late Earl of Bellamonte next
succeeding Govr of that C^olony, having conceived some pre-
judice to them both, and designing to take to his own use and
])rofit several tracts of land whirh had been granted by Coll :
Fletcher to your Petitioner and others in order thereunto, pro-

f ,.*.!■ til''

Map of T<»\v.\, is; i.

The Town of Marlborough. 21

cured an Assembly to be chosen of Ignorant, necessitous and
profligate persons (most of them Dutch) who by his direction
passed an Act, Jntitled: an Act for di^stroying extravagant
grants made by ('oil : Fletcher, wliereby Your Petitioner was
stript of his lands and improvements, but the said act being
sent over for the confirmation of the late King William the
third, His Majesty upon a true representation of the ill j)rac-
tices used to obtain that act, refused to confinu it, l)ut not
rejecting it, the same continued in force till repealed by a
subsequent law.

That upon the arrival of the TiOrd Viscount C^'ornbury to
that Governmt the inhabitants of the ])rovince, thinking their
Titles precarious whilst such an Act remained in force, applyd
for redress to the first Assembly convened by His Lordp, who
l)y another Act, unanimously repealed the said Act jmssed
iluring the Earl of Bellamont's administration, wherei)y Your
Petitioner was restored to and enjoyed his lands, till Your
^lajesty sent a great numi)er of Palatines to Xew York, when
Your Majesty having not l>een truly informed, how those acts
were obtained, was prevailed on to confirm the Act of Assemi)ly
made during the Lord Bellamont's time, for destroying Coll:
Fletcher's Grants and to reJK't the said Act of KcjK^al passed
in the liord C'ornbury's time, and to grants Your Petitioner's
lands to those Palatines, by which means your Petitioner, who
has been in your Majesty's s(^a service, during your whole T?eign
and faithfully discharged his trust, is (le])rived of his property,
and of an Estate for which he had been offered ten thousand
I)Ounds sterling money in England, without Ix'ing heard in his
defence or having the least notice therwf, till at his last return
from the Straights, he was informed of it to his great surprise:

Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prays, that Your
Majesty will be graciously |)leased to restore him the said Tract
of Land (there being other unappropriated lands in Xew York
sufficient to receive the Palatines) or to give your Petitioner
an equivalent for it. And your Petitioner shall ever pray ettc.
Nov. 1, 1:11.

Evans never recovered these lands, and it became
the policy of the government thereafter to discontinue
granting such extensive tracts, Imt to issue smaller
patents to actual settlers, or to those who would
settle people upon them. The lands embraced in what
is now the Town of ^farlborough were granted by

22 History of Marlborough.

patent to John Barbarie, Griggs and Graham, William
Bond, Areliibald Kennedy, Lewis Morris, and Com-
pany, and George Harrison. Hugh Wentworth ap-
j)ears to liave had a patent on the line of this town^
and between that and a line from Paltz Point to Blue
Point. A description of the patents will be hereafter
given.

There was no civil organization of the lands now
embraced in the Town of Marlborough until after the
colony called the Palatines settled in 1709 where New-
burgh now is. In 1710 the Precinct of Highlands was
formed with limits undefined, by an order of the ('ourt
of Sessions of Ulster county.

The organization of the territory remained the
same until 1743 when by an Act of Assembly three
full precincts were formed, having all the oflScers of
towns and exercising all their duties. These precincts
so formed were Wallkill, Shawangunk, and High-
land precincts. Highland embracing what is now
Marllwrough, Plattekill, Newburgh and New Windsor.
It embraced the patents lying along the Hudson River
from Murderer's Creek, (Moodney Creek,) to the line
of New Paltz, and was more particularly described
in the Act of 1743 as ** bounded on the eastward by
Hudson's River, on the southward by Murderer's
Creek, on the westward by the east bounds of Cold-
en's, Johnson's, Van Dam's, and Barbarie 's jxatents^
and north by the south bounds of Paltz patent."

The precinct meetings were to l>e held ** at the
house of John Humphrey, Jr. (at Little Britain), on
the first Tuesday of April, annually," for the elec-
tion of precinct oflScers.

In 1743, by an Act of Assembly, for the ])etter clear-
ing and further laying public roads, Capt. Thomas
Ellson, Cai)t. Alexander Colden, and Mr. Zacharias
Hofman, Jr., were appointed commissioners. The
roads were to be four rods wide except through

The Town of Marlborough. 23

meadows and improved lands, each of the commis-
sioners to receive for compensation a sum not to ex-
ceed six shillings a day for each day as a reward for
his care and trouble.

The precinct of the Highlands continued in exist-
ence for more than fifty years and until 1762 (I am
unable to find any record of its proceedings or history*
during this time,) when it was divided into the precincts
of Newburgh and New Windsor by a line beginning
at the mouth of Quassaick Creek and running thence
along the south bounds of a tract of land commonly
called the German Patent to another tract granted to
Alexander Baird, and then along the southerly bounds
of the said last-mentioned tract to the Wallkill pre-
cinct; all the lands heretofore comprehended within
the said Highland precinct lying to the southward
of the aforesaid dividing line to be called by the
name of New Windsor precinct and all the lands
heretofore comprehended within the said Highland
precinct lying to the northward of the said line to be
called by the name of Newburgh precinct.

By an Act of Assembly in 1762, Capt. Jonathan
Hasbrouck, Lewis DuBois, and Samuel Fowler were
appointed Commissioners of Highways.

The Act of Assembly, passed December 11, 1762,
which divided the Highland precinct into the pre-
cincts of Newburgh and New Windsor, directed that
the first precinct meeting should be held at the house
of Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck. This house is the
present Washington Headquarters at Newburgh, and
the records of the persons chosen to the different offi-
ces, and the business transacted at the precinct meet-
ings is given for nine years up to 1772. These
are hereafter given in full for the reaspn that the
transactions apply to the territory which is now the
city and town of Newburgh in Orange county and
the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill in Ulster

24 History of Marlborough.

— all at the time being within the limits of Ulster,
and the relations of Plattekill and Marlborough have
always been closely intimate with Newburgh; in fact
they have always been dependent upon Newburgh as
a business center, and it is thought it might be inter-
esting to the people of the southern part of the
county, and also of Newburgh, to have the records
in their entirety. It is impossible to locate the resi-
dences of the different persons named; many of
them were residents of Marlborough and Plattekill,
and some of the roads laid out at the time are now
within the bounds of Marlborough and Plattekill, and
the population of what is now Marlborough and
Plattekill was about the same as what is now
New^burgli.

In 1772 by an Act of. Assembly the Newburgh pre-
cinct was divided by a line running along the north
bounds of the Harrison, Bradley, Wallace, Kip and
Cruger, and Jamison Patents to the precinct of
Shawangunk, ** all the lands lying to the northward
of said line to be called and known by the name of
New Marlborough Precinct, and all the land south of
said line to continue to be called Newburgh Preciiart."
This Act of 1772 provided that the first precinct meet-
ing should be held on **Ai)ril ye 7th, 1772, at the
house of Henry I>eyo in Lattintown." A full set of
precinct or town officers, except commissioners, were
chosen and other business transacted, and it is (luite
plain to distinguish whether the i)ersons named re-
sided in what is now the Marlborough or Plattekill
part. The proceedings of that meeting are herein-
after given. By Act of Assembly, 1772, Samuel Cry-
penter, Lewis DuBois, Caleb Merritt, Joseph ^lorey
and Richard Woolsey were appointed Commissioners
of Highways for the i)recinct.

The precinct of New Marlborough became a town
and took the name of the town of New Marlborough

The Town of Marlborough. 25

in 1788. In the year 1800 what is now the town of
Plattekill was set off and Marlborough was left as it
is to-day. When the law of 1813 was enacted, divid-
ing the county into towns, the boundaries of Marl-
borough were stated as follows : * * That part of the
county of Ulster .bounded easterly by the middle of
Hudson's River, southerly by Orange county, west-
erly by a lii\e beginning on the line of the said county
of Orange, two chains and seventy-five links east of
the north corner of a tract of land called the five
patentees; from thence on a straight line northward
to the most easterly bounds of Robert Teft's land
where it joins the town of New Paltz, and northerly
by a tract of land granted to Louis DuBois and his
partners, called the New Paltz Patent, shall be and
continue a town by the name of Marlborough." The
area of the town is 14,300 acres, and the population in
1900 was 4,000.

What is known as the Evans tract, mentioned else-
where, formerly embraced the whole territory of this
town and much more. This was an immense tract
embracing many thousand acres, and granted by the
then Governor to Capt. John Evans.

There was a controversy during 1691, 1692 and
1693, as to the propriety of making a grant so large.
On the accession of the Earl of Bellomont to the
governorship, he and the assembly annulled the trans-
action, but the act was not approved by William III;
it was suffered to remain as the law, but the grant
was annulled in May, 1699, and the land reverted to
the crown.

CHAPTER II.
Patents and Land Grants.

The original subdivisions of the town were made in
early times by large land grants or patents conveyed
by the Province of New York in the name of the King
or ruler of Great Britain for the time being. Most
were made to favorites for nominal considerations and
only one, Captain William Bond, settled upon the
lands so granted.

The first patent was granted to John Barbarie in
1709, as follows :

Arme by the Grace of God, of Great Britten, France and Ire-
land, Queene Defender of Faith, by tlie Governor of tlie
Province to John Barbarie. Paying therefore yearly and ever>'
year from thence forth at our Custom House in the City of
Xew York to our colk^ctor or receiver general, then for ye time
being at or upon ye Fi>rst day of St. Michael, the Archangel,
(commonly called Michalmas Day), the rent or sum of two
shillings and six pence for every 100 acres of land and within
the space of three years, clear and make improvements of three
acres of land at the least for every 50 acres, and if not done to
revert back.

Beginning on the west side of Hudson River at the south
bounds of ye Paltz Patent and runs along Hudson's River on , ^*"^

a straight line southerly 100 chains and then into ye woods ' ' .

North 61 degrees West 182 chains and thence in ye rear North
22 degrees East 120 chains to the limits of ye Paltz and soe
by the said limits South 55 degrees East 184 chains to Hudson's
River where it first began ; containing 2000 acres.

It will be seen that this had a river front of a raile
and a quarter, extending from the town line on the
north to about where the brook empties into the river
south of the Handley dock. Mostly all of Milton is on
this tract.

The next patent was the Bond Patent, 1710, wliich
patent I give in full to show the conditions of these

[27]

r«2

28 History of Marlborough.

grants. They are all substantially the same and are
quite a curiosity at this day :

Anne, by tlie grace of God, quene of Great Britain, France
and Ireland, defender of the faitli &c., to all whom these
presents shall come, or may in any wise concern, greeting:

Whereas, our loving subject, William Bond, by his humble
petition presented to our trusty and well beloved Robert Hunter,
Esquir, Captain (lenerall and Governour-in-chief of our provinc
of New York and territory depending thereon in America, and
Vic Admirall of the same in Council hath prayed our Grant and
confirmation of a certain tract of Land in the County of Ulster,
being part of the Land formerly granted to Captain John
Evans, now vacated and reserved:

Beginning on the West side of Hudson's river, in the line of
51 ^^ the Soutli bounds of the land of Mr. eTohn Barbaric, it runs
' ,/^ with the said Line up into the woods North sixty-one degrees.

West one hundred and seventy chains, thence South three
degrees. East fifty-one chains, thence South sixty-one degrees^
East one hundred and fifty chains to Hudson's river ; thence up
the river Runs to the place where it first l)egun, containing in the
whole six hundred acres English measure, being bounded North-
ward by the said land of the said John Barbaric, Westward by
land not yet surveyed. Southward by land not yet surveyeil, and
Eastward by Hudson's river aforesaid, the which Petition we
being willing to grant

KNOW YE that of our especiall grace certain knowledge and
nicer motion we have given, granted, ratified and confirmed
and by these presents do for us, our heirs and successors give,
grant, ratify and confirm unto the said William Bond, all that
the said grant of land and premises above mentioned and de-
scribed with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto
belonging within the limits and bounds aforesaid, together with
all and singular Woods, Underwoods, Trees, Timl)er, f(»eding
Pastures, meadow marshes, swamps. Ponds, Pools, Water,
Water courses. Rivers, Rivulets, inert or in action. Runs and
streams of water, fishing, fowling, hawking, hunting, mines and
mineralls, standing, growing, lying and l>eing to be used had
and Enjoyed within ye Limits and Bounds aforesaid, and all
other profits, benefits, ])rivileges, libertys and advantages,
hereditaments and ap[)urtenances whatswver, unto the said tract
of Land and Premises and any part and parcel thereof belonging

Patents and Land Grants. 29

or in any wise appertaining, and all our estate, right, title, inter-
est, benefit and advantage, elaim and demand whatsoever, of, in,
or to the said tract of land and premises with the hereditaments
and appurtenances aforesaid and every part and parcel thereof,
and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders,
together with the yearly and other rents and profits of the same
tract of land and premises and of every part and parcel thereof
except always and reserved out of this Our present grant and
Our heirs and successors all such firr trees and pine trees of the
diameter of twenty-four inches at twelve inches from the ground
or root as now are or shall be fit to make masts for Our royall
navy, and also all such other trees as are or shall be fitt to make
masts, planks or knees for the use of our navy aforesaid only
which are now standing, growing and lying, and which hereafter
shall stand, grow and be on and upon the said tract of land and
premises or any part and parcel thereof with free liberty and
license* for any j)erson or persons whatsoever (by us Our
heirs and successors thereunto, to l)e appointed under our sign
manual), with workmen, horst^, wages, carts and carriages, or
without to enter and coinc into and ii])on the same tract of land
and premises or any part thereof, hereby granted them, to fell,
cut down, root up, hew, saw, rue, have, taJce, cart and carry away
the same for the use aforesaid (and also except all gold and
silver mines), to have and to hold all that, the said certain tract
of land and premises with its hereditaments and appurtenances
hereby granted as aforesaid (except as before except<^Kl only)
unto the said William Bond, his heirs and assigns forever to
the sole and only proper use, benefit and behoof of the said
William Bond, his heirs and assigns forever.

To he h olden of us our heirs and subjects in fee and common
soccage as of our manors of East Grt^enwich in the County of
Kent, within our realm of Great Britain, Yielding, Rendering
and Paying therefor yearly and every year unto our heirs and
successors from henceforth forever at our custom house in New
York to our, or their collector or receiver (stationed) there
for the time being at, or upon the feast day of Saint Michael
the Arehangle (commonly called Michalmas day), the yearly rent
and sum of two shillings and six pence current money of our
province of New York for every one hundred acres of land of
the before mentioned tract of land of six hundred acres here-
inbefore granted and confirmed in lieu and slead of all other

30 History of Marlborough.

rents, dues, duties, services and demands whatsoever. Provided
always and these presents are upon this condition, that the
said William Bond, his heirs and assigns, some or one of them
shall and do within the space of three years now, next ensuing-
the date hereof settle there and make improvements of three
acres of land at the least for every fifty acres of the said tract
of land of six hundred acres hereinbefore granted, and in de-
fault thereof the said Wan. Bond, his heirs or assigns, or any of
them or any other person or persons, by his or their consent,
order or procurement shall set on fire or cause to be set on fire
and bum the woods on the said tract of land hereinbefore
granted or on a part or parcel thereof to sear the same, that
then, and in either of these cases this our present grant and
every clause and article hereiji contained shall cease, determine
and utterly void anything herein contained to the contrary
thereof in any wise notwithstanding. And we do and hereby
will and grant that these our letters patent or the record therof
in our Secretaries office of our said province, shall be good and
eflfectival in the law to all intents and purposes notwithstanding-
the not true and will reciting and mentioning of the premises
or any part thereof, the limits and bounds thereof of any former
or other Letters Patent or Grants whatsoever made or granted
of the same six hundred acres of land and premises or of any
part thereof being, or any of our progenitors unto any Person
or Persons whatsoever. Body Politic or Corporate or any law or
other restraint, uncertainty or imperfection whatsoever to the
contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

In Testimony whereof we have caused the great seal of our
said Province to be hereunto affixed and these presents to be
recorded in our said secretaries office. Witness, our trusty
and well beloved Robert Hunter, Esquire, Captain General and
Governor-in-Chief of our said province of Xew York and prov-
ince of New Jersey and the territories depending on them in
America, and Vice Admiral of the same in council at our fort
in New York this twelfth day of June, in the eleventh year of
our reign. T^- ^-^

To this interesting old document is apijended Queen
Anne's seal, a tremendous affair of wax, three and
one-half inches in diameter. A similar seal is attached
to all these patents.

Patents and Land Grants. 31

The deed of the Bond Patent is in the hands of the
HalIo(^k family at Milton, and they still own some of
the land.

■ The next is the Griggs & Graham Patent granted in
1712:

Beginning at the North side of the Soutli branch of the Old
Man's Kill at a certain point of land between the said branches,
and runs along Hudson's River in a direct line 102 chains,
thence into the woods West 115 Chains to the German's land
laid out there, thence South 34 degrees West 120 chains and
thence East 14»8 chains, bounded North and South by land not
laid out, East by Hudson's River and West by the German's
and land not laid out; containing 1200 acres.

The next patent was to Lewis Morris and others
in 1714:

Beginning at the north-west comer of the land of Alexander
Griggs & Co. and then running as the river line of the said
land of said Alexander Griggs £ Co. runs, South 54 degrixjs,
West 120 chains to the southermost comer of the said land of
said Griggs & Co., thence South 75 chains to the north bounds
of the land of Francis Harrison, Esq. & Co. runs west into the
woods 160 chains to the foot of the Blew Mountains, then as
the said mountain runs travers protracted north northeast 450
chains to a black oak marked with three notches and a cross in
all four sides, thence south 61 degrees, east 55 chains to the
northwest comer of the land of William Bond, thence as the
river line of said land of William Bond runs south 3 degrees, east
61 chains to the southwest comer of the said land of William
Bond and thence south 156 chains to the place were it first
began, containing 3600 acres with allowances for l)roken barren
land and highways.

It will be seen that the western line of the patent is
so uncertain that I cannot tell where it is but it does
not include the western part of the town as far north
as it goes. This patent was known and always went
by the name of the seven patentees, as the jxatent was
granted to seven persons: Lewis Morris, Augustin

*^0(Ai

32 History of Marlborough.

Graham, Lymon Clarke, Henry Wileman, William
Bond, Henr>' Bainer and Alexander Griggs.

The next is the Archibald Kennedy Patent for two
tracts of land lying on the river, granted in 1715:

Ist, Beginning at the southeast corner of the land of Alex-
ander Griggs & Co. and runs west 150 chains, thence south 110
^' chains to the land of Francis Harrison, Esq., and Co., then east
170 chains to Hudson's river, thence as the river runs to the

7 » •: place where it first began ; containing 1200 acres.

f. . 5 V \ 2nd, The other certain parcel l)eginning at the northeast

corner of the land of said Alexander Griggs & Co. and run-
ning west 72 cliains, thence north 135 chains to the line of
William Bond's land, thence south 61 degrees, easterly 102
chains to the river and thence as the river runs to the place
where it began; containing 800 acres, which with the other
parcel aforesaid completes 2000 acres.

This first lot of 1,200 acres is the southernmost
patent in the town and marks the town's southern
boundary. It adjoins the Francis Harrison Patent,

The next is the George Harrison Patent, granted
in 1750:

George the second, l)v the Grace of God, of Great Britten,
France and Ireland, King and Defender of the Faith. * * *

To all to whom these presents shall come greeting:

Wliereas our ])eloved subject, George Harrison, did by his
humble petition presented to our trusty and well beloved George
Clinton, Captain General, Governor in Chief of our Province
of New York and Territories, thereupon depending in America,
Yice-admiral of the same and Admiral of the white squadron
of our fleet. * * *

Granted by patent 2000 acres to George Harrison in three
tracts: The first of which tracts beginning at the southwest
corner of a certain tract of land containing 800 acres granted
to Archibald Kennedy, Esq. and in the line of the north bounds
of a certain tract of land granted to Augustus Graham and
Alex. Griggs, runs from the said southwest corner along the
west bounds of tlie said land granted to Archil)ald Kennedy,
Nortli 174 chains to the South bounds of a certain tract of land
granted to William Bond, thence along his said south bounds
North 61 degrees, West 46 chains to the Southwest comer of

Patents and Land Grants. 33

William Bond's lands aforesaid, thence along the line of the
East bounds of a certain tract granted to Lewis Morris and
others, south 196 chains to the northwest corner of land granted r '''^
to Augustus Graham and Alexander Griggs aforesaid and then
along the line of their north bounds East 40 chains to the place
where this tract first began ; containing 705 acres and the usual
allowances for highways.

The second lot: This tract beginning at the southwest cor-
ner of the lands granted to John Barbaric and runs thence
along his west bounds and to a straight line which runs from
the point in the High Hills on the west side of the Paltz River
now commonly called and known by the name of the Paltz
point to a point on the west side of Hudson River commonly
called and known by the name of Jeffrow's hook or point.
North 22 degrees, East 176 chains and 30 links, then along the
aforesaid line from the said Paltz point to the said Jeffnjw's
point or hook. North 56 degrees, West 55 chains, thence South
21 degrees, West 181 chains, thence South 61 degrees, East 51
chains to the place where this tract first began; containing 900
acres and the usual allowances for highways. * ♦ *

This lot is partly in Marlborough and partly in
Lloyd. The third lot is entirely in Plattekill.

In January, 1793, Gerard Banker, then State Treas-
urer, conveyed to Daniel Graham 1841 acres of land.
This tract commenced ** at the southwest comer of
the lands granted to Morris and others known as the
seven patentees, tbenee running along the west
bounds of said Morris tract 411 chains." ♦ ♦ ♦
Some of this land lies in what is now the Town of
Marlborough, but most of it is in the Town of Platte-
kill. It will be seen that it joins the west line of the
seven patentees and it is hard to determine just where
this line is.

The first patent along the river on the north was
the Barbarie patent, next the Bond, and the next
Kennedy, next Grigg & Graham, and the next
Kennedy.

These large tracts were afterward divided and sold
to actual settlers. Some of the subdivisions are

34 History of Mablborough.

herewith given. A patent was conveyed to Solomon
Simson and by Solomon Simson and others to Samuel
Fowler, John Young, Alex'r Young, Edward Hal-
lock (grandfather of the late Nathaniel Hallock), and
Levi Quimby, jointly; this was in what is now
Plattekill.

The south course of the Bond Patent is cut on the
rock on the south side of the highway leading to
Lattintown in front of the C. S. Northrip house and
can be readily seen by any person on passing along
the road.

Leonard Smith settled in the north part of the town
about 1762 and died there a few years thereafter.
He purchased the north part of the Barberie Patent,
being 1,000 acres; this adjoined the Samuel Hallock
tract on the north, both together containing 2,000
acres and being the lands embraced in the original
Barberie Patent. Upon the death of Mr. Smith, his
sons became the owners of the tract; and his sons,
Anning, ^tohn M., and Leonard, conveyed a part of
the same to their brother, Luff, and is described as a
part of the lands granted by letters patent to John
Barberie, March 24, 1709, being a certain part of the
northern moiety of said patent. It is supposed that
this tract of 1,000 acres was divided between the
children of Leonard Smith, but I only find the deed to
his son Luff. Some of these lands are still in the
Smith family.

This tract was the northern part of what is now
the Town of Marlborough and was bounded on the
south by the Samuel Hallock part of said patent, east
by the Hudson river, north by the line of the Paltz
Patent, now Lloyd line, and west by the mountain;
the farm of the late Lewis Smith was a part of
this tract. It contained the site of the old Smith
trills and docks of ancient times, the ancient burial
ground of the Indians and the cornfields, and the old

X h\^ G-A/^.^/p/NL'G'^Tf. '.. - ^st /v/," .*I".* //yi^F fr

Patents and Land Grants. 35

Smith graveyard, where many of the first settlers of
that part are buried.

The southern portion of the Barbarie Patent deeded
by Abner Brush, by Thomas Golden, sheriff, to
Samuel Hallock, dated 1776, consideration £2,111, con-
veys lands:

Being part share and proportion of a certain tract of land
situate upon Hudson's Biver in the County of Ulster, which
fell. to the share of a certain Richard Albertson in his life time
upon the division and partition of a certain tract of land pur-
chased in 1751 by said Richard Albertson and one Hugh Went-
worth in their life time^ of Mrs. Elizabeth Barberie, containing
about 2000 acres of land and the usual allowance for high^vays.
One share and proportion of said tract that fell upon the divi-
sion and partition thereof unto the said Richard Albertson,
is the part of the said tract of land lying and being on the
south side of a line, beginning on the west side of Hudson's
River at a heap of stones erected by mutial consent and agree-
ment of the said Albertson and Wentworth, a little to the
northward of Nicolls landing having a small arberbite sapling
near it and to run from said heap of stones to a heap of stones
in the rear line of the above named tract, also one half part
of 40 acres on the north side of the said partition line which
was reserved for the use of a saw mill to be erected thereon
jointly between the sd Albertson and Wentworth.

The deed is witnessed by John Bennitt and George
Clinton, afterward Governor Clinton.

The above tract was the land granted by patent to
John Barbarie of 2,000 acres. Upon his death it
appears to have become the property of his wife,
Elizabeth Barbarie, and she sold to Richard Albert-
son and Hugh Wentworth. It was then divided be-
tween them by a line running from the river west
through the middle of the tract to the middle of the
rear line. Albertson had the south part. He con-
veyed to Brush, and Brush to Hallock, 1,000 acres.
This land laid along the north side of the Bond
Patent, and was granted to Barbarie about 1710 by
letters patent from the King. Brush built and resided

15'

36 History of Marlbokough.

in the house where Charles W. Carpenter recently
died. Nicolls' landing was afterward called Brush's
dock or landing. It was at what is now called Sand's
dock. It was a very ancient landing, and sloops and
vessels sailed from there to New York City and car-
ried wood and produce for many years. There was
also a ferry run by Samuel Hallock.

Samuel Hallock by executrix, Sarah Hallock, widow
and relict, conveyed to Benjamin Sands and others:
Deed dated May 1, 1786; consideration £2,000. Fol-
lowing is the description:

Southerly moiety or 1-2 part of the patent granted to John
Barbaric commencing at Hudson River at north-east corner of
Bond Patent of 600 acres, and runs west along the north line
of said Bond Patent and bounded on the north by the other
half of the Barbaric Patent owned by Anning Smith and others,
and also the undivided one-half interest in the 40 acres on the
north of the line to Im? used for a saw mill &c jointly.

Benjamin Sands and others sold to Isaac Hill by-
deed dated June 28, 1799, conveying the Milton dock
property :

Beginning at rock marked "J H" to Sutton's line or north
bounds of Bond's patent, along said patent line to road leading
from Sutton's saw mill to the river, 1 acre, 2 rods, 14 perches,
dwelling house, store house and wharf.

Isaac Hill sold to William Soper; the deed dated
April 18, 1809, conveyed the above piece of land and
dock, and reserves 22 feet by 12 feet for a burial
ground, as the same was formerly fenced by Isaac
Hill to whose benefit and to his heirs the above
reservation is made, but they are to keep the fence in
repair at their own expense.

Soper conveyed to Absalom Barrett, May 2, 1836.
Barrett to David Sands and Josiah Lockwood, March
1, 1845. Sands and James Sherman and George G.
Reynolds, assignees of Lockwood, to Sherburne Sears,
April 13, 1847. Sears to Jacob Handley, April 1,

Patents and Land Grants. 37

1850; and Handley by his last will and testament de-
vised the property to Theophelia G. Townsend, and she
conveyed the same to her son, William H. Townsend,
August, 1907.

Benjamin Sands built the dock soon after he ob-
tained the deed from Sarah Hallock. It was at that
time very small and has been enlarged from time to
time and has been in constant use. It is a favorite
landing place for all kinds of vessels.

William Bond conveyed his lands to his daughter,
Susanna Bond, and she conveyed to William Weynant,
A.D. 1752, viz. :

In consideration of natural affection and love which she
bears unto her nephew William Weynant also for and in con-
sideration of 5 pounds, all that full 100 acres being a part and
parcel of the above described tract of 600 acres to be taken and
allowed by him the said William Weynant in any part of the
said 690 acres in regular shape or form, either square or oblong
as it shall suit him in time or form.
Delivered in the presence of
Thomas Knollton
David Randal

Acknowledged and proven before

Cadwallader Colden,

One of His Majesty's Council for

the Province of New York.

Susanna Bond also conveyed a tract of land to
Jurian Mackey out of the said patent of 600 acres as
follows:

Xear Dam's Commer being a part of the patent of Capt.
William Bond the west side of Hudson's River joining north
by Barbaree, east by Hudson's Kiver, south by Woolsey, west-
erly by Cornel Moresses patent, that is to say, one-half on the
north side excluding 100 acres belonging to said Mackey and
a piece belonging to Capt. Daniel Gardner * * * and my
two negro men, wench and child, one called or known by the
name of Shadwel, the other by the name of Orendatu Orendetes,
the girl by the name of Saterea Orendetes, and her child

38^ History of Marlborough.

Thomas, and all my horses and cattle with all my moveable
things.

Proven and acknowledged before Levi Pawling, one of the
judges of the Court of Common Pleas.

It would appear from this deed that Susanna Bond
parted with her slaves at this time, 1754.

She also conveyed a tract of land out of the Bond
Patent in 1763 to James Hunter. In this conveyance
she is designated as spinster, and conveys to James
Hunter, a free mulatto, yeoman, all the Bond patent
of 600 acres.

Excepting and always reserving out of the limits and bounds
aforesaid 100 acres of land formerly conveyed by the said
Susanna Bond to William Weygant, his heirs &c, also 100
acres conveyed by her to Jurian Mackey, his heirs &c and also
all that part of said tract which the said Susanna Bond for-
merly conveyed to Jesse Hallock, his heirs &c * * *

It appears from this conveyance that she at this
time parted with the balance of the Bond Patent and
she must have died soon after, as I find that she is
dead in 1765. She lived to a good old age, as she and
her father settled on the patent at Milton in 1712, and
the tradition is that she was a woman at that time
and kept house for her father and superintended the
work of their slaves when her father was absent.
She was never married and she and her father died
upon the lands and were buried there.

I find that William Bond conveyed all of the Bond
Patent to his daughter in October, 1739, and she after-
ward made the conveyances which are above given.
He also conveyed to her his other lands.

It seems that James Hunter in 1765 conveyed his
land to John Belfield. Belfield, by sheriff, conveyed
to Jacob GriflBn, 1771. William Bond died about 1740
and his daughter lived alone upon the lands until the
time of her death except, it is supposed, that her

Patents and Land Grants. 39

nephew, William Weynant, lived with her, as she
afterward gave him a deed of a part of the land.

The two negro men and the wench that she sold to
Jurian Mackey at the time she conveyed the 100 acres
of land to him, were slaves that were brought from
Africa and purchased by William Bond, and they
retained their original African names. It is shown
they had more slaves at different times; several had
died and some were sold before this; and after the
sale to Mackey it is quite likely she retained some
to take care of her, though no mention is made of any
slaves in her conveyance to James Hunter. He is
spoken of as a free mulatto. It is most likely that
he had been one of her slaves and that she had pre-
viously set him free or he had purchased his freedom,
and she conveyed to him the balance of the Bond
Patent after excepting the parts that she had sold;
he retained the lands for a few years, and I find men-
tion of him again twice.

The Jesse Hallock to whom she had deeded some
of the land must have l>een a non-resident, as I find
no mention of him afterward, and none of his name
have ever heard that such a person existed. He most
likely conveyed his land to Edward Hallock.

Susanna Bond had a sister Jane who married Jurey
Wygant In December, 1762, she conveyed to this
sister a tract of land in the town of Plattekill which
had belonged to William Bond & Co. under an other
grant. In October, 1764, Jane Wygant and Jurey,
her husband, conveyed the same lands to their sou,
Michael Wygant. I speak of this to show that Su-
sanna did have a sister. The tradition about it has
always been that Susanna was the only child of
William Bond. Certainly everything that William
Bond had, he gave to her, and Susanna conveyed some
of her property to her nephew, William Wygant, and
some to her sister Jane Wygant. These people all re-

40 History of Marlborough.

sided here, and these Wygants were among the first
in tlie town. William Wygant selected his 100 acres
out of the southeast part of the Bond Patent. Wygant
conveyed to Elijah Lewis and Lewis to William Eley
in 1780. This is the land now owned by Silverman,
Fisk, Hyde, Sturgeon and others. It is supposed that
William Wygant built the Sturgeon house.

Kennedy sold his 800-acre tract to Jacob Gomez;

and Daniel and Abram, children of Jacob Gomez, sold

• ^ the tract to Richard Woolsey. In May, 1754. Richard

Woolsey sold a part of this tract to Richard Harcourt.

This is described as follows:

All that certain piece of land situate on the west side of

Hudson's River in the Precinct of Highlands in Ulster County,

^j^ Province of New York, beginning at Hudson's River at a pitch

19 ■" .^ pine sapling marked on four sides with stones around it ; from

* y*" thence north 73 degrees west 79 chains to a stake with stones

« ?j c round it, from thence south one degree, east 3() chains to a stake

with stones around it, from thence south 73 degrees east 71

chains and 50 links to Hudson's River to a white pine bush

marked on four sides with a heap of stones round it, from

thence along the river to the place where it iDCgins. 256 acres,

bounded North, West and South by otlier lands of Richard

Woolsey, East by Hudson's River.

In 1770, Richard Woolsey conveyed to Thomas
Knowlton 211 acres of this tract. It is described as
being in the precinct of Newburgh, the northern part
of the Highland precinct having by this time been
formed into a separate district called Newburgh Pre-
cinct. This tract is described as being on the north of
Harcourt 's land and extending along the river and as
far back as Harcourt 's line. In 1760, Richard Wool-
sey conveyed another part of this tract to his son,
Benjamin; afterward a part to his son, John; and
John conveyed 203 acres to his son, Henry.

Richard Woolsey sold 155 acres, on the south side
of what he sold to Harcourt, to Edward Hallock, and

Patents and Land Grants. 41

Edward Hallock sold to John Youngs, June, 1776. In
the ancient deed it is described as follows :

All that certain parcel of land situate on the west side of
Hudson's river, bounded as follows: Beginning at Richard
Harcourt's southeast comer of his farm at Hudson's river,
thence running along his line north 73° West 75 ch. & 50 links
to a stake and stones and in Benj. Woolsey's corner, thence
running along his line S 1° and 50" E 40 ch. & 95 links to
another heap of stones and in John Woolsey's corner, thence
along his line * * * to a chestnut oak tree, marked on
three sides with three notches and a blaze, standing on the bank
of Hudson's river, thence northerly along the said river to the
place of beginning; containing 155 acres.

It appears from the amount sold out of this patent
that there were over 1,000 acres including barren
lands.

James Graham of the city of New York, the eldest
son and heir-at-law of Augustine Graham, deceased,
conveyed to Zachariah Hoffman all that one-half part
of the Griggs & Graham Patent of 1,200 acres. Prior
to this time Alexander Griggs conveyed his one-half
part to Jurey Quick and Jurey Quick in 1727 leased
his part of the tract to Zachariah Hoffman, and in the
lease it is spoken of as follows:

Beginning at a certain point of land between the two branches
of the stream, in consideration of the sum of 5 shillings to him
in hand paid by the said Zachariah Hoffman:

All that certain one-half or equal moiety, being part of the
lands granted to Capt. John p]vans and now resumed. * * *
Beginning at the north side of the south branch of the Old
Man's Kill 102 chains along the river west into the woods 115
chains, south 120 chains, east 148 chains to place of beginning,
containing 1200 acres be the same more or less.

Leased for the term of one whole year from then next ensu-
ing, yielding and paying therefor to tlie said Jury Quick the
rent one pepper corn only at the feast of the annunciation of
the blessed Virgin, Mary, if the same shall lawfully be de-
manded.

42 History of Marlborough.

It appeared to liave been the custom at that time to
lease the lands before executing a mortgage or deed
upon them, and the next day after this lease Quick
executed a mortgage to Hoifman in consideration of
70 pounds upon these same lands, and in 1741 Quick
and his son, Thomas Quick, sold these lands to Hoff-
man for 80 pounds, so it will be observed that Hoff-
man became the owner of the 1,200 acres without pay-
ing much money. Hoffman afterward died and his
two daughters, Geartrj^ DuBois, and Ida Hoffman,
became the owners of the entire patent, and Geartry
DuBois conveyed her part to Ijewis DuBois by deed
as follows:

To all People to whom these Presents come or may in any-
wise concern.

Geartry Dubois, widow of Nathaniel Dubois, Late of the
County of Orange and Province of New York, Deceased sendeth
greeting. Know^ ye that whereas Jachariah Hoffman, Late of
Schawangunk in Ulster County and province aforesaid, De-
ceased; By his last Will and Testament in writing Bearing
Date the twenty-fifth Day of February in the year 1743 & 4
among other things therein contained Did Give, Devise and
Bequeath all that Certain Tract of Land Containing Twelve
hundred acres formerly Granted By Patent to Augustine Gra-
ham & Alexander Griggs Situate lying and l)eing upon Hudson
River, County of Ulster, province of New York, and then
in the Tenure of Jury Quick with the Heriditants and Appur-
tenances thereunto belonging unto his two Daughters, Namely
the said Geartry Dubois and his Daughter Ida and to their
heirs and assigns forever to be equally Divided Between them
as by the said Will and Testament being had may more fully
and at Large appear.

And whereof the said Geartry Dubois being Possessed of the
full equal half Part of the said Tract of Land above Mentioned
in her o^»ti Right at the time of her marriage with the said
Nathaniel Dubois for and in consideration of the Love and
Affection which she hath and doth bear towards Lewis Dubois,
her son-in-law and for Divers other Good Causes and Valuable
Considerations her thereunto moving Hath Remised, Released
and forever Quit-claimed * * * unto said Lewis Dubois
* * * All the Estate, Right, Title * * * in and to all

Patents and Land Grants. 43

that the Equal half Part of the said twelve hundred acres
Tract above mentioned * * * which said half Part of
said Tract the said Lewis Dubois is now in the Possession
thereof.

Dated June 11, 1763.

Acknowledged October 21, 1704.

Before Charles Clinton, Esq. one of the Judges of the Court
of Common Pleas.

Ida, the daughter of Hoffman, married Cornelius
Bruyn, and in 1746 she conveyed her undivided one-
half part of the patent to Nathaniel BuBois and tliis
descended to his son, Lewis DuBois, so that he was the
owner of and in possession of the lands in' question
some time before he received the deed from his step-
mother or mother-in-law as above stated. When he
received her deed he was the owner of all oi it. I find
no mention of Quick afterward. Quick had been in the
possession of these lands for a long while; he was as-
sessed for the same and paid taxes on them under
the assessment roll of 1724, 1725 and 1726 and other
years. There has always been a tradition in the town,
and the Quick family have always claimed and con-
tended, that Jurey Quick, their ancestor, owned all
this tract of land, or the undivided one-half interest
in it, and that he was turned out of it with very little
consideration.

Lewis DuBois was in possession of these lands at
the time he got liis deed in 1763 from his stepmother,
and the presumption is that he had been there several
years and was living there under title from his
father; for at the time he was interested in various
projects and had agreed to give to the Marlborough
Society two acres of land. The subscription list for
the church states, ** Providing that Ijewis DuBois
does give two acres of land. "

On April 8th of the next year, he did execute a deed
for the land to John Woolsey and Stephen Case, first
trustees. He was the largest subscriber, giving fifteen

44 History of Marlborough.

pounds on the first and eight pounds on the last sub-
scription, so he must have been a man of means, and
doing business at this time.

He had previously, but the year cannot be ascer-
tained, erected a large house, substantially the same
as the house now stands, which is owned by John
Rusk. It was all forest at the time and the trees were
cut down and hewn into timber right where the house
stands. It was one of the first frame houses in the
country, and from its size and general appearance,
and so unusual for those times, that it made quite a
sensation and people came long distances to see it.
Jurey or Jurian Quick as he was sometimes called, ap-
pears to have been in possession of these lands for
many years. He was evidently placed in possession
by Graham & Griggs, the original patentees, as it was
necessary in order to hold the patent that there should
be some actual settler upon it, and a certain number of
acres should be cleared every year. He also paid the
taxes, and continued in possession after Zachariah
Hoifman became the owner, and after his death, and
while his daughters were the owners.

Judging from the deed, Lewis DuBois' first wife
was his own cousin. He, DuBois was born in 1728
and died in 1802. Among other children he left one,
Lewis DuBois who died in 1854. He was the father of
twelve children, among others Nathaniel H., who
was born at Marlborough in 1815, and died in the
past year. He was the grandson of the old Colonel.
He spent his whole life at Marlborough, and was a
man of good business qualities, and always identi-
fied with the interests of the town. His mind and
memory were always strong, and they were as clear
as ever up to the time of his death. Every one in the
southern portion of Ulster county was well acquainted
with Nathaniel DuBois. He was generous, kind and

Patents and Land Grants. 45

respected by all. One of his last acts was to place a
clock in the tower of the Presbyterian church.

It would appear from the will of Lewis DuBois that
this tract of land, the Graham & Griggs patent, said to
be 1,200 acres (lands were cheap in those times and
they gave good measure) actually contained 1,486
acres by a survey made by DuBois in 1780. He says
in his will :

Also I give, devise and bequeath unto my son Lewis all that
part of the tract of land whereon T now dwell, granted by
letters patent bearing date the fifth day of June Anno Domini
1712 unto Augustine Graham and Alexander Griggs which
part of the said tract hereby devised to my son, Lewis: Begins
at a walnut tree formerly marked with three notches on four
sides, for the northwest comer of said tract where two stone
fences meet, thence along the westerly bounds thereof as the
magnetic needle pointed in the year 1786 * * * to a cer-
tain point of land at the north side of the south branch of
the Old Plan's Kill, being the place of beginning mentioned
in the said letters patent * * * containing eight hundred
and twenty-four acres be the same within the bounds more or
less * * * Also I give and bequeath unto my son, Wilhel-
mus, all the southerly part of the said tract being bounded as
follows : to wit : Beginning at the south side of the Old Man's
Kill aforesaid, at a certain point of land between the said
branches, being the place of beginning mentioned in the afore-
said letters patent and runs from thence along the south
bounds of the said tract as the needle pointed Anno Domini
178G. * * * Containing six hundred and sixty-two acres
be the same within the bounds aforesaid more or less.

I find a field book and map of partition made of a
tract of land situate in the Town of Marlborough,
County of Ulster, the property of the children 6f
Wilhelmus DuBois, deceased, in May 1810: 612 acres
including a lot containing Va> acres, known as the
Meeting-house lot, and is designated on the map
as Lot A, and also another lot containing IV2 acres
distinguished on said map as the Reservation lot,

46 History of Marlborough.

to L. DuBois, which said lots are excepted and
reserved out of said lands intended to be divided.
The commissioners were Isaac LeFevre, Nehemiah
L. Smith and John Wood, the last two of this town
and were sworn before William Soper, one of the
judges of the Court of Common Pleas. The commis-
sioners divided the lands in two allotments, the west-
'ern and eastern allotments; the western into 4 lots.

I6t lot, John W. Wygant 145 acres

2nd " John Dubois 143 9/10 "

3rd " Cornelius Dubois 143 4/10 "

4th '' Nathaniel Dubois 148 4/10 "

The eastern allotment were village and town lots
and water lots.'

1st, alloted to Xathaniel Dubois, water lot Xo. 1, 3 9/10
acres.

And village lots 1, 2 and 3, each containing one acre and
extending along Main street as said village or town lots were
laid out in 1764.

2nd, allotcd to John Dubois, water lot Xo. 2 containing
3 7/10 acres.

And village lots 6, 7 and 8 extending along ilain street,
each lot containing one acre as the same were butted and
bounded in the year 1764 when the same were laid out.

3rd, alloted to Cornelius Dubois, water lot Xo. 3 containing

3 7/10 acres.

And Lot B of village and town lots on Main street contain-
ing one acre, also lots 4 and 5 of said village along Main street,
each one acre, as same were laid out in 1764.

4th allotted to John W. Wygant, water lot Xo. 4 containing

4 3/10 acres.

Also C and D of village lots, C lot containing 1 2/10 acres
along Main street. D Lot containing one acre along Main
street.

I see that by this map and survey there was a stone
marked '* M.B.Y. 1764 ", set in the ground in the
south-west corner of the Meeting-house lot. It ap-
pears from these proceedings that in 1764, a village

Patents and Land Grants. 47

was laid out and lots surveyed and described and
numbered and a map made, but I am unable to find it.
This map of 1810 gives only the lots that were set off
in the distribution at that time, but refers to the map
and survey of 1764.

I had never heard of it before, and do not think any-
one of this generation ever knew that our ancestors
were so ambitious, that they should at the early date
of 1764 lay out and prepare for a future village; it
would seem that they chose the most available place
for a town, and had an idea that a town would there be
built ; they were liberal in the size of the lots, an acre
or more to the lot, but settlers did not arrive as soon
as they expected ; there were soon rumors of war, and
in 1775, war was declared with the mother country,
and for the next eight or ten years, the desolating
hardships of war impoverished all the people and
improvements were at a standstill. For many years
after the war, the increase in population was slow,
and the adjoining towns of Newburgh and Pougli-
keepsie by their energy and inducements obtained the
larger share of the settlers coming from abroad.

Archibald Kennedy conveyed his tract of 1,200
acres to Lewis Gomez; and Mordecai, Daniel and
David Gomez as executors of their father, Lewis
Gomez, in 1748, conveyed the same to William Camp-
bell and Archibald Duffie, and on March 28, 1750 Camp-
bell and DuflSe of Ulster county conveyed the same
to Francis Purdy and George Merritt.

On the 14th day of August, 1754, Francis Purdy
conveyed 606 acres in two lots — 484.5 acres west of
the road and 121.5 acres east of the road, along the
north side and adjoining the Griggs and Graham
patent; the balance was conveyed by Merritt to
Purdy. The partition and division of these lands had
been submitted to Alexander Colden and Samuel

48 History of Marlborough.

Decker. On the 18th day of March, 1751, they made
their award in writing, dividing the property "as above.
Golden also surveyed the lands and made a map of
the same which is attached to the deed ; and Cadwal-
lader Golden as one of His Majesty's Gouncil took the
proof or acknowledgment of the deed. It was sealed
and delivered in the presence of Alexander Golden
and Henry Gropsey. This deed is in the possession of
John G. Merritt, the great-great-grandson of George
Merritt and is a great curiosity in its way, but owing
to its great length it cannot be given here, only re-
ferred to as follows:

"And Whereas by the Award made in Writting Indented
under the hands and Seals of the said Alexander Colden and
Samuel Denton bearing Date the Eighteenth Day of Marcli
last past the said George Merrit is to Have and Hold Seventy
two Acres more than his one full and Equall half part of the
aforesaid Tract or Parecll of Ijand as by the said in part re-
cited Award relation being thereunto had may more fully and
at Large appear. Now Tins Indenture Witnesseth That
for a Partition and Devission of the said herein before men-
tioned and Described Tract or Pareell of Land It is Covenanted
Granted Concluded and Agreed upon by and between the said
Francis Purdy and George Merrit That the Creek or run of
Water commonly called and knowTi by the Name of the Saw
Mill Creek from where the Highway C-rosses said Creek shall
be the Partition or Devission of that part of the herein ])efore
Described Tract or pareell of Land lying between said High-
way and Hudson's River. The benefit of the Stream from said
Highway to said River to be and remain in Common And that
a line of marked trees running West from a Stone Set upon
the West side of said Highway at the Distance of two Chains
and two rods measured on a Streight line Northerly from a
bridge laid over said Saw Mill Creek Shall be the Devission
and Partition of That part of the above mention(»<l Tract or
pareell of Land lying on the West Side of said Highway which
said Creek from Hudson's River to said Highway, the Highway
from the said Creek to said Stone, and the line of marked, trees
from said Stone as Deliniated in the Draft or ^lap hereunto
Annexed is and shall remain the Partition and Devission of
the above mentioned Tract of Land ])etween them the said

Patents and Land Grants. 49

Francis Purdy and George Merrit their Heirs and Assigns
forever" * * *

And in the conveyance hy Merrit to Purdy of the south part
of the tract or the land south of tlie dividing line reservation
is made as follows: "(excepting and reserving to the said
George Merrit his heirs and Assigns forever the privilcdge of
a good and Sufficient Cart road from the Highway aforesaid
to the Landing at the Limekiln Also the free use of said Land-
ing and of the Lime Kiln and whatever Stone he and they may
want for burning of Lime with libertv to Dig up and Cart the
same to the Kiln)." * * *

And it was further provided :

"That either of the said Parties or the Heirs and Assigns
of either of them may at any time Erect a Mill or Mills on any
part of said Creek between said Highway and Hudson's River
on that Side of the said Creek next adjoining to his or their
own Lot And may Also Dam across said Creek and Join the
Dam or Dams to the Land of the other of said Parties and take
to him or themselves sole benefit and Profit of such Mill or
Mills without any Let hindrance trouble Denial or Interrup-
tion of the other of said Parties his heirs or Assigns." * * *

From this transfer, it will be seen, that there was
a landing and limekilns at the river at that time; the mto
landing was most likely built by Lewis Gomez or his
sons, and if so it was very old, if not the oldest in the
town. The lime burnt at the kiln supplied all that
part of the country at the time.

From this Lewis Gomez' Jew's creek derives its
name; and the lands which Gomez owned then were
sometimes assessed to **Mr. Gomez," and at other
times to ** Gomez the Jew." This creek ran through
Gomez' land. These limekilns and the landing were
on what is now known as the Kerr place.

The first sales in the Lewis Morris' patent were to
Henry Lane; he sold in 1753 to Joseph Carpenter,
Benjamin Stanton, John Caverly and John Latting a
tract of land of several hundred acres, (600 or 800).
Euphina Morris sold to Joseph Carpenter in 1753, 677

50 History of Marlborough.

acres; Samuel Knifiin sold to Joseph Carpenter 390
acres ; in 1776 Latting Carpenter sold a farm to Moses
Quimby. This was all in the Lattintown valley.

George Harrison sold the first tract of his patent,
the 705 acres, to Cadwallader Colden; Colden then
sold a part to William Wickham, William B. Woolsey
and others. Wickham sold to Thomas Woolsey and
William B. Woolsey;. William B. Woolsey sold to
Caverly, Hait and others. Anyone can easily trace
the title to his farm back to the original tract -from
which it came; and should he have any curiosity in
this direction, he can easily trace the boundaries of
the original patents or land grants.

Most of the patents appear to have been subdivided
into farms between 1740 and 1780, and the patentees
were succeeded by actual settlers, those energetic
pioneers of this region — the Carpenters, Woolseys,
DuBoises, Harcourts, Smiths, Hallocks, Purdys, Cav-
erlys, Daytons, Merritts, Wygants, Fowlers, Younges,
Quimbys, Mackeys, Woods, Lewises, Martins, Quicks,
Lesters, Sands, Knifiins, and others, whose descend-
ants in many cases still own and occupy much of
the same lands. The lands were very rough and hard
to clear but few districts promised more certain re-
turns for labor. The land was rich in vegetable mould
and produced large crops. It was heavily timbered,
especially suited to ship building, and New York city
furnished a convenient market for all kinds of wood
for building and for fuel. Coal was not used then.
Numerous sloops and sailing vessels of all kinds af-
forded easy and cheap transportation.

CHAPTER III.

Indians.

There is no doubt that this town was inhabited by
Indians of different tribes long prior to and at the
time of the first white settlements, though we cannot
trace any forts or council chambers as having been
located here. The nearest was just over the line at
what has always been called the Dans-Kannner. This
was a noted place for the Indians to meet, hold coun-
cils, and have war dances on all important occasions,
and was very ancient.

When Hendrick Hudson first sailed up the river,
Indians came aboard his ship here and traded skins
for knives and trifles.

Dans Kammer is next referred to in David Pieter-
zen de Vires' Journal. He sailed up the river in 1640;
arrived off the Dans Kammer about sunset on the 26th
of April and cast anchor. During the evening, he
states, a party of riotous savages assembled there
''who threatened trouble,'* and that ** the sloop's
company stood well on their guard." On his return
(May 15), he tells us that he saw many Indians *' fish-
ing from the rocks at the Dans Kammer." And in
the Second Esopus War, Lieut. Couwenhoven and
some friendly chiefs went to the Dans Kammer, which
then appeared to be the headquarters of the Esopus
tribe, to secure the release of prisoners taken by the
Indians.

• Ck)uwenhoven remained with his sloop off the Dans
Kammer for several days ; and on the 17th of August,
1663, he sent a message to Kregier informing him
that the Indians had collected about four hundred men,
and were preparing to renew their attack on Esopus ;
that they also daily threatened him ** in an insuffer-

[51]

52 History of Marlborough.

able manner;*' that he hourly expected the arrival of
the Sachems who had already been gone ** four days
about the captive Christians, and should know the
issue of his mission;" that ** the Indians who lay
there about on the river side made a great uproar
every night, firing guns, etc."

De Lacet, a navigator, who sailed up the river in
1624, and gave a detailed description of the country^
makes no mention of this place, but it isn't likely that
the Indians congregated here all the time — as I under-
stand it, it was only at certain periods, and because
De Lacet did not mention this place, it is no reason
that the Indians did not have their ceremonies here
at the time. It is quite likely that the Indians had
used this spot a long time, perhaps hundreds of years
before that, and they congregated here up to the time
that they sold their lands, from the Paltz' Patent to
Murderer's Creek, to Governor Dongan in 1684, which
included these lands.

They never had any permanent residence here; no
village or fortified place. It is not known that they
planted the lands. This was a great place to fish, and
the Indians came from long distances back in the coun-
try on both sides of the river, and carried away many
fish. They came here from time to time to have their
ceremonies, remaining for several days and sometimes
for weeks, but made no permanent al>ode. The place
was used by the Tappans, Harverstraws, Esopus,
Wapi)ingers and other tribes. They appear to have
met here at their ceremonies in a friendly spirit.
There is no tradition or record that they had wars or
battles here — it was one spot where they could meet
in i>eace. No reason can be found for their gather-
ings imless it was to fish or hold their rites and cere-
monies.

There has never been aijy Indian name for the
l)lace. The early Dutch navigators who sailed up the

Indians. 53

river over two centuries ago, gave it the name * * De
Duyfel's Dans Kammer" (the Devil's Dance cham-
ber), and it has ever since been known by the name of
Dan's Kammer. This name is applied to the point of
land at the northwest part of Newburgh bay. It was a
level piece of land about a half-acre separated from
the mainland by a marshy tract over which water
flowed at times. This was called ** The Little Dans
Kammer." Across from this, and on a plateau, lands
formerly owned by the Armstrongs, was a tract called
the ^* Large Dans Kammer," which occupied several
acres. These are so called in the original deeds and
are spoken of in patents and land grants. A paper
describing the natives of New Netherland, written in
1G71 says:

" At these meetings conjurors act a wonderful part. These
tumble, with strange contortions, head over heels; l)eat them-
selves, leap with a hideous noise through and around a large
fire. Finally they all raise a tremendous caterwauling, when
the devil appears (they say) in the shape of a ravenous or
harmless animal — the first betokens something bad, the second
something good."

The Indians held these meetings prior to starting
on expeditions of hunting, fishing, or war, to ascertain
whether they would be successful or not. They were
certain religious rites, and were in the nature of an
appeal to the God or Gods they pretended to worship.

It may be that they held festivals and feasts here,
and met as social gatherings, and held intercourse
with other tribes, upon questions of war, peace or
otherwise. The name is to be found in many docu-
ments and papers of those times, and must have been
considered a matter of some importance by both
whites and Indians. There were Indian trails extend-
ing a long way in various directions to this place.
There was one trail through the Lattintown valley
back to the Shawangunk creek and beyond; there was

54 History of Marlborough.

also a trail following up the Quassaick creek, and from
the Delaware river by way of Murder's creek. They
came there from up and down the river in their canoes,
and sometimes large numbers of canoes were seen
there. The Indians had a fort called Willmet in what
is now Rosendale or Marbletown; a fort al what is
now Kingston, and one on the Mombackus, now Wall-
kill; one at what is now Brunswick in Shawangunk,
one at the Vernoy and Kondout Kill, Warwarsing and
one at Bloomburgh. All these are spoken of in the
history of the first and second Esopus Wars, when
Wiltwyck, now Kingston, and New Dorp, now Hurley,
were sacked and burned by the Indians, and many
people not only killed but many carried into captivity.

There was also a fort at Quassaick near what is now
Xewburgh, and one near what is now Fishkill village.
They all were originally called the Waranawankongs,
but after the settlement here of the whites, they were
known by the tribal names of the Esopus, Warwar-
sings, Wappingers, Minnesinks, Quaissacks and other
names. These Indians were apparently of the same
clan, and to some extent, at first, assisted the Esopus
Indians in their war on the settlers, and afterward
appear to have been instrumental in negotiating
peace; especially was this the case with the Wappin-
gers who obtained the release of many captives taken
in the Esopus wars. Small clans or bands of these
Indians lived and had villages here, though in times
of war they generally repaired to the fortified places.
They had their fields of corn, pumpkins, beans, etc.,
on what is now the Lattintown flats, and on the level
lands about where the Rose Brick Co. own lands north
of Milton. The hillocks which they cultivated every
year were easily discernable by the first settlers.

There was an old Indian burying ground about one
mile north of the present Mary Powell landing, at the

Indians. 55

top of the hill alongside a small stream which runs
into the river, where the Smith mills stood in olden
times. This was left undisturbed. The first settlers
about there commenced a graveyard on the west of
and adjoining the Indian graves. This graveyard is
known as the Smith graveyard. Indian relics such as
flint, arrows, and spear heads, stone axes and clubs
or pestles for crushing their corn or for defence, are
found about the town; a gentleman at Milton has a
fine collection of the same — most of them picked up
on his farm. Many rocks show cavities where they
cooked their food.

There has always been a tradition that some of the
early settlers intermarried with the Indians. A trail
could once be followed from the back country where
the Indians came to the river to fish, etc., but the
bravery and spirit of the Indians had departed before
people settled here. The wars which they had waged
with the whites at Wiltwyck had subdued, disheart-
ened and decimated their numbers. Many had fled
to the protection of the Five Nations and the remnant
were always quiet and peaceable, became somewhat
civilized and lived and died here. There is no knowl-
edge or tradition that they ever committed any depre-
dation or troubled any one, or that any took part
with the English army against the Colonies.

I find in the description of an ancient road that it
passed ^* along by the Indian orchard;" and in an-
other description it reads * * opposite the land of
Captain John Woolsey, adjoining a little west of his
blockhouse," which would infer that it was a security
from the Indians.

Several Indians remained here and became citi-
zens, and two or three generations since several fami-
lies could be named who had Indian blood in their
veins. There were many traditions about the Indians

56 History of Marlborough.

but I cannot authenticate them, so do not attempt to
relate them.

Sometime about 1845, Samuel A. Barrett wrote and
published a beautiful poem about the Indians, which
was founded on traditions and stories told to him
when a child by his grandfather. It is a beautiful
piece of literature, and is here produced as a fitting
conclusion to this article.

MAIXTOXOMAH.
Part Fikst.

They waste us; ay, like April snow
In the warm noon, we shrink away;

And fast they follow, as we go,
Towards the setting day,

Till they shall fill the land, and we

Are driven into the western sea. — Bryant.

The forest legends of our land,

Tho' wild and sad, have yet a charm :
Traced by Tradition's faithful hand.

They seem with Truth's own fervor warm;
For, blended with reality,
Tliey take the hue of histor}',
And, handed down from a^e to age,
Live long on memory's mystie page.
8ueh legends 1 have listen'd to.

In boyhood's hour, with keen delight;
And still, before my mental view.

They rise as vividly and bright.
As when 1 heard my grandsire tell

The self-same stories, years ago: —
God rest his aged ashes well,

Xow sleeping in the valley low!
When he was young, the forest men

Were moving toward the setting sun;
Like lions hunted to their den.

Still loth to own the ])attle won.

Indians. 57

He was no warrior: — yet would dwell

On fearful scenes with much delight,
When he could hear tlie savage yell

Burst through the silent gloom of night.
He often spoke of Anne's war,

And of the lovely Horican,*
Where Quebec's hero,t from afar,

Disgraced humanity and man!
He knew of many Sachems great,

Who famous were in days of yore;
He loved their stories to relate,

And would rehearse them o'er and o'er.
When night her sable curtain drew.

And wintry winds swept thro' the vale,
And snow-clouds o'er the mountains flew,

He told to me this simple tale.
But first he said, as he drew nigh

The genial hearth-fire, blazing high —
" Kemember, — many a weary day

On Time's swift wing hath passed away, —
Ay, half a centur}' has gone.

Since I, myself, the story heard;
Therefore do not expect, my son,

That I can give thee word for word."

II.

'Twas pensive twilight : and the sun had set

Behind the woody hillocks of the west;
No sound was heard, save where a rivulet

Rushed thro' a grotto to the Hudson's breast.
The husbandmen had to their homes retired;

The beasts were slumbering on the verdant mead;
One only torch a cabin window fir'd, —

And through the gloom a feeble lustre shed.
The moon arose, and with her borrow'd light

Threw silvery brightness o'er a silent world;
The stars appeared, to gild the brow of Night,

And transient meteors thro' the air were hurl'd.
Then came a man from out the forest shade,

And knelt beside a grass-grown sepulchre;
His solemn manner, and his voice, betrayed

At once his object and his character.

*Horican — Lake CJ^orge — the Indian name.

t Quebec's hero, Louis De St. Veran, or tlie Marquis of Montcalm.
Alluding to the massacre at Fort Henry, 1757.

58 History of Marlborough.

HI.

" Ghost of my father ! " cried the chief,
"I come, to bathe thy tomb with grief;
From great Manitto's peaceful throne,
Look down and bless thy only son.
Full sixty summers have passed by.
Since white-men heard thy battle-cry.

And quailed beneath thy blow;
Thou wast the foremost in the fight.
To wing the arrow in its flight.

And strike the hated foe ! "
I heard: — and curiosity

O'ercame unmanly fear.
And, stepping lightly o'er the lea,

I, unperceived, drew near.
His form was bending to the ground.

His eyes were streaming fast.
He muttered an unearthly sound,

Such as might seem his last.
An Indian's ear is never dumb.

Except it be in death !
An Indian's bow is ne'er unstrung.

With arrows in his sheath.
I trode as lightly o'er the grass.

And as olastic, too.
As in the gloomy wilderness,

The prowling panthers do;
But, as I drew still nearer by,

He suddenly arose,
And cast on me a piercing eye,

Still moisten'd with his woe?.
I stretched my liand high in the air —

He caught the peaceful sign,
And straight returned it, standing tliero

Beneath the fair moonshine.

IV.

" Son of a Pale-face ! foar me not —

I come in peace ' ' — he said,
" To ?ee the hill, the stream, the grot.
The hallow VI mound and holy spot,
Where Maintonomah's laid.

Indians. 59

My head is white with many years,
Mine eyes are dimm'd by many tears,

My sinews nerveless grow;
My tomahawk is buried deep.
Beyond the mountains high and steep,

Where Erie's waters flow;
And I have hither come to shed
My last tears on my father's head."

"A weary distance thou hast come.
Poor Heathen! from thy forest home,

To visit this lone mound,"
I said — and touched it with my foot: —
Swift as a bolt from heaven shot.
And with a voice of thunder sound,
He threw his hand against my breast!
And sternly said — "Pale-face! desist —

This is my father's grave!
By every tie that drew me here,
By all things that I hold most dear.
And by Manitto's self, I swear

No insult shall it have.
While I have nerve to face a foe.
Or strength to draw a steady bow!
Like all of thy accursed race.

Thou hast no reverence for the dead.
But wouldst profane their resting-place

With reckless word and careless tread !
Not so the red-men — every mound
That hides their dead, is holy ground;
And sacred as the memory
Of those who 'neath them lowly lie!
Didst call me poor? Yes, I am -poor,

Since cursed white-men fill the land.
Where lived the native chiefs of yore,

And warriors rose at their command!
The very soil on which you tread
Has been the nurse of Indian bread:
These rugged hills around you high,
Have echoed to our battle-cr}^;
Or rung with mirth, their leafy bowers.
When happiness and peace were ours.

60 History of Marlborough.

That river, glittering like dew.

Beneath the moonbeams mild,
Full often bore the light canoe.

When Teton was a child !
And dost thou think I can forget

The scene of all my joy,
When fortune smiled, and I was yet

A happy Indian boy?
Or dost thou think this hallowM spot,
My father's grave, is worship'd not?
Or e'er can be by me forgot?
Xo! the Great Spirit bade me come

And weep upon this mound,
Ere I can see the red-man's home,

The Happy Hunting-ground ! "

VI.

"Although the homage paid by thee,

As nothing to the dead must be;

Yet it may soothe thy spirit some,

To visit thus thy father's tomb;

And, as a part of thy wild faith.

May smooth the rugged path to death;

For, when this pilgrimage is made.

Thy last debt to thy sire is paid.

Few Christians such examples pro

Of piety and filial love;

Tho' lK>asting as serener heart

Than thou — rude Heathen, afe i.jOU art ! "

VII.

He heeded not what I was saying, —

Adown the track of memory
His spirit pensively was straying;

And he continmnl, randomly —
** The white-men thought the red-men fools,*

And took them o'er the waves;
But great Manitto gave them souls.

And they can ne'er be slaves!
List, Pale- face ! — he who lies below
The summer's heat and winter s snow.

•Alluding to the circumstance of Indians beinj^ kidnapped, taken
to tlie West Indies and sold as slaves; but who preferred death, rather
than captivity and lal)or.

Indians. 61

Beneath this cold and silent clod,
Once in the front of battle trod,

Chief of a thousand men!
Wise at the council-fire — tho' young,
And mild in peace — in battle, strong
As cougar in his den!
The youthful maidens loved him well;
The wizard prophets burst the spell.

To pay him homage due:
The young men of his tribe would try
To emulate his bravery.

In deeds of daring, too.
Yes: such was Maintonomah, when
The Yengese* and the Dutchment

Were swarming to this soil.
Where first the rising sun we view,
Beyond those mountains far and blue.
There doth a limpid river flow,
Near which they laid the forests low.

And did, like beavers, toil.

VIII.

A powerful tribe dwelt in that land;
A mighty chieftain held command
Of warriors, numerous as the sand
Upon the Salt Lakes' endless strand.

He saw his hunting-grounds destroyed;
He felt his native rights annoy'd;
He knew that his young men were slain

By those intruders from afar;
He knew his squaws were captives ta'en.

And he resolved on war ! "

IX.

Here Teton paused, and looked around
Upon the woods and on the ground:
Gaxed long and silent at the moon,
WTiich full upon his visage shone.
'Twas then I mark'd, with some surprise.
The calm expression of his eyes,
WTiich had so late flashed livid fire.
Like angry' serpent's, in his ire!

* Englishmen.
t Dutchmen.

History of Mablborough.

His head was bare, his snowy hair

Hung in a scalp-lockt from its crown;
And, standing in the moonlight there.
His dignified and solemn air
In all its native grandeur shone!
His bow was o'er his shoulder thrown,

His wampum was around him tied,
A blanket hid his swarthy zone.

And a long knife hung at his side.
Still as the rocks around, he stood.

Deep-musing on untold events;
When, sudden as the foaming flood

Pours o'er its broken battlements!
He tumM to me, and said — "Pale-face!
You grasp at more than you can hold :
You own the land, I have been told.

Beyond the Great Salt liake:
But the Great-Spirit of your tribe
Made your hearte big, and they imbibe

The venom of a snake!

" Hast thou e'er seen the sun arise ?
Didst trace his course along the skies.

And seen him set at even?
Know, all the land he travel'd o'er
Between the east and western shore.
From where Atlantic's thunders roar.
To where Pacific's billows pour,
Was to the red-men given.
Our hunting-grounds were fill'd with game.

Our lakes with fishes, too.
Until the curs'd strangers came

Here, in the Big-canoe.
Then were the lofty forests fell'd!
1'hon were the timid deer compell'd
To seek a shelter, where ne'er dwell'd

A single deer before;
Where nothing, save the wolf's long howl,
The serpent's hiss and cougar's growl.

Was heard in days of yore!

t The Indian warrior shaves his head, except tlie crown, from which
depends the scalp- lock.

Indians. 63

XI.
" Manitto made the world, 'tis said ;
Gave his red children com for bread,
Told them to hunt the woods for deer,
The lakes for fish — and placed them here.
Why should I tell of what befell

My father and his men?
Why on the subject longer dwell,

Or speak his name again?
For why? — because I deem it right
To throw a sunset-gleam of light

Upon our history:
I am the last of all my race;
There lives no being who can trace

A kindred drop in me!
And hence the story of my grief,
Of Maintonomah — mighty chief,

Depends alone on me:
And for my spirit's own relief,

Pale-face! I tell it thee."

Part Second^.
I.
'Twas summer eve; the paly moon
Upon the placid river shone,
And silence reign'd, save where the rill
Was murmuring adown the hill,
Or where the wakeful whip-poor-will
Pour'd its loud note, so wildly shrill.
No boys were soon upon the lawn.

Nor warriors smoking on the green;
All to their wigwams had withdrawn.

And stillness brooded o'er the scene.
I laid me down, but could not sleep;

I felt a strange, foreboding dread ;
My father lay in slumber deep —

I had no mother — she was dead.
How solemn w^as that midnight hour.
When restless fancy's magic power

Was busy in my mind !
I started at each trifling sound,
I gazed along the moon-lit ground.

And listen'd to the wind.
As thus I lay, I something heard.
At which my life-blood quicker stirr'd.

64 History of Marlborough.

11.

Was it the sighing of the breeze

Among the tall, green, forest trees?
Was it the panther's plaintive cry,
Reverberating awfully ?
Was it the gaunt wolf's mouimful howl?
Or idle screeching of the owl?
Was it the barking of the fox.
Far fi'om his cavem'd den of rocks?
No: — it was not. A human voice,
Alone, alarmed me with its noise!

III.

Upon a little point of land,

Projecting from the narrow strand.

Three human forms I now espied.

And all their movements closely eyed.

One stood apart — the other two

Drew on the shore a light canoe.

That done, they cross'd yon purling rill.

Walked slowly up the steepy hill.

And sought our camp — where all was still.

IV.

I pressed my father's hand; he rose —
" Does Teton scent approaching foes ? '^
" My father's ears are very good,
Can they hear nothing in the wood ? "
" Hugh ! " he exclaim'd, and gave a sign,
And many a warrior in his line

Rose, at the well-known sound:
They gathered near our wigwam low,
Each with his tomahawk and bow,

And circled him around.

The strangers halted on the plain.
Threw up their hands — approach'd again,

With forms erect, and slow;
My father stepp'd before his men,
Return'd the sign of peace — and then

Each party bended low.

iNDIANb. 65

The one who seem'd to be their chief
Came forward, and in language brief,

Explained their visit thus —
" We come as friends, with naked hands.
Into our happy neighbor's lands;

Expect no harm from us:
We wish to taste your bread and meat,
To talk around your council-seat,

And hear what may be good:
For this we left our squaws alone,
Pursued our course thro' ways unknown.

O'er mountains wild and rude."
" Then are you welcome — and may eat
With us our succotash and meat.

As brothers, and as friends:
The good Manitto to us gave
Enough, and it is all we crave,

For ill too much attends."

VI.

The crowd dispersed; the council-fire
Was lighted, and its flaming spire

Shot upward to the sky:
How beautiful! — its ruddy glare
Waved purple on the midnight air.

And soai^d triumphantly!
Oh! nothing could excel the sight: —
I gazed upon it with delight.

It swelPd my bosom high:
My every fear had vanished then;
I join'd a lounging group of men.

And talked exultingly.

VII.

My father held much talk the while.
At distance from the blazing pile.

Beneath the forest shade,
With the strange chief — who seem'd to be
Entreating him most earnestly.

From gestures that he made.
3

66 History of Marlborough.

At length they ended the debate,

Came forward, where the warriors sate

Upon the green-clad ground:

I mark'd their forms, their bearing, too.

And to a just, impartial view,

I thought that very, very few

Such beings could be found !
Magnolias grow both smooth and straight.

And angry cougars, have bright eyes;
Magnolias grow to a great height.

And wave their branches in the skies,
But scarce less tall, those chieftains seem'd

Than those fair sachems* of the wood;
And not less bright their dark eyes gleam'd

Than cougar's in a wrathful mood !

YIII.

My father motioned with his hand : —
Each gallant warrior of his band
Rose, at the dumb show of command.

And follow'd to the fire.
A pile of bushes form'd his seat.
Distilling odors mild and sweet.

Which mingled with the air:
The stranger chief sat by his side.
And much of dignity and pride

Shone in his haughty stare!
The men w^re in a circle drawn.
And seated on the open lawn;
Their pipes were lighte<l, and the smoke
Into fantastic edies broke,
WTiich form'd an artificial cloud.
And wrapp'd them in a mazy shroud.

IX.

The fumes of smoke had pass'd away,

The moon moved down the western sky;

Anon, her bright, unclouded ray
Broke thro' the tree-tops silently.

♦ Tlw magnolia may weU lie callcil the '-.Stioliim" of the wood; its
trunk is not unfrequently a hundred feet high, and perfectly straight.

Indians. 67

Hark! did I hear my father speak

In a forbidding tone?
Or does it thro' the greenwood break,

The west wind's hollow moan?
Or, hark again! ay, now I hear

Great Maintonomah's voice!
'Tis very loud — it strikes mine ear

Like Niagara's noise!
" Teton," it says, " tell not a word

Of what I spoke that fatal night;
The faithless Pale-face will record

Each sentence uttered, with delight.
Enough it is for him to learn

What mighty Metamora said.
When bright our council-fire did bum.

And waved in air its lurid head."

Thus spake the voice; didst thou not hear?
Nay, thou could'st not! 'twas for ray ear.

And for my ear alone;
Though it had made the mountains quake.
The earth unto its centre shake.

Still it were all my own ;
Therefore, be silent, question not

Whatever I may say;
His warning cannot be forgot.

And him I must obey.

XI.

What Maintonomah told his men

Will never more be heard again!

And soon will dark oblivion

Close o'er the relics of his son!

But what the Wampanoag said

Must be rehearsed ere I am dead;

But only to elucidate

The incidents I shall relate.

King Philip rose, (the white men gave

Such name to Metamora brave),

Looked o'er the mute, attentive crowd,

And spoke in accents deeply loud —

68 History of Marlborough.

"Brothere ye are both brave and just;

To some Manitto gave a trust;

The land between two rivers wide,

He gave the children of his pride;

Told them to guard, with jealous care.

From Hudson to the Delaware.

Tradition tells how long they've held

The soil on which their fathers dwelled:

They've kept their trust — they've kept their faith —

They hate their foes, and fear not death !

Do any know this tribe so true?

My brothers — Mohawks! it is you!

But the Great Spirit's face is hid

Behind a cloud! did it not bid

His children guard their hunting-grounds?

And have they never heard strange sounds?

Have they never seen strange footprints near?

Have they not missed the moose and dear?

Have they not seen the big-canoe,*

Fire- water,! and Pale-faces, too?

Yes — they have seen all these, and more!

They're heard the white-men's thunder roar!

They've seen their hunting-grounds laid low.

And that by a deceitful foe!

And were they made to hoe the corn?

No ! their free souls such labor scorn !

Listen, brothers! hear me through:

Ye are men and warriors, too !

Those strangers, white as w^inter's snow,

Claim all the land, where'er they go!

They say their Christian God hath given

Unto them all things under heaven !

They call the Indians poor, and kill

Their game, to make them poorer still !

And shall we crouch, like dogs, l)efore

The Pale-face tribe? our sires of yore

Would frown upon us evermore!

They've slain my friends — my brothers' friends —

For which they cannot make amends :

Their restless ghosts for vengeance sigh.

And long to hear our battle-cry!

* Ship. tSpirituous liquors.

Indians. 69

They went alone — with naked hands —
Into the happy Spirit-lands;
And shall this be ? no — it must not* —
Their wrongs must never be forgot;
A curse would rest upon our head,
And we should fear to meet the dead!
Are not my brothers of my mind?
Do they not, sometimes, feel inclined
To strike the foe? now is the time!
Exterminate them from our clime!
Slay every Pale-face on our soil,
And feast forever on the spoil !
They've driven me from hill to fen.
From valley to the mountain glen;
Yet still I have a willing band,
Who only wait for my command
To tomahawk our common foe.
And wrap their wigAvams in a glow !
Believe me, brothers, they will come,
Ere long, and claim your happy home;
If not arrested in their course.
Or banished from ouir land, per force!
Hence, brothers, I believe it right
For all in common to unite.
And swear by every restless ghost
That wanders unavenged and lost —
By every hope and feeling high
Engendered by nativity —
To free the land our fathers gave.
Or make that.land a common grave ! "

XII.
When he had ceased, a startling yell
Re-echo'd through the wood and dell;
" Revenge and death ! '' each warrior cried,
And grasped the hatchet by his side;
For Philip's speech had woke their ire.
As fuel added to a fire;
They jump'd, and whoop'd, and beat the air,
Like wounded bisons in despair,
And shouted up and down the plain.
Till Maintonomah spoke again.
He spoke — and every man was still
As morning's mist upon a hill;

70 History of Marlborough.

He spoke — but I may not unfold
A single ward of what he told !
You know my reason — ask not why
The moon appears in yonder sky.

XIII.

They held a consultation brief,

And seem'd united in l)elief.

Then Maintonomah step'd unto

A pine,* that in the clearing grew,

And struck his tomahawk therein ;

The hills returned the sullen din.

This was a hostile signal, given

Before the face of man and heaven.

To prove the truce no longer good.

Which had been stain'd with Indian blood.

The men now follow'd to the tree.

And wounded it successively;

Tore off the bark with mimic rage,

And sorely main'd that tree of age!

At length tliey ceased, and then returned

Near where the dying l)eacon burn'd,

Drew in a line around their chief.

Who wish'd from further works relief,

Until the morning sun should rise

And re-illume the azure skies.

Part Third.

The birds begin to carol loud.

And Night withdraws her sable shroud;

The golden sun appears in view.

Beyond the hills of sombre hue;

The Hudson glitters to the sheen.

The woods are dress'd in burnisliM green,

The dew-drops sparkle on the lawn.

Ad add their lustre to the morn —

All nature, clad in vesture gay.

Seems welcoming the new-born day.

* After rwolving war, the Indian usually select some convenient
tree as a symbol of tlieir enemy; against which thej- direct their mimic
vengeance.

Indians. 71

11.
)Vhat sounds are those, now swelling high,
Now lowering into melody?
Ah, me! — they speak a mournful tone,
Like requiem for spirits gone:
They bid the native warrior rise,
And seek a warrior's destinies:
They are the conch-notes, sounding far
The larum of approaching war!

III.
When the first signal-blast was heard,
Each inmate at his door appear'd ;
And when the last sound died away.
Like some mysterious roundelay,
The busy squaws might then be seen,
The sportive boys upon the green,
The warriors stalking here and there.
Apparently devoid of care,
Until, by mutal assent,
They circled Maintonomah's tent.

IV.

With Metamora and his men,

My father was conversing then : —
" And has my brother seen," asked he,
"The great white chief* beyond the sea?"
" We feel the wind, but cannot see

The cause of its velocity."
" 'Tis well ; and does my brother know

The strength and number of his foe?"
" The leaves are num'rous on the trees,

But they are scattered by the breeze;

The Yengese number like the sand,

Still we may drive them from our land.

If we but work unitedly,

From civil broils and factions free."
" Enough : — the beaver is full wise.

The wild-cat utters treach'rous cries.

The cunning fox is often ta'en.

The bear and bison may be slain,

The white-men strike the red-men well.

Still they are no invincible!"

• Kiii<;- ot England.

72 History of Marlborough.

He still was speaking, when a shout
Proclaimed some incident without:
Those who had placed themselves before
The humble wig^i-ams's open door,
Xow parted, to make way for one
Whose earthly race was nearly run.
All riveted an eager gaze
T^pon the sage of many days:
And each appeared, at least to me,
To watch his movements anxiously;
Because he was, till then, unknown,
Of latter years to walk alone;
Especially before the sun
Had drunk the dew and dried the lawn.
He sat by Maintonomah's side,
And Matamora keenly eyed.
That haughty chieftain vroil could brook
Our aged prophet's eagle look:
He did not quail beneath his eye.
Though keen and long the scrunity;
And not a muscle could you trace
Distorted in his manly face;
But, like a noble Sagamore,
The close examination bore.

VI.

I never shall forget the hour,

' Till to the land of shadows borne.
When Wessatona's magic power

Foretold my father's doom that morn ;
For he was gifted to behold,

Thro' thy dark shades, Futurity!
Life's awful waste; and to unfold

The hidden things of destiny.
**And go," he said, " tho' T have dream'd

That thou shalt fall in battle brave;
A Sachem's word should be redeem'd,

Tho' it were purchased by his grave!
Go, then, pride of thy people! where

The boon of glory may be found;
Be honor still thy leading star:

And let thy warwhoop loudest sound.

Indians. 7S

I've marked our brother — fear him not —

Xo treason harbours in his breast:
First of his nation — he has fought

The bravest and the best !
Farewell, my son ! — Manitto calls ;

Thy father beckons thee to come:
Haste to the field where manhood falls,

And seek a long — a happy home."

YII.

He ceased ; an awful pause ensued

The dread disclosure made;
Each seem'd unwilling to intrude,

And solemn silence sway'd.
The prophet left our wigwam drear.

And sought his own again:
Methought I saw the briny tear

Bedew his visage then.
The men withdrew to eat their meat.

And bid their squaws adieu :
My sire resumed his lowly seat,

And took refreshments too.
He bade the strangers share his cheer;

Consisting of a haunch of deer,
A gourd of water, and some fish
Placed in an oval wooden dish,
A bown of succotash and bread;
On such repast stern warriors fed.

YIII.

Behold a warlike band, array'd

In Indian pomp — in Indian show !
See o'er their heads a flag display'd,

Type of defiance to the foe!
Their gaudy plumes of feathers gay

Wave in the southern, summer gale;
Their polished arms reflect the day.

Like sparkling diamonds, bright and pale.
Their valiant chef — my noble sire —

By Areouski * doom'd to die,
Feels in his breast the martial fire.

And glories in his destiny!

* Indian God of War.

74 History of Marlborough.

Now all are ranged upon the plain,
Between the village and the sun;
0, hearken to the rising strain!
Their valiant chief — my noble sire —

SOXO.
Manitto! lend thine ear

To thy children weak;
Manitto! dei^ to hear

What they speak.

Thou art strong — thou art just —
Thou art swift — we. are slow ;

In thee we place our trust,
Help us strike the foe!

Manitto! hear our cries,
We crave thy mighty aid;

Manitto! thou art wi^e.
And knowest what is said.

Three several times I plainly heard
Each simple line, and simple word;
Deep, slow, and soft their accents fell, •
And died in distance thro^ the dell.
However harsh to a white ear
Their artless cadence might appear;
Howe'er uncouth their attitude.
Unpolished verse, and gestures rude;
Yet, to an Indian, like me,
'Twas like some passing melody,
And every action, word and tone
Blent in harmonious unison!

Ere yet the destin'd march began.

The war-pipe pass'd from man to man;

Its stem was of a crimson hue,

Its bowl was of the brightest blue,

Wrought from stone* of hardest mould.

By Christian hunters bought and sold.

That done, they pass'd with noiseless tread

Unto the Hudson's lowly bed,

Where fifty light canoes were seen,

All dancing on the w^aters sheen.

The southern breeze swept o'er the flood.

And sigh'd along the leafy wood;

• Flint!

Indians. 75

And fresher still the breezlet blew,

And higher still the billows grew.

Until they laved the sandy shore,

With dashing foam and hollow roar.

Now o'er the troubled deep they glide,

Like bounding bisons, side by side;

See! — they have gained the eastern strand.

And draw their canoes to the land:

Another look — and naught is seen.

Save barren rocks and cedars green.

XI.

Twelve suns had roll'd from east to west.
As many moons had sunk to rest ;
Twelve times the stars appeared in view.
Diffusing feeble lustre too, —
Since Maintonoraah and his band
Sought Metamora's troubled land.
There is a feeling of the heart,
Pure as the balmy breath of morning.
When Xight's unfathom'd shades depart.
And oriental beams are dawning:
It is that love which parents bear
For the dear objects of their care;
It is that love which children learn
To feel for parents in return.
And such the passion that I felt.
When in the lonely tent I knelt,
And pray'd Manitto to restore
My father to his tribe once more.
But what avail our earnest cries.
When He, who rules in yonder skies.
Hath need of those we would detain.
And calls them to himself again?

XII.

The morning dawn'd without a cloud;

The larks ascended in the air ;
The men assembled in a crowd,

But then, alas! few men were there.

76 History of Marlborough.

The boys resum'd their daily plays,

The mimic of the chase and fight,
And acted them in many ways,

With Youth and Childhood's gay delight.
Oh, Youth! oh, Childhood! — what are ye,

That smile so sweetly for a time?
Blest beacons on Life's stormy sea,

Between its dawning and its prime!
Bright as the golden sun, ye seem;

Fair as the moon, when riding high;
But transient as the dazzling gleam

That shoots athwart a troubled sky I

XIII.

E'en now, methinks, I hear tlie yell.
Which thundered thro' this very dell,

Full sixty years ago: —
Again it rose, in awful strain,
The notes of pleasure and of pain,

And died in echo's low.
Lo! near the river's eastern side,
Afloat upon the limpid tide.

Our absent friends appear!
How swiftly o'er the waves they come I
They seek a peaceful, happy home,

Remote from war's career.
Joy! joy! — but transient joy is found

Within this world of cares:
As thorns 'mid fairest flowers abound,

Life is beset with snares!
We joy'd to see them near the land,

But soon that joy was turn'd to pain.
Where was the leader of the band?

He ne'er shall see his tribe again!
Wrapt in the arms of death, he lies.

And cold as Alleghania's snow:
Alas ! no more his eagle eyes

Shall light his warriors to the foe!

XIY.

Oh! listen to those piercing tones —
They fill my heart with dread;

They are the weeping widows' moans.
Bewailing husbands dead !

Indians. 77

And mingled with their grief, arise
The hapless orphans' plaintive cries:
These grieve for those who never more
Shall smile upon them as before;
And those for those endeared by ties
Of hynenean paradise.

XV.

Long ere the mourners ceased to weep,
Four warriors climb'd the rocky steep;
They bore a litter, form'd of wood.
Of hasty workmanship and rude;
Twas lined with barks and blankets too.
Thus rendered easy to the view.
They gain'd the plain, and pass'd along.
With solemn tread, amid the throng.
All eyes were fixed on them alone.
To none their burden was unknown.
For, on the litter which they bore.
Lay Maintonomah — chief no more!

XVI.

Near yonder grove of stately trees,
Xow waving in the evening breeze.
Upon a seat they placed my sire,
And dress'd him in a gay attire:
His tomahawk, bright as the sun !
His wampum, with its trinkets on;
His blanket, decked with beads and gold.
Which dangled from each graceful fold ;
His knife was pendant from his waist.
With eagle plumes his head was graced.
His bow was o'er his shoulder slung.
And arrows in his quiver hung.

XVIL

The minor chieftains gathered round.

The young men and the squaws appeared ;
All stood in silence deep, profound,

And gazed on him they loved, revered.
Yes — all were there, save those who fell.

As fell their leader, in the fight,
But they had gone where warriors dwell

With purer, unalloy'd delight.

78 History of Marlborough.

Immediately before him stood

Old Wessatona, wise and good.

His arms were folded on his breast,

His head was sunk upon his chest,

His eyes were closed, and from them stole

The tender anguish of his soul.

Long had the awful quiet reign'd,

Where all was felt and nothing feign'd ;

And long had every one bestow'd

The mournful tribute, justly owed;

Before the sage appeared to note

His being on the fatal spot.

At first his legs began to move

As if imploring heaven's love;

Fitful and indistinct their sound,

Scarce heard by those who wept around.

A hundred summers he had seen,

Attired in robes of vernal green;

A hundred winters he had known

Howl on the train of winters gone;

And many tokens had they cast

Upon him, as they hurried past ;

The flowing scalp-lock on his head

Rivaird the snow-wireath which they shed ;

And bended form, and furrowed face,

And trembling limb, and tottering pace,

Were of his lengthened years, the trace.

Yet, not the weight of a century

Could then repress his energy;

He oped his eyes, he raised his head.

And thus address'd the silent dead:

XVIIT.

" Pride of the Mohawks ! thou art gone :
A nation mourns thee all too soon !
Thou w^ast the foremost in the chase!
Thou wast the fleetest in the race!
None knew so well, as thou did'st know,
To hunt the moose, and strike the foe!
Few at the council-fire so young,
None wiser — and but few as strong!
Why hast thy left us, noble chief?
Why was thy stay' among us brief?

Indians. 79

Manitto call'd — thou hast obey'd,
And left us nothing but thy shade.
But thou didst not repair alone
To the Great Spirit's happy throne;
A hundred Yengese clear thy way!
A hundred scalps beside thee lay!
What chief can fill thy vacant place
With equal good and equal grace?
None, eagle of thy tribe! is even —
The boon to thee alone was given !
Thou hast discharged thy duty here,
Without a rival or compeer:
Thy sun is set — thy work is done —
Thy night is come, and thou art gone !
Gone, with thy father's ghost to dwell:
Pride of the Mohawks ! — fare thee well ? "

XIX.

Thus spoke the sage; — the multitude

Drank deep each solemn word;
They listen'd in attentive mood,

And reverenced what they heard.
His voice was hush'd — his eyes reclosed,
And once again his head reposed

Upon his bosom bare:
Two of the braves, who stood near by.
Attended respectfully

Fnto his tent with care.

XX.

And now the mournful numbers rise.

The corpse is placed upon a bier.
And, follow'd by a nation's cries,

Convey'd, in awful grandeur, here.
Yes, here, beneath this very clay,

On which, proud Christian ! thou didst tread,
Doth mighty Mantonomah lay!

The noble and forgotten dead.

Enough: — As I have said before,

My final hour will shortly come;
Go — Pale-face! and return no moir- —

I'll weep upon my father's tomb:

80 History of Marlborough.

Yes, — I will weep 'till kindly death
Shall dry my tears with friendly hand;

Then joyfully resign my breath,
And meet him in the Spirit Land.

SAMUEL A. BARRETT,
Farmer, Poet, Abolition Orator.

Samuel A. Barrett was bom at Milton in 1814 and died in 1852. He
received his education at the village school, and attended one year at
the Quaker school at Nine Partners, Dutchess county. At the early
age of twenty he commenced to write poems, and from that time to the
time of his death, contributed to many literary periodicals on many
subjects. Born a Quaker, he naturally imbibed the principle of opposi-
tion to slavery, and soon became an advocate of the cause, entering
warmly into the discussions of the day. At the request of numerous
abolition societies, he spoke for them at Boston and numerous cities
and towns in Massachusetts and this state. He was said to be an
orator of no mean ability. He assisted his father on his farm at
Milton, and in his leisure moments composed poetry, contributed
articles to various publications, and prepared his speeches. One day
he would be working in the harvest, the next addressing large and
enthusiastic meetings. He received a sunstroke while at work in the
harvest, which developed into typhoid fever, resulting in his death, at
the age of thirty-eight. He was a country boy in a country village,
without friends or influence to assist him in his literary work; im-
known and imheard of except as he worked his way among men and
commanded respect by his energy and ability.

He was cut down in his youth and in his usefulness; a life blotted
out that was destined, had he lived, to have been of great honor to
himself and of great usefulness to his country.

The Early Settlers.

The first settler was Denis Kelje, sometimes called
Old Denis and the Old Man. His name appears in the
precinct of Highland tax roll as Denis Kelje in the
years 1714, 1715 and 1718, In the tax roll of 1724
and 1725 it appears as Old Denis. The Kill or Creek
at Marlborough Landing is named after him.

In the petition of Egbert Schoonmaker, 1697, appli-
cation is made for a grant of vacant land ** being on
both sides of the Oudtman's Kill or Creek." Also
in the petition of Alexander Griggs, he applied for a
grant of land ** beginning on the south side of Old
Man's Creek, and running up the river to a point

The Early Settlers. 81

called Old Man's Hook." Augustine Graham, in his
petition, applied for land *' at ye Old Man's Creek,"
and in a further petition land ** lying at the Old-
Man's Kill." The name of Denis Relje does not ap-
pear on the tax roll after 1725, and it is presumed
that he was then dead.

William Bond, his family and slaves, were the next
settlers of whom we have knowledge, though there
were others at the time who lived on the patents and
paid quitrents. Most of the settlers came from Long
Island and Westchester county. They were people
who were established in those places, having their
farms and property there. They moved up to this
town, some coming in sloops and others crossing in
scows from the opposite side of the river. They
brought their families, wordly goods, cattle and horses
with them. When they arrived they were ready to
erect their log or stone houses, and to commence clear-
ing the land. After the first arrivals, their friends,
who were already here, helped them to put up their
houses and clear some of the land. A family would
come from a certain location or neighborhood, and
soon some of their relatives or friends would follow.
Perhaps no community started with better or more
favorable prospects than did the first settlers of tliis
town. They did not come here almost destitute as a
large body of foreigners have done, but in two or
three days they could change their abode and start
life anew with all their household goods, properties^
comforts and conveniences that they had enjoyed in
tl\eir previous homes.

Old letters, papers, and records show this beyond a
doubt. In fact the same names can be traced in the
records and papers of Westchester and Long Island,
spelled the same as our people then spelled their
names. These people visited together and kept up
their relationship and friendship for a generation or

82 History of Marlborough.

more, and many of our people can trace their ances-
tors back to these places.

But few settlers drifted in until 1730 or there-
abouts, when settlers commenced to arrive more fre-
quently and from that time on the population rapidly
increased. In one year twenty or more families
arrived. In 1782 the population was 1,482; in
1790 the enumeration of inhabitants, including Platte-
kill, colored people, and slaves, was 2,241, Newburgh
having only 2,365. This population was supported
by ordinary farm crops on stony land, which first had
to be cleared. There was no fruit raised then to sell.

The families were large, ranging from six to fifteen
children..

They were an honest, industrious, law-abiding class
of people. No great crimes were ever committed;
churches and schools were plain but sufficient; a
chattel mortgage was almost unknown. A person
never borrowed money except under the necessity of
unforseen circumstances, and then he paid it as soon
as possible; notes scarcely ever were taken. The
borrower considered he was under a sacred obliga-
tion, and he often went without necessaries to make
his payment. Very few judgments were entered in
those times, but the execution went against the body
and the debtor put in jail if he did not pay. The
people were very lenient, and there was not much
oppression. There were very few real estate mort-
gages on record before 1800. The debt on the prop-
erty must have been secured in some other way.
Until the Constitution of 1777, the. choice of candi-
dates at the precinct meetings was determined by
viva voce.

I find no records of town officers up to 1763, but
find sonje early tax rolls, and in those relating to the
precinct of the Highlands, to which we then belonged,
is the following:

The Early Settlers.

" The Freeholders, Inhabitants, Residents, and Sojourners of
the County of Ulster, theire real and personal estates are rated
to be assessed by the Assessors (on theire Oath) chosen for the
same on the 20th day of January 1714-15, and are to pay
after the rate of one penny half per pound to discliarge this
years pajnnent of said County's Quota ♦ ♦ ♦

Layd by an Act of the P. Assembly, Entitled an Act for
Levying the sum of Ten Thousand pounds, viz:

Precinct of Highlands.
Rated

Tax

Peter Magregorie ....

Swen'er

William Sutherland . .
Michael Wygant ....
Burger Myndertsen . .

Jacob Weber

Peter LaRoss

John Fisher

Andres Volck

George Lockste

Pieter Jansen

Henry Rennau

Wm. Elsworth's widow

Dennis Relje

Alexander Griggs . . . .

Thomas Harris

Capt. Bond

Melgert the Joyner. ...
Christian Hendrick . .
Jacob Decker, Jun. . . .
Comelis Decker

71-2

101-2

11-2

71-2

41-2

71-2

101-2

41-2

71-2

293 1 16

ri-2

Of. the above Dennis Relje (Relyea), Alexander
Griggs, Thomas Harris, Captain Bond, Jacob Decker,
Jr., Cornelius Decker and Pieter Jansen paid taxes
in what is now Marlborough and Plattekill. Similar
returns for the years 1717-18, 1724-25, exhibit the
increase of residents and freeholders in the precinct,
as follows:

History of Marlborough.

Peter Mac Gregory
Wm. Sutherland
Michael Wygant
Jacob Weber
John Fisher
Andries Volck
Henry Bennau
Widow Elsworth
Denis Relje

Wm. Chambers
John Lawrence
His Ex. William Burnett
Widow Elsworth
Phineas Mcintosh
Thos. Ellis (on)
George Lockstead
Jeurian Quick
William Bond
Burger Minders
Thomas Brainer, widow
William Ward
Geo. Waggont
Wm. Sanders
Alexander Mickel
Doct. Colden
Geo. Elmes
Tobias Wygant
Valentyne Breasure
John Humphrey
David Sutherland
John Davids

Wm. Chambers
Phineas Mcintosh
Thomas Ellison
James Elsworth
Juric Quick
Wm. Bond
(lomaz the Jew
Burger ^leynderse, Jr.

1717-18

Wm. Bond
Alexander Griggs
Melgert de Schrynwerker
Col. Mathews
Mr. Gomez
Burger Myndertsen
A. Graham
]\Ir. Chambers
Peter Jansen's estate

1724-25

John Wilson
Old Denes
William Fountain
Gomez the Jew
Christopher Febb
John Askell
John Armtyne
Thomas Edwards
Z. Hoffman
Michael Bolls
Henry Wileman
Daniel Denes
John Slater
John Filips
Kobt. Kirkland
John Alsop
Peter Long
Peter Mulliner
Melcher Gillis
Henry Hedsel
Benj. Elsworth
Xathaniel Foster

1726-20

Moses Elsworth

John Haskell

John Alsop, Esq.

William Ward

John Yantine

Goo. Wagagont (Weigand)

John David

Milgert Gillis

The Early Settlers. 85

1726-29

<Jeo. Speedwell Wm. Saunders

Benj. Elsworth Alex. Mackie

Nathl. Foster Cad. Colden

Francis Harrison John Slaughter

J. Mackneel, Jr. George

James Gam well Tobias Wagagont

Stephen Bedford Eobert Strickland

Thomas Shaw John Umphrey

Joseph Gale Peter Long

Henry David Sutherland

John Mond Peter Muliner

Burger Meynderse Chrittian Chevis

In lists appear the names of ** Denis Relje " and
^' Old Denes " both the same man; also ** Mr.
Gomez ' ' and * ^ Gomez the Jew, both the same person ;
also appear '^ Jeurian Quick " and '^ Jurie Quick,"
both the same. These men and Wm. Bond, Alexander
Griggs, A. Graham and Pieter Jansen resided at New
Marlborough, and probably some of the others. Z.
Hoffman paid taxes on lands here. From this list it
will be seen who the taxpayers were.

Capt. William Bond was the first settler of that
part of the town known as Milton, of whom there is
any authentic record. He appears on the tax roll of
1714—15 as Captain Bond, and on the succeeding tax
rolls. Captain Bond had a daughter, Sukie (Sus-
amiah), who resided with him in a house which he
built east of the old Hicksie meeting house. He made
his home there with his daughter most of the time,
except when he was absent as Deputy Surveyor of the
State. They had several slaves, and there has ever
since been a tradition here, that Bond, his daughter,
and slaves were buried on the strip of land east of
the Oliver C. Hull house, and east of and adjoining
the highway at the point where the David Coleman
factory stood. In 1850 when the ground for the
factory was dug up and graded, fragments of bones,

86 History of Marlborough.

hair, etc were found, showing clearly that it had be^n
a burial ground.

Gomez the Jew, after whom the Jew's Creek is
named, was a New York merchant but resided here
part of the time. In the districting of the highways
his residence is spoken of as ** the Jew's house."

Quick and Hoffman were then jointly the owners of
the Griggs and Graham Patent, afterward owned by
DuBois, and were paying taxes on it.

Our Ancestors.
In the address made by Daniel Webster, at the
celebration of the New England Society at Washing-
ton, December, 1845, he said:

It is wise for us to recur to the history of our ancestors.
Those who are regardless of the history of our ancestors and
their posterity — who do not look upon themselves as a link
connecting the past with the future, in the transmission of life
from their ancestors to their posterity, do not perform their
duty to the world. To be faithful to ourselves, we must keep
our ancestors and posterity within reach and grasp of our
thoughts and affections, living in the memory and retrospect
of the past, and hoping with affection and care for tliose who
are to come after us. We are true to ourselves only when we
act with becoming pride for the blood we inherit, and which
we are to transmit to those who shall fill our places.

Throughout continental Europe it is quite the
fashion for people to try to trace their ancestry back
in past history to some duke or other titled person-
age who in his day was considered great — some by
their own achievements but mostly by being favorites
of the Crown or to some famous general of the army,
who by his valor and prowess had brought honor and
renown to his country, and by his conquests extend-
ing its boundaries; others might have l)een excellent
scholars and poets or recognized statesmen and

Our Ancestors. 87

rulers. Some people are proud to trace their ances-
try to some such a person, but it turns out in most
instances that the ancestor is the only great and
worthy man in all the line of the family. The ruling
house of Great Britain to-day trace their ancestry
back a thousand years to the Duke of Normandy who
entered England with an army of 6(J,000 men, who
conquered the country and established the present
reigning house, but when we trace the lineage of the
Duke we find that he was th-e natural son, which his
father, the old Duke, had by the daughter of a tanner.
But it does not follow that a. person is unworthy of
remembrance because he has not marched at the head
of an army, captured a city, or governed a nation.
Those who have done all that was reasonable and
proper, in private or public affairs, in a small and
humble way, may have exerted an influence as lasting
and beneficial in many ways as those who had more
opportunities and more elevated positions. The best
blood of Europe animated the early settlers of this
town and country. They were sons of toil, leasehold
farmers, the fee to the lands being in the hands of the
titled gentry; they were an industrious, economical
people, brought up to work and save and be thrifty,
and transmitted these qualities from one generation to
another. They obtained such education as the com-
munities in which they lived afforded. They were
christian and devout ; they all had some form of public
worship which they considered it a sacred duty to at-
tend, and observed the teachings of the church. This
is the class of people who were our ancestors; they
came mostly from England soon after this province
came into the possession of the English government.
They settled at first for the most part in other places
in the province, and they and their children from
time to time became the owners of the soil and the
inhabitants of this town. They cleared up these

88 History of Marlborough.

stony lands; they reared their houses; raised their
families and were the commencement of all that exist
to-day. It is no great stretch of the imagination to
view the aspect of the town in those times — the
forests, the swamps, the rocky surface. If our people
could go back and view it all and be required to com-
mence anew, they would stand appalled. At this late
day, it is hard to conceive what trials and hardships
our ancestors must have endured to gain a foothold
on what was then rugged and barren land, and they
are worthy of much praise, and we trust and hope
that their names will never be forgotten, but will be
respected and held in loving remembrance by all their
descendants. The names of all these people, or their
family names — I should say, can easily be traced in
the first records of Long Island and Westchester
county and in English records and history, and with
patience the ancestry of the people can be traced back
many generations. They sprang from the humble
paths of life; they had been led out for centuries by
the nobility to fight on the battlefields of Europe.
They had been persecuted and oppressed and had
sighed for freedom and equal rights, and looked to
the future and a new country for the realization of
their hopes. They cast aside their regrets for their
native land and braved the dangers of the ocean and
of a new and untried country and came to these shores.
They were our fathers and mothers and we revere
their memory.

The first settlers of a country impart tone and char-
acter to its institutions and the habits and manners of
the people, and what they l>egin and accomplish are
seen and felt for many succeeding years. Those com-
ing after imitate their examples and follow their
teachings.

Lessons can be learned as well from the small as
from the great. We claim for our ancestors no par-

OuB Ancestors. 89

ticular exemption from human frailty and vices in-
cident to all conditions. Like all others they were
good and bad character, but they were largely of the
good and virtuous class. If on trying to trace back
and counting them up we find the positively bad, they
are not to be thrown aside on that account with the
hope of covering up their errors lest the chain of
descent be broken. It is our business to learn from
them all and be ever thankful that we are descended
from so sturdy and worthy a race.

In our reflections upon the character and conduct of
our forefathers, there is much that is personal and
agreeable to the feelings. We own and adopt them as
members of the family, think and speak of them as
nearly allied to us, though not one drop of th^ir
blood deepens the color of our own. We share their
respect and renown, and glory in their fame. We ap-
propriate them to ourselves and make them ours. We
feel as they felt, pity and weep over their hardships
and misfortunes.

CHAPTER IV.

The Town of Marlborough in the Revolution —
THE Committee of Safety aVd Observation.

The drama of the revolution opened in Marlbor-
ough as in most other places, on the passage of the
non-importation resolutions by the Provincial Con-
gress in 1774, which resolutions and other matters
under discussion by the people in relation to the con-
duct of England toward her colonies led to the forma-
tion in cities, towns and precincts, of a Committee of
Safety and Observation.

The city of New York took the lead by forming a
committee of one hundred. Isaac Low, chairman, sent
out circulars to the towns and precincts in the prov-
ince urging the formation of similar committees. In
the precinct of New Marlborough a public meeting
was called in January, 1775, when a committee was
appointed. The following named persons constituted
the committee of New Marlborough, though all were
not appointed at the first meeting — some of the mem-
bers were appointed at subsequent meetings to fill
vacancies, though all of those named served at soma
time during the war, Benjamin Carpenter, Abijah
Perkins, Lewis DuBois, Wolvert Ecker, Nathan Kel-
sey. Right Carpenter, Henry Lockwood, John Wool-
sey, Nick Wygant, eJoseph Morey, Richard Carpenter,
Silas Purdy, Henry Terboss, John Smith, Henry Du-
Bois, Elijah Lewis, and I think Nathaniel Potter. The
last named lived just over the line in what is now the
town of Lloyd. He acted with the committee and made
arrests for them. Jacob Dayton, when arrested by him
and examined, was bound over to him, so he must have
been one of the committee. These persons were ap-
pointed at public meetings called for that purpose,

[9i]

92 History of Marlborough.

and the authority which they exercised must have
been conferred by such meetings. They appear to
have had authority to sequester horses, grain and pro-
visions, fix the price for the same, and issue certifi-
cates for the payment thereof. They could order the
arrest of tories or persons who were suspected as
being unfavorable to the cause of liberty, to have such
persons brought before them for examination, and
take tlie evidence and deposition of witnesses, and if
they thought proper, could send such persons before
the State committee or a general court-martial for
trial, together with the examination and depositions
taken, and they sometimes imprisoned persons. They
could compel suspected persons to give security to one
or more of the committee for their good behavior.
They had power to call out the inhabitants concern-
ing the tories and other disloyal people who were
going off to enlist with the enemy, and to intercept
them; also persons fearing arrest could voluntarily
go before the committee and be regularly examined
and allowed to explain their conduct, and if the com-
mittee determined that they were loyal, they issued a
certificate to them to that effect, which allowed them
to remain quiet and peaceable at their homes and ex-
empted them from arrest; all of which will be shown
in subsequent chapters. They seized the goods of
those who joined the enemy; they called together
meetings of the inhabitants for the raising and organ-
izing of troops, and other patriotic purposes. Two or
more members of such committee presided at such
meetings. They obtained the signatures of the inhab-
itants who were favorable to the cause of liberty to
the Articles of Association. They also prepared lists
of those who refused to sign, and sent such lists to the
State committee at New York city.

I find that they recommended persons for ofiices in
the army ; also they appear to have had charge of the

Marlborough in the Revolution. 93

town or precinct government to a great extent, espe-
cially as to those matters which related to the war.
The members of the town committees constituted the
county committee when they met together, and as
such they chose the deputies for the county to the Pro-
vincial convention and appointed or elected deputies
to the Provincial Congress; at least that appears to
be the way representatives were chosen during the
war. They were not elected at any general election
that we can find any record of. They also appointed
all county oflScers. Apparently the entire committee
did not always act together, as many of the papers
are signed only by two or more of the committee. It
is hard to tell what all their duties were; they did, or
assumed to do, many things in connection with the
conduct of the war. They issued many orders and ap-
peared generally to have the ability to enforce them,
though oftentimes their authority was disputed; they
certainly exercised great influence in the cause, were
zealous, just and true, and were among the best and
most worthy people of the town. It would appear
that all their services were meritorious and gratuitous.
I cannot find that they ever received any compensa-
tion whatever. They were looked up to by their neigh-
bors; their advice and help were sought and they
kept posted on the events of the day. The people con-
gregated at their homes to hear the latest news from
the seat of the war. They looked after the families of
those in the service, collected provisions and cloth-
ing for the army while at Valley Forge and Newburgh
and delivered the same. Benjamin Carpenter was
chairman of the committee.

Wolvert Ecker, at the south part of the town, or
just over the line, had a mill on Jew's Creek. He was
chairman of the Newburgh committee, and acted also
with the committee here, taking great interest in the
progress of the war. He kept open house, as it might

94 History of Marlborough.

be said, and everyone was welcome. It was quite a
place to meet especially on Sundays, and it is said that
on such occasions he first read a chapter from the
Bible; told all the news he had, and the people dis-
cussed the events of the day. He appears to have
been a central figure of the committee. He spent his
time and money and never lost faith in the cause. He
died very poor.

Jolm Woolsey appears also as a member of the State
conmiittee. The first duty that this ' committee per-
formed was to attend a convention at New Paltz on
the 7th day of April for the purpose of electing dele-
gates to a Provincial convention.

At a Meeting of the Committees of the several Towns and
Precincts, in the County of Ulster, to appoint Deputies to serve
in the Provincial Convention at the City of Xew York on the
20th day of April, or at such other Time and Place as may be
agreed on. Held at New Paltz in the County aforesaid the
7th day of April 1775. ♦ ♦ ♦

Present: For Xew Marlborough; Benjamin Carpenter, Esq.,
Ijewis Dubois, Joseph Morey, Abijah Perkins, Silas Purdy, and
Henry TerBoss.

Col. Johanns Hardenburgh was chosen President, and Charles
DeWitt, George Clinton, and Levi Paulding, Esquires, were
nominated and unanimously elected Deputies for the- said
County to serve in the Provincial Convention for the purpose
of chosing delegates to represent this Colony in General Con-
gress to meet at the City of Philadelphia, on the 10th of May
next ; with full power to declare the sense of this county relative
to the grievances under which His Majesty's American Sub-
jects labor, and of the measures pursuing and to be pursued for
obtaining Redress, and to Join with the Deputies for the other
Counties and Cities in this Colony at such Provincial Con-
vent ion, in instruction to the delegates so as by them to be
appointed, if they shall deem it necessary.

Ordered that the Same be signed by the President.

Johannes Hardenbukgii

The services of the committee and of the inhab-
itants of the precinct were again soon called into
action. The committee of New York drew up and

Mablborough in the Revolution. 95

signed a pledge to stand by the orders and resolu-
tions of the Continental and Provincial Congress, and
this pledge was sent for signatures to all the precincts
and counties in the province, and for this town was as
follows :

Persuaded tliat the salvation of the rights and liberties of
America depend, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants
in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its
safety; and convinced of the necessity of preventing anarchy
and confusion, which attend the dissolution of the powers of
government, we, the freemen, free-holders and inhabitants of
New Marlborough, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design
of the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shooked by
the bloody scene now actingr in Massachusetts Bay, do, in the
most solemn manner, resolve, never to become slaves; and do
associate, under all the ties of religion, honor and love to our
country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatever
measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or
resolved upon by our Provincial Convention, for the purpose
of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of
the several arbitrary acts of the British Parliament, until a
reconciliation between Great Britain and America on Con-
stitutional principles (which we most ardently desire,) can be
obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of
our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the
preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of indi-
viduals and property.

All who signed it were understood to be open and
fearless friends of the American cause, whose efforts
and influence the patriotic leaders could depend upon ;
while those refusing to sign would be understood and
known as supporters of the King. The proceedings
of the New York committee were received here about
the 1st of May, and immediately a copy of the pledge
was left at Lattintown for signatures; a large part
of the people came forward voluntarily and signed-
their names. Some members of the committee then
took the pledge to the home of everyone in the pre-
cinct who had not signed, but there were some who

History of Marlborough.

were ifearful of the final ending of the controversy,
and feared the displeasure of the English govern-
ment, and anticipating that it might result in war with
the mother country; and there were many Quakers
here who were opposed to war on principle or con-
science, and all such refused to sign the pledge.

On the 29th day of May the Provincial Congress
directed the committee holding the pledge to return
the same by the 15th of July, **with the names of
signers and those who refused to sign," and in ac-
cordance with this resolution Benjamin Carpenter,
chairman, and Abijah Perkins, clerk, made return of
the names to the New York committee or the Provin-
cial Congress on the 14th day of July. The signers
of the Pledge or Articles of Association are as
follows :

Benjamin Carpenter
Lewis Dubois
Joseph Mory
Jurian Mackey
Gilbond Cotton
Jacob Wood
John Woolsev
Bordewin Terepanny
Eleazer Frazer
Michael Wygant
Solomon Warring
Bichard Carpenter
Elija Ferris
Elija Lewis
Henry TerBoss
Silas Purdy
John Duffield
Wright Carpenter
Peter Berrian
Abraham Quick
Abija Perkins, IM. D.
Benj Ely, M. D.
Setli Perkins, M. D.
Benj. J. Frazer

Lawrence Bokker
Abraham Cooper
Stephen Case
Ichabod Williams
John Montgonier}*
Jacob De Groot
John Mulliner
Ananias Valentine
Zadock Lewis
Flavins Waterman
James Pride
Jacob Daton
Joseph Caverly
Nathaniel Plumbstead
Ebenezer St. John
Samuel Mackey
Gilbert Bloomer
William Martin
Durneo Relyee
Christ Ostrander
Henry Tiockwood
John Polhemus
Stephen Purdy
Noah St. Jolin

Maklborough in the Revolution.

Daniel Polliennis
George Landy
Jacob Kent
William Bloomer
Isaac Cropsie
John Bishop
Uriah Drake
Nath'l Goodspeed
Micajah Lewis
John Davis
Benjamin Huett
George Williams
John Schurit
James Tilkins
George Hallett
Thomas Quick, jr.
William Caverly
William Quick
Henr\' Decker
Terrett T^ester
James Merritt
William Purdv
Henry Hill
William Pembroke
Eliza Gardner
John Bond
John Knowlton
John Scott
John Mackey
Mathew Wygant
Samuel Abbe
Andrew Ares
Alexander Cropsie
Samuel Hannah
Joseph Bloomer
William Stanton
Andrew Young
David Mackey
Abraham Deane
Bartholomew Baker
George Williams
David Martin
Abraham Lane
George Lane
4

Henry Ferris
Allen T^icster
John Ares
Xathaniel Harcourt
John Wygant
James Wheeler
John Quick
Thomas Quick
Israel Tuthill
Jeriah Khods
Jesse Wheeler
Oliver Wheeler
Job St John
Jonathan Woolsey
George Stanton
Daniel Bloomer
Job Wood
John Furman
Xowell Funnan
Isaac Rowley
Daniel Knowlton
Peter Caverly
James Hunter
Xathaniel Mills
Josiah Ix)ckwood
Benjamin Dusenbury
Isaac Deyo
Daniel McQuinn
Janter Willidge
John Terwilleger, jr.
William Relyee
^rarcus Ostrander
Joshua Ix)ckwood
elacob Terepanny
John Terepanny
Joseph Gee
Simon Relyee jr
Stephen Seymour
Josiah Baker
John Baker
Closes Cary
Bartholomew Bacon
Xathaniel Hull
John Hull

History of Marlborough.

Chas Mackey
Charles Mackey jr
Xathaniel Quiniby
Benjamin Woolsey
Samuel Hull, jr.
Nathaniel Hull, jr.
John Huitt
Thomas Pembroke
John Lester
Gideon Ostrander
Hendriek Deyo, jr.
Daniel Ostrander
David McMin
Andrew Cropsie
Thomas Silkworth
Joseph Carpenter
Pharaoh Latting
John Lester
David Brush
John Wilson
William Woolsey
William Hollister
Philip Aires
Henry Jones
Joseph Wells
John Wygant, jr.
Benj Stead
Henry Simpson
Adam Cropsie
George Woolsey
Eneas Quimby
Samuel St. John
Abram Mabee
Richard Woolsey
Wm. Van Blaricom
Adam St. John
James Jackson
Abel Barnum
William Ostrander
Adam Case
Simon Ralyee, jr.
Jonathan Tuttle
James Owen
Peter Ijooze

Abraham Mabee
Benj amine Comfort
Israel Tomkins
Hugo Scutt
Abraliam Scutt
William Scutt
Robert Everitt
Metevis Fevin
John Smith
Alex Mackey, jr.
Philip Caverly
Daniel Geldersleeve
Matthew St. John
Isaac Van Benscholen
Petrus Ostrander
Xathaniel Kelscy
Alex Mackey, sr.
Zephaniah Woolsey
Josiah St. John
Jesse Farechild
Xehemiah Smith
Henry Scott
David Merritt
James Van Blaricom
Walter Comfort
Joseph Bloomei
Jonathan Lily
Caleb Merritt
Thomas Merritt
Gabriel Merritt
Jacob Cannaff
Levi Quiniby
James Quimby
Thomas Wygant
Garrett Benschoten
(Jeorge Piatt
Herman Chase
Abraham Losson
Hendriek House
Durnee 8. Relzee
Francis Gaine
James Waring
Daniel Robertson

Marlborough in the Revolution. !)9

William Dusenbcrry Henry Deyo, sr.

Jonathan Terrpaning Daniel Cook, jr.

David Ostrander William Wygant

Thomas Mackey Josiah Merritt ^ ^ °

The following are the objectors against the Associa-
tion by name, and refusing to sign:

Isaac Garrison Isaac Horton

Moses Gregory Latting Carpenter

James Gregory Nathaniel Hughson

Samuel Merrett David Horton

Elisha Purdy Jo?e])h Lane

John Caverly Samuel Devine

John Young Joseph Devine

Edward Hallock Dumee Relyea, jr.

Edward Hallock, jr. Benjamin Relyea

Solomon Fowler William Place

John Geroe Obediah Palmer

William Geroe Samuel Hallock

Nathaniel Gee Daniel Conklin

Andrew Gee Jeremiah Canniif

Henry Cronk Isaac Canniff

Frederick Cronk William Warren

Frederick Gee Jacob Russell

George Hardon Humphrey Merritt

Jonathan Lane Benj. Carpenter, Chairman

Nehemiah Horton Abijah Perkins, Clerk. 'f<>

New Marlborough, July 11, 1775.
Committee of New Marlborough to P. V. B. Livingston and
Gentlemen :

Agreeable to your Resolution of the 29th of May last we,
the Committee of New Marlborough have endeavored that every
individual, Inhabitant of this precinct should have the offer to
sign the Association and having done it accordingly Do now
return a List of the signers who voluntarily subscribed, and
also those who refused to sign said Association.

BENJ. CARPENTER, Chairman
AB»^ PERKINS, Clerk

The enclosed is a true list of the signers to the Association.

This was shortly after the battle of Lexington and
the people had become quite decided in their views

100 History of Marlborough.

and in the public opinion there was quite a marked
difference between those who stood up manfully and
subscribed their names and those who refused to sign.

This list includes the names of those who then re-
sided in what is now Plattekill; they were the men
of the town in those days, of 16 years of age and up-
ward, and both lists were intended to include every-
one. They show that the town, (or, as it was then
called, the precinct,) had a large population for those
times ; 232 signed, 38 refused — 270 in all ; whereas in
the precinct of Newburgh 159 signed, 54 refused,
making 213 in all, which shows that Marlborough was
not only more populous, but was also more loyal to
the cause. In. our precinct many of those who did
not sign, refused for conscience' sake; but they were,
and their descendants have always been good citizens;
and a few of those who did sign afterward went over
to the enemy.

While the above proceedings were in progress, an-
other convention of committees from the precincts of
the county was held at New Paltz, at the house of Mrs.
Ann DuBois, May 11th, for the purpose of selecting
deputies to the Provincial Congress. The following
appeared for New Marlborough: Lewis DuBois, Ben-
jamin Carpenter, Esq., and Joseph Morey. Charles
D. Witt, Esq., was chosen chainnan, Colonel Johannis
Hardenburgh, Colonel James Clinton, Egbert Dii-
mond, D'r. Charles Clinton, Christopher Tappen, John
Nickolson and Jacob Hornbeck, Esquires, were chosen
deputies for the said county to serve in the Provin-
cial convention at the city of New York on the 22d
day of May.

AH the to^Ti officers were required to take tlie Oath of
Allegiance to the state:

Oatlis of allegiance to the State of Xew York of siindrv
officers &c. We, Stephen Case, Henry Terboos, Leonard Sniitli,
Nathaniel Harker, assessors for the precinct of Xew ^larl-

Marlborough in the Kevolution. 101

borough : Do solemnly swear and declare in the presence of
Almighty God tliat we will bear true faith and allegiance to
the State of New York as a free and independent State and
that we will in all things to the best of our knowledge and
ability do our duty as good subjects of the said State ought to
do. So help me (lod.

leoxahd smith
hp:xky tekboss

Sworn to i)efore me this 2d STEPIIEX CASE
day of May, 1778. XATIIAXIEL IIAKCOURT.

AVolvert Ecker, Justice of the Peace.

Fourth Regiment — Levies and Militia.
The Fourth, Fifth and Sixth comi)anies were from
this town. They were commissioned and mustered in-
to the service on the 11th day of October, 1775.

Fourth Company, Southeast Marlhorou^^h — Lewis DuBois,
Captain; Caleb Merritt, First Lieut.; Dr. Ahijah Perkins,
Second Lieut.; Matthew Wygant, Ensign. DuBois entered Con-
tinental service, and was succeeded as (■a]>tain by Caleb Merritt;
Abijah Perkins, First Lieut.; Stephen Case, Second Lieut.;
Matthew Wvgant, Ensign. In 1780 the roll stood: Stephen
Case, Captain; Matthew Wygant, First Lieut.; John Banta,
Second Lieut. ; Xathaniel DuBois, Ensign, vice Alexander
Cropsey, displaced.

Fifth Company, Xortheast Marlborough. — Jacob Wood,
Captain; Jurian Mackey, First Lieut.; Nathaniel Goodspeed,
Second Lieut.; John Knowlton, P]nsign. In 1779 Anning
Smith, First Lieut. ; vice ^lackey, resigned ; Nathaniel Kelsey,
Second Lieut.; Xathaniel Harker, Ensign, vice Knowlton,
removed.

Sixth Company, Northwest Marlborough — Bordawine Tear-
penning, Captain; William Martin, First Lieut.; Uriah Drake,
Second Lieut.; John Everett, Ensign; David Ostrander, Second
Lieut., March 9, 1778; Captain, ^larch (J, 1779; James Lyons,
First Lieut.; Jacob Terwilliger, Second Lieut.; Hugo Sheet,
Ensign.

Southern Kegiment of Minute Men, New ^Fjarlbo rough Com-
pany.-^—Commissicmed DecemlxT 1, 177."). Silas Purdy,
Captain ; Wolvert Packer, First Lieut. ; Zopher Perkins, Second
Lieut.; Leonard Smith, Jr., Ensign.

102 History of Marlborough.

Associated Exempts.

Api)ointed Noveml>er, 1778: Samuels Edwards, Cap-
tain; Xathaniel Wygant, First Li^iit. ; John Stratton,
Second Lieut.; Micajali Lewis, I]nsign. This last com-
pany was organized for home defense and was not to
be taken beyond the county. I cannot find the muster
roles of these companies or the names of the men.

Ckktificatks of tiik Committee of Safety

Now Marll)oroiigli, Oct. ye 2d 1775.
At a Ho^ular Election held this day in the southeast destrict
of New Marlborough Preciuct Agreeable to the resolves of the
Provincial Congress, was chost»ii by a plurality of votes of the
Soldiers of the Militia (^o. of said Dc^strict Commanded by
Col. Jonathan Hai^brouck the following officers: Caleb Merritt,
Captain; Abijah Perkins, 1st Lieut.; Stephen Case, 2nd Lieut.;
^latliew Wygant, Ensign; which Choice was made in the
presence of us the subscribers two of the Committee of said
Precinct. We are gentlemen, vour verv Humble Servants.

JOHX WOOLSEV
XI CK WEYGAXT

Keturn of Election of .Militia officers Ulster County.

Honorable (lentlemen Agrr^eable to your orders the south
district of the precinct of Xew Marll)oroug]i met on the 2()th
of this Listant and chose by a plurality of votes the following
officers for the Militia (viz): Lewis DuHois, Capt. ; Caleb
Merritt, 1st Lieut.; Dr. Abijah Perkins, 2nd Lieut.; Mathew
Wygant, Ensign.

Aug. 20, IT To We are gentlemen your very

(Commissions issued Sept. humble servants.

20, 1T:o. JOHX smith and HEXKY DrBOLS

Two of the Committ<»e\)f Xew Marlborough

Elkctiox of Offr'kks.
A list of the officers cliosen in a comj)any (»f fool in Xew
Marlborough Agreeable to the directions of Congress:

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Marlborough in the Revolution. 103

Bordavine Terpening, Capt. ; William Martin, 1st Lieut. ;
Uriah Drake, 2ncl Lieut. ; Jolin Everitt, Ensign.
Witness mv hand Sept. Gth, 1T75.

BENJAMIN CARPENTER

Chairman
Commissions issued and dated Oct. 11, 1775.

New Marlborough, Sept. 30, 1775.

To the Honorable Provincial Congress at New York city; at
an election of officers at New Marlborough Agreeable to the
directions of Congress have chosen by the Majority of votes in
the northeast Destrict of said precinct. Beginning at Hudson's
River at Lewis DuBoises North line running West to the
mountains tlience North to New Paltz line, thence to the river.

Jacob Wood, Capt. ; Jurian Mackey, 1st Lieut. ; Nathaniel
Goodspeed, 2nd Lieut. ; John Knowlton, Ensign.

We the Inspectors being two of the committee of the said
Destrict, Being in Col. Hasbrouk's Regiment.

Commissions issued and JOSEPH MOREY

dated Oct. 17, 1775. RK^HARI) CARPENTER

Two of the committee

Commission of William Woolsey.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

[Seal] by the Grace of GOD FREE and INDEPENDENT.

To William Woolsey Gent^i Greeting.

WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence as well in your
Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and
Readiness to do us good and faithful Service, Have Appointed
and constituted, and by these Presents Do Appoint and Con-
stitute you the said William Woolsey Ensign of Captain James
Talmages Company of Militia in the County of Dutchess, in
the Regiment whereof Roswell Hopkins Esquire is Colonel.

YOU are therefore, to take the said Company into your
charge and care as Ensign thereof, ai\d duly to exercise the
Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby
commanded to obey you as their Ensign and you are also to
Observe and follow such Orders and Directions as you shall
from time to time, receive from our General and Commander
in chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your
Superior Officer, According to the Rules and Discipline of War,
in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you : and for so doing

104 History of Marlborough.

this shall be YOUK COMMISSION, for and during our good
pleasure, to be Signified l)y our Council of Appointment. IX
TESTIMONY whereof we have caused our Seal for Military
Commissions to be hereunto Affixed. Witness our Trusty and
well beloved George Clinton p]squire our Governor of our State
of New York, General and Commander in chief of all the Mil-
itia, and Admiral of the Xavy of the same, by and with the
Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at
Poughkeepsie the Twenty fifth day of June in the Second year
of our Independence, and in the year of LORD one Thousand
Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight.

PaiJsed the Secretarvs office Julv 4th 1778

BY HIS EXCELLENCY' COMMAXD.

Geo. Clinton.

Abr"> B. Bancker Dy Secretary.

The militia was virtually State troops. They could
be called upon for service in the army by the proper
authorities at any time, and in such cases the colonel
of a regiment was ordered to furnish a certain number
of troops for a certain purpose, and the men were
drafted from the whole number, and they in fact be-
came as regular troops or the line of the army, after
they were so drafted, for the time being.

Anning Smith served as a lieutenant in Captain
William Gross' Company, of Colonel Johannes Jan-
sen's Regiment of New Y'ork Militia, from Ulster
county, ordered out in the service of the United
States, under the command of Colonel Pauling, June
4, 1780. His name appears on a payroll dated at
Hanover, March 4, 1782.

The Invasion of Canada.

The Continental Congress, in August, 1775, having
determined upon the invasion of Canada, called upon
New York to furnish four regiments of troo])s, among
those furnished was the third (Ulster) liegiment,
James Clinton, colonel. This regiment was well

Marlborough in the Revolution. 105

anned and equipped. The uniform consisted of a
gray coat with green cuffs and facings. The waist-
coat was of Russia drilling reaching to the hips; the
trousers were of drilling and of knee length;; tlKi
stockings were long, reaching to the knee, were woolen,
and of home knitting; the shoes were low; they wore
linen cravats, and a low-crowned felt hat with a very
broad brim. The regiments were distinguished from
each other by the color of the coat and facings, each
regiment consisting of ten companies. The officers
of the Fourth company were : Lewis DuBois, captain ;
Elias Van Benschoten, Jr., first lieutenant; Andrew
Lawrence, second lieutenant. The officers of the
Tenth company were: Rol>ert Johnson, captain;
Philip Du Bois Bevier, first lieutenant; William
Martin, second lieutenant.

The regiments for the invasion were brigaded under
General Montgomery of Dutchess county. In the
later part of August, 1775, they marched to Albany
and there waited further directions. General Schuyler
becoming sick on the march, Montgomery became
head of the division. He at once pressed forward, and
though embarrassed by lack of munitions and food,
and by the disaffection of some of his command, had
before the end of November captured successively
Chambly, St. Johns, and Montreal, thus gaining the
mastery over the greater part of the province. In
the next month a junction was effected with Arnold
before Quebec. The assault of the town was at once
resolved upon and on December 31, shortly after mid-
night, attempted, a snow-fall aiding the concealment
of the troops' movements. One division was to
direct its attack against the fortifications at the lower
end of the town, while the other under Montgomery's
command was to scale the Cape Diamond bastion.
The surprise was complete, the British artillerists
retreating after one discharge. Unhappily, Mont-

106 History of Marlborough.

gomery, who was pressing forward at the head of
his troops, was instantly killed by this single fire, two
of his aids falling with him. The undisciplined troops
were paralyzed at the loss of their leader and a re-
treat ensued. Congress, in recognition of Mont-
gomery's services, ordered a monument erected in his
honor in front of St. Paul 's church. New York city, and
in 1818 his remains were interred there with impressive
ceremonies. The New York troops remained in and
around the lower town of Quebec, (the British troops
being entrenched in the upper town), and they were
compelled to endure the trials and hardships of a
winter campaign in that high latitude. It had been a
march of hardship and exposure from the time they
had left Albany until they commenced their retreat in
the spring, falling back from Quebec over the route
they had taken. It will be seen by the names of of-
ficers given of the fourth and tenth companies that
some were from this town and the rest from this
vicinity, and there were a number of soldiers in this
expedition from about here, in fact most of the sol-
diers in the fourth and tenth companies were from this
town and vicinity. It would appear that in this cam-
paign, after they were driven back from their attack
on the upper town, they had to fortify themselves in
the lower town and vicinity, as they were virtually in
a trap for the time being. They could not then re-
treat, and had to obtain their supplies of food from
the surrounding country, and such as could be trans-
ported to them from the vicinity of Albany and Sche-
nectady through the snows of winter and ahnost track-
less forests. The army was unable to extricate itself
and protect its retreat until spring began to oi>en, and
it is easy to imagine the sufferings and privations of
that winter campaign. The survivors of that memor-
able and ill-fated expedition were wont to relate dur-
ing the remainder of their lives the facts, circmn-

Mablborough in the Revolution. 107

stances and incidents of what had happened to them
what transpired upon the march to and from and at
the siege of Quebec.

Lewis DuBois and William Martin.

Lewis DuBois, born September 14, 1728, was cap-,
tain in 1775; in February, 1776, he was major in the
fourth regiment at the seige of Quebec, where Gen-
eral Montgomery was killed. James Clinton was
colonel of the regiment. In the proceedings of Con-
gress, 1776, I find as follows: ** Col. DuBois hath been
well recommended to this Congress as an exceedingly
good oflScer capable of commanding a regiment with
credit to himself and credit to his country." And he
was authorized to raise the fifth regiment of the line,
which he did, and was commissioned as colonel by
Congress to rank from the 25tli day of June, 1776.
He was at the battle of Fort Montgomery and other
places ; he resigned on the 22d day of December, 1779.

William Martin was second lieutenant in 1775, and
second and first lieutenant in 1776, upon the invasion
of Canada and siege of Quebec. On the 8th of Jan-
uary, 1776, the Continental Congress issued its first
call for troops for the purpose of reinforcing the
army in Canada. Under this call Ulster county fur-
nished one company, of which William Martin of New
Marlborough was captain. In connection with this I
find the following:

Proceedings of the Continental Congress, Feb. 15, 1770.

" Received a letter from Thomas Pahner inclosing an agree-
ment and the name of a number of (57) men who have agreed
to enlist under Mr. William Martin as their Captain in the
troops to be raised for tlie defence of this Cohmy, as also an
extract of the proceedings of the Committee of New Marlbor-
ough, approving of, and rcniom mending the said William Martin
as a Captain in the said troop to be raised, which was read."

108 History of Marlborough.

There is no question but that Colonel Lewis Du-
Bois and Captain Martin were the prominent soldiers
of tliis town in the Hevolutionary AVar, though many
others did good and faithful service, the records of
whom have been given as far as I could. It is hard at
tliis late day to trace them all out, and properly
specify their services. Colonel Lewis DuBois was a
man of means and ])rominence, and had many re-
cruits from this precinct, and that some were killed
and wounded in Canada and at Forts Clinton and
Montgomery. 1 find that the amount raised for the
I)Oor in 1778 had increased from a small amount in
the year previous to 125 pounds, and it had increased
in Newburgh from 50 pounds to 800 pounds; and
** special donations were collected for such i)Oor
whose Iiusl)ands or parents were killed or taken pris-
oners at Fort Montgomery." A part of Colonel Can-
tine's regiment, the third of the line, was from this
part of the country, but their names cannot all be
traced; and then some from this town served in other
regiments. William Woolsey was an ensign in 1778
in Roswell Hopkin's regiments of Dutchess county;
Daniel Woolsey and Henry Woolsey ^ere ]M'ivates in
Cantino's regiment; John, John Jr. and Josiah
Woolsey were in Thomas's regiment; Nathan, William
and Xoah Woolsey Avere in Hopkins's regiment.

John Peck, John Rhodes, John Wilson, ,Iohn Hains,
Andrew Ely, John and Nathaniel Gee, John and Nath-
aniel Harcourt, Nathaniel Hull, Allen Lester, John,
Richard and Samuel Lewis, Alexander, Alexander, Jr.,
and (-harles Mackey, George Merritt, Jose])h and
James Plumstead, William Purdy, Dennis Relyea,
William Scott, Jacob, Joseph and Jonathan Terwil-
ligar, ]\Iichael and John Wygant, Timothy Wood,
Jacol) Degroot, Jonathan Woolsey, John Case, and
Joseph Rhodes are said to have served in the fifth

Marlborough in the Revolution. 109

regiment of the line, under Lewis DuBois, and all are
supposed to have been from New Marlborough.

Joseph Rhodes, who died more than fifty years ago
and who will perhaps be remembered by the older
people, was on account of his bravery and conduct,
offered the appointment of sergeant of his company.
He had to refuse the same as he could neither read
or write. It was a source of much grief to him all
his life; he never spoke of it without tears in his eyes.
T have spent much time in s<»arcliing out these names
and I am (luite sure there are many more.

DuBois' Regiment.

DuBois' regiment, the fifth of the line, was raised
about this and adjoining counties. Its field and staff
at organization wt^re:

liCwis DuBois, Colonel ; Jacobus 8. Bruyn, Lieut. Colonel ;
Samuel Logau, Major; Henrv DuBois, Adjutant; Albert Pawl-
ing, Aid-Major; Xelierniah Carpenter, Qr. Master; Saml. Town-
send, Paymaster; John Gano, Chaplain; Samuel Cooke, Sur-
geon; El)enezer Hutchinson, Surgeon's Mate.

Captains — 1. Co. Jacobus Rosekrans; 2. James Stewart;
3. Amos liutcbins; 4. Philip DuBois Bevier; 5. Thomas Lee;
G. Henry Goodwin ; 7. Jolin F. Hamtrack ; 8. John Johnson.

First Lieutenants — 1 Co. Henry Dodge; 2. Alexander Mc-
Arthur; 3. Patton Jackson; 4. Michael Connelly; 5. Henry
Pawling; (>. Solomon Pendelton ; 7. Francis Hammer; 8. Henry
W. Vanderberg. Henr}- Pawling was transferred to the regi-
ment from Gansevort's.

Second Lieutenants — 1 Co. Samuel Dodge; 2. John Burnett;

3. John Furman ; 4. ; 5. Samuel English;

r>. Ebenezor MV)tt ; 7. ; 8. James Betts.

The changes subsequently made are omitted.

The regiment was stationed in the spring of 1777
at Forts Clinton, Montgomery and Constitution in
the Highlands, on garrison duty, and was there on

110 History of Marlborough.

the 6th of October, when the forts were captured by
the British forces. This was the first engagement
which the regiment experienced. Lieut.-Col. Bruyn,
Major Logan, and Quartermaster Carpenter, Captain
Goodman, Lieuts. McArthur, Jackson, Pauling,
Pendleton, Dodge, Furman and Mott ; Ensigns Swart-
wout, McClaughrey and Legg, and Sergeant Henry
Schoonmaker, were taken prisoners. About 100 pri-
vates were killed, captured or missing. The regiment
lost nearly all their camp equipments and clothing.
DuBois with the balance of his men marched with
Gov. Clinton to Kingston at the time it was burned;
in the winter following the regiment was in camp at
Fishkill, and were in a very deplorable condition for
want of clothing, blankets, etc. In July, 1778, the
regiment was at White Plains; in 1779 it was with
Gen. James Clinton in the Sullivan campaign against
the Indians, and then was stationed at Fort Stanwix
in the Mohawk valley — afterward divided up with
other regiments.

Capt. Jacob Wood's Order.

Xewborough 13th of August 1717.

A List of the Exempts Jn Capt Wood Comj)anv of militia
with the Sum thev are Kated Anexed to their Xames.

Micajah Lewis . . .
Xathaniel Hull . .

John Ayres

Jonathan Brown .
Benjamin Woolsey
Abraham Lawsing
John Caverly ....
Charles Mackey . .

Peter Dehie

Job St. John ....

John Young

Jacob Latting . . .

•^'<N^:s««tAT r.v Capt. U-,

"OD'S COMPAXY.

Marlborough in the Revolution. Ill

Jeremiah Smith 2 12

Richard Carpenter "3 4

Obadiah Palmer 2 0

Benjamin Worth 2 0

Stephen Dugless 1 ^

Charles Hubs 2 0

David Adoms

John Shuffild

Elijha Adoms

Edward Hallock

Elijah Hallock

Charles Mackey

Thomas Brown 3 14

Samuel Hallock 7 8

Abel Adoms 3 12

£ij{j IG

If any of the Exempts prefers Stand a Draft Rather than
pay their money then Let them appear and Draft according to
Resolve of Congress.

Xewmolborough 15 of August 1777.

To George Stanton & John Davis, Sergents you are hereby
Commanded forthwith to Repair to Each of the within Exempts
and Demand the Sum anexed to each mans Name In your
District Which Is all South of Bond pattint

If any of the within Exempts Ref usees to pay the Sum
Demanded you are to proceed Xext monday morning & deteach
a guard and Destrain of thcr goods or Chatties and Deliver the
Same at my house at 1 oClock In the afterXoon that may be
Exposed to sail at the head of the Company •

Hereof Fail Not. Given Under my hand Jacob Wood Capt.

I desire you would warn the men that wa.^ Xot with us at fort
montgomery to appear on monday at 1 oClock.

It is quite hard to understand some things about
this ancient document. Jacob Wood was the captain,
and he appears to have had quite a number of ex-
empts, twenty-seven, or men claiming to be such, in
his company. From the names, we see that most of
them were Quakers, and on principle opposed to war,
and quite likely refused to serve as soldiers.

112 History of Marlborough.

I cannot find by what authority the captain could
rate and assess them and some ai*e rated much higher
than the rest. Samuel Hal lock, the Quaker preacher,
must pay seven pounds eight shillings. Two ser-
geants were sent out to '' Demand the Sum annexed
to each Name." If they refused to pay, the ser-
geants were ordered to put a guard over them, and
to destrain their goods and deliver them to the cap-
tain's house ** that they may be Exposed to Sail at
the head of the Company." This would look like a
very high-handed jnece of business, to put a guard
over a person, carry his goods away, turn out the
comi)any, and sell the goods at public sale. I can
account for it in no other way except by martial law,
or that the captain of a company had almost unlimited
1)0 wer. If they did not want to ** pay their money "
then they could stand a draft, under a resolution of
Congress. The captain probably got the money all
right, as these people would pay before they would
fight. He also had other trouble, as some of his men
did not turn out to go to Fort Montgomery; for he
directs his sergeants to warn the men that were not
with the company at the Fort to api)ear at his house.
We are not told what for, but it was for some sort of
punishment. The paper gives the district to be
notified as south of the Bond patent, so it was from
the river and Sturgeon's corner through to Lattin-
town, though his company district was all the north
part of the town.

Capt. Wood had a farm and a dock at the river,
where he built sloops, arid carried on other business.
He was a good, loyal man, deserved well from his
country, and did much good in the cause. He was
one of the chief men in the town in his time; I find
his name in many places.

a. 5 ■

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Marlborough in the Revolution. 113

Captain Jacob Wood Vindicated.

Fort Montgomery 31 May 1777
A court of inquiry iyy Gen. George Clinton wliereof Lieut.
Col. McCloughry is President.

Present Members.
Major Houghteling Lieut. Johnson

Capt. De Witt " Yancer

" Falkner " Rosenerance

" Hardenburgh " IMonnell

" Tilford " Mojffat

Lieut. Hunter " Hardenburgh

Capt. Conklin Judge Advocate.

The members being Duly Sworn also the President. Capt.
Jacob Wood being Brought before the Court and Charg'd by
Elijah Lewis for Disobeying Orders and Particularly in Draft-
ing his Qato of men for the Present Service. After the Alliga-
tions and Evidence it Appears to the Court that Capt. Jacob
Wood has been Maliciously and Wrongly Us'd and that he has
Discharged his Duties as a good and faithful Officer agreeable
to his Orders.

JAMES McCLAGHRY, Lieut. Col.

President.

General Vaughn's Expedition up the River.

On the night of October 6, 1777, Forts Clinton and
Montgomery had been taken, and some soldiers of
this town had been killed, some wounded and some
taken prisoners. The chain and boom across the
river at West Point, having been destroyed, the river
was open for the possession of the enemy, and it was
thought by them that some assistance might be ren-
dered to Burgoyne, who was surrounded at Saratoga
by the American troops, or that a diversion might be
made in his favor; so, preparatory to the expedition,
Gen. Vaughn, on the 11th of October, sent Sir James
Wallace up from the Highlands with a galley, a
schooner and three other vessels to reconnoitre the
river, and they proceeded up as far as the Smith mills

114 History of Marlborough.

at Milton, and then returned, having burned Van
Buren^s mills and several other buildings on the other
side of the river and some old vessels along shore,
that could not get out of the way. On the 14th, the
British fleet, consisting of several armed vessels,
twenty galleys and flatboats and about 1,600 men left
Peekskill and sailed up the river, and though the peo-
ple expected something to happen, they were hardly
prepared to see so large a fleet with cannon and
armed men. The vessels passed here on the morning
of the 15th and dropped anchor a few miles south of
Kingston in the afternoon which they burned the next
day. They went as far north as Saugerties, and re-
turning, passed here on the evening of the 19th.
During this time between the time they went up and
returned the people here were very much worried and
troubled, and great fear was entertained that the
troops might land and plunder and destroy property.

Captain Case was out with his company patrolling
the shore and watching their movements. The Com-
mittee of Safety were on the alert, but they had no
means of defense; they advised the people to take
their property and move back into the country, which
many did, taking their families, their stock and valu-
ables with tliem; and they hid and buried much of
their property in the woods. To add to the terror,
many shots were fired from the vessels on their way
up at the DuBois house at Marlborough, now owned
by John Rusk, and at the Auning Smith house at
Milton, now owned by Anning Smith, the great-
grandson.

These places were said to have been pointed out by
the tones on the vessels as being owned by promi-
nent rebels. The houses were not struck, but solid
shot has been picked up around them since.

Mablborough in the Revolution. 115

Some of the more venturesome watched the prog-
ress of the fleet from sheltered points about the shore.
News soon spread that Kingston was burned and the
fleet returning; then the terror and confusion knew
no bounds. The people here were sure they were to
be the next victims ; there was very little sleep on the
nights of the 18th and 19th ; people were riding about
on horseback; teams were hitched up, goods being
packed and loaded, but during the night of the 19th,
news came that the vessels were passing down the
river without any indication of stopping. The next
few days were busy times for the people, .moving back
and getting to rights. They could well be pardoned
for their fear; there was defeat and destruction all
about them. Some of their relatives and neighbors
had been killed and some wounded; and they were
entirely helpless and unprotected.

It has always been claimed about here that certain
tories of this place were with the British and assisted
them to pilot up the river; this tradition has been
handed down from one generation to another, but there
is nothing authentic about it. There are other tradi-
tions about this expedition, but they are not known
to be correct. We can easily imagine what a relief it
must have been to the people when the last ship dis-
appeared down the river. No part of the town was
ever invaded by the enemy ; the nearest they ever got
were at the places above mentioned.

When Brant and his Indians massacred the soldiers
who went out from Goshen to meet him at Minesink
on the Delaware, there was another scare, but it soon
subsided, as Brant got no farther.

Yet still our ancestors had their troubles; there
was war and rumors of war all the time; they were
taxed to the limit; their property pressed into the
service, and many of their men were in the service of
the country and much of their lands uncultivated.

IIG History of Marlborough.

Yet they were true and loyal to tke cause and their
rejoicing was great at the favorable termination of
the war when it came.

Before General Vaughn's expedition passed here
on its return, it had become known about the town
that General Burgoyne had surrendered his army at
Saratoga ; and the fear of the people that they might
have trouble from the enemy was soon followed by
rejoicing at the surrender of the northern army. The
news was proclaimed far and near, and people flocked
to Lattintown from miles back in the country. The
rejoicing and celebration was kept up until there was
nothing left at Lattintown to drink except water.

The defeats at Forts Montgomerj^ and Clinton and
the burning of Kingston were soon followed by the
surrender to the Americans of the great English army
with all its equipments, which was considered by
many of our devout people as a special interposition
of Divine Providence. Many were the prayers of
thanksgiving and praise that ascended to Heaven
from a grateful ixiople on this occasion.

Lieutenant Rose Cashiered for Insubordination.

At a General Court Martial held at the House of Widow
Hills near Good Will Meeting House Ulster County on Friday
21 Feb. 1777.

Present Col. Woodhull President.
Col. Snyder Maj. Wynkoop

Lieut. Col. Jansen Capt. Salsbur}-

Maj. Jansen Capt. Vancuren

Maj. Cantine Capt. Galespie

Maj. Popno Capt. McBride

Maj. Philips

Came on for Tryal of Lieut. Jacobus Rose of Capt. Has-
brouck's Co., Col. Paulraer's Reg't of Ulster County, who Stands
Charged before the Court of Refusing to obey the orders of a
Superior officer, when ordered to detach by Ballot the Quoto of
Men of his Com'y for Service on 23 Sep'r Last and also disobey-
ing at other times.

Marlborough in the Revolution. 117

To which Charge the said Lieut. Rose pleads guilty and
furtlier declares in the presence of this Court that he will not
obey the order of drafting men by Ballot in future.

Capt. Hasbrouck Deposed and said That Lieut. Rose never
appeared to him to be unfriendly, but his General Character
is Rather unfriendly to the States that he Commonly associates
himself with those People that is Disaffected and suspected of
being Really friends * * * jVfaj. John Cantine deposed That
sometime in Sept. I^ast Lieut. Jacobus Rose * * * ^-as
ordered by this deponant, agreeable to a Resolution of the Con-
vention of this State to detach Six men by Ballot being the
Quoto of the Company he then Commanded, But absolutely
Refused to do so tliough several tiines requested by this Depon-
ant, also Refused to liaise his Quoto another time, notwith-
standing this deponant held out to him under what sollemn
Trust of Honour and Religion, he had obligated himself to
obey his superior officers at the time he Received his Com-
mission. * * *

The Court taking into Consideration the Case of Lieut. Rose
* * * and from his Confession together with the Evidence
do find him guilty of the within charge and Adjudge him the
said Lieut. Rose to be Cash i red, and to pay a Fine of Thirty
pounds and also be Rendered Incapable of ever bearing a
Commission again in this State.

The Within is the Proceedings of the Trval of Lieut. Rose.

Attest.

JESSE WOODHULL. President.

Joiix Hatiiorx

Judge Advocate

Xew Marlborough 20 April, 1T7T.

Taken up by Lieut. Potter and brought before the Committee
of Xew Marlborough, Samuel Towndson Depositions of Eben-
ezer St. John and Andrew Ay res. Against Samuel Towndson.

Appeared before this Committee Ebenezer St. John, and made
oath that he heard the said Samuel Towndson say that after
being warned he Did not Care for their Orders, and would not
be Running after their Damned Xonsense. lie was asked if he
was not willing to obey Orders, and he Swore he would not,
and Rode Round ^Fr. Freyer that was Discoursing with him
in a way of Ridicule, and asked the said Freyer if he was not
ashamed of going upon Such a Foolish Errand, as he had been
to alarm the Colonies and inhabitants of Concerning those

118 History of Marlborough.

Tories now gone off. He said if he had alarmed five hundred
he would not be able to take them. Andrew Ayres standing
by told the said Towndson that he would take them with twenty-
five men if he could come at them, and said Towndson told
Ayres that he might take twenty-five of the best of his Damned
Wigs and he would bring twenty-five men that should meet
him upon Lattig Town plain and fight it out with him, and
insisted upon Ayres Entering into bonds to meet him, which •
Ayres did not choose to do. And further this Deponant Saith
not.

EBEXEZER ST. JOHN

Personally appeared before this Committee, Andrew Ayres,
and made oath and Saieth that he was discoursing
with Mr. Freyer Concerning the Toryes, Shooting Jonathan
Terwillegar, and taking the said Freycr's Brother. The said
Towndson being present, was asked by Freyer why he did not
come to assist to take them. He told him he was warned to
appear but not when nor he did not care when. The said
Towndson demanded of Freyer where he had been and he said
Towndson told him he had been to Alarm the County and he
said five hundred would not take them.

The said Ayres told him that he would engage to be one of
the twenty-five that would take them. The said Towndson said
he might take twenty-five of the best of liis Wigs, and he would
take as many Tories and meet him on the Plain at Latting
Town and Fight it out for which he offered to Stake money or
draw Bonds for Fifty Pounds, and further Saith not.

ANDREW AIEPS.

It would appear from the above proceedings that
tories were being enlisted into the service of the
English, that the town committee had issued orders
for the people to turn out to interce])t them, that
Freyer had been riding around notifying, and that
Towndson after having be^n notified to turn out, had
refused to do so, and that together witli his conduct
afterward had prompted the committee to order Lieut.
Potter to arrest him and bring him before the com-
mittee; and it would appear from the following peti-

Marlborough in the Revolution. 119

tion which Towndson makes, that the committee held
and imprisoned him.

Petition of Samuel Townsend.

To the Honorable the Council of Safety for the State of
New York in Council convened.

The Petition of Samuel Townsend of Xew Marlborough
precinct and State of Xew York Confined on Board the vessel
at the strand of Kingston for being thought an enemy of this
State Humbly showeth, That ye petitioner some time ago
being intoxicated in Liquor inadvertantly fell into company
with a person, and jockingly said to him that he might bring
five and twenty Damd Wigs against five and twenty Tories
and that the Tories would beat them there on the plain where
they then was (at a place called Lating Town) for which a
Complaint was entered to the Committee of New Marlborough
and ye petitioner was committed to gaol for the same. That
ye petitioner is sensible that what he said and did he ought not
to have done and is very sorry^ for the same and he should not
have acted in that manner had he been in his sober hours
* * * May 15, 1777.

SAMUEL TOWNSEND.

Townsend was tried on April 26; on April 30, he
making the following petition :

To the Honrable the Representatives of the State of New
York In Convention Assembled.

The Petition of Samuel Townsend Humbly Sheweth
That yr petitioner is at present Confined in the Common
Gaol of Kingston for Being thought unfriendly to the American
States That yr petitioner some few Days ago went from Home
upon some Business & happened to Gett a Little Intoxicated in
Liquor, and upon his Return home. Inadvertantly fell in Com-
pany upon the Road with a person unknown to yr petitioner
& Discoursing and Joking about the Torries passing through
there & Escaping this person says to yr petitioner tliat if he had
been with the wigs they should not have Escaped so. Inadver-
tantly and by way of Boasting, that he wouhl have Done Great
Feets as a Tory could not look a whig in the face, to which
your petitioner being merry and in Liquor, Wantonly and in a
Bantering manner told him that in the Lane tIirou;^]i which

120 History of Marlborough.

tliey wore tlien Riding five & twenty wigs would not Beat five
& twenty Torries & Joking togather they jiarted & yr petitioner
thought no more of it, since he lias Been taken up and Confined,
as he supposes on the above joke.

Being concouss to himself of his not committing any Crime
or of being unfriendly to the American Cause worthy of punish-
ment * * * ^

That yr petitioner is Extremely sorry for what he may have
said and hopes his Intoxication & Looseness of his Tongue will
Be forgiven by this Honorable Ccmvention as it would not have
been expressed by him in his sober Hours: That yr petitioner
has a wife and two Children and a helpless mother all which
must Be supported by his Lal)our & should he be kept confined
in this time his family must unadvoidably suffer through want
as yr petitioner is but of Indigint Circumstances and fully
conceives it is Extremely hard to keep him confined to the Great
Distress of his family as well as Grief of yr petitioner. Yr
petitioner therefore humbly prays that this Honorable Con-
vention would Be favorably pleased to take the premises under
their serious consideration so as that yr petitioner may be
relieved and Discharged from his Confinement or such Kelief
as to the Honorable House shall seem meet and yr petitioner
will ever pray.

Kingston (Jaol April 30 ITTT.

SAMUEL TOWXSEXD.

From this i>etition it would api)ear Townsend got
into, jail very soon after his arrest, and he was not
suited with his conditions. It is somewhat similar to
his other petition made afterward and most likely for
the same offense, and if this be so, it would indicate
tliat the tories at this time went through Lattintown
and escaped. It was i)robably the same transaction.
It is hard to reconcile all the facts and the reader
must judge for himself, as I give all 1 have.

Petition of Elizabeth AVkxjins.

To the TTonorable the Convention of the State of Xew York.

The Petition of Elizabeth Wig^rins ITunihly Showeth That
notwithstandinir Stephen Wig<j:ins The llushaiid of yr Petitioner
i? supposed to be with the ^Finisterial Army which in Fact may

Marlborough in the Revolution. 121

be the Case yet the seizing of the whole of his Personal Prop-
erty which in Fact is all the Estate he could call his own as
matters stands Truly Circumstances in a more common Hard-
ship on your Petitioner, as your Petitioner is able to prove by
good Authority that her Husband went off Intentionally against
her will and advice, That her two sons Kemain at home with her
Disapproved much of their Fathers going off, also as they are of
age have from time to time when called upon Cheerfully done
their duty in the Militia * * * Yr Petitioner is a poor
woman wuth a large family of small Children and can now
Barely support them, with the help of her sons and what little
Stock of Cattle she had, which stock is now seized by order
of your Honorable House * * * Your Petitioner therefore
Immbly prays that your Honorable House wnll be pleased 'o
take the Case of your Poor distressed Petitioner as above
Petition into consideration as well as the care of her two sons,
and allow them the use of the whole, or at least a part of the
Estate so seized and give orders to the gentlemen appointed
to make Sale thereof accordingly. But in case you shall think
Proper Notwithstanding to continue the Sale your Petitioner
most earnestly prays that she may be allowed the use of one cow,
and her riding mare which she purchased since her Husband's
Absence, and Prays that in Case the Property is Sold that her
Sons may be discharged from Militia Duty as she will then have
no other Dependance than the daily Labor of said sons for the
support of herself and large familv * * *

April 24 1777 ELIZABETH WTGGIXS

P. S. We the subscribers being Perfectly acquainted with the
above Petitioner and think it highly reasonable that the Hon-
orable Convention be pleased to grant the prayer of the above
l^etitioner.

Witness our hands the date above

LEWIS DUBOIS, Major
STEPHEN CASE Captain
JACOB WOOD Captain

This is easily understood. Wiggins had left his family
and gone off and enlisted with the enemy. His prop-
erty had been seized by the Commissioners of Con-
fiscation, and his wife was making this strong appeal
to the highest State authority; it is an earnest and
eloquent appeal and shows the great distress under
which she labored. Our oflBcers here, DuBois and the

122 History of MARLBoiioucH.

rest, indorsed the petition and tried to help her. I do
not find the result, but it is quite likely she got the
property.

Lewis DuBois' Court Martial.

At A General Court Martial held at Fort Montgomery April
30, 1777, Agreeable to the Orders of his Honor Brigadior
General George Clinton, dated the said 30 Day of April, for
ihe trial of all such Persons, as shall come before them, charged
with Leveying War against the State of Xew York within the
same, adhering to the King of Great Britten, enlisting Soldiers
and being enlisted as a Soldier in the Service of the King of
Great Britten, and owing Allegiance or deriving protection from
the Laws of the State of New York.

Present Col. DuBois President.
Capt. Kosecrans Cnpt. Conklin

Stewart Milligan

Lee Yancura

Bevier McBride

Goodwin Dewitt

Xicoll Schoomaker

Tilford Lieut. Post *

Hardenbergh " Hunter

Hasbrouck

Captain Lu?ik as Judge Advocate.
After several other cases had been taken up, Jaco])us Rose
was brought the court. He plead '" Guilty " to the 1, 2 & 4
charges, to the 3d " Xot Guilty," and confessed : "That one
David McCiiven a Capt. in Col. Faning's Hegiment told him that
everv' man who enlisted in the King's Service should have 100
acres of land and each of his children should have 50, and five
pounds bounty and Pay from the time of enlistment to the
Discharge * * * . That he told the Men he engaged to
enlist that Col. Fanning told him that they had only their
(lovernment to Clear, That Gov. Tryon was to be th(»ir General.
That he (Hose) gave orders to his men to load their guns and
Defend themselves if necessary. That the second Time he went
to Xew York he carried 17 men with him * * * That he had
33 or 34 men with iiim at tliis time. That he left Xew York
a])out 20 days ago.

Marlborough in the Revolution. 123

"Arthur McKinney being brought before tlie court charged
holding 1st correspondence with and giving Intelligence to the
Enemy, 2d giving them aid and comfort " to both of which he
pleads " Not Guilty."

" The Prisoner being examined says that some time Saturday
Night last Kose and his Party came to his farm, that he (the
Prisoner) gave them food, and that his wench informed Kose
that the Melitia were in pursuit of them and that he (the
Prisoner) afraid that Rose or his Party would Bum his Bam if
he (the Prisoner) discovered them, and that Rose Begged him
not to Discover them which he Did not Do * * * That he
knew Rose to be an officer and if he (Rose) should be taken
would be Hanged and (he the prisoner) said he Did not like to
have Rosens Blood on his hands but further Says he was inno-
cent of their coming.

Isaac Lockwood was brought before the Court Charged with a
Crime for attempting to Join the Enemy, Pleads Not Guilty.

The Prisoner being Examined says that he (the Prisoner) was
persuaded by Silas Gardiner to go to New York. * * *

Silas Gardiner charged with Ix? vying War against the United
States of America for holding Correspondence and aiding
and Assisting the Enemies of the said States Pleads not
Guilty. * * *

Many eases were tried by this court martial. Gen-
eral Clinton on the 30th day of April, 1777, issued an
order convening the court. On the same day in the
morning the court met and the proceedings of the
court say:

The Court having Sat till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the
Guard house crowded with Prisoners and the court resolved that
an immediate Example was necessary and requisite to deter
intestine Enemys from continuing Treasonable Practices against
the State, and it being also probable that this Post would soon
be beseiged by the enemy. The court adjourned until 5 o'clock
in the afternoon. It then resumed and continued until a long
time in the night. The court was continued the next day, and,
in these two days, fourteen men were adjudged to suffer the
"Pains and Penalties of Death by Ix'ing hanged I)y the neck
until thev are dead."

124 History of Marlborough.

Others were sentenced to different terms of im-
prisonment, some discharged. ** Isaac Lockwood was
sentenced to be Confined in a Common Goal During
the Present War with the King of Great Britten or
Until he shall be Released by proper Authority.^'
This was a most remarkable court martial. It sur-
passes in the amount of work done, large number of
people tried and the numl>er of men sentenced to
death, any court martial during the Revolution. In
fact its equal cannot be found at any time in the
annals of this country. Such sununary trial and pro-
ceedings have never been heard even in Russia.

DuBois must have been a man of much decision of
character and firmness, and not to be turned from his
duty by any sentiments of sympathy and mercy. The
facts and evidence were very strong against these
men. Some of them had been captured with arms in
their hands and they had made armed resistance.
They were marching through the country armed and
equipped with the intention of joining the English
troops at New York city. Men from all over the State
had already joined the enemy, and it had become
necessary in order to deter enlistments in the British
army, that summary and stern measures should be
made to prevent such enlistments. It was demoraliz-
ing patriots in the field, and it was discouraging to
the people who were trying to maintain the war
against the invaders. The men who constituted this
court martial were good and true men, and undoubt-
edly did their duty as they understood it. Most of
them afterward became i)rominent in the communities
in which they lived, and many of them afterward held
l)ositions of honor and trust in the State. Some of
the best families in this county and State are de-
scended from these men.

In the courts of law of this State, and th? other
States it has sometimes taken weeks to convict a man

Marlborough in the Revolution. 125

of murder even when it was known from the begin-
ning that he was guilty, but tliis court was not dis-
posed to spend much time and sympathy upon men
whom they considered and knew to be guilty from the
start. This court martial must have had a very
salutary effect, as very little was heard of the tories
about this county after this.

No Consideration to be Shown Traitors.

Gen. Clinton insists that examples be made of them
to deter others from following their examples.

Fort Montgomer}' 2(1 May 1777.
Dear Sir,

Inclosed I transmit to the Honorable the Convention the
Proceedings of a General Court Martial at this Post for the
Tr}'al of Jacobus Eose and sundry other Persons charged with
Treason against the State. The Conduct of many of these
Traitors are so daring and Insolent that a sudden and severe <
Example to me seems absolutely necessary to deter others from
the commission of like Crimes and I am persuaded to suffer
these to escape with impunity would be Cruelty in- the End.
There are many others yet untried for want of evidence in the
Guard House here which occasion double guards and greatly
adds to the Fatigue of the Soldiery already overburdened with
the Works necessary for the Defence of the Post.

These reasons and the Trouble they would necessarily be to
us in Case of an Attack induces me to wish a speedy Answer
from the Convention. The Inhabitants are so much iritated
by the Conduct of the Prisoners in marching afmed m a Body
to join the Enemy that I fear they will soon take the Law in
their own hands against them * * *

You will observe that Gardiner & some others of the Prison-
ers were not of Eose's party & that Gardiner pleads in his De-
fence a Certificate of his having taken the Oath of Allegiance
before the Commissioners for detecting Conspiricies since the
Commissions of his Crimes which the Court however concluded
was obtained artfully & through misinformation & indeed that
it was out of the Line of the Commissioners' duty * * *

126 History of Marlborough.

You observe by the Examination of Rose & his Party sundry
of them left him went Home & are not yet taken who ought
to be inmiediately appreliended.

1 am with due Respect vour Obed't Serv't

GEO. CLIXTOX.
To President of Convention.

General Clinton about the Tories.

Fort Montgomery 4th May 1777.
Dear Sir,

Indorsed I send you a List (List not found) of the Traitors
who were going to Join our Country's Enemies in Xew York,
under the Directions of Jacobus Rose together with a List of
the Xames of Persons who have knowingly assisted & abetted
them. On the list 1 have notec] such as we have taken, the
others are yet missing and as I have Reason to believe that not
more than five were killed the Rest must yet be hiding about
the country and it is essential to the Internal Peace & Safety
of the Country that this wicked Banditte should be entirely
broken up. I think too much Pains can not be taken to appre-
hend or destroy them. I have parties out after them * * *^

Your M'st Obd't Serv't

GEOKGE CLIXTOX.
To the Hon. President of the Convention

of the State of Xew York.

Jacobus Rose.
I find that the Tories who got some of the people in
these troubles were Jacobus Rose and liis men. It
appears that he was engaged in recruiting men in this
and adjoining towns for enlistment in the British
ariny at New York city. It appears by his confes-
sion, that he had taken seventeen men to New York
city at one time, and the next time he took thirty-three
or thirty-four men. This was during the time that
Freyer had been to warn the colonies and inhabi-
tants, and Townsend had refused to turn out to assist

Marlborough in the Revolution. 127

to take them. I find that he took his men to Arthur
MeKinney's one night and quartered them in his
barn, and made tlie people get victuals for them.
McKinney was arrested on account thereof and was
charged with holding correspondence with and giving
intelligence to the enemy and giving them aid and
comfort. He was brought before tlie committee and
sent for trial before a court martial at Fort Mont-
gomery, of which Col. Lewis DuBois was president,
and was convicted and imprisoned. Rose went
through Lattintown with his men and got them safely
to the English army; but it appears that the next
time he tried it he was arrested with his men and
taken before the court martial at Fort Montgomery
for trial, April 30, 1777. He was charged first, with
levj^ng war against the State of New York; second,
with adhering to the King of Great Britain; third,
with enlisting men in the service of the King, and
fourth, with being enlisted in the service himself.. He
pleaded not guilty to the third charge of enlisting
men. He was convicted and sentenced '* to be hanged
by the neck until he was dead." He made the follow-
ing petition.

Petition of Jacobus Rose and Jacob Middagh, To the Hon-
orable the Committee of the State of New York, The Humble
Petition of two unhappy Prisoners now by order of your House
under sentence to be hanged this Day Most Humbly Showetli
That although their conscience doth not in the least accuse them
of being guilty of any sin against God or their country by
doing what they are condemned to suffer Death for, yet your
Petitioners are heartily sorry for having incurred the Dis-
pleasure of your House in so sensible a manner. That as sinful
men, it is an awful and Dreadful thought to be so suddenly
sent to Eternity without any time to repent of the Sins of our
Past Lives and to make our peace with that God, who uuist
finally judge us all for the deeds done in the flesh ; that there-
fore to prepare for this great and awful trial. Your Petitioners
most Humbly beg that they may have a Respite of a few Days,

128 History of Marlborough.

and Your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall in the meantime

earnestly prav.

JACOBUS KOSE
JACOB MIDDAGH

Kingston, May loth, 1777

The petition was rejected. I do not know as Rose
was a resident of this town but he was recruiting men
here and all about the surrounding country, and ap-
pears to have got himself and many people in trouble.
Rose and Middagh were hanged and it has been
claimed that this is one of the reasons why the British
burned Kingston a few months after.

Elnathan Foster gave bond as follows :

Know All Men by these presents, that we, Elnathan Foster
and Humphrey Merrett * * * are held and jointly and
severally bound unto the Treasurer of the State of Xew York
in the sum of 100 lbs. to be paid to the said Treasurer, on or
before the first day of June next, for the payment whereof we
bind ourselves, heirs * * * Sealed with our seals, dated
the 26th of May 1777. The Condition of this Obligation is
such, that if the said Elnathan Foster shall and do forthwith
proceed to his usual place of Abode and there continue to reside
and not to depart from the Bounds of his Farm, until he shall
receive Permission from this Committee of Safety, or further
action and Order of this State for so doing, And also that in
the meantime he shall not say or do anvtliing inimical to the
liberties of America, Then this Obligation to be void or else
to remain in full force and virtue.

ELXATHAX FOSTER
HUMPHREY MEKRETT

Januar}^ 12, 1770.— In Committee of Safety.

Ulster ('ounty — Stephen Seymour, of full age, being sworn
on the Holy Evangelists, this 4th day of Jan y, 1776, saith, that
on ^Fonday evening, the first inst., at the house of Daniel
l^fcGiden, he heard Samuel Devine repeatedly drink damnation
to the Congress and all the Whigs; that last year was Whig
year, but this would be Torv* year; and likewise that all the
Whigs would be hanged in the spring; and furthermore called
the Whigs a pack of damned rebels — and further saith that he
would not obey his officers more than he would a dog.

Marlborough in the Revolution. 129

Ulster County — Henry Lockwood, of full age, being duly
sworn, saieth, that on his way home from Xewburgh he met
with some persons, among whom was a certain Samuel Devine,
who then asked him if he did not know there was a reward for
taking up a Committee man and sending him on board a man-
of-war; who then threatened to take this deponent, he being
one of the Committee of Marlborough Precinct, and that he
would have 40 lbs. cash, or 50 acres of land, for delivering
him, &c

Devine was released under this charge, but in 1777
was court martialed and sentenced to be hanged. He
was afterward pardoned by Governor Clinton. De-
vine and others made the following petition :

Gentlemen :

Famine more formidable than the sword and pestilence
united, now presents itself to us, the gaoler informs us that he
has orders to decline Supplying us with provisions. Is it pos-
sible that a Council of Safety for the State of New York can
issue so horrid an order? Perish the ungrateful suggestion,
we cannot believe it, to keep man in close confinement with all
the precautions practicable by human ingenuity and at the
same time deny them the necessaries of life is unprecedented
among them we call savages. There are many among us desti-
tute of money and of every means to preserve existance. There
possibly are some who can supply themselves, but let a scrutiny
be made and let not them who cannot, perish. We have not,
we will not pursue any violent measures, we trust in God and
the humanity of your honorable board and are Gentlemen, Your
Distressed humble Servants.

Robert Nickolesson

Harrow Wilkinson
his

Jacob X Scoulenar
mark

Silas Gardiner

Samuel Devine

James Beggs

Thos. Wilkinson

Wm. Orr
his

Alex. X Campell
mark

130 History of Marlborough.

Isaac Lockwood
Henry Plank
Caruth Brisben

his
Kobert x Briget Nigor
mark
To the Honorable the Council of Safety for the State" of Xew

York
Kingston gaol, August 23, 1777.

Petition of Silas Gardiner.

To the Honorable the Eepresentatives of the State of New
York in Convention Assembled. The Petition of Silas Gardiner
Humbly Showeth that your petitioner is one of the unhappy
persons who are confined in the Dungeon of the Common Gaol
of Kingston and sentanced to Die by Court Martial. That as
this Honorable Convention hath the Confirming of the sentance
yr petitioner is therefore led to offer by his petition. That as
this Honorable House hath Been ever ready to hear the peti-
tions of the Distressed and always followed the unerring &
Divine precept (which says mercy Rejoiseth Against Judgment)
and Especially as he humbly conceives he is wrongfully con-
demned by false accusations. That yr petitioner some time last
January went to Xew York & Keturned and was al)out Return-
ing again in company with ^ne Isaac Lockwood But was taken
& sent to Fishkill, Try'd by the Commissions & Discharged
from tlie said offence. That yr petitioner was Returned to his
family and had been but about twelve liours home before he
was apprehended l)y some of his neighl)ors, and taken Down
to the Forts & Confined & Sentenced to Die. That yr peti-
tioner knows of nothing that can be laid to his charge
since his Discharge from the said Commissioiis. But is
Informed that tlie said Isaac liockwood has sworn that yr
petitioner enticed him tlie said Lockwood to go off the
Time when they were both apprehended. That yr ])etitioner
can sufficiently ])rove by several witnesses if required that
the accusation of the said Isaac Lockwood is false as the said
witnesses is Ready to testify that the said Isaacs Lockwood was
Ready and about going off to Xew York Before yr petitioner
Returned therefrom. That yr })etitioner is in a truly Deplora-

Mablborough in the Revolution. 131

ble and pitable situation Being Condemned for a Crime for
which he hath Been Legally Discharged, and is conscious to
himself of not having Committed any thing since his Discharge
worthy of punishment yr Petitioner therefore Humbly prays
and implores that this Honorable House will be favorably
pleased & mercifully Disposed to take this Deplorable Case
under their most serious consideration so as that yr petitioner
may be Relieved from the said sentence of Death by pardoning
yr petitioner amd Discharging him from his confinement or
such other Belief as to this Honorable House shall seem meet.
And vr petitioner shall ever prav.

SILAS GARDIXER.
Kingston Gaol May 9, 1777.

Petition of Aethur McKinney.

To the Honorable the Representatives of the State of Xew
York in Convention assembled.

The Petition of Arthur McKinney Humbly showeth That
your petitioner is at present a Prisoner Confined in the Dun-
geon of the Common Gaol of Kingston and under sentence of
Death for an offence Against the Law of this State Confirmed
by a Resolve of this Honorable Convention passed the 14th
day of April last.

That the said Resolve was unknown to your Petitioner * * *

That yr petitioner is Innocently brought into this Dismal
Snare by some ill Disposed person who must have directed them
to his Bam in the Dead of the night unknown to your petitioner
& without his knowledge, and as he looks upon himself as a
Dying man it is his Indispensible Duty, as he regards the good
of his soul in the next life to say or Declare nothing but truth
yr Petitioner therefore is Ready & willing to lay his hand on
the sacred word of God, and Solemnly Declare that he neither
Knew of their coming or of their being there until the next
morning when he went to feed his Cattle as usual, and then
he found the men in the Barn, and they would not let him
go out until he made his Xegro wench bring victuals to
them ♦ ♦ *

That yr petitioner is in a truly deplorable condition, Being
bound with Iron Bands in a Dark and Dismal Dungeon. * * *

ARTHUR McKINXEY.

132 History of Marlborough.

To the Hond. Council of Safety for the State of Xew York.

The Humble petition of divers of the Inliabitants of Xew
Borough and New 3Iarlborough, Precinct of Ulster County,
Most humbly Showeth, That we the Neighbors and acquaint-
ances of Samuel Devine, now in confinement at Kingston, and
seeing the distress to his wife and young family are reduced by
reason of his absi^nce, and also to what they will be reduced to
if they can got no assistance from him in Provisions and
Provender for the approaching season, We hereby humbly pray
that he may be relieved from his confinement and sent to his
family under such restraint as you in your wisdom shall think
proper, and we with truth assure you, that as friends to our
Country's cause we would not be thought to ask Liberty for an
Enemy, and have not the least cause of Suspecting that he will
do anything for the prejudice of the United States of America,
what he formerly has done, we rather believe has been from
passion more than from principle, all of which we submit to
your wise and gracious judgment.

Petitioners shall forever pray.
Jon Scot Joseph Ransom Jonathan Lane

Edward turner John gee Nehemiah horton

Hazel Smith Henry Cronk Andrew gee

Dene Relyea William gerow William gee, Senyr

Benjamin Relyea John gerow Cornelius Pohlames

Peter terpenny William Relyea James Devine

Frederick Cronk Joseph Devine

Newborough above named was Xewburgli. It was
often called in ancient papers? New Borough.

Petition of Levi Quimby.

To the Honorable Council of Safety for the State of New York.

The Humble Petition of Levi Quimby whose name is herwith
subscribed. Humbly Sheweth,

That whereas your Petitioner on the first of March last past
met with three men whose names entirely slipt my memory,
being by them persuaded to leave my habitation, wife and chil-
dren and went down to Xew York. While there on York Island
being informed by a man from Xew Jersey that the Honorable
Convention of the State of Xew York had parsed an act of
grace, offering free pardon to subjects that had committed

Marlborough in the Revolution. 133

treasonable acts against this State and that would return again
to their allegiance. In consequence of said information your
humble petitioner left Xew York Island the 14th of this Instant
to take the Benefit of the act of grace pursuant to the declara-
tion or ordinance of the Convention of the State of New York
passed the 10th of this Instant offering free pardon to such of
the Subjects of the said State as having committed treasonable
acts against the same, should return to their allegiance.

Your petitioner appeared before ^lajor Lewis DuBois, one
of the Field officers of Coll. Jonathan Hasbrouck's Regiment of
Militia, on the 19th of this Instant and took the oath prescribed
in said Declaration or ordinance above recited and herewith
produce the Certificate of Major Lewis DuBois and pray the
Honorable Council of Safety to pardon all and every treason-
able acts and deeds by me committed heretofore against this
State, and your petitioner begs to be restored to a participation
of all the rights, liberties and privileges appertaining to the
good people thereof. And vour petitioner will ever pray.

LEVI QUIMBY.

Xew Marlborough, May ye 19th, 1777.
I do hereby certify that the bearer hereof of Levi Quimby
has this Day appeared before me and took the oath of allegiance
to the State of Xew York aggreeable to a resolve of the Honor-
able Convention of the State of Xew York passed the 10th Day
of this Instant as witness my hand Day and Date above.

LEWIS DUBOIS Major

Petition of Levi and Nathaniel. Quimby.

Respected Sit:

I am a Prisoner confined in this jail Transmitted from Xew
Windsor here. I came from Xew York on a Proclamation Is-
sued by Major Gen'l Putman and when we Arrived at whome
we Immediately went to the committee of Xew Marlborough
and they regularly Examined us Both and told us to go to our
whomes and there Quietly and peaceably remain but malicious
people tuk us up, notwithstanding the Committee Cleared us,
and sent us here. As you are a gentleman of Probity we humbly
pray of you to order us to be brought before you in order that

134 History of Marlborough.

we may know what we may depend on. Sir your complyanee
will ever be acknowledged.

LEVI QUIMBY
NATHANIEL QUIMBY
To the Hon'ble Jno Scott, Esq.

The John Scott above spoken of was a Brigadier
General, and it appears that people suspected of being
tories or unfriendly to the cause of liberty could take
the oath of loyalty before an officer of the army or
could petition such officer for redress and protection.
The officer could issue to them certificates that would
insure imunity from arrest or prosecution.

Recognizance of Levi Quimby.

Be it remembered that on the seventh day of January 1777,
Personally appeared before me Kobert Benson one of the Secre-
taries of the Convention of the State of Xew York Levi Quimby
of Xew ^larlboro' Precinct in the County of Ulster and Isaac
Wilsey of Carlotte Precinct in the County of Dutchess yeoman,
who acknowledged themselves to be jointly &" Severally in-
debted to the People of the State of Xew York in the Sum of
two hundred Pounds money of the said State to be levied on
their Goods & (^battles Lands & Tenements if Default be made
in the Condition following The Condition of this Peeognizance
in such that if the above bounden I^evi (Quimby shall well (!c
truly ap])ear at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer and general
Goal Delivery which shall be held in & for the (^ounty of Ulster
to answer such matters as shall be Charged then and there
Against him & not depart without Leave : then tlie al)Ove Pecog-
nizance to be Void & of none Effect otherwise to be and remain
in full force & P]fft»ct

'J'aken c^^ acknowledged the day & year above written
Pobert Bens(m, Secretarv.

LEVI QUIMBY Seal

ISAAC WILSEY Seal

It appears from the previous petitions of Levi
Quimby that he had been down to New ITork and

Marlborough in the Revolution. 135

joined the British army or else was suspected of hav-
ing done so, and of being friendly to the King and
opposed in some way to the colonies. All the year
of 1777 he was under surveillance. The Committee of
Safety were watching him and it seems he had been
arrested several times and was liable to be arrested at
any time; and finally he had appeared before the
secretary of the convention, Robert Benson and had
made and filed a bond. Quimby must have been ar-
rested for treason previous to giving this bond, and
he was bound over to the court, at which court he was
to answer for that offense or some other charge. It
related in some way to his unfriendliess to the cause
of liberty. I find no account of any other proceeding.
He very likely got along all right, as he remained here
and was always afterward a good citizen.

Jacob Dayton the Blacksmith.

There has always l>een a tradition here — it has fol-
lowed the name from one generation to another — that
Jacob Dayton was a tory in the Revolution and piloted
Vaughn's exj)edition up the Hudson river when it
burned Kingston. I remember of hearing this wlron
a little child and have heard it ever since; it has been
a common expi>ession among the i)eople ever since the
war. So I have looked up this tradition and have l>een
quite curious to find out if there was anything in it, but
I have utterly failed except in finding that he was sus-
pected as many others were, who differed in opinion
about the war, as being unfriendly to the cause, and
was required to give bonds for his loyalty. I have
the original bond, a copy of which is given hereafter.
I cannot find that he piloted the British vessels up
the river. It certainly was not nec-essary, as the water
was deep and their vessels small, and they arrived at

136 History of Marlborough.

Kingston in the daytime. Had he done so, it would
certainly have been known at the time, and the Kings-
ton people would afterward have killed him, but he
continued to live here during most of the contest, and
even after the war and until he died many years
afterward. He owned property and was a man of
standing and carried on business; he was a class
leader in the Methodist church in 1789 (** Jacob Day-
ton's class near Latten Town "). He took an active
part in church and town matters and was one of the
first trustees of the Milton Methodist Church. He
raised a large family, many of the descendants of
whom now reside in the town, and about the county;
he was the great-grandfather of the late Morgan A.
Dayton, the lawyer. He was a good citizen as far as
I can find out, and was never interfered with after the
war on account of his opinions and conduct in rela-
tion to the Revolution. It is passing strange how such
a widespread tradition could exist on so slight a
foundation as there appears to be for it; there may
be more about it but I have failed to find it. It was
a common expression among the neighbors: ** Where
did Dayton get all this property, if the English did
not give it to him? "
The following bond was given by Dayton :

Know all men by these presents ; That I, Jacob Dayton,
blacksmith of the Precinct of Xew ^larlboroiigli in the County
of Ulster and State of Xew York am held and firmly bound
unto Nathaniel Potter, farmer of Xew Paltz in the County and
State aforesaid, in the penal sum of Five Hundred Pounds to
be paid to the said Xathaniel Potter, or his certain Attorney,
lieirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, for which payment
to be made and done, I do hereby bind myself, my heirs, execu-
tors, administrators, and every of tliem firmly by these presents
and sealed.

Dated this twenty-six day of July, 1778.

The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above
Jacob Davton shall well and trulv behave himself to all the

Marlborough in the Revolution. 137

friends of Liberty in this State, or any other State within
herein, he shall reside in all things according to the Laws of
the said State, obeying all commands, then this present obliga-
tion shall be void and of none effect; otherwise to remain in
full force and virtue.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us
Jacob Wood
Xoah Woolsev

JACOB DAYTOX (Seal)

Will of Jacob Dayton.

Devises to Benjamin & others, children of his son, Aristodes,
dec'd, certain lands, — 180 acres &c. All the rest of his real
and personal estate to be valued and divided by three appraisers
or commissioners, chosen by his executors, into five equal parts,
and divided among his children and grandchildren.

One-fifth part thereof to his son, Combury Dayton, to be
alloted to him on the homestead farm; one-fifth to his son,
Jacob, — that the farm he now resides on be set off to him in
his share of the estate ; one-fifth to his son, Caleb, that the farm
he now resides on be set off to him as his share ; the other re-
maining two-fifths part be divided in nine equal shares; one-
ninth to his son, Daniel ; one-ninth to the children of his son,
Hustis, dec'd; one-ninth to the children of his son, Aristodes,
dec'd ; one-ninth to his executors in trust for his daughter,
Martha Russell, to have the use of it during her life, then to
go to her children ; one-ninth to executors in trust for his
daughter, Elizabeth, wife of George Ball, to have the use of and
then to go to her children : one-ninth to executors in trust for
his daughter, Polly Thompson, and then to go to her children ;
one-ninth for children of daughter, Fanny Tillson; one-ninth
to children of daughter, Phebe Sloan, dec'd : one-ninth to chil-
dren of his daughter, Lucretia Sutton, dec'd. * ♦ *

The executors named were his sons, Cornbury,
Jacob, Daniel, and Caleb and his friend, Moses Wool-
sev. A codicil dated August 7, 1832, makes some
slight changes, and directs ** That the burying ground
which I have set off on my farm be fenced by my
executors and kept for a family burying ground to the
remotest generation for all my relatives."

138 History of Marlborough.

Jacob Dayton died at the old Dayton homestead in
1836 at the age of 80, leaving several hundred acres
of land, considerable personal property, and a large
family. His will was contested; thirty-two witnesses
were sworn, the most prominent men in Marlborough
and New Paltz were witnesses. The will was ad-
mitted to probate and the property distributed. It
appears by the will that most of the children and
grandchildren were occupying his lands at the time of
his death and he provided as near as he could that
they were to have the lands they lived on. He cer-
tainly had been a very successful man, and many at-
tributed his good fortune to his supposed loyalty to
England, but much of this feeling arose, no doubt,
from jealousy.

Petition of Leonard Smith.

To the Honorable the Representatives of the State of New
York in Convention' assembled. The petition of Leonard Smith
of Xew Afarlhoroiigh Precinct, County of Ulster and State of
Xew York, Humbly showeth that your petitioners sloop was
taken into the service of this State, October last past and con-
tinued in the service until November, and was employed in
carrying stores, &c to and from Kings bridge to Tarr^^town.
That said sloop, the last trip she made from King's bridge to
Tarrytown, was made there by reason of the enemy's approach.
That the sails belonging to said sloop were taken off and jmt
into the store of this State. That your petitioner has applied
since to his employers for sails, &c to endeavor to get away the
said sloop, but could get none. But they referred him to the
Honorable Convention for redress therefore. That your peti-
tioner lias a certificate ready to be produced of the said sloop
being employed in the service of this State. That your peti-
tioner conceives that as the said sloop was in the service of this
State, it would be extremely hard and unreasonable that the loss
of said sloop should fall on and be borne by your petitioner.
Your petitioner, therefore, humbly prays that this Honorable
House would be favorably pleased to take the jiremises under

Marlborough in the Revolution. 139

consideration, and to make some provision for the payment of
the said sloop, or to give such other relief in the premises as
to this Honorable House should seem meet, and your petitioner
shall ever pray.

LEONARD SMITH.
Kingston, March 25, 1777.

Certificate of Sloop Sally.

Peekskill, Mar. 15, 1777.

This is to certify that tlie Sloop Sally belonging to Leonard
J. Smith was employed in the Continental service in the months
of Oct. & Xov. last.

WILLM DOBBS.

Bond of Josiah Lockwood.

Know all men by these presents that we, Josiah Lockwood
and Uriah Drake, of the Precinct of Xew Marlborough * * ♦
are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America
in the just and full sum of 300 pounds * * * to be paid to
the said States or to such person or persons as shall be herein-
after nominated to receive such fines and penalties.

Which payment well and truly to be made and done, we bind
ourselves respectively * * *

Sealed with our seals and dated this seventh day of March
1777.

The condition of this o])ligation is such that if the above
bounden Josiah Lockwood do personally appear before a general
Court Martial to be held at the Paltz * * * on the 4th
day of April next there to remain until legally discharged by
said Court, then this obligation to be void otherwise to be and
remain in full force and virtue.

JOSL\H LOCKWOOD (Seal)
URL\H DRAKE (Seal)

In presence of
John Hothom
Elizabeth Hothom

140 History of Marlborough.

Petition of Cadwallader Golden, Jr.

To the Honorable the Representatives of the State of Xew York
in Convention.

That your Petitioner impressed with the most painful appre-
hensions of Callamities that would flow from a separation of
the American Colonies from the government of Great Britain,
Did in the beginning of the present most unhappy Disputes
appear opposed to such measures as he Imagined would Involve
his Country in Distress in consequence of which he was stig-
matized by those from whom he Differed in Sentiment with the
odious appellation of an Enemy of his Coimtr^', and thereby
became the object of liatred, Slander and malevolence was often
insulted and frequently threatened with Destruction of his Per-
son and Preoperty * * * was among the first that signed
the general association, since which time your Petitioner doth
aver that lie hath in no way whatever opposed or obstructed
any public measures, nor liath he in any one Instance, either
Persuaded or Dissuaded any man * * *

Notwithstanding which and without the least cause your
Petitioner's house was surrounded by an armed body of men
commanded by Col. Palmer in the dead of the night of the 24
of June last, and on being granted admission he the said
l^almer and Divers others proceeded to search every part of the
house of your Petitioner for arms and ammunition &c, also
Examined his Desk and Chest of Papers and though said
Palmer declared himself ])erfectly satisfied that your Petitioner
was destitute of all offensive weapons «S:c he nevertheless seized
the ])erson of your Petitioner and sent him under Strong Guard
to Xew Windsor, and the next day was conveyed as a prisoner
to Xewburgh * * *

That on the 4th of July your Petitioner appeared before the
County Committee, and though no charge was adduced against
your Petitioner, much less supported, of his acting Inimical to
the Liberties of his Country * * *

Yet to the Surprise of your Petitioner and the astonishment
of the C^ounty, your Petitioner was ordered to the Common
Goal of the County in close confinement under every circum-
stance of Indignity and Disrespect For which your Petitioner
took the liberty to inform your Honorable Board of his griev-
ances and to Pray for relief * * * reconsideration of the
rigorous Treatment he had Received by a close Confinement
in a jayl for nearly five weeks without any charge against him
and Solicits his Discharge. Notwithstanding which all the In-

Marlborough in the Revolution. 141

dulgences your Petitioner was able to procure has been a re-
lease from the common jayl upon giving security in the Exor-
bitant sum of 2000 Pounds not to go off his farm until fully
discharged by your Honorable Board * * *

CADR COLDEX, Junr.
Coldenham, Aug. 21, 1776.

At a meeting of the Committee, Nov. 2, 1776 it was resolved
that Cadwallader Colden be brought before the committee,
That Capt. Lusk do forthwith apprehend the said Cadwallader
Colden, Esq. and bring him before this Committee, that he
carefully and diligently examine all his papers and that he
secure all such as may have any reference to the contest betwixt
Great Britain and America in order that the same may be ex-
amined by this Committee. Resolved that he be forthwith re-
moved to the town of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Bay
there to remain at his own expense on his parole of honor
under such restrictions as the Select Men or Civil Authority of
the Town shall prescribe. * * * Modified. Resolved there-
fore that the said Cadwallader Colden be confined on his Parole
of Honor within five miles of his usual place of abode he the
said Cadwallader first making oath that he will not either di-
rectly or indirectly countenance or commit any act or thing
whatsoever against this State its Rights and Liberties * * *

Cadwallader Colden did not reside here, but re-
sided at Coldenham, where a large patent of land had
been granted to his father, Gov. Cadwallader Colden,
who was the last Lieutenant Governor appointed by
the crown and at, and sometime previous to, the com-
mencement of the war, he was Acting Governor. He
was not only a man of prominence and influence about
here, but all over the State. He was one of his Maj-
esty's council and as such took the proof and acknowl-
edgments of most of the land titles in those times in
this town or precinct, and he or some of the family
owned Colden 's Ridge. I find his name very frequently
in old documents. Owing to the honors and emolu-
ments that he had received from the mother country
he was naturally in sjnnpathy with her and refrained
from taking part against her. He died at the com-

142 History of Marlborough.

mencement of the war, but his son CadwaUader and
his son Alexander, who had previously been sheriff of
Ulster county, were naturally suspected of being un-
friendly to the cause of liberty and were continually
under surveillance.

Petition of Elnathan Foster and others, Kingston

Goal.

To the Honorable Committee of Safety,

As we have no otlier way to Inform you of our Xecessity but
by the Pen and we hope that you are Xot onceneiable of the
eondission that our Familys is in at this time, and they are
Not able to sepoart us at this lime and we are out of Porveson
and have been for this Two days Xothing but Bread alone and
we have not but Tow of us, that is got any money and we must
suffer For there is Several of us that is Sick and the Room is
80 full that there is but one part of us Can Lay down at a time,
and we Beg that you would bear our Complaint For you are the
gentlemen that we must beg to hear our Cry and without you
will have some marcy on us sun we nmst Dy, hear this from
your humble Petitioners.
Elnathan Foster
Solomon Comes
John Flewelling
Bengemin Darby
Bengamin Smith
David Wyatt
Stephen Wood
John Mefad
James Flewelling
Robert Denton

The colonies were very poor and it was quite hard
sometimes for the troops to obtain supplies, and in
such cases they, or the Committee of Safety, seized
upon what was necessary for their wants and issued
certificates for the payment thereof; and the follow-
ing is one of such certificates, wliich has never been
paid:

Marlborough in the Revolution. 143

This is to certify that we have taken from William Woolsey
seventeen bushels of com and ten bushels of buckwheat for the
use of the States, which you are to deliver to the Commissar}'
of Forage when called for. As witness our hands this 28th
day of Oct. 1778.

Com at three dollars per bushel
Buckwheat two dollars per busliel

NATH'L KELSEY
RIGHT CARPEXTEll

Two of the Committee .

Cattle, grain and provision were taken up in this
way quite frequently, especially when the army lay
at Newburgb and at Valley Forge; and horses were
pressed into the service to carry the goods. It was
claimed that the horses about here and in the Precinct
of Newburgb were all used in this service.

Tories.

Many things led up to the revolution of the States
against the mother country, but they were matters
that could have been amicably settled in time; the
battle of Lexington, however, precipitated matters
and it appeared that war was inevita;ble. To be sure
many differed in opinion; those who opposed such a
radical step were mostly honest in their views. TEey
could see that it meant a long and bitter struggle with
a powerful nation, and a great navy, with the result
in doubt, they naturally shrank from the ordeal. It
was their best judgment and in many instances their
conscience, and as long as they acted in a fair and
impartial manner, they should not be blamed. These
were called the King's men by their neighbors; they
were argued with and every reasonable means taken
to induce them to come over to the American side.
They were seldom interfered with, if they remained
quietly at home on their farms. Some under the name

144 History of Marlborough.

of the ling's men, and the prestige the name gave,
organized marauding parties and preyed upon the
country, plundering and annoying the inhabitants,
driving oflf the cattle and taking their property. They
became outlaws like Claudius Smith, who was hung at
Goshen, Fluwelling and others ; some enlisted men, as
we have before seen, for the enemy; some enlisted
themselves. All such were summarily dealt with when
caught. Most all of this class settled in Canada after
the war. A few returned, but had a hard time of it.
One tory was shot and killed on the Lattintown road
at the brow of the hill on the west field of J. R. Wool-
sey, at the old bar-way that stood there. Many were
tried by the committee or by courtmartial and con-
fined on prison sliips at the strand, Kingston, and in
the jail; at one time there were twenty-nine in the
jail. Tliis was in the old courthouse, the jail being
under the courtroom. The prisoners suffered great
hardships, as we have seen by some of the petitions.

When the State committee met to hold their sessions
at the court house, I find that upon motion of Gouver-
neur Morris, on the 18th of March, 1777, the following
resolution was passed:

\\Tiereas the past want of care of the prisoners now confined
in the jail underneath the Convention Chamber, the saine is
supposed to have become unwholesome and very noisome and
disagreeable effluvia arises, which may endanger the health of
the members of tliis convention; Therefore Kesolved, that for
the presenation of their health the members of this Convention
be at lil)erty at their ])leasure to smoke in the Convention
Chambers while the house is sitting and proceeding on business.

About this time there were fifty heads of families
of the Newburgli precinct either in the English army
or in prison, but there was reason for their loyalty to
the King. Governor Golden had been colonial gover-
nor; he resided but a few miles away and had many

Marlborough in the Revolution. 145

friends. Many had appointments and favors from the
home government and considered the effort for free-
dom hopeless.

More than four generations have passed since that
time, and the enmity and hatred engendered has all
pass-ed away. In our rise and progress, wealth and
greatness, the descendants of those people have borne
an honored and successful part. No one should now
be criticised for what is past and gone; all that was
done in those times is history now. All feeling, hatred
and animosity are past. Many generations have passed
since, and what is heretofore given in these pages,
is given to show only the habits, incidents and history
of those times as they existed ; they are a part of our
town and the things that happened about here — the
passing events of those stirring times, when, as it
were, our ancestors took their lives in their hands and
started out to form a new and great nation.

A Day of Rejoicing.

The seige of Yorktown and the surrender of the
army of Lord Cornwallis in October, 1781, was the
last engagement of any moment. Soon thereafter
most of the American army returned to the Hudson
river, and in April, 1782, Washington established him-
self at the Hasbrouck house, now known as Washing-
ton's headquarters, in Newburgh, there to remain
most of the time until the army was finally disbanded.
Some of the army in the autumn of 1782 were en-
camped at Verplanck Point, but they afterward
crossed to the west side of the river and went into
winter quarters with the rest of the 'army at Fishkill,
New Windsor and about Walden. Washington and
most of his generals and some troops were at New-
burgh. During this time the commissioners of Great

146 History of Marlborough.

Britain and America, appointed for the purpose, were
endeavoring to arrange a basis of peace between their
countries, and had concluded their duties so far as the
two nations were concerned, but peace appeared to be
contingent upon the ratification by contending
European powers. In April, 1783, notification was re-
ceived of the ratification of i)reliminary articles and
the cessation of hostilities. The joyful intelligence
was announced to the army and country on April
18th by an order of the commander-in-chief, and was
to be proclaimed at the New Building on the morrow
at 12 o'clock noon, and directed that, ** The adjutant-
general will have such working parties detailed to as-
sist in making the preparations for a general rejoic-
ing as the chief engineer, with the army, shall call for ;
and the quarter-master-general will also furnish such
material as he may want."

Though the proclamation declared only the cessa-
tion of hostilities, yet it was regarded throughout the
country as a sure sign of approaching peace — as an
end to the toil and suffering of the people and the
poverty engendered by the war. Mounted couriers
having proclaimed the glad tidings throughout the
surrounding country, the i)eople on the early morning
of the 19th flocked to Newburgh to attend the general
rejoicing and to hear and see the celebration of the
day by the army; and the people of this town, owing
to their zeal and their proximity to the encampments,
turned out en masse. Every conceivable conveyance
was pressed into service and even the poor and patient
oxen drew the farm wagons loaded with people to the
center of rejoicing. All the cares and toils of life
were forgotten for the day, the old became young
again and particijiated in all the events of the day.
The ceremonies opened at sunrise by the firing of can-
non at all the forts and fortifications. The anny lined
up on l)oth sides of the river with polished arms and

Marlborough in the Revolution. 147

the war-worn flags of many battles proudly flying
from the head of each regiment. There were reviews
and parades and the firing of muskets by companies
and regiments, after which there were other public ex-
ercises. The people mingled freely with the soldiers
and sought out long-absent friends and relatives, who
were feasted by the good things brought from the
farms ; nothing was too good for the soldiers then. At
noon the order and proclamation of the commander-
in-chief was read at the New Building, and prayers
and religious exercises followed. During the afternoon
the festivities continued and as evening approached
the order or proclamation was read at the head of
each regiment of the army, after wliich the chaplain
of the several brigades rendered thanks to Almighty
God for all His mercies, particularly for His over-
ruling the wrath of men to His own glory, and caus-
ing the rage of war to cease among nations. This was
followed by a dress parade, the firing of cannon again
and the roar of musketry along the whole line of the
army. The beacon fires from the hilltops then blazed
forth the tidings of peace. In thought we can almost
see or realize the scenes of festivities and rejoic-
ings; the tired though joyous people wending their
way homeward through all the long hours of the
night; the participants of all this remembered it to
their dying days and were never tired of reciting it
to tbeir children and grandchildren.

The order or proclamation referred to above was in
part as follows:

The commander-in-chief far from endeavoring to stifle the
feelings of joy in liis own bosom, offers his most cordial con-
gratulations on the occasion, to all the officers of every denomi-
nation, to all the troops of the United States in general, and
in particular to those gallant and desening men who have
resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long
as the war should continue; for these are the men who ought
to be considered as the pride and boast of the American army

148 History of Marlborough.

and who, crowned with well-earned laurels, may soon withdraw
from the field of glory to the more tranquil walks of civil life.
While the General recollects the almost infinite variety of
scenes through which we have passed with a mixture of pleasure,
astonishment and gratitude — while he contemplates the pros-
pect before him with rapture — he cannot help wishing that
all the brave men, of whatever condition they may be, who have
shared in the toils and dangers of affecting this glorious revo-
lution, of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, and
of laying the foundation of a great empire, might be impressed
with a proper idea of the dignified part they have been called
to act, under the smiles of Providence, on the stage of human
affairs; for happy, thrice happy, shall they be pronounced here-
after, who have contributed anything, who have performed the
meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabric of Freedom and
Empire, on the broad basis of independency ; who have assisted
in protecting the rights of human nature, and establishing an
asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and re-
ligions.

The new building spoken of, sometimes called the
public building and the temple, was a large temporary
building that Washington erected for the officers to*
worship in on the Sabbath and for public meetings
and town purposes. It was near and south of Snake
Hill in the Town of New Windsor. There was no
large public building in the town of New Windsor or
in Newburgh suitable for the accommodation of the
army in this respect. The location was central ; a part
of the army was encamped to the west of it ; the ruins
of their fireplaces are still to be seen. It was here
that many great matters of importance in connection
with the close of the war occurred.

^^^^/L/^^^cAjL^

CHAPTER V.

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records.

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Captain Jonathan
Hasbroiiek for the precinct of Newburgh. The first Tuesday
in April in the year of our Lord one tliousand seven hundred
and sixty-three according to an act of Assembly for that pur-
pose. Samuel Sands, Clerk ; Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck, Super-
visor; Richard Harker, John Windfield, Samuel Wiatt, Assess-
ors; David Gedney, Constable; Henry Smith, Collector; Joseph
Gedney, Benjamin Woolsey, Poor Masters ; John McCrary, John
Wandal, Burras Holms, Isaac Fowler, Umphrey Merrit, Thomas
Woolsey, Path Masters; Nathan Purdy, Isaac Fowler, Fence
Viewers & Appraisers of Dammage.

Lenard Smith chose to collect the quit rent the patten he now
lives on. Then adjourned to the house of Capt. Jonathan Has-
brouck.

The house of Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck where the meeting
was held is the present Washington Headquarters.

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Capt. Jonathan
Hasbrouck for the precinct of Xewburgh the first Tuesday in
April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
sixty- four according to an Act of Assembly.

Samuel Sands, Clerk; Louis Dubois, Supervisor; Xehemiah
Denton, Henrv Terbush, Peter Ostrander, Assessors; Samuel
Windslow, Ccmstable and Collec»tor. Nehemiah Denton security
for Samuel Windslow for collecting and paying and the tax
that laid on the precinct of Newburgh for the year 1704.
Danniel Thurston, Michael Demott, Poor blasters; Cornelius
Wood, Martin Wygant, Lenard Smith, Henry Smith, Senior,
Gilber Denton, Edward Halleek, Benjamin Carpenter, Path
Masters; Samuel Sprage, Henry Smith, Jehiel Clark, David
Purdy, Fence Viewers & Appraisers of Damage; Isaac Fowler,
Pounder.

Then adjourned to the house of Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Capt. Jonathan
Hasbrouck for the precinct of Xewburgh, the first Tuesdav in

[149]

150 History of Marlborough.

April, 1T()5, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and sixty-five, according to an act of Assembly.

Samuel Sands, Clerk; John Wandal, Sup'ervisor; Xehemiah
Denton, Henry Terbush, William Thomson, Assessors; Henry
Smith, Senior, Collector; Markas Ostrander and Danniel
Kodgers, Overseers of the Poor; Samuel Sands, Path Master
froMi Cornelius Woods to the Wallkill precinct; John Wandal,
Path Master for Xewburgh to work to the westward as far as
Cornelius Woods; Nehemiah Denton, Path Master from Albert-
son's gate northward as far as the Germans patent extends and
also the Xew Wallkill l?oad to William's meadow; John Ter-
peny from Williams road to the Xew Paltz road ; Arthur Smith
from the German patent east to David Purdy's patent; Isaih
Purdy from David Purdy for Purdy's Patent; Joshua Conklin
for David Purdys Patent as far as the Jews Creek; Lewis Du-
bois, Path Master from the Jews Creek as far as Woolsey Patent ;
Samuel Merrit, Path Master on the new road from Lewis Du-
bois' mill to the Walter Dubois land; Lattin Carpenter, Path
Master on the new road from Walter Dubois' land to the Ten
Stone meadow; John Belfield, Path Master from the above
mentioned road to the river road; John Woolsey, Path Master
from Woolsey's Patent to Susannah Bond's; Michael Wygant
Path blaster on that road by Vrian Wygant's.

Voted that there be a public town ])'ound erected for the use
of the German Patent or precinct near the house of Martin
Wygant.

Joshua Conklin and Arthur Smith, Fence Viewers.

Isaac Fowler, Pounder.

Tlien the meeting adjourned to the house of Capt. Jonathan
Hasl)rouck.

At a ])recinct meeting held at the house of Jonathan Has-
])rouck in and for the precinct of Xewburgh this first Tuesday
in April A. D. 1766.

Joseph Sands, Chost^n Clerk : Benjamin Car])onter, Super-
visor; Xehemiah Denton, William Thomstm, Henry Terbush,
Assessors; Silas Wood, Constable and Collector; John Woolsey,
Benjamin Smith, Overseers of the Poor; Silas Wood, Path
Master from the north side of the German ])atent to the Wall-
kill precinct ; Xehemiah Denton, Path ^faster on the new road
from his landing to the house of John Sim])son : J(mas Totten,
Path Master on the said road from John Simpson to the Wall-
kill precinct ; Jehoel Clark, Path Master for the Gernuui Patent

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 151

to Isaac Fowler bridge; Nehemiah Fowler, Patli Master from
Isaac Fowler bridge to the Jews Creek; Gabriel Merrit, Path
Master from the Jews Creek to Lewis Dubois northern line;
Richard Harker, Path Master from Lewis Dubois northern line
to the Paltz precinct; Daniel Sniflin, Path Master on the new
road as far as Cropseys brook; Umphrey Merrit, Path Master
from Henry Cropsey's brook to Micheal Wygant's northern
line and from the Kings road from Gilbert Merrit's to John
Simpson's; George Stanton, Path Master from Micheal
Wygant's northern line to Samuel Merrit's mill, then beginning
to the northward of the said mill to Benjamin Carpenter's line;
William Woolsey, Path Master from Benjamin Carpenter's line
to the ten stone meadow; Jonathan Ostrander from the ten
stone meadow to the Wallkill road; L^rian Mackey from Cavilears
line to the King's highway ; Martin Wiatt and Lattin Carpenter,
Fence Viewers; Martin Wiatt, Pound Keeper for the German
Patent ; Ijcwis Dubois, Pound keeper for the rest of the precinct ;
Daniel Gedney, Path Master from the landing of John Wandel
to the estate of Ilecser Gidney, deceased. William Whitehead
to keep one child of Roselo at $2.11 per week. John Fluwelling
to keep one child of Roselo at $2.11 per week. Each one to
find the said children in cloathes for the year. Lephilet Piatt,
Samuel Wiatt and Cornelius Wood were voted in Commissioners
for Highways but the old Commissioners did not refuse to
serve.

The Town meeting adjourned to Xehemiab Denton.

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton
for the precinct of Newburgh the first Tuesday in April in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven
according to ap act of Assembly.

Leonard Smith, Chosen Clerk; Lewis Dubois, Supervisor;
Isaac Bellknapt, Peter Ostrander, Elijah Lewis, Assessors;
Silas Wood, Constable and to take fees from Arthur Smith's
house; John Bellknapt — security for Silas Wood performing
and discharging of all executions that he is intrusted with for
the year expiring; Cornelius Wood — Collector; Isaac Bell-
knapt, security for Cornelius Wood for collecting and paying
all the tax that is laid on the precinct of Xewburgh for the
year 17(57; Isaiah Purdy, Gilbert Denton, Overseers of the Poor.

Cornelius Wood, Path Master for the Wallkill road ; Henry
Smith from McCrary's to the extent of the German patent;
Samuel Wiatt from Gidneys to WandaPs landing; Xehemiah

152 History of Marlborough. .

Denton on the new road, from his landing to the widow Sim-
son's; Done Trulye from Simson's on said road to the end of
the precinct; William Scut on the new road in the rume of
Jonathan Ostrander; Joseph Gidney and his tenant to work
on a road from his saw mill to Sand's landing and not to be
compelled to work on any other road; Morris Flowweling to
work on the road from his house to the King's road and not to
be compelled to work on any other road; David Smith on the
Five patentees so far as the school house bridge; David Purdy
so far as to half the bridge by Isaac Fowler's, and Isaac Fowler,
Henry Terbush and Edward Halleck on the main road; Daniel
Kniffin, Michael Wygant, Samuel ^lerrit, Latting Carpenter,
TJrian ^lackey, John Quick — all path masters ; Daniel Thurston
and Jehiel Clark — Fence viewers; Martin Wygant — Pound
keeper for the German patent ; Daniel Denton — Pound keeper
for the rest of the precinct.

Voted and resolved by this meeting that Lemmuel Conklin
have and keep one child of Eoswells now on the precinct for
the insuing year and to have three shillings for every week for
keeping the said child during the said term of one year and at
the end of the year to have an indenture for the said child imtil
it arrives at the age of twenty-one years, and to keep the pre-
cinct from any charge by the said child after the expiration of
one year from this date, and if possible to learn the child to
read and the blacksmith trade and to dismiss him in a customary
manner. It is further voted and resolved that Xathaniel
Conklin keep one other child of the said Roswells as above paid.

Joshuah Sands and Henry Smith chosen assessors of the quit
rent on the German patent and John Wandal — Collector of
the same.

Xehemiali Carpenter and Robert Ratey assessors of the quit
n^nt on Bond's patent and Isane Bellknapt — Collector of the
same.

The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiah Denton's
the first Tuesday in April in the year lTr>8.

The House of Xehemiah Denton was on the premises now
owned bv James A. P. Randell.

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton
in and for the precinct of Xewburgh the first Tuesday in April
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-
eight according to an act of Assembly.

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 153

I.<eoiiard Smith, Chosen Clerk; Edward Halleck, Supervisor;
Arthur Smith, Latting Carpenter, Marcus Ostrander, Assessors.

It is agreed on by Stephen Case, Micajah Lewis — candidates
for constable that whoever of them is chosen constable for the
year expiring that they will appoint two deputies to serve under
them such as shall be agreeable to the inhabitants. Such
deputies to have the full fees for what they serve and shall be
obliged to give to the constable security for their performance
and such constable so deputized shall be obliged to serve at his
town in tending our general court.

Stephen Case, Constable and Collector; Gabriel Merrit,
securit}' for Stephen Case's performance; Benjamin Carpenter,
Bordwin Terpeny, Overseers of the Poor; Jonathan Bellknapt
chosen path master from Wallkill precinct to Little Britain road
near the Widow McCrary's; Benjamin Birdsall, path master
from the said Little Britain road to Xewburgh dock, also
northerly as far as the German patent extends or to the bridge
near Elijah Carman's and to include the said bridge and no
further; Morris Flowelling, path master from Xehemiah
Denton's dock on the new road as far as the widow Simson's;
Joseph Kilor chosen path master from the said widow Simson's
to the extent of the precinct; Jehiel Clark chosen path master
from the said. bridge near Elijah Carman's on the public road
as far as Isaac Fowler's, also from the King's road to the river;
Henry Terbush chosen path master from Isaac Fowler's to the
bridge over the Jcav^s Creek ; Richard AVoolsey, path master from
Lewis Dubois's bridge along by Samuel Merrit's mill to Latting
Town line; Stephen Sayles from the King's road on the new
road from Gilbert Purdy's to the extent of Samuel Clark's land;
Henry Cropsey from Clark's line to the cross road at Jerial
Rhodes's; Umpherv' Merrit from the said cross road to Michael
Wygant's northern line and from Stephen Case's to the moun-
tain; Daniel Gidney, path master on the road from (iidney
townd to John Wandal's on to the King's road; George Merrit
to be excused from working on the King's road in order to work
his own road ; Gabriel ^lerrit, path master from the Jew's
Creek to the upper side of Dubois's patent ; John Woolsoy from
Dubois's patent to Depol's line; Edward Halleck on the new
road from the river to ten stone meadow; Joseph Gidney to
work on his road from his saw mill to Sand's landing — he and
his tenants and excused from the other roads ; Daniel Thurston,
Isaac Fowler, Fence Viewers; Benjamin Smith chosen pounder
for the German patent and all adjourning ; Caleb ^ferrit chosen
pounder for all the rest of the precinct.

154 History of Marlborough:

It is voted and resolved tlvat no man in this precinct shall
let his rams run at large after the tenth day of September next
until the first day of Xovember and if any man should cut any
ram in that time nmning at large and they should die, then
the owner shall bare the loss.

The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiah Denton
the first Tuesday of April 17G9.

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton's
in and for the precinct of Xewburgh the first Tuesday in April
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-
nine, according to an act of Assembly.

- Leonard Smith, Chosen Clerk; Latting Carpenter, Super-
visor; p]urian Mackey, Calob ^ferrit. Dene Trulye, Assessors;
Stephen Case, Constable and Collector; Gilbert Purdy, Joseph
Morey, Overseers of the Poor; T^eonard Smith, Clerk for the
poor and to have eight shiUings for serving.

Voted and resolved by this meeting that Leonard Smith shall
sign the petition directed to Charles Dewitt and George Clinton
in behalf of the freeholders and inhabitants of this precinct.

John Bellknapt chosen path master from the Wallkill pre-
cinct to Cornelius Wood's; Benjamin Birdsall, path master as
usual, including (Jidney townd : Burrough Holmes, path master
from the bridge by Elijah Carman's to the school house bridge,
including half the bridge and from the King's road to the river;
Xathan Purdy from the school bouse bridge to Isaac Fowlers
bridge including half the said bridge; Daniel Pudgard, path
ma.<ter from Isaac Fowler's including half the bridge to the
bridge by Henry Terbush's including half said bridge; John
licster, path master from Terbusb's to the north side of Lieu-
tenant Dubois's land; Jobn Woolsey, path master from Dubois's
line to Halleck's mill brook; Xatbaniel Killsey, path master
from Halleck's brook to Depol's line: Xehemiah Denton from
the river to (iilbert Denton's ])lain ; William Foster from Den-,
ton's plain to the widow Simson's: Isaac Carton from the Widow
Simson's to Depol's road ; Peter Ostrander from said Depol's
road to Drewwilager's : Daniel Sniflin from Gilbert Purdv's on
the new road as far as Samuel Clark's north line; Johonis Cos-
man from Samuel Clark's north line to the bridge by Phodes's
old house including half said bridge; William Wygant from
said bridge to the north side of Tredwell's land and from
Stephen Case's to the mountain: John Scot from Tredwell's

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 155

north line to the mill and from Lieutenant Dubois's l)ri(lge to
Benjamin Carpenter's land; Latting Carpenter from thence to
ten stone meadow, and from John Cavoley's to the old black-
smith's shop; Job Saint John from Lewis's dock to John
Cavoley's; Kobert Eveerett from ten stone meadow to the end
of the road; Martin Wygant and Arthur Smith — Fence View-
ers; Martin Wvgant — Pounder for German patent and all
adjourning ; Arthur Smith — Pounder for all the rest of the
precinct.

A'oted -at the annual meeting for the precinct of Xewburgh
according to an act of Assembly for the support of the pooi,
the sum of thirty pounds for this present year expiring.

The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiah Denton the
first Tuesday in April, 1770.

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton
for the precinct of Xewburgh, the first Tuesday in April in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy
according to an act of Assembly for that purpose, the following
officers were chosen.

Ijeonard Smith, Clerk; Latting Carpenter, Supervisor;
Abijah Perkins, Samuel Wiatt, Peter Ostrander, Assessors;
Stephen Case — Constable and Collector ; Samuel Denton,
Samuel Stratton, Richard Woolsey, Commissioners of the roads ;
Jehiel Clark and Leonard Smith — Fence viewers ; Martin
Wygant and Arthur Smith — Pounders ; Stephen Case, Ben-
jamin^ Birdsal, Overseers of the Poor; Leonard Smith, Clerk for
the Poor.

Voted that twenty pounds be raised in the precinct of Xew-
burgh for the use of the poor.

Voted the money that Gilbert Denton expended for the ])oor
shall l)e first paid out of the money, that is raised this present
year in the precinct.

Voted that the Overseers of the Poor have authority agree-
able to the act of Assembly for that purpose, to find out all poor
children and straggling persons in order to keep the precinct
from needless chargers.

Voted that four pounds seventeen shillings shall be paid to
Xathaniel Wiatt for Margaret Willson lying in at his house
and his expense out of the first fine money, and if no fine money
shall arise to be paid — out of the money that is raised by vote.

Jonathan Bellknapt, Overseer of the road from Wallkill pre-
cinct to Cornelius Wood's; John Morril from said Wood's to

156 History of Marlborough.

Xewburgh and northward along the King's road including tho
bridge by Elijah Carman's including all Gidney to^^Tid road to
tlie landing by John WandaPs; John Stratton from the bridge
by Elijah Carman's to the school bridge including half of the-
bridge and from the river to the King's road, and westward on
the new road till it meets with the new road to the Wallkill road'
by Wallis's meadow; Xathan Purdy from the school house bridge-
to Isaac Fowler's bridge including half the said bridge; Caleb
]klerritt from Isatic Fowlers including half the bridge to the-
bridge by Henry Terbush's including half the said bridge;
Lewis Dubois from Terbush's bridge including half said bridge
to the north side of said Dubois land; John Woolsey from-
Dubois's line to Hallcck's mill brook; Xathaniel Kilsey from-
Halleck's brook to Depol's line; Xehemiah Denton from the-
river to Gilbert Denton's plain; William Foster from said
Denton's plain to the widow Simson's; Dene Trulye from the-
widow Simson's to the de])ol8 road ; Gideon Ostrander from said
depols road to Drewwilager's ; Stephen Wood from Gilbert
Purdy's on the new road as far as Samuel Clark's north line;
Henry Cropsey from Samuel Clark's north line to the bridge-
by Rhodes's old house including half the bridge; Samuel
Merritt from said bridge to the north side of Tredwell's land
and from Stephen Case's to the mountain ; Joseph *Morey from-
Tredwell's north line to the mill and from Lt^wis Dubois'^
bridge to Benjamin Carpenter's land; Right Carpenter from
thence to ten stone meadow and from John Cavoley's to the old
blacksmith shop; Zadock Lewis from Lewis's dock to John
Cavoley's ; Eleazer Frayer from ten stone meadow to the end
of the said road; Francis Hopkins from the head of tan stone
meadow, eastward to Jonathan Hicks's house; Eurian Mackey
from ^Ir. Brush's lodge house to said Jonathan Hicks' house.
The meeting adjourned to the house of Xehemiah Denton
on the first Tuesday in April in the year of our Lord ITTL

At a precinct meeting held at the house of Xehemiah Denton
for the precinct of Xewburgh, the first Tuesday in April in the
year of our Tjord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-one,
according to an act of Assembly for that purpose.

Leonard Smith, Clerk; Latting Carpenter, Supervisor
Abijah Perkins, David Gedney, Robert f]verett. Assessors;
Stephen Case, Constable and Collector; Humphery Merrit,

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 157

Security for Stephen Case's performance of the office of Con-
stable and Collector; Stephen Case and Benjamin Birdsal,
Overseers of the Poor.

Voted that these following rules shall be observed by the
Overseers of the Poor.

Rule 1st. — As an encouragement to all succeeding Poor
Masters or Overseers of the Poor, the more faithfully to dis-
charge their duty in their office by preventing all unnecessary
charges and needless costs on the inhabitants of the said pre-
cinct and also as a reward for their good service, — we freely
vote them the sum of one pound, ten shillings each to be paid
out of the money voted to be raised for the use of the poor, or
out of such fines as may be raised for the same use.

Rule 2nd, — That all indentures on poor children that have
or shall be bound by tlie Poor blasters of said precinct, shall be
lodged with the Clerk of the Poor for said precinct, and also
all other accounts and writings whatsoever relative to the poor,
shall in like manner be lodged as above said. That any persons
at all times may know where to repair in case of need.

Rule 3rd. — That no Poor Master for the time being shall for
any cause whatever relieve or cause to be relieved or made
chargeable any person or persons whatsoever, that may by law
be transported, or any private person, can be made accountable
for according to law on pain of perjury and making themselves
liable to pay all such charges and forfeit to the use of the poor,
ti^^enty shillings and charges of prosecution to be recovered be-
fore any of his majest/s Justices of the Peace; nevertheless
one half shall go to the complainer who shall prosecute the
same to effect.

R^de 4th. — That all Poor Masters shall within four days after
the expiration of their office settle with the Poor's Clerk of said
precinct and have an entry made there of all their proceedings
for the year past; a first, what moneys they have received and
what is assessed and not received ; secondly, how they have
applied said moneys ; thirdly, what apprentices they have bound
out and; lastly, what poor they have relieved, and by what
authority they did the same.

Rule 5ih. — That no Poor Master shall pay any accounts to
Doctors or any other person or persons, whatsoever, in behalf
of the poor, unless the accounts be first sworn to be a true and
just account against said precinct.

Rule 6th. — That at every Town meeting by public advertise-
ment, the last or old Overseers of the Poor shall notify all per-
sons that have any accounts or demand against said precinct

158 HiSTOB^^ OF Marlborough.

to produce them attested to at a certain place and time not
exceeding four days from that time, then and there to receive
their just dues.

Rvle 'tth. — That all old Poor Masters give up to their suc-
cessors all money that lies in their hands unapplied within four
days after the new ones are chosen on pain of prosecution;
therefore with all those accounts, receipts and writings trans-
acted, whatsoever, to be lodged with the Poor's Clerk, &c.

Rule Sth. — That at the expiration of the Poor Master's
office, they shall call on the Constable of said precinct who shall
give said Poor Masters all moneys he has received for fines, for
the use of the ])oor, l)efore tliey settle with their successors and
if said Constable is suspected by them of injustice, then the
said Constable sliall purge himself by oath before any of hia
Majesty's Justices of the Peace.

Rule 9th, — As a reward to the Poor's Clerk of said precinct
for his service and to defray his expense for finding books for
the use of the poor yearly one pound, ten shillings out of the
poor money, we freely give him.

Samuel Denton, Samuel Stratton and Richard Woolsey, Com-
missioners of the Roads; Arthur Smith and Martin Weagant,
Pounders and Fence Viewers; Leonard Smith, Poor's Clerk.

Voted that fifteen pounds shall be raised in the precinct for
the support of the poor this present year.

Voted that forty shillings shall be paid to Joseph Kilor for
keeping a poor child by the Overseers.

Jonathan Bollknapt, Overseer of the Road from the Wallkill
precinct to Cornelius Wood's; Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck from
Cornelius Wood's to Xewburgh and northward as far as John
WandeFs: John Wandel from thence northerly to Carman's
bridge including the bridge and all Gidney townd ; Xehemiah
Denion from his dock up the road to Denton's plain and from
Carman's bridge as far north as to the line of the ^ve patentees;
William Foster from Denton's plain to the bridge by the Widow
Simson's; Dene Trulye from thence to the Depols road; Gedion
Ostrandor from the Dc}K)Is road to Drewwilagers; Jehiel Clark
from tlie German line on the south line of the five patentees to
Isaac Fowler's including half the bridge and from the King's
road to the river and westerly upon the new road by
Stratton's till it meets with tlie Wallkill road by
Wallis's meadow; Caleb Merrit from Isaac Fowler's in-
cluding half the bridge to the bridge by Henry Terbushe's
mill including the said bridge; Lewis Dubois' from said bridge
to his north line; John Woolsey from Lewis Debois's north line

Pbecinct and Town Meetings and Records. 159

to Hallick's mill brook; Nethanul Killsey from Hallick^s brook
to Depols line; Annanias Vollintine from the Cherry tree by
Gilbert Purdy's house to the bridge by Stephen Case's house;
Samuel Merritt from said bridge to the north side of Tredwell's
land and from Stephen Case's to the mountain and likewise, on
the new road lately laid out ; Henr}' Hide from TredwelFs north
line to the mill and from Lewis Debois's bridge to Benjamin
Carpenter's land; Kichard Carpenter from thence to ten stone
meadow and from John Cavoler's to the old blacksmith shop;
Zadock Lewis from Lewis' dock to Jolm Cavoler's; William
Hood from ten stone meadow to the end of the said road;
William Martin from the end of ten stone meadow eastward
to Jonathan Hick's house; Eurian Mackey from M. Brush's
lodge house to the said Jonathan Hicks's house; Silas Purdy
from Young's to Deyoe's mill.

The meeting adjourned to the house of Arthur Smith, the
first Tuesday in April in the year of our Lord 1772.

At a Town Meeting held at Henry Deyo's on April ye 7 1772
for the precinct of New Marlborough according to the act of
Assembly for the province of New York.
In Meeting assembled.
Chosen

Clerk, Abijah Perkins, For precinct and poor; Supervisor,
I^wis Dubois; Assessors, John Younge, Jacob Wood, Marcus
Ostrander; Poor Masters, Kobert Meritt, Joseph Mory; Com-
missioners,. Lewis Dubois, Richard Woolsey, Durnee Relyee;
Pounder, Silas Purdy; Fence Viewers, Caleb Merritt, Richard
Carpenter; Path Masters, Gabriel ^lerritt, James Quimby,
Jacob Wood, Samuel Merritt, Henry Deyo; Constable, William
Martin; Security, Jeremiah Mackey; Path Masters, John
Duffied, Silas Purdy, Joseph Mory, Latin CarT)enter, William
Martin, Absolom Case, Gedion Ostrander, William Gee, John
Knowlton, Philip Place.

Voted That Ten pounds bo raised for the use of said precinct
the present year.

Voted That Rams shall not run at Large from first of August
to the first of November.

1st District, Caleb Merritt line on the road that comes from
Wolver Eker's to Lewis Dubois North Line.

2d District, at Dubois's North line to run to l^atintown Road.

3rd District, and from the last mentioned to the Paltz Line.

160 History of Marlborough.

4th District, from Elijah Ijewis Dock to John Cavilly's Line.

5th District, to run from the last mentioned to Jo. Hicks's
westward and south to Capt. Gyles's North Line.

6th District, from the last mentioned southward to the river
road.

7th District, to begin at the Xew bridge by Silas Purd\'^8
Mill to run southard to Dr. Perkins's south line.

8th District, to begin at the last mentioned to run to Xew-
burgh.

9th District, to begin at the Jew's House to nm westward to
J. Russel's.

10th District, to begin below Sam'l Townsend to run west
out of the precinct.

11th District, to begin at Deyo's Bridge to run to Xathl.
Quimby's House.

12th District, from Silas Purdv's Mill Xorthard to Latintown
Road.

13th District, from ^Ir. Brushes Log house to Jonath^
Hicks's.

14th District, from the laj^t mentioned to the pine Swamp.

15th District, still westward to the precinct Line.

Ifith District, from the Platter Kill to Capt. Terepanney's.

ITth District, still Southward to Newburgh Line. .

18th District, to begin on y^ road from Ijatintown on R.
Evcritt's lino southard to newburgh Line added to the 6th
District from the King's road at Capt. Woolsey to the top of
the first mountain at the ash Swamp.

lJ)tb District, from John Duffiold to the Gth District west.

20th District, from the last District to the Xewburgh Road
at ^Ir. ^fcGmin.

21st District, from Latintown road to the Paltz Line.

CALEB MERRITT,
LEWIS DUBOLS,
RICHARD WOOLSEY,
JOSEPH MORY.

Commissioners.

At the annual Town meeting for tlie precinct of Xew Marl-
borough lield on April the H, 1TT3., was chosen by plurality of
votes

Abijah Perkins, Clerk for precinct and poor; Lewis Dubois,
Supenisor; William ^Martin, Constable and Collector; Joseph

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 161

Mory, Jeremiah Mackey, Rob^. Everitt, Assessors; Security for
said Constable, Jeremiah Mackey ; William Martin, Silas Purdy,
Poor Masters.

Voted that there shall be two pounds the one at Silas Purdy's
the other at Robert Everitt.

Robert Everitt, Pounder; Silas Purdy, Robert Everitt, Fence
viewers; David Merritt, Peter Purdy, Peter Cavilly, W™.
Woolsey, Ri'd Carpenter, John Scott, Humphrey Merritt, John
Bond, Jacob Russel, John Quick, Silas Purdy, Jeremiah Mackey,
Israel Tompkins, John Frayer, Henry Lockwood, Dumee Relyee,
Henry Cronk, Path Masters.

Voted that twenty-five pounds be raised for the use of the
poor & one pound for a pair of Stocks to be kept at Silas
Purd/s who is to be accountable to the precinct for the same
if Damaged or Destroyed also that rams shall not run at Large
or suffer the like penalties as voted the last Year if suffered
to run.

First Election After Marlborough Became a Town.

At the Annual Town Meeting of the town of New Marl-
borough held according to law at the house of David Merritt on
the first day of April, Anno Domini, 1788, was then and there
chosen :

Ebenezer Foote, Moderator; Benjamin Ely, Town Clerk;
Aiming Smith, Supervisor, Poors Ck. and Treasurer; Jurion
Mackey, Benjamin Carpenter, Peter Easterly, Assessors; John
Woolsey, Christopher Ostrander, Collectors ; Robert Blair, David
Ostrander, Jun"*., Constables; David Merritt, Daniel Hasbrouck,
Poor Masters ; Reuben Drake, Leonard Smith, Nathaniel Kelsey,
Commissioners of Highways; Jonathan Brown, Christopher
Ostrander, David Merritt, Pounders; David Merritt, David
Ostrander, Reuben Drake, Abraham Losson, Fence Viewers.

Hoggs and rams continued as last year.

Voted that Aiming Smith, Reuben Drake and Benjamin Ely
to audit the poor accounts and levy money by tax on the town
for that purpose.

Path Masters and their lott of road numbered and respectively
annexed to each of their names.

No No

Henry T. Bush 1 Anning Smith 4

Ebenezer Foote 2 Benjamin Townsend .... 5

John Youngs 3 Jonathan Brown 6

162

History of Marlborough.

Andrew Cropsy 7

John Bond 8

Benjamin Halloek 9

Solomon Fowler 10

John Scott 11

Elezer Freer 12

Christopher Ostrander. . . 13

Benjamin I. Freer 14

Nathaniel Hull, Junr. . . . 15

Eborn Hoyt 16

William Brundege 17

Matthew Presler 18

William Gee 19

David Merritt 20

Samuel Wyatt 21

John Smith 22

Alexand Youngs 23

Stephen Fowler 24

David Martin 25

Thomas Mickey 26

Solomon Combs 27

Daniel Everitt 28

John Coller 29

Voted that the next Town Meeting be held at David Merritt's.

No 1 Henry Tek Boss

Caleb Merrit G Days

Henry Terboss .... 3' "

Josiali Merrit 5 "

Augustus Hill 3 "

Daniel Lockwood . . 2 "

Annanias Valentine. 4 "

Jacob Degroot 2 "

Adam Cropsy 3 **

Henry Cropsy, 3d . . 2 "

No 2 Ebkxezer Foote

Richard Lewis 3 Days

Benjamin Carpenter. 4 "

Andrew Youngs ... 3 "

Daniel Gof! . 3 "

Cornelius Polhemols. 3 "

Jolm rolhemols Sr. 4 "

John Polhemols Jr. 3 "

Seth Stocker 3 ''

Henry Decker 3 *'

Allen Lester 4 ''

James Vanblaneam . 2 "

Henrv Cropsy 3 Days

Peter Thorp* 2 '''

John Tliorp 3 **

Justin Foot 4 "

Lewis Dubois 12 ''

Andrew Elv 3 "

No 3 JoHX Youngs

Micajah Lewis . . . .

Days

Cornelius Lewis . . .

Nathaniel Harcourt.

John Harcourt

John Woolsey

David Woolsey

Alexander Mackey..

James Quimby

Enos Quimby

Peter Caverlv

David ^falcomb

No 4 Anning Smith

Thomas Tomkins . .

Days

Luff Smith

Uriah Coffin

((

Nathan Smith

((

Jehiel C. Smith

Eliphalet Smith ....

David Denton

Isaac Rowlev

Solomon Ferris . . . .

John ^loore

Jolm Hall

Jolm Rinefield

John Wood

John Shillield

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 163

No 5 Benjamin Towxsend
Wilhellimus Dubois. 4 Days

John Quick 3 *'

Nathaniel Burwell.. 2 "

Timothy Wood. 2 "

Leonard Smith 4 "

John Peck 2 "

Blakerley .... 2 "
Robert Bloomer 2 "

No 6 Jonathan Brown
Josep Mon'
Solomon Hollatt
Gilbert Bloomer
Benjn Ely
Oliver Huson
Thomas Berrian
Abraham Quick
Jacob Lattin
Martha Mory
Daniel Gook
William Purdy
Cornelius Turner
Obadiah Palmer
Peter Quick

No 7 Andrew Cropsy

James Meritt 3 Days

Thomas Meritt 3 ""^

Frederick Hadley... 2 "

Wheeler Case . . .\ . . 3 "

Isaac Bloomer 3 "

Thurstin Wood 3 ''

Sylvenus Purdy 2 "

Humpher}' Merritt. . 2 "

George Waller 2 "

Jansey 2 "

No 8 John Bond Master
Matthew Wygant . . 5 Days

John Wygant 5 '^

Michaef Wygant ... 5 "
Michael Wygant Jr. 3 "
Anthony Wygant . . 3 "
Thomas Wygant ... 5 "

Kobert Blair

2 Days

John Case

Josep Hollatt

Henry Simpson ....

Joseph Simpson ....

Joseph Fairley

Elijah Lewis

Zadok Lewis

Jonathn Woolsey

Samuel Fordeck

Thomas Havens

Daniel Knowlton . . .

Noah Woolsev

Richard Woolsev . . .

John Avery

John Woolsey Junr.

Stephen Waring . . .

Ephraim Waring. . .

Jesse Wright

Zadok Rhodes

Thomas Shaw

William Nortrup. . .

William Woolsey . . .

No 9 Benjamin Hallock

Samuel Mackey

Days

Urion Mackey

Elijah Ferris

((

Abraham Losson . . .

Josep Plumstead . . .

Benjamin Woolsey..

Zadok Quimby

Pharoh Lattin

Elijah Gardener. . . .

Benedict Carpenter .

No 10 Solomon Fowler Mtr

John Mackey 4 Daya

David MacMinn 4 ^'

Abel Adams 3 "

John Fowler 3 "

Zachariah Burwell. . 3 '"

Benjamin Sand .... 8 "

Abel Adams Sen^. . . 6 "

164

History of Marlborough.

Thomas Airs 4 Days

Asa Hall 2 "'

William Martin 2 "

Richard Burwell 2 ''

William St. John... 2 "

Charles Crawford ... 2 ''

Henry Crawford .... 5 "

James Denton 3 "

John Duffield 4 "

Elias Lions 2- "

William Simson ... 3 *'

John Mackey Junr. . 2 "

No 11 John Scott Path
Master

Philip Airs 3 Days

John Airs 3 "

James Mackeylockry. 2 "

James Petet . . . 2 "

Saml Smith 2 "

Henry Scott 2 "

No 12 Elezer Freer Master

John Shiiart 8 Days

John Freer 6 ""

James Waters 2 **

Israel Hoyt G "

Jonathan triphogel . . 2 **

Adam Baker .5 "

John Chase 2 "

lehabod Williams... 3 "

No 14 Benj^ I. Freer

Joshua Sutton 5 Days

Peter Berrian 4 "

Benedict Carpenter. 3 ^*

Zebulon Mosher 3 "

William Ljuson 3 ^'•

Peter Quick 3 "

Martin Vanevery . . 3 ^'

Daniel Jones 3 "

Nathaniel Devine . . 3 "

No 15 Nathaniel Hull
Matthew St. John.. 3 Days
Thos Kelsey 4 ''

Peter. Tillue Senr... 5 Days

James Tillue 3 "'

Jonathan Lilly 3 "

Jeriah Rhodes 4 "

Simmons 2 ^^

Noah St. John...... 3 "

No 16 Erborn Hoyt

Edmon Turner .... 6 Days

Nathan EUitt 3 "'

Isaac Lockwood 3 "

John Griffin 3 "

Isaac Garrison 3 "

Ebenezer St. John.. 3 "

No 17 William Brunderidob

Saml Merritt 6 Days

William Place 4 "*

William Mackintire. 3 "

George Merritt 3 "

Nathaniel Wyatt . , . 3 "
Reuben Bloomer. .' . . 3 "

Samuel Dolson 3 "

Edward Coe 3 "

No 19 William Gee

Peter Ostrander . . .

Davs

Blaw Water . . .

Peter Friesen

Peter Esterlv

Moricus Ostrander. .

Daniel Ostrander. . .

Harimanus Terwilger

William Ralvea

Hendrick Ostrander.

No 20 David Merrit

Richard Carpenter. .

6 Davs

John Caverlv Sen^. .

John Caverlv Jun^..

Philip Caverly

Stephen Douglass . .

John Dennis

Henn' Hvde

David Turner

Josep Carpenter

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 165

Jeremiah Barnhart. . 3 Days

Peter Barnhart .... 3 "

Charles Kyse 2 "

Peter Miller 2 "

Merritt Moore 2 "

Hezekiah Smith 3 "

Bight Carpenter 3 "

Gad Wilier 4 "

Griffin 2 "

Xo 21 Samuel Wyatt

Bichard Garrison ... 5 Days

John Gerow 5 "

William Gerow .... 5 "

Daniel (lerow 3 "

Elv Gerow 2 "

John Gee 5 "

Andrew Gee 4 ''

Andrew Garrison... 3 '^

Abraham Bussel 3 "

Asa Bussel 2 "

Jeremiah Eles 3 "

Jacob Brown 2 "

Hezekiah Coutant... 3 "

Peter Coutant 3 "

William Blank 3 ''

Solomon Lane 2 Days

John Cronk 2 ""^

Xath'l Plumstead... 2 "

Xo 22 John M. Smith

Xehemiah Smith... 6 Days

Wm. Mosher 3 "'

Job St. John 5 *'

Adam St. John 4 *'

Joseph St. John 3 ''

John St. John 4 "

Xathl Kelsey 7 "

Asa Hall 4 '^

Anthonv Devol 3 ''

Xathl Hull Senr... 5 "

Ezekiel Hull 3 ''

Xo 26 Thomas Mackey

David Mackey 3 Days

Charles ^lackey Jun. 3 "

Mathew Benedict . . 4 ''

Xathl Quimby 4 "

Moses Quimby 5 "

Ebenezer St. John

Jun 2 "

Uriah Baim6nt 2 "

Jeremiah Burdon... 2 "

Sepakation of Plattekill.

The following is a record of the proceedings whereby the
town of Marlborough was divided and Plattekill was erected in
1799:

Voted that the sum of one hundred and seventy pounds be
raised for the support and maintenance of the poor for the en-
suing year.

Voted that the Constables and Collectors shall give security
for the due performance of their offices.

Voted that the next annual Town meeting be held at the house
of Benajah and Samuel Wrights in Pleasant Valley.

And by agreement Iwtween the people on the west side of the
mountains and those on the east side, the Town meeting is to
be held alternately on the west and east side of the mountains,
and when the Town meeting is held on the west side, the Super-

166 History of Marlborough.

visor is to be elected from the same place, and when held on
the east side the Supervisor is to be elected there likewise.

At a special To^vn meetiug held at the house of Ko])ert Gil-
more, in the Town of ^larlborough, the eighth day of March,
one thousand eight hundred, agreeable to public notice for that
purpose given, — the following notes were In* a majority entered
into, viz:

Voted that the Town of ^larlborough be divided into two
Towns as follows; (provided the assent of the Legislature can
be obtained for that purpose,) beginning on the line between the
Town of Xewburgli and the Town of ^rarll)orough two chains
and seventy-five links east of the northwest corner of the five
patentees, from thence northward on a straight line to the
most eastcnnost line of Robert Tifft's land where it joins the
line of the Town of New Paltz.

Voted also that the new Town on the west side of the moun-
tains be called the Town of Patteekiln; and the first Town meet-
ing be held at the house of l^obert Gilmore. And the re-
mainder of the Town on tlie east side of the mountains retain
the present name of ^[arlborougli ; and the first Town meeting
be held at the house of David ^[erritt in Lating Town.

Voted that Joseph ^lorey, Esq. and Cornelius Drake be ap-
pointed to carry a petition, and tlie proceedings of this meeting
to the Legislature, and to have twenty-four dollars for their
services to l)e paid by the Town.

At the annual Town meeting of tlie Freeliolders and Inhabit-
ants of tlie Town of ^[arlborough hold at tlie house of David
Merritt on Tuesday tlio first day of April in the year one thou-
sand eight hundred, (agreeable to an Act of the Legislature
of the State of Xew York, for dividing the Town of Marl-
borough in the County of T'lster), the following j)ersons were
by a majority of votes elected Town officer^ for the ensuing
year; and the following notes were by a majority entered into
for the ensuing year.

Benjamin Car])enter. ^[oderator: Benjomin Townsend, Town
Clerk: Benjamin Ely. Suj)ervisor: Ludlain Smith, Joseph Morey,
Esq., !^^ichael AVigant, Jr., Assessors: Samuel Adams, John
Haitt, Daniel Lockwood, Commissioners of Highways: Samuel
Adams, David Staples, p]sq.. Overseers of the Poor: Lewis Du-
bois, Jr., Collector: William S. Drake, IJohert Blair, Constables;
Nathaniel Kelsey, ]\Iichael AVigant, Jr.. Peter ^IcCoun, Charles
Millard, Commissioners of Schools; Humphrey ^lerritt, T^wis

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 167

Dubois, Jr., Noah Woolsey, David Merrit, Solomon Fowler,
Thomas Mackey, Anning Smith, Elijah Lewis, Pound Masters
and Fence Viewers.

Overseers of the Highways. — Annan ias Volentine, No, 1 ;
Charles Millard, No. 2 ; John Woolsey, No. 3 ; Anning Smith,
No. 4 ; Noah Woolsey, No. 5 ; Joseph Morey, Esq., No. 6 ; Thomas
Pinkney, No. ? ; David Staples, Esq., No. 8 ; James Teller, No. 9 ;
Solomon Fowler, No. 10; Jacob Ransom, No. 11; John Bailey,
No. 12; Elxjnezer St. John, Jr., No. 13; Robert Bloomer, Jr.,
No. 14; David Merritt, No. 15; Benjamin Carpenter, No. 16;
Elipalet Smith, No. 17 ; James Hallock, No. 18 ; Mathew Bene-
dict, No. 19; Nathaniel Sellick, No. 20; Samuel Drake, No. 21.

Voted that the Constables and Collector give security for the
due performance of their offices.

Voted that there be two Constables in the To\^ti for the en-
suing year.

Voted that the sum of fifty-five pounds be raised in the Town
in the ensuing year for the support and maintenance of the poor.

Voted that the poor maintained bt the Town shall be sold
at public vendue.

Voted that the sum of twenty-four dollars paid by the Over-
seers of the Poor, for defraying the expense of carrying a peti-
tion to Albany for dividing the To\\ti of Marlborough, be paid
by the Overseers, themselves.

Voted that the next annual Town meeting be held at the
house of Nathaniel Harcourt.

Benjamin Townsend, Town Clerk ; Benjamin Ely, Supervisor ;
Ludlam Smith, Michael Wigant, Jr., and Joseph Morey, Esq.,
Assessoi-s; Samuel Adams, John Haitt and Daniel Lockwood,
Commissioners of Highways ; Samuel Adams and David Staples,
Overseers of the Poor; Lewis Dubois, Jr., Collector; William
Drake and Robert Blair, Constables.

Sworn in their respective offices as the law directs.

The above Pound Masters and Fence Viewers and the Over-
seers of the Highways above named sworn as the law directs.

Benjamin Townsend,

Town Clerk.

List of Overseers of the Highways for the year 1800, together
with the names of the men on each road district and the num-
ber of Davs each one is assessed.

168 History of Marlborough.

No. 1 Days Days

Aimanias Volentine P M. . . 7 John Davis 3

John J. E. Robert 9 George Westlick 7

Josiah Meritt 7 Robert Simmons 1

John D. Silvia 8 James Hull 3

Gabriel ^leritt 2 Jacob Rowley 2

James Henry 2 Phebe Smith Z

Jacob Cropsey 2

Josiah Ward *... 1 ^^' ^

Samuel Meritt 1 ^'^^^ Woolsey 7

Luff Caq)enter 2 ^^'^^ ^^>'^^s ^

Mobun- Carpenter 2 ^ olentme Lewis 4

Austin Meritt 2 J^>nathan Wright 3

Henn- TerBush 6 ^^^^^^^^ ^^^ons 5

James Woolsey 2

'^^* ^ Amos Bradburv 1

Charles :\Iillard G Benjamin Townsend 4

Lewis Dubois 16 Gilbert Macklerath 3

Daniel Lockwood 6 Stephen Rhods 2

Lewis Dubois, Jr 2

Joseph Cromwell 4 "^^* ^

Andrew Cropsey 2 «Toseph Morey 5

Andrew Elv 3 Joshua Lounsberry 6

William Dul)ois 6 William Drake 6

Abraham Quick 2 Benj. Ely 9

Cornelus Polhamus 2 Joseph Caverly 2

Nathaniel Bailey 2 Nath'l Caverly 4

Adam Cropsey ] 2 Cliarles Brown 11

Henrv Cropsey 2 Jonatlian Brown, Jr 6

Allen Liester 5 Obadiah Brown 4

Elum Clark 2 Oliver Iluson 1

Stephen Years 2 Is«ac Quimby 3

Xo. 3 ^^o. 6 Continued

John Woolsey 9 Joseph Degroat 1

Jonathan Jordan 2 I'eter Caverly 3

John Youngs 7 Benj. Sutton 1

Xathaniel Harcourt 10 I^ibe Quimby 8

John Wood 9 \o "^

Ruben Nichols 3 hm t»- i »v

T.,. , ^, -r . , Ihomas Pmknev 7

Ehzabetl, Lewis 4 j^^^^ y^^y^^^^ ; 3

Edward Youngs ^ Jcseph Meritt 2

Xo. 4 Samuel Purdy 2

Annin^ Smith 12 Roger Purdy 2

Benjamin Sands 8 Robert Blair 4

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 169

No. 7 Days Days

Moris Meritt 2 Vardanant Grigs 3

Humphrey Meritt 1 Asa Martin 2

Mathew Cropsey 4 Elijah Fowler 3

Jotham Thorne 5 Joshua Fowler 3

Whitfield Case 2 William Martin 2

John Sands 5

^^' ^ Peter MCoun 3

David Staples, Esq S jgaac Hill 6

John Wigant 8

Sarah Birdsall 5 j^q h

Jeremiah Sabin, Jr 2 j^cob Ransom 8

Wm. Silkworth 2 jereiah Rhodes 2

John Bont 5 j^^n Carpenter 4

Anthony ^^ igant 6 j^^n Duffield 10

Miachael Wigant, Jr 5 William Mosher 1

Mathew Wigant 8 ^r^th'l Kelsey, Jr 4

John Case 3

Michael Wigant 2 No 11

■^Q 9 George Mackey 2

James Teller 4

Alexander Mackey 2 No. 12

Silvanus Purdv 4 ^^^^ ^^^^y* ^' ^^ ^

Wm. McEntere 1 ^^^^^ Quimby 7

Solomon Purdv 2 Samuel Mackey 2

Jurion Mackey 2 Elisha Purdy 4

Joseph Plumsted 1 George Wigant 2nd 2

Jeremiah Woolsey 3 Henry stable 1

Pharoah letting 1 ^'^^^^^ Thome 3

Samuel Winslow 3 ^^ heeler Case 3

William Woolsey 3 I'eter Mabie 2

Solomon Utter ^ 2

John Purdy 2 ^^o. 13

Ebenezer St. John, Jr 3

No. 10 Zadock Rhodes ' 3

Solomon Fowler 9 Joseph Rhodes 4

Samuel Adams 9 John Mackey, Jr 4

Abel Adams 4 Ebenezer St. John 1

Thomas Airs 7 Stephen Douglas 3

Henry Crawford 7 Henry Quick 2

John Mackey 7 Daniel Lockwood 2

Levi Mackey 2 William St. John 1

Jehoida Mellam 2 Samuel St. John 2

John Fowler 2 David Brush 1

170

History of Marlborough.

No. 14 Days

Robert Bloomer, Jv 4

Jeremiah Sabins 7

William Place 3

Abraham Hoigg 4

Nehemiah Hoigg 4

Isaac Bloomer 5

Benjamin Anderson 3

Kdward Coe 4

James Meritt 5

Jeremiah Xleritt 2

Thomas Bingham 4

Thomas Meritt 2

Kobert Bloomer 2

Isaac Meritt 4

Xo. 15

David Meritt, P. M 8

n(»nrv Woolsey 5

William B. Woolsey 5

Philip Caverly 5

letting Caverly '2

Hichard C-averly 2

John (^averly, Jr 3

Kichard C-arpenter 8

John Haitt 4

Malicah (lillis 1

Thomas Wigant 9

(Jeorge Winslow 3

Jos<'ph Winslow 3

Uriah Raymond 3

Jeremiah Cole 2

Smith Dinmore 2

Jonathan Woolsey 2

Isaac Ilulse 3

Mathew Wigant 2

Xo. IG

Benjamin Carpenter 4

Benjamin Carpenter, Jr. . . 2

Samuel (-arpenter 2

Peter Bamheart 4

Angus Cambell 2

Levi Quimby 3

George Wigant 5

Days

Wright Carpenter 4

William Lineson 4

David Weed 7

No. 17

Eliphalet Smith o

Clark Smith 6

John Smith 8

Ludlam Smith 8

Xathaniel Kelsey • 8

Charles Crawford i

Henr}' Cutler 1

James Pride 1

Xo. 18

James Hallock 12

Alexander Youngs 8

John Williams 5

Xehemiah Smith 5

Kiehard Woolsey, Jr 2

James Folwer 6

Elias Mackey 3

John Mackey 3

Jeremiah Mackey 4

John Khodes 6

(lardner Earle 2

Zadok Lewis 4

Patrick Powers 2

elacob Brush 2

John Hill 2

Jurion Mackey 1

Jurian Mackey, Jr 2

Xo. 19

Mathew Benedict 6

Xathaniel Quimby 4

Closes Quimby 6

Thomas Mackey 8

Mathew Mackey 2

Xo. 20

Xath'l Sellick 4

Elijah Lewis 4

Xathaniel Woolsey 2

Foster Hallock 5

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 171

No. 20 Days Xo. 21 Days

Peter Plough 2 Samuel Drake 6

Joshua Sutton 7 Henry TerBush 6

Stephen Sutton 2 Jonathan TerBush 2

Oliver Hall 3 Jeremiah Bamheart 2

Robert Loekwood 2 ^lathew Bamheart 2

John Sheffield 2 Asa Kutsey 2

Xathan Sheffield 1

The Men Who Lived Here ix 1818.

Benjamin Townsend, Town Clerk ; Kichard I. Woolsey, Super-
visor; Allen Lester, Gabriel Merritt and Xathaniel Chittenden,
Assessors ; William Soper, Daniel Lester and John W. Wyganl,
Commissioners of Highways; John Haitt, Comelus Dubois,
Overseers of the Poor; Kichard Woolsey, Collector; Richard
Woolsey, Gabriel Merritt, Peter H. Caverly, Adolph D. Brower,
Constables; William Soper, Benjamin Townsend, Samuel Drake,
Commissioners of Common Schools; Nathaniel Chittenden,
Augustus H. Conklin, James I. Ostram, Stephen S. Rand, Rich-
ard Smith, and Edward Coe, Inspectors of Common Schools;
Alexander Cropse}^ Daniel Wygant, David Staples, Jr., Jonathan
Kent, Cornelius Dubois, Nathaniel Harcourt, Jr., Pound Mast-
ers and Fence Viewers.

Overseers and men on each road district:

District No. 1
Gabriel Meritt
Henry Ter Booss
Alexander Cropsey
John Cropsey
Josiah Merritt, Jr.
Francis Fegarro
John Buckley
Jeffry Lewe
John Thorn
Andrew Cropsey 2
Charles Meritt
Anthony Seamon
Daniel G. Russell
Samuel Loekwood
Peter Milden
Jeremiah Cropsey, Jr.

District No. 2
Comelus Dubois
Aron G. Page
Andrew Ely
David I. Meritt
Cornelius Polhamus
James Cropsey
Seth Ely
John Polhamus
George Fowler
John Conger
Abraham Decker-
Elijah Cleavland
Eli Pardie
Nathl Dubois
Jesse Vanburen
Andrew Cropsey

172

History of Marlborough.

Humphry Mory
Samuel Cropsey
David Mackey
John Havens

District Xo. 3
Zadock Lewis
Nathaniel Hareourt
Nathaniel Hareourt Jr.
John lihoades, Jr.
Benjamin Hareourt
Edward Young
Henr}' Woolsey
Richard Rhoades
David Conklin
Steplien Rand
Michael Lecost
John Ransom
Elijah Lewis, Jr.
Ijoten Lewis
Hiram Lewis

District Xo. 4
Jonathan Kent
Absolom Barrett
Adolph D. R rower
Francis Pell
Jonathan Woolsey
Luke C. Quick
Anning Smith
David Selleck
Rol)ert Gilmer
Sylvester Strong
Ijowis Quick
Jonathan Wood
Henry King
John Anthony
Benjamin Anthony
John Sands
Augustus H. Conklin
Moses Bird sail
John Xoyes
John Davis
Daniel W. Knap

District No. 5
Benjamin Townsend
Closes Quimby
Amos Quimby
John Palmateer
Isaac Harris
Simeon Doty
Abraham Young
Zephaniah Xortrip
Xoah Woolsey
Stephen Mackey
William Lyon
William Lyon, Jr.
Richard L. Strickland
Volentine Lewis
Miram Lewis

District Xo. 6
David Staples, Jr.
Charles Brown
John S. Purdv
James Quimby
Joshua Lounsbury
Abraham Ely
Richard Smith
Isaac (Quimby
Allen Ticster
Daniel Lester
John Waters
0])odiah Brown
Xath'l l^u^ion
Daniel T^nderwood
Raswell Stiles
Samuel Quimby

District Xo. 7
(tcorge Wygent 2
Richard Dubois
Rol)ert Blair
Joseph Meritt
Daniel Wygant
John Canfield
Tunis Dolson
Charles Jennings
John R. Brown

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 173

District No. 8
John Bont
Nathaniel Wygant
George Birdsall
Edmond Birdsall
David Staples
Isaac Lockwood
William Lockwood
Barnard Bont
Charles Tooker
Ira Staples
James Dexter

District No. 9
Joseph Harcourt
Urion Mackey
Jeremiah Bamheart
Sylvanus Pnrdy
Kichard Woolsey
Smith Wood
William Smith
Sylvanus Purdy, Jr.
David I. Meritt
Austin Meritt

District No. 10
William Soper
Richard Woolsey, Jr.
Jonas Denton
Malciah Gillis
Daniel Lockwood
John Cole
Jacob Bowley
Abraham Lawson, Jr.
William Bolton
John Hallock
William Dowe
Peter MCoun
Uriah Coffin
William Gidney
Ferdinand Grigs
Elida Watkins
Elmasa Perkins
Widow Fowler

Kobert Brown
Nath'l Chittenden
William Noyes
Nathan Perkins
Asa Martin
Abraham D. Soper

District No. 11
Josiah Meritt
John Duffield
John Raymond
William Mackey
Eliphalet Smith
Daniel Mackey
Jeremiah Dun
Josiah Cooper
Elias Mathews
Joseph Dubois
Jacob Belly
Solomon Martin
Obadiah Knowlton

District No. 12
Daniel Kniffin
Stephen Staples
Nathaniel Belly
John F. Kniffin
Gilbert Kniffin
John Kniffin, Jr.
John Belly
Nicholas Belly
Elisha Purdy
Nathaniel Purdy

District No. 13
Henry Quick
David Smith, Jr.
John Fowler
John Roe
Hugh Riley

District No. 14
Isaac Bloomer
Benj'n Anderson

174

History of Marlborough.

Jeremiah Howell
Edward Coe
Xehemiah Meritt
Thomas Bingham
Eobert Bloomer
George IMcritt
Gilbert Thorn
Isaac Meritt
Eobert R. Bloomer
Daniel Bloomer
Solomon Mosher
Joseph Hunt
John Quimby
James Cohman
Henry Cosman

District No. 15
Thomas Wygant
John Haitt
David Woolsey
John Wood
Latting Caverly
David Meritt
John Caverly
Mathew Wygant
Isaac Hulse
John Woolsey
Richard Carpenter
Carpenter Caverly
Joseph Strait
Charles Craft
Jonas Mackey
John B. Wygant

District No. 16
Samuel Waters
Zadock Rhoads
David Mackey
Levi Mackey
John Rhoads
Comelus Rhoads
William L^-neson
William Wygant
Jeremiah Cole

Asael Thrasher
Rassel Holmes
George Wygant
Hatfield Morgan
Gill>ert Morgan

District No. 17
Robert Chaml)er8
Nathaniel Kelsey
John M. Smith
Thomas Smith
Enos Hart
James Stone
Peter Crookstone
^klathew Mackey

District No. 18
Nathaniel Clark
John T. Hallock
VoVig Rhoads
liiohard I. Woolsey
John Sheffield
Robert Young
l^huhama Adams
Joshua Martin

District No. 19
Gilbert F. Mondon
Nehemiah L. Smith
f'^nmcs Hull
Abigael Crawford
Mnthcw Benedict
Peter Barnheart
James York
Charles ^lackey 3
Jeremiah Mackey 2
Thomas Mackey, Jr
James ^falcom
Nathaniel Quimby
Thomas ^lackey
Jacob Qiiimby
Ruben D. ^lackev

Pbecinct and Town Meetings and Records. 175

District No. 20
Foster Hallock
Micajah Lewis
Michael White
Robert Moses

District Xo. 21
Samuel Drake
Cornbury Daj-ton
William Degroat
Daniel Quimby
Peter Mabie
James Milspaugh
John Miller
John Underwood

District Xo. 22
Henry C. Mackey
Stephen Rhoads
William Rhoads
Stephen Woolsey
Joseph Berrian
Benj'n Atherton
Jesse Lyon
Peter Roe
Mathew Barrian

District Xo. 23
Joseph Plumstead
Joseph St. John
Michael Wygant

District Xo. 24
John W. Wygant
Ezra Waring
John Case
Oliver Staples

Mathew Wygant
Michael Wygant
Michael Wygant 3
James Wygant

District Xo. 25
Lewis Dubois
Daniel Hicks
Joseph Lockwood
Charles Millard
James Millard

District Xo. 26
David Sands
Josiah Lockwood
Joseph King
Hezekiah Smith
Haney Gregory
Phillip Woolsey

District Xo. 27
Martin Cole
Jacob Lawson
Richard Caverly
Phillip Caverly
Peter H. Caverly
Phillip Caverly, Jr.

District Xo. 28
Peter Quimby
James Fowler, Jr.
James Fowler
Alexander Young
Caleb Fowler
James Harton

The Men Who Lived Here in 1840.

Ijewis W. Yoimg, Supervisor; Hezekiah Hull, Town' Clerk;
Josiah W. Carpenter, Justice of the Peace; William Martin,
William Hallock, and Joseph Lockwood, Assessors ; James Sher-
man and Sylvanus Purdy, Overseers of the Poor ; Cornelius Car-
penter, Jeremiah Clark, and Carpenter Caverly, Commissioners
of Highways; John B. Wygant, Wygant Merritt, and Jacob P.

176

History of Mablboeough.

Townsend, Commissioners of Common Schools; Moses Everitt,
Daniel Lewis, and Jacob Young, Inspectors of Common Schools ;
Eemus Woolsey, Collector; Remus Woolsey, Thomas Bingham^
and Stephen B. Mackey, Constables; James Eowley, Town
Sealer; Jonathan Kent, Pound Master.
Overseers and men on each road district :

. District No. 1
Benjamin Oddy
Andrew Oddy
Ezekiel Velie
Elisha Purdy
Phebe Purdy
Sarah Drake
James Dickison
David Simpson
Thomas Townsend
John Buckly
John Brooks
James Huson
George Felter
James Graves
Joseph Brooks
Gabriel Merritt
I^onard S. Carpenter
Dennis H. Doyle
A'olentine Cropsey
Henry Cropsey
Charles Merritt
Jacob Eichner
Josiah AV. Carpenter
Isaac Terwil lager
Charles X. Brower
John Brower
Xathaniel DuBois
Lewis Supreme
Fegarrow F. ^lilden
Abraham Blake
David I. Merritt
Thomas Cropsey
Joremiah Terwillager
John Uilabee
Joseph Prince
Joshua Brooks

Widow Fegarrow
Pricilla Milden

District No. 2
?files J. Fletcher
Henry H. Holden
Henr^ H. Holden, Ten.
Jeremiah Clark
Cornelius DuBois
Andrew Ely
AVilliam Kelly
David Morgan
Joseph Hep worth
Bernard Wygant
John B. Wygant
Harvey Wygant
Robert Spence
AVilliam Mcllrath
Elias Howell
Nathaniel Bailey
Benjamin F. Patton
Bernard Baily
Robert B. Mapes
Nathaniel Huson
Curtis Wright
Lewis Quick
William Lyons, Jr.
Samuel Bond
Josiah C. DuBois
I^eonard Adams
Nathaniel Deyo

Passmore

Hiram Benscoten
Daniel ^lackev
Asa T. Wright
John W. Cropsey
Lewis Smith

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 177

Spence & Mcllrath
Mobury Carpenter
Isaac Purdy

District No. 3
Thomas Burling
Daniel Lewis
Ruth Lewis
John Lawson
David Young
Henry Woolsey (Heirs)
Edward Young
William Holmes
Daniel Lester
Reuben Quick
Benjamin Rhoads
Nathaniel Hallock
John Hull
Gilbert Terwillager
John Lawson (Tenant)
Augustus Rhoads
William Anderson

District No. 4
Benjamin Anthony
Josiah L. Dow
Absalom Barrett
Jacob P. Townsend
Jonathan Kent
Elizabeth Rhoads
Stephen R. Roe
William Coffin
John Y. Barrett
Lydia Smith
Samuel Purdy
William Gidney
Thomas Bates
William Coffin (Ten)
Cornelius Ix)ckwood
Jacob Rowley, Jr.
Joseph Miller
John A. Ackerly
Joseph Ferris
Henry King

Joseph I. Pollock
John Sands
Henry Brown
David Gidney
Charles Davis
Ichabod Williams
Craft & Smith
Rufus Rhoads
Oliver P. Kent
James Woolsey
Stephen Yelverton
Philetus Colman
Joel Hornbeek
John Anthony
Samuel Barrett
■Forbus Poroperty
George Potter
Enos Van Siclen

District No. 5
John Woolsey
Richard I. Woolsey
William Lyons
Matthew T. Berrean
Samuel Berrean
Zephaniah Nortrip
Sherboum Sears
Jacobus Newkirk

District No. 6
Thomas S. Warren
David Staples
Isaac Fowler
Dennis Purdy
John S. Purdy
Charles Tooker
Benjamin Harcourt
Jerdon Dobbs
James C. Harcourt
David Fowler
Samuel Warren
John D. Crook
James Clark
David T. Merritt

178

History of Marlborough.

Samuel Herbert
Jonathan Herse
Thomas Brown
Daniel S. Mackey
George Bamheart
Carpenter Caverly
Mary Quimby
Cornelius Quimby
James Scott
Daniel Scott
William L. Scott

District No. 7
Burns Wygant
Joseph Lockwood
Eli T. Lockwood
Daniel S. Birdsall
Joseph Merritt
Isaac Staples
Eleazor Gidney
Garret DuBois
Samuel P. Hulsey
Daniel Pierce
John DuBois
Moses Everitt

District No. 8
Henry Bont
Nathaniel Wygant
Daniel Tooker
William W. Lockwood
p]liazabeth Bingham
George Birdsall
Charles Birdsall
Nelly Porter
Bernard Bont
John P. Porter
Josepli Thompson
William McConnell

District No. 9
Ilackaliah Purdy
Sylvanus Purdy
Francis Mackev

Daniel Underwood
Lewis Rhoads

District No. Id
Robert Brown
Jos. Lockwood
Remus Woolsey
Luther Pratt
Pratt Hull
Robt. S. Lockwood
James Denton
James Sherman
Henry Maguill
Jacob Rowley
Daniel Rowley
Melkiah Gillis
William L. Mackey
Stephen B. Mackey
Sarah Ellsworth
George Hallock
Jeremiah Mackey
A. J. M. Smith
L. Harrison Smith
Warren Scott
Xiilli'n Woolsey, Jr.
Charles Decker
I^avid R. Ostrander
Dowitt Nelson
Stephen Rhoads
Edgar D. Gillis
Jacob H. Gillis
William Soper
Thomas Baker
James Rowley
Eleanor Duffield
Elijah R. Rhoads
Absalom J. Barrett
Elias Mackey
Jonathan Ostrander
Smith More
John Soper
Aaron Staples

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 179

District No. 11
William L. Rhoads
James A. Disbrew
Ferris Malcomb
Henry Maxem
Elizabeth Malcomb
Eliphalet Smith
Selleck Carpenter
Hiram Campbell
Alen Quick
John Thomas

District No. 12
James Wygant
John C. Kniffin
Barney Benson
James E. Kniffin
Nelson Henell
Robert L. Harris
Daniel Birdsall
ilary Kniffin
Emra Wygant
James Quimby, Jr.

District No. 13
John P. Palmateer
John Palmateer
John St. John
Widow Thompson
James Stone
Jacob Baily
Zachariah Ellis
David Malcolm
William Dayton
David Miller

District No. 14
Tsaac L. Harris
Ebenezer Kniffin
Stephen H. Benjamin
Elliott Howell
Tsaac Merritt
John Turner
James Bloomer

Robt. R. Bloomer
Deborah Rand
John Coovert
David Cosman
Chester Kniffin
Daniel Wygant

District No. 15
Isaac R. Fowler
Latin Caverly
John Shorter
David M. Hail
John Wood
Isaac R. Fowler
Henry Cosman
Abraham Woolley
William Woolley
Martha Craft
Matthew T. Wygant
David Craft
Chauncy Wygant
Austin Merritt
Isaac Maston
Joseph LjTieson
Jacob Shorter
Sanford Shorter
Jonathan Caverly
Jacob Cosman
John Ellsworth
Isaac Quimby

District No. 16
Zadock Rhoads
David W. Woolsey
William Wygant
Levi Crosby
Cornelius Rhoads
Lewis Rhoads
Annanias Quick
John S. Roe
Abraham Tuttle
John Holden
John B. Holden
John Terpeming

s**-'

180

History of Marlborough.

Jeddediah Rhoads
Thorn Mackey
Isaac Winn
John DuBois
Levi Mackey
John L. Rhoads
Ebenezer Crosberry
William Mackey
Lewis Rhoads 2

Thomas Bingham
Thomas Bingham, Jr.
Selah Dickerson
Eveline Hanford
Xehemiah Merritt
Gilbert Thorn
Thomas Taylor
Peter T. Kniffin
Chester Kniflin

District No. 17
Isaac B. Purdy
Robt. Chambers
Jacob Young
Isaac Young
Andrew Owens
Uriah Coffin
Jesse Sherman
Isaac Tomkins

District No. 18
William Hallock
Thomas Woolsey
John Young
John T. Hallock
Natlfl Clark

District No. 19
James Ha it
Oliver Hull
David Adams
Samuel Adams
Thomas Smith
Denton Smith
Joseph DuBois
Purdy Hadley
Tliomas N. Mackey
Ilcnry Hull

Rosecronse

District No. 20
Gershum Thorn
James Latin
Richard R. Fowler

District No. 22
Nathaniel Harcourt
Stephen Woolsey
John Anderson
John Anderson, Jr.
Samuel Stratton
Emra Rhodes
William King

District No. 23
Thaddeus Baxter
David Staples 2
Bartholomew Baxter
James Staples
Daniel St. John
Edward DuBois
Joseph Plumstead
Henry Plumbstead
Uriah Plumbstead

District No. 24
Asa S. Wygant
John W. Wygant
Michael Wygant
Cornls. Wygant
John Fowler

District No. 25-
Lewis W. Young
Anna DuBois
Nathl. H. DuBois
Robt. Beebe
R. Beel)e & Co.
Carpenter & Spence

Precinct and Town Meetings and Records. 181

Joseph More
Oliver Coovert
Henn' Mabee
Xathi. Strait
John Scott
Henry King

Colman
Hugh McCreary
Hance McCreary
John Colman

District No. 26
Sumner Colman
Charles A. Bloomer
Henry Hamblin
David Sands
Xathl. Williams
James Attarton

District Xo. 27
Peter H. Caverly
Jacob Jjawgon
Smith Rhoads
Thomas Blomer
Isaac Quimby

District Xo. 28
Daniel Quick
John Eckert
Michael Quimby
Charles Davis
Philip Fowler
Abraham Young
Bjchard Birdsall
John Davis
Calvin Smith

Jeremiah Mackey
Philip Mackey
Harvey Wygant

District Xo. 30
Alexander Young
William Young
David Sole
Adolphus Smith
John Clark
William Swart
John Vandemark
John D. Quimby
James Quimby
Walter Blair

District Xo. 31
Gilbert Caverly
Thomas Mcllrath
Cornelius DuBois
Charles DuBois
David DuBois

District Xo. 32
Xathl. Harcourt, Jr.
Joseph Harcourt
Matthew Harcourt
Smith Wood
Jacob Wood

District Xo. 34
Benjamin F. Townsond
Elijah liCwis
Ben j am i n To wnscn d
Calvin Bulkelv

CHAPTER VI.

Ancient Roads.

There appears to have been two roads, one called
the Lattin Town road and the other the Platter Kill
road. These were certainly the oldest roads, and were
most likely laid out by Capt. Thomas Ellison, Capt.
Alexander Golden and Zachariah Hoffman, commis-
sioners appointed by an Act of Assembly in 1743 for
the better clearing and further laying out of public
roads for the Precinct of the Highlands ; or by Capt.
Jonathan Hasbrouck, Lewis DuBois and Samuel
Fowler, as commissioners for the Precinct of New-
burgh, appointed by an act of the Legislature in
1762, as all subsequent roads refer in their descrip-
tidn to these roads, but I can find no record of them.
The old Highland Precinct records (precinct of which
this town was first a part) are not to be found after
great research, and it is presumed they have been
lost.

It seems that the name Platter Kill was long used
before the town was named. It was the stream of
water running along the west side of what is now
Plattekill. The roads were mostly laid out between
1780 and 1800, though I find one in 1774. I give a
description of some of these roads as a curiosity.
There were large numbers of these roads but the de-
scriptions are so primitive that their routes cannot
be traced, and those I have given will require much
study :

" By Virtue of an Act of the General Assembly of tlie Prov-
ince of New York passed the sixth Year of our Present Majes-
tyes Reign Entitled an Act for the better Clearing mending and
further laying out Publiek high Roads and others in the County
of Ulster We the Commitioners of the Precinct of New Marl-
borough for the Putting in Execution the good purposes of the

184 History of Majilborough.

said Act and by a Petition of the Inhabitants being Freeholders
have laid out an open Public Road four Rods wide begining not
far from the North side of the Seven Patentees on the brow of
a certain Small Hill thence in the most direct and Convenient
place to a certain Bridge in the Road that comes from Mr.
Brush's Landing thence Northerly in the most direct and Con-
venient place a little East of the House of David Mackey thro'
the East part of a certain Swamp still runing near said swamp
in the most Direct and Convenient place to a certain Bridge
still Northerly in the most Direct and Convenient place to the
Paltz line Oposite the Land of Capt. John Woolsey adjoining
a little West of his Block House We Do order the Road above
mentioned to be open and publick and that the same may be
Recorded among publick Records of the County of Ulster and
that the same Record may be and remain an open and publick
Road in Testimony whereof We have hereunto Set our hand this
2Gth Day of March, and in the Year of our Lord Christ 1774.

RICHARD WOOLSEY
LEWIS DUBOIS
CALEB MERRITT

A Return to the Laying out an open Publick Road Two Rods
wide agrooal)le to a Petition Signd by twelve or more of the
Freeholders of the Precinct of Now ilarlborough (To Witt)
Begining at a Certain white oak Tree marked Near a Little
Bridge on the Road tliat Crosses the mountain From Ijatting
Town to The Platterkill the Said Bridge and marked Tree is a
Little to the Wc^stward of the Road that Leads of to Robl)ert
Everitts Runing from Said tree a Southerly Course Thro a Tract
of Land Belonging To Lord Sterling Runing Near the South
Side of Hobbert Poors fence and to the North of Henry Dejos
House to a Large Chestnut Tree marked From thence thro Capt
David ostrond(»rs Land To a Small Black oak Tree marked the
Said tree Stands Near the Said ostronders Door and on the old
Publick Road Also Beginning at the Southeast Corner of the
Said Capt David ostronders oarchard at a Certain Chestnut Tree
marked The Said Tree being on the old Publick Road Runing from
thence to the westward on the Dovision Line Between Jonathan
ostronder and the Said David ostronder to Daniel Dejos Line
From thence Southerly on the Devision Line Between Jonathan
Terwilleger and the Said Daniel Dejo To the Said Daniel Dejos

Ancient Roads. 185

Southeast Corner From thence to the westward on the Said De-
vision Line To a tree marked from thence Leaving the Said
Devision Line and Runing a South westerly Course a Cross the
Said Jonathan Terwilleger Land as pr marked Trees To a
Small Black Rock near the Line Betwen Coll Hasbroucks and
the Said Terwilleger from Thence Runing to the westward
on the Devision Line Between the Said Hasbrouck and the Said
Jonathan Terwilleger to the Sliawwangunk Line the above Road
from the Corner of Capt ostronders oarchard from the Chestnut
tree on the old Publick Road to the Shawwangunk Line it is
Requested that they may Keep Swing Gates one year from the
first of December 1T81

URL\H DRAKE Commisoners for

Laying out

XATH'L KELSY publ Roads

Most of this road appears to be in what is now
Plattekill. Can anyone determine the course of this
road and where it lies?

A Return of an open Publick Road two Rods wide Laid out
this 18th Day of March 1782 — The Road Runs as follows (to
witt) Beginning at the post Road a Little to the North ward
of Zadok Lewis house where he Now Lives from thence up by
Edward Hallecks Senr as the Road now Runs to the Land be-
longing to Zadok I^ewis thence Runing a Cross the Zodak Lewises
Land as the Road now Runs to the Land Belonging to Nehe-
miah Smith thence Runing Nearly as the Road now Rims
through the Said Nehemiah Smiths Land to Land belonging to
Zadok Lewis. Thence upon the Line betwen The Said Zadok
Lewis and Edward Hallek Senr Thence upon the Same Line
Betwen the Said Zadok Lewis and Alexander Youngs thence
upon the Same Line betwen the Said Alexander Youngs and
John Ayres thence Runing upon the Same Line Betwen the
Said John Ayres and Urian Mckey to the Land formerly Be-
longing to Lattin Carpenter from thence Runing Nearly upon
a Strait Line to a Brook at or near the North End of an old
field Formerly Belonging to the Said Lattin Carpenter From
thence up the Hill westerly in the most Conveniant Place
thence by a Line of marked Trees acroos Said Land to the Road
that Runs from Lattin town to the New Paltz thence across

186 History of Mablborough.

Said Road by a Line of marked Trees to the Road that Runs
from Lattin Town to the Platter Kill as for a Large whiteoak
Tree marked Near the Said Platter Kill Road.

N. B. it is the Request of the majority of the Petioners for
Said Road that it Shall Remain with Bars or Gates for one
year from this Date and after that to be an open Road and to
Remain in full Testimony among other Publiek Roads as wit-
nes our hands March ye 18 1782

CALEB MERRITT
XATH'L KELSY

Commisons

This is the road at the willow tree running west
past the Moore place and the Michael Kaley place and
so on westward substantially as it is today.

March 26-1782 A Return of an open Road Laid out two
Rods wide By the Commisoners of New Marlborough Runing
as follows (To witt) —

Be<rining at the River at Lowe water mark by a Cedar tree
marked upon Anning Smiths Land thence Runing a Little to
the South of the house where Isaac Rowly now Lives thence up
the hill in the most Conveniant Place a Little to the South of
the Said Anning Smiths Grist mill Thence Nearly as the Road
now Runs by the Said anning Smiths liouso across the Post
Road to the Line betwen the Said anning Smith and Luff Smith
thence u{)on the Same Line or as near the Line as Can Con-
veniantly be made a good Road to tlie north of Said Luff Smiths
Said mill and to Continue upon or near the Same Line as
aforesaid to or near the Road that Runs thro the Land of the
Said anning Smith and Luff Smith at their own Expence
Thenso from Said Line Nearly as the Road now Runs across
the Said anning Smiths Land To Natbanicl Kelsys Line Thence
upon the Line Betwen the Said Anning Smith and Nathaniel
Kelsy to John ^lobery Smiths Line Thence upon the Same
Line Betwen the Said Nathaniel Kelsy and John Mober>' Smith
to Job St Johns Line Thence upon the Same Line Betwen the
Said John JVIoberv Smith and Job St John to or near the
Said Job St Johns house Thence Nearly as the Road now Runs
through the Said Job St Johns Land to the Said Line again
Between the Said Job St John and John ^Mobery Smith thence
upon the Same Line or a Cross to the Road that Treads from the
New Paltz to Ijattin town thence upon the Line or as near the

Ancient Roads. 187

Line as Can Conveniantly be made a Good Road Between
Samuel Lewis and Samuel and Adam St John to the vacant
Lands in the mountains Then begining back at or near a Little
Brook upon Said Line thence Runing Northardly up a hill in
the most Conveniant place thence Runing by a Line of markt
trees to the westward of a hollow Called Sugar Hollow a Crost
the Lots of Land belonging to adam and Samul St John and
Samul and Nathaniel Hull to the Same Little Brook to the
Northward of Said Sugar Hollow thence to the westward by
a Line of marked trees to the Northeast Corner of Josiah
Eltings pattent thence upon the Land Belonging to David
Martin to Said David Martins house thence Runing Nearly as
the Road now Run with the allowance of Good Swing Gates or
bars to Josiah Bakers Line thence with the Said allowance of
good bars or gates to the Said Bakers Ijand the aforesaid Gates
or bars to be Kept in Good Repair at the Said David Martins
and Josiah Kakers own Expence thence through the Vacant
Lands by or near a Line of marked trees to the northe of Wil-
liam Glands Fence thence westerly to the Paltz Line and to
Remain in full Testimony with other Publick Roads as witnes
our hands

CALEB MERRITT
NATH'L KELSY

Commisoners

This road as it will be seen commenced on Anning
Smith's land at the river and ran west to the post
road (this part is now closed up). It then ran west
substantially as the road now runs from the post
road past Peter McManus' place and then continuing
on to Pan-cake Hollow (which then must have been
called Sugar Hollow) then on to what is now Clinton-
dale till it met the Paltz line.

" We the Subscribers Commissioners appointed to Regulate
and Lay out Roads in the Precinct of New ^larlborough in the
County of Ulster & State of New York having read the Peti-
tion presented us & and signed by twelve Freeholders Inliabit-
ants of said Precinct Praying us to Lay out a Common Public
Road from the Road Called Lattin town Road to join the Road
on the East side of tlie Great Wild Meadow in the township of

188 History of Marlborough.

New Paltz lately Laid out by the Commissioners of New Paltz
from the Road Commonly Called The River Road along by the
Indian orchard &c to New Marlborough Precinct And We Hav-
ing taken the same into Consideration and taken a View of the
Ground Do Judge this same to be Necessary and Commodious
as well for the Inhabitants as for Travelers.

Wherefore AVe the Sul)8cribers have agreeable to the Prayers
of sd Petition laid out a Common Public Road from the South-
erly End of sd Paltz Road to sd Lattintown Road in the follow-
ing manner Viz : Begining at a Black-oak Tree marked on the
North side with throe hacks and a Blaze Standing in the Line
Between New Paltz & New Marlborough Precincts at the south-
erly End of sd Road laid out by tlie Commissioners of New
Paltz as aforesad and Runs from Thence Southerly along a line
of marked Trees to the Field in the Possession of one Mr. Hall
and tlirough tlie sd Field near the west End of the House of
sd Hall to a Chessnut Tree Standing near a Run of Water Then
Runing along a line of marked trees to the Field of Benjamin
Stead and Going through the same to a Dry tree Standing in
the sd Field and Then along a line of marked Trees to sd Lattin-
town Road at a Beach Tree marked with three trees hacks and a
Blaze Standing near the House of Caleb Stead Given Under
our Hands this 14tli Day of November Annogue Domini 1784

N. B. We the sd Commissioners of New Marlborough Pre-
cinct Do hereby order that the sd Road laid out by us as afore-
said shall be four Rods Wide.
Benjamin Ely

Clerk

URIAH DRAKE
HENRY TERBOS

Commissioners

By virtue of an Act of the General Assembly of the State of
New York passed in March in the Year of our Lord one Thou-
sand Seven Hundred and P^ighty four Entitled an Act for the
Clearing mending and for the Laying out pul)lick Roads and
others in the County of Ulster — We Commissioners for puting
in Execution the good purposses of the Said Act and more
Especially of any of the Freeholders Inhabitants of the Precinct
of New ^larlborough Have laid out an open publick Road two
Rods wide begining at a Certain Blackoak bush marked on two
Sides near the head of Tenstone ^leadow the East side of the
old Crossway then runing Westerly over the Crossway and turn-

Ancient Roads. 189

ing Southerly along the West side of the Meadow as near as the
Land will allow Southerly to John Scotts Line then Southerly
l)y a Corse of Marked Trees to John Ares and so to continue
Southerly along by a Line of marked Trees in the most con-
venient place of land imtil it comes to the Land of Samuel
T\T)yatt and Andrew Gee and as near the Line of Division as
Conveniently can be made between them both to remove a
certain old Crossway to the Foot of a Hill the Westerly Side
of the Swamp and then to follow the Marked Trees Eound the
Hill untill it comes to Samuel Whyats fence then Runing
through the Comer of Said Whyatts Ijott South Westerly to a
White Oak Tree standing in the Eoad that leads from New
Burrough to the Platter Kiln which Eoad were by Virtue of the
Said above mentioned Act order and Appoint the same to be an
open Eoad through as much of the Said precinct as is before
DinxHed and we also Desire tliat agreeable to Law and the «aid
Act this the same be Eecorded among the publick Eecords of the
Trecinct and in order that the same may be and Eemain an
open Eoad In Testimony whereof We have hereunto Set our
Hands and Seals this Twenty Six Day of April in the Year of
our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Eight v Six

LEONAED SMITH
EEUBEX DEAKE

Commissioners

This road is all in what is now Plattekill ; it is sub-
stantially the road that runs from the Milton turnpike
at Kostendieck's corner to the valley.

liaid out in the Town of New Marlborough in Ulster County
the 21st Day of March 1T89 According to Law by the commis-
sioners of Highways for sd Town Regining at the Line of the
East Bounds of John Banckers Farm now in Possession of
Lattin Carpenter near a Blacksmith Shop and Precisely at a
certain Bridge over the Crick a little South of Thomas* E?.ys
House Euning thence from the Lattin Town Eoad Westward
nearly as the Eoad now Euns across said Farm to the Xorth
East Corner of John Caverly^s Land thence Euning the North
side of the Line Between the Land of the sd John Caverly and
the Land of the said John Bancker or as nearly so as Can be
made a good Eoad to a Blackoak Tree marked Thence Euning
nearly as the Eoad now Goes to a Small Brook thence near the

190 History of Marlborough.

North Side of said Brook by a Line of Marked Trees or near said
Line of Marked Trees as is most convenient for a Boad to the
south East Comer of the Field now in Possession of Henry Hyde
from thence nearly as the Eoad now Euns to sd Hydes House
then Southwardly nearly as the Eoad now Goes to a Large Wliite
Oak Tree Marked standing a little to the North of Dan'l Cooks
House then Euning through the Woods by a Line of Marked
Trees to the outlet of the Pine Swamp thence Euning by a
Line of Marked Trees to the Eoad Laid out acrost the Moun-
tains Adjoining said Eoad by a small Black Oak Tree Marked,
The above is to be a Eoad Eods Wide and Equal Testimony
with other Public Eoads on the Eecords of the Town of New
Marlborough

LEOXAED SMITH Commissioners

NATHANIEL KELSEY of H. Ways.

Tliis it would appear is the road which runs west
from Lattintown across the mountain.

A Ecturn of an Open Publick Eoad Laid out four Bods Wide
by the Commissioners of the Town of Marlborough in the Month
of November in Anno Domini 1790 as follows

Begining at the Highway that leads from John Bonds Over
the Mountains Westerly a little Southerly of Thomas Wygants
House from thence North as the Lane now runs to John Wygants
Land then Westerly as the Lane Euns to the Foot of the Mount-
tains then Westerly up and Eising the Moimtains nearly as the
Eoad now Euns to near to the Top of the Mountains then
Southerly in the most convenient place Still Eising the Moun-
tains to the top thereof Then from the Top of the Mountains
a Westerly course in most convenient place to the Fall thereof
on the west side of them then Southwest Down the mountains
near a small nm of Water near David Pemhrooks field from
thcnco a})oiit a West northwest Course in the most Convenient
Place till it Joins the Line Between the Town of Marlborough
and New Borouf^h to bo and remain an Open Publick Eoad and
bear Equal Testimony with other Publick Eeccords.

DAVID MEEITT
AXAXIAS VOLEXTIXE

Commissioners

This is the break-neck hill road.

Ancient Roads. 191

A Beturn of an Open Publick Road as Follow :

We the Commissioners for the Town of Marlborough in the
year 1790 in the Month of June. By a Petition from the Free-
holders and Inliabitants of Said Town for a Publick Boad or
Highway from Latting Town to Hudson Biver have Laid it out
as follows: Beginning at or near the House of David Meritt
and to keep the old Boad through Latting Town to the Lands,
known by the name of Goldings Bidge w^ithin Ten or Twelve
Bods of Henry Woolsey house from in the Edge of the feild
Xorth of Said Woolseys house Bunning in the fieilds to the bottom
of the first hill Coming down said Hill where it Shall be most
Convenient for the Easment of Said Boad from thence along
the old Boad through the Lands now in Possession of Noah
Woolsey Continueing the old Boad near a Certain Bock from
thence to go through the Comer of a field of the Lands of
Nathaniel Harcourt the South Side of Said Bock where it Shall
be thought most Convenient for Said Boad thence in the old
Boad through the Lands of Daniel Knowlton to turn round the
Comer of Said Knowltons Orchard up the Side of the Hill
thence into the old Boad Again and to follow that down to the
main Post Boad, the Said Boad to be three Bods wide from the
Place of Beginning to the main Post Boad from thence four
Bods to the Biver as the Boad now Buns through lands of Elijah
Lewis and from the Top of the Hill near Solomon Townsend
Dwelling house Said Boad is to Extend four Bods Down the hill
from the upper Side of the Boad as it now Buns Down to Lewis
Lime Kiln: the Said Boad to go Either Side of Said Elijah
Lewis Dwelling house wherever it Shall be thought most Con-
venient for the good of the Publick Down to Low Water Mark
to Extend four Bods up and four Bods down the Biver from the
Lime Kiln

Also another Part of Said Boad beginning upon The top of
the Hill the north Side of Solomon Townsend Dwelling house
about four Bods from Said House Bunning nearly as the Boad
now Buns down to the north Corner of Solomon Townsend
Store House four Bods wide from the other Boad that Leads
down to Elijah Lewis to Corner of said Store House
Given under our hands this IT Day June 1790

LFDLAM SMITH Commissioners

STEPHEN NOTINGHAM of Higways

DANIEL EVEBTTT

BENJAMIN CABPENTEB

192 History of Marlborough.

This is the road from LattintWn to the Hudson
River at the old Jacob Powell dock and stone house,
substantially as it now exists; for years previous to
1790 this road had been traveled but it had never been
formerly laid out until tliis time and at this time sev-
eral changes were made to make a better grade around
the hills. The Solomon Townsend store house spoken
of was afterward the Powell store house and from
the dock a line of sloops had been running to New
York for years and all the people from miles back in
the interior passed over this road to the river and
sliipped their wood and produce.

The different branches of this road at the river are
now all closed up or abandoned except one. It was a
very busy place about here then

Wlie tlie Coinniisioners of High ways for the Town of Marl-
borougli being Called upon ])y a Xuniber of Freeholders acord-
ing to Ijaw to I^y out a Publick High way Begining as follows
at a orotclicd appcl tree Standing on the Xort Side of a Road
Leading from the Post Road Near the Friends meting house
leading to Jacb Powol Landing thence from Said appel tree
Xorth(»rly to Bunch of wild Charitrees from thence To a Car-
tain Ridge or Ledge of Rocks on the west Side of Said
Ridge and as Xicr to It as Convenantly thence Xorth-
ardly to a white wood Sa])ling Standing on the South Side of
a Ditch or Run of wauter Said Saplin Has a Piece of Bark of
the west Side an thcce along a certain Path Irately Cut open
Norterly to Hut Sons River at the Comer Between Richard
Lewis and Zeadock Lewis at High wauters Mark and Said Road
to 1k> an open Publick Road or Highway Four Bods wide whe
Do Certify the above to be a threw Return of the above Road
Said Road this 10 Dav of Fabruarv 1795

CORNELIUS DRAKE Commisioners

LUDLF^Ar S^riTH Highways 1795

The road spoken of as commencing near the
Friends Meeting House and running to Powell's Dock

Ancient Eoads. 193

is substantially the road commencing at the post road
at Sturgeon's house and runs to the place formerly
owned by Capt. Sears to the river where the old Town-
send stone house stood. The meeting house stood on
the south side of the Lattintown road just before it
reached the post road and the Powell dock was in
front of the old stone house. Jacob and Thomas
Powell kept a store and tavern there in the stone
house and the road above laid out is the road that
turns from this road at Captain James Hyde's place.
It is the same now as when laid out.

A Return of an Open Eoad Laid out In the Town of New
marl Burough 5 Day of May 1795 Agreeabele to an Act Passed
for the Laying out and Establiahing Publick Eoads in the State
of New york By a Potition of the Freholders and Inhabitants
of the Town afforsaid for a Publick Road Begining at a Cartain
Road that Lied from Newburgh To Esopus Runing Xort At the
House of Peter McCoon Beginning and Runing with a Soud-
east Corse as the old Road Runs thro the Lands of Benjamin
Sands on the East Side of a Cartain Maddow and Along the
Said madow In the most Convenant Place and So By a Black-
smith Shop along the Same Road untill It Comes to the House
of Deniel Eavortt on the Sought Side of His House on the
Dock to Low waiters mark of the River In the most Con-
veenentest Place to be an open Publick Highway of four Rods
wide for Convenency of the Contry or Town
Given under our Hands thes 5 Day May 1795

XOAH WOOLSEY Commissioners

of Highways

SOLOMOX FOWLER fo the Year 1795

The house of Peter McCoon was on the site of the Woolaey
building, and the road is the one nmning from there to the
river.

A Return of an open Publick Road Laid out By tlie Com-
missioners of the Town of Morlbu rough Begining at a Certain
Dock of Richard Lewis Xier the middel of Jacob Powel and

194 History of Marlborough.

Levy Quimby Docks at High wauter mark Euns Northward
By a Line of marked trees to the South Side of the Land of
Joshua Suttons and So throo the Land of Said Sutton and
fields and thence alx)ng the Said field on the East Side of Said
fields Untill It Comes' to Levui Quimby Lot and along the
west Side of Said Quimby I-.ott until It Comes to the Main
Koad that Lieds to Quimby Dock whe Do Hereby Certify the
Koad to be a Pul)lick open Koad to be and Reman a Publick
Koad of four Rods wide Given under our Hands this 10 Day
of fabuarv 1795

CORNELIUS DRAKE

Commisioner

LUDLOM SMITH

It api)ears from the above description that Lewis,
Powell and Quiml)y all bad docks along tbe river in
the same vicinity and that tbe above road was laid out
to connect tbem.

We the Comisheners of high ways have Laid out a Xew Road
Begining on Hutsin River at the water at a Plase the old Ship
Yard Laying Between Two pints at a walnut Sapling from
Thens Uj) the Bank To a Ston wall South To Xathanil Har-
cort and Jolm Woods Corner thens Sowestly Up the Hill till
It Striks the old Koad Baring the Same Corse a Crost the Said
Road rpon the Side Hill till it Striks a Slate Rock thense on
To the Top of Hill then Xorthwestely To the Mnin Road near
a Small Stone lions liiOoening to Nath Hareort then Begining
at a Large Chiisnet Tree North of Xath Harcorts Runing
northwest ly with the path Xow in Tse till meats with the
Koad Runing from hutsons River To Leating Town near
Xonh Woolsev and Benj Sands Two Roads Wide, Marlborough
April r> 17!)4*

PETER McCrXE
DAXIEL LOCKWOOD
JOXATHAX BALY

The old shi]) yard hero spokon of was wber^ Jobn
or Jacob Wood or both built slooi)s and vessels for
many years, and, on this road is tbe large boarding
bouse of Stejdien Woolsey. AVbat is now called Dog
street, commenced at tbe river there and at its bead

Ancient Roads. 195

on the i>ost road there used to be a little stone house
close to the road. At my earliest recollection it was
standing and a colored family lived in it. It seems
the road then passed on till it came to a large chest-
nut tree. The tree is still standing and has been a
land mark ever since the country was settled. The
road ran from there to the Lattintown road at the
house of the late Charles AVoolsey. This road is the
same as when laid out and had been used more or less
for a long time previous to this time but was simply a
lane running through woodlands and not dedicated to
the public. The very oldest road was, 1 presume, the
King's Highway, laid out under an old colonial act,
being the road running north and south through the
town along the river.

An Act to Incorporate the Farmers' Turnpike and Bridge
Company. Passed March 11th, 1808.

Be it enacted * * * That Tjerick Van Keuren,
Xathaniel Lefever, Jacob Eansom, William Dusenbury and
Isaac Hill and all such ]3ersons as shall associate with them,
by becoming subscrilx?rs to make a good and sufficient turnpike
road to begin at or near the store of James Denton in the Town
of Marlborough near the landings of Hill, Sands and Town-
send, running from thence westerly the most convenient
route, and as near the old road as the make of the ground will
admit, to where the two roads intersect near the house of Peter
Frisiner in the Town of Plattekill, and thence continuing
westerly nearly straight and crossing the Wallkill at the north-
easterly bounds of Tjerck Xnn Keuren, and from thence by the
most convenient route to the house of Thomas Harris in the
Town of Shawangunk, shall be and are hereby created a body
corporate and politic in fact and in name, by the name of " the
president, directors and company of the Farmers' Turnpike
road aijd Bridge Company,'' and by that name they shall be
capable in law to purchase, have, hold, enjoy, and retain to
them and their successors lands, tenements, hereditaments,,
goods, chattels and etfects of every kind whatsoever, to the
amount of five thousand dollars.

196 History of Marlborough.

And be it further enacted, That the stock of said company
hereby incorporated, shall consist of six hundred shares of
twenty dollars each; and that Selah Tuthill and Thaddeus
Haight shall be and are hereby appointed commissioners to
receive subscriptions for said stock in the manner directed in
and by the act, entitled, "An Act Relative to Turnpike Com-
panies,'^ passed the thirteenth day of March one thousand eight
hundred and seven,

Provided Always, That if after the full amount of the said
600 shares shall have ])een appropriated and expended by the
president and directors of the said company for the purpose
of making the said turnpike road and building the bridge at
the places aforesaid, and if the sum so appropriated shall be
found insufficient to effect the purpose aforesaid, it shall and
may be lawful for the said president and directors, in order
to complete the said road and bridge, to increase the funds of
the said corporation by adding a sum not exceeding $5 on each
share in the whole stock, which sum so to be added shall be
in equal ratio upon each and every share.

And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful
for the president and directors to demand from the stock hold-
ers respectively, all such sums of money by them subscribed, or
to be subscribed, and also the advance sum of $5 on each share
in case an increase of stock shall be found requisite, at such
times and in such proportions as the said president and directors
shall see fit, under pain of forfeiture of their shares and all the
previous payments thereon to tlie said president and directors.

And be it furtlier enacted. That it shall and may be lawful
for the president and directors of said company to erect 2 gates
or turnpikes, on and across the said road, one whereof shall
])e erected at the distance of not less than 3 miles from Den-
ton's store aforesaid and one other gate or turnpike at or upon
the bridge to be made across the AA'allkill aforesaid in the route
of said road.

And be it further enacted. That the said company hereby
incorporated shall be entitled exact and receive at each of the
said gates or turnpikes, to be erected on said road and bridge
from all persons traveling and using the same the following
rates to toll, to wit: For every wagon with two horses,- mules
or oxen, ten cents and three cents for every additional horse,
mule or oxen; for every one horse cart, five cents: for every
coach, coachee, phaeton or curricle with two horses, twenty
cents; for every chair, chai?e or other one horse carriage, ten

Ancient Roads. 197

cents; for every cart drawn by two oxen, horses or mules,
six cents, and for every additional ox, mule or horse, three
cents; for every horse and rider, or led horse or mule, four
cents ; for every sleigh or sled, drawn by two horses, mule or ox,
five cents and for additional horse, mule or ox, two cents; for
every score of cattle, horses or mules, sixteen cents, and so in
proportion for a greater or less number; for every score of
sheep or hog, six cents; for every stage-wagon, drawn by two
horses or mules, ten cents, and for every additional horse or
mule, three cents.

And be it further enacted. That the company hereby incor-
porated shall have and enjoy all the rights, privileges, powers,
and immunities which are given and granted in and by the
aforesaid act, entitled, "An Act Relative to Turnpike Com-
panies,'' and shall be subject to all the conditions, provisions,
restrictions and regulations contained in the said act.

Provided nevertheless, That it shall and may be lawful, for
the said company to appoint five directors of which numl)er
three shall be a quorum ; and it shall and may be lawful for the
said company to work the road twenty feet in width, exclusive
of the ditches, and that the said company may erect a toll gate,
when they shall have completed the* first six miles thereof
agreeable to the true intent and meaning of this act, and to
ask and receive the rate of toll aforesaid provided also, that it
shall be the duty of the president and directors, incorporated
by this act, when application had before them from any person
or persons traveling said road, not more than five miles west
from the Hudson River aforesaid, to commute with such person
or persons and regulate the toll at said gate to be erected, not
less than three miles from the store of said James Denton, so
as that such persons shall not pay more toll than is proper for
the number of miles they shall travel on said turnpike, that is
to say, at the rate of 12 1-2 cents for ten miles, for wagon
drawn by two horses and so in proportion for every other
carriage :

Provided always. That nothing in this act contained shall
prevent the Legislature from directing the said corporation, at
any time hereafter to extend the width of the said road, to
twenty-four feet, and if the said company shall refuse or neg-
lect to comply with such directions that then, and in such case,
all right and interest of said company, of, in and to said road
shall vest in the people of this state.

198 History of Marlborough.

This charter was amended in 1828 as follows:

Sect. 1 It shall be lawful for the Farmers' Turnpike Eoad
and Bridge Company in the County of Ulster, to demand and
receive at the gate erected on said road, and from all persons
using the same, the following rates of toll, to wit: For every
wagon with two horses or oxen, six cents ; for every wagon with
one horse, four cents, and in all other cases of the payment of
toll, the directors of said company are hereby directed to regu-
late and reduce the rates thereof, to any sum not less than one-
half of the amount fixed in and by the act of incorporation of
said company, passed March 11th, 1808: but every person when
passing through said gate to or from public worship, or a
funeral or a grist mill for the grinding of grain for his family
use, or a blacksmith's shop to which he usually resorts for work
to l)e done or attending Court when legally summoned as a
juror or witness, or a militia training when required by law to
attend, or a town meeting or election at which he is entitled
to vote, or going for a pliysician or midwife or returning there-
from, or to or from his common business on his farm.

Sect. '^ Nothing in this act contained shall prevent the Legis-
lature from altering or repealing it at any time when it shall
think proper.

This turni)ike was eomideted on or before 1812, and
was an exceedin<ifly .iirood road for the times. As will
be seen, it crossed the Wallkill into Shawangiink, now
Gardiner, and beyond and throng:h Tuttletown, at
that time a thriving ])haee with great water power,
several mills etc. This road opened np a large
country; in fact people crossed the mountains here at
what is now called The Traps, a ])ass in the Shawan-
giink mountains, from the valleys to the west. It
opened up a large tract of country which became
tributary to ^lilton, i^oojde bringing their produce
here for shipment to the city by sloops and barges.
Grains of all kinds, beef and ])ork, fat cattle, Initter,
sheep and wool, wood, hay etc., were brouglit from
long distances back in the country, many reciuiring
a day to come and another to return. The road was
often blocked with teams and wagons extending from

Ancient Roads. 199

the post road at the village to the river. It added
great prosperity to the Milton part of the town for
thirty years or more. Lumber of all kinds was sold
here, also building supplies and all kinds of iron for
blacksmith work. There were tailors, hatters, cabinet
makers and artisans of all kinds; there were soap
works, sash and blind factory, and a paper was
printed, and during this time Milton saw its greatest
prosperity; but the back country was afterward
opened up by roads to other parts and the turnpike
was discontinued in about 1860. Capt. Jacob Handley
controlled most of the stock of the road for several
years before and at the time it was discontinued. The
very old people along the route of the road will well
remember the large amount of trouble over it. There
was said to be twenty taverns along the road for the
use and convenience of the men and teams, mostly
the men, who could ol)tain their meals for a trifle and
the best of nuns and whiskeys at three cents a glass.

CHAPTER VIL

Marks of Cattle.

At the time of the first settlement of this commu-
nity, it was the custom to brand cattle that each owner
might readily distinguish his property from that of
liis neighbors^. Following is a description of some of
the various brands :

Men

Marks

Lewis Dii])ois

One Hole in Each Ear

Calel) Merritt

One hole in the right and a half

This mark Taken

penny the upper side of ve left

By David Staples

Ear*

John Woolsey

One hole in ye right and a Crop
in the Left Ear

Bichanl Woolsey

A crop in ye Left & 2 Slits and
a Slit in the right Ear

Jolin Yoiuig

A Slope the under side of the left
Eare

Abner Brush

A Crop of the Left and a slit in

This is altered

for

the same Ear

Henry Torbose
David Merritt

This Mark is taken up
by David ^i Hait
June 20th 1786
Gabriel ^[erritt

This Mark is Taken up
for Xathan Salsbury
Abijah Perkins

This is Altered for Ben-
jamin Ely 1T84
William Martin

K B. this Mark is Al-
tered and Taken up by
Seth Husin
This mark Is taken up
By Thadius Haight
May 24, ITOG

A Crop of the Left Ear and a
hole in the right and in ye Left

A Hole in the right Ear and a
half penny ye under of it

A Slope the up])er side of ye right
& a half penny ye under side of
ye same

A Slit in each ear and half-penny
the upper side of ye right

202

History of Marlborough.

Men
David Martin
taken up By
Semore
Xathal. Kilsey

Nathl. Hull

Richard Woolsv

Daniel

Jacob Dayton

altered to a Swallow
fork in Each Ear &
the D in forehead

David ostronder

Joshua Sutton

Ed ward Hal lock

taken u]) hv James TTal-
lock
Edward Hallock Junior
taken up hv Nicholas
Hallock
Daniel Knowlton

this mark Ts taken up
By James Quimby
Junr
Right Carpenter
Xehemiah Smith

Samuel Hallock

This ^lark is taken \ip
bv Foster Hallock

Marks
A Slit in the left ear and a half
penny the upper sid ye right

A Crop in the left ear and a half
penny under the same

A crop in the right ear & a hapny
the under side

A Crop of the I^eft Ear a Slit in
the Crop a half penny the un-
der Side of the^ Same Ear a
Slit in the liight Ear a half
p(»nny the back Side of the
Same

A Slit in the off Ear and a half-
penny the under Side of the
near one and a D in the fore-
head

A half penny ve under Side of ye
Right Ear a Slit in the Uft
p]flr under Side

A Crop of the Left Ear and a half
penny the under Side of the
Same and a half penny the up-
per Side of the Right Ear and
a hole in the Left

A Sloj) Crop of the right Ear

A Crop of ye left Ear

A Crop off ye left ear and a Slope
ye under side of the right

A Swallows tail in the right Ear
A Crop of the Left Eare and a
half-peney the under side of
the same and a halfpeny the
upper side of ih(» Right
A Slope the under side of Each
Eare

Marks of Cattle.

203

Anning Smith

this mark is alterd below
on this I^af

Benjamin Woolsy

this mark is taken up hy
Mathew Buryann
John Caverly

This mark altered For
William Caverly

Benjamin Ely

Xoah AVoolsey

This mark taken up
May 26, 183r, l>y
Zephaniah Xorthrip
Charles Woollev

Nathaniel Harcourt

Feb 20th 1824 this mark
taken up By Nathan-
iel Hareourt
Richard Carpenter

A Crop of the near Eare and a
hapeney the under Side of
Each and a hapeney the upper
Side of the Right

A Crop of the Tx^ft Ear and a
hole in the Same

a Halfpenny on the Upper Side
of Each Ear X. B. this Mark
has been Used by Samuel
Townsend

A Slope in the Upper Side of the
Right Ear and a half Penny
tbe lender Side of the Same
Ear X. B. this Mark was for-
merly Used by and for Doctor
ABijah Perkins

A balf Crop the Under Side of the
Right Ear and a Slit in the left
Ear

a Crop of the Right Ear and a
nick under the Same Also a
Brand with the Letter W

A Crop in the right ear and a Slit
in the left Ear

A Swallow's Tale in ye left Ear

There are a large number of these marks recorded
in an ancient record of the town. It appears that all
the first settlers had a distinctive mark to designate
their cattle, horses etc., and this continued for many
years until the lands were cleared up to some extent
and fenced off, so the cattle were prevented from run-
ning at large. The settlers coming from tlie homes
they had formerly occupied, brought their cattle,
horses etc. with them ; they had no fences and the land
was to be cleared up, and necessarily they were unable
to properly restrain them; so the live-stock ran at

204 History of Marlborough.

large over the lands of the owner and upon the com-
mons often upon the lands of the neighbors. In which
latter case tUey were taken up, held, and the descrip-
tion and marks were filed in the town clerk's oflSce,
so when the owner missed his cattle, he could ascer-
tain if they had l>een taken up, and by whom, and by
the payment of certain fees for damages, he could
obtain his cattle.

There were many cattle here in those times and lots
of rich lands lying open to the common, therefore the
raising of cattle was a great industry. The following
is a sample of how strayed stock was oflScially
described :

February yc 25, 1TT3 then entered on Keeonl a Stray Stone
Horse three years of Age liaving no Artiiieial Marks or Brand ;
of Natural marks, one small white spot between liis Xostrils
and some white in his Kight foot behind just above his Huff

Xov. .'J, 1TT4 Entered A two years advantage Heifer Red
Brindle with a white Streak on her Back & belly — a Cross off
the right Ear »S: a half Cross off the Left.

Xovember 2*2, ITT.") then Entered A stray stear two years
old will be three next Spring with a white spot on his fored and
a Crop of his Right Ear with a swallow folk in it with halpaney
the under side of tii(» Left.

in j)ossossion (»f Henry Lockwood

178") Xov. 2<i Jol) St. John Entered A Stray read Heipher of
two Years old and rj»j)war(ls with a Bell on her neck and a Slit
in the End of her Ear Xo Xatural marks Distinguishable

A Stray Ihdl in Care of John Freer about Two Years old
Crop off the Bight Ear, th(» ends of his Horns Sawed off a
white Faee Xatutural Colour Brown Dei'r L<t. 171^5

A Stray Brindle heij>lR'r in Care of Stephen Case about 3
Years old with Crop oil' the Left Ear and hole & Slit in the
Same of a Brindle Coulour

2() Xov'r — 171)0 S. C.

XovenduT 2.')th 17in Stray Bed Stear Two year old Past
^[arked with three half jieiiuvs umler side of the right Ear
with one horn Broke of the End in Possession of John Laiting
Marlboroutrh Mountains.

Care of the Poor. 205

December 15th 1791 Entered a Stray Sheep white Marked
with a Swallow fork in the near Ear and a Slit in the off or
Bight Ear in Possession of John Young in Marlborough Town

December 16th — 1791. Two Stray Red Heifers with some
white on the Back Marked with a Swallows fork in the Right-
Ear and a half penney the under Side of the Same in Posses-
sion of Edward Hallock In Marlborough

January 2th 1792 One white Stray Sheep Marked with a
Crop of the Left Ear and a Slit in the same and a halfpenny
the under Side of the right Ear. Benj^n Woolsey

January 2th 1792 Two Stray white Sheep Marked with a
Crop of the Left Ear and a hole in the Right Ear In Possession
of Benjamin Woolsey Xew Marlbrough

January' 7th 1792. Stray white Sheep Marked^with a Swal-
lows fork in Each Ear and a Nick the under Side of the Right
Ear Also another white Sheep Marked with a halfpenny the
under Side of the Right Ear in Possession of Nathanil Kilsey
Marlborough

December 22th 1792 A Stray Stear year old Past, Red with
a white face Marked with a Crop of the Left Ear in the Care
of Richard Carpenter Latting Town

Care of the Poor.

Moneys raised for and proceedings had for the sup-
port and maintenance of the poor commencing in
1773:

Voted that twenty five pounds be raised for the use of the
poor.

In the year 1777 :

Forty Pounds to be Raised to seport ye poor.

Voted to be Raised for the Support of the Poor for the year
1778 the Sum of L125=6=0

and also to Collect this year the two Last Years
Rearages which has not been Collected which
amounts to the Sum of L70 — 0 — 0

total L195 0=0

Joseph Webb the only Person at present that is Chargeable
to the Precinct of Xew Marlborough who is also Chargeable to

206 History of Marlborough.

the Precinct of Newburgh was Sold to the Lowest Bider for
L87=0 — 0 for one Years Boarding Exclusive of Clothing on
this Condition if any person in the Precinct of Newburgh will
Keep him for a Smaller Sum they are to have him Sold to
John Scott

In the year 1779 :

Voted that the Sum of fifty Pounds be Raised for the use of
the Poor this Present Year.

Voted that John Davis T^st years Collector l)e paid Sixteen
pounds for bad money he Lost in the County treasury out of
the poors money

In 1780 > •

No money voted this year for the Poor

A thirty Doller Bill that Proves bad that the Collector had
received for taxes and not l)eing able to Swear from whom he
had Received it was voted to be Paid him out of the first Spare
poor money Raised in the Precinct if not allowed by the, County

In 1781 :

Voted that Forty Pounds New Emision Be Raised For a
poor Fund

In 1782:

The Sum of Ei^ht pounds voted to be Raised for the Benefit
of the poor The fines (for stray) to go to the use of the poor

In 1782:

Was Sold at Vendue a poor boy Named T^iba Ilerrington to
L^rian Mokey for Seven pounds Eight Shillings and he to have
him bound by the Poor Masters untill he is twenty one years
old to have ^leat Drink Washing and Lodging and Reading
Writeing and Cy])horing and two Suits of Cloths when of age
one for Holidays and one for Common Days

. In 1783:

The Sum of twelve pounds ten Shillings voted to be Raised
for the Poor Provideing the Commisoners that is appointed to
Settle with the poor masters finds it is Due at this Day The
Same Rules as to Rams this Year was voted to be observed as
was Voted Last Year the fines to go to the poor of the town

Care of the Poor. 207

In 1784:

Voted also that the Sum of Twenty Pounds Poor Rate be
Raised this Year for Defraying the Precinct Debt to Poor
Masters and for the further Use of the Poor of the Precinct

In 1785 :

Voted that Fifty Pounds be Raised out of the Precinct this
Year for the Use of the Poor

In 1787:

Voted that the Supervisor Audit the Poor Accounts and Levy
Money by Tax on the Precinct for tliat Purpose if Necessary

In 1788:

Voted that Anning Smith Reuben Drake and Benjamin Ely
to Audit the Poor Accounts and Levy Money by Tax on the
. Town for that Purpose

In 1790:

Voted that the Overseers of the Poor Shall without Delay
Prosecute the Children of old Simon Relya for his Maintain-
ance, or otherwise

May 11th, 1791 :

We the Committee appointed by the Town of Marlborough
to Examine and Audit the unsetled Accounts of the Town
Namely Capt. Anning Smith David Ostrander Esqr. and Ben-
jamin Townsend. Do hereby Certify that the Sum of Ninety
Eight Pounds twelve Shillings and and One penny is Xecessary
to be Raised for the Maintenance and Support of the Poor the
Rnsuing year

By Order of the Committee,

In 1792 :

Voted Unanimously, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be Raised
in the Town of Marlborough for the Support and Maintenance
of the Poor the Ensuing year 1792

In 1793:

Voated, that fifty pounds be Raised this year in this Town
for the Support and ^faintenanco of the Poor.

208 HbsTOBY OF Marlbobough.

In 1794:

Voated that their be Fifty Pounds Eaised this year in this
Town for the Support and Maintainance of the Poor

1794, April 10th:

At a Special Town Meeting Convened by Publick Advertize-
ment Agreeable to Law at the house of David Merrit for the
Express Purpose of takeing into Consideration the propriety of
Raising a greater Sum of money for the Support of the poor for
the Ensuing year than was agreed upon at the Annual Town
meeting in April last. — Tlie meeting was opened by David
ostrander Esqr. when upon due Consuderation it was Unani-
mously Voted that And Additional Sum of Sixty five pounds
should be Levied on the Town in Addition to the sum voted
at the Last Annual meeting Amounting in the whole to one
hundred and fifteen pounds for the purposes aforesaid

In 1795, April 7th:

Voated that their be Raised the Sum of one Hundred Pounds
this year In this town for the Support and Maintainence of
the Poor

Vouted that the Suposed wife and Is Not the wife of Robert
Gilmore to be transported and Not to be Chargeabel any more
to the Town of Marlborough

In 1796:

Voted that Poor Masters of the Town Shall Hire a House
for the Poor to be Keep in.

It is Voted Xo loquor Shal Be Sold at the Next Town Meet-
ing and Xo Hors racing Shal Bo don and tlie Pennalty of five
Pounds fine to be Receive as other Debts and Shall Be for the
use of the Poor.

It is Voted that their Shall Be Raised for the suport of the
Poor the sum of L 200 Pounds this year 1707.

In 1798:

Voted that tharo Shall Be one Hundred pounds Raised for
the Insuing year for the Use of the Poor.

In 1799:

Voted. That the Sum of One Hundred S^ Seventy pounds be
Raised for the Support and ^laintonance of the Poor for the
Ensuing year.

Cake of the Poor. 209

In 1800:

Voted, That the Sum of Fifty five pounds be Raised in the
To\»Ti the Ensuing year for the Support and Maintenance of
the Poor.

Voted, That the Poor Maintained by the Town Shall be
Sold at Publick Vendue.

Voted, That the Poor Maintained by the Town be Sold at
Publick Vendue to the Lowest Bidder.

In 1802:

Voted ; — that the Overseers of the Poor Shall pay to Samuel
Huson the Sum of thirty dollars as a present from the To>ni
for his taking Care & Maintaining his Mother Frelove Huson
for the Last year Past.

Voted ; That the Poor belonging to the Town be Sold at Pub-
lick Vendue to the Lowest Bidder.

In 1805:

Voted; That the Sum of Two Hundred Dollars be Raised
in the Town of Marlborough for the Support and Maintenance
of the Poor the Ensuing year 1805.

In 1806:

Voted the Sum of Two Hundred and fifty dollars be Raised
in the Town of Marlborough the Ensuing Year.; for the Sup-
port and Maintenance of the Poor.

In 1807:

Voted, That the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars be Raised in
the Town of Marlborough for the Support and Maintenance of
the Poor the Ensuing Year.

Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor; may (if they Suppose
it will be for the Interest of the Town) Send off William
McCarty to Ireland ; Xow One of the Poor of this Town.

After the declaration of war in the Revolution all
the officers had to take the oath of allegiance to the
State of New York. This continued up to the time
the States became independent of the mother country.
This oath they took in addition to their oath of office,
viz.:

210 History of Marlborough.

Oaths of Allegiaxce.

We Stephen Case John Duffield Uriah Drake Urian Mckey
Absalom Cas(» assessors for the Precinet of Xew Marlborough
Do Sollenily Swear and Declare in the Presence of almighty
(lod that we will Bear true faith and Allegiance to the State
of New York as a fn^i and Independant State and that we will
in all things to tlie Best of our Knowledge and Abillity Do our
Dutv as good Subjects of the Said State ought to Do (So help
us God) STEPHEN CASE

Sworn Before nie this JOHN DUFFIELD

25 Day of april 1780 URIAX DRAK

WoLVEKT EcKEH Justicc of the JUIUAX MACKEY
peace ABSALOM CASE

Assessors Oath.

We Stephen Case John Duffield Uriah Drake Urian Mckey
Absalom Case assessors Elected for the Precinct of Xew ]^Iarl-
borough Do Sollenily and Sincen^ly Swear and Declare in the
Presence of ahuighty (iod that we will honestly and Impartially
asses the Several Persons and Estates within the Precinct of
New Marlborough and that in niakeing Such assesments we
will to the best of our Knowledge and Judgements observe the*
Directions of the Several Laws of this State Requiring and
Directing Kncli lJes]»cctive assr^snient to be made (So Help
us (iod)

Sworn before me tliis -^oth Dav STEPHEN CASE

of April nso JOHN DUFFIELD

WoLVKirr EcKi-n Justics of the UKIAN DRAKE

l)eace JURIAN ^FACKEY

ABSALOM CASE

Sonietiiiies one i)erson would hold several offices at
the same time; this year (ITSO) Stejdien Case was
Clerk for the town and ])oor; he was assessor and
also a Poormaster. fie also served several years as
Clerk and Assessor at the same time, and in 1782 he
w^as Town Clerk and Clerk of the Poor Books, Super-
visor and Poor Alaster.

Ancient Town Matters. 211

Ancient Town Matters.

March 10, 1795. — The following persons were
licensed to keep tavern the ensuing year. To wit:
David Merritt, Wheeler Case, Samuel Drake, Benja-
min Carpenter, Thomas Mott, Christopher Ostrander,
Jacob Powell, Gatian Liger, Henry Busli, Jr., Daniel
Everitt, James Lockwood, and Isaac Bloomer. Each
of the above persons gave the sum of two pounds for
their license.

March 1, 1796. — The following persons were licensed
to retail spirituous liquors in the Town of New Marl-
borough, namely: Peter Mackoon, Thomas Mott,
Robert Gilmore, Edmond Turner, Jr., Christopher
Deyo, Cartrien Lieger, Samuel Drake, Henry T. Bush,
Jr., Right Carpenter, Wheeler Case, Isaac Bloomer,
Jacob Powell, David Merritt, Isaac Hill, Benjamin
Carpenter.

In 1796 Wilhelmus Ostrander, Thedius Haight,
Nathaniel Kelsey, Joseph Mory and David Staples
were the School Commissioners of the town.

In those times the school commissioners passed up-
on the qualifications of the teachers and also visited
the schools from time to time. They appeared to have
had full charge and control over the schools of the
town.

This year it was voted that no liquor should be sold
at the next town meeting, neither would horse racing
be allowed, and in the event of a violation of this
edict, a penalty of five pounds was to be levied and
collected as other debts and held for the use of the
poor.

T, Stephen Nottingham, do solemnly and sincerely promise
and swear that I will in all things to the best of my loiowledge
and ability faithfully and impartially execute and perfonn tlie
trust reposed in me as Supervisor of the Town of Marlborough
in the County of Ulster, and that I will not pass any account or

212 History of Mablborouoh.

any article thereof wherewith I shall think the said County is
not justly chargeable, nor will I disallow any account or any
article thereof wherewith I shall think the said County is justly
chargeable.

Sworn before me this 21st day of April, 1796.

John Dubois, Esq., J. P.

Under an act of the Legislature, entitled **Aii act
for the encouragement of schools '* passed the 9th of
April, 1795, in June, 1795, £155 5s., and in 1796 £132
12s. was alloted to the Town of Marlborough; in the
next year £154 16s., 9d.; in 1798, $449.21, for school
purposes.

In 1807, it was voted that geese should not run in
the highways or commons ** unless they are yoked. '^

In 1809, it was voted that neither cattle or horses
should be allowed to run in the highways from the
first day of December to the first day of April.

In 1812, it was voted that no kind of cattle or horses
should be allowed to run in the public highways in
any of the villages near a meeting-house or mill from
the 15th of December to the first day of April, and if
found in the streets ** may be drove to the pound."

Voted in 1813, that the sum of one hundred and
fifty dollars be raised in the Town of Marlborough
for the support of common schools the coming year.

In 1814, Richard Smith, John Duffield and Isaac
Bloomer were elected commissioners of schools, and
James J. Ostram, Joseph Lockwood, Richard Smith,
AVilliam Soper, Nath'l Chittenden and David Staples,
Jr., were ins])ectors of schools. The schools must
have been well looked after that year with nine men
to look after the teachers and children.

In 1821, voted " hop^s shall not run in the highways
or commons unless they are well ringed and yoked,
with a sufficient crotch and cross inece. Voted that

Ancient Town Matters. 213

the collector of the town shall not receive more than
three cents on the dollar for his fees for collecting
the taxes the ensuing year. Voted that the town of
Marlborough do not agree to build a county poor
house."

In 1823 and for several years thereafter, $500 was
raised each year for the support of the poor.

In 1825 the account of public money for each school
district was as follows: District No. 1, $39.68; District
No. 2, $39.29; District No. 3, $33.06; District No. 4,
$8.55; District No. 5, $19.84; District No. 7, 33.06;
District No. 8, $31.50; District No. 10, $19.84; District
No. 11, $22.50; District No. 12, $14.78. The following
year, 1826, the amount distributed was considerable
less. This list is given to show how little state sup-
port was given to the schools. In fact all that was
raised by the state and town and district at that time
would not now provide for one of the larger .-cliools
in the town. The pay that the school teachers received
would now hardly pay their board, but money was
scarce then, much more difficult to get, and went fur-
ther, and it was the custom for the teachers to board
around.

At a meeting of the Commissioners of Highways of the
town of Marlborough, in the County of Ulster, on tlie 4tli day
of January, 1836, it is ordered and determined by the said
commissioners upon the application of the inhabitants of the
village of Marlborough that the highway leading from Milton
to Newburgh and opposite the store and premises of Miles J.
Fletcher be so laid out or altered as to be of the width of four
rods opposite the tavern of Kobert B. Mapes as will appear by
a stone placed in the ground by said commissioners, running
thence in a southerly direction so as to be of the width of three
rods and a half opposite the southwest corner of the school-
house. Also that part of the highway leading from the store
of Spence & Mcllrath to Totting Town and opposite said store
80 as to be of the width of three and a half rods opposite said
store and to continue said width westwardly until it intersects
the highway running southerly by the liouse of Peter M. Car-

214 History of Marlborough.

penter. In witness whereof the said commissioners have liere-
unto subscribed their names, this 4th dav of January, 1836.
Recorded Jan. 11th, 1836.

BrCHARD R. FOWLER CJommissioners

ZADOCK RHOADS of Highways

D. W. WooLSEY, Toi^-n Clerk.

In 1847 Geo. G. Reynolds, formerly a judge and now
a practicing attorney in Brooklyn, was Town Commis-
sioner of Schools.

Reoisteu of Xegro Childrek.
After July 4, 1799.

This to certify that Charles Brown of the Town of Marl-
borough and County of I'lster has had a male child bom of
his black woman, a slave named Harrv. Born 14th Julv, 1799
Six months old this dav. Marlborough 14th Jan. 1800.

(Signed) CHARLES BROWN.

This is to certify that the subscriber Wilhelmus DuBois of
the Town of Marlborough, County of X^lstcr, has had a male
child born of his black woman, a slave, the iifth dav of April,
1801, named Titus. (Signed) WILHELMUS DUBOIS.

Map (»k Vn.LA(;r. or M.vuMw.iJ.ndii. tT<M.

CHAPTER VIII.

The Village of Marlborough as Laid Out in 1764.

In 1764, when the church lot was conveyed to the
Marlborough Society, Lewis DuBois surveyed and
laid out certain other lots in what is now Marlborough
village; but after great research I am unable to find
the map, yet the map was reproduced in 1810, upon
the division of the lands of Wilhelmus DuBois. The
divisions and distributions there made are the same,
and are made in pursuance of and reference to the
ancient map as will be seen by referring to the chap-
ter on Land Titles.

It refers to and speaks of the lots as laid out along
Main street, and as the Water lots, etc., in 1764, show-
ing that the lots in this map are the same as then
laid out, and the only difference is that it gives the
names of those who were to receive the lots in the
division of 1810 as made by the commissioners. Main
street as then laid out is substantially as it now is.
The Lewis DuBois estate owned the land adjoining
the Kill, so no bridge is given. The street west from
Main street is given as DuBois street; this is now the
Lattintown road.

At the southwest corner of the church lot on Main
street, a stone marked ** M.B.Y. 1764" is given.
Between Jew's creek and the river '' Bush's point " is
given, and opposite is *' DuBois 's point.'' A stone is
marked as the northwest corner of the uppermost
lot, and further upon the same line another stone is
given. It is understood that these points and the
stone at the churchyard can still be designated.

For some reason DuBois had this survey and a
map of the same made at the early time of 1764, and
it answered the purpose of dividing the lands in

216 History of Marlborough.

1810. The lots were afterward subdivided, but the
present owners of the land can easily trace their
titles back to this ancient survey and locate in wliat
particular one of these lots their lands are situated.
At this time there were very few houses upon this
tract ; the people were settled about on farms, as they
had to depend on their crops for a living. There
were very few if any industries, except farming, at
that time in this section.

Coldpn's Kidge.

Cadwallader Golden was the last Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor appointed by the King, and he was and had been
the Acting Governor for several years of the Province
of New York at the time of and ])rior to the Revolu-
tion. A long time previous he had been granted a
patent of land of 2,(M)0 acres in what is now Orange
county; this tract he called Coldenham, which name
it has ever since retained. He had several sons, one
Alexander; he with his father resideii many years at
Coldenliam. Afterward he (Alexander the son) be-
came the owner of a tract of land at Xewburgh and
built what was called the Xewhurgli House at the Gore,
Colden and Water streets. He ^ave land to the vill-
age for the street and it was named after him, ** Col-
den street.'' He built what is now the Powell dock
and had a charter for a ferry in 1743 at Xewburgh.

(^adwallader Colden also had a son, Cadwallader,
and he or a near relative ])urchased of George Harri-
son a })atent of several hundnMl acres in what is now
the town of Marlborough, and lying on botli sides of
t!ie Lattintown road, where Fred. W. Vail now re-
sides. His Caverly farm is lo(*ated, and other lands
and farms, to the south. These lands were called
Colden 's Kidge in the early deeds and grants, and

Golden 's Ridge. 217

reference to some of them is hereafter given. Many
deeds by which this Harrison patent was finally
divided refer to the tract as Golden 's Ridge, and
though the ridge has been called by different names
at different times, yet the only correct name is
Golden 's Ridge. The Goldens appear to have trans-
mitted their name to the lands they once owned. I
suppose the reason was that they were all prominent
men in their day and the lands were called for them
as was then the custom in England.

Gadwallader R. Golden transferred property to
William B. Wool sey and the deed is dated April, 1803,
viz. :

The premises now being in actual possession of the said
William B. Woolsey, situated in the Town of Marlborough,
County of Ulster, and being a part of a certain tract of land
which with other lands was by letters patent bearing date on
or about the 20th of July in the year 1750, granted to George
Harrison commonly called Colden's Ridge, which said lot,
piece or parcel of land is bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning
at a stake in the east bounds of the said tract commonly called
Colden's Kidge on the south side of the road leading through
the said tract from Lattin Town to the ferry, ♦ ♦ ♦ The
particular courses &c of the several boundaries thereof are
particularly laid down, described and expressed in and upon
a certain map or chart of the said tract of land granted to the
said George Harrison conmionly called Colden's Ridge, made
by Charles Clinton, Esquire, who surveyed the same for the
said Cadwalledar Colden * * *.

William Wickham to William B. Woolsey; deed
dated December, 1803:

All that tract of land situate in Colden's Ridge in the Town
of Marlborough, which ridge, together with other lands, was
granted by letters patent to George Harrison, dec\l ; the said
tract intended to be conveyed is part of a lot of land set apart
by Commissioners to the said William Wickham on a division
of the said ridge, and is bounded as follows: Beginning in the
line of partition between the said ridge and the patent granted
to Lewis Morris & Company, conmionly called the seven pat-

218 History of Marlborough.

enloes, where the road from Lattintown to Hudson River
crosses the said line, from thence easterly along the said
road to tlie land lately conveyed ])y said Wickliam to Thomas
Woolsey * * *. The said patent line between the ridge
and the seven patentees, the said Woolsey and the other per-
sons owning the land have established, * * *,

It will be seen that Colden's Ridge extended north
and south of the Lattintown road.

Woolsey sold 116 acres of the land so purchased by
him to Latting Caverly in 1808 for $3,750, and he sold
the remaining land to other persons about that time.
All this land is referred to as being a part of the
George Harrison Patent called Golden 's Ridge. He
purchased it for about $1,500 and in less than five
years had sold them for over $5,000. I mention this
to show the groat increase in value of land here about
that time. I find that land increased in value very
rapidly and in many instances doubled or more than
doubled in value in a few years.

I have given (juite an extended research in this mat-
ter because I wanted to demonstrate beyond any doubt
or (luostion that the proper name for the ridge was
^^(\)lden's Kidi>e."

The ^Iap of Dr. Benjamin Ely.

Perhaps one of the most important things that we
hav? is the mai) of 17i)7, which has been obtained after
great search and inquiry; after photographing it in
sections, a coi)i)er plate was made at much expense
and care. It has been necessary to reduce the siz-e
of the original ma]), y?t not so much but that all the
lames can be readily seen. The map states:

All the outliiiis and ])rinc*i|)a] roads of this t<nvii were run
at the close of the year lTi>1, a^n-eeahly to the present position
of the nia«rnetie needle, hy Doetor Benjamin Kly, who was em-
ployed hy Ste])hen Xottin«:ham Ksqiiire sii])ervizor of Mail-

Ancii;nt Map. 219

borough. This map was made from the field book of Dr. Ely
by Henry Livingston of Poughkeepsie.

STEPHEX XOTTIXGKAM.
Scale 40 eh. to an Inch.

The map shows what is now the Town of Marl-
borough and Plattekill. The roads as shown are the
principal roads in use to-day. Very few changes
have been made, but some additional roads have been
laid out. The first road on the north is the Smith ' >.-i>t
road, running from Smith's store for several miles
w^est; tlie next is what was afterward laid out as the . ^h^m

Farmers' Turnpike & Bridge Co., from the river con-
necting Sand's store and dock, and the Sutton dock, -^^/i
and running westerly through what is now Modena
and crossing the Plattekill. On ihe map it is called
the *' Road to Platte Kill " and is referred to in tlie
laying out of other roads as the '' Platte Kill Road."
The next is tlie road from the willow tree and ])ost ' cur^-.
road running west and connecting with the last- ;\iu
named road. Then comes the road from the Powell P'^^'t
dock and ferry to Lewis' farm and the post road
and past the Quaker Meeting-house to Lattintown
and on across the mountain to Pleasant Valley.
The next- is the road from the Old Man's creek to
the Lattintown road, and thence north and connecting
with the road over the mountain at the Penny i>lace,
just as it is at present. The next, the African Lane
road, also crosses the mountains to the valley. The
last is the road at the town line at the Velie place,
which passes what was the Acker mill, and runs thence
west over the mountains. The post road along the
river from the town of New Paltz (now Lloyd), to
the town of Xewburgh is crossed by the roads above
mentioned. The road from the Lattintown road to

r X-

220 History of Marlborough.

Purdy's bridge is next. The map marks the land
here as a ** Ridge of High, Grood Land." This ap-
I>ears to extend on through to the turnpike. The next
is the Lattintown road from New Paltz town to New-
burgh town, called on the map **Road from New-
burgh." After this is the road from the Plattekill
road (Farmers' Turnpike), beginning west of Tuck-
er's corners and running north to Elting and 'Le-
Fevre's corner. The map gives it as the '^ Road to
Paltz and Baker's store." Further west, we come
to the road from the turnpike south to and through
the valley to the Newburgh line. The next is the
road from the turnpike, at what is now Modena, south
by southeasterly to the Valley; and then there is a
road from the last-mentioned extending westward to
the New Hurley church.

The north line given is ** From Jeff row's Hook to
the high hill of Mogunk." This was a straight line
running from Blue point to Paltz point, north 59^
IS". The next line is the north town line, commenc-
ing at a beech stump at the river. * * From the beech
stimip N. 55° 15"" west to the high hill of Mogunk
and to Elting and LePevre eor's 457 chains." It
seems that this line was a straight course to Paltz
point, and it was 457 chains to Elting and LeFevre's
corners. The land between these last two mentioned
lines was granted to Hugh Wentworth; and there was
a controversy for perhaps a hundred years as to
which was the actual line meant as the south bounds
of the Paltz Patent. There were several lawsuits and
I believe the question was never positively deter-
mined. This old surv^eyor appeared to think the line
should start from Blue point and I think he was
right. He had been a resident here all his life, and
had done most of the surveying in this and adjoining
towns for a great many years previous, and it is
very probable he knew where the line should be. This

Ancient Map. 221

map would have saved the people much trouble and
money, had they known about it.

Looking south along the river we have Smith's
store and mill, the Buttermilk falls, the houses of T.
Price, and T. Burgis, Sands' store and dock, Sutton's
dock, Lewis and Powell's dock and ferry, Jacob
Wood, John Wood, then the high ix)int called Old
Man's Hook, Old Man's creek, Jew's creek, the lime-
kilns, and just over the line the Dance Chamber.

There was a mill at Smith's, one on Hallock's brook,
a sawmill on the south side of the creek and a mill
on the north side of Old Man's creek, a mill on Jew's
creek known as Charles Millard's mill, the Acker
mill and the mill at Ga-ede's was called Drake's mill
at that time.

It gives the Presbyterian church at Marlborough,
the Quaker church that stood at Northrip's corner,
and two churches at Pleasant Valley, and the New
Hurley church ; all the churches that then existed.

Stephen Nottingham lived on the road south of
Modena and Dr. Benjamin Ely lived at what was the
Charles Harcourt place at the corner.

On the roads the residences are given, and it is
easy to be seen where one's ancestors lived. It gives
quite a lake at Ten Stone Meadow. The streams are
given with a great deal of accuracy. The Plattekill
was a large stream at that time, since it ran mostly
through woods; and there were swamps along it.
Since that time the lands have been drained out.
The road derived its name from the creek, and also
the town when formed was called by the same name.
It runs north through Jenkintown and empties into
the Wallkill opposite and north of the poor house.

It is certainly an excellent map and was prepared
with great labor. It is remarkably accurate, and is
the only correct map ever made of the town. It throws
more light on the condition of the town at that time,

222 History of Marlbobough.

than anything we could have had. I consider it of
the most importance for future reference. All the
surrounding lands are shown and marked.

Looking along the east side of the river, we have the
Specker Kill, now the Gill creek, and next the Barne-
gat limekilns, about twenty kilns which indicate that
an extensive business was carried on here at that
time; next is Casper creek, and north of the mouth
of Wappinger's creek there are several limekilns.

The names of all the surrounding patents are given^
and the lines of the town and the courses of such
lines.

The old supervisor, Stephen Nottingham, little
knew what a relic he was transmitting to posterity-
It has been considered necessary to give quite an
exhaustive explanation of this map, as from its size
it cannot properly be examined unless it is spread
out and much care taken to d-esignate the different
matters. From my review the reader will easily
trace them.

I find by careful examination that in 1787 Stephen
Nottingham ])urchased lands of Jacob DeLamater,
who purchased in 1743, at the Plattekill. He had
owned lands there previously, as it appears in 1743
there had l)een a division of lands at this place among
several parties, among others the Nottinghams, one
of whom was the father of Stephen, and others.
The stream was then called the Platte Kill and is
often spoken of as in the precinct of New Marl-
borough. Along this stream must have l)een some of
the earlier settlements, it' not the very earliest, in
what is now called Plattekill; the first settlers must
have given it the name, and the town was afterward
called from it. I find by the map that in 1797, besides
Nottingham, several families of Ostranders, Baldwin
and others were living there. It was called the Platte
Kill neigh l>orhood.

Ancient Map. 223

It is a fertile valley and has always been a good
farming district. I speak more particularly of this,
since it is not generally known that this part of the
country was settled so early. The Platte Kill rises
at a pond or large swamp, northwest of the valley,
runs northerly and west of the Modena road, and on
north through the town of New Paltz and empties
into the Wallkill. Pleasant Valley is given with two
churches. It appears to have been an early settle-
ment and was a center for the surrounding country.

Near the center of the map '* Branch of the Ten
Stone Meadow " is given. It would indicate that
there was then a large lake or tract of drowned lands,
as it is only intended to give a branch of it. Tliis is
an ancient name, as I find it as far back as 1749, in
an ancient deed, Uri Wygant and Jean his wife to
Timothy Treadwell, of land dated October, 1749. It
says: **A tract of land and meadow near the Blue
Hills called and none by the name of Tenston medow."
Tliis was part of the land granted by letters patent
in 1720 to AVm. Bond and others. Wygant 's wife
was Bond's daughter. The deed is quite quaint and
signed

his

UEE I WHEYGANT

mark

JUNE YGANT.

The map designates the Marlborough and Plattekill
mountains by the waving line through its center.
They are very distinct and unique in the original
map. I find these were called in very ancient i>apers
the **Blue Mountains" and sometimes the *' Blue
Hills.'' It will be seen that along the southern part
of the road from Newburgh there are a number of
Wygant families more than there are now and it has
always been known as the Wygant neighborhood.

224 History of Marlborough.

The Woolsey families are on the Lattintown road
and about there. The Smiths', Hallocks* and other
houses are located similar to where such families live
now. The Mackey and Connor ponds are given, and
there appears to be quite a small lake in the High
Hollow, but this was afterward drained out. The
Elting and LeFevre's Corner is where Clintondale
now is. There was no village there or 'at Modena
then, but at that time the people about there came to
Lattintown to vote. Pleasant Valley is given, and it
seems a Dr. Baily lived there then, and there were two
churches.

It will be observed that all the courses and distances
of each line are given, and it must have been a source
of much work and study. No better surveyor ever
lived in the town than Dr. Benjamin Ely. The names
of all the surrounding tracts and patents of land are
given; taken all in all it is a great map.

Slavery.

Slavery existed in the state of New York from the
earliest times, or from the time that the English came
in |X)ssession of the country; and an early act, passed
October 24, 1706, provided as follows :

WiiEKioAs divers of her Majesty's good Subjects, Inhabitants
of tills Colony, now are, and have been willing, that such
Xegro, Indian, and Mulatto Slaves, who belong to them, and
desire the same, should be l)aptized ; but are deterred and
hindered therefrom, by Reason of a groundless Opinion that
hath spread itself in this Colony, that, by the baptizing of fiuch
Xegro, Indian, or MuUatto Slave, they would become free,
and ought to be set at Lii)erty. In order, therefore, to put
an End to all such Doubts and Scruples as have, or hereafter,
ai any Time, may arise about the same,

I, Bi: IT EXACTED by the Governor, Council, and Assembly,
aad it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same. That
the Baptizing of any Xegro, Indian, or Mulatto Slave, shall

Slavery. 225

not be any Cause or Reason for the setting them, or any of
them, at Liberty.

II. And be it Declared and Enacted by the Governor,
Council, and Assembly, and by the Authority of the same.
That all and every Xegro, Indian, Mulatto, and Mestee Bastard-
Child, and Children, who is, are, and shall be bom of any
Negro, Indian, Mulatto, or Mestee, shall follow the State
and Condition of the Mother, and be esteemed, reputed, taken,
and adjudged a Slave and Slaves, to all Intents and Pur-
poses whatsoever.

III. Provided Always, and be it Declared and Enacted,
by the said Authority, That no Slave, whatsoever, in this
Colony, shall, at any Time, be admitted as a Witness for, or
against, any Freeman, in any Case, Matter, or Cause, civil or
criminal, whatsoever.

At this present day how strange this all doth seem.
They were perfectly willing that the slaves should be
baptized, and recognized that they had a soul to save,
yet they held their bodies in bondage with the same
right to their labor and with as absolute control over
them as they had over their horses and cattle, and
bought and sold them as such, and yet they recognized
that they had a spirit the same as their masters had.
It appears that the child followed the condition of its
mother; if the mother was a slave the child was a
slave, and could be sold the same as the mother, even
if the father of the child was a freeman, whether
white or black; and it further appears that no matter
what cruelties or inhuman treatment they might re-
ceive from any wliite or black man, provided the black
man was a freeman, he could not be a witness, to tell
what they had suffered at their hands, or to tell what
property had been taken from them. It is hard to tell
of a more helpless condition than a slave was placed
in under this act. He had no control over life or limb,
and if a freeman murdered him, no slave could testify
to the fact. From all that can be found or learned,
it is quite evident that there was a strong public opin-
ion which was of much protection to the slave. In
8

226 HiSTOBY OF Mablbobough.

1708 it was provided that any Indian, negro or other
slave that should be found guilty of drunkenness,
cursing or swearing, and of talking impudently to any
Christian should suffer so many stripes at some pub-
lic place as the Justice of the Peace where such
offense was committed should think fit, not exceeding
forty. It will be seen by this that not only negroes
were slaves but Indians were also. It speaks of other
slaves, yet it is hard to tell whom these were.

In an act passed in November, 1740, providing
duties toward supporting the government of the
Colony, among other things is the following :

For every Negro, Mulatto, or other Slave, of four Years old
and upwards, imported directly from Africa, five Ounces of
Sevil, Pillar or Mexico Plate, or Forty Shillings, in Bills of
Credit made current in this Colony. For every such Slave,
as aforesaid, of four Years old and upwards, imported from
all other Places, by Land or Water, the Sum of Four Pounds,
in like Money.

In 1713 it was enacted that no retailer of strong
liquors was to sell strong liquors to any negro or
Indian slave under the penalty of forty shillings. It
must have been concluded that they were better off
without it, were better men, and made better help. It
did not appear to make any difference with the white
people, as they could drink all they wished. Under
the Act of 1730, relating to slaves, the following pro-
visions were made:

No Persons to trade with Slaves, without the Consent of their
Owners.

Nor to sell Strong Liquors to them.

Owners of Slaves may punish them at Discretion, not ex-
tending to Life or Limb.

Not above three Slaves to meet together, unless about some
servile Implo}inent.

Ever}- City, Town, and Manor, may apj joint a common
Whipper for their Slaves. The Pimishraent to be inflicted on
Slaves for striking a white Man.

Slavery. 227

There was also a penalty provided for harboring
slaves, and on free negroes for entertaining slaves.
They could not carry arms. Various acts were passed
in relation to slaves up to 1800. All slave children
bom after 1800 were born free, and all slaves became
free after 1820. People can hardly realize that in this
north country, among the ancestry here, that slavery
was ever an established institution, and protected
under the laws of the country. From all that can be
learned, this slavery was of a mild form. There is
only one instance now to be found where a slave was
killed by his master here. There is no tradition that
slaves ever ran away from their masters, or were
severely punished, or that many of the families were
separated by sale. The sales appear to have been
mostly of young men and women, and the prices for
which they were sold were not large — about the price
of a first-class horse. Most of the families that could
afford it would have a young slave woman for a ser-
vant and the mistresses were generally kind and con-
siderate with them. In the division of the property,
the girl generally went with the mistress. They were
useful in many ways. Slaves often remained upon
the same lands for generations, were born, lived and
died under the same masters. In case of sale of the
lands, the slaves were sometimes sold under the same
deed, and oftentimes strong attachments were formed
between the master and the slaves. It seems they got
along well together as a general thing. Public opinioil
was such that no master would be countenanced in
treating his slaves cruelly. They appeared to increase
very fast under slavery. About 1790 or 1795, there
were more than 300 colored people in this town, most
of whom were slaves; whereas at the present time
there are very few colored people. This is quite re-
markable from the fact that after the slaves became
free, they had the same rights as other people ; could

228 History of Marlborough.

buy and sell lands and other property, and contract
for their own labor, etc. During the war of the
Revolution they remained with their masters and were
loyal to the cause. We cannot learn that any went
over to the enemy, or that any of them about here ever
committed any serious crimes. The back seats in the
churches were reserved for their use and their masters
took them with them to the frolics and many of the
doings of the day. It is hard to realize at this distant
day that the forest about here and the stony lands
were cleared up by the slaves. They built the stone
fences and worked in the same fields that the people
here work in now.

'There are many bills of sale of slaves still to be
found in the town, two of which are here given ; also a
manmnission of slaves. J. J. A. Robert liad a rope-
walk at Marlborough; he was a large slave owner and
manumitted several. Also Dr. Benjamin Ely regis-
tered the birth of many slave children, also manu-
mitted several slaves. I believe these men were the
largest slave owners that the town ever had:

Know all Men by These Presents, That

I, Josepli Van 1) Water, yeomen, of Long Island and State
of New York

For and in Consideration of the Sum of twenty-five pounds
12 s Current Money of the State of Xew York to me in Hand
paid, at and he fore the Ensealing and Delivery of these Pres-
ents, hy Luke C. Qiuvk of ^farlborough the Receipt whereof
I do herel)y acknowledge, and myself to he tlierewith fully satis-
fied, contented and paid: Have granted, bargained, sold, re-
leased ; and hy these Presents, do fully, clearly, and al)solutely
grant, bargain, sell and release^ unto sd Luke C. Quick a negro
wench about eightet^n or nineteen years old named Fan.
To hav(» and to hold the said negro wench named Fan unto
the said Luke C. Quick his Executors, Administrators and
Assigns, forever, And 1 the said Joseph Van 1) Water for my-
self, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do covenant and
agree to and with the al)0ve named Luke C. Quick his Exec-

Slavery. 229

utors. Administrators and Assigns, to warrant and defend the
Sale of the above named negro wench Fan against all Persona
whatsoever. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my
Hand and Seal, this twenty-second Day of July Annoque
Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Xinety-One
(1791.)

JOSEPH VAN D W^ATER
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered,

In the Presence of
Thomas White

her
Hannah x Campball
mark

The following is a copy of a bill of sale of a slave
to Josiah Merritt, grandfather of J. C. and P. E.
Merritt. The slave referred to was the mother of
Figaro Milden, and grandmother to Jacob and George
Milden, of Marlborough.

KNOW all men by these presents that 1 Joseph Sherwood of
the Town of New Burgh County Ulster and State of New York
for and in Consideration of the sum of Twenty pounds of Cur-
rent Lawful money to me in hand paid by Josiah Merritt of
the Town of Marlborough County and State aforesaid HAVE
granted bargained and sold by these Presents DO grant bar-
gain and sell unto the sd Josiah Merritt one Negro Girl
Named Syl Aged Seventeen years To have and to hold the said
Negro unto the sd Josiah Merritt and his Executors Admini-
strators and Assigns for and during the Natural life of Her
the sd Girl. And I the said Joseph Sherwood for myself my
executors and Administrators and Assigns against me the said
Joseph Sherwood my Executors Administrators and Assigns
shall and will Warrant and Defend by these Presents; In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this
twenty-eighth day of March one thousand seven hundred and
ninetv-three.

JOSEPH SHERWOOD, (l. s.)
Sealed & Delivered
in the presence of
Sakaii Moky,
Jacob I) eg root.

230 History of Mablbobouoh.

The births of the children of slaves were required
to be registered in the Town Clerk's office; as a speci-
men:

This is to certify that the subscriber, Wilhelmus DuBois,
of the Town of Marlborough, and County of Ulster, has had a
male child bom of his black woman, a slave, the fifth day of
April 1801, named Titus.

WILHELMUS Dubois.

Slaves were often voluntarily set free by their mas-
ters, as the following will show :

Copy of James York's Manumission.

To all People whom it may concern ; know ye that I, Daniel
Knowlton, of the Town of New Marlborough in Ulster County
and State of New York for the Consideration of Forty-Nine
pounds Current money of Said State to me in hand paid be-
fore the Sealing and delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof I
here Acknowledge have and hereby do to all Intents and pur-
poses whatsoever Manumit, llelease and fully and forever dis-
charge and set at liberty my Servant Negro man, the bearer
hereof Named James, to go and Come and Act and do with
all the Prerogatives of Lawful Freedom without me or any in
my Name or under me to Control, interrupt or hinder him in
the Exercise of Said Liberty.

AND PUHTIIER I do bind myself, my heirs and Assigns
forever hereafter to Renounce and disclaim all rights or
pretensions of Right and property in and to the person or
Services of Said Negro man in any light or Manner Con-
sidered as a Slave. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and afTixed my Seal this Twenty-sixth day of
August annog. Domini One thousant Seven Hundred and
Ninetv-four.

Witness Present Signed by DAXIEL KNOWLTON Seal
Jno ITallock. The above is a true copy taken from
the original. Attest; Bex.t. Townsend

Marlborougli 20, Sept. Town Clerk
1800.

This man appears to have bouglit hi? freedom.

Copy of Harry's Manumission.

Know all men by these presents that I Noah Woolsey of
the Town of Marlborough County of Ulster and State of

•Slavery. 231

New York, have this day manumitted, freed and set at
Liberty my negro slave Harry aged twenty-eight years and
that he is forever absolved from any Claims of his said master
whatever.

Given under my hand at Marlborough the 27th day of
March 1821

A true copy Signed NOAH WOOLSEY

Attest Benjamin Townsend Town Clerk

This is to certify that I, John J. Alex'r Robert of Marl-
borough, Ulster County and State of New York, do by these
presents manumitt and forever set free and discharge my
black man named Francis Figarow aged about thirty-three
years, also my black woman, his wife, named Marie Alzier
aged* about thirty three years ; to act and to do for themselves
in all case or cases, thing or things whatsoever, forever, here-
after as though they were born free.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thous-
and eight hundred and twelve.

Signed J. J. A. ROBERT (Seal)

In presence of
John Dasylva
Aaron Innis

Known all men by these presents that I, J. J. A. Roberts
of the Town of Marlborough, County of Ulster and State of
New York, for the consideration sum of one hundred dollars
to me in hand paid, the receipt is hereby acknowledged by
Francis Figarro a free black man, have and do by these pres-
ents grant, release, and renounce all right, title and interest,
which were in my possession to a male slave by the name of
Lewis Ciprienmango to be free the remainder of his natural
life from all bondage as if he were born free.

Febniary 24th, 1814. Signed J. J. A. ROBERT (Seal)
Witnesses present
Samuel Drake
David T. Miirritt.

232 HiSTOBY OF Mablbobough.

Ulster County, ss Of the term of September, 1812, on
the application of James Hallock for the manumission of his
negro slave named Betty, and on the requisite testimony of
having conformed to the directions of the act of the Legislature
of this State passed 8th April, 1801, concerning slaves and
servants of the second section thereof, and that the slave was
under the age of fifty years and of sufficient ability to maintain
herself. It is ordered by the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace now here that the said application be granted accord-
ingly.

By order of the Court. CHRIST'X TAPPEX, Clerk.

From this it seems that the Quakers also had
slaves; in fact at this time, there was no distinction
made. Everybody thought that slavery was right;
they were born and brought up to it and took it as a
matter of course. A person manumitting a slave had
to show that they were of suflSeient ability to main-
tain themselves, that is, strong and healthy and cap-
able of making a living for themselves, and if they
were not, then they executed a bond to the people,
that the slave manumitted should not become a pub-
lic charge.

Samples of Records of Births.

A black ^irl ])orn the first of April 1801 nameil Maria
Hode and it is said John Peter Janson is the father. All of
them ])la(k. Another ^nrl born the 3r(l of A])ril, 1801, named
Maria Olive and it is said John F^raneois Figars is the father.

This declaration is made bv tlie subscriber ix) whom the
slaves above mention(»d behmged. Marlborough 2nd of Sep-
tember. ISOl.

Simied J'X J'PII ALKX'T^ 1U)BERT.

T'lster This may certify that Jolni. a mulatto boy.

County was born the '^Dth of November, 180T of a female

slave belonging to the subscribiT. Also another bov between

Samples of Records of Births. 233

mulatto and black named Mirtil bom the 15th of November,
1808. Signed J. J. A. ROBERT.

Marlborough 29th Nov., 1808.

Ulster This may certify that a female child

County named Catherine was born of Fanny, a slave

of the subscriber. May 21st, 1812.

This may certify that a male child named Isaac was born of
Caty, a slave, April 3rd, 1813.

I hereby certify that a male child was born of Kate, a slave
belonging to the subscriber, named Isaac, April 3rd, 1813.
Also a female child of Fanny, Sept. 19th, 1814, named Phillis.

All belonging to Benj. Ely.

Among others who owned slaves in the town, and
to whom slave children were **born," were Charles
Brown, Nathaniel Hareourt, J. J. A. Robert, Benja-
min Ely, Thaddeus Hait, Charles Millard, Josiah
Merritt, Zacharias Hasbrouck, Rachel DuBois, Jr.,
James Quimby, Benjamin Townsend, and John Wy-
gant.

The slaves generally took the names of their mas-
ters and were usually kindly treated, but it appeared
to be hard to punish anyone for killing a slave. A
man living at Lattintown, who owned a negro man
slave, coming home one day was met by his wife in
great excitement and she said to him, * * Jim, tlial d —
negro has run away again. Bring him back dead or
alive." So Jim put a double barreled shotgun in his
wagon and started on the back road towards New-
burgh - the route his wife indicated the slave had
gone. He overtook the slave just below the limits of
the town and where a small graveyard was along side
of the road. He called to the slave to stop, but the
slave ran across this graveyard and he shot and killed
the slave there. He loaded him into his wagon and
brought him back dead to his wife. He was arrested

234 HiSTOBY OP Mablbobouqh.

and taken for examination before a Justice of the
Peace living where Washburn Baxter recently died.
During the examination he escaped, .and remained
away some time and that was the last of it

The slaveholder complained of being very poor. He
said that slaves raised a big crop of corn every year,
but that the com was fed to the hogs and the slaves
ate the hogs all up and he had nothing left.

With some of the slaveholders, the slaves were
thought much of and treated almost as members of the
family. An old man with a large tract of land had
among his slaves one called Harry. He was very
large and a fine-looking fellow. He was the leader
of a company or squad of colored men who formed
either a militia company or drilled as such. BQis old
master was very proud of him, and he always rode
his owner's big black stallion on such occasions.

As a fitting conclusion to this chapter we publish a
poem on slavery by Samuel A. Barrett.

To Slaveby.

Blot upon our country's pages !

Mocker of her liberty !
Who, that lives in after ages,

Will believe that it could be
That earth's most enlightened nation
Gave thee honor, power and station?

That a Christian people, ever
Boasting Freedom's only chart,

Should, by every foul endeavor,
Aid thee, demon as thou art!

And perpetuate thee long,

With thy deep and damning wrong?

Damning wrong — that ever rises.
With its victims' groans, to God !

Yet our law its cry despises,
And upholds the tyrant's rod —

Hurls the captive to the earth —

Crushes freedom at its birth —

To Slavery. 235

But there is a law, that teaches
Truth, and right, and liberty;

Strong that law, and far it reaches.
Over land and over sea —

'Tis implanted in each mind
Of the whole of human kind.

Thrones, before that law, now totter —
Mitres, to the earth are hurled;

And the truth its champions utter,
Stirs the pulses of the world!

They proclaim Equality —

Hear and tremble. Slavery!

Yes! dark monster! thou art fated —
Thy death-hour is drawing nigh,

Tho' thy maw be yet ungated
With thy victim's agony ! —

Right is hourly growing stronger —

Thou canst live but little longer!

Over our fair land is breaking
Truth's effulgence, far and fast;

Men, from error's trance awaking,
Feel that they have hearts, at last!

And confess, as all men should.

Universal brotherhood.

Eise, Columbia! rise in glory.

Wipe the foul stain from thy brow;

And in future song and story.
Thou shalt live, as thou shouldst now,

Earth's model-nation, great and free.

And pioneer of Liberty!

Break thy children's galling fetters —
Lo! their blood pollutes thy plains!

Tyrants, and their base abettors.
Wring it daily from their veins!

Yet employ no means coercive.

Such, of good, are aye subversive.

Truth, alone, should be thy agent,

'Tis a power omnipotent;
Truth, without parade or pageant.

Bonds, and bars, and walls hath rent: —
'Tis the weapon God employs, —
Use it, and thou shalt rejoice.

CHAPTER IX.
The War of 1812 and the Mexican War.

Both of these wars were very unpopular with the
people of the town of Marlborough. A few attempts
were made to gel up some enthusiasm, but they were
dismal failures. Most of our people thought the^e
wars were uncalled for and that they could and should
have been avoided. A few men may have drifted off
and enlisted, but no record can be found of their en-
listments. Certainly no one of any prominence from
here took part in either war.

A regiment for the war of 1812 was raised in the
county under Colonel Hawkins, a lawyer of Kingston.
It was mustered into service and stationed at Staten
Island to cover New York, and the fortification in
the Narrows. It was in no engagement, and after a
few months returned home. After the capture of
Washington in 1814, there was great alarm all
through the country; and our people were expecting
daily to see the enemy's vessels approaching our
shores. It became necessary to increase the troops
for the defense of New York harbor, and in August,
1814, General Frederick Westbrook of Ulster county
made a Jevy of 500 men from liis command, and in
September he embarked his men on sloops at King-
ston Point for New York harbor. But, like Colonel
Hawkins' regiment they saw no real warfare and re-
turned home in December of the same year.

I cannot find what men from this town were in
these commands, but it is quite likely that there were
some, as they were recruited all over the county.

There was much rejoicing in the town on the 17th
of February 1815, on the cessation of hostilities, and
the treaty of peace. The war was injurious to the

238 History of Marlborough.

business of the country; it affected all classes of
people; the specie of the country was not in circula-
tion, but was hoarded or exported ; the banks stopped
specie payment, and ** shin plasters *' were issued,
and circulated as money; our ancestors had no other
currency for some time. Finally, those which were
not lost or destroyed were redeemed in specie.

As a conclusion to this article we give two poems
written by Samuel A. Barrett.

Our Country's Quarrel.

(Written in the early stage of the Mexican war — 8oon after the sur-
render of Monterey.)

" Stand thou by thy country's quarrel,
Be that quarrel what it may;
He shall wear the greenest laurel

Who shall greatest zeal display." — T, G. Spear.

What boots the "greenest laurel" wreath,
If wet with tears and stain'd with blood?

'Tis fouler than the Siroc's breath !

And loathed by all the just and good.

The cypress were a fitter wreath

For those who do the work of Death,

Unless inspired by Freedom's breath.

Shame to the Bard whose lyre is strung

To sound Dishonor's praise afar!
Tho' prostituted Press and tongue

Commend Oppression's coward war —
The bard — the bard should ever be
The champion of humanity,
From prejudice and error free.

There's blood on Palo Alto's plains!

And in Tampico's sunny sands!
That blood once flow'd in Christian veins.

That blood was shed by Christian hands!
Oh! wherefore was it shed? wherefore
Do we invade a foreign sliore?
Or drench a foreign soil with gore?

OuB Country's Quabbel. 239

Look up along the Eio Grande —

What desolation meets thine eye!
What monuments of ruin stand

Amid its lovely scenery !

Fiend of War has reveled there !
And hamlet, cot, and country bear
Marks of his presence everywhere.

Gaze on Monterey's ruined walls.

On fallen Matamoras gaze —
The very sight thy soul appals!

And yet thou joinest in tiie praise
Of those who laid those cities low.
Who hurPd the death-shot-struck and blow —
And made the blood in torrents flow!

Hark! every bland and balmy breeze.

That comes from far-oflf Mexico,
Oppressed with human miseries,

And with the widow's wail of woe —
Brings something what we should not hear,
Brings something that should pain our ear.
And wring from every eye a tear!

Those bloody battles fought and won —
What are they worth? what have they cost?

What have they for our country done?
What have ihey for our country lost?

They've won for her a conqueror's name.

Leagued with dishonor and with shame!

And lost her early, honest fame!

Millions of treasure, too, they've lost —

But oh! the loss of human life
Is ever greatest — ever most.

Is War's unblest, unholy strife!
What is the shout of victory.
But War's appalling minstrelsy?
The death-dirge of humanity !

Why ride our ships on foreign seas?

Why seek our troops a foreign foe?
Why streams our banner on the breeze

Of fair and sunny Mexico?

240 History of Marlborough.

Why comes the widow's wail afar,
Blent with the awful notes of War?
Canst answer why these sad things are?

Is it because insulted Right

Seeks to enforce an honest claim?

No; — "tis because oppressive Might
Seeks to extend his wide domain!

Regardless of a Nation's laws,

With scarce the shadow of a cause!

God! who can give such deeds applause?

For this, are countless orphans made, —
For this, are cities hurl'd to dust —

And War, that most unholy trade.

Is flattereil, honored, and call'd "just!"

Oh Heaven! that such things e'er should be.

In tliis the nineteenth century

Of peaceful Christianity.

Where are the hearts that felt for Greece,

And wept o'er Poland's funeral day?
Where are the partisans of Peace?

Of Right? of Justice? Where are they?
Mute is their voice ! — or only heard
In warnings, like the prophet's word.
Who wields the sword shall feel the sword !

Why is the stateman's voice unheard?

Why sleeps the God-taught Poet's pen?
Shall Nation's rights be sepulchred,

And all respond amen ! amen !
Ye civil Fathers! can it be?
Have you no soul of sympathy
For justice and humanity?

Awaken from your lethargy!

The influence that you possess
Can rule a nation's destiny.

Can curse her fortunes, or can bless.
Will }x? not use it while ye may?
Will ye not work, while yet 'tis day,
P'or Peace and for America?

Ballad. 241

Avert the militar}' flood,

Which threatens to o'erwhehn our land;
Some upstart hero, drunk with blood,

Will soon aspire to its command !
'Twas ever thus — the ghost of Home,
Ffom crumbling fane and ruinM dome.

December, 184C.

Ballad.

When the Hudson's waves are gleaming
In the. moon light's mellow ray.

Lovely Ellen lonely wanders,
From her dwelling far away.

When the rose of youth was blooming
On her soft and snowy cheek.

And the world was bright before her,
Edwin did her dwelling seek.

P^arnestly he woo'd and won her —
She became his happy bride —

And where now she wanders lonely,
Oft they wandered side by side.

They were loving, loved and lovely;

Life to them was full of bliss —
Three glad, sunny summers brought them

Pleasures, health, and happiness.

But a sudden change came o'er them !

Duty beckon'd him afar:
Oh ! that man should e'er be sommon'd

By the tragic voice of War!

On the field of Cerro Gordo,
Edwin slumbers with the slain!

When the awful news was brought her,
Treason fled her fevered brain.

Xow, a wretched maniac, roving
Thro' the scenes of former bliss.

The once gay and lovely Ellen
Dreams no more of happiness.

242 History of Mablbobouoh.

An Old Assessment Boll.

Assessment of the Lands in William Bond's Patient, for
(iuit Rents, made by James Hallock and Benjamin Townsend,
Assessors.

Marlborough, 16th October, 1815.

Men's Names.

Jnmes Hallock ,

Foster Hallock ,

David Conklin

Francis Pell

Hallock &, Sowles ,

Joshua Sutton

Richard I. Woolsey

James Hull

Alexander Young

James Fowler

Thomas Mackey

Nathaniel Chittenden

Comfort Lewis

Benjamin Townsend

Volentine Lewis

Micajah Lewis

Rufus N. Lewis

Nathaniel Woolsey

Zadock Ijewis

Friends' meeting-house lot

Amount 772

No. of
Acres.

Amount Each
Peraon has

ct. mUU.

150

$14 70

8 91 8

9 8

39 2

4 90

7 84

4 80 2

103

10 09 4

3 43

58 8

4 90

2 94

1 37 2

39 2

2 35 2

9 8

. . . 772

$75 52 5

Marll)orough. Tenth Month
llie 16 1815

BEXJ

'X TOWXSEXD"!
;S HALLOCK. /

JAMES "'-— r Assessors

The above is a copy of an assessment roll of the
lands and people on the Bond Patent for quitrents.
At this time all the lands of the Bond Patent liad been
sold to actual settlers, and I cannot see why an assess-
ment for quitrent was made, or where the money went
to, for what piuiiose it was used, and how or why
Bonjamin Townsend and James Hallock were asses-
sors of the lands of this patent. The duly elected

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An Old Assessment Eoll. 243

assessors of the town for the year 1815 were Allen
Lester* Eliphalet Smith and George Birdsall. So this
quitrent assessment must have been for some special
purpose, and probably had been continued from the
earliest settlements, wlien such an assessment and tax
were the custom. The document makes the acreage
of the Bond Patent as 772 acres, which is probably
correct, as surveys were made by purchasers. The
original grant called for 600 acres, but this was ex-
clusive of lands for roads and rugged and barren
lands.

Horatio Gates Safford, LL. D., in a Gazetteer pub-
lished in 1813, describes Marlborough as follows:

The land is under good cultivation, and is productive of all
the common agricultural products of this region. A larger
proportion of English families than any town in the country.

The road of the Farmers' Turnpike and Bridge Co. termi-
nates in this town. * * * There are seven or eight
schools. In 1810, population 1964. There are about 74 looms in
families which produce annually 22,937 yards of cloth for com-
mon clothing.

Safford 's Gazetteer of 1824 gives the following de-
scription of Marlborough :

Marlborough, a small Township in the southeast corner of
Ulster Coimty, on the west shore of the Hudson opposite
Bamegat, 23 miles south of Kingston, bd, N. by New Paltz, E.
by Hudson, S. by Newburgh and County of Orange, W. by
Plattekill. Its medial extent N. and S. is about six miles and
it may be three wide, its area about eighteen sq. miles. The
land is imder general cultivation and it produces of all the
common agricultural products of the region. The inhabi-
tants consist of a larger proportion of English families than
in most of the Towns of this County.

The road of the Farmers' Turnpike and Bridge Company
terminates in this town. There are a good many " Friends ^'
in this town, who have a Meeting House, and there is also one
for the Presbyterians.

There is a small Hamlet called Milton, a neighborhood called
Lattintown, besides some river landings and places of business.
The lands are held by right of sale. Population, 2,248; tax-

244 History of Marlborough.

able property, $108,172; electors, 3G4; acreas of improved land,
9,4;3(); 1,665 cattle; 424 horses; 2,092 sheep; 10,887 yds. of
cloth, made in families; 7 grist-mills; 5 saw-mills; 2 fulling
milJs; 3 carding machines; 1 cotton and woolen factory and
1 distillery. One of the stated places of monthly meeting.

The description of Marlborough published in Jedi-
diah Morse's ** American Gazetteer" 1789 is as
follows :

New Marlborough, a township in Ulster County, New York,
on the west side of Hudson's river, north of Newburgh. It
contains 2,241 inhabitants; of whom 339 are electors and 58
slaves.

At the time of this last description the population
also included what is now Plattekill, as that was not
separated from Marlborough until 1800; but by 1810
Marlborough alone had reached a i>opulation of 1,9G4;
and in 1820 it had a population of 2,248. It was at
that time the smallest town in point of area in the
county but with more population than most of them,
and had more than one-half the population the town
now has, showing it has been a populous country
town from earliest times. The lands were under quite
general cultivation or improvements, — 9,436 acres
out of about 14,500, the whole acreage of the town.
The description of location as being opposite
Barnegat sounds strange now when there is not a ves-
tage left of the place except the ruins of the kilns and
foimdations of houses. At the time si)oken of there
were a large number of kilns and a small village of
houses. An extensive business was done in burning
and shipping lime. The town was then a strictly
farming conmmnity; cattle, sheep and horses were
plentiful,— 2,992 sheep are given, 1,665 cattle. To be
sure there is no sucli number here now, and 424 horses
will cover most all we have at the present time.

The nmnber of mills appear large, but at that time
all the flour was made from tlie grain raised on tlie

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Ancient Houses. 245

farms, — it was not brought here in barrels from
abroad; and the lumber for all purposes was sawed
from the logs cut on the farms, and the boards carted
back home to build houses, etc. Mills had commenced
to assist in the manufacture of cloth. The one dis-
tillery is a luxury that has gone out of existence; our
people must have been moderate drinkers, as Platte-
kill, at the same time, had seven. The Quakers
boasted of a monthly meeting. Taken all in all it
gives a very clear description of the state of things
in the town in those times.

Ancient Houses.

The original houses were mostly log; they were
easily and cheaply built. The first settlers had no saw
mills and, therefore, no boards except such as they
split or hewed out to use for the floors, doors, etc.
Many afterward built stone houses as additions to the
log houses. When the saw mills started up then the
frame buildings commenced to be built. The material
was cheap and, as mechanics were scarce, the settlers
generally constructed their own dwellings. Abner
Brusch, who owned the south half of the Barbarie
Patent, where Milton now is, or his grantor, Richard
Albertson, built a log house at the Conklin place,
Milton, about 1740; he afterward built a small frame
house which is still standing, being the north part of
the Conklin house. It is the same as when built and
has two huge stone fireplaces. This is one of the
oldest, if not the oldest house now standing in the
town. The next house built alx)ut the same time or
previous is the stone house adjoining the Lester place
on the north. Tliis was on the Bond Patent. John
Young lived here in 1760 and some time previously;
he liad married one of the ten daughters of Edward

246 History of Marlborough.

Hallock, and in December, 1760, Edward Hallock
moved his family up in a sloop from Long Island. He
brought his wife, nine daughters and two sons, and
moved in with his son-in-law, and nineteen people
wintered in this small house in which there has never
been any cHange made. Hallock was a Quaker
preacher, and here were held the first Quaker meet-
ings. There is a tradition that a peddler years after
was murdered here and his body thrown into the river.
The old road leading to the river went by this house
at this time. Afterward it was changed further north
to its present location. The house at Sear's corner,
the Sturgeon house, belonged to the Lewis family for
many years. It was erected before the Revolution,
most likely by Elijah Lewis ; people congregated here
to get the news. A road led down from the back
country to Lewis' dock. This house was a stopping
place for the line of stages running in winter from
New York to Albany. These three houses are with-
out question the oldest houses in the town. The Du-
Bois house at Marlborough and the Smith house at
Milton were built about 1765 ; they are almost as sub-
stantial as when erected. The Smith house has an
addition. The house built by Noah Woolsey, where
Amelia Woolsey recently died, the James Nolan house,
at the brook or a part of it, a part of the H. H. Hal-
lock house, the Odell, Sulvenus Purdy, the old North-
rip house, the house of the late AVilliam H. Lyons, the
house where Theodore Khodes recently lived, the
house at the mill on the Hallock place, the Frank
Wood and Stott houses and several others were built
prior to 1800. Also the ^lartin house on the turn-
pike, which was a tavern.

^fauy old housi^s have been torn down during the
last fifty years. The William Holmes house recently
torn down by A. J. Ilepworth was a very old house.
It was used as a tavern in olden times, and the town

Ancient Mills and Factories. 247

meeting was held there in. the year 1801. A hundred
years ago there was at least a dozen log and twice
that number of stone houses standing. And on all the
oldest farms there were houses in 1800 on the same
sites as the present residences.

Ancient Mills and Factories.

Edward Hallock, between 1760 and 1770 built a
grist and saw mill on Hallock 's brook. at Milton, just
west of the post road at the foot of the first hill;
afterward the mill was changed to a point farther
north, where it now stands. He erected, dams on the
stream, which made the commencement of the Hallock
ponds.

About this time Leonard Smith and his son, Anning
Smith, built the Smith pond, a mile above where the
Mary Powell dock now is at Milton. They started a
woolen factory, and a saw and grist mill, which were
in existence many years. They also had a store there,
and it was quite an active place.

Major Lewis DuBois had two grist mills on old
Man's Kill in what is now Marlborough village. He
also had a saw mill on the south side of the kill.

About 1790 Charles Millard had a saw mill on
Jew's creek. He sawed lumber for the people, and
also sold and shipped lumber. In 1809 he also had
a grist mill there. In 1815 John Buckley, who was an
expert wheelwright, machinist and manufacturer, pur-
chased this property of Millard, and had a carding
and spinning mill there; a part of the old mill is still
standing. He spun and carded wool for the farmers,
and soon after began making cloth. In 1822 he took
James and John Thorne in as partners under the firm
name of *' Thornes and Buckley," and the place be-
came known as the Marlborough woolen factory, in

248 History of Marlborough.

which the business and facilities were increased. In
connection with the previous products, broadcloths
and satins were manufactured. The firm was dis-
solved in 1830 but was carried on by Mr. Buckley in
the same manner until 1855. During this time no
better work was done in the State. The goods were a
standard article wherever they were sold, and large
amounts were manufactured. A large part of the
farmers of southern Ulster and Orange counties were
supplied with their best cloth from here.

The late Mrs. Martha Poyer, (formerly Miss
Tooker), a descendant of one of the oldest families,
who died during the past year at the age of 93, had a
purple cloak that was made from cloth made from the
wool of her father's sheep when she was a girl. It is
of heavy cloth, and has seen more than 75 years of ser-
vice. The color is bright and clear and it is in a good
state of preser\^ation. It is quite a curiosity in its
way. It was always kept by the owner as her dress-
up cloak.

Foster Hallock carried on a grist mill about the
year 1800 on the Hallock brook. His son Greorge
afterward conducted it, and now his grandson Robert
H. Hallock runs it, and is doing an extensive business.
It is substantially the original mill with a few altera-
tions. The original mill and pond were built by
Sutton, and used many years before Hallock.

Silas Purdy had a grist mill and perhaps a saw
mill in 1765 and for many years afterward at what
is now the Henry E. Gaede place, and until recent
years there had been a mill there ever since. There
was also a tavern and a store at this place. Purdy
had one of the earliest mills; there were fulling, card-
ing and other mills at different times along the stream
from his ]ilace to Marlborough village.

Wolvert Ecker, the old patriot, had one of the very
earliest mills on Jew's creek just over the town line.

Vessels and Transportation. 249

where the Armstrong place now is, and this accommo-
dated the people of all that neighborhood in early
times. This mill was in existence over a hundred
years. I find in very ancient papers that there was
a ** Deyoes " mill, '* Henry Turbushe's " mill and
** Samuel Merritt's " mill, but I cannot locate them.

Vessels and Transportation.

After the settlers commenced to arrive here it be-
came necessary to have some means of travel by the
river. The rowboat and canoe were of no service
except to cross the river and for use along the shores
for short distances, so the people soon turned their
attention toward the building of sloops. Smith built
a sloop at his dock before the Revolution; it was
called ** Sally." Sloops were also built at Sands' dock.
Jacob and John Wood, Caverly and others were sloop
builders, and built vessels along the river. It re-
quired no great science to build these, but it was quite
an industry and many vessels were built, not only
for use here, but for use abroad. There were many
skilled carpenters; and the boats they afterward
built were made larger and with more pains taken in
their construction. Some were built of red cedar, and
considered very choice, and were subsequently planked
and replanked and lasted a long time. They were
made tight, seaworthy and strong, and when equipped
with sails, even the smaller ones, could easily make
trips up and down the entire river. Anning Smith
ran his sloop for years from his dock. It made one
trip a week to New York. From the next dock, called
Ni( oil's landing, afterward Brusch and then Sands'
dock) a sloop ran to New York. Sands had a store
at this dock in his time. Isaac Hill ran two sloops
from what is now the Powell dock. Hill was a di-

250 History of Maklboeough.

rector and instrumental in building the Farmers'
Turnpike to bring business to the dock. Jacob and
Thomas Powell ran two sloops from their dock.
There was transportation from there twice a week.
Quimby and Lewis also ran sloops and Millard and
DuBois. These were not all run at the same time,
but from 1760 to 1830.

The principal staple here was wood, and New York
city wanted- large quantities. We had no coal then,
and thus the sloops had all the wood they could carry.
As the lands were cleared up and the crops grew, the
produce was shipped by these sloops. The farmers
sent their butter, grain, hogs, cattle and cider, in fact
everything they could spare from their own use to
New York, as this was the principal if not the only
market they had. The sloops returning brought goods
and supplies for the stores and people.

They afforded the only means of travel. A person
going to New York or Albany or on trips of shorter
distances must either go on his horse or take the
sloop. It was rather a slow trip, taking about a week
to go and return and transact his business, but no
one was in a hurry in those days. The sloops were
fitted up with cabins, that is to say the vessels on
which i>eople traveled, and they generally had a good
cook, so it was a pleasant trip and answered for an
outin.i^. The trip cost little, and it was a great thing
to get to the city then. Certain vessels made trips
as regularly as wind and tide allowed, and carried
passengers principally together with freight. The
entire travel and forwarding of the river was done in
this manner. The river was white with sails, and I
have heard old people say they could go up on the
hills almost any time and count fifty sails in sight.
After a while fast sailing packets handsomely fitted
up sailed from Albany to New York, stopping at
intermediate places, making good time and thereby

Vessels and Transpobtation. 251

affording great improvement on the former means of
travel.

Smith's sloop ** Sally " was in the service of the
government in the Revolution. It was used afterward
and later tied at the south of Smith's dock and sunk
there; the body of the vessel could be seen at low
water-mark up to the time the West Shore railroad
was built.

There were many lime-kilns and good limestone at
Barnegat. Sloops brought it across the river, and it
was burned at the Lewis and Powell kilns. Lime was
also burned in the southeastern part of the town at
what is now the Kerr property. This made con-
siderable trade, and sloops transported it up and
down the river.

The sloop ** Stranger '' was run from DuBois' dock
about 1820 and some years thereafter. The ** Hoyt ''
was run about the same time by Mobary Carpenter.
As trade increased Carpenter and Josiah Lockwood,
about 1825, sailed two sloops from Marlborough to
New York. The sloops were the *' Victory" and
** Robert Menturn." They carried all kinds of pro-
duce and did an extensive business. The captain sold
the cargoes at the boat, for there were no commission
merchants then. These vessels ran several years.

All transportation was by sailing vessels up to
1825, and some even after that date. Steamboats had
tfien come into use, and they took about all the travel.
A number of the landings did not afford proper dock-
ing facilities for these vessels, so the passengers were
rowed out in small boats to them. It made a lively
time for passengers getting on and off, with packages
and freight being tossed right and left.

There was a good steamboat landing at Milton as
early as 1830. I believe before that time steamboats
landed here. In 1830 Peter Quimby advertised:

252 HiSTOBY OF Marlborough.

Steam Boat Notice.

The Hudson River Steam Boat Line is now plying between
New- York and Albany, leaving New- York at 5 o'clock, P. M.
every day, (except Sunday) when they leave Albany at 10
o'clock A. M'.

The Steam Boats arrive at Milton from New- York every
night between eleven and twelve o'clock. From Albany, they
arrive at ^filton between three and four o'clock every after-
noon. The boats will land and receive passengers at the Steam
Boat Landing, Milton.

Milton, May 3rd, 1830. PETER QUIMBY

After the advent of steamboats barges came in use.
The steamers would bring them alongside of the dock,
and after they were loaded up, towed them to the city.
They took the place of sloops to some extent, and were
quicker and more convenient. I cannot tell how early
they were used in this town, but some time prior to
1830. In that year I find the following advertise-
ment :

Tow-BoAT Atlanta.

Captain Corn well S. Roe.

Urged by a sense of duty by liis numerous friends announces
the uninterrupted prosecution of Iiis Towing Business, and
assures the j)ublic tliat there is no difficulty now, even remote
in appearance; he makes this notice for tlie express purpose to
settle the agitation of the pul)lic in relation to the steam boat
accident, some time since, by running against a sloop. * * *
AVanted live, Oats and Corn — at fair prices — Cash on
delivery. ' C. S. ROE.

Milton, May 10, 18:30.

This l)arge or the '' Lexington," ('apt. Koe, stopped
regularly at Marlhorougli. Also the barge ** Wall-
kill '' ran from Milton in 1848, and the l)arge '* Milan"
in 1857 and 1858, and other l)arges. I cannot find
how long any of tli-ese barges were on the route. There
were barges almost continuously from that time until
about 18()(). After which time the steamlK)ats did
the work of these.

Ferries and Docks. 253

In 1836 a stock company placed the steamboat
'* Fannie " on the Marlborough route, and ran to
New York twice a week. Jacob H. Tremper com-
manded tliis early steam craft, which was run two
years, and then sold because the business did not pay.
Afterward the steamboat ** Splendid," owned by
Millard & Mills, was put on the route in 1844 and
1845, and remained some time. In 1857 the pro-
peller ** Wyoming " was run by Millard & Holden.

The town has been well supplied with steamboats
since 1830 for passenger travel. Since about 1850
most of the freight and produce have been carried by
steamboats, which make a specialty of such business.
For several years the line ran from Hudson and for
the past fifty or sixty years it has been chiefly from
Rondout, and now it i^ the Central Hudson Trans-
portation Company. The transportation business has
been all that could be desired. It is an interesting
matter to follow transportation from the crude service
at its commencement down to the excellent service we
now have.

Ferries and Docks.

This town was originally settled almost entirely by
people from Long Island, and Westchester county.
The people coming up brought their horses, cattle and
goods with them. The constant traveling between
them and the friends they left behind made it neces-
sary to early establish a ferry here that could carry
teams, etc. The first ferry was a barge or scow with
sails and oars and ran on signals. There was a ferry
at Milton called Lattimer's ferry, running from the
old stone house south of the depot to a point across
the river. This was in operation during the Revo-
lutionary War and for many years afterward. It was

254 History of Marlborouoh.

said that during the war regular oommunieation was
kept up between the patriots of Boston and the forces
in the Highlands of New Jersey. Money to pay the
troops and other valuables were carried on this ferry.
The old stone house was a short distance south of
where the railroad depot now is, and it was torn
down when the railroad was built. It is presumed
that Samuel Hallock ran this ferry at one time. He
certainly had a ferry there at the time Vaughn went
up the river, and his boat was spared because he was
a Quaker. His ferry may have run a part of the time
from Brusch's landing, sometimes called NicolPs
landing, which Hallock purchased in 1776.

The following, taken from Piatt's History of
Poughkeepsie, is an advertisement of a ferry (1798)
in the Poughkeepsie Journal:

N. B. The Ferryes is now established upon a regular plan,
and travelers to the Westward will find it much to their con-
venience to cross the river at the above place as it shortens their
journey, and they may be sure they will meet with no detention.

This doubtless indicates the beginning of regular
ferry service at Poughkeepsie. There is no record
of franchise from tlie State. Previously horses and
wagons, cattle, etc., had crossed at Theophilus Antho-
ney's (Milton) ferry four miles below Poughkeepsie.
This ferry ran from Anthony's Point above where
the stone crushers are now, across the river to where
the old stone house stood. It appears to be the same
as Lattimer's ferry. This ferry was called by both
names, and was one and the same ferry. I find it
spoken of on this side of the river as Lattimer's ferry,
and on the other side as Anthony's ferry. It may
have been owned by these different parties at differ-
ent times. It afforded the principal or only crossing
for teams, etc., for several miles up and down the
river.

Ferries akd Docks. 255

I have had hard work to trace the ferry of Samuel
Hallock ; it must have run at some time from what is
now Sand's dock, which he owned, to some point on
the other side of the river. It would appear that his
ferry was cotemporary with, at least a part of the
time, Lattimer's ferry. There was considerable travel
across the river in early times, as people from miles
back in the country on either side, in fact from the
Connecticut line, through to the Delaware river on this
side, crossed here. It would not be unreasonable to
suppose that two ferries were running here at the
same time for several years.

The first local ferry is said to have been a barge or
scow rowed by slaves ; it carried teams, but sometimes
the horses were tied and swam behind the boat. In
March, 1849, the Milton ferry was established by
Capt. Sears ; he ran it a couple of years and then sold
out to Oapt. Handley, who conducted it about ten
years. It was a boat with four mules that turned a
tread wheel for the power; it ran regularly and was
a great convenience to all the neighborhood about
here; it was also used by people from Plattekill,
Gardiner and Shawangunk. It was a great service to
the community and Capt. Handley was entitled to
much credit. It was attended with much expense and
finally did not pay and was therefore discontinued.

By an act of the Legislature in 1851, a charter for
a ferry was granted to Walter Millard and Uriah
Mills, called the New Hamburgh and Hampton ferry,
from Millard's dock to the dock of Alexander and
William Young, to keep and maintain a ferrj^ boat
capable and suflScient for conveyance of carriages,
horses, cattle and passengers. This ferry was run
for a couple of years, and then discontinued. Just
to think of it, that we had a ferry here long before
there was one at Pouglikeepsie, and people from there.

256 History of Marlborough.

wishing to go back in the country on this side of the
river, for years came here to cross. In all that time,
people from this town could regularly cross the river
with teams, etc., when the water was not too rough,
and now with all our population and wealth, we must
go to Newburgh or Poughkeepsie to get anything
larger than a rowboat to carry us over. After the
Handley ferry was discontinued, the people here ob-
tained a charter to run a steam ferry across, and most
prominent men here were the directors, but nothing
ever came of it.

About 1755 Abner Brush became the owner of the
south part of the Barbarie Patent containing about
1,000 acres. He built a dock or landing called Brush's
landing; it was before that called Nicoll's landing,
and was situated at what is now Sand's dock. About
this time there was a landing at what is now Hampton.

Jacob Wood and Philip Caverly, about 1780, had a
dock at the foot of what is now Dog's street, and built
sloops and vessels there.

Lewis DuBois built a dock at Marlborough almost
as soon as he settled there; he also had a. saw-mill,
the road to which was on the south side of the creek.
Lewis, Quimby and Townsend had docks along the
river which were reached by the road from North-
rip's corner, south of the present depot at Milton.
Elijah Lewis kept a store and had a lime-kiln.
Jacob and Thomas Powell had the Townsend dock.
In 1791 they ran sloops from there to New York; they
kept a store and were licensed to keep tavern; they
also had lime-kilns. They remained here several
years and then went to Newburgh.

About 1786 Benjamin Sands built what is now the
Mary Powell landing at Milton; in 1799 he sold to
Isaac Hill; in 1809 Hill sold to Wm. Soper; in 1836
Soper sold to Absalom Barrett.

The Hudson Eiver. 257

Some time previous to 1799 Charles Millard had
a dock at what is now the Millard docks at Marl-
borough. The dock was there previous to his time and
was purchased by him and enlarged, and has been
enlarged from time to time since, so that now it is
among the best docks along the river. It has been in
the family for more than a hundred years. I find the
following in an ancient paper:

Six thousand boards and planks for sale by the subscribers
at his mill on Jew's Creek for cash, or any kind of country
produce. All those who are indebted to the subscribers for
boards are requested to call and settle their accounts by the
15th day of March next or they will be prosecuted without
discrimination.

Marlborough Fel). 20, 1799.

CHARLES MILLARD.

N. B. A store to let with four rooms on the floor and the
privilege of a dock. Enquire as above.

The Hxk)son Eiver.

The Mohegans, or as sometimes called Hahakondas
Indians, who resided on its eastern banks, called the
river Mahakeueghtue, supposed to mean ''continu-
ally flowing water." The Mohawks and Algonquins
each had a separate name for it. Henry Hudson, its
first white explorer, called it the river of the moun-
tains, but it was not called Hudson until the English
became the owners of the country, when they so named
it in honor of their countr>Tnan, its first explorer.
Henry Hudson, on September 3, 1609, anchored his
vessel, the ** Halfmoon " in what is now New York
bay, and on the morning of the 12th sailed up the
river. On the 15th and 16th, the time he was passing
from the upper highlands past what is now Newburgh
and tliis town, he says in his journal:

The fifteenth, in the morning, was misty until the sunne
.arose ; then it cleered. So we weighed with the wind at South,
9

258 History of Marlborough.

and ran up the riuer twentie leagues, passing by high moun-
tains. Wee had a very good depth, as six, seuen, eight, nine,
twelue, and thirteen fathoms, and great store of salmons in
the riuer. This morning our two sauages got out of a port
and swam away. After w^e were under sayle they called to us
in SCO me. At night we came to other mountains which lie
from the riuer's side. There wee fovnd very louing people
and very old men ; where we w^ere well vsed. Our boat went to
fish, and caught great store of very good fish.

The sixteenth faire, and very liot weather. In the morning
ovr boat went againe to fishing, but could catch but few by
reason their canoes had beene there all night. This morning
the people came aboord, and brought vs ears of Indian come
and pompions and to])acco, which wee bought for trifles. Wee
rode still all day and filled fresh water; at night we weighted
and went two leagues higher and had shoaled water, so we
anchored till day.

Hudson on his return trip down the river on the
twenty-ninth and thirtieth wrote as follows:

The nine-and-twentieth was drie, close weather; the wind at
south and south by west; wee weighed early in the morning,
and turned down three leagues by a lowe water, and anchored
at the lower end of the long reach, for it is six leagues long.
Then there came certain Indians in a canoe to vs, but would
not come aboord. After dinner there came the canoe with
other men, whereof three came aboord us. They brought
Indian wheat, which we bouglit for trifles. At three of the
clocke in the afternoon we weighed, as soon as the ebbe came,
and turned downe to the edge of the mount^iines, or the norther-
most of the Mountaines, and anchored, because the high land
hath many points, and a narrow channel, and hath many eddie
winds. So we rode quietly all night in seuen fathoms water.

The thirtieth was faire weather, and the wind at south-east
a stifle gale between the ^lountaynes. AVe rode still the after-
noone. The people of the C'ountrey came aboord vs, and
brought some small skinnej with them, which we bought for
kniues and trifles. This a very pleasiint place to build a towne
on. The road is every neere, and very good for all winds, saue
on east-north-east wind. The ^fountaynes look as if some
metal or mineral were in them. For the trees that grew on
them were all blasted, and some of them barren, with few or
no trees on them. The people brought a stone aboord like to

Jeffrow's Hook. 259

emery (a stone used by glasiers to cut glasse) ; it would cut
iron or Steele. Yet being bruised small, and water put to it,
it made a colour like blacke lead glistening; it is also good for
painters' colours. At three of the clocke they departed, and
we rode still all night.

The u appears in place of v, and v in place of n.
The spelling, etc., is left as in the original.

It is plainly seen by this journal that in those early
times there were many Indians about here and lots
of fish, notably the valuable salmon. Tradition has
it that fish, especially shad, were very plentiful, and
in the springtime large numbers of settlers congre-
gated here to fish, many coming from long distances
in the country. Several men would drag a net across
any cove along shore and draw it to the land and take
large numbers of fish. Only as far back as sixty or
seventy years shad could be purchased for five and
six dollars a hundred, and every farmer expected to
and did salt and lay down from one to three barrels of
shad, which generally furnished the material for
supper for the rest of the season. Salmon were very
numerous up to one hundred years ago, but they have
all now disappeared. It was said of the Indians who
planted their crops for years in the same hill, that
they fertilized their land by putting a fish in each
hill.

Jeffrow's Hook.

JeflFrow's Hook, now known as Blue Point, was
first so named by the early Dutch navigators ; it being
a high bluff extending into the river was an objective
point and seen by the navigators for miles up and
down the river. I first find the name recorded in the
patent of land granted by Governor Edmond Andros
to ** Lewis DuBois and partners " in 1677, known as
the Paltz Patent. The patent says :

/^n

260 History of Marlborough.

Whereas, There is a certain piece of land at Esopus which,
by my appropriation and consent, has been acquired from the
Indian proprietors by Louis Du Bois and his associates; the
said land being situated on the south side of the redoubt called
creek or kill, being from (i. e., beginning at) the high moun-
tain called Maggonck; thence extending from the Southwest
side, near the great river, to a certain point or hook called :he
Jauffrouc hook, situated along the tract called by the Indians
Magaatramis, * * *

It will be observed that the patent begins at the
high mountain called Mogunk, and in order to pre-
serve this point from future dispute about the loca-
tion, they had a certificate made as follows :

These- are to certify that the Inhabitants of the towne of
New Paltz, being desirous that the first station of their patent,
named Moggonck, might be kept in remembrance, did desire
us, Joseph Horsbrook, John Hardenburgh, Koleft Eltinge,
Esqs., Justices of the peace for the County of Ulster, to accom-
pany them their, and their being Ancrop, the Indian, their
brought us to the High Mountain, which he named Maggen-
apogh, at or near the foot of which hill is a small run of water,
and a swamp which he called Maggonck, and the said Indian,
Ancrop afirms itt to be the right Indian names of the said
places, as witness our hands tliis nineteenth day of December,
1722.

[Signed] JOSEPH HASBROUCK,

HAEDENBERGH.

ROELOFF ELTING.

These were two prominent points of the Paltz
Patent, the first being the sotitlieast corner, and the
second the southwest corner. In ancient surveys a
line in one course is run between these points. About
1760 Charles Clinton ran this line and laid it down
on a map. Dr. Benjamin Ely of ]\[arlborough in his
map, made in 1797, shows this line, and also another
line in one course from Mogunk (now Paltz Point)
to a beech stump at the river; this is our north town
line. The course is given on the map. By a previous
survey and map this point at the river is given as a

Jeffrow's Hook. 261

beech tree. Both lines ran to Paltz Point, but at the
river these lines were about a half a mile apart. Our
north line was the north line of the John Barbarie
patent, and the same line as from the point to the
beech stump.

There soon arose controversies and disputes about
the title to the land between these lines. Hugh Went-
worth in early times claimed the lands under his
patent, and the Paltz patentees also claimed the land,
and to hold this claim they put Denis or Denie Eelyea
on it. He built a small log house south of Jeff row's
Hook at a small run of water, and he commenced to
clear up the land for the Paltz people. There was
much litigation about the land ; I believe the last suit
was between LeFevre and Ketcham in 1794, and was
against the Paltz people, though many were never
satisfied that this decision was correct. Dr. Ely gives
both of these lines, and recognizes the north line and
Jeff row's Hook as the correct line and point. He had
lived within a few miles of it all his life, had surveyed
the surrounding lands for years, and ran all the lines
given on his map. No one was better able to deter-
mine the locations and there is very little doubt but
that he was right. Dr. Ely is thought to have been a
soldier of the Eevolution; he practiced medicine from
the close of the war, all through this town and Lloyd,
then the east part of New Paltz, up to the time of his
death, about 1820. He was, I believe, the largest slave
holder in the town. He served for years as Commis-
sioner of Highways, Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk,
and as Supervisor, longer than any, other person in
the town. He was the principal man about the town
in his day.

The Denie Relyea spoken of, according to tradition,
was the son of Denis Relje (Relyea) whom Capt. John
Evans, in 1694 or 1695 located on his patent at the
Old Man's Kill at Marlborough.

263 History of Marlborough.

lu 1750 George Harrison obtained a patent for
2,000 acres. It was in three lots: The first lot was
entirely in the town of Marlborough, and the second
also in the town except that it passed beyond what is
now tlio town line to the otlier line, and is described
as follows:

Bo<rinnino: at the southwest comor of the lands granted to
John Burbarie and nnis thcnoc along his west bounds and to
a straight line which runs from the point in the High Hills
on the west side of the Paltz liiver now commonly called and
known hy Die name of the Paltz point to a jwint on the west
side of Hudson Kiver commonly called and known by the name
of Joffrow's hf)ok or p<)int, North 22 degrees. East 176 chains
and W links, then along the aforesaid line from the said Paltz
point to the wiid Jeff row's point or hook, * * *

Paltz point is here named, which is the first place
I find it. This matter is here spoken of more par-
ticularly as it has been a matter of so much contro-
versy and uncertainty. It is noAv being written about
in the public press, and it is Avell to give what informa-
tion wo have about it.

CHAPTER X.

Facts and Incidents.

Nathaniel Adams built a brickyard at Marlborough
at the Young place, about 1825. It was carried on
for several years, when the clay becoming poor or
scarce it was discontinued. The lands were after-
ward sold to William C. Young, and he later leveled
the sand bank on the property to the north of Landing
street. It used to run steep all the way to the dock.
He built Young's dock and certainly made great
improvements about there. About the same time or
soon after the yard spoken of above was in existence,
Young & Moore established a yard at the river at the
Ackerly place. There were quite a number of men
employed here, and it was said the vote of the town
was very much increased thereby, but like the first,
in a few years it ceased to exist. These and the Hal-
lock yard were the only brickyards of which I can
find any record.

One hundred years ago wolves were quite plentiful.
They had a run or crossing place from across the river
in the winter east of the Mansion House, now Wilmot
place, to the mountains. They were often seen cross-
ing the post road, where they sometimes attacked
people, but always avoided the clearings.

To be sure the black bear was not then extinct, and
was frequently caught; and such places used to be
pointed out.

Pigeons were then in great abundance, but they
only came at stated times — did not nest here. Flocks
of thousands would come together, and when they
alighted or roosted they would get in such numbers
on the trees as to break great limbs with their weight.
They were caught by thousands in nets, and also were

264 History of Marlborough.

shot in great numbers. In fact at such times so many
were taken that all could not be used for food, and
were fed to the hogs in large quantities. They are
about extinct here now — very seldom one is to be
seen.

Lewis DuBois, son of the major, advertised his full-
ing mill, August 6, 1810, in the Newburgh Political
Index as follows:

A Clothier wanted at the mill of the subscribers; one who
can come well recommended, either on shares or otherwise;
The stand is one of the best in the country, it being ten miles
distant from any other fulling mill.

The mill is now calculated for carding also.

' LEWIS Dubois.

The clothier secured could not have been satis-
factory, for on February 4, 1811, appears the follow-
ing notice :

Dissolution: the public is informed that the partnership of
Lewis DuBois and Nathan Tupper, in the Clothier's business
was disolved on the first of December last.

LEWIS Dubois.

The first regular stage route on the east side of
the river l)etween New York and Albany was estab-
lished in 1785. Our people here crossed the river and
took this route when they had occasion. At this time,
in the winter they had no other way, as it was not
until many years after that that a route was estab-
lished on the west side.

In 1815 and 1820 Marlborough letters were adver-
tised at the Kingston post-office, to be called for, and
were perhaps so advertised for some years previous.
To sliow the great want of postal facilities, the fol-
lowing extracts are taken from a paper called the
Ulster Plebeian of March 28, 1815. It will also show
how liard the printer had to work for a little money:

Facts and Incidents. 265

For various imperious reasons, we have concluded to stop
the circulation of the Plebeian, after the present week, through
the towns of Hurley, Marbletown, Rochester, Wawarsing,
Mamakating, Shawangunk, Plattekill, Marlborough, New
Paltz and Esopus, by a Post rider employed as heretofore at
the expense of this office. As we wish the papers to be read
throughout our own County, and also in Sullivan, especially
as long as the two Counties are identified in interest in the
elective franchise, we take the liberty to recommend to our
Patrons in those places to form clubs where practicable, to
procure the papers either from the office or the nearest Post-
office. The greatest number of papers we circulate on the
above mentioned route, are between this village and William
Sypher's in Wawarsing; a distance of about thirty miles; in
the whole of which extent there is no Post Office. Mr. Snyder
lives about twelve miles from the Post office in Bloomingburgh
Sullivan County. We therefore presume that a number of our
Patrons south of Mr. Sypher's and in Sullivan may conveniently
get the papers at that office. He states in his notice that
Shawangunk and Xew Paltz had Post-offices, and that Esopus
had formed a club to get the papers from the newspaper office.
He is worried that he does not know how to accommodate
Plattekill and Marlborough which he says have no Post-offices.
Continuing his notice, he says: The fact is we have paid at
the rate of $182 per annum for carrying 175 Plebeians on that
route, when better than two thirds of those papers were left
between this and Mr. Sypher's, from whence our Post has
usually gone to Bloomingburgh, Shawangunk, Plattekill, Marl-
borough, New Paltz and Esopus an extent of 120 miles taking
four days to perform the tour. We are constrained to declare
that we cannot afford the incidental expenses of that post
rider. * * *

(Signed) JOHN TAPPEN.

His statement appears very reasonable. * The sub-
scription price of his paper was two dollars a year,
and he was paying out more than one-half of what he
received in distributing the paper. But it was quite
an event when the post rider arrived with the papers.
The people along the route were expecting him, and
turned out to meet him. He was always welcome at
the farm houses, and himself and horse were taken

266 History of Marlborough.

care of free of charge. He was treated more like a
visitor; he not only left the paper at the houses, but he
rehearsed to them all the news that he had heard on
the journey. At the same time, he picked up such
items of interest as canie to his notice to be included in
the next issue of the paper. It must have been a
long and tedious journey through the snows and
storms of winter, but people expected such things
then, and it was taken as a matter of course.

The Ulster Gazette commenced publication at King-
ston in 1798. Samuel Freer and his son published
the paper. Freer used to deliver his paper in the
same way as the Plebeian did. When I was a small
child I heard my grandfather tell of it In the year
1800, when General Washington died, the paper came
out in deep mourning for him, and as Freer delivered
his paper along the route, it produced much consterna-
tion and sorrow among all the people. My grand-
father always saved his copy of the paper and it is
still preserved in the family. Freer used to get his
paper ready, printing, etc., during the forepart of the
week, and on Thursday morning of each week, he
would fill his saddlebags with the Gazette for dis-
tribution to tlie subscribers. And Uncle Sam, as he
was called, would mount his steed and start out to
spend the rest of the week through Ulster, Orange and
Sullivan counties. He was a st^-ong Federalist, and
at the stores and blacksmith shops and other public
places along the way, and at the family firesides, he
would i3reaeli his political doctrines, try to make con-
verts, and carry on heated arguments with his political
opponents.

The recent sale of the Young farm of about 300
acres with some personal pro]>erty for $31,500, which
is now considered a good sale, is surpassed by the
sale of Charles Brown to Benjamin Harcourt in 1828
in Lattintown. The place consisted of 407 acres and

Facts and Incidents. 267

sold for $10,000. Ten thousand dollars then repre-
sented more than $30,000 does now.

John W. Wygant sold to William D. Wygant the
Bloomer farm, Lattintown, in 1831, for $4,000—79
acres. In 1838 Wygant sold the same place to Thomas
D. Bloomer for $6,000, showing a large increase in
value, and a very high price for land, and in com-
paring with present values of money, the place at that
rate should be worth $12,000 or $15,000 now.

In 1808 William B. Woolsey sold 116 acres of land,
which is now owned by Fred W. Vail, to Latting
Caverly for $3,750. Numerous other sales might be
mentioned, showing that land in those times was sell-
ing very high; in fact, far in excess, value of money
being considered, of what land is sold for now. Land,
to be sure, was then used only for the raising of or-
dinary farm crops, horses, cattle, etc.

From the earliest history of the town the only com-
munication between here and New York city was by
sailing vessels; the principal part of the vessel was
used for freight, and the cabin and stern were fitted
up with a number of berths to accommodate passen-
gers. They carried from ten to thirty passengers,
and it was a voyage of generally two or three days,
and as many nights. Those wishing to take the trip
sought to have a congenial company with them, and
they played games and had a good time. When the
sloop anchored on account of adverse winds or other-
wise the passengers would land and gather berries
and fruit, and wander about the woods and villages.
When the captain was ready to proceed on the voyage,
he summoned them by blowing a horn. Those who
wished could board at the captain's table by paying
for their meals, but it was the custom to take along
a large wooden trunk filled with cooked victuals and
luxuries of the times, and a supply of rum or Holland
gin was seldom forgotten. They all planned to have

268 History of Marlborough.

a good time and it was quite an event, as people
seldom had more than one trip during the year. It
was considered in the nature of an outing or what we
would call such now. On the return trip the chest
was used to bring l)ack the purchases. These sloops
would stoi> anywhere" along the river on signal and
take on passengers. You could hail one almost any
time of the day, as they were quite numerous. They
continued to carry more or less passengers up to
1820, or until after the fare on the steamboats became
moderate.

The Maid of Marlboro'.

By Samuol A. Barrett.
'* Perfection whi8i>erod, passing by,

Behold th»i lass of liallochmyle." — Burns,

I saw thee once — and never

Can T forget thy form;
'Twas lovely as tlie suni)eam

That flashes thro' a storiu!

And, tliru* tlicMr silken laslies.

Those soul-lit (*ves of thine,
Slione bri^rliter tlian twin-diamonds

From India's famous mine.

Tliy hair, in raven streamers,

Flow'd o'er a neck of snow.
As eonseions of its heauty —

Fair Maid of Marlboro'.

1 saw thee when the sunlight

Was fading in the sky.
And tliou wert standing lonelv.

The lovely Hudson hy.

'Twas beautiful around thee.

Above thee and below :
But thou hadst more of beauty.

Fair jVFaid of Marlboro'.

Smith's Falls.

The Maid of Marlboro'. 269

And ill that mighty mirror,

Wliich hiy like molten gold,
Thou eon Id's t Imve seen reflected

Tliy form of matchless mould.

The birds anear thee singing.

The waters, murnrring low,
Seem'd making music for thee,

Fair Maid of j\rarlboro\

And thou, in silence standing

Upon that lonely strand,
Hadst seenfd to poet's vision,

The Queen of Fairy Land —

Savt? that, in beauteous blushes,

Th(» rose of earth was seen;
And thy voluptuous bosom

Beat, 'neath its silken screen.

Oft when at evening straving

Along that lonely shore,
I gaze where once I saw thee.

But see thee there no more.

Lost Pleiad of my fancy !

Xone e'er can fill thy place:
Earth holds no being like thee.

In soul, and form, and face.

And yet, thy peerless beauty

]^^ay. prove a ban to thee!
Beware man's siren speeches.

And man's inconstancy!

And may the years, revolving.

Bring naught to thee of woe:
Earth's blessings all be with thee,

Fair Maid of Marlboro'!

Among the men of special prominence which the
Town of Marlborough produced, or who were identi-
fied witli the interests of the town, we mention the
following:

270 History of Marlborough.

Ebenezer Foot, Member of Assembly, 1792, 1794,
1796, 1797.

Ebenezer Foot, Senator, 1798-1802, inclusive, and
also one of the State Council of Appointment, 1804.

Selah Tuthill, Member of Assembly, 1804.

William Soper, one of the Judges of the Court of
Common Pleas, 1810-1813 and afterward.

Nehemiah L. Smith, Member of Assembly, 1811.

David Staples, Member of Assembly, 1814, 1818,
and one of the Judges of the Court of Conmion Pleas
for several years.

Richard I. Woolsey, Associate Justice of the Court
of Common Pleas, 1817.

Abram D. Soper, Member of Assembly, 1829. Also
County Judge from 1828 to 1836.

William Soper, Member of Assembly, 1843.

L. Harrison Smith, Member of Assembly, 1853.

Jeremiah Clark, Member of Assembly, 1860.

C. M. Woolsey, Member of Assembly, 1871, 1872,
and Justice of Sessions, 1866, 1867.

E. F. Patten, Member of Assembly, 1881.

Sands Haviland, Member of Assembly, 1901.

Benjamin Harcourt, Sheriff, 1832.

Samuel Stilwell, Associate Justice of Ulster County
Court for two terms of five years each.

Hallock's Ponds and Other Ponds and Lakes of the

Town.

There is a chain of five ponds at Milton, each con-
taining several acres; one on the east side of the post
road, and four on the west side, at the Hallock mills.
These are beautiful sheets of water and furnish power
to several mills; their capacity can easily be doubled,
in fact there can be a continuous line of ponds for
two or three miles. These ponds are noted for their

Hallock's Ponds and Lakes. 271

fine fishing, and people come long distances to fish in
them ; they are especially valued for their black bass.
The ponds are fed by many springs and the waters
are particularly clear and pure.

The surrounding lands afford much natural beauty.
They are mostly rugged and rocky hills covered with
beautiful forests, and their convenience to the depot
and steamboat landings make them desirable as
places of residence and country seats and hotels. If
this section were generally known to the city people,
it would become a great center of attraction. No
more beautiful landscape and surroundings can be
found anywhere along the Hudson.

Some of these ponds are very ancient; the George
Hallock pond and also the pond at the south and the
west of long pond were in existence prior to the Revo-
lution, and there was a grist and sawmill at each
where neighbors congregated and discujised politics
and the events of the day.

About the year 1850 Charles Brower and Lee
Ensign started a brickyard at the river where the.
Milton depot is now, and afterward Joseph Hallock
took Brower 's place. They obtained their clay from
the bottom of the Gteorge Hallock pond. They
drained out that part of the pond by means of pipes
under the ground and drew their clay from the pond
past what is now the Robert Hallock Mill and down
the Hallock road to the river. They manufactured a
good quality of brick, but the expense of procuring
their sand made the venture a failure. The clay in
time will find ready purchasers.

The close proximity of these ponds to the village
has always made them a great resort for the young
people to skate, and they afford ice for all the sur-
rounding country. The Long Pond is situated at such
an elevation as to supply the village with water, if
water works were erected. The stream uniting all

272 HisTOEY OF Marlborough.

these ponds was known in old times as the Halloek
brook, and along tliis stream many Indian i-elics, such
as stone clubs or pestles, stone hatchets and flint
arrowheads have been found, especially in the swamp
and Wood of C. M. Woolsey, who has a collection of
the same.

There is also a small lake or natural ix)nd back of
Lattintown on the mountain, known as the Connor
I>ond. It is well stocked with fish, and is so situated
that it can be used to irrigate the valley below. The
view from this place extends over the whole of Lattin-
town valley, and far to the south. It is one of the
finest views in the whole towni — an elegant place for
a club or boarding-house and for fishing and hunting.

Three miles back of Milton is Mackey's small lake
or natural pond; a nice sheet of water always of the
same level. There was a sawmill at the mouth of it
in ancient times.

On the Old Man's Kill at Marlborough is the
Wright, Graves, and the Clark, now Gaede, ponds.
These have been built many years and have supplied
water for many mills at different times. There was
a mill about 1750 at the Clark ix)nd, and there was a
mill there always until recent years. This was quite
an important center, and i)eople came long distances
to have work done. Purdy also had a tavern and
some of the first town meetings were held here, and
during the war it was a center for the people to con-
gregate and get the news. Joseph Graves for many
years had an extensive dye works at his place, and
Jerry Clark, below him, a sawmill. The pond now
known as the Wright Pond supplied the water for the
early mills of that part of the town. Lewis DuBois
had a grist and fulling mill there, and afterward
were many mills, among them Woolsey Wright's, who
carried on milling for years. These ponds are along
the Old Man's Kill, the longest stream in the town,
and its course is such that by a series of dams water

List of Supervisors. 273

can be held back for several miles and a never-fail-
ing supply obtained, making the facilities for factories
and milling unexcelled. It is a charming country
about these i)onds and streams and its nearness to
river and railroad makes it a jDlace of much attrac-
tion for residences, boarding-houses, etc.

On Jew's creek there were formerly several ponds,
but they have now mostly disappeared. The Buckley
pond was a noted place in its day and the Buckleys
carried on an extensive business making cloth for
years, yet the stream is still susceptible of much
water power, and the water can be easily stored. The
lands along the stream are very pretty and romantic
and desirable factory sites and places of residence
can be obtained. Before Gomez the Jew owned lands
here the stream was called the south branch of the
Old Man's Kill.

The Patchen lake in the southwest part of the town
is the largest body of water; it covers several acres,
and it can be enlarged. It is well stocked with fish.

List of Supervisors.

The list of supervisors and town oflScers of the old
precinct of Highland, of which this town was a part,
cannot be found. In 1763 the precinct of Newburgh
was formed, of which we were a part, and we re-
mained in that condition until 1772, when we were
separated from Newburgh. The supervisors during
that time were as follows:

In 1763, Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck; 1764, Lewis
DuBois ; 1765, John Wandal ; 1766, Benjamin Carpen-
ter; 1767, Lewis DuBois; 1768, Edward Hallock; 1769,
70 and 71 , Latting Carpenter.

Commencing at 1772, as the precinct of New Marl-
borough the supervisors were as follows:

274 HisTOBY OF Mablbobouoh.

In 1772-1773, Lewis DuBois (3 years missing, but
are supposed to be Lewis DuBois and Benjamin. Car-
penter) ; 1777, Benjamin Carpenter; 1778, 1779, Elijah
Lewis ; 1780, Anriing Smith ; 1781, Lewis DuBois ; 1782,
Stephen Case; 1783-1789, Anning Smith; 1790-1794,
Ebenezer Foote; 1795-1797, Stephen Nottingham;
1798-1799, Cornelius Drake; 1800-1811, Benjamin
Ely; 1812-1816, Nehemiah L. Smith; 1817, David
Staples; 1818-1819, Richard I. Woolsey; 1820-1822,
William Soper; 1823, Benjamin Townsend; 1824,
William Soper; 1825, William Gedney; 1826-1829,
Benjamin Harcourt; 1830, Jesse T. Conklin; 1831,
Benjamin Harcourt; 1832-1833, Abraham B. Soper;
1834-1835, William D. Wygant; 1836-1837, MUes J.
Fletcher; 1838, William Soper; 1839, William Soper,
Jr.; 1840, Lewis W. Young; 1841-1842, Robert S.
Loekwood; 1843, David Fowler; 1844^1845, William
Martin; 1846, John D. Crook; 1847, Cornelius Carpen-
ter; 1848, John D. Crook; 1849-1850, Lee Ensign;
1851, John D. Crook; 1852-1853, William H. Gedney;
1854, James C. Harcourt; 1855, William H- Gedney;
1856, Thomas D. Bloomer; 1857, William H. Gedney;
1858, David W. Woolsey; 1859-1861, William B. Pier-
son; 1862, Jesse Lyons; 1863, James C. Harcourt;
1864-1871, Jesse Lyons; 1872-1873, William Bloomer;
1874, William H. Gedney; 1875, William Bloomer;
1876, Townsend H. Sherman; 1877, Eugene F. Pat-
ten; 1878, Townsend H. Sherman; 1879, Eugene F.
Patten; 1880-1881, James C. Harcourt; 1882-1884,
C. Meech AVoolsey; 1885, Samuel L. Quimby; 1886-
1890, C. Meech Woolsey; 1891, Townsend Sherman;
1892, William S. Ransley; 1893-1897, Eugene F. Pat-
ten; 1898-1899, Sands ria\aland; 1900-1901, AVilliam
Bloomer; 1902-1903, Eldorus Dayton; 1904r-1905,
Eugene F. Patten; 1906-1909, Edward Young. In
1831 Harcourt was elected Shonflf. He resigned as

H
CO

u
H

Town Cijikks. 275

Supervisor, and at a special town meeting Robert S.
Lockwood was chosen to succeed him.

Town Clebks.

1763-1765, Samuel Sands; 1766, Joseph Sands;
1767-1771, Leonard Smith; 1772-1776, Abijah Per-
kins; 1777, Benjamin Carpenter; 1778-1783, Stephen
Case; 1784-1790, Benjamin Ely; 1791-1792, Benjamin
Townsend; 1793-1794, David Merritt; 1795-1797,
John Duffield; 1798, Samuel Drake; 1799-1809, Ben-
jamin Townsend; 1810, John Caverly; 1811-1822, Ben-
jamin Townsend; 1823, Charles Craft; 1824-1829,
Lewis Wygant; 1830-1833, William D. Wygant; 1834,
Benjamin Townsend ; 1835, David W. Woolsey ; 1836,
Josiah Lockwood ; 1837, John Woolsey ; 1838, Marcue
Dougherty; 1839, James C. Harcourt; 1840, Hezekiah
Hull; 1841-1842, Asa T. Wright; 1843, Richard Gee;
1844-1845, Robert P. Mapes; 1846-1847, Richard Gee;
1848, Jeremiah Thome; 1849, Henry H. Holden; 1850,
Fletcher DuBois; 1851, David Sands, Jr.; 1852-1853,
Henry Merritt ; 1854, Jacob Rawley, Jr. ; 1855, Harvey
Wygant; 1856, James A. Townsend; 1857, Eugene
Dubois; 1858-1859, Joseph M. Bloom; 1860, Theodore
Quick; 1861, Epenetus K. Woolsey; 1862, Joseph M.
Bloom; 1863, James C. Craft; 1864, Robert J. Dickey;
1865, James Crook; 1866, John B. Quick; 1867, James
H. Crook; 1868, Ethan Parrott; 1869, Dallas DuBois;
1870-1871, James H. Crook; 1872-1873, Robert B.
Kelley; 1874-1875, J. Wesley Williams; 1876-1878,
M. W. V. Morgan; 1879, Fred H. Smith; 1880, James
S. Carpenter; 1881, Harrison Baxter; 1882-1883, Ed-
ward Anderson; 1884-1891, ' Charles W. Jackson;
1892, George Badner; 1893-1895, J. R. Woolsey;
1896-1900, Elmer E. Berean; 1901-1907, A. J. Booth;
1908-1909, Elbert Warren. In 1831 no one was
elected Town Clerk, but William D. Wygant, the clerk
of the year previous, held over.

276 History of Marlborough.

Justices of the Peace,

Previous to 1830 Justices of the Peace were ap-
pointed by the governors or by the council of appoint-
ment, and after 1830 they are as follows:

3830, Gabriel Merritt; 1831, Samuel Beebe; 1832,
David W. AVoolsey; 1833, AbraJiam D. Soper; 1834,
Gabriel Merritt; 1835, James Fowler, Jr., William
Soper Jr.; 1836, David W. Woolsey; 1837, William
Soper; 1838, Gabriel Merritt; 1839, James Fowler;
1840, Josiah W. Carpenter; 1841, William Soper;
1842, David AV. AVoolsey; 1843, James Fowler; 1844,
Asa T. Wright; 1845, Charles L. Lockwood; 1846,
Isaac Staples; 1847, AVilliam Martin; 1848, Asa T.
Wright, James Fowler, Gilbert F. Malcolm; 1849,
James Fowler; 1850, Isaac Staples, Daniel Lewis;
1851, William Soper; 1852, Thomas Bingham, Daniel
Lewis; 1853, John Woolsey, Edward Near; 1854,
Isaac Staples, Jr. ; 1855, Edward Near ; 1856, Thomas
Bingham ; 1857, John F. Whitney, Isaac Staples, Fred-
erick S. Webster; 1859, John B. Ball; 1860, Thomas
Bingham, Walter Farrington; 1861, Edward Near;
1862, Isaac Staples; 1863, Frederick S. AVebster; 1864,
Charles G. Merritt; 1865, Samuel A. Barrett; 1866,
Eli T. Lockwood, C. Meech Woolsey, Charles F.
Willard; 1867, Edgar W. Clark; 1868, David Sands;
1869, C. Meech Woolsey; 1870, James S. Knapp,
Samuel A. Barrett; 1871, A. J. M. Smith; 1872, Enoch
Baxter, E. :MelvilIe Craft; 1873, C. Meech Wool-
sey; 1874, Oscar B. Bloomer; 1875, E. M. Craft;
1876, Henry Merritt; 1877, C. Meech Woolsey; 1879,
E. Melville Craft; 1880, Enoch Baxter; 1881, C. M.
Woolsey; 1882, William J. Purdy; 1883, C. Sylvester
Northrip; 1884, Enoch Baxter; 1885, AVilliam S. Rans-
ley; 1886, Albert H. Palmer; 1887, Albert Pattison;
1888, E. Dayton; 1889, C. G. Mackey ; 1890, John Rusk,
Jr.; 1891, Fred H. Smith; 1892, Clarence Bingham;

Justices of the Peace. 277

1893, C. S. Northrip; 1894, John Rusk, Jr.; 1895, Fred
H. Smith; 1896, Clarence Bingham; 1897, C. S. North-
rip; 1898, John Rusk, Jr.; 1899, Charles Purdy, Fred
H. Smith; 1901, John Rusk, Jr., Joseph J. Kaley;
1903, Charles Purdy, Fred H. Smith; 1905, J. J. Kaley,
John B. Ball ; 1905, John Rusk, resigned, and Charles
Baildon appointed; 1907, George Young, Charles P.
Thome.

In ancient times, under the Crown, and afterward
under the State government, the Governor or coun-
cil of appointment or both selected or appointed the
Justices of the Peace up to the year 1830. The old
commissions of appointment were very lengthy docu-
ments, and not only appointed the justice to the office
but gave him a long charge and statement of instruc-
tions of what he was required to do. They are quite
a curiosity in their way, and the following is a brief
extract of one of such commissions issued in 1795 :

Know ye That we have appointed and assigned: and by
these presents do appoint and assign, you and every one of you
jointly and severally Justices to keep the peace of our county
of Ulster and to keep and cause to be kept, all laws and ordi-
nances made or to Ix* made, for the good of the peace, and for
the conservation of the same, and for the quiet rule and govern-
ment of the citizens and inhabitants of our said state, in all
and every the Articles thereof in our said county ♦ ♦ *
and to chastise and punisli all persons offending against the
form of those laws, ordinances * * * and to cause to come
before you all those persons who shall break. the peace or have
used or shall use tlireats to any one * * * concerning their
bodies or the firing of their houses or barns to find sufficient
surety for the peace or their good behavior ♦ ♦ ♦ and also
of all those who in the said county have gone or rode or here-
after presume to go or ride in companies with armed force
against the peace, ♦ ♦ * and also all of those who have
therein lain in wait, or hereafter shall presume to lie in wait
to maim or cut or kill any citizen or inhabitant of our said
state ♦ ♦ ♦ and to hear and determine all and singular the
larcenies, thefts, trespasses, forestall ings, regrettings, angross-
ings, extortions, imlawful assemblies, indibtments aforesaid,

278 History of Marlborough.

all and singular other the premises, according to the laws, ordi-
nances and statutes of our said state * ♦ ♦ dilligently ta
attend to keeping of the peace, laws and ordinances.

For all and singular which this shall be your commission
for and during our good pleasure to be signified by our Coun-
cil of Appointment.

The great seal of our state to be hereto aflfixed.

JOHX JAY,
Grovernor.

It has been discovered that by an Act of the Legis-
lature passed in 1827, pursuant to an amendment of
the Constitution, by which act it was provided ** That
it shall be the duty of the said inspectors to prepare
one box for receiving the ballots of such persons as
shall vote for justices of the peace, and the election
of justices of the peace shall be conducted, and the
said box kept locked and disposed of, in all respects^
as directed in relation to the elections of members of
assembly." And it was further provided, ** That the
supervisor give notice in writing to the several jus-
tices elected in their town and also to the town clerk
of the time and place to determine by lot the classes
of the said justices, * * * and at such time and
place, it shall be tlie duty of the said supervisor and
town clerk to write on several and distinct pieces of
paper as near alike as may be, the number one, two,
three, four; which papers shall be privately rolled,
and put into a box, and drawn for by said justices,
and that each justice shall class according to the num-
ber ui)on the paper by him so drawn.'' Under this
law at the election held on the 5tli day of November,
1827, and the two succeeding days inclusive, Abram
D. Soi)er, Benjamin Harcourt, Benjamin Townsend,
and Eli T. Lockwood were elected. They drew for their
terms, Benjamin Harcourt drew for one year; Soper
for two; Lockwood for three; and Townsend for four.
At the election for 1828, Ilareourt was re-elected; at
the election of 1829 Soper was re-elected. After this

Lawyers. 279

it was provided by law that one be elected each year
on the regular town ticket the same as all the other
oflScers were.

I also find the following names of Justices of the-
Peace who were appointed prior to 1800: Benjamin
Cari>enter, Wolvert Ecker, Anning Smith, Nathaniel
DuBois, Rheuben Drake, David Ostrander, Stephen
Nottingham, Samuel Morey, Cornelius Drake, Jolm
DuBois, Uriah Drake, Jonathan Brown, Joseph
Morey, David Staples, Benjamin Sands, Jr., Dr. Ben-
jamin Ely, Benjamin Townsend.

Between 1800 and 1830 : Richard I. Woolsey, David
Staples, Nehemiah L. Smith, Benjamin Harcourt,
William Soper, Samuel Drake, Allen Lester, Charles
Millard, Andrew Ely, John Rhoads, John Hait,
Valentine Lewis, John Noys, Benjajnin Townsend,
Abram D. Soper, Ely T. Lockwood.

Lawyers.

The first lawyer, that I can find, who resided here,
was William W. Borgordus. He came here about 1817
and practiced a few years. John Cole was next; he
practiced law and carried on other business about
1820, afterward removing to Modena, where he be-
came an extensive land owner. He was a man of much
ability. There was a tradition that he was related tov
Aaron Burr. He left quite a large fortune, — some-
thing unusual for lawj-ers. A lawj-er by the name of
Pierce practiced here for some time. Abram D. Soper
commenced practice about 1825; he was the first
postmaster at Milton in 1822, Supervisor in 1832 and
1 833, and later Member of Assembly and County Judge.
He practiced here until about 1845, when he removed
to Brooklyn, and from there to West Virginia, where
he died a few years since, — over 90 years ago. He

280 History of Marlborough.

did an extensive business, including conveyancing for
the southern part of the county. The old papers
which we find executed by him are models of practice,
and the penmanship is excellent. His brother William
was also a lawyer here. He was Supervisor in 1839
and afterward a Member of Assembly. He practiced
several years and then moved to Wisconsin. Isaac
L. Craft commenced practice about 1835 and prac-
ticed until liis death in 1855. Hewitt and Walter Far-
rington came here about that time and remained a few
years. C. M. Woolsey commenced practice in 1867,
and he with E. Dayton, John B. Ball and John Busk
are practicing here now. John Rusk, Sr. commenced
his practice at Marlborough about 1870; he died in
1905. Morgan A. Dayton and Judson C. Dayton prac-
ticed here a short time. Morgan Dayton was after-
ward clerk of the Surrogate's Court in New York
city; both were talented but died young.

Doctors.

The first i)hysician I find who practiced in this town
was Dr. Abijali Perkins. He was here several years
before the Revolutionary War, and was a prominent
member of the Committee of Safety at the commence-
ment of the war. He died in November, 1776, at
the age of 60. He was a man of much prominence.
I find his name in many ancient papers. Dr. Seth
Perkins was also practicing here in 1774. The next
is Dr. Benjamin Ely. He commenced j)ractice before
Perkins died and continued until about 1820. Dr. Ely
was a sur\^eyor and surveyed much of the land through
tliis i)art of the county. Ho was Town Clerk from 1784
to 1791, Supervisor from 1800 to 1812; also Commis-
sioner of Highways, and for several years Justice of
the Peace. Dr. Ely was the most prominent man in

Doctors. 281

the town in his time. Dr. Cornelius Roosa practiced
here previous to 1814, when he died. Dr. David Lynch
died here in 1822. I cannot find how long they were
here — perhaps but for a few years, as I very seldon\
find their names. Dr. Fowler practiced sometime
after this. Dr. Marcus Dougherty and Dr. Nathan-
iel Deyo practiced here between 1830 and 1840. Dr.
James S. Knapp, a native of Orange county, was born
May 17, 1824. He pursued the study of medicine
under Dr. Houghton of St. Andrews, afterward grad-
uating and receiving his diploma from the medical
college of Castleton, Vermont, one of the oldest insti-
tutions of the kind in this country. He commenced
the practice of the profession in 1846, in the village of
Milton, and some six years thereafter removed to the
village of Marlborough, where he soon attained a high
position as a physician. He died September 23, 1879,
after a continuous practice in this town of more than
thirty-three years. He was dignified in deportment
and of a hospitable and sociable disposition. He had
many friends, and he will long be remembered by the
people of the community in which he lived. Dr. Fen-
ton practiced several years before Dr. Knapp. Dr.
William Gedney commenced practice here in 1817 and
continued until his death in 1849 ; he was Supervisor
in 1825. He was of a genial and happy disposition,
very friendly with all and very fond of visiting among
his neighbors. When called to visit a patient, he
would drive up in front of the house, throw down his
reins and the horse would pasture up and down the
road at his leisure; he generally remained with the
patient or at the house visiting until he was called to
go somewhere else. If night overtook him, his horse
would be put in the barn and he would put up for the
night. He never appeared to trouble himself much
about his pay; seldom sent in a bill; he lived economi-
cally and his wants were few. When he died all his

282 History of Marlborough.

patients and neighbors felt as if they had lost a good
friend. It was said of him, that he joined the Free
Masons, but he appeared to consider it more of a joke
than anything, and he had so much to say about them,
and laughed so much over them, that finally one morn-
ing he found a note under his door, and its contents
must have been quite startling, for he was never heard
to say another word about the Free Masons. He was
succeeded in practice by his son. Dr. William H. Ged-
ney, and it is hardly necessary for me to say anything
about him, as his memory is fresh with all the people
of this and adjoining towns. He represented the town
in the board of supervisors many years, took an active
part in church work, and was considered a practi-
tioner of much ability. He died in 1896, leaving no
family.

Many of the older people will remember Dr. William
B. Pierson; genial, whole-souled and clever man, his
presence did his patients more good than his medi-
cine. He made friends readily; the people all ap-
peared to like him. He was a Democrat in politics,
and was Super\nsor from 1859 to 1862. Soon after he
came here he opened a drug store at Mijton. There
was quite a contest always between him and Dr. Ged-
ney in practice and in politics. He removed to Groshen
in 1862 or 1863 and went from there to Brooklyn,
where I think he is still living at an advanced age.

Dr. Theodore Quick came to Milton about the same
time that Dr. Pierson did. Milton was well blessed
with doctors then, as it had three in full practice, and
they traveled for miles in every direction, and all ap-
peared to do good and enjoy prosperous business.
Dr. Quick was of a very social disposition and had
many friends. He afterward removed to New York
city, where he died a few years since.

After these Dr. Solomon Hasbrouck practiced here
several years and to the time of his death. C. V.

The Once Famous Antwerp Raspberry. 283

Hasbrouck followed, but after a few years he removed
to Rosendale, where he now lives.

Dr. Edward W. Carhart came after Hasbrouck. He
was postmaster here for a while, also one of the
coroners of the county, and took quite an a<;tive part
in politics. He removed to Brooklyn, where he has
a large and lucrative practice. He not only was a phy-
sician to his patients, but he also nursed them, and
people all over this town speak of his kindness to them
in sickness, and there were many regrets expressed
when he went away.

Drs. A. H. Palmer and David Mosher at Marlbor-
ough and Dr. J. Freston at Milton are practicing at
present. They are all physicians of many years ^ ex-
perience, eminent in their profession, with a large
and increasing practice.

The Once Famous Antwerp Raspberry.

The older people will well remember this b^rry, its
productiveness and the large price the fruit com-
manded. It started or was the commencement of
fruit raising in the town, and its introduction was
most peculiar. The first Antwerp plants were obtained
in a singular way. A friend of Edward Young, who
kept a shop in Pouglikeepsie about 1834, one day ob-
served a package on his counter, which he was satis-
fied had been left by a stranger who had visited the
shop a short time previously. He laid the package
aside for several days when, it not being called for,
he opened it, found some young raspberry plants and
set them out. They yielded such splendid fruit that
he sent for his friend Edward Young, and invited him
to take some and raise them. This was in the fall of
1835. The plants were taken home by Young and
propagated, much attention being devoted to their

284 History of Marlborough.

culture. He raised them first near Lattintown. They
proved very prolific, and far ahead in quality of any
other variety. He was laughed at for trying to sell
them in New York city, but time afterward showed
his foresight and wisdom. Mr. Young was bom in
1775 and died in 1854.

Others claimed to have propagated this berry be-
fore Edward Young, but this is not proven, and to
him belongs the credit of being the first to market
this remarkable berry, and pave the way for the ship-
ment of fruit of all kinds to New York city.

In the spring of 1837 plants of this berry were
brought here from New Rochelle, Westchester county,
by Thomas H. Burling, and planted in the garden of
his son-in-law, Nathaniel Hallock, and grown for
family use for several years. But to the Youngs the
growers were largely indebted for demonstrating the
profit to be derived from the sale of this berry and
other small fruits. The plants at first were strong
and hardy, and grew in great abundance, producing
large crops of the richest fruit. It required to be
covered in the winter, and well fertilized and culti-
vated; though most everyone cultivated small patches,
there were a few who had large acreage. It was the
best and most prosperous berry ever raised here.

CHAPTER XL

Ancient Customs and Habits.

A hundred years ago or more there were at least a
dozen blacksmith shops in the town — more than
double what is there now. They were not only at the
villages, but also at the principal crossroads. The
blacksmith was also a wagonmaker or had an assist-
ant to do that work. They made all the wagons for
the people and ironed them at the same shop. All
kinds of iron work was done by the blacksmith then;
he not only did what work is done now, but he made
horseshoes, the nails to put them on, and other kinds
of nails, the crowbars and hammers, and all such ; also
edge tools, as knives and carpenter's tools. All old
files and choice bits of steel were saved up for that
poirpose. Old horseshoes and nails were saved up
and sent to the gun shop. Their class of work re-
quired great skill and they could do many things that
are not generally taught in the trade now. All the
old pieces of iron and steel saved up by the farmers
were taken to the shop and made over into new articles
for use. The blacksmith made everything in the line
of hardware that entered into the construction of a
house ; he made the hinges and lock and fastenings for
doors, etc. In fact, almost every conceivable piece of
iron work required about the farm was made by the
blacksmith. He was a great man in his way, and a
skilled mechanic. The shop in those days was quite
a resort for the neighbors, and quite a place to dis-
cuss politics and news of the day.

The people raised flax and from it spun and made
their own clothes in the families. This was mostly
done by the women folks; they all wore linen dresses
which they made themselves, and the men's clothing

286 History of Marlborough.

was also made from the flax. It was considered a
luxury for the girls to have one calico dress, which
then cost more than silk does now; At tliat time silk
was almost unknown. For the woolen clothes, the
sheep were raised on the farms; their wool taken to
the mill and generally made into cloth on shares, the
cloth taken home and there made into clothes for
all the family. There were women who made a
specialty of this class of work, who would go from
house to house and remain weeks at a time, and make
up clothes for the men as well as the women of the
family. People did not buy $100 suits then.

When cattle were killed the hides were taken to the
tanner and tanned on shares, or he would make it up
into boots or shoes on shares. Some shoemakers
would bring their tools to the house and make the
leather goods up in the family.

The butter and cheese which the farmers made, and
the grain, etc., which they raised were traded with
the stoi-ekeeper for his goods, and he in turn sliipped
the same by sloop to New York city. In fact almost
everything was raisied, ])roduced and made at home.
Very little money went abroad, and very few things
were purchased out of the place. If a person wanted
to go to New York city to trade, he went down on a
sloop which made but one trip a week, mostly but one
trip in two weeks.

The people lived mostly within themselves; they
raised lots of things and had abundance, and lived
well on what they raised; and things wliich they could
not raise, they generally went without. Very little was
brought from across the seas to tempt their appetite.
Ap])le orchards were plenty; all laid in lots of apples
and cider, and often something stronger, and the
'' stronger " was also made up from apples on shares.
The neighbors visited together evenings and enjoyed
the api)les and the rest, smoked their pipes and were

Ancient Customs and Habits. 287

very sociable. The farmers bad plenty of such as they
raised, and everyone was welcome to a meal or lodg-
ing. No one thought of charging for such matters,
with cider, etc. thrown in.

The houses had big fireplaces from which the rooms
were warmed, and over which the food was cooked.
A big black log was always in place. The houses be-
came cold in the long winter nights and the people
hungry; and it was the custom for the family to get
up in the middle of the night, throw more wood on the
fire, and sit around it and have a luncli, and then
after a while go back to bed.

The churches had no fire in them in the winter; the
people carried small foot stoves, which were iron pans
or boxes filled w^ith hot coals, with them to church.
The meetings lasted all day; lunch was taken along
to eat at noon, and during the intermission the people
visited together and had a good time.

The school teachers boarded around among the
people of the district who sent children to school.
They boarded for a length of time in proportion to
the number of children which the respective families
sent to school. In some families the teacher would
stay but a few days, in others much longer. In some
houses it was quite an event to have the teacher come
and he or she was treated much as a guest; but, in
others, the teacher suffered privations, owing mostly
to the poverty of the families. Certainly the teacher
had great opportunities to study human nature and
see how the people lived. They came in close contact
with all classes of people under all conditions. A
great number of the teachers were from Massachu-
setts, and they were a bright and enterprising class,
and generally married the young farmers here; they
settled down and became good wives and mothers.
The principal help in the families were slave girls, who
were sold, as a rule, at between $50 and $100. Fami-

288 History of Marlborough.

lies who did not own slaves often hired them of the
owners. They afforded good and cheap help and sel-
dom ran away. It was a custom when the father of a
family died, for the appraisers to set off the slave
girl to the widow as a part of her dower. I find in
ancient inventories that the slaves appraised at so
much a head, scheduled the same as the horses and
cattle. Ancient deeds often conveyed with the land
some of the slaves.

People traveled about on horseback — pleasure
wagons being scarce. Many young ladies had a horse
of their own and went about much on horseback. My
grandmother used to tell how when a girl she thought
nothing of saddling her horse of a Sunday morning
and riding either to Newburgh or Esopus to church.
People carried their grain on horseback to the mill to
be ground, and then carried home their purchases.

Communication by mail was slow and uncertain.
Years before regular mails were established, and be-
fore stages ran, the mail was carried up one side of
the river and down the other from New York to
Albany. It took several days to make the trip, so that
letters and papers were only received two or three
times a month. The mail matter was left at the vil-
lages and crossroads and houses along the route, and
when the neighbors heard that the mail carrier had
been around, they called at certain stated places and
got their mail. After the stage coaches began travel-
ing liere, they carried tlie regular mail, but left it
only at the established post-office, the nearest on this
side of the river being at Newburgh and Kingston. I
find in some of the old papers letters for residents of
this town being advertised at these offices. All this
was attended with much delay and inconvenience, but
our ancestors were used to it and thought notliing of
it. After 1822 Milton, and after 1824 Marlborough,
had regular mail service.

Ancient Customs and Habits. 289

The butchers in those times had no ice, in fact no
one had ice. The butcher who killed beef in summer
would drive around until all was sold. The people
would put the meat in .tight vessels and place it in
the spring or the well until they could use it. There was
no hard coal used then. Certain kinds of wood .were
burned in charcoal pits, and thus soft coal was made
for the blacksmiths and also to be used in the foot
stoves and for other purposes. There are many places
to be seen in the town now where the charcoal was
burned, and fragments of the coal are plenty as the
elements have no effect on charcoal.

It was not thought improper to have lotteries for
church purposes, and records of such are still to be
found.

There were numerous church trials for drunken-
ness. Many young women were cited and tried for
attending balls and dancing, which was considered a
serious offense. I cannot find that young men were
so tried. In ancient times it was a custom, and ex-
pected and required, that women should be and do
better than the men; a higher standard was fixed for
them; any dereliction of duty or conduct would not
be countenanced. I cannot find that any woman was
ever brought before the church for drunkenness, and
I find that they were seldom or never brought before
the courts of law for any cause. The church kept good
watch and ward over their people. It appears from
what can be found in old records, papers, etc., and
from tradition and other sources, that the mothers
of the town were a good, religious, industrious, frugal
and worthy people. It can be safely said that no
truer or better class of women ever lived, and the
people have reason to be proud that they are de-
scended from so worthy women kind.

Frolics and husking bees were frequent. After the
com became ready for husking, it was taken into the
10

290 History of Marlborough.

barn or other building, the people, especially the
young men and women, turned out to husk it in the
evenings, the buildings being lighted with lanterns,
it was quite a social event, and when a young man
found a red ear of corn he was entitled to kiss the
girl who was husking with him. This sort of pastime
was enjoyed then as much as the present social times
are enjoyed now. The farmers assembled and helped
each other, and at the conclusion of the task they had
a great country dinner of lamb potpie or chicken
fricasse with lots of dumplings and vegetables; the
women vied with each other to provide the best enter-
tainment.

The barn and house raisings always brought out
a crowd; the timbers, oak and chestnut logs were
hewn, and required much labor to get them in place.
It was thought necessary to use enormous beams, and
timber was put in buildings that would have sup-
ported a dozen times the weight required of them.

The women raised the poultry, attended to all the
dairy work, prepared the flax and cloth, made their
own dresses and assisted in much of the light work
on the farm. Many of the women had horses of their
own, went to church, made calls, etc. They rode on
their horse with side saddles — to have ridden with
divided skirts, or as men do, would not then have been
countenanced. They were a strong, healthy people and
very self-reliant. They could take care of themselves
quite as well as the men could. They had not the
advantages of the seminaries and polite education,
but their mothers had brought them up well, and they
had good common sense, and in their turn made good
wives and mothers.

It was the custom with many families to bury their

dead upon their farms. The Quimby and Quick

• families and others had a burial place on a knoll in the

corner field at the northeast corner of the crossroads

Ancient Customs and Habits. 291

near the Michael Kaley place. This was used for
years by the different owners of the place. The
Qnimby family buried on the east side of its farm in
old times, on the lands now owned by Alice Fowler, at
where the wild cherry trees stand; some of the old
stones still remain. The William Bond family, and its
slaves were buried on the patent at the southeast cor-
ner, where the road from Robert Hallock's mill meets
the Milton dock road above Bell's factory. The Isaac
Hill family were buried on the land back of the Had-
ley place above Milton dock; and at various other
places about the town, families were often buried in
olden times on their farms.

A short distance over the Marlborough line in the
town of Lloyd, is a family graveyard on what was
the old Potter farm. Here in a neglected spot, sur-
rounded by a tumbled stone wall, is bijried the old
Revolutionary patriot, Lieutenant Nathaniel Potter,
who took an active part in the cause, and was one of
the Committee of Safety of the precinct of New Marl-
borough. There are twenty graves or more in this
small enclosure, mostly of the Potter family. The
stones are in good state of preservation.

The fences were very poor and people were care-
less with their cattle, and they either broke out of the
enclosures or were allowed to run in the highways,
and so it was necessary that they should bo taken
into custody to prevent trespassing and to hold th^m
for the owner, so pounds were instituted. At the
town meeting in 1773, it was voted that there be two
pounds, — one at Silas Purdy's (the Gaede place),
and one at Robert Everett's (the Valley). Purdy
and Everett were chosen pounders. The persons
taking the animals to the pound received a fee and
the pounders also received a fee for holding them and
taking care of them. The owners could appear and
prove property, pay the fees and take his cattle or

292 History of Marlborough.

horses. This way of taking up strays continued until
about 1850. It was customary to choose a pounder
tfpon the regular town ticket.

By an old colonial law, minor offences were pun-
ished by confinement in the public stocks, or by pub-
lic whipping. In 1695, a law was passed forbidding
'* travelling, servile laboring and working, shooting,
fishing, sporting, playing, horse-racing, hunting, or
frequenting tipling houses," by any of the ''inhabi-
tants or sojourners within the province of New York,
or by any of their slaves or serv^ants, on the Lord's
day," under penalty, if a free white person, of a fine
of six shillings or confinement in the public stocks for
three hours, or if a slave or Indian, thirteen lashes
upon the naked back. Each town and precinct had its
whipping-post and stocks. The use of these stocks
and whipping-posts made speedy and cheap punish-
ment for all petty offences. Those erected in this
town were put up first at Silas Purdy's. At the town
meeting in 1773 it was voted *' that one pound be
raised for a pair of stocks to be kept at Silas Pur-
dy's, who is to become responsible to the precinct
for the same if damaged or destroyed." The punish-
ment consisted in putting the culprits in the stocks
in such a way that their feet and hands were secured,
where they had to remain a certain length of time ; or
if the whipping-post was used, a certain number of
lashes were given. While this was used principally
in punishing slaves there are many cases in which
white people were so punished. A justice of the peace
rendered sentence as to the numbr of hours a prisoner
was to be confined in the stocks, or the number of
lashes to be administered, and a constable executed
the sentence. The whipping-post was generally a
part of the stocks and erected with it. This kind of
punishment was public and attended with much
humiliation and shame, and very few allowed them-

Ancient Customs and Habits. 293

selves to be punished the second time in this way.
There were stocks at one time in Lattintown yet it
is not known that any were used in this town after the
year 1800; but the one at Newburgh, which stood at
the junction of Golden and Water streets, was there
up to about 1810.

The justices of the peace, or some of them, had very
crude- ideas of law and the administration of justice.
There has been many traditions handed down of how
they managed their courts and enforced their sen-
tences. A dangerous man charged with a serious
offence was brought before a justice, the evidence was
quite clear against him, and the court promptly ren-
dered a decision, sentencing the offender to a long
term in a state prison. When it was suggested to the'
Court that it had no right to so sentence him, the
justice replied, * * Eight or no right, the man is a bad
man, and he will have to go to state's prison some-
time and the sooner he gets there the better; I will
send him any way." Two constables were deputized
to take him to the prison, but they soon return bring-
ing the man with them.

It was said of another justice that when he tried a
civil suit he had hard work to weigh his evidence,
and in such cases he repaired to his barn and tossed
a penny, head for the plaintiff and tail for the
lefendant.

The practice of medicine was very crude and un-
certain; the doctors had peculiar ideas, and their
treatment of patients for the same diseases was the
opposite of the practice at present. In almost every
conceivable case and without any regard for the con-
dition of the patient, he was first bled. There were
no trained nurses then, nor hospitals to care for the
patients. And the sufferer received such care as the
doctor could give and the resources of the family
provided. Very little attention was paid to con-

294 History of Marlbobough.

tagious diseases; in fact only two or three were con-
sidered contagious — small-pox, cholera, etc., and no
notices were ever seen posted on the houses warning
people against contagious disease. The doctors had a
few simple remedies which they used for many com-
plaints, and always carried their medicine in a box
with them. Prescriptions and drug stores were un-
known and the patient recovered or died just as fate
favored him.

Quiltings were quite a social event among the
women, and cutting and sewing together material for
rag carpets. The mother of a family would invite
in her neighbors of an afternoon to help her, and
they would have what they called a quilting bee, and
at supper time the husbands of the women would call
and all have supper together.

When the women folks attended a dinijer party or
other social function, they took their knitting with
them, and set about in a circle for hours talking over
the events of the times, and knitting the stockings
and mittens of the family. The stockings were long
and the mittens thick and warm; there were no idle
hands then. A woman was never without some work,
and her nmnerous duties compelled her constant at-
tention. After their day's labor they spent their
evenings spinning yarn, making or mending clothes
for their families, etc., while the men sat around the
fire-place and smoked their long clay pipes, read,
played checkers — which was a favorite game — or
told stories. The women at that time did more work
than the men; it appears the reverse now.

It has been handed down to us by tradition that
the neighbors were very kind to each other in cases
of sickness and death. They would leave their own
cares and families to administer to the afflicted.
There were no hearses or closed carriages for the
funeral. An undertaker at Lattintown, and after-

Ancient Customs and Habits. 295

ward at Marlborough would make the coffin after
the death, take liis wagon and convey the corpse to
the grave; and the neighbors carried the mourners
and such friends as desired to attend the funeral.
There were no carriages to pay for and the under-
taker's bill was generally from ten to twenty dollars.
Field stones marked the place of burial or else plain
cheap slabs of redstone or marble. The income from
the farms was small, and very little money was spent
even for necessaries. Certainly there was no money
to squander and a little money provided everything
necessary, as most things were cheap.

To be sure there were no overshoes; the men had
nothing to wear in the snow but coarse cowhide boots,
and the women leather shoes. The children plodded
their way through rain and snow to school and sat
with wet feet the remainder of the day. If wet feet
and exposure had produced consumption and kindred
diseases, all the people would have died, but they
were born to it, and lived through it, and left a
pretty rugged posterity.

There were no cigarettes; no little boys were seen
about the town with this emblem of disease and
premature death in their mouths. Cigars were al-
most unknown, at least few had money for so great
a luxury, and all who wished to smoke had to resort
to the white clay pipe. Most of the old people of both
sexes smoked the pipe, and it appeared a source of
much consolation to the extremely old and infirm,
when they had few comforts, to sit around the fire-
place and smoke their pipes. Certainly the pipe was
a safe thing compared to the cigars and cigarettes.

The principal intoxicating liquors were apple
whiskey and New England rum. There was a dis-
tillery here and several in what is now Plattekill.
Rum sold for three cents a glass, or thirty cents a
gallon. There was no duty on it, and a license cost

296 History of Marlborough.

but five dollars. It was perfectly pure — just as it
came from the still. There was nothing cheap
enough to adulterate it with except water, and though
it had lots of alcohol in it and would make a person
drunk, yet it poisoned no one. There were no drugs
in it — just the pure liquor as it was distilled. There
was much intoxication as most every one used it, and
vigorous steps were taken in olden times to suppress
it. At one time temperance societies were formed in
each school district. Fanners thought they could not
get in the hay and harvest without it. All the work
was done by hand, and the men worked the long sum-
mer days from sun to sim — no ten-hour work then —
but they all used lots of whiskey and rum and did
big work. Ordinary wages, by the day, was about
fifty cents ; in hay and harvest, one dollar and board.
After the harvest the day men threshed out the grain
by the tenth, and laid wall at thirty cents a rod the
rest of the season. If a man was industrious and
wanted a job for the winter, he would engage to build
a long strip of wall. Before the ground froze up he
would stake it out, throw out the stone, make the
foundation, and lay the wall during the winter. It
was not uncommon to see men all over the town
doing this in winter. Stone walls for farmers was all
the go. They had to build fences, not only to protect
the crops but also to get rid of the stone. These
men made a business of wall-laying from their child-
hood and were quite rapid at it, and made good wages
for those times. There are many fences now standing
in the town that were Iniilt a hundred years ago;
but it is a lost art now and so expensive that the old-
fashioned stone wall is a thing of the past.

Social gatherings were usually confined to neigh-
borly afternoon visits. Fiarge evening parties were
not common, and when they were held the time was
not generally spent in dancing by the 5'oung, but in

Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 297

games of different kinds in which there was much
kissing. Dancing was reserved for the ballroom with
music on the violin; and any tavern of any pretence
had a room known as the ballroom. These public balls
were opposed by the churches and resulted in many
church trials.

Apple-cuts were common in the fall, to supply
material for apple sauce and pies for winter. These
were mostly for the benefit of the young people who
had an opportunity for a good time when the work
was done. The social manners and customs of those
days were simple and not hardened with the formali-
ties of present times and young ladies in their calico
dresses were thought very pretty and nice by the
young men.

Quiet and decorum was required on the streets on
Sunday, or else the offender soon found himself in
the stocks.

Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc.

It may be interesting to note severe and unusual
weather and extraordinary storms. Memoranda have
been left by different persons who kept records of
such events. By an old diary it appears there were
great swarms of locusts in the years 1724, 1741, 1758,
and 1775. In the month of June, 1774, there was a
tempestuous rain attended with great wind and very
severe thunder and lightning, together with hailstones
as large as pullets' eggs, so that the fields were in a
short time overflowed with water, and grain, apples,
and young fruit trees were destroyed. In June, 1751,
there was a storm of similar character.

In the winter of 1737, there was a great fall of
rain, which froze on the trees, and so loaded them
with ice that thousands of them broke in pieces. On

298 History of Marlborough.

the 17th and 18th of May, 1758, there was a very
great flood of water, and on the 24th day of the same
month there was a storm which is thus described:

" Then we had a tempestuous and violent shower with rain,
wind and hailstones very large. Wind N. N. E. which de-
stroyed all the rye, apples and gardens, and almost alF the
fruit trees are damaged. * * * The very apple trees which
are young the bark was beaten loose by the weight and violence
of the hailstones that fell. Some fowls of the air were struck
dead by the hailstones that fell upon them/'

In the year 1770 there were vast quantities of worms
during the month of July, and in 1773 large numbers
of caterpillars doing great damage, the caterpillars
making special havoc in apple and oak trees. In
October, 1779, there was an unusually great flood, and ^
on the 9th of May, 1781, there was another. Streams
and water courses overflowed their banks and did
great damage. It appears from several sources that
the summer of 1760 was very remarkable on account
of the great rainfall and freshet. The appearance
of the grain before harvest gave promise of very
abundant crop, but during harvest they were visited
with so much and frequent rains that the greater part
of the wheat was entirely spoiled. The freshet is thus
described in a letter dated August 11th, 1760:

But of all the showers of rain that I ever saw, I have seen
none to equal that of Saturday, the 2()th ult, when here fell
so much that the water came streaming down the street, or
rather rolling wave after wave like a small river. My thoughts
were very much fixed on the great foundation of the whole
globe, when the fountains of the great were broken up, and the
windows of heaven oj)ened, pouring the water down in such
quantities as aged people have not before known. * * ♦
This year I think is a very remarkable year, worthy of notice,
and ought to cause us to reflect on the conduct of our life.
It is a ver>' signal visit from the Almighty God, these great
rains which have thrown down strong buildings, and the con-
tinuance thereof day after day might cause any considerate per-
son to fear that nothing would be left of the harvest the ensu-

Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 299

ing year; but blessed be God who has yet in mercy left us
plenty. May the judgments and mercies of God excite us
to an earnest seeking, and deep humiliation, before the throne
of grace, imploring that God may be pleased to avert heavier
strokes to fall upon our guilty heads which we justly deserve.

The winter of 1817 and 1818 was most remarkable,
and recognized as colder than any recorded in many
years. An unusual amount of snow fell. On the 11th
of February, the thermometer registered 32 degrees
below zero. The cold extended as far south as New
Orleans, and sleighs were used there in January. The
Potomac opposite Alexandria was frozen over in Feb-
ruary. The mail was carried from New York to New
Jersey on the ice. The river here in some places was
frozen twenty inches thick. The streams became so
solid with ice that many fish perished; and it was hard
to obtain water for cattle. About the first of March
the weather became very mild, and heavy rains com-
menced on the third which raised the streams so rap-
idly with the melting snow that almost every bridge
in the town was swept away, and the streams being
choked by ice flooded the fields.

Following are some extracts from an old memor-
anda concerning the weather, which I trust will prove
of interest to my readers :

1819. — This month (January) pleasant without snow, the
weather continuing warm with some small rains till the 13th
of February when the weather changed cold with heavy snow
from the northeast.

June 2{). — This day we experienced one of the most severe
hail storms my eyes ever beheld, the wind from the north
blo\\ing hard with heavy thunder and heavy rain mixed with
the large hailstones, the size of a large nutmeg and some
measuring four inches in circumference, the ground almost
covered with the windows clashing in pieces in every direction,
a scence interesting and awful beyond description. Eighty
panes of glass were stove in on the north side of the Methodist
church that being most exposed.

300 History of Marlborough.

November 12, 1820. — This day the snow fell twelve inches
deep on .the level.

1822. — May the first day. Apples trees in blossom.

November 25th. Weather remarkably warm and pleasant,
and has been for the past two weeks.

January 1, 1823. — Sleighing from the Ist to the 19th good,
and pleasant weather, then comes wann with rain destroying
the sleighing. The month ends pleasant, weather moderately
cold.

March 1. — Weather clear and cold, good sleighing, snow two
feet deep on the level.

March 30th. — Snow from the northeast, violent.

March 3l8t. — Still snowing and blows with increased vio-
lence.

May 8th. — Apples have begun to bloom.

May 3 Ist. — Hard frost, considerable ice.

Jime 8th. — Bain, the season most beautiful. Grass and
grain remarkably fine.

October 24th. — Hail, rain, and snow from the northeast.

October 25th. — Ground covered with snow.

February 5th, 1824. — Clear and very cold. Thermometer
20 degrees below at 12 o'clock.

March 3rd. — Clear, pleasant weather. Wind northeast.
Ground free from snow. Capt. Lockwood sailed for New
York. Some ice in the river.

March 4th. — ^The \^'ind heavy in the forenoon from the north-
east, in the afternoon warm and pleasant.

March 5th. — This is one of the handsomest days for the
season.

March 6th. — Warm and pleasant, wind south. This day
sowed sallad seed.

March 7th. — In the morning warm, misty weather. The
appearances of winter have all disappeared. Rain through
the night.

8th. — In the morning clear, wind northwest, heavy.

9th. — Weather pleasant, wind northeast.

10th.— " '' cc cc

nth. — Weather cloudy in the morning, in the afternoon
clear and pleasant.

12th. — Cloudy in the afternoon. A trifle of snow through
the night. Some rain. Raw, cold weather, wind northeast.
Afternoon pleasant.

13th. — With wind northwest. 14th cloudy in morning, wind
south.

Ancient Manuscripts of the Weather, Etc. 301

15th. — Clear and pleasant. 16th. Snowed hard in the morn-
ing, wind northeast. Continues all night.

17th. — Snow about five inches deep. Weather warm. Wind
northeast moderate. Cloudy all day.

18th. — Cloudy through the day. Weather moderate. 19th.
Foggy till ten o'clock A.M. Clears off warm and pleasant, at
evening clouds up. Snow through the night, 2 inches. Wind
south.

20th. — In the morning cloudy, wind southwest. In the
afternoon clear. Wind shifted to northwest, blows heavy.

2l8t. — Clear wind northeast, light and chilly.

The month of April, weather variable.

May Ist. — Peach trees in full bloom. Weather handsome.

3rd. — Appletrees begin to blossom. 9th. This day every-
thing appears to the best. Fruit trees in full bloom. The
season forward.

Jan. Ist, 1825. Warm and pleasant. For several days, no
sleighing. 12, 13, 14, and 15th warm, rain. Weather unusu-
ally warm through the winter, the most so that I ever saw.

April 30th. — Appletrees in bloom.

1826.— The winter unusually warm except three or four
days. May commences with dry weather, and continues with-
out rain until the 3rd of June, then a heavy shower and
plenty of locust, it being seventeen years since their last appear-
ance.

1827. — The winter handsome with good sleighing all the
winter.

1830. April 15. — Peach trees begin to bloom. 25th. Apple
trees begin to blossom. Spring very forward.

Jan. 1, 1831. — Grand eclipse at 12 o'clock noon of the sun.
11 1-2 digits.

1832, May 9. — Peach and plum trees in bloom. Apple trees
just begin to blossom.

July the 23. — Began my harvest, the latest I have ever
known.

April 15, 1834. — Peach trees begin to bloom. 25th, Apple
trees in bloom. IMky the 15. — Ice half inch thick in the morn-
ing. Extreme cold. Snow visible on the mountains at 12
o'clock.

July 7, 8, 9th, the three hotest days. Thermometer 104
degrees at 2 o'clock P. M. in the shade.

1835. — ^January the coldest weather in 40 years.

April. Cold month. Very backward.

302 History of Marlborough.

May 16. — Apple trees just beginning to bloom. Cold in the
extreme.

The whole of the summer dry in the extreme, and all the
fall until the 23d of November, then snow 3 inches. Con-
tinued till the 3rd of December very cold. Sharp windless
weather.

Dec.lOth. — Snow 10 inches deep. Good sleighing.

16th. — Weather excessively cold. Rode to Xewburgh and
back, paid dear for the ride. 17th. River closed. 18. Con-
tinues cold.

November the 22, 1836. — Snow sufficient for sleighing. Con-
tinues to increase till it was 3 feet deep all over the country.
Good sleighing for four months.

27 March. — Sleigh and horse travelled from Kingston to
Hampton on the ice.

April 3. — The river still closed like mid-winter weather.
Mild and pleasant. The average depth of snow two feet.

April 4. — The navigation opened to David Sands' dock.
All fast above. Steamboat from New York as far as our
landing.

May 10. — Apple trees in bloom. Just beginning.

May 13th. — At night heavy frost. 32 degrees.

1837. May 2. — Cold. Ice half an inch thick. Thermom-
eter 26 degrees.

May 29th. — Heavy frost in the morning.

The Ancient Burial Places.

One of the oldest graveyards was at Lattintown, on
the lands now owned by T. B. Odell, about where his
large barns now stand. All traces of the yard had
been removed before Odell became the owner, except
the grave of Joseph Carpenter, who died in 1766.
The graveyard was first used as such about 1750, and
was used as a burial ground from that time up to
1808, when the Baptist graveyard was opened, but
some interments were made there after this. There
were perhaps at one time a hundred graves or more
of the oldest inhabitants of Lattintown. Most of the
stones at the graves were rude field stones, the yard

TiiK Oli) CiiE-sTNi'T Tree at Lyon's Corners.

The Ancient Bumal Places. 303

was neglected and suffered to go to decay, the stones
were removed, and the land used for other purposes.
It was used at first as a family burial yard for the
Carpenter, Caverly and Latting families, but after-
ward all the people about there used it ; as it was on
private ground there was no means of protecting it.

On a beautiful small tract of tableland overlook-
ing the majestic Hudson and lying in the bend of
the Smith pond and brook, the waters of which comes
foaming to the river over a very steep ledge of rocks,
descending about 150 feet in less than 100 yards
toward the Hudson, and commanding a view of the
river and surrounding country and hills for several
miles, is the old Smith burial ground. No more beauti-
ful spot can be found in a day's travel along the river.
All overgrown with brush and weeds, and the stones
lying about the ground or falling down, — in this ne-
glected spot is laid some of the best people the town
ever had or produced.

It has been claimed that the Smiths first had this
yard, but there is a tradition that the Indians buried
their dead here for years before and after the dis-
covery of the country, and a space appears to be left
as if it were formerly used, and I find on two field
stones the following:

(L Cr + Ad M + OAd)
which I think must be Indian graves.

Leonard Smith did not come here until 1762, and
he purchased the north part of the Barbaric Patent
which part contained 1,000 acres; it formerly be-
longed to Hugh Wentworth. I find the following
graves prior to that time:

I R David Talcot

1756 Died May 24th 1762

showing it was used for a graveyard before the
Smiths had it. There are at least 100 graves with

304 History of Marlbobough.

field stones unmarked. There are many of the old
red imported tombstones which were first nsed for
such purpose. The following inscriptions are on some
of the oldest stones:

Leonard Smith Anning Smith Nathan Smith

Died ye 6th 1787 Died Oct. 30th 1802 Died Sept. 30th 1798
Age 69 years 6 mo Age 59 yrs. 10 mo. Aged 33 yrs. 9 mo.

Ruth, wife of Leonard Smith
March 19th 1799
Age 81 yrs.

Eleanor Smith Lewis Smith

Sept. 1835 May 1815

89 yrs. 2 mo. 35 yrs. 2 mo.

Clark Smith
June 3l8t 1802
35 yrs. 9 rao.

Jaraima, wife of Clark Smith
July 7th 1802
35 vrs. 6 mo.

Xelle Smith, daughter of Deborah Smith

John M. Smith July 25th 1838

March 11th 1790 86 vrs. 20 da.

Luff Smitli
Aug. 24th 1801
5G vrs. 1 mo.

David Stratton Temperance Parkins James Norton
Feb. 17th 1803 June 12th, 1789. July 7th 1809

34 vrs. 74 vrs. 42 vrs.

The Ancient Bubial Places.

305

T. K.

1789

Oct
39

Mary, wife of Uriah Coffin
. 1795

yrs.

Hannah Davis
Dec. 7th 1797
104 }T8. 11 mo.

Valentine Lewis
May 20th 1832
60 yrs.

Ruth Woolsey, wife of
Valentine Lewis
July 1855
76 yrs.

Amirhuhama Bradbury
A Bevolutionary Soldier
Born March 11th 1762
Died May 5th 1830

Sarah Quick
Wife of Luke C. Quick
April 1814
Age 72 yrs.

M R
1776

PR
1776

This yard has been used more or less until within
a few years. In 1812 the land on which the Methodist
Episcopal church stands was conveyed by David
Sands to the trustees of the church, and a few years
thereafter interments were made in this yard, and
afterward the yard was increased or adjoining land
was purchased and sold to plot owners, and it has
been the principal place of burial in this village ever
since.

The Marlborough Presbyterian churchyard is al-
most as old as the first two spoken of ; the first inter-
ment there was in March, 1764,— a child of James
Merritt; and the following are some of the oldest
graves I find there:

Richard Woolsey, hom 1697, died 1777, aged 80 years.
Sarah Fowler, wife of Richard Woolsey, died 1770.
Dr. Abijah Perkins, died Nov. 23, 1776, aged 60 years.
John Stratton, died Dec. 1798, 73 years.

306 History of Marlborough.

Stephen Case, died 1794, aged 56 years.

Nathaniel DuBois, died Apr. 1788, aged 30 years.

Maj. Lewis DuBois, born Sept. 14, 1728, died Dec. 29, 1802.
74 yrs.

Daniel Lockwood, died 1801, 38 years.

Jonathan Brown, died 1801, 74 years.

Reuben Tooker, died Sept. 1807, 63 years.

John Woolsey, died Dec. 12, 1815, aged 82 years.

Henry Woolsey, died Feb. 1839, aged 78 years. (For more
than half a century prominently identified with the Methodist
church.)

John Polhamus, died Oct. 1801, aged 71 years.

Edward Conklin, died Apr. 1818, aged 82 years.

Michael Wygant, died Sept. 1807, aged 84 years.

Mathew Wygant, died Sept. 1831, aged 85 years.

William Soper, died Feb. 1837, aged 68 years. "Bom in
Exeter, England, and at an early age became a naturalized
citizen, and held several offices of Honor and responsibility
in this country.''

Charles Millard, died April 1827, aged 64 years. " He sus-
tained the character of Good Man, and for more than twenty
years faithfully dicharged the official duties of leading Elder
aud Deacon in the Presbyterian church." "The righteous shall
be in everlasting remembrance."

Sacred to the memory of Selah Tuthill, An elect Member
of Congress, who died Sept. 7, 1821, Ac. 49 years, 10 months,
and 12 dVs. " Cut down in the midst of life and usefulness.'*

"In Memory of Wolvert Ecker, who died Jan. 17, 1799;
aged 67 years. "A man of sorrow and acquainted with grief." —
Isa. 53d^ 3d.

"No more shall we thy much lov'd face review;
Adieu forever, best of friends, adieu."

Selah TuthilK died Oct. 1833. aged 27 years. (He was the
editor of the Milton Pioneer.)

Andrew Cropsey, Nov. 1824, aged 69 years.

John Cropsoy, Nov. 1832, aged 50 years.

John Duttield, died July 1822, aged 78 years.

Timothy Wood, died Xov. 1853, aged 89 years. His wives:
Mary, died 1816, aged 46 years; Cyntha, 1818, 56 years;
Eleanor, 1840, 68 years.

Jonathan Cosnian, died Aug. 1823, aged 62 years.

The Ancient Burial Places. 307

•

Rev. James Ostrum, Sept. 17, 1871, 90 years. "He was for
62 years a faithful and useful minister of the gospel, and for
several years the beloved pastor of this village."

John S. Purdy, died Sept. 1856, 93 years.

John Fowler, died 1827, 73 years.

Gilbert Fowler, M.D., died i822, 28 years.

David Merritt, died 1817, 70 years.

There are also the graves of Joseph Ciomwell,
Benoni Clark, James Wygant, Jonathan Conklin,
Daniel Tooker, Wilhelmus DuBois, Samuel Carpen-
ter, Nathaniel Huson, John KniflSn, Reuben Bloomer,
Diavid Staples (one of the deacons of the Lattintown
Baptist church), John D. Wygant, Thomas Wygant,
Capt, Anthony Wygant, John Marr, Charles Craft,
John Taylor, David Mackey, Daniel Pierce, John
Pembroke, George Hallett, John Dexter, Austin Mer-
ritt, William Rogers, John Conklin and John Bloomer.

There have been more interments in this yard than
in any other in the town, but very few of the earlier
graves are marked. I find by an ancient record that
interments were commenced a month before the deed
was given, as in March, 1764, two children of James
Merritt and one of Thomas Silkworth were buried.
February, 1766, Elizabeth Piatt, wife of E. Piatt, the
first grown person, was buried. In 1770 and 1771
several deaths from small-pox occurred. December
1774, two children of Jacob Degroot, who were burned
to death, were buried. November 26, 1776, buried
Dr. Abijah Perkins, a friend to this society and a
good man." August, 1777, buried George Landon; No.
61 in the church yard. May, 1782, Sarah, wife of
Nathaniel Drake; No. 93; August, 1784, buried Jane
Pell, aged nearly 100. December, 1782, buried Phebe.
wife of Peter Purdy; No. 95. December 12, 1800,

308 History of Marlborough.

Annanias Valentine, Thomas Pickney, Isaac Elliott,
Jeremiah Cropsey and Leonard Merritt were drowned.
They were buried here.

Up to and including 1800 there were over 200
interments in this yard. From what can be inferred
a large number of people must have been buried there
up to the present time. Some thirty or forty years
since a considerable tract of land was purchased on
the south of the old yard, laid out in lots, and sold to
purchasers. This part of the yard is well kept and
contains many fine monuments.

In the Lattintown Baptist churchyard I find among
the oldest graves the following:

Stephen Staples, died April 1813, 56 years.

Jonathan Woolsey, Nov. 1822, 67 years.

Titus Ketcham, 1818, 78 years.

John Mackey, May 1818, 73 years.

Nathaniel Quimby, May 1823, 77 years.

N. W. Marr, 1832, 82 years.

Samuel Waters^ Nov. 1828, 87 years.

Nathaniel Benedict, June 1825, 64 years. Abigal, his wife,
March 1862, 93 years.

Joseph Rhodes, Dec. 1851, 93 years. (A soldier of the
Revolution.)

Aaron N. Staples, Feb. 1847, 41 years.

Zepheniah Northrip, Jan. 1846, GQ years.

Curtis Northrip, May 1851, 47 years.

James Fowler, Feb. 1839, 70 years.

Oliver Cosman, Sept. 1846, 53 years.

'^Deacon of the Baptist Church.^'

Richard Caverly, Apr. 1842, 64 years.

George Harper, May 1842, 63 years.

Noah Woolsey, 1832, 82 years. ^

Gilbert Kniffin, June 1826, 82 years.

William St. John, Oct. 1841, 73 years.

Henry St. John, 1820, 37 years.*^

Nehemiah L. Smith, Apr. 1819, 61 years. Lydia, his wife,
1851, 80 years.

William Lyons, Jan. 1836, 84 years.

Sylvenus Purdy, 1830, 68 years.

The Ancient Burial Places. 309

William Mitchell, Mar. 1835, 76 years.
Nathaniel Harcourt, June 1818, 70 years.
Eichard Harcourt, July 18si7, 48 years.

The Quaker or Friends' burying ground at the
Henry H. Hallock place, Milton, was bought and used
originally for the Friends to bury their dead. The
land was conveyed to the Society about 1780 by Elijah
Lewis, and in 1801 Lewis conveyed more land adjoin-
ing for the same purpose, and it is claimed it was
afterward enlarged. All the original Friends were
buried there. It was the custom among Quakers to
put field stones at the graves, and on this account the
oldest graves cannot be identified. For a great many
years all who chose to could bury their dead here, and
there are a large number of graves that have no
marks. After 1828 the Old School Quakers bought a
lot for a graveyard of Foster Hallock and erected a
church. That society has since buried their dead
there. The New School or Hicksites continued to use
the old yard. Captain Mann and the two Lieuten-
ants, Edward and John Ketcham, are buried there,
and several other soldiers; Dr. Quick, the Shermans,
the ancient Hallock family, and many of the best
people in the town in that day are interred there. It
is a lonely, sequestered spot, shaded with tall locust
trees and a large old chestnut tree is still standing
there which was left when the original forest was cut
down. It is several hundred years old. The grave-
yard is seldom seen and never visited except by the
friends of the departed. The Quaker yard above
spoken of has been the burial place of the Friends
since 1830. Foster and George Hallock are buried
there, and other Quakers and their friends have used
it since that time. It adjoins the George Hallock pond
and is a nice, quiet place.

310 History of Marlborough.

The Episcopalians at Marlborough have a yard ad-
joining their church which is well kept, and contains
the graves of the Buckleys and others. It was not
in use until some time after the church was built.

Most of the older yards are being neglected. The
friends of the departed have died, moved away or
descendants have forgotten that they had any such
ancestors. In many places in this state societies are
formed to protect and take care of such places. In
Massachusetts, the towns take charge of the ancient
burial places and pay the expenses as a town charge.
Plots or maps are made locating each grave, and the
name (when it can be learned), and all in such a man-
ner that the location will be known for a long time, —
even after the stone is gone. In riding through Mass-
achusetts a few years since, I observed how well their
yards, were fenced and the grounds cleared up. I
had no trouble in finding ancient graves of former
generations that I sought. It may be thought that a
great deal of time has been foolishly spent on th-e
graveyard matter, but I have heard from so many
about departed relatives, and have been askod so
many questions by strangers who visit here, that I
knew this account would be pleasing to many and help
them verv much in their researches.

PoLi. List in 1834.

Poll list of an election commencing the third day of
November in the year 1834 and held for three days
in the town of Marlborough in the County of Ulster.

David Mackcy Thomas Cropsey

Dennis H. Doile Jolm Carlish

Barnabass Mapes Job (-ropsev

Kichard Coligan Solomon Tetter

Kzra Waring Isaac Tarwillegar

Milos I. Fletcher James II. Lont^bottom

Poll List in 1834.

311

John Buckley

Eichard E. Fowler

James Dickenson

Leonard S. Carpenter

Charles Merritt

Benjamin F. Patten

George Mabee

Bartholomew Van Valken-

burgh
Martin L Lawson
Benjamin Petti t
Nathaniel Iluson
William Dolson
Benjamin Townsend
George Birdsall
Robert B. Jilapes
Henry Mabee
William Eogers
William :VLcIlrath
William Ellis
Sylvenis Purdy
Jeremiah Tarwiliegar
Daniel G. Russell
William Van Vanlkenl)urgh
Andrew Oddy
Rol)ert Beebee
Stephen Van Valkenburgh
James Horton
Asia Conkling
William Kelly
Peter M. Jones
Richard Rhoads
Cor* Carpenter
Henry Ix)wnsbury
Purdy Lownsbury
Stephen Staples
David Staples
Gill)ert Caverly
John W. Wygant
David ^lorgan
Henry Cropsey
Samuel I. Halsey
George Fetter
Selah Dickenson

Joseph Brook
Timothy Colegan
Joseph Plumpsted
Joshua Brook
Charles Brook
Thomas Shackleton
Edmund Melona
Alexander Cropsey
Robert Morgan
George Barnhart
Charles Tooker
David I. Merritt
Henry Plumpsted
John Wilklow
Cha» Birdsall
Carpenter Caverly
Philip Caverly
Joseph ^lore
John B. Wygant
Joseph Hepworth
I^wis Young
Triah Plumpsted
John T. Ferguson
Lewis Supreme Mungo
Xathl Wygant
Burns Wygant
Daniel Strait
John Woolsey
Elias Plowell
Ezekiel Veely
Barnard Bond
Eli T. Lock wood
Charles X. Brown
Henr}' V. Bont
Elisha Purdy
Jeremiah Thorn
Charles G. Jackson
Jacob Gidney
Andrew Ely
Ebcnezer Crosby
Barnard Wygant
Stephen H. Benjamin
Gilbert Thorn
Thomas Bingham

312

History of Marlborough.

Daniel S. Birdsall
William W. Lockwood
William Smith
Jeremiah Decker
William Holmes
Joseph Wygant
Benjn Rhoads
Samuel Lord
Peter Freer
Daniel Underwood
Michael Wygant
Cor* Wygant
Edward Dubois
Marcus Dougherty
Josiah H. Merritt
James Bloomer
Robert Spence
John Lawson
Samuel Drake, Ju^
Gabriel Merritt
Jefferson Bloomer
Daniel Bloomer
Justus T. Cumfort
Peter Purdy
Stephen Purdy
Edwin P. Howell
Stephen Rhoads, Jr
Joseph P. Howell
Lewis Rhoads
John W. Cropsey
John Decker
Henry Lownsbun*, Ju.
Michael Wygant 3
Garrett Dubois
Xathaniel Belly
John Degrote
D. W. Woolsey
Isaac L. Craft
John B. Holdin
Smith Rhoads
Robert S. Lockwood
James D. Sloan
Jonas Fowler
Remus Woolsev

Jacob Poste
James Fowler, Ju'
Benjamin Hulse
James Sherman
Jonas Denton
Israel Hait
William Soper, Ju^
David R. Ostrarder
Henr}^ McQuill
Thomas R. Jones
Joseph L. Donaldson
Aaron Bradbury
James Fowler
Abraham Tuttle
Hiram Lewis
Augustus H. Conklin
Cornelius Bradbury
John Y. Barrett
Samuel Herbert
John Bent
Rufus Rhoads
John Wood, Ju^
Jacob P. Townsend
Robert Young
Isaac Fowler
Nathaniel Strait
A. D. Soper
Jacob H. Gill is
Henry King
Anson St. John
Eliphalet Smith
John Davis
Tuthill Martin
David Sands
Isaac Quimby, Ju^
Levi ^lackey
Xelson Smith
Simon Ostrander
Jacob liawson
Henr}' Hamblin
Joel Hornbeck
Peter Relyoa
Alfred Lewis
John Sands

Poll List in 1834.

313

Charles L. Marble
Jeriah Khoads
Elias Mackey
Benjamin Anthony
Benjamin Khoads
David Selleck
John Belknap
William Halloek
Nathaniel Halloek
James Hull
John Hull
p]dward Halloek
Cornwell S. Roe
Ananias Quick
William Young
Uriah Coffin
Nathaniel Clark
Kichard I. Woolsey
Michael Smith
John Dickinson
David Gidney
Luther Pratt
John Rhoads 3
William Gidney
David S. Adams
Matthew Potter
Thomas Woolsey
Oliver H. Smith
Jacob Rowley
David Brower
Peter Quimby
Samuel Stratten
Daniel Quick
John Sheffield
David A. Hull
Archibald Rhoads
Joseph Sheffield
Philip Mackey
Reuben D. Mackey
Daniel Rowley
Ijorenzo Hait
Elijah Lewis
Nathaniel Woolsey
Jonathan Kent

Absalom Barrett
James Denton
Reuben B. Drake
Joseph K. Weede
Thomas Griggs
William Dowe
Stephen B. Mackey
William Coffin
Oliver C. Hull
Josiah L. Dowe
Samuel H. Adams
Allen Lewis
Josiah I^ckwood
Isaac Minard
James ^lalcolm
John Purdy
John T. Halloek
Albert Fowler
Robert T. Halloek
Peter Lockwood
James Adderton
William Wendover
^richael Quimby
Nathaniel Harcourt
Smith Wood
William D. Wygant
Nathaniel Dubois
William Roat
John Stephens
Stej)hen Rhoads
Isaac B. Purdy
Hiram Smith
Hezekiah H. Mapes
William L. Rhoads
Nicholas Belly
William Lynason
Charles King
Jacob Belly
John D. Crook
James Quimby
George Wygant
Thadeas F. Hait
Peter Vandermark
James Wygant

314

History of Marlborough.

Isaac Merritt
Jolin S. Roe
Cornelius Rhoads
Latting Caverly
Isaac Winn
John S. Wood
Joseph Harcourt
William Swart
Austin Merritt
Lewis Rhoads
Samuel Ayres
Benjamin Kaywood
Peter Barnhart
Nathaniel Woolsey Ju
John S. Purdy
Anthony Mackey
William L. Mackey
Philip Fowler
Frederick Hadley
Dennis D. Purdy
Thomas Smith
Samuel Drake
Peter H. Caverly
John I. Rhoads
James Hait, Ju
Adna Hait
ITonian Matine
William Lyon
I la it Benedict
Abel Smith
Elias ^I. Mackey
Stephen H. Smith
Chester Kniffin
Jonas Mackey
Purdy Hadley
George Hearst
Jesse Lyon
P:iett Howel
William Rhoads
William Wygant
John ^fahee
Daniel Lester
Jam(»s Force
Henry Cosman

Mathew T. Wygant
Hacaliah Purdy
John Harris
Jeremiah Mackey
Daniel Kniffin
Thomas Mackey
Thomas S. Mackey
Gilbert Conklin
Ab™ Young
Uriah Drake
Charles Caywood
Isaac Staples
William Lyon, Ju^
Peter T. Kniffin
Ab"* Woolsey
Francis Mackey
Daniel St. John
Zadock Rhoads
John Rhoads
Uriah D. Quimby
Isaac Quimby
Fowler Quimby
Joseph Caywood
Ben j amine Ayres
Adolphas Smith
Thomas Kniffin
Lewis Quick
Charles Wygant
Denton Smith
Jose})h Stiles
Oliver Huson
Lewis Staples
Chancy Wygant
Harvv Wygant
Wygant Merritt
Joseph Merritt
Lewis Dubois
William Hull
Levi Crosby
Eleazer Gednev
Oliver Covert
Richard Caverly
David M. Hait^
Xathaniel Utter .

Poll List in 1834. 315

John B. Porter Allexander Young

Abel A. Hull John S. Purday 2nd
John Hull ■ Daniel Tooker

Oliver Hull James Quiniby, Ju^

Jeremiah Mackey Thomas S. Warren

Joseph Berryann Kichard Scoat

Charles Decker Henry Quick

Allen Quick Zephaniah Xorthrip

Harvy Quick Hiram Campbell

Mathew T. Berryann Cornelius Quimby
David Young

This election was held the first day at Marlbor-
ough, the second day at Milton and the third day at
Lattintown. This can be readily seen by exanaining
the names. There were 383 votes cast,

"Wm. L. Marcey, for governor, received 234 votes
and Wm. H. Seward received 149. At that time
there were the Democrat and Whigs parties. Marcey
was the Democratic nominee, and Seward the Whig.
Marcey had eighty-five majority showing how strong
the Democrats were in those days. The ticket ran
about the same for all the rest of the nominees. I
think there were more men than this in the town at
that time, but there were certain qualifications which
prevented all from voting.

These elections were held all over the State in the
same way, occupying three days, the inspectors going
from one place to another and carrjdng th-e ballot
boxes with them. This must have been done for the
convenience of the voters, as it provided for three
polling places in each town, or could be made avail-
able for that purpose; and one set of inspectors did
the whole work. The worst feature about this man-
ner of voting would l>e the opportunity it afforded
to tamper with the ballots after they were deposited
in the ballot box. The first two nights of such an
election, the boxes must have. been taken in cliarge
by one of the inspectors, most likely taken to the

316 History of Marlborough.

house of one of the inspectors, unless all the inspec-
tors sat up with the boxes, and even then, if the in-
spectors were mercinary, they could have opened the
boxes and tampered with the ballots, and made most
any return of the votes which they chose. Under this
system of voting, it would not be necessary to buy up
the voters. It would be so much easier and cheaper
to buy up the inspectors; and the inspectors, un-
doubtedly, were no better or worse than the other
voters, and equally purchaseable, though they would
have wanted more money. Isn't it funny when you
think of it?

Kdwaui) IIamauk KmriiAM.

CHAPTER XIL
Maklborough in the Civil. War.

Marlborough, like all her sister towns, and the
nation at large, was startled and astounded when war
was precipitated by the attack upon Fort Sumpter by
armed rebels. President Lincoln's immediate proc-
lamation calling for 75,000 volunteers was responded
to by some from this town.

The 20th Regiment of Militia, after its three
months' service, returned home and immediate steps
were taken to organize it into a regiment of volun-
teers for three years' service in the war. It left Kings-
ton October 25, 1861, Geo. W. Pratt, Colonel, for its
journey to the seat of war, as the 80th New York
Volunteers. The next regiment from the county was
the 120th, Colonel Geo. H. Sharpe. This regiment
left Kingston for the front Sunday, August 24, 1862.
Lieutenant Edward Ketcham and his men were with
it, — many of the people flocked to Kingston to see
them off, and to extend to them, as it afterward
proved, a last ** goodbye." The approach of the
steamer, Manhattan, on its trip down the river with
the regiment was watched from the shores about the
town by a large number of the people.

The next regiment, the 156th, commanded by Eras-
tus Cook, left for the front in December, 1862. Lieu-
tenant William J. Purdy and his men were from the
town. All of these recruits were mostly from Ulster
county and were enlisted for three years or during
the war. The larger part of the enlistments from
this town were in these regiments ; the other recruits
were scattered among many organizations. No at-
tempt will be given to tell of the war or the services

[317]

318 History of Marlborough.

these regiments performed. It is all recorded in his-
tory and accesible to everyone.

Many are still living in the town who well remember
how all anxiously awaited any news from the seat of
war. They thronged arojmd the post-office when the
mails came, anxiously waiting for the daily papers,
and for the letters from dear ones ; and when the news
of a great battle arrived, the anxiety of the people
was great to hear who had fallen.

The battles of Antietam and Gettysburg produced
great sorrow in many homes. When the friends of
those who were slain were so fortunate as to obtain
the bodies of the dead for burial here, whole neigh-
borhoods turned out to pay their last tribute of love
and respect to the fallen heroes.

The impaired currency, specie driven out of circu-
lation, gold bought and sold, — the same as any other
conmaodity, paper money of all denofninations, the
fractional part of a dollar called shin plasters, flooded
the country. There were high prices for everything,
all tliis and many other things will be remembered.
Almost five years of strife, the North contending
against the South, armies marching up and down the
land, property by the millions of dollars worth de-
stroyed, lands and towns laid waste, thousands of
men shot to death on the fields of battle, thousands
more dying in the prisons of the Union and Confeder-
ate armies, commerce destroyed, credit impaired,
battles won and lost, mourning in almost every home
north and south, families divided in opinion and in
service in the war, then the surrender of the south
and great rejoicing throughout the north soon to be
followed by the assasination of our beloved President
Lincoln plunging the nation again in sadness and
sorrow; these were some of the results of the Civil
war.

But the fact was established for all time that this

Marlborough in the Civil War. 319

country was to be a Uniou of all the states ** one and
inseparable;" all thereafter to act together as one
nation for the common good, and all the states to be
subordinate to the national authority. The fallacy of
state rights was dead, never to be contended for
again. The curse of slavery was wiped out, and ours
had become a nation of soldiers in numbers and skill
sufficient to protect itself against all the w^orld.

The eloquent and patriotic record of two of our
soldiers are here given. They show spirit, devotion
and patriotism seldom equaled and we are glad to re-
cord their virtues :

EDWARD UALLOCK KETCHAM

Born in Milton, X, Y., December tiventy'Seventh, eighteen
hundred and thirty-five, entered the service of hi^ country,
at Kingston, Avgust nineteenth, eighteen hundred and
sixty-two; commissioned second lieutenant, Co. A,, One
Hundred and Twentieth Regiment, Infantry, N. Y, V.;
killed at Gettysburg, July second, eighteen hundred and
sixty-three; buried on the battle-field; remains subse-
quently exhumed, and reinterred in the Friends' Burial
Ground at Milton, N. Y,

JOHN TOWXSEND KETCHAM,

Bom in Jericho, L, L, January twelfth, eighteen hundred and
thirty-eight ; entered the service of his country, in New
York City, February sixth, eighteen hundred and sixty^
three; commissioned second lieutenant, Co. M., Fourth
Regiment, Cavalry, N. Y. V.; taken prisoner, and died in
lAbby Prison October eighth, eighteen hundred and sixty-
three; remains returned to his friends, and reinterred in the
Friends' Burial Ground, at Milton, N. Y.

Of the young men of the town of Marlborough who
answered to their country's call, there were no braver

320 History of Marlborough.

or better men than Edward H. and John T. Ketcham;
their conduct and the manner of their deaths lend a
halo to their memory. They were sons of David and
Martha T. (Hallock) Ketcham. At the commence-
ment of the war their father was dead, and they
were the only children. They lived with their mother
on their farm at Milton. From infancy opposed to
slavery and zealous for the rights of man, and know-
ing or recognizing only one nation and country, the
commencement of the rebellion found them not only
strong abolitionists but uncompromising Union men,
and although the teachings of their ancestors for many
generations had been for peace, yet they recognized
in this struggle that peace would not do; that there
were some things in this world that peace, the gospel
and religion would never accomplish, and that in the
coming struggle nothing but war, cruel and bitter war,
could accomplish freedom and preserve the unity of
the nation. At the commencement of the struggle
they were both anxious to enter the service, but their
duty to their widowed mother restrained them, yet
the feeling grew upon them ; it haunted their thoughts
by day and their dreams by night, and they deter-
mined that one at least should go into the service and
the lot fell upon Edward the elder. A few months
later, John could not restrain himself longer and he
went to the front. I]dward was killed at Gettysburg ;
he was the first man killed in the regiment. It was
on the second day of the battle and his regiment was
exposed to great danger. Officers and men to the
number of 427 were present, 204 of whom were killed
or wounded. Many other men of Ulster county gave
their young lives on that eventful day. No prouder
thing can be said of anyone than that he died while
helping to hold the line of battle for his country at
the great battle of Gettysburg. It will be told in re-
membrance of them by coming generations, and their

•FoiiN Townsknh Kktciiam.

Marlborough in the Civil War. 321

deeds will be proclaimed in song and story by a
grateful people yet unborn. I feel that this history
would be incomplete unless something was said of
them, and perhaps nothing could be better than to
reprint some of the letters they wrote their mother.

Manasses Junction, Nov. 18th, 1862.

Dear Mother: I wrote home and said that I wai sick; but I
am very happy to say that I am a great deal better; in fact,
about well. So don't feel uneasy, for nothing short of a rebel
bullet will kill me, I think. We are now all the time expecting
orders to march, to what place I do not pretend to know; but
the knowing ones say, to Fredericksburg, which, from every
indication and the situation of our forces, I think not unlikely.
* * * I have faith that, when the war is ended, I shall be
home again all right, and I only fear that I shall find thee the
worse for the worry and anxiety that I know are bestowed on
me. Don't for heaven's sake, fret and worry, on my account,
if for no other reason; because. I want to see mj mother when
I come back (if it is my fortune to do so,) as I left her, not
broken down with useless anxiety on my account; so be as
cheerful as possible, and think, if it should be my lot to be
among those who are never to return, that I shall die doing my
duty; and that is the way a man should die; for die he must,
and a few years more or less don't make much difference, so
that when the end comes it finds us at our posts with our
harness on our backs. It is not the business of a man's life to
devote himself, simply, to saving that life ; but to do his duty,
whatever it may be, and let life take care of itself. So in
either event don't feel uneasy about me, for I have no fear
for myself, and I do not wish any one to worry uselessly for
me. So, hurrah for the second grand army! It is going to
do its duty, and it won't be sacrificed to strateg}', thank God,
with Burnside and Abraham Lincoln.

Affectionately, thy son,

E. H. KETCHAM.

Old Camp near Falmouth, Dec. 17th, 1862.
Dear Mother and Brother:

The last letter I wrote home, was dated " Field of Battle,"
* * * But enough of this fight. I am alive and well, and
11

322 HisTOBY OP Mablbobouqh.

never felt better. I can sleep with or without blankets; with
or without tent; with or without fire; with or without rain, in
the middle of December; and come out next morning, lively
as ever, and don't mind it.

I have never known what it was to really suffer, from hunger
or cold; and I know that soldiers' letters, (officers included)
are, nine times out of nine, one-half exaggerations. So, don't
believe the stories that will, doubtless, innocently and in good
faith, be sent back to Milton, by the boys who came from there ;
for, in the eyes of some, a mole hill is a mountain. Don't
think that, because I am an officer, I fare better than they.
When it comes hard times in the field, there is no difference to
speak of; only the men drew rations on the field and the
officers did not. I had bread and meat in my haversack, how-
ever, when I got back. We have got our tents and baggage, and
are comfortable; and I have no trouble on my mind, except a
fear that my mother may worry herself sick, on my account,
though I hope she may not. Don't think I am going to be
killed or wounded. It is all nonsense to borrow trouble from
the future. I will live, if I am to live, and die if I am to die;
which, I suppose, I shall some day — if not on the battle-
field; and it is only a question of time. Next time we cross
the Rappahannock, I guess it will be a sure go; so, hurrah for
Burnside, and our army I

Affectionally, your son, and brother,

E. \y. KETCHAM.

He Advises His Brother Not to Enter the Service.

Camp near Falmouth, Va., Jan. 11th, 1863.
Dear Jack :

I received a letter from you by Col. Sharpe, and you may
suppose I was somewhat surprised. * * * Our mother, in
her declining years, has a right to one of her sons, at least,
and when I left home I thought that you would stay. You
remember, when the war first broke out, that we cast lots, which
should stay; it fell on you. and though it may come tough, stay
like a man, and dont murmur. Jack! I may fall a victim
to rebel bullets, or disease, that strikes oftener and harder. I
want you to stay at home, and save our name and race; for
it is at least wortli saving, and trust us, in spile of the dis-
aster at Frederieksl»urg, to put it through and save the nation.
We have changed camp to a lovely spot, and I have a com-
fortable shanty; about eight feet by fourteen, and a good fire-

He Advises His Brother Not to Enter Service. 323

place and chimney, and am as comfortable as you need wish to
see a soldier ; but it may be for one day, or it may be a month,
no one can tell. I must close in time for the mail.
Affectionately, your brother,

EDWARD KETCHAM.

Camp near Falmouth, Va., Feb. 18th, 1863.
Dear Mother:

I received a letter from thee and John yesterday, and one
from him to-day. I know, of course, it must come hard to thee
to part with him, and be left alone; but, still thee has kind and
sympathizing friends, who will do all that they possibly can,
to make tliy hard lot, as I may call it, easy. Now, perhaps, it
will somewhat soften thy grief, if I tell thee that the hardships
of war are greatly exaggerated. 1 have seen men, who told
awful stories of their sufferings in their campaign before Rich-
mond, brought to admit, that what they were then enduring
equaled any suffering they had before met with. Now, I have
never yet seen the three consecutive hours, when I suffered
either from cold, heat, thirst, or hunger; or much on account
of fatigue. Now, soldiers, as a rule, like to be heroes; in fact,
that brought a large share of them here, and if they don't
exaggerate considerably, in their letters home, why, their friends
would not have a chance to indulge in hero-worship! Thus,
it comes, that wonderful stories are told ; and then it is natural
to make any transaction of their own as big as possible, to some
people ; so, the big yams find their way home. " Never believe
but half a traveler tells you," is a pretty safe rule; but when
you come to a soldier, why, reject two-thirds and trim the
balance. Doubtless the wounded and sick have suffered; but
I believe that the instances where the well soldier has suffered
to any great extent are scarce ; never from hunger ; except, per-
haps, when the baggage-trains have been lost or capturej.

But what if we do suffer some, occasionally, what does it all
amount to? Who expects to go through life, gathering roses,
from which the thorns have been plucked? The back should
be shaped to the burden. Mother, to tell the truth, I did
cherish a hope that Jack would be disappointed in getting off;
but it seems I was disappointed. I hoped this only on thy
account; for I believe these times, and this war, call for just
such men as he : and, though he is my only brother, and I know
full well his value, I would not have had him prove himself
not what I thought him, even if, by so doing, he had staid at

324 History of Mablborough.

home. I wish the necesaity were not; but, as it is, if he had
chosen to stay at home, it would have gone far to prove that
he was not worth coming. He may live to return a hero, or,
he may die a martyr. But, in either event, he will have lived
and done his duty, and he who, when death looks him in the
face, can say, in truth, I have done my duty, has lived a life-
time, though the blood of youth still courses through his veins.

Lovingly, thy son,

EDWARD H. KETCHAM.

Camp near Falmouth, May 12th, 1863.
My dear Mother:

I wrote to thee from the battle-field, after we had come out of
the fight, and telegraphed to thee; and again after we had
recrossed the river. If thee received either, I, of course, do
not know; but I will repeat the vital part of both. Jack and
I are close together once more ; both well and hearty. This old
camp was, during last winter, a pleasant place. Winter has
gone, and the quiet and repose, that were then not only endur-
able but somewhat pleasant are so no longer; and I shall be
truly glad when we shall leave it, for good ; I can bid good bye
to the old log cabin without regret. Mother, the short cam-
paign, which we have just passed through was one of hard-
ship; but, to me, its hardest experience was mere play; I am
able to stand just such, for six months, without inconvenience.
God help the army of the Potomac, if we are ever so hard-
worked that I give out; for there are few that can stand the
pressure after that. Mother, this time spent here is not lost
time — I mean I personally sacrifice nothing. I have often
thought that old age, that has no experience of hardship or
adventure to fall back on, when the time comes that we live
in the past as I now do in the future, must be somewhat
barren. If I come out all right, and do not fail to do my duty,
just the experience of the last nine months I would not part
with for all the wealth of N"ew York City.

It is commonly thought that a soldier's life is rather cal-
culated to demoralize. I do not believe it. It may appear so
on the surface ; but there is many a man here in this army, who
has never thought a serious thought before, who thinks now,
and, when he goes back to home and friends, he will go back
to realize that there is something for him to live for besides
himself. It does men good to suffer for a good cause. 1 1 some-

Notes on the March from Falmouth. 325

how identifies them with it; and, as one good cause is linked
with everything else that is good and noble, a man in fighting
for liberty somehow fights his way to goodness. The general
effect on the men here will be humanizing, and with peace —
an honorable one as we mean to win — will come national
virtue. It is a tough sight, for one who looks only on the
surface, to see the noblest and the bravest of the land, limping
and bleeding, and dying, as I saw them on the field of battle.
But, w^hen you look upon a man who died stoutly doing his
duty, and can realize that he died to save something better
than life, it does not seem so awful as it would. It was an
awful picture we looked upon the other day ; but it had a bright
as well as a dark side. There were many brave men who saw
the last of earth, on that battle-field of Chancellorville, and
many tears will flow, for many a year. But, what are these
tears, to the bitter ones a mother sheds over an erring son, out
of whom everything good has died, and only his body lives.
If we were whipped at Chancellorville, as the Copperheads say
we were, I think such getting whipped, on our part, will soon
use up the Confederacy. Their loss must have been fearful;
for they came up, time after time, right in front of our bat-
teries, closed en masse, and were just let to come close enough,
when our guns, double-shotted with grape, would pile them
in heaps, and send them back, utterly cut to pieces. This was
not only one occurrence, but it was done over and over again.
But I must stop.

Affectionately, thy son,

EDWARD KETCHAM.

Notes on the March from Falmouth.

14th. — Fell in, and marched to Rappahannock Station; we
then rested till daylight. At six o'clock we started and marched
back to Mount Holly Church, near Kelley's Ford, on the very
road we had come over the day before; met Jack there, and
as we lay close together, I spent the day with him. Started at
sundown, and marched all night, till seven in the morning,
w^hen we halted at Catlett's Station ; marching thence till we
got to Rappahannock Station, over the same road which we
had passed twice before.

15th. — Halted at Catlett's Station, a distance of eighteen
miles; lay there till two o'clock, when we marched to Man-
nassas Junction, a distance of eleven miles; making in all we

326 History of Marlborough.

marched, thirty miles in about twenty-four hours. Here we
encamped for the night, or rather bivouacked.

16th. — Lay still until the afternoon, when we moved half
a mile, and pitched our tents. A day of rest put us in order
for another march.

17th. — Started about ten o'clock, and marched about two
miles, when we halted at Bull Run Creek, (below the bridge of
the railroad, said to have been built by Beauregard, to take
supplies to Centreville.) The bridge above the railroad was
the scene of the chief fighting in '61. The trees are here
marked occasionally by bullets and cannon balls. The valley,
that the stream runs through, is one of the most beautiful I
ever saw. The trees grow almost as luxuriously as in the
tropics. One old fellow branches out into ten distinct limbs,
a few feet above the ground ; any one of the ten might pass for
a respectable tree. I, as well as half the army here, took a
good bath ; we rested, and dined under the shade of those old
trees, as large as giants ; a cool breeze was blowing at the time.
It was hard to think that this beautiful valley was an historic
one, because of the stream that runs through it once having
been red with human blood. It is but a few days less than two
years, since the battle of Bull Run was fought; and now, if I
did not know it, I could pass througli without seeing anything
to tell that it had ever been else than as peaceful as now. We
cressed Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford.

18th. — Rested, and looked about us. Centreville is, or
was, a nice little village of a dozen houses; it stands on a
hill, and the country around reminds me of Chestnut Ridge,
Duti'hoss Co.

19th. — Packed about ten o'clock, and started on the road
toward Leesburg. We guarded the train of the 3d Corps. I
had command of the company, and posted one man with every
wagon, till the men wore used up. We passed through a nice
country, pretty well wooded. There was good evidence that
troops had passed through ; though the country had not been
much disturi)ed. * * *.

Camp near Falmouth, March 15th, 1863.
Dear Mother

I enclose this little scrap in Ed's letter. I found, to my
surprise, when we arrived here, that Ed had been over here at
our camp, looking for me. * * * ^Ve are camped in a
beautiful piece of wood, " i. e." it was, before it was made for

Edward's Last Letter to His Mother. 327

a camp ; but considerably chewed up now. A road runs before
our company street ; the mud is just even with the tops of your
boots when you step in it ; six mules have to look sharp to get
alonfi: with a light load; and either side of the road the soil is
as nice and dry as the " long pond " woods in summer. There
is no discount on Virginia mud ; it takes about a pint of water
and a little mixing, to make a cart load of it, about like graft-
ing wax. It is grand soil here; not a stone to be found in
miles ; very little swamp ; nice hills and valleys ; but all covered
with pine forest; some splendid white-w^ood. This is bound to
be a fine country yet; a splendid farming country, I have no
doubt, very different from the banks of the Potomac west of
Washington. ♦ ♦ ♦ j can hardly realize yet that I am
with the grand army; it is like Yankee Doodle, who could not
see the town, there were so many houses. Get up on a hill,
though, and you see cities and towns and villages of white tents
on every hill-side. The army, I should suppose, covers an
area of fifty square miles, so we cannot see much of it. I saw
the flag at general head-quarters, opposite Fredericksburg, the
other night, in a splendid sunset, from where I stood ; the sun
set just behind the flag ; somehow I was reminded of Whittier's
lines —

" We wait, beneath the furnace blast,

The pangs of transformation;
Xot painlessly does God recast.

And mould anew, the nation!"

although by what I could not tell, unless by the lurid color of
the sky, the black clouds, and the old banner sailing so bravely
on their background.

Good night Mother; take good care of thyself, and be of
good cheer. Aunt Sarah wrote me, thee bears thy grief, as
I knew thee would, and does not sink down under it, as others,
who did not know thee as well as I do, thought thee would.
Keep good courage while the good fight lasts, and I pray
God to help thee, and to make me equal to the work before
me. * ♦ *

Love to all,

JOHX.

Edward's Last Letter to His Mother.

" Gum Springs,'' June 23rd, 1863.
We are still at this place; I think we shall probably stay a
day or two; I have not yet heard from John since the fighting

328 History of Marlborough.

on the 17th; but his regiment was engaged. There was more
fighting on the day before yesterday. I have not yet heard
if his regiment was in it. I know well, if he was, he did his
duty, and hope he is all right. I tried mighty hard to get a
paper yesterday; but could not; so, without knowing, I hope
for the best, — which is certainly the best way. I expect Mil-
ton is now dressed in its garments of purple and green, the
dress it wears in June; and among its green leaves and bright
flowers, the young almost forget that, down here in Old Vir-
ginia, men are marching and fighting and dying, and thinking
of home and friends. But there are few that can think of the
war without thinking of some friend tramping through the
valleys and over the hills of old Virginia. Pshaw! we don't
need pity; I am talking nonsense." It is only the young and
strong at home, who feel that this fight needs their help, while
circumstances they cannot control keep them away, that are
deserving pity!

I have just seen Captain Mann, on his way to Washington.
He was wounded very seriously in the day before yesterday's
fight. Jack was not hurt in either fight. The mail is just
going.

Thy son,

EDWARD H. KETCHAM.

Frederick Cih^ July 8th, 1S63.
Dear Mother:

I telegraphed to thee as soon as I could, and wrote about
Edward. 1 cannot realize tliat he is dead. Don't let it kill
thee, mother I Thee and I are all that is left of us. Edward
was the first man killed in the regiment. They were lying on
the ground, heliind a little hill, in front of our batteries, mak-
ing a part of the outer line of battle. It is always necessary
in such times for some one to keep a lookout, to watch the
movements of the enemy. As the men all lav on their faces,
P^dward was sitting up to look ; a sharpshooter's bullet probably
struck him in the temple, and went through his head. He put
up his hand, and said: "" Oh I ■' and fell on his elbow, quite
dead. There was heavy fightintj on the ground soon after, and
our forces had possession of the field for a short time. Ed's
body was carried back a couple of hundred yards, and left

John's Letter on Edward's D^ath. 329

under a tree. I heard of it the next morning, and went to the
regiment, and got a man to go with me, who helped to carry
him off; he showed me where he lay. It was outside of our
breastworks forty or fifty yards, and a couple of hundred
beyond our outer line of sharpshooters. I went out to them
but could not get beyond ; f or a bullet would whistle by, the
moment a man showed himself. I lay down behind a big rock.
The body of Green Carle, of the 120th, lay there, horribly muti-
lated. They said he had lived two or three hours after he was
struck. Whilst I lay there, two rebel batteries commenced to
play on ours. I never imagined such a thunder as the firing
made; there were twenty-four cannon at work, and the shells
burst over our heads, fifty feet or more; one or two men were
liurt near me, and the limbs of the trees dropped occasionally.
I then took a musket, thinking I would stay with the infantry,
till they advanced, as I was not needed with the department, it
being with the mule train; the rest of our regiment was at
Washington. Pretty soon the rebels came out from their
works, in heavy force, and advanced in line. Our batteries
commenced to mow them down, and the men lay down until
in close range ; then the outer line raised up, and the two lines
fought, without either moving from their place. It was a
grand, but terrible sight ! The rebels concentrated on one part
of our line, and pressed it back, to charge our breastworks ; our
flanks closed in oir them, and hundreds were driven in, pris-
oners, while the rest ran back to their lines like sheep. One
poor fellow came in just by me; the first words he said were,
" Gentlemen, I do this because I am forced to." He was a
pleasant, harmless-looking fellow, as are one half of them; the
other half look like wild beasts. At this time, the 120th came
up, and I went with them. I went out at night, to look for
Kdward, but could not find him. The next morning our line
advanced, and I went out to the tree; and there, on his back,
his hands peacefully on his breast, lay all that was left of the
brother I have lived so closely with, all my life. When I had
been separated from him a few weeks, I have known when I
met him, how closely I was knit to him. On this earth I will
never meet him again! His features, though discolored and
swollen, had an expression I have seen on them before — peace-
ful rest. He had lain thirty-six hours on the field, with the
roaring of cannon and bursting of shells over him, and the feet
of contending hosts, of darkness and freedom, trampling the
ground he lay on. When I got him, I brought him in through

330 History of Marlborough.

the batteries, and laid him down under a tree. A Captain of
one of the batteries said to me, " If he were a brother of mine,
I would bury him on the field of his glory." He was very kind,
and sent me men to dig the grave. In a little grove behind
the batteries, under an oak tree, in his soldier's uniform,
wrapped in a shelter-tent, lies all the earthly remains of my
brother; " he has gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord."
And mother, thee and I walk this world of sorrow. I set for
his head-stone a piece of a young oak, cut off by a rebel shell,
and marked his name and regiment. Mother, yet a little time
thee and I have to walk this earth, when we compare it to the
great eternity beyond, where father and Edward are gone
before us.

Oh, he was cut down in the very morning of his manhood I
He is laid a sacrifice on the altar of Liberty !

He died to give to every other man the right to his own man-
hood — a precious sacrifice — for in him were heroism, a brave
heart, and an iron will. He died, as he would have died —
with his face toward the enemies of freedom, on the battle-field.
Edward has marched many a weary mile; he has lain on the
wet, cold ground, with nothing over him, long nights, with the
rain pouring on him, and never murmured; he has lain and
shivered in the snow and slush, all long winter nights, after
weary marches, hungry, perhaps, or after eating a few hard
crackers, and a little raw moat ; and, in his discomfort he has
never wished for home; except, ])erhaps, to look forward to
that bright day when tlio rebellion should be crushed, and he
should return home, war-worn, and covered with his well worn
honors. That day, alas! he can never see. Oh, God, Thy
price for freedom is a dear one!

JOHX.

Xear Sharpshurg, July 12th, 1863.
Dear Mother,

I suppose thee has read either one or the other of my four
letters, and the telegram about Edward. Keep heart and
courage, mother; he has only gone beyond us. It is a com-
fort to think, that his suffering was so short. He must have
been conscious an instant, for he spoke in his natural voice and
said, "Oh!^' (not an involuntary groan) put his hand to his
forehead and fell on his elbow dead. One instant of terrible
pain, and the life which he loved, as all strong men do, faded

John's Letter on Edward's Death. 331

from his sense, and was changed for the great Hereafter, when
all human imperfection is changed for perfection. Brother I
our paths through life have run side by side, diverging, but to
join again. Now, you have the better part, above the petty
strifes of this life. All that is glorious and noble is yours,
while I must mingle with earthly scenes, till your life fades
into memory, and perhaps memory fades into shadow. Surely,
God in his mercy cannot let the life we have lived together
be no more; but in the great Hereafter, the life that has been
shall live again in memory, fresh as the present. Edward 1
your love for me was strong, strong for your younger brother,
as your own great, strong, brave heart, and I have taken it as
1 do the sunshine, and thought to have you by me always; but
we are divided now. I am yet of the earth, while your name
is on the long roll of honor — one of those whom God has con-
sidered worthy to be sacrificed. You were cut down in the
morning of manhood, strong and brave heart. You never
flinched from danger. I know, in your great love for me, you
will be with me if I go in danger, and inspire me with your
spirit, that I may do my whole duty without flinching and
without fear. In the morning of life, your blood has been shed
for the right of every man to upright manhood — that the
poor slave-mother may hold her child to her bosom without
fear of the driver. My poor, broken, widowed mother has given
her first and noblest son. Oh, God have mercy on her ! Thou,
" who doest all things well." Your body rests on the field of
glory. Your name is on that roll of the noble dead to which
posterity must bow do\^Ti, and thank in reverence.

Napoleon told his soldiers, at the Pyramids, Centuries look
down from the tops of these Pyramids. Forty centuries look
down upon you ! Yes ! but, from the mountain over your
head, the thunder of our cannon, hurling death to the rebels
before you — from the top of that mountain, overlooking the
field of Gettysburg — our great free nation, (yet to be,) looked
do^Ti and saw you when you fell, and will hold your name in
grateful honor, for all time to come ! — better than the golden
letter Napoleon \^Tote to immortalize his victims. You are
one of the noblest dead who died for Freedom, and the feet
of freemen shall tread the soil you fell on, for all time to come.
A little mound, on the battle-field, covers all that is left of my
brother, a noble fellow as ever drew the breath of life. As
Christ " died to make men holy," he has " died to make men
free." Have his picture, in his soldier's uniform, copied like
thine and father's, and, under the glass, fold his commission

332 History of Marlborough.

and the ragged shoulder-strap I cut from him; hang under it
his broken sword, and write:

"A SOLDIER IX THE ARMY OF THE LORD."
Now, I pray the battle soon to be fought may be decisive, and
that I mav return to be a little comfort to thee.

JOHX.

The Last Letter John Wrote to His Mother,

Harper's Ferry, July 18th, 1863.
Dear Mother, .

I have heard nothing from thee since Edward's death, until
two days ago. 1 had a letter from Xehe, and then, July 8th,
you had heard he was wounded. I do not know hardly whether
to suppose' thee is alive or not. My comfort is, that Edward
died as becomes a man, his face towards the enemies of free-
dom. I know that, though he loved his life dearly as any
man, yet, had he foreseen the result when he first thought of
going to the war, it would not have made a particle of differ-
ence with him; but he would have walked to certain death
without flinching. I can do or say nothing to comfort my poor
stricken mother. In thy boundless love for thy children, thy
bereavement is more than mine, lonely and sad as I am,
" wretch oven now, life'?? journey just begun.''

Harper's Ferry ! How much, since tlie ^^reat page of this
people's life-history was opened, is liero. That long old row
of l)hickened walls was the Arsenal, from which John Brown
thundered out the challenge to a life and death struggle.
Retribution visited upon the o]>pressor; sacrifice of the best
and noblest to atone for our wrongs upon the helpless; lines
of earthworks, overlooking ^laryland heights; white tents,
houses battered by shot and shell into heaps of ruins, in the
field where I am sitting; pontoons across the river; and the
old battered and worn-out army, thinned out to one-fourth of
the men who first buckled on the knapsack, crossing again into
Virginia, to graj)ple with its old enemy, to lay the bones of its
best and bravest l)efore the breastworks and riflepits of the yet
formidable rebels I — all the long story of weary suffering, and
the woe of five hundred i)attles! and here we stand as evenly-
matched as ever, and they on chosen ground, as ever. I don't
overlook the great blows struck by Grant at Yicksburg, and
perhaps others, before this, at Charleston, which lead to the
h(fpe, almost, that the great price is nearly paid, and the work

The Last Letter John Wrote to His Mother. 333

nearly done. I wrote thee I would resign if events occurred
that showed the war nearly over; but surely thee would not
have me back out from this glorious struggle, while the chances
hang in the balance. Go home! and leave these weary war-
worn men to fight for blessings I should enjoy? these weary
men, who have fought and suffered so hard and long, addicted
to every vice, almost, individually, but cowardice or meanness.
I have seen them struggle, through mud and rain, after the de-
feat at Chancellorville, back to the cheerless ruins of their old
camps. I have seen them making long and weary marches
along the dusty road, to foil the advance of Lee across the
Ruppahanock, then, forced marches to Manassas, all day long
without water; then, I have seen long columns pushing for-
ward, with tireless energy, to meet the enemy at Gettysburg;
then, marching, day and night, to cut off the retreating foe,
and now coming here, to this old historic spot, dark again into
the dark valley and shadow of death, never halting or mur-
muring, ever ready to lay down their lives, as their comrades
have done. I have heard them groaning in agony, wounded,
jolted over rough road, or carried by their comrades, or lying
on the battle field, between the lines, begging to be taken out
of more danger. I have seen mangled and torn masses knocked
out of the shape of men. I have seen ragged uniforms of
United States soldiers, bursting from the black and swollen
bodies, as they lay in ditches by the road side, rotting in the
sun. " Blessed are they that endure to the end.*' I am no
such soldier as my brother was; but I trust I have manhood
enough to stand with this army of the Lord until its victory
is sure. T entered the vineyard but at the eleventh hour. I
can, perhaps, do but little, l)ut, while the result hangs in the
balance, I know, in thy heart of hearts, thee is glad that I am
one of this army, and where is heard the tramp of their march-
ing feet, there am T. I am glad to hear, from thy letter, that
cousins V. Hallock and T. Sherman have gone for Edward's
body. I know it would have been his wish; it is but a small
satisfaction, but I could not have done even that. Bear up a
little longer, my poor bereaved mother.

Thy only son,

JOHX.

334 History of Marlborough.

NEHEMIAH HALLOCK MANN.

Born in Littleton, N. J., July twentieth, eighteen hundred and
thirty-seven, entered the service of his country, as a private
in the Lincoln Cavalry, eighteen hundred and sixty-two;
commissioned Second Lieutenant, September ninth, eigh-
teen hundred and sixty-two; commissioned Captain Co. M,
Fourth N, Y, Cavalry, April second, eighteen hundred and
sixty-three; killed at Cedarville, Va., August eighteenth,
eighteen hundred and sixty-four; buried on the battle-field;
remains subsequently re-interred in the Friend's Burial
Crround, at Milton, N. Y.

Capt. Mann was a cousin of the Keteham brothers ;
he was in the same regiment with John, and a letter,
from John to his mother, better illustrates the man
than anything that might now be said of him.

Gum Springs, June 23rd, 1863.
Dear Mother:

I have just seen Captain Mann, off to Washington Hos-
pital. I suppose, before this reaches thee, thee will have
heard of the affair; for I telegraphed to Sarah, his sister, to
join him there. He was charging, at the head of the regi-
ment, just this side of Upperville, near the entrance of Ashby's
Gap. After being driven back, the Captain called for the boys
to follow him, and went in ahead himself. The boys followed,
but not close enough to prevent his being engaged with about
a dozen at him at once, he says. One fellow gave him a cut on
his cheek, which knocked him from his horse; then, as he lay
helpless on the ground, another shot him ; the ball entering near
the point of the left shoulder, and, cutting, under the ribs,
lodged in the muscles of the left breast. The doctors think he
may recover; but I don't think it worth while to deny that his
wounds arc dangerous. He had just come out with the regi-
ment, for the first time ; having been in charge of a large dis-
mounted camp. The night before the day of battle, his com-
pany were in high glee at his arrival. On the morning of the
fight, I think he looked finer than I ever saw him — without
exception, the finest soldier I have ever seen, with none of the
brutality so conmion in the military character. I would give

Nehemiah Hallock Mann. 335

more for Captain Mann, commanding a brigade, than any
general 1 have seen — except, perhaps, Killpatrick, who fre-
quently charges with the boys of our regiment. I have no
doubt Captain Mann would command a brigade of cavalry,
with the science he learned as an orderly, with as much ease
and grace as if he had been accustomed to it for a lifetime.
He was in command of a squadron that morning, and when we
were ordered to charge a blockaded bridge, which a rebel colonel
we captured told us they expected to hold all day, and the
regiment stopped, under the fire of cannon and sharpshooters,
behind walls and trees, horses and men dropping, and bullets,
whistling around — Captain Mann sat calmly on his horse,
knowing the enemy were singling him out, imtil he got orders
to dismount his squadron and clear the bridge, with the car-
bine. Then he took a carbine, and led the men over the bridge
in three minutes. Such men as John Paul Jones and Ethan
Allen were made of the same stuff as he. His charge released
Oeneral Killpatrick, who was taken prisoner through the fault
of two regular regiments of cavalry. Three platoons of our
squadron, Nehe's, Captain Hall's, and mine, were sent out in
an open field, of fifty acres or so, facing a wood, in front of
Upperville. We deployed as skirmishers, over half a mile, per-
haps, and advanced towards the woods. When near there, a
colunm of rebels charged on our center, driving in the skir-
mishers— the single column followed by column in squadron
front. Our forces advanced, the two regiments, and the rebels
went back in the woods. When near the woods the regulars
commenced charging across, in front of the woods; the rebs
came out, formed, facing the flank. General Killpatrick rode
towards the line, and tried to turn the regulars in that direc-
tion ; but on they went, pell mell, until they all got by them —
the rebs after them — and took Killpatrick. Keep hope and
courage, mother, and all Nehe's dear friends. His voice will
soon be heard where it is needed — on the field of battle. Be
of good cheer, high hope, and courage always.

Lovingly,

JOHN.

Captain Mann was a soldier of commanding appear-
ance,—^x feet three in height, straight, well-pro-
portioned and strong. There was no finer-looking
man in the regiment, nor none braver,— always
j-eady for duty and always taking the place of danger ;

336 History of Mablborough.

no soldier was asked to go where he would not go, and
while leading a charge at Cedarville, Va., he was shot
through the heart. The writer well remembers him
as a schoolmate, as being kindhearted and generous,
faithful and true, a young man of excellent habits,
a good student, a dutiful and kind son, and respected
by all.

These three soldiers were the great-grandchildren
of Edward Hallock, heretofore spoken of, and they
all lie buried near together with three small monu-
ments marking their graves, and surrounded by the
graves of their ancestors for many generations, in
the Friends' burial ground, at Milton, N. Y.; three
young men, who, had they lived, were destined to be
among the foremost men in the county and state, —
cut down in their youth and usefulness, snatched from
their relatives and friends without a moment's notice,
buried on the field of their glory, and afterward
among their departed kindred; dying in the cause of
their country while upholding the flag and sustain-
ing the unity of the nation; — such was the fate of
these three Milton boys.

After the body of John Ketcham was brought home,
a gi"eat concourse of people assembled at his funeral,
and perhaps we cannot do better than to give the
words spoken at the burial by that great orator, Rev.
0. B. Frothingham.

Friends: I liave eomo liere to-day as to a sacred place; as
a pilgrim comes to a shrine. I have come to visit the home
of the nohle young man whose remains are coffined here, to see
the spot wlierc he lived, the house wliere lie was l)orn, the mother
wlio held him to her hosom, the neiglibors and friends he loved.
I have come to receive a lesson, not to give one ; to be taught,
not to teach ; to he comforted, not to comfort. Better than any
speech of mine is the silent thought on these relics, and on all
they have passed througj, since tlie stalwart and beautiful
frame to which tlicy beloaged left your peaceful hills for the
camp and tlie battle-field What a strange history for such a

Words Spoken at the Burial. 337

man! Beaten up and down by all the storms of war, borne
hither and thither by the changeful movement of the army,
blackened by the sun and bleached by the frost, exposed to all
the mutations of the weather, pinched with hunger, stiffened
with cold, drenched with dew and rain, hardened by toil, wasted
by fever, watching in the saddle, sleeping on the ground, be-
grimed by smoke and powder, a mark for sabre-cut and for
rifle-ball, sick in hospital, captive in prison, dying among ene-
mies, buried, with no shroud but his cloak, in hostile soil,
lifted from the ground, coffined and brought hither at last, to
repose in peace by the side of his elder brother, and in sight
of the doorway through which he had so often passed; this
body tells a touching and solemn story of toil, fatigue, suffer-
ing, peril, and death; but also of patience, fortitude, bravery,
cheerfulness, the devotion of a generous, pure and earnest
heart.

I cannot utter words of common consolation here. There
are all the usual consolations, and more. There is the thought
of the Infinite God, just and loving, of the kind and tender
Providence, which allows nothing to be wasted, which picks
up the fragments of our broken existence, ties together the
loose threads of our activity, arranges our life-plan, makes
good the imperfection of our labor, and perfects itself in our
weakness, suffering not even the little ones to perish, and per-
mitting no good hope to fail; there is the thought of a vast
hereafter, where every life shall be made complete. These
consolations are for all in ordinary times ; for those whose
friends are cut off by untimely accident, if we may speak of
untimeliness or accident in this world of God's;. for those whose
dear ones die of their own ignorance, error, foolishness, and
vice. For these friends of ours we have more than this; the
sympathy of a great multitude, the fellowship of an immense
company of noble mourners, the tender respect and love of
strangers, the recognition of a country, the unspoken, perhaps
unconscious, gratitude of those ready to perish. The memory
of such a career, of such a character, is alone consolation suffi-
cient for more than ordinary grief. What greater comfort
could there be for a mother than to have had even one such
son? To be recognized and honored as the mother of such?
To live in their reflected light and glory? When I think of
mothers I know, who sit mourning for boys cut off in their
prime by some fate which finished their career before their
career had well begun ; when I think of other mothers, who sit
mourning for beautiful boys who have dug their own graves

338 History OF Marlborough.

by dissipation ; and of mothers yet, who are ready to pray kind
death to take their boys away from temptation before the/ sink
under it, body and soul; this widowed mother, sitting by two
such graves as these, with a heart full of such memories, seems
to be blessed above the rest; yes, above thousands whose sons
are living at their side.

A friend, last summer, read me a letter from a young man
in the army of the Potomac, written to his mother after the
Battle of Chancellorsville. It was the elder brother of him
whose remains lie here. Early in the war the hearts of both
burned to take part in the conflict for what they believed to be
the cause of liberty, truth and justice among men. The elder
went; the younger stayed, to support and comfort his mother.
Presently came brave letters from the camp, telling of the life
there, presenting the most encouraging aspects of it, for the
sake of the dear ones at home, making light of the privations,
hardships and perils, and showing how the pure purpose of the
heart was deepening, how the manly character was ripening,
under circumstances that are usually considered to be fatal to
all sweetness and tenderness of nature. The soul of the
younger brother was stirred by these words from the camp and
the field. He felt that he must go. His mother pleads, his
brother remonstrates, saying what such a man would say about
duty at home, the mother's loneliness, the chances of battle,
and the fearful thing it would be were both to die — but say-
ing too, in an undertone wbieli was felt, not seen in the writing
— " Well, it is a great cause, and good men are needed in it,
and it is no wonder that every high-minded man is eager to
do his part." And John followed Edward ; left the hills, the
lioniestead, the farm, the sorrowing mother, the delights of his
qiiiot, tranquil life.

Letters came now from both l)oys ; letters that suggested —
though their writers knew nothing of it and did not suspect
it — the good they must ))e doing in the camp by their courage,
their obedience, their high tone of loyalty, not less by the
purity and temperance and manly simplicity of their example.
Brave we knew they were: ready, faithful, unflinching, unmur-
muring. At Gettysburg the elder brother falls. The younger
searches the bloody miles of battle-ground for the body, finds
it after many hours among the slain, bears it in his arms a
mile to a quiet resting-place, whence it is removed to be borne
northward by tender hands, and laid, in the gorgeous mid-
summer, beneath the trees he loved so well.

letters now from one brother again, tellinjr the bereaved

Words Spoken at the Burial. 339

mother that he was unhurt and well ; that he should come back
to her soon; that Edward's spirit was about him and would
ward off the balls ; and in the future would be about them both,
and help them along the rest of their way.

But exposure, work, sorrow, brought sickness; weeks of
miserable sickness in the hospital, a sigh for the invigorating
breath of these hills, and for a cheering sight of his old friends.
But the bugle was ringing outside ; his brave fellows were mak-
ing ready for the charge ; he leaves the hospital, full of courage
as ever, but too feeble in l)ody to take the field ; for a fortnight,
daily, he is out, wrapped in smoke and dust ; narrowly escaping
from death, as he rallies his men, he is taken prisoner. Still,
from the horrible Richmond prison, come the letters, brave and
uncomplaining; he is unwounded, he is safe now from danger
in battle; he has strength to bear him through; he needs but
a few comforts, blankets, clothing; he is not treated harshly.
Poor fellow! he is dying from exhaustion. He goes to the
hospital for a few days; he goes in the afternoon; the next
morning he is dead in his bed.

It was long before this brother found his way homeward;
the mother's heart was getting tired with waiting; but he is
here at last; and we are here, to be honored by the presence of
his remains.

For what was this young life given away? For what were
this sweet home, this pleasant existence, these tranquil pursuits,
this dear mother resigned? For what were all these cares and
toils and sorrows borne? Not for himself; not that he might
be richer, greater, more famous; not in pride or vindictiveness,
or young love of adventure; but that the poor blacks of the
South, whom he knew not, and who knew not him — the poor
blacks, to whom the very name of man had been denied — the
beaten, treated as the offscouring of the earth, might have their
human rights; for these, whom he never saw, he died, with a
faith as simple and a devotion as pure as ever man had, count-
ing what he did as little, remembering only what he ought to
do. Unpretending, unambitious, with the heart of a little child
and the conscience of a Christian man, he lived and died for a
principle.

It is a strange sight, the coffin of a soldier, wrapped in a
battle-flag, lying in a Friends' meeting house. He was edu-
cated a Friend, and was in spirit, to the end, one of that peace-
ful brotherhood, who abhor violence, and blood-shedding, and
war. Comfort yourselves, oh. Friends! with the thought that
he preserved that pious abhorrence as sacredly as you do. He

340 History of Marlborough.

was a lover of peace; he went out in the holy cause of peace,
as a peacemaker. Not to make war or to continue war, but to
put an end to war; to die himself, if need were, by the hand
of war, that war might cease. To make war in his country
forever impossible, by eradicating human slavery, its perma-
nent cause, he took up arms. There seemed no other wa}^ of
doing it. He would thankfully have used other means, had
other means been permitted. Accepting these, he prayed al-
ways for the quiet rest he hoped these would bring. You need
not be afraid of shocking your principles by receiving him here
from battle. His spirit would do no violence to the saintliest
communion. Do we hate war less in these days than formerly?
Xay, friends, we hate it, if possible, a thousand times more,
and we hate slavery' ten thousand times more, when we see
them, father and son, doing such deeds as this.

0, my friends, the time is coming, the time is surely com-
ing, when all they who went down into this great struggle will
be held in honor by all lovers of order and peace; when they
who have lost arm or leg in it will be looked at with profound
respect; when they who have come out of it riven or scarred
will be counted among the beautiful ; when they who, like this
young man, have died in it, with a noble sense of its signifi-
cance, will be reckoned among the martyrs of God's truth.
The time will come, when they who have sent husband, son,
brother, lover, into this struggle, will be cherished in grateful
remembrance.

Yes, when they wlio have suiTered in it, in any wise, even
with no liigh sentiment of its grandeur, and no high purpose
in tlioir death, will yet be wrapped about with its sanctifying
glory. Then wo, who have done nothing, who have but given
a few of our superfluous dollars, who have but preached what
otluTs ought to do, will apologize for our well-preserved health
and beauty, and will be glad to liide our shame behind the form
of some hero of our blood.

Tt is sad to see so much young manhood laid low in its
bloom, and laid low by that barbarian. War, pushed on by liis
more loatlisome brother — Slavery. But we must not be nar-
row in judging the issues of a human life. Who can tell how
existence may be more profitably spent ? Who can decide what
is the most effectual doing? Providence decides all that for
us, and makes every earnest man do his work, wherever he is,
and whether he live longer or shorter. Had our young friend
lived, he would have been known and beloved among these hills,
and, doubtless, would have made the force of his character felt

Recruiting for the 120th Regiment. 341

by his neighbors. A good son, a faithful friend, a useful towns-
man, a sincere, honest, humane man, he would have lived and
died here, in the quiet, and the little stream of his existence
would have fed the moral life of his generation, only as one
of your mountain rivulets feeds the Atlantic Ocean. The
heroic quality in him would have slumbered ; his power of sacri-
fice would have been uncalled for, his example of pure patriot-
ism would have been lost. Now he is known by many, to whom
personally he was a stranger. He is respected and loved l)y
some who never would have heard of him. He has exhibited
many qualities of the highest order, where men could see them. ^
He has shed a virtue abroad in the camp. He has read lessons
of duty to some whom he would hardly have thought of in-
structing. For my own part, though I never saw him, I grate-
fully confess my debt to him for a fresh belief in the nobleness
of nature, for a more living faith in man, for a fresh con-
viction of the worth of a simple fidelity to principle, for a new
sense of the sublimity of sacrifice. For me he has done much
by his living, and by his dying. Yes, 0 my brother! they tell
me that words of mine helped to show you the significance of
this struggle, and did something to deepen in your heart the
purpose that has brought you thus early to the grave. You
have richly repaid the debt. You have shown me the signifi-
cance of a good man's deed, arid, I hope, have deepened in my
heart a purpose that will help me to nobler life.

But we have said too much, we have broken too long and too
impertinently the sacred silence. We should have allowed him
to speak more. Had he been able to speak, he would have
rebuked us for praising what he did in the sincerity of his
heart, because he could not help it, and under pain of self-
condemnation had left it undone. Let us lay what is left of
his poor body in the ground, and think of him as living and
working on; for in the future time, when sweet peace shall
come back to us, he will live and work in the pure sentiments
he has aided in strengthening, and in the noble institutions
he has died to establish.

Recruiting for the 120th Regiment.

An important part of this work fell to the lot of Col.
George H. Sharpe, who, by the appointment of the
Governor of the State, was to command the regiment
about to be raised. Col. Sharpe had commanded a
company in the regiment of three months' men, which

342 History of Marlborough.

had gone forth from Kingston shortly after the fall
of Fort Sumpter, and his experience in that campaign
served to adapt him more fully to the inore responsi-
ble command he was now called to assume. He en-
tered actively and earnestly upon the task of recruit-
ing, holding meetings almost daily in the several sec-
tions of the county and addressing large audiences
drawn together by interest in the country's cause.
These meetings were at times addressed by other in-
fluential citizens of the county, who placed country
before party, and by the fervor of their appeals
swelled rapidly the number of recruits and raised to
a higher pitch the loyal zeal and ardor of the people.
An occasional exception was found to the enthusi-
asm with wliich these meetings stood ready to greet
the speakers who, throughout the country, came with
appeals for more volunteers. One of these excep-
tions was at a well-known village generally considered
to be foremost in patriotic action. The people there
owing to certain reasons and influences, not easy to
define or understand, and which soon passed away,
seemed at first indifferent to the duty of contributing
to the cause by personal enlistments. A meeting had
been called to be held in the evening, and Col. Sharpe
upon arriving in the afternoon and consulting with
the leading men of the locality was informed that the
meeting would undoubtedly be well attended, but
there was no i)rospect of any enlistments, and the*
attempt to get them there might as well be abandoned.
The meeting did i)rove to be a very large one and the
enthusiasm gradually rose to a very high pitch. Col.
Sharpe in the course of his speech stated the result
of his interview with the leading men of the town in
the afternoon. He said that he had been given to
understand that in the regiment to be raised that
locality would not ])e represented. He had always
had a high opinion of the courage and enthusiasm of

Eecbuiting for the 120th Regiment. 343

its citizens, and rather than leave the town without
representation in the regiment, he proposed to return
to Governor Morgan his conunission as colonel, and
to enlist as a private for that locality in order that
the whole county might be represented. He was fol-
lowed by one or two strong addresses from prominent
citizens, and at the close of the meeting seven young
men came forward to enlist, and their example was
soon followed by a sufficient number to authorize the
issuing of a commission to a young man of the same
town, who finally fell at the head of his men on one of
the most memorable battlefields of the war.

The above is an account of the public meeting held
at Milton. Edward H. Ketcham had received au-
thority to recruit for a company of his regiment, and
when he should obtain a certain number of recruits
he was to be commission-ed Second Lieutenant. At
first he had very poor success, and at his earnest
solicitation Col. Sliarpe came down to assist him and
the above-mentioned meeting was held with good
success and Ketcham soon obtained his commission
and was killed the first day of the battle of (Jettys-
burg. William J. Purdy afterward received author-
ity to recruit for the 156th Regiment being formed in
this county in the latter part of 1862. He enlisted
about twenty-five men in the town and received his
commission as Second Lieutenant in that regiment.
The balance of the enlistments from this town were
scattered among at least twenty different organiza-
tions and in different departments and different ser-
vices. Many were killed, wounded or taken prison-
ers, and some of the missing have never been heard
from.

From the best estimates that can be made, there
are not to exceed twenty still alive, of whom not more
than ten are now living in the town, of all the men
from this town who enlisted in the Union army.
There were 'very few enlistments in the navy.

344 History of Marlborough.

Special Election to Raise Money for War Purposes.

The following is a record of the proceedings of a
special town meeting held in 1864 to provide money
to pay a bounty to men who would enlist:

Town of Marlborough, ^
Ulster County. J *'^
At a special town meeting held at the hotel of Samuel H.
Knitfin in the town of Marlboro in Ulster County on the
thirty-first day of August, 18G4, pursuant to a public notice
given by the Town- Clerk of said town. Present: Isaac Staples
and Charles C. Merritt Justices of the Peace, and A. M. Cav-
erly having been duly appointed clerk, for the purpose of rais-
ing money by tax on said town to pay a town bounty to all
those who go to fill the quota under the last call of the Presi-
dent for five hundred thousand men etc.

The following resolution was adopted at said meet-
ing previous to the opening of the polls on said day,
viz. :

Kesolved that there be two hundred and fifty dollars raised
by tax on the town of Marlboro as town bounty for all those
w^ho go to fill the quota for said town, under the President's last
call for five hundred thousand men.

The above resolution was also voted on by ballot
with the following result, viz:

The whole number of votes given for and against the same
was one hundred and ninety-three, of which the whole number
to raise two hundred and fifty dollars was one hundred and
seventy-seven ; and of which the whole number against raising
two hundred and fifty dollars was fourteen, and of which there
were two votes given to raise four hundred dollars.

We certify that the foregoing statement is correct in all re-
spects.

Dated this thirty-first day of August 18G4.

A. M. CAVEKLY

Clerk

ISAAC STAPLES
CHAPLES C. :^^EPRITT

Justices of the Peace.

Election to Baise Money fob War Purposes. 345

Town of Marlborough, T
Ulster County. / ^^
At a special town meeting held at the hotel of Jacob Madison
in the Town of Marlboro in the County of Ulster and State of
New York on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1864, pur-
suant to a public notice given by the To\m Clerk of said town.
Present : Isaac Staples and Charles C. Merritt, Justices of the
Peace, and Abner M. Caverly having been duly appointed sworn
as clerk, for the purpose of raising money by tax on said town
to pay a town bounty to all those who shall go to fill the quota
under the last call of the President for five hundred thousand
men etc.

The following resolutions were adopted previous
to the opening of the polls on said day, viz. :

Resolved that a resolution passed at a special town meeting
held at the house of Samuel H. Kniffin in the Town of Marl-
boro on the 31st day of August, 1864, to wit:

Resolved that there be two hundred and fifty dollars raised
by tax on the Town of Marlboro as town bounty for all those
who go to fill the quota for said town under the President's
last call for five hundred thousand men etc. And the same
is hereby rescinded and the following resolution was passed in
its stead:

Resolved that the sum of $500 be raised by tax on the Town
of Marlboro as town bounty to be paid to each volunteer that
shall go to fill the quota for the said town under the last call of
the President for five hundred thousand volunteers and that
the same be assessed on the town in ten equal annual install-
ments and that town bonds be issued for the same until raised
by tax.

The above resolution was voted on by ballot with the follow-
ing results, viz:

The whole number of votes given for and against the same
was two hundred and sixteen of which whole number there
were two hundred and thirteen votes in favor of said resolu-
tion, and of which whole number there were three against said
resolution.

The vote was almost unanimous on both resolu-
tions, showing that at that stage of the war the peo-
ple were united and determined to sustain the war

346

History of Marlborough.

and the government, irrespective of party, and all
stood ready to vote their money away for that pur-
pose. All realized the necessity of maintaining the
Union.

Town of Marlborough in the Civil War.
The following is a list of those who enlisted in the
Army and Navy:

James Anderson
Sidney Bamliart
Jacob Berrian
Reuben R. Bloomer
Oscar B. Bloomer
James Bailey
Walter M. Bailey
Chas. A. Bailey
Thomas Brown
Patrick Conley
Jos. D. Cassidy
Henry Cassidy
David C. Crossbary
John H. Crossbary
George W. Detmar
David Davis
Ferris G. Davis
Daniel Davis
Benjamin V. C. DeWitt
Peter E. DeWitt
George J. Fowler
Luther P. Tlait
Jolm Harding
John Kenney
Edward H. Ketcham
John T. Keteham
John ^feVav
Wm. :Mille/
George H. ^Miller
John .AfcCarty
John H. ^lackey
Charles Lee ^lackev

David F. Mackey
Xehemiah Mann .
Morris Lee
Wm. J. Purdy
Peter V. L. Purdy
Alonzo S. Petit
Stephen J. Power
George W. Quimby
John D. Quimby
Thos. Elliot
Chas. H. Free
George Palmateer
Stephen Rhodes
George Ryer
Reuben H. Rose
Aaron Rhod(\s
Theodore Rhodes
Walter Rhodes
(ieorge W. Smith
Henry Scott
Isaac Lewis
Phineas H. Smith
Isaac Thiels
Peter Terwilliger
Jeremiah Terwilliger
James Terwilliger
Matthew Terwilliger
Daniel Tuthill
Samuel A'alentine
John H. A^alentine
David M. Weed
James X. AMiims

Commissioned Officers.

347

James B. Williams
John Wordin
Isaac Fletcher Williams
Charles C. Wygant
John S. Wood
Chas. L. Woolsey
C. M. Woolsey
William York
John H. Dingee
Wm. H. Duncan
James C. Brewster
James M. Benson
B. F. Coutant
Cevonia Lounsbery
John Hendrickson
Lewis Hornbeck
Isaac N. Hornbeck

Daniel* B. Martin
Hezekiah Martin
John Margison
Elmore Terwilliger
Wm. L. Dougherty
Jesse E. Knapp
Oliver Lawson
George Duncan
Wm. Duncan
Isaac Sims

Navy
Cornelius Atherton
David Johnson
Horace B. Sands
John W. Williams
Martin Fisher
Thomas Dayton

Commissioned Officers.

Nehemiah H. Mann was a Captain in the 4th N. Y.
Cavalry; killed at Gedarville, Virginia, August 18,
1864.

John T. Ketcham was Second Lieutenant, 4th N. Y.
Cavalry; died in Libby Prison, October 8, 1863.

Edward H. Ketcham was Second Lieutenant in the
120th N. Y. Infantry; killed at Gettysburgh, July 2,
1863.

William J. Purdy was Second Lieutenant in the
156th N. Y. Infantry.

C. M. Woolsey was Second and First Lieutenant
and Breveted Captain in the 2d N Y. Cavalry, and
Second Lieutenant, 1st Regiment U. S. C. Troops.

Oliver Lawson, Second Lieutenant, 1st Mounted
Eifles.

Thomas R. Dajion, Acting Ensign in the Navy.

348 HisTOBY OF Marlborough.

Militia.

After the War of the Revolution, a militia com-
pany of cavalry was organized in 1804, under the
command of William Acker. It was composed of
Marlborough and Newburgh men, and Nathaniel
DuBois served several years as Captain; the last
Captain was Robert D. Mapes of Marlborough.

In 1823 David W. Woolsey of Marlborough was.
commissioned a Captain in the 14th Regiment of In-^
fantry; William Martin was Captain of a company;,
some other companies or parts of companies were or-
ganized in the town at different times. In November,
1867, C. M. Woolsey was commissioned and served as.
Commissary First Lieutenant of the 20th Regiment,
N. Y. State Militia until the regiment was disbanded..

The first militia company of the Precinct of High-
land, which embraced what is now our town; was or-
ganized in 1737 under command of Captain Thomas.
Ellison. Jeuriah Quick and Thomas Quick, who re-
sided here, were members of tliis organization, and
I think also John Young, who was Ensign of this
company.

Stephen Nottingham was afterward (1758) Captain
of this company or of one that was organized a few
year thereafter. He was among the first supervisors,
of the town.

Isaac Purdy was Lieutenant ' in 1761; Nathaniel
Potter had been a Lieutenant, and in 1786 he was Cap-
tain, which position he held for several years, also in
1798; David Ostrander, in what is now Plattekill, was
Captain in 1786; Anning Smith was Captain in 1786
and for several years thereafter, resigning in 1799;
Nathaniel Kelsey was Lieutenant, and in 1800 he was
Captain ; Nathaniel Hareourt was Ensign, 1786, Lieu-
tenant, 1799: Nathaniel DtiBois was Ensign; John
Bond, Captain, 1792 and for some years afterward;

Militia. 349

Michael Wygant, Lieutenant, 1792, and for several
years, and was Captain in 1803; Joseph Morey, En-
sign, 1792 ; Ludlam Smith, Ensign, 1800 ; John Wood,
Lieutenant, 1800; Zadoc Lewisj Ensign, 1815, after-
ward Lieutenant, Captain in 1820, Major in 1821 and
for many years following; Ajbram D. Soper, Lieuten-
ant, 1820, Captain, 1821; William Woolsey, Lieuten-
ant, 1811, Captain, 1815, Major, 1817; Richard Har-
court. Lieutenant, 1808, Captain, 1809; David Staples,
Ensign, 1811, Captain 1815; Nehemiah L. Smith,
Captain, 1809, resigned, 1815 ; Valentine Lewis, Lieu-
tenant; Daniel Lester, Lieutenant; John W. Wygant,
Lieutenant; Samuel Stilwell, 1823, Quartermaster (1st
Lieutenant) of 130th Regiment, also in 1827, aid-de-
camp to the commander of the 23d Brigade.

These appointments were all under the old militia
system, when every able-bodied man between certain
ages was liable to military duty. They were armed
and equipped and had general training days, which
were quite an event in the community and many
availed themselves of the opportunity to witness the
spectacle.

>5
M

O
P

CHAPTER XIII.
The Presbyterian Society and Church.

Many of the earlier settlers of this town and the
neighborhoods south, which are now Newburgh and
Middlehope, were Presbyterians. They were zealous
in their faith and early sought some means of wor-
ship. About 1750 they formed among themselves a
union for the worship of God after the forms of the
ancient church, which they named the Marlborough
Society. This was the oldest religious organization
in what is now the Town of Marlborough and vicinity.
The church edifice which they erected in the year 1764
was the first Presbyterian church in the county, the
society having been organized January 1, 1764. The
church then built was a small building about 25x35
feet, and its entire cost was about £125. This was in
addition to the work, material, etc., furnished by the
people. As the organization increased in numbers,
some repairs were made to the house of worship in
1787 and 1792. About 1824 the church was enlarged
to double its former size, painted and made much
more attractive. This building answered all pur-
poses until about 1856, when it was repaired and en-
larged, repainted and made attractive and convenient.
In 1859 the first bell was put in the tower of the
church, and it was a source of much pride and gratifi-
cation to the people. The building was burned in
1869, and the present large and coimnodious church,
located upon a new site, was erected the following
year at the cost of about $33,000. It is a handsome
and substantial structure with steeple and bell and
will seat 600 or more i>eople, and has a large Sunday-
school library. A certificate was recorded in the
Ulster County Clerk's office, June 27, 1785, incor-

352 History of Marlborough.

porating the society. A further certificate of incor-
poration was executed May 14, 1795, which was signed
by Thurston Wood, deacon, and by Isaac Fowler, as
inspectors of the election held. The meeting was
called by Rev. Abel Jackson, then minister, and the
trustees chosen were Reuben Tooker, Michael Wygant,
Jr., and Andrew Ely. Another certificate was exe-
cuted March 29, 1850, and was signed by Thomas D.
Bloomer and Peter V. B. Fowler. The trustees chosen
were James Wygant, Charles E. Bingham, John
Bloomer, James 0. Conklin, Chauncey Wygant, and
Barnard Bailey ; recorded October 1, 1850. The church
originally had galleries as was usual in those times.
It appears to have kept up its organization and ser-
vices during all the trying years of the Revolution;
and after its conclusion, animated with zeal, they
commenced in 1786 a subscription to pay for the ser-
vices of the minister, which was signed by ninety men,
being nearly one-half of the male heads of families in
the town at that time. The £90 raised amounted to
about $400, equivalent to five times that amount at the
present day, and very liberal for those times.

Up to July, 1776, forty-five infants had been bap-
tized; up to December, 1782, ninety; up to 1800 about
two hundred. The record of marriages from the
-earliest organization to the present time are full and
complete, having been kept with much care, and are
several hundred in number. This church society has
seen the rise and progress of this place from a wilder-
ness to a town of cultivated fields; from a sparsely
settled, poor and struggling people, to a rich and
populous township. One generation after another
has been born here, baptized at this church, married
and been buried. The great good it has done, the
teachings it has proclaimed are beyond any estimate
which the present generation may make. While the
liistory of the ancient Christian organizations

The Presbyterian Society and Church. 353

throughout the country are being written up and
treasured, let not the grand old organization of the
Presbyterian society of Marlborough be forgotten!
No prouder name can be found, no more worthy or-
ganization named!

The record of the church commences as follows:

From the 8th Aug. 1763.

Ist Subscription. We the subscribers for an encouragement
towards building a meeting house for the worship of God near
the Old mans Creek in Ulster County to be founded on the
Presbyterian foundation and government of the Kirk of Scot-
land, Do promise to pay, on demand for ourselves heirs and
assigns the following sums annexed to our names to those that
are Trustees of said building provided that Lewis Du Bois does
give two acres of land to remain for that use forever as witness
our hands Aug. 8th 1763.

£ S. £ S.

Lewis Dubois 15 George Stanton 1.5

Stephen Case 5 Joseph Cain 1 . 10

John Woolsey 2 Urian Mackey 1 . 10

David Brewster 1.10 Latting Carpenter 1. 0

Joseph Presly 0 . 8 John Cosman 1 . 0

Henry Case, Jr 1. 8 Daniel Thurston 1. 0

Benj. Woolsey 3. 0 Zachariah Thurston ... 0. 8

Louis Adams 0.10 Wm. Mitchell 1.0

Thos. Quick 0.10 Silas Travis 0.16

Thos. Woolsey 2.00 Richard Woolsey 3.00

Mathew Presler 0. 8 Benj. Carpenter 2.00

John Jackson 0.8 Thos. Knowlton 2.00

John Harris 0.5 Eliphalet Piatt 2.00

Micajah Lewis 1 . 0 Elijah Lewis 1 . 00

Pheneas Latting 1.0 James Quimby 3 . 00

James Merritt 0.15 Xehemiah Fowler .... 0.16

Michael Wygant 2.00 Alexander Colden 0.16

Joseph Hallett 1.4 Jonathan Hasbrouck . . 1.4

& 16 others in all 73 L. 2 S.

A Register of proceeding was commenced Ist Jan. 1764.
Stephen Case was appointed Clerk & his duty was to be As
follows to keep an exact & true account of all money raised by
subscription towards building & finishing meeting house &
how it was disposed of from time to time for the satisfaction
12

354 History of Marlborough.

of all whom it may concern likewise an account of all meet-
ings & who is chosen committee to transact business or any
other church orficers & also of persons married, baptised, or
buried in said society & to keep & take care of said record &
all other books, papers ^c relating to said society & when re-
quired to deliver the same to any other appointed.

April Gth 17(]4. Stephen Case and John Woolsey were ap-
pointed Trustees to receive the Deed for Church T^ot from
Lieutenant Lewis Dubois for the land & it was also agreed
that it should be for One & a half acres instead of 2 acres &
it was also agreed that the Minister or some other persons shall
have legal right to call meetings whenever necessary to elect
other trustees or to transact any other business in relation to
church matters & all business shall be transacted by a ma-
jority of voices present.

Deed made the 5th day of April & 4th year of the reign of
George the 3rd One thousand seven hundred & sixty-four. Be-
tween Lewis Du Bois of iirst part & Stephen Case & John
Woolsey Trustees of 2d part. Witnesseth that said I^ewis Du
Bois in consideration of the sum of ^\e shilling current lawful
money of X York to him in hand paid & in consideration of
that paternal love & regard he hath for & towards the propaga-
tion of the Gosjx'l of Jesus Christ, agreeable to the articles
of the Kirk of Scotland in the Presbyterian Faith &c Doth
grant bargain and sell unto said Trustees & their successors to
perpetuate succession forever, one acre 6l a lialf of land for to
l)uild a meeting houst* on tlv: for a Burying yard, for the use
benefit c^' advantage of said ^lar]l)()rougli Society (^' tlieir heirs
forever. Beginning at a stone set in the ground tlie east side
of lligliway & marked M. B. Y. thence easterly along the south
line of ilie trad tliree eliains t!v: eiglity-seven links (!;' keeping
tliat width (S: parallel with the road until it includes one <fe
a half acres to have &: to hold tlie same forever. Provided said
society do at ail times call, choose a ^linister of the Gospel
K) maintain c^' kce]) tlie articles of the Kirk of Scotland agree-
able to their confession c^'c

Siirncd LKWTS DUBOIS
AVitness HrMiMiin:v ^iKHurTT
Samiiil Mkhuitt
Kli.iaii Baldwin

First sermon prcaelied in riiiirch hy IJcv. Charles J. Smitli.

There was laid out in building meeting house 1)3 £ '^ S

Collected ::\ C 2 S. l^alanee 'i > I' 0 S. Borrowed Julv 0th

The Presbyterian Society and Church. 355

1764 of Capt. Jonathan Hasbrouck 20 £. Lewis DuBois, John
Woolsey & Stephen Case bound to pay the same.

Feb. 25th 1765. 2d Subscription. To finish the house &
make it comfortable, that is to lay the floors, put glass in the
windows, make doors &c., agree to pay as follows on demand.

£ S £ S

Stephen Case 1 . 10 John Quick 0. 2

Annanias Valentine . . 1 . 00 David Merritt 0 . 3

Lewis Dubois 6 . 00 Josiah Merritt 0 . 2

Absolam Case 0. 8 Michael Wygant 0. 5

Seth Hubble 0.10 John Woolsey 1.10

Zadock Lewis 0. 8 Morris Flewelling ... 0. 6

James TowTisend .... 0 . 2 Isaac Fowler 1 . 5

Samuel Merritt 0.10 Jacob Winner 0. 8

Danl Thurston 0.15 Thomas Knowlton ... 1. 0

Bichard Woolsev 0.12

John Cosman 0. 5 £17. IS

All laid out in laying floors &c, and paying interest &c.

STEPHEX CASE Clerk
April 23d.

December 30th 1765. This day was chosen a committee for
Marlborough Society & a Moderator.

Viz: Thomas Knowlton, Moderator; Capt. Richard Wool-
sey, Lieut. Lewis Du Bois, Eliphalet Piatt & Daniel Thurston,
Committee.

Said committee to be responsible for the sum raised for the
support of a minister for one year.

Jan. 20th 1767. This day was chosen by a majority of voices
a Committee & Moderator.

Viz: Lewis Du Bois, Moderator; Thomas Knowlton, Ben-
jamin Carpenter, Stephen Case & Daniel Sniffin, Committee.

Said committee to be responsible for moneys raised for the
support of a minister for one year.

Sept. 25th 1773. This day hired Rev. John McCallah for
six months to preach, one half the time in the Meeting house
& the other half towards Xewburgh. Two trustees to be ac-
countable for the sum of £ 20, 12 S. & the lower or Xewburgh
society for the remainder of his salary.

9th July 1771. Trustees Stephen Case & John Woolsey &
Lewis Du Bois met & settled all account against meeting house
& found the balance 7 £ 10 S. & 3 D.— which they divided
between & paid, & society to pay them again out of first money
made bv collection or otherwise.

356 History of Marlborough.

April 23d 1775. Rev. Xathan Kerr preached & administered
the Lord's Supper for the first time to 6 members & Caleb
Fowler an infant baptised.

April 6th 1784. A general act of Incorporation was passed
for all religious denominations within the state & the Society
met 28th day of April 1785 & organized agreeable to that act
by choosing nine Trustees viz: Anning Smith, Jonathan
Brown, Michael Wygant, Isaac Fowler, Jr., Reuben Tooker,
Nathaniel Du Bois, Daniel Kelsey, Samuel Stratton & Wolveft
Ecker & Dr. Benjamin Ely, Clerk.

July 9th 1785. Trustees met & chose Dr. Benjamin Ely,
Clerk, Treasurer & Collector.

Sept. 30th 1785. Trustees met & settled with Capt. Stephen
Case in relation to a Lottery & they found due him 8 £
3 S. 9 D. — which sum he generously gave to the Society & gave
a receipt in full & at the same time the Trustees divided them-
selves into three classes, to wit: 1st, 2d & 3d.

March 1st 1786. A subscription was started to raise money
to pay for the support of a minister for the half of the time for
one year & to preach the other half some where in New Paltz.
Ninety persons subscribed & raised the sum of £ 90.

June 10th 1786. Trustees met & resolved to send to New
England to get a minister to supply them for one year & that
Dr. Benjamin Ely be appointed to go & to have six weeks time
to do the same.

Resolved That no Baptist or separate Preacher be allowed or
admitted to preach in the Meeting house under any pretense
whatever without the joint & mutual consent of the Trustees or
a majority of them.

Sept. 12th 1T86. At a parish meeting this day at the Meet-
ing house Ebenezer Perkins, Jolm Thorp & Benjamin Car-
penter were elected Trustees.

Dec. 1786. Repairs Sec upon Church & subscription to pay
same.

Feb. IStli. 1787. At a Parish meetinn: this day Voted that
the supply sliould have £ 1 12 S. per Sabbath.

Sept. 11th 1787. At a parish meeting this day voted that
the Rev. Mr. Osborn be employed to preach for three months
provided he will accept of 32 S. per Sabbath Exclusive of
board.

Voted Also that ]\[ajor Du Bois, Capt. John Woolsey & Wol-
vert Ecker be exempt from paying part thereof in consequence
of their orenerous ofTer to board Mr. Osboni & a Committee

A New Organization of the Church. 357

waited upon Mr. Osborn to inform him of the proposal which
he readily accepted.

Sept. 25th 1787. Parish meeting to elect Trustees. John
Fowler, Matthew Wygant, & Nathaniel Du Bois chosen.

Sept. 19th 1788. Parish meeting to choose Trustees. Aim-
ing Smith, Eeuben Tooker & John Fowler were elected & Eben-
ezer Foot in place of Nath^l Du Bois, Deceased.

March 7th 1792. Parish meeting to classify trustees & to
choose a Clerk & Allen Lester was chosen. A subscription
started to raise money to employ Reverend Mr. Jackson to
preach the half of the time for one year, & raised money to
do the same. Mr. Jackson began to labor in Marlborough
May 1792 & was ordained at Marlbprough Nov. 1792.

A New Organization of the Church.

Oct. 1st 1793. At a meeting previously appointed by Bev.
Mr. Jackson for the purpose of constituting a Church. Bev.
Amsi Lewis, Daniel Marsh, Jeremiah Crosby & Abel Jackson
present, after Prayer, the Persons present were organized into
a Church, * * * & agreed to the following articles of faith.

1st That none are qualified to enter into such covenant
relation unless they are real friends of Jesus Christ & his
cause & therefore none are to be admitted to sfich covenant
relation unless they profess repentance towards God & faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ & whose fruit, both in life & con-
servation is agreeable to such profession.

2d. That those children whose parents are one or both of
them si.ich professors are included in the covenant & ought-
to be baptised. That baptised children are to be considered as.
belonging to the Church & subject to discipline according to
their age & capacity. That baptised persons are not to be ad-
mitted to the TiOrd's supper, or baptism for their children
without such acknowledgment of their baptismal obligations as
amounts to the profession required of adults.

3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th are omitted, it amounted to
an independent organization & Articles of faith with 7 Sections
& the usual Church Covenant were all adopted & Mr. I^wis
preached a sermon from Eph. 2d, 22d. Mr. March made the
concluding Prayer & after singing Psalm 132 Mr. Lewis dis-
missed the people.

Nov. 23d 1793. * ♦ ♦ The question being asked whom
we ought to invite to commune with us, Voted to invite all
friends of Jesus Christ who are in regular standing in other
visible churches. * * *

358 History of Marlborough.

For about ten years after Mr. Jackson left, the
church was without any settled minister. During this
time the pulpit was supplied by Isaac Sargeant, Wm.
Bull, Ambrose Porter, Richard Andrews, Joel T.
Benedict, and others all of the same ecclesiastical
order as Mr. Jackson. Mr. Bull, who supplied the
pulpit for some length of time, was an Englislmaan,
exceedingly eccentric, and very prohx in his perform-
ances. He was a bachelor; and sometimes in the
family where he boarded, continued so long in prayer
at family worship that all deserted him. At a funeral
he was known to protract his address till interrupted
and admonished that it would be too dark to bury the
dead. Mr. Benedict is said to have been a man of
ardent piety, untiring zeal, and much eloquence, and
to have drawn large congregations to listen to his
preaching.

So far there had never been any special awakening
of the church. The whole number that had been ad-
mitted to the church, up to 1808, was 71, of whom 53
were still members.

Being wearied with difficulties growing out of their
Church government, and discouraged about obtain-
ing i)ermauent sup))lies of their present denomina-
tion, in 1809 the i)eople began to turn their attention
to the Presl>yterian Church. Mr. Jas. I. Ostrani, a
candidate for the gospel ministry, under the care of
the Presbytery of Hudson, occasionally attended
religious meetings among them for some months.
They also obtained some su])))lies from that Presby-
tery. In April, 1810, they ai)plied by their commis-
sioners, Charles Millard and Leonard Smith, to be
taken under the care of the Hudson Presbytery. At
the same meeting of the Presbytery, Mr. Ostram was
licensed to preach the Gospel, and on the first Sabbath
thereafter agreed to accept a call from this people,
in connection with the congregation of New Paltz. He

The Presbyterian Society and Church. 359

labored among them as a licentiate till September,
when he was ordained and installed over them by the
Presbytery of Hudson.

In October, 1811, a special season of divine influence
began in this congregation and continued till the fol-
lowing spring, adding to the church 116 members.
During the period of this work nothing special ap-
peared in Paltz, although within six miles, and enjoy-
ing precisely the same means of grace; illustrating
most clearly the sovereignty of divine grace, and
teaching us that the Lord * * will have mercy on whom
he will have mercy." About the middle of February,
1820, it pleased the Lord to visit them with another
revival, which added to the church 150 more, 90 in a
single day, of whom 60 had not been before baptized.

Being thus increased in numbers, and having en-
larged their house of worship to double its former
size, in 1827 the congregation was separated from that
of Paltz, the pastoral relation of Mr. Ostram to Paltz
dissolved, and his labors confined to Marlborough.
Here he continued his ministry till March, 1829, when,
having accepted a call from the church in Salina, his
relation to this church was dissolved.

The first bench of ruling elders ordained and in-
stalled here in 1810, when the church was organized
in a Presbyterian form, was composed as follows,
viz.: Charles Millard, Leonard Smith, Allen Lester,
Andrew Ely, and Nathaniel Bailey. Of these, Charles
Millard departed this life April 30, 1827. He was
a man of blessed memory, a devout Christian, and
ready for every useful work. His character and
not wealth made him a controlling spirit among the
people. Andrew Ely was a soldier of the Revolution.
Of Allen Lester we have the following record: '* He
departed this life July 24, 1834, in the 78th year of
his age. He was the first deacon (he was both deacon
and elder) in this church ; had lived a useful life and

360 History of Mablbobough.

died lamented." We have no doubt, from the busi-
ness intrusted to Col. Smith, and the fidelity with
which he discharged it, that he was a man of worth.

In November, 1829, this church extended a call to
the Rev. John H. Leggett of Peekskill, and he was in-
stalled their pastor the 7th day of January following.
Next spring it pleased God to visit the church with
*' a time of refreshing," and it received an addition
of more than forty members. Again, in the autumn
of 1832 the Lord poured out His Spirit among them,
and about forty more were added to the church. In
April, 1833, Mr. Leggett haying received a call
from the church at Hopwell, Orange county, the
pastoral relation between him and this church was
dissolved. It may seem strange that a revival of
religion was followed so soon by such a result. Mr.
Leggett continued his labors in Hopewell till 1854,
when feeling his health inadequate to such a charge,
he accepted a call to the church in the village of
Middletown.

On the 16th day of September following, this church
made a call for the services of the Rev. Leonard Jolin-
son, who was installed their pastor on the 2d day of
October, 1833. He labored hei^e a little more than one
year, and on the 29tli day of January, 1835, his rela-
tion to this cliureli being dissolved, he removed to
Broome county, where, after a long pastorate of
nearly a quarter of a century, he died in 1859.

Weary with changes, the people began to turn their
minds again toward their old pastor, who liad left
them seven years since; and they resolved now to
extend him a call, offering a larger salary than before
and seeking to induce him to return. This call he
accepted, and was installed again over them in the
spring of 1835. This time, however, his stay among
them was brief, being but little more than thi*ee years,
yet he left behind some substantial results. He was

The Presbyterian Society and Church. 361

instrumental in leading the people to erect a cheap
parsonage, which has greatly increased the comfort
and usefulness of his successors. In July, 1838, Mr.
Ostram having received a call from the Fourth Free
Presbyterian Church in New York city, the pastoral
relation was again dissolved. Here he continued to
labor till 1852, when, under the infirmities of age, he
left the city and retired to the village of New Wind-
sor. Here he continued to reside, performing more
or less pastoral labor as his health permitted.

At the time of the division of the General Assembly,
which took place this year, this church was found in
the new school body. Accordingly, Mr. Henry Belden,
a licentiate of the Third Presbytery of New York,
came among them and supplied the pulpit from Janu-
ary 1, to April 15, 1839. At that time he received
from them a call, and was installed their pastor the
second day of May. He continued his labors here
about seventeen months, and was instrumental in
adding about forty to the church. But his doctrinal
views, and the measures which he adopted, were such
that a large majority of the congregation became dis-
satisfied, and in October, 1840, the pastoral relation
was dissolved. The church had a hard time to get
rid of Belden. '' Had to call Presbytery to get rid
of Mr. Belden on account of his abolition principles.
Presbytery decided for him to leave, and he appealed
to the SjTiod and congregation changed to the Old
School to get rid of it." Mr. Belden was afterward
suspended from the functions of the gospel ministry
by this Presbj-tery for want of doctrinal soundness.
Soon afterward, having received a license from Ober-
lin, he built a church at Washingtonville, Orange
county, of his own order, in which he labored for a
short time. Thence he removed to the city of New
York.

A portion of this congregation, who sympathized

362 History of Marlborough.

more strongly with the New School body than others,
at this time erected a house of worship in Milton;
September 27, 1841, certificates were granted to fif-
teen of these persons, residing in and near Milton,
for the purpose of being constituted a separate church.
The remainder of the congregation appointed dele-
gates to meet the Old School Presbytery of North
River and to renew their connection with that body.

On the 25th day of January, 1841, the Presbytery-
appointed the Rev. John H. Carle as stated supply of
the church of Marlborough. He continued his labors
here till the spring of 1842, when he went to the
church at Rondout to oflBciate in the same capacity.
After a few years in that place, he returned to the
Dutch church, and labored for some time near Cana-
joharie.

In the spring of 1842 the congregation sent to
Princeton for supplies and were directed by the pro-
fessors, among others, to Rev. S. H. Jagger, then a
licentiate of the Presbytery of Long Island. He com-
menced preaching liere on the 15th day of May, and
on the 27th day of June the people gave him a unani-
mous call to IxK'ome their pastor, which he accepted.
He found the church much divided, owing to the re-
cent change of ecclesiastical relations and other mat-
ters. Many having deserted their own church, were
worshi))ing" elsewhere. Although in a short time most
of these breaches were healed, the pastor labored
eighteen years without witnessing any extensive re-
vival and was instrumental in adding but one hundred
to the church during this long period. At the begin-
ning of his pastorate, the parsonage was mortgaged
for nearly its full value. This debt was soon paid;
and the house, barn and grounds have since been much
enlarged.

The Presbyterian Society and Church. 363

Some of the earlier supplies were: Rev. Abner
Brush, Rev. Wheeler Case, Rev. Mr. Peppard, Rev.
Mr. McCallah, Rev. Nathan Kerr, Rev. Mr. Anning,
Rev. Mr. Close, Rev. J. Moffatt, Rev. Stephen Gote-
chius, Rev. Mr. Ganse, R^v. Andrew King, Rev.
Chauncey Graham, Rev. Samuel Sackett.

A list of pastors of the church are ; September, 1806,
Rev Ambrose Porter was ordained pastor. The sub-
sequent pastors have been Rev. James Ostram, 1810-
1829; Rev. John H. Leggett, 1830-33; Rev. Leonard
Johnson 1833-35; Rev. James I. Ostram, 1835-38;
Rev. Henry Belden, 1839-^0; Rev. John H. Earl,
stated supply, one year; Rev. Samuel H. Jagger,
1842-69; Rev. Charles W. Cooper, 1870-75; R^v. Duu^
can C. Niv^n, 1875-83; Rev. Charles E. Bronson,-
1884^92; Rev. Charles L. Carhart, 1892-99; Rev.
William Coombe, 1900-08, ^ |

The elders of the church since its organization in
1810: Gen. Leonard Smith, Charles Millard, Andrew
Ely, Allen Lester, Nathaniel Bailey, Michael Wygant,
Joshua Conklin, Gilbert KniflBn, Daniel Wygant,
Jonathan Cosman, Bernard Bailey, Peter V. Fowler,
Thomas D. Bloomer, James 0. Conklin, Asbury Wy-
gant, Augustus G. Clark, Charles E. Bingham, Charles
M. Purdy, Joshua Ward, William D. Barnes, Cornel-
ius D. Bloomer, John Bloomer, Daniel Lockwood,
Francis R. Shrive, Richard B. Norton, and William
J. Burrows. The present deacons are: Levi D.
McMullen, A. B. Eckerson, Samuel B. Wygant. The
trustees are Richard B. Norton, J. Foster Wygant,
Eli Harcourt, Frank Sands, Benjamin Harcourt,
Edwin W. Barnes, William Y, Vellie, J. Calvin \5Vv
gant. The present membership is 322. The church ia^.
one of the strongest and richest in the county of
Ulster.

364 History of Marlborough.

The First Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths.

Aiig. 8th 1763. First subscription for Marlborough Church.

April 5th 17G4. Deed was given by Lieut. Lewis Du Bois
for one & half acres.

Aug. 26th 1764. First sermon preached in M Church by
Rev. Charles J. Smith.

March 3d 1764. First person buried namely an infant of
James Merritt. Another infant of James Merritt & also one of
Thomas Si Ik worth.

Jan. 22d 1766. Kev. Abner Brush preached & baptised a
child of Thomas Quick named Sarah. One of Peter Pompeii
named Charlotte?. One of Zadwiek Miller named Peter & one
of John U. Wygant named Sarah.

Feb. 12th 1766. Was buried Mrs. Elizabeth Piatt first grown
person, wife of E. Piatt.

July 1st 1766. Baptised a child of Urian Mackey named
Elias.

June 8th 1766. Rev. Wheeler Case Preached & baptised a
child of E. Piatt. Elizabeth.

July 13th. Rev. A. Brush preached & baptised child of
David Smith. David. /

Xov. 23d 1766. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Israel Piatt.
Named Edmund.

Fel). 18th 1767. Rev. Wlieeler Case baptised a child of
Gilbcrl Denton named Jolianna & also one of Burris Holmes
named Thomas.

Feb. 2r)th. Rev. Wheeler Case preached & baptised child of
Steplien Case. Name Wheeler.

May M. Rev. A. Brush preached & baptised a child of
Hugh Ganil)b named Hugh.

July 3d 1767. Rev. A. Brusli married Daniel Kniffin &
Martha Thurston.

July 12th. Mr. Brush baptised two children of Joshua
Conklin named Rachel & Joshua.

Same day child of Lemuel Conklin named Benjamin Hairs.

July 2(). Mr. Brush baptised a child of Tunis Dolson named
Mary. Same day one of John Simpson named Samuel.

Aug. 30th 1767. Rev. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Lieut.
Lewis Du Bois named Jonathan.

Xov. 3d. This day buried Joseph Taylor: Xo. 5.

Xov. 24tli. Iliis day was buried Mrs. Rachel Du Bois wife
of T^iout. Du Bois.

Dee. 1767. This day married Henry Little & Kasiah Smith.

The First Baptisms, MAKRiAGii^, and Deaths. 365

Jan. '^Tth 1TG8. Married Richard Albertson to Relxjcca Sim-
son.

Jan. 27tli 1T68. William Durkee to Anne Weckam.

Feb. 2d, 17G8. This day buried Jonathan son of Lieut. Lewis
Du Bois.

May 8th. Kev. Mr. Brush baptised a child of Peter Pom-
prises named Mary.

Sei)t. 25th was buried an infant of Lemuel Conklin.

June 19t]i 17G9. Buried Joseph a son of Henry Deyo.

Aug. 14th 1TG9. Buried James Norton & also an infant of
Delwrance Banker.

Aug. lJ>th 17(>9. Buried a daughter of James Norton.

Aug. 28th. Buried Samuel son of John Dolson.

Nov. 13th. Buried Sarah daughter of William Waring.

Dec. 17th. Burried Ann wife of William Dun.

Dec. 25th. Buried Jemima wife of William Mosier & also an
infant one coffin.

April ir>th 1770. Buried Isabel wife of John Davis.

July 15th. Buried Robert Quimby who died with the small
pox.

Aug. l()th. Rev. ^fr. Peppard preached & baptised two
children of John Wygant one named Jane the other Elizabeth.

March 11th 1771. Buried Martha wife Isaac Folwer, Jur.

March 13th. Buried an infant of Isaac Folwer, Jr. in the
same grave with wife. Both died with small pox.

May 15th 1772. Buried an infant of Benjamin Woolsey.

July 29th 1772. Buried a son of Samuel Townsend.

Oct. 18th. Buried an infant of Doct, Abijah Perkins.

Oct. 18. Also the same parent a male infant.

June 1st 1773. Rev. Mr. Brush married Alexander Cropay
to Elizabeth Valentine.

June 7th. Buried Amy Miller.

Sept. 11th. Buried an infant of Silas Purdy.

Sept. 19th. Rev. Mr. McCallah preached & baptised a son
& daughter of Stephen Case named Gabriel & Easter, also a
daughter of Doct. Abijah Perkins named Hannah & a daughter
of John Bond named Elizabeth.

Sept. 25th 1773. This day engaged Rev. Mr. McCallah to
preach six months.

Sept. 26th. Mr. McCallah preached & baptised a child of
John Stevins named Mary.

Dec. 1st 1773. Married Thomas Cambell to Elizabeth
Cropsie.

366 History of Marlborough.

Dec. 5th. Baptised a child of Benjamin Carpenter named
Jacob.

Dec. 12th. Married John Duffield to Jerusha Knowlton.

Dec. 19th. Buried Cornelius son of Lieut. Lewis Du Bois.

Jan. 23d 1774. Buried Theodiaca Smith.

Jan. 30th. Buried Elsie Rudgers wife of Danl. & mother of
Thadeas Smith.

April 11th. Buried Daniel son & brother to the above.

July 21st. Buried William son of David McMinn from
Scotland.

16th Nov. Buried a male infant of Dr. Abijah Perkins.

Nov. 28th 1774. Paid Mr. McCallah in full for six months
preaching.

Dec. 26. Buried two children of Jacob Degroot who were
burned to death.

Jan. 3d 1775. Buried Rumbout Bogardus.

Jan. 7th 1775. Buried John Corbit.

Jan. 22d. Baptised by Rev. Samson Occum a son of Lewis
Du Bois named Lewis.

Same day a daughter of Wm. McKinney named Sarah.

Feb. 24. Buried Chariotte daughter of Stephen Case aged
6 mo. 21 days.

March 5. Buried a daughter of John Polhemus named
Phebe.

April 22d. Buried an infant daughter of Benjamin Wo'.)l-
sey.

April 23d 1775. Rev. Nathan Kerr administered the Lord^s
Supper for the first time to this Church to six persons, same
day baptised a cliild of Isaac Fowler Jr. named Caleb. Father
of P. V. B. Fowler.

May 23d. Buried Jacob Dolson wlio died witli small pox.

^fay 30 th. Buried Elizabetli Silk worth daughter of Thomas
Silkworth.

Aug. loth. Rev. ^[r. Anning preaclied & baptised John a son
of Samuel Hannah, & also Elizabetli daugliter of David Mc-
Minn.

Aug. 27. Rev. Mr. Close preaclied & baptised Joseph a son
of John Stevinson.

Nov. 12th. Rov. J. ^[offatt married James Leonard to
Massali Townsend.

Nov. 24th. Buried Mr. Hannah Collins. No. 43 in the
graveyard.

Nov. 25. Buried Appollos Case No. 44.

The First Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths. 367

Feb. 12th 1776. William Wight married to Jane Conklin
by Mr. Lewis.

Apr. 14. Rev. Mr. Kerr preached & baptised a child of
Benj. Carpenter named William & one of Dr. Abijah Perkins
named George Whitfield, & one of Solomon Warring named
Derrick & one of Lewis Du Bois named Margaret & one of
Joseph Dun named Juliana. Make 38 infants baptised, in all.

June 14th 1776. Buried Thomas Pembrook. No. 45.

Aug. 18th. Buried Sibba Scott daughter of William Scott.

Aug. 24th. Buried Mary Caniff & a female infant in one
coffin.

Aug. 25th. Buried Gloriana daughter of Wm. Quick.

Sept. 5th. Buried Henry son of Henry Decker.

Sept. 17th. Buried Pernino Springer.

Sept. 29th. Buried Catharine Smith. No. 52.

Oct. 27th. Buried James son of Joseph Carpenter.

Nov. 25th. Buried Elizabeth daughter of Henry Hide.

Nov. 2Gth. Buried Doct. Abijah Perkins. A friend to this
society & a good man.

Dec. 5th. Buried three children of George Langly within a
short time.

Feb. 23d 1777. Buried Jeremiah Bamheart.

June 2l8t. Married by Rev. Stephen Goetchius Benj. I.
Frear & Anne Parker.

June 22d. Baptised by Kev. S. Goetchius a son of Benj. I.
Frear named Benjamin. Also by Rev. S. Goetchius Hannah
daughter of Henry Terbush.

June 29th. Rev. J. Moffatt preached & baptised Jane Frank-
lin a daughter of Stephen Case. Also a child of Absalom Case
named Jane & a son of John Wygant named George. Also a
son of Thomas Wygant named Barnard & a daughter of Joseph
Degroot named Susannah. No. 45.

June 29th 1777. Rev. J. Moffatt married Thos. Quick Jr.
to Perxinah Springer.

July 28th. Buried Sarah Woolsey wife of Noah.

Aug. 23d. Buried George Langdon. No. 61.

Aug. 3l8t 1777. Rev. John. Moffat preached and baptized
a daughter of Benjamin Carpenter named Jane. Also a
daughter of Isaac Fowler (sister of Caleb Fowler and sister of
D. Fowler married Stephen Baker, N. Y.) namtnl Martha
and also a son of John Smith named Thomas and another
son of same Michael and a son of Francis Gaine named George
Washington.

368 History of AIablborough.

Sept. 30th. Rev. Mr. Ganse preached, iand was buried a
male infant of John Lester.

Oct. 23d. Buried Thomas son of Charles Mackey.

Nov. IGth. Buried Sarah wife of David Benins.

Nov. 16th. Buried John a son of Jacob Degroot.

Nov. 25th. Buried an infant daughter of John Quick.

Dec. 23d. Buried John Taller.

Fel). 15th, 1TT8. Buried ^kliss Nancy Brown daughter of
Jonathan.

]^farch 8th. Buried an infant daughter of Benj. I. Frear.

May 23d. Buried George Piatt. No. 70.

Oct. 8th. Rev. Mr. Brush baptized a son of John Wygant
named Nathaniel, also a son of Thos. Wygant named Matthew
and a daughter of John Mo])ery named Rebecca.

Nov. 25th. Buried Mary daughter of Capt. Silas Purdy.

Dec. 3d. Buried an infant female of John Mullender.

Feb. 14th. 1779. Buried a male infant of John Lewis. No.
73.

Feb. 15th. Buried Isaac son of Benjamin I. Frear.

May 7th. Buried Sarah Smith daughter-in-law of Andrew
Young.

June 20th. Rev. John Moffat baptized a son of Stephen
Case named Whitfield.

June 23d. Buried a male infant of James Merritt.

July 18th. Rev. ^Ir. Andrew King baptized a son of Isaac
Fowler Jr. named Charlos (Dr. C\ Fowler of Montgomery.)

Oft. Gth. Buried a male infant of Elijali Ferris.

Oct. 9th. Buried a male infant of Samuel McKeys.

Oct. 11 til. Buried a male infant of Reuben Tooker.

Oct. 2Ttli. Buried a male infant of David Finch.

Nov. I5tli, Buried a male infant of William Scott. No. 81.

Jan. i')t\\. ITIM). Buried ^lary wife of Thomas Quiek.

April Uitli. Rev. John Close baptized Rebecca daughter
of John AVv«(ant.

^lay 31st. Buried JIannali Lucas a very aged widow.

June 21st. Buried a daughter of Stephen Case.

Aug. 13th. Rev. Chauncey Graham baptized a son of Benj.
Carpenter named Joseph, also two daughters of Abraham John-
son, Jane and ^Mary, also a daugliter of Absalom Case named
Glorianna. No. (iO.

Oct. 15t]i. Baptized by licv. C. Graham a daughter of
John M. Smith namiMl Jane, also five eliildren of widow Mary
Gilles, widow of Jacob, oldest Jonathan, 2d. Sarah, 3d. Malli-
chia, 4th. Elias, 5th. Elizabeth bv Rev. Chauncev Graham.

The First Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths. 369

Oct. 22(1. Buried Phebe Quick daughter of William Quick.

Nov. 2d. Married by Hev. John Close Daniel Kelsy to
Hannah Lyneson.

Nov. 30th. Married by Rev. Andrew King Doct. Benjamin
Ely to Elizabeth Brown. No. 12.

March 18th. 1781. Buried two female children of Peter
Quick-. No. 86 and 87.

March 29th. Buried Isaac Cropsy. No. 88.

March 25th. 1781. Kev. Samuel Sackett preached and
bai)tized 3 cliildren of Wolvert Ecker Esqr., Del)orah, Su-
sannali & William, also a son of Capt. John Quokenboss named
Nicholas. No. 69.

Aj)ril 17th. Buried a male infant of William Pembroke.
No. 89.

^lay 27th. Bev. Mr. Brusli baptised a daughter of Matthew
Wygant named Phila, also a son of John Wygant named
Michael & a son of Thomas Wygant named Michael. No. 72.

June 10th. Buried a male infant of William Quick.

Oct. 2()t]i. Buried Charity wife of Joseph Carpenter.

Oct. 28th. Rev. Mr. Graham baptised a son of Lieut. John
Bond named Barnard.

Jan. 11th 1782. Buried an infant of Thurston Wood. No.
92.

Jan. 21st. Rev. J. MofTatt married Wm. McCrJiry to Sarah
Stevinson. No. 13.

May 2r)tli. Buried Sarah wife of Nathaniel Bake. No. 93.

June 23(1. Hev. Mr. Graham baptised a son of Ezra War-
ring Jr., named Ezra.

12th. Rev. ^Ir. Brush baptised a daughter of J. M. Smith
named Kuth.

Sept. 16tli. Buried a son of Thos. Wygant named Michael.
No. 91.

Dec. 31st. Buried Phebe wife of Peter Purdy. No. 95.

May 2r)th 1783. Rev. Mr. Brush preached & baptised
William son of Thos. Wygant ; Teperance daughter of John
Wygant & Johannah daughter of Nathaniel Hull. No. 90.

Aug. 7. Buried an infant of Daniel Tooker. Male.

Sept. 5. Buried Hannah wife of Charleys Tooker, a respecf-
al)le character.

Sept. ir)th. 1783. Buried a daughter of John Case & grand-
da ugliter of Stephen Case, Clerk &c.

Sept. 19th. Buried a son of William Pembroke named
Isaac.

Sept. 22. Buried ilary widow of Jacob Dolson.

370 History of Marlborough.

Oct. 15th. Buried Mary daughter of John Fowler. No. 102.

Dec. 21st. Rev. John Close baptised Charlotte daughter of
Stephen Case.

Dec. 28. Buried a male infant of Peter Bices. No. 103.

March 18th. 1784. Buried a female infant of Jonathan
Woolsey.

Aug. 19th. Buried Jane Fell (alias) Pell aged near 100
years.

Nov. 9th. Rev. Mr. Brush baptised a daughter of Matthew
Wygant named Rebecca.

Nov. 22d. Buried Sarah wife of Thomas Silkworth. No.
107.

Oct. Ist. 1785. Married by Wolvert Eckert Esqr. Joseph
Mor}^ to Glorianna Merritt.

Jan. 1786. Buried Sarah wife of Alexander Mackey.

Jan. 12th. Rev. Stephen Goetchius baptised twin daughters
of Benj. Frear named Wyntye & Unice Wygant.

Also Stephen son of Solomon Waring. Also James son of
Tlios. Wygant.

April 27th. Buried John Lyon.

May 31st. Married Gilbert Barker to Phebe Brown a
daughter of Jonathan.

July 8th. Rev. Stephen Goetchius baptised twin children
of Hugh Deyo named Henry Bush & Susannah.

Aug. 16th. Married by Atherton Peter Thorp & Jemima
Turner.

Nov. 22d. 178(). Rev. Andrew King baptised Edmund
Hurin son of Peter Tliorp.

Aug. 17th. 1788. Rev. John Close baptised Hannah only
child of Nathaniel DuBois, deceased.

July 21st. 1793. Baptised Isaac son of John, Polhemus.

Oct. 13tli. Ba])tise(] Mary 01 ford daughter of Darcas.

Fel). IGth. 1794. Daniel'son of Allen Lester.

Feb. inth. Marv, Jesse, Jacob & John children of Timothy
Wood.

A])ril. Phebe daughter of Jacob Polhemus.

June 22(1. Betsy Ely daughter of Matthew Wygant.

Oct. 2r)tli. Elizabeth daughter of Timothv Wood.

M:iy lOth. 171)5. Elizabeth Duffield daughter of Andrew
Cropsy.

June Stli. Jotham son of ^fary Sherwood.

Oct. 2:)th. diild of John Polhemus.

April 10th. 17!m;. Elizabeth daughter of Jacob Polhemus.

^lav 22(1. Miclmrl >on of ^Mattluw Wvt:rant.

MARLBOROUOn PRESBYTERIAN ClIURCH.

The Presbyterian Church at Milton. 371

Jan. 29th. 1797. Abijali Perkins son of Andrew Ely.

May 7th. William son of Timothy Wood.

Dec. 17th. Cornelia daughter of John Polhemus.

June 16th. 1798. Cornelius son of Jacob Polhemus.

Nov. 16th. 1800. Daniel Thurston son of Timothy Wood.

Sept 12th. 1803. John son of Betsy Clark.

Sept. 12th. 1803. p]lmira & Manah children of Timothy
JJanin.

Sept. 12th. Josiah Web son of Cornelius Polhemus.

March 13. 1804. Catharine daughter of Charles Millard.

July 15th. Charles Lester son of Timothy Wood.

Xov. 25th. Lydia daughter of Cornelius Polhemus.

Nov. 25th. Eliza daughter of John Polhemus.

May 12th. 1805. Polly Eliza daughter of Michael Wygant.

July 21st. Miram, Letty, Cornelius, Wiliam & Oxford chil-
dren of Valentine Lewis.

Aug. 18th. Franklin son of Charles Millard.

March 2d. 1806. James son of Elam Clark.

May 25th. Eliza Jane daughter of Mr. Freeland.

Mav 25th. Also Gilbert & Charlotte children of Timothy
Wood!!

June 8th. Kachel, Jonithan, Sally Ann, & Samuel Watts,
-children of Jonathan Cosman.

April 19th. 1807. Edward son of Michael Wygant.

Apr. 21st. Timothy Crosby son of Timothy Marvin.

The Presbyterian Church at Milton.

A portion of the congregation of the Marlborough
church who sympathized more strongly with the New
School body than others, erected a house of worship
at Milton. The society was incorporated August 23,
1841. Luther Pratt and Sunmer Coleman presided at
the meeting for organization. The trustees chosen
were Luther Pratt, Nathaniel Clark, Sumner Cole-
man, Clark Smith, Daniel Lewis and AVilliam Soper.
The meeting was held at the district school house.
Rev. James G. Ostrom was present and assisted. The
congregation resolved that they sjTupathize with that
branch of the Presbvterian church known as Consti-

372 History of Marlborough.

tutional. In May, 1843, during a fire, the earlier rec-
ords of tlie church were burned.

Rev. M. F. Liebenau was the first pastor of the
churcli. He was installed in October, 1841, and re-
mained for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. W.
K. Piatt. The pulpit was supplied by others after
Rev. Mr. Piatt left until the first Sabbath in March
1849, wlien Rev. M. F. Liebenau returned to the
churcli ; he remained until about 1861, when Rev. Sum-
ner Mandeville came as a stated supply. Rev. Edgar
W. Clarke took charge of the church in 1862 and re-
mained until the summer of 1866. He was carrying
on a large seminary at Milton at the time. Rev. Mr.
Liebenau returned again in 1865 and remained until
the spring of 1867. Mr. Liebenau had preached here
at three different periods, and occupied the pulpit for
many years. He also preached a part of, if not all of
this time at the Lloyd, now Highland, Presbyterian
church. He was a minister of great power and elo-
quence. People came long distances to hear him. A
man of no more ability has ever preached in the town.
He delivered many lectui-es throughout the country
at lyceums, and on lecture courses. He was very
zealous and ])atriotic during the War of the Rebellion,
and made many patriotic addresses, spoke to large
assemblies, and by voice and act encouraged enlist-
ments in the army and was zealous in all patriotic
work. He lost one son in the army which, I believe,
was liis only son. He died several years since at an
advanced age, — loved, honored and respected every-
where he was known. After Rev. M. F. Liebenau
left, Rev. Edgar W. Clarke again took charge of the
church and preached for about a year when his health
failed. Mr. Clarke, however, continued his school until
1872. He was also justice of the peace for many
years; he was a graduate of Williamstown college,
an eminent scholar, and a man of pleasing manners

The Presbyterian Church at Milton. 373

and address. He made friends readily and had no
enemies, and, to the regret of the entire community
in 1872 moved to Illinois, where he is now living at
Paina at an advanced age.

He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Myers, who came
in April, 1868, and remained until 1872. Rev. B. F.
Wile commenced preacliing in 1872, and after his
pastorate was ended, in 1876, was succeeded by Rev.
Duncan C. Niven who remained until the spring of
1884. He was a preacher of much force and character,
perfectly fearless and independent, entire master of
his own conduct, decided in his views, in religion and
politics. In debate he asked no quarter and gave none.
He had the courage of his own convictions and ex-
pressed his own opinions fearlessly. He was loved
by some and feared by others, but thought to be
honest in his convictions, in general. He is now blind,
and living at Monticello, N. Y., at an advanced age.
His wife is said to be a lineal descendant of Wolvert
Ecker, the old patriot. From 1884 until 1892 the pul-
pit was supplied by Rev. Wm. G. Westervelt. He was
succeeded by Rev. J. Napier Husted, who remained
two years. The Rev. George Allan was installed De-
cember 18, 1895, and remained until April 28, 1901.
He is now pastor of the Highland Presbyterian
church. Everyone liked Mr. Allan, and nothing but
good can be said of him. Rev. Raymond Hubbard
and William H. Tower have preached since that time.
In 1907 the Rev. Ivan G. Martin took charge of the
church. He is an eloquent preacher and destined to
do much good for the church.

The Elders of the church since its organization have
been as follows: Summner Coleman, Enos Van Sick-
lem, Luther Pratt, Nathaniel Clark, James Ransley,
Robert Herdman, Abram Miller, Jacob P. Townsend,
E. W. Watson, R. S. Armstrong, Charles F. Ordway,
Albert Pattison, J. Oscar Clarke, A. B. Clarke, W. H.

374 History of Marlborough.

Townsend, AVilliam A. Goehringer, Greorge P. DuBois,.
C. S. Brown, E. Y. Jenkins, Wm. H. Townsend, Jr.
The present trustees are: Geo. P. DuBois, chairman,
A. B. Clarke, E. Y. Jenkins, A. C. Jenkins, Edward
Young, and W. A. Goehringer. The former house of
worship cost about $3,000. The present edifice was
built near the old site in 1900 at an expense of about
$7,000. The church, though small, is in a prosperous
condition and free from debt.

CHAPTER XIV.
Methodism in the Town of Marlborough.

The first Methodist meeting held in the county and
the first class meeting was held in the town of Marl-
borough; and tire Milton M. E. church was the first
Methodist church of the county.

The Methodists organized in England in 1729. The
founders were John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Morgan
and Kirkman; they formed what they called a '* Holy
Club." In 1736 the Wesleys visited America upon
the invitation of the Governor of Georgia, with a view
to the conversion of the Indians and others, but little
progress was made and they afterward returned to
England. In 1766 a company of Irish emigrants, of
which Philip Embury was one, organized the society
in New York; and in 1768 they erected in that city the
first Methodist church in America. About that time
an Irishman, Robert Strowbridge, organized a society
and built a log meeting house at Pipe Cre«k, Mary-
land; other emigrants founded a society and church
in Philadelphia.

Encouraged by the progress of the sect in America^
Mr. Wesley sent over two additional laborers in 1769,
viz.: Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, the
former being stationed at New York. In 1771 Francis
Asbury and Richard Wright were added to the work.
The first conference ever held in this country was
held at Philadelphia, July 4, 1773. The society spread
rapidly in the Southern States. After the AVar of the
Revolution Wesley issued instructions to his followers
in the United States that they should make an organi-
zation independent of the society in England. This
was done in 1785, and the title of the ** Methodist
Episcopal church '' was adopted to designate the new

[375]

376 History of Marlborough.

society. Philip Asbury and Thomas Coke were ap-
pointed bishops, and the society was divided into dis-
tricts over which ** elders " were stationed, under
whose charge two or more preachers were placed.
The preachers were styled '^assistants," and the
fields in which they labored were called *' circuits."
The itinerant principle was then adopted; in this way
the work was zealously carried on, amid extreme pri-
vations, hardships and dangers.

In 1786, New York and New Jersey were divided
into two ** elder districts," one of which embraced
the East Jersey, Newark, New York city, and Long
Island, ** circuits," and formed the extreme northern
limit of the society in the United States at that time.
The East Jersey ** circuit" bordered on Orange
county, and had stationed on it as *' assistants," John
McClaskey and Ezekiel Cooper. While Mr. Cooper
was on this circuit (1786) one of Ms public services
was attended by Col. David McCamley, who invited
Mm to preach at Ms residence in the town of War-
wick. Mrs. Arthur Smith, a sister of Col. McCamley,
was visiting her brother at the time of the service
there, and at her solicitation Mr. Cooper accompanied
her to her residence in Middlehope, where he held
tlie first Methodist service in the town of Newburgh.
The date at which it. was held cannot now be ascer-
tained, but it was probably in October, 1786. Mr.
Coojx^r, accompanied by Samuel Piirdy, also visited
at this time John Woolsey, near Milton, and ha\dng
established here an outpost for missionary labor far
beyond the bounds of his circuit, he returned to New
Jersey. This was the first Methodist meeting held
in Ulster county. Six weeks later John McClaskey
and John Cooper passed over the same route, and
extended the new circuit to the Paltz, where they held
services at the residencs of Hendrick Deyo and An-
dries DuBois. They also stopped in the village of

Methodism in the Town of Marlbokough. 377

Newburgh and preached at the house of Elnathan
Foster, where a ** class " was soon after formed. In
January Ezekiel Cooper again visited the district
and held services at the house of Samuel Fowler in
Middlehope, which was henceforth a regular preach-
ing station until 1813. From 1813 to 1822 the meet-
ings were held in a barn owned by Daniel Holmes in
the summer and in Mr. Fowler's house in the winter.

Ezekiel Cooper was born February 22, 1763, in
Caroline county, Maryland. His name first appears
in the conference minutes in 1785, though he was pre-
viously employed by Bishop Asbury. He was the first
** editor and general book steward" of the society,
having received tliat appointment in 1800. Sixty-four
years of his life was spent in the ministry, and he was
long regarded as one of the brightest lights of the
American pulpit. He died on the 21st of February,
1847, at the age of 84 years.

The success which attended the eflforts of Mr.
Cooper and his associates led to the organization in
1788 of the Flanders (N. J.) circuit, which embraced
this section of country. The preachers on this cir-
cuit were Jesse Lee, Aaron Hutchinson and John Lee,
and it had 543 members. In 1789 it was again divided
and the Newburgh circuit established, its preachers
being Nathaniel B. Mills and Andrew Harpending. It
embraced 261 of the membership of the Flanders cir-
cuit and was divided into the following '* classes " or
informal societies, viz. :

Sanil. Fowler's Class, at Middlehoi)e.
p]lnathan Foster's class, at Newburgh.
Munson Ward's Class, at FostertowTi.
Goo. Stanton's Class, at Gardnertown.
Daniel Holmes' Class, at Middlehope.
Jacob Dayton's Class, near LattintowTi.
Lattintown Class, at Lattintov^Ti.
Samuel Wyatt's Class, at Kej-town.
Schultz's Class, at Dolsentown.

378 History of Marlborough.

Widow Ellison's Class, at Pockuck.

Warwick Class, at Warwick.

John Ellison's Class, at New Windsor.

Luff Smith's Class, near Marlborough.

David Ostrander's Class, at Plattekill.

David Stephens' Class, in the Clove.

Richard Garrison's Class, in the Clove.

Saml. Ketcham's Class, near Sugar Loaf.

Arter's Class, Barton's Class.

John Mc^Vhorter's Class, Long Pond Class.

These classes continued to be visited by the cir-
cuit preachers until they ripened into societies of suf-
ficient strength to support located ministers, or until
that end was attained by the union of two or more
classes in a short circuit.

At this time the Presbyterians, Baptists, and
Quakers were holding public worship m the town;
but many joined with the Methodists and became zeal-
ous in the faith. They held frequent services at the
houses of the members and their interest became so
great that these meetings were often kept up all
night. One of those who attended those meetings has
transmitted the following circumstance:

1 will now relat^j a circumstance which shows the peculiar
care of God over an infant child. My cousin had but one
child, an infant of six or seven months old. The mother,
wishino^ to go to meeting the night above mentioned, said
^' I will give this child to (Jod until 1 return from meeting."
Accordingly, she ])ut the child to bed, and locked up the
house, lt»aving no jierson whatever in the house with the child.
We did not return from meeting that night until the rising
of the sun. 1 went in with the parents? to see how it was
with the child, and it appeared tx) lie ju.st as it did when the
mother left it the preceding night. The mother said at the
meeting that she had given the child into the care of the Tx)rd
until she returned, for it seemed to her that it was the will
of God that she should be at the meeting that night. She
has since said that she could not leave a child so again, unless
under similar or some very peculiar circumst<inces.

Two of the sons of John Woolsey, Elijah and

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 379

Thomas became circuit preachers, Elijah, who was
a native of this town and resided here a greater part
of his life, has left the following narrative of some of
his experiences, wliich will show some of the hard-
ships that the early preachers had to encounter:

I now began to exhort sinners to turn to God; and it was
not long before I felt an impression on my mind that il was
my duty to preach. I was much troubled on that account;
and my trouble increased until I ventured to make a cove-
nant with the Lord that I would preach if I might tarry at
home. This eased my mind a little, and I began with great
weekness and fear. And I have often been astonished to
think how the people could be content to sit and hear me.
The way I first came to take a text was this : I sent an appoint-
ment for meeting to a place about ten miles off, and when I
came there, the man of the house said that I must preach, for
it had been given out that there would be preaching, and that
the people expected it. I said to myself, " By the grace of God
Tl\ tr}', and if He has not called me to the work, I hope He
will shut my mouth." So I opened my Testament on these
words, " Come, for all things are ready," and had consider-
able liberty in my own mind while discoursing thereon. My
next text was, " Behold, I stand at the door and knock," and
the liberty with which I was favored greatly exceeded the
former time. This encouraged me much, and T began to
arrange my appointments from this time somewhat in the form
of a circuit. My next appointment was at the house of a
Baptist, and my text was, '^Behold, these three years I come
seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none." I had a good
time in declaring the word of the Lord, and when I had done
a Baptist woman came to ine and said, " You have preached
Ihe greatest Methodist sermon I ever heard in my life." * * *

My brother Thomas received license to preach a little be-
fore I did; mine was sent to me from the quarterly confer-
ence. At ibis time my father had a large farm, and I and
my brother used to assist him in the cultivation of it. But
there seemed to be a call for one of us at least to take circuit.
So my brother joined the conference, and was appointed to a
^circuit in the north part of the state of Xew York. This
was in the year 1792. When my brother returned from the
•conference, father was not willing he- should go to the circuit,
he being under age, and T being older than he, took his place,
;and the next day started for my appointment. Father G. was

380 History of Marlborough.

presiding elder, and brother K. was my colleague. I had not
traveled six months before the charms of " sweet home " al-
most overcame me; for our family was a very happy one. We
were very happy in each other's company then together, and
though I had cheerfully left them, I cast "many a longing
look behind." One day I had three appointments, and nearly
forty miles to ride. When I came to my evening's appointment,
the man of the house met me at the gate, and informed me
that my brother Thomas was in the house. I was so ever-
come with joy that I did not attempt to preach that night,
neither could I sleep after I had gone to bed. My brother,
however, supplied my place in preaching; so there was no loss
to the people. The next morning my brother agreed to supply
my place on the circuit for six weeks, and let me go home.
I accepted of his kindness, and visited my relations, who greatly
rejoiced at my return. But strange to tell, I had not been
long at home before I felt as great an anxiety to return to
my circuit as I did to leave it, in order to visit my friends.
So before six weeks had elapsed I went to my work again, and
in a short time was appointed to another circuit, leaving my
brother in tlie first appointment.

In my new circuit I met with hard fare, and many trials.
The country was thinly inhabited. In some places there were
no regular roads. We followed marked trees for eight or
nine miles together. Provisions were scarce, and of the home-
liest kind. In some instances our greatest luxuries were
roasted potatoes. But thank God, we did not stay long at
each place. Our appointments for preaching were numerous,
and the distance between them very considerable. " Sponging "
was not the " besetting sin " of those days, nor "large sala-
ries " our greatest snare. Sometimes I had no bed to lie on,
nor blanket to cover me in the coldest weather. My saddle-
bags were my pillow, and my great coat my "comfortable."^
The consequence was, repeated and violent colds, which laid
the foundation for those infirmities which have for the last
two years made me " a supernumerary." Could we have had
wherewith to purchase a buffalo robe, and convenience for
carrying it, we might have escaped some of the " shadows of
itinerancy." Xoth withstanding, however, the hard toils and
the hard fare of my first winter's appointment, T saw good times
in another respect, and formed some new classes within the
bounds of the circuit, and added to the church eighty-eight
hopeful members.

I attended tlie conference in 1793, and arrived at the .place

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 381

in the evening, and was appointed to preach- the next day;
but the cross of having to preach before the preachers was so
great, that I slept none that night, but prayed and wept con-
tinually. As I went to the meeting-house my knees smote one
against the other, and when I was in the pulpit, I trembled so
much that 1 could not hold the hymn-book steady enough to see
to read the hymn, without laying it on the pulpit and placing
my hand on it. I then thought 1 should not live long, if such
were to he my trials. After prayer, however, I gave out my
text, and my fears were soon gone, and by help of the Lord I
preached for once, if I ever preached in my life. I had brought
no writt<?n recommendation with me to the conference, but my
presiding elder spoke to Bishop Asbury, who wished me* to
relate my experience and call to the work of the ministry,
the bishop and conference seemed satisfied. I was received
on trial into the travelling connection, and was appointed six
months to one circuit, and six months to another, for the
succeeding year. During the latter part of the year I had
some exercises of mind respecting offering myself as a mis-
sionary for Canada, for at that time it was customary to send
to Canada only such as volunteered to go.

At the conference in 1794, D. Dunham came from Canada,
and asked me if I would go with him to the province. I
consented; and though I had not had a regular appointment
more than one year, the conference accepted of my two years^
service, such as it was, and I was ordained, a deacon in the
church of God, and T was now going out of the states, I was
ordained elder the next day. J. Coleman was appointed to go
with us. So after conference we set out for Canada. But
the parting with my relatives and near friends was a great
trial to me, and I was glad when I was out of sight of the
house. We went by the way of Albany and Schenectady. At
Albany we laid in our provisions for the journey. When we
came to Schenectady we found that the company with whom
we had intended to go had taken their departure. So we
tarried a week, and provided ourselves with a boat. Two men
had engaged to go witli us, and to work their passage up the
Mohawk, but an enemy to the Methodist persuaded them to
relinquish their engagement with us, which they did, and
went with him. We were then left alone, and had to work our
own passage, ^\^len we came to the first rapids, which by the
Dutch people are called " knock 'em stiff," we had our difficul-
ties. I had never used the setting pole in my life, and my
colleague, J. C, was not a very good waterman. When we

382 History of Marlborough.

had almost ascended the rapids, the boat tunied round, and
down the stream she went, much more rapidly then she went
up. We tried again, and when we had almost conquered the
difficulty, the boat turned again. 1 then jumped overboard,
thinking to save the boat from going down stream; but the
water was over my head. So away went the boat, wath my
companions in it, and 1 swam to shore. The next time we
" doul)led the cai)e," and that day made a voyage of ten miles.
At night we brought up the boat, and made her fast to a tree.
We then kindled a fire, put on the tea-kettle and the cooking-
l)ot, boiled our potatoes, made our tea, and ate our supper
with a good a])petite and a clear conscience, and after smoking
our pipes and chatting a while, we sung and prayed, and then
laid ourselves down among the sand and pebbles on the bank
of the river to rest; but I was so wearied with the toils of
the day that I could not sleep much that night.

Xext morning, about daybreak, a man and his son kailed us
from the other side of the river, and wished to know if they
might work their passage to Kome, a distance of about eighty
miles from the spot where we were. Brother Dunham told
them if they were civil men, and behave accordingly, they
might, and we would find them provisions. So we soon started,
but had not gone far before one of them l)egan to swear pro-
fanely. We told him if he did not cease swearing we would
i^ot thein ashore. Not long after this, some things did not
j)]ea?e him, and lii^ liegan swearing again as before. Brother
1)., lu'ing at the helm, steered the boat toward the shore, and
gave him liis bundle, and told liini to go, saying that he would
not liave a swearer on l)oard. So we parted, and found that
we^, got along better without tlieni ; and that day, by the set-
ting of the sun, we rowctj up stream about forty miles. We
|)Ut ashore, as on the preceding night, collected the leaves
togetlier, and uuide our couch as comfortable as w^e could, for
we had no other place for tliat time whereon to lay our heads,
being in sonic sense like the patriarch of old, when he was on
his way to Tadan-arani. Our toil by day made repose welcome
at night, so that when the morning light appeared we were
rath(»r loath to leave our huin1)le beds. The weather, however,
warned us to de])art. It l)ecame stormy by day, and much
more so Uy niglit. We had rain and snow fifteen days out of
nineteen during that journey. When we were going down the
Oswego river, two men hailed us from the shore, and desired
to work their passage about twenty miles. It was very stoiTny.
I was verv wearv, and glad to nst a little: so we took them

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 383

in, and I took the helm ; but being warm with work, and then
sitting still in the boat, I took a violent cold. Toward even-
ing we saw a small log house, and went to it. We found the
woman sick in bed, and the man in poor health. They had
three children, and but very little to eat. Here wc lodged all
night. I laid me down on the stones of the floor, which were
very hard and uneven, but we kept a good fire all night, and
I got into a perspiration, which relieved me of my cold a
little, so that in the morning I felt much better than on the
preceding night. Brother I)., being a physician, administered
some medicine to the woman, which greatly relieved her. She
appeared to be a pious woman, and had been a member of the
Baptist church at Kidgefield, in Connecticut, but said she had
never seen a Methodist before. We had a very pleasant and
edifying interview witli the family, that evening, in religious
conversation, singing, and j)rayer. When we discovered that
they were so destitute of provisions, we divided our little stock,
and shared with them of all that we had. They appeared
equally surprised and thankful; — surprised that Methodists
(of whom they had heard strange things in their own country)
could be both religious and kind, and thankful for the timely
relief. They wished that we would tell any of our Methodist
friends, who might have to travel that way, to be sure and
call on them. They desired us also, if ever we came within
forty miles of them, to be siire and go that distance at least
out of our way to see them — telling us that we should be wel-
come to any thing that the house or farm afforded. The
house, however, was not likely to afford much, and there was
scarcely anything on the farm but forest tre<*s. This was the
only time, during our journey of nineteen days, that we found
a house to shelter us : and it was good for that family that they
entertained the strangers, for we were in truth as angels of
mercy to them. They must have suffered greatly had we not
called on them.

At night I have often hunted for a stone or a stick for a
pillow, and in the morning when I took hold of the oar or net-
ting pole I had to do it as gently as I could, by reason of the
soreness of my hands, which were much blistered and bruised
in rowing the boat. We attended to family worship both niglit
and morning, although we slept in the woods, and the pn senco
of the Lord was with us of a truth. When we arrived at the
fort of Oswego, on lake Ontario, we were searched to see if wo
were not, " running goods," as they called it. This affair being
adjusted without any difficulty — for we were neither spies nor

384 History of Mablborough.

smugglers — we were now ready to embark on the lake, but the
wind blowing high, we were detained two days longer. At
length there was a calm, and we ventured out on the broad lake ;
and when we had gone about twenty miles, the wind rose again,
and blew right ahead, so that we had to change our course, and
steer for the Black river country. The wind was boisterous,
and the waves dashed terrible against our little bark, and before
we reached the shore we struck a rock, .and split our boat — a
circumstance which made sailing still more dangerous and un-
pleasant. We had a quantity of books on board, which were con-
siderably injured by being wet. When we came ashore we made
a fire, and dried our clothes and the books, and mended our
boat as well as we could. The next day we embarked again
on the lake, but the wind was right ahead, which caused us
to turn our course. We made for Salmon river, where we put
in for that day; and early in the morning of the next day we
started again, and pulled at the oars till daylight disappeared
in the west. We went round Stony Point, and into Hungary
bay, and landed on Grenadier island. When we struck the
shore I sprang out of the boat and fell down on the beach, and
thought I never knew rest to be so sweet before. But we were
sensible that it would not do to sit still; therefore we kindled
a fire, hung on the tea-kettle, cooked some vituals — ate our
supper, attended family worship, and retired to rest. Our
w^eariness invited repose, nor did the murmur of the waves dis-
turb our slumbers; and besides, we had that very necessary
requisite to sound sleep, recommended by Dr. Franklin, namely,
a frood conscience. On tliis island we found a fortification,
and trees, which seemed to be at least one hundred years old,
frrowin,2: in tlie intrenchment. The island is in the mouth of
Huno^ary bay, and is subject to higli winds. Here we were
detained until we were brought to an allowance of bread, having
only one biscuit a day. T would have given considerable for a
piece of broad as big as my hand, if I could have obtained it ;
but we were afraid of making too free with our little stock, lest
it should not last us until we could get from the island. We
ate our last biscuit about the middle of the day we left the
island, and got into harbour on the main land about 11 o'clock
at night, and glad enough we were when we landed. We put up

tliat night at the house of our kind friend, Parrott, Esq.

He and his wife were members of our church, and received us
very kindly. We informed him how it had been with us
respecting food. Sister Parrott hastened to make supper ready,
but it was as much as I could do to keep my hands from the

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 385

bread until all was ready. We took care not to eat too much
that night, fearing it might not be so well for us. We retired
to rest on feather beds, but it was a restless night to us all.
Brother Coleman had a mind to leave the bed and take to the
floor, but I told him we must get used to it; so he submitted.
But our slumbers were not half so sweet as on the sandy beach
and pebbled shore, when we were rocked by the wind, and lulled
by the rippling wave.

One of the " lights," or joyful circumstances of " itinerancy,"
is the meeting together, and mutual comforts of the preachers.
One of the " shadows," or sorrowful circumstances, is, the sepa-
ration, and solitary sufferings. I and my companions were
now called to part. Brother Dunham went to Niagara circuit,
brother Coleman to Bay Quinte, and I to Oswegothe, and we
were so far apart that we could not often meet. I used to go
sometimes to visit brother C. The distance was sixty or seventy
miles, and a great part of the way I had to travel by the help of
marked trees, instead of roads. One day I was lost in the
woods, and wandered about for some time, and being on foot
I tore my clothes very much with brushwood. But I got safely
through at last, and our meeting was more joyful than if either
of us had found a purse of gold.

On my circuit also I had some gracious seasons. At one

place, in the fourth town, at brother W 's, I used to

preach with great liberty ; but when I had done I felt barren in
my own soul, and as much like an empty cask as anything to
which I could compare myself. It seemed as if I had given all
away, and had nothing left for myself. I was much dissatisfied
with myself, notwithstanding the people would often signify
their approbation. My soul was in great distress, tot I feared
lest it should be found that I had " daubed with untempercd
mortar." I wanted to have the people blessed, and wished that
brother D. would come and preach there, for the people flocked
to hear, and I thought he might do them good. The more the
people applauded the worse I felt. I then studied and prayed
to know the will of God respecting them, and at length con-
cluded that I would preach in a more terrific manner when I
came there again, and so I did ; and when I had closed my
meeting my soul was full of peace, and I rejoiced in God my
Saviour. I then said to brother W., who was the leader of the
class, " I now feel happy, and that I have done my duty, and if
one half of the congregation were to oppose me, it would not
disturb my peace."

The next day I heard that the people were dissatisfied. One
13

386 History of Marlborough.

said, " He is not the man he used to be." Another said, " He
now shows his cloven foot;" and others said they would hear
me again. But these things did not move me. By the grace
of God I stood

'' Firm as an iron pillar strong,

And steadfast as a wall of brass."

When I came there again, instead of my large and smiling
congregation, I had but about thirty hearers; but neither did
this move. Before preaching I went into a room by myself to
pray. While thinking on what text I should preach, a passage
of Scripture came to my mind, and such a field opened before
me, that I was almost lost to all things here below. When I
began my meeting a young woman fell to the floor and cried
for mercy; and soon after another cried out for mercy. I
thought I must finish my sermon, but I might as well have
preached to the walls, the cries of the mourners were so great;
so I left my pulpit, which w^as nothing more than a chair, and
went to the mourners, and prayed for them, and encouraged
them to believe on the Lord Jesus. The first that cried for
mercy said, in an agony of soul, " Here, Lord, I am, poor,
miserable, wretched sinner, that never did any good in all my
life, and I cannot get up without a blessing." And then she
would raise her voice and say, " No, Lord, I will not get up
without a blessing." She was in this situation for hours, and
at length found peace to her soul. She then prayed for her
sister, as she called her, who was by this time in such an agony
that she tore her hair, and boat her head on the hearth until
her mother became alarmed for her, and ran to her and said,
" My dear dau<rhter, compose yourself, for you will kill your-
self," at which tlie dautrhter said, " IMother, let me alone, for
I will have Jesus, or die." She soon found peace to her soul.
The youn<r women then kissed each other, and one said to the
otlier. " Well, sister, we will tell everybody what a Jesus we have
found, and they will all come, for we will tell them all about it,
and they will come." " Yt^," said the other, " I love God, and
God loves me: I love Jesus, and Jesus loves me:' T love the
Christians, and the Christians love me: I love every body, and
every body loves me." T said to the leader, w^ho stood by me
at the time, "' I think that she will find that every body does not
love her, if she does them." T was satisfied, however, that she
was horn of God, and blessed with a ^ood measure of that love
which 'Mhinkcth no evil," and I was thankful for these tokens
of good.

I will now relate a curious fact respecting the family at whose

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 387

house we held this meeting. Before the revolutionar}' war, the
man and his family lived in Pittsfield, Mass., and in the com-
mencement of hostilities he joined the (king's) army, and went
into Canada, and left his wife at home. They had no corre-
spondence with each other during the war. Her parents lived
in Canada at tlie time. A young man at Pittsfield having a
desire to make her his wife, and finding that he could not have
access to her without using deception, forged a letter in the
name of her father, stating that her husband was dead. She
dressed in mourning for him, and at a suitable time, (as he
would have it,) he made her a visit, and at length they were
married. At the close of the war the husband came home; but
before he arrived he heard that his wife was married to another
man, and that she had heard that he was dead. He then con-
cluded that she had been deceived, and that he would go and
see her. She had never heard from him until he came in at
the door. She recognized him as soon as she saw him. She
was rocking the cradle at the time, in which lay an infant which
she. had by the man that had married her in her husband^s
absence. • She was ver}' much frightened when she saw him.
He requested her not to be frightened, and expressed a wish
to see the father of her child. The father soon came in, and
the husband introduced himself to him by telling him his name^
and pointing to his wife, said, " That is my wife." The im-
postor replied, " Xo, she is my wife.'^ The husband replied
again, " She is my wife, and you have deceived her, and since
she has been deceived, if she is willing to go with me, I shall
never reflect on her. I have nothing," said he, " but my blanket,
and my knapsack ;" at which the woman replied, " I will go."
Then the deceiver said, " You must go with only your clothes."
She replied, " I will go with them only." He said she should
not have the babe. She answered, she would go without it. So
she left the babe in the cradle, and took her other two children
with her and departed.

They tarried all night in the woods the first night, and so
on until they got into Canada. He then drew, as a bounty,
two hundred acres of land for himself, fifty for his wife, and
two hundred for his children, and two years' provisions, with
farming utensils, and then settled on his farm near the river
St. Lawrence, where I found him. He said he did not know
that there was a tree cut down when he got there. So he
stretched his blanket by the four corners, and that was his tent,
until he had cut down the trees, and rolled the logs together,
and built a hut for his family, and afterwards a house, etc.

388 History of Marlborough.

When the Methodist preachers came along, this family heard
them, and embraced religion, and were ornaments to the cause.
Their son and daughter also embraced the same faith, and in
process of time married and settled near them. And the little
daughter that was left an infant, when her father had failed in
business, hearing that she had a mother in Canada, ran away,
and came to her and introduced herself, and was received joy-
fully by all the family, and was soon brought to experience
religion, and married, and settled near her mother. When I
found them they were in very comfortable circumstances. The
husi)and never chided the wife, or seemed to think amiss of her,
believing that she had been deceived; and the woman verified
that scripture which says. " I will now return unto my first
husband, for then it was better with me than now." And the
circumstance affords an instance of the puritv and strength of
the " first love."

I shall now relate a circumstance which to me seemed an
extraordinary interposition of divine Providence in the case of
Paul Glasford, a brother to one of the young women betore
mentioned. He was but little more than four years old when
the circumstance happened. His father^s family were moving
from the Bay of Quinte to Niagara, in a small boat. WTien
they were within forty miles of Xiagara, they went ashore to
cook some victuals; and there being some sarsaparilla growing
in the woods near by, the mother said she would give sixpence
to that cliild tliat would gather most. 80 Paul went with the
rest of tlio cliild ron to gather sarsaparilla : but when they thought
they had gathered enough to gain the promised reward, they
ran toward the lake, leaving Paul behind, who thought within
himself that he would gather the most, and thus ensure the
reward. At length he started, and ran. as he thought, toward
the })lace wliere the eoinjniny were ashore, but soon lost his way.
He continued running about and crying until nearly sundown.
He then came down to the lake, but knew not whether he was
hefore or behind the company. So he ran about jon the beach,
first one way then another, until it began to grow dark. He
then gave over running and crying, and fixed on a plan to go
to Xiagara. Having heard his friends say that they were now
within forty miles of the place of their destination, he thouglit
he could got through in four days. But what should he do for
food ? He concluded that he could live without eating during
that time, and so he laid himself down to rest upon the sandy
beach. But his mind was greatly agitated respecting his safety.
He had heard that some persons, when waked out of sleep, were

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 389

80 lost to everything about them, as not to know where they
were, or which way to go; and lest this should be his ease, he
made a hole in the sand to lie down in, and set up a stick point-
ing the way he must go. He then Covered himself all over,
except his head, with sand, and composed himself to sleep. In
the morning he rose as cheerful as the lark, and pursued his
way, without crying, for three days more, being careful at night
to set his little staff in the sand. Sometimes he traveled on the
beach, and sometimes, when he had to double a cape, he ascended
the rocks; but was always careful to keep within sight of the
lake. On his way he found some grapes, of which he gathered
enough to eat at the time, and to fill his pockets besides. He
had heard his mother say it was not good to eat many grapes
at once, and thinking, as all good children do, that what mother
says must be true, he only allowed himself to eat one bunch at
a time. This was good economy for a child ; for by this means
his little stock lasted the longer, and his health was not injured
by over eating. On his journey he saw two or three Indians
coming along the shore, and was afraid they would carry him
away; but he hid himself behind a tree. Their dog came very
near him, but did not discover him, nor did the Indians see
him ; and he was very glad when they were out of sight. And
who is there that knows any thing of the horrors of captivity
but would be glad too for the little traveler? On the fourth
day he arrived at Niagara, to the great joy of his parents, and
to the surprise of air that knew the circumstance. Even the
governor himself was so astonished at the fact, that he sent for
the little boy, and would have kept him, if his mother had been
willing to give him up. The family had searched for him with
great anxiety for three days. They made large fires, and fired
guns, but all to no purpose; and when they came to the con-
clusion that he was lost, and to proceed without him, they had
to take his mother by force, and put her into the boat. Provi-
dence, however, overruled the whole, and restored the lost son
to his mother and friends; and herein was that scripture ful-
filled, " When my father and mother forsake me, then the I^ord
shall take me up." The son was eighteen years old when I saw
him, and distinctly recollected the whole aflPair, as if it had l)een
but a few days past. I have since been informed that he has
embraced religion, and has become a circuit steward.

We were favored with good times on the circuit that year.
In the second town I formed a class of seventeen members,
mostly seekers: but when I came round again, they had found
peace to their souls. I also formed a class in the north-east

390 History of Marlborough.

part of the fourth town, of ten members, all mourners; and it
was with them as Mr. Wesley once said, " They were ripe for the
gospel." They thought they must do every thing the preacher
said. So I told them they must pray, and on the Lord's day
they must meet together and worship God as well as they could.
They must repent, and believe, and God would bless them. They
accordingly met together, read the Scriptures, and sung hymns
with one another, but for some time no one dared to pray. At
length one woman said she had as much reason to. pray as any
one there and then, and added, "Let us pray.'' WTien she
began, they all began, and all found peace, except herself. Her
husband said she was on her knees ten times on their way home,
and when in sight of home she cried out, " Lord, must I be the
only one that goes home without a blessing? Bless me, even
me, 0, my God." She did not pray in vain ; but though for a
time she was seemingly refused an answer, the Lord at length
spoke peace to her soul. She and her husband then went on
their way rejoicing, and the little flock prospered greatly from
this time forward as long as I continued with them. When the
time came for me to leave the circuit, they were so afraid that
they should be left without preaching, (inasmuch as the preach-
ers that went to Canada volunteered,) that they offered their
lands. One and another offered fifty acres, and so on, according
to their abilities. I told them I did not come after their lands,
but that they might depend on having preaching, notwithstand-
ing my removal. One man followed me down to the water side,
and there wo sat for some time, and talked and wept tx)gether;
and when I got into the boat, he threw his arms around me, and
waded knee deep into the water, and said, " If you will but come
back again, as long as T have two mouthfuls of bread you shall
have one.'" Thus we parted, with mingled emotions of pleasure
and regret. It was to mo a source of inexpressible satisfaction
that I had been made useful to a few of my fellows, though of
another nation ; and the thought of meeting them on Canaan's
happy shore, after the trials of life are over, and of greeting
them as my spiritual children, often gilds the shadows of my
supernumerary hours, and gives brilliancy to the rays of my
descending sun.

Wo then made our way toward the conference, which was
appointed to ho held in Xow York. We started from the Bay
of Quinio in a battoau. with a change of oarsmen, or double
manned. About sunset wo loft the shore, and got across ihe
lake while it was calm. I had had the ague and fever, and had
missed having it only a few days ; and one of the hands failing *

Methodism in the Town of Marlbobough. 391

about 11 o'clock, p. m., it fell to my lot to take liis place. The
labour of rowin<r together with the night air, brought on a i-e-
tum of my disorder. When we were going up the Oswego
river we called to see our host, the good man mentioned before,
whose wife was sick at the time we first called. The family
appeared to be very glad to see us. The woman said she was
as glad to see us as she would have bec»n to see her own fathor.
They seemed to l)e doing well as to the things of this world.
The man had cleared some of his land, and planted com,
potatoes, &c. They had also two or three cows. They kindly
invited us to tarry awhile, which we readily consented to do.
Wq tokl them we had plenty of dry provisions, and asked the
woman if she had any milk, and said we should be glad of a
little. They had plenty of good milk, but that was not con-
sidered good enough, by our generous hostess, for the men who
had visitwl them in their affliction, and had relieved them in
their distresses. So she offered us cream, but we refused at
first to eat of it, until her generosity overcame our scruples.
Some writers of the present day have accused the Methodist
preachers of sponging; but I can testify, for one, that in those
days, though we sometimes carried our provisions with us, we
never carried a sponge, neither in our pockets nor in our hearts,
even when the friends who entertained us were very thinly
scattered through the country. !Much less is there any need or
disposition for any thing of the kind now.

Having digressed a little, I must now return to my subject.
Such was the gratitude of this family for the kindness we had
shown them on our way to Canada, that it seemed as if they
never could do enough to make us welcome. Had they been
as rich as Abraham of old, T have no doubt they would have
" killed the fatted calf " for us, and " baked cakes " for our
entertainment, for thev l)oiled of their potatoes and green corn
for us, and laid heavy contributions upon the cucuml)ers and
water melons for our sakes, accounting nothing too good for us
that was in their power to bestow. The good man went three
or four miles up the river with us in order to help us up the
rapids, and when we parted wished us every blessing.

Xor was this the only instance of kindness that T have wit-
nessed during the years of my itinerancy. How often have I
seen the aged grandsire, with silver^' locks, and eyes bedewed
with tears of gladness, rise up at the sound of a preacher's voice,
as he rode up to the little gate in front of the house, to welcome
his return on the " circuit-preaching day," while the heir to the
estate, and his amiable consort, have each responded, ** Welcome

392 History of Marlborough.

to our abode once again, brother ." And there was the

little grandson ever ready, as soon as the preacher alighted
from his horse, to mount him, and ride to the pasture, or take
him to the stable. And there were the lovely daughters of
" mine host," emulous of each other, to see which should be the
first to take my hat and cloak, or saddle-bags from my hand,
and set me a chaii*; while aged grandmother, with her spec-
tacles on, a short pipe in her mouth, both of which were laid
aside at the sound of my name, in order that she might inquire
after the welfare of distant friends, or listen for a brief moment
to the short recital of the affairs of the circuit, and the state
of religion, and things in general. While this has been going
on, the eldest daughter has announced to her mother that the
tea was ready, and then, after invoking Heaven's blessing, have
we set round the old-fashioned circular table with as glad hearts
and as cheerful countenances as ever were seen in the tent of a
patriarch, or at a Persian feast. And after the "evening
preaching," during the long night of winter, what social hours
have I spent beneath the hospitable roof of some of our pious
farmers in our excellent country, where no less than a dozen
children and grandchildren have graced the circle — "all edu-
cated," more or less, " all virtuous," and dutiful, and more than
half of them " decidedly religious " —

" While hymns of thanksgiving, with harmony swelling,

All warm from the hearts of the family band,
Half raised us from earth to the rapturoiu dwelling

Described in tlie Bible that lay on the stand."

And then on the morning of my departure, (for circuit-
riders cannot often stay more tlian one night at a place,) after
family prayers and l)reakfast, what smiles and expressions of
good will have 1 seen and heard again and again I To say
nothing of the '' i)lessings and good wishes " that attended me
on my last round, and the hap])y greeting on my return to the
circuit after a few years' ahsenee, even the ordinary j)leasures
and comforts of a two weeks', four weeks', or six weeks' circuit,
are sueh as none but traveling pn^aehers know. They are tlie
*' lights of itineraney.'' and tliey must be recorded to the honour
of ^lethodisni. and to the glory of GckI.

AVe got through our journey in thirteen days, whereas in
going to Canada we were nineteen days. But before we had
ascended the Oswego river, I had the ague and fever every day,
winch made it very tedious for me; and when we came to
Oneida lake, being in the month of August, the weather was

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 393

very hot, and having the fever, and lying in the heat of the sun,
I was almost overcome. My companions at length concluded
to take me to the shore, where I could be in the shade, and'
accordingly they did, which, when I had fairly gained, I fainted,
and the first thing I knew was, one had hold of my hand, and
was calling to the rest to come and assist him. It seemed to
me as if I had just waked out of sleep. At one time I laid all
night by the side of a fence, w4th a burning fever raging in every
vein, without any covering but my clothes, or canopy but the
vaulted heavens, with not so much as Jonah's gourd to shelter
me from the chilling dews, or downy pillow on which to recline
my wear}' head. These were some of the " shadows of itiner-
ancy;" but they also have "fled away."

^\lien we came to New-York the yellow fever was there, in
consequence of which the conference was removed to White
Plains, in Westchester county. New- York. The session was a
very pleasant one. The preachers, after an absence of twelve
months, were glad to see each other. We loved one another, and
while we were together the Spirit of glory and God rested upon
us. We felt willing to live, to suffer, and to die together. If
one had received a little more than his brother, he was willing
to divide with him. To be sure, we felt sensible of our de-
ficiencies, as well in regard to remuneration as qualifications for
the work. But we hoped to share the spoil together in a better
world, when all our toils are over, and all our griefs are spent;
and this hope was as an anchor to the soul amidst all the
tempests and billows with which we had to contend.

When the appointments were read out, the preachers appeared
to receive them gladly. My appointment was to the Bay of
Quinte circuit. On our way to Canada, we were met at
Sdienectady by some of our Canadian friends, who helped us
on our way. We ascended the Mohawk in company with Cap-
tain Parrott, who, though not a professor of religion, was very
friendly, and we got along without any difficulty until we came
to the Oneida lake. When we arrived at the lake, the wind was
very high, and the lake w*as all in a foam, which continued all
that day, and until about midnight. The wind then ceased,
and the troubled waters l)ecame calm. About 1 o'clock, a. m.,
we embarked and after we had rowed about six miles down the
lake, the wind began to roar tremendously, and streaks of light
brought through the clouds in a manner I had not seen before.
Our oa])tain seemed to understand it as foreboding a heavy storm.
We th(»refore made what preparation we could to encounter it.
We spread our little sail, expecting the wind aft. We lashed

394 History of Marlborough.

two oars to the stern. The wind soon struck ns, but we received
no particular damage. The clouds were dense and dismal^ and
the waves broke over us with fury. Our friend, the captain^
though an old sailor, was frightened, and cried out, " We are
all dead men !" I said, " The Lord will provide;" and yet, not-
withstanding my firm conviction in the power and mercy of tlie
Lord, I sometimes feared for a moment that the lake would be
my grave. These fears, however, were salutary ; they caused me
to examine myself, and the motives which induced me to under-
take the work in which I was engaged. At length the good
providence of God brought us safe through. When we reached
the shore we all rejoiced. The captain said he did not much
expect, at one time, ever to set foot on dry land again, and that
all his hopes were founded on this consideration, namely, he
did not know but that the Lord might spare his life for the
preachers' sakes.

In due time we arrived in Canada, and our friends received
us gladly. We enjoyed many seasons of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord on the circuit, although I experienced
many hardships in the course of the year. Some part of the
circuit I had to travel on foot, being unable to get my horse
across the bays and rivers. Sometimes I had to travel fifteen
miles a day, preach twice, and have never set down from '^^e
rising to the setting of the sun. My knees and ankles pained
me very much ; and wlien I was preaching I used to stand some-
times on one foot, and then on the other, to get rest. But rest
was not easily obtained, even in bed, my knees and ankles were
so swelled and full of pain, ^fy soul, however, was happy in
the l^ord, and my s])irit r(\joiced in God my Saviour. The flesh
was often weak, but the sj)irit was willing to endure hardness as
a good soldier for Christ's sake.

On this circuit 1 used to meet the natives, the red men of
tlie forest. One time, as brother I), and I were riding near the
woods, wc saw, a little ahead of us, a company of Indians, fifteen
in number. They had been drinking too much, and were
painted as if they were going to wai^ a red streak of an inch
wide, and a black stn^ak of the same width, all over their faces
and hair, niost fri<rhtful to behold. When we came up with
them, we saluted them with, " Sago, brother,'' at which they
returned the same salutation. But they got before our horses,
and made motions for us to dismount, which we were not in-
clined to do, and shook our heads to intimate the same. They
then took hold of the horses' bridles. We again shook our heads.
They then took hold of our legs, but we pushed them away.

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 395

They then let us pass, after giving such a yell as made the woods
ring again. But we were right glad when we had got rid of
such troublesome company. Some of the natives are good
singers. There was one named Eed Jacket, with whom I used
to sing. He had the Psalms translated into Indian, and would
sing in Indian while I sung in English. The New Testament
and Psalms were said to be translated by Capt. Brandt. He
lived near Grassy Point. I have often passed by the place, and
seen his house many times. He was rich, and had much of this
world's goods. I also saw the wife of Sir John Johnson. She
was one of the natives, and wore her satin blanket. I also saw
her youngest daughter. She was ver}' fair to look upon, in
consequence of which one gentleman killed himself because he
could not get her to wife. Thus he died " as a fool dieth."

Having finished my tour on this circuit, and my mission in
Canada, I repaired again to the conference, which was held in
New York.

On the Flanders, New Jersey circuit, 1801. "♦ ♦ ♦ So I
began, by saying what T seldom allowed myself to say, namely,
I had no more doubt that God would bless the people that day
than I had of his existence, or the reality of religion. And
truly it was a great and glorious time that day. I did not leave
the house until eleven o'clock at night, and many stayed all
night. When I went in the morning to regulate things a little,
I found the superfluities of dress strewed all around in the
house, and the people actually refused to carry them away with
them. On the Sabbath it was thought there were six thousand
persons present. There was preaching from the pulpit, ex-
horting from the windows, and sinners cr^^ing for mercy in the
house and out of it. From this meeting this work spread all
around the circuit, and many were added unto the Lord that
year. ♦ ♦ *'^

Soon after this I set off for the conference, which was held
this year (1802) in Philadelphia. We had an agreeable time
all through the season. My lot was to return again to Flanders
circuit, and I had for my colleague Gamaliel Bailey. The
revival continued, and there was a considerable addition to the
societies in the course of the year, a number of whom were set
off to another circuit. At one place, "the Log Jail," we had
a good time, and the work of the Lord went on prosperously.
We preached at the house of one Amos Mann, a spiritual son
of Benjamin Abbott, and a very good one he was. ♦ ♦ ♦
Our congregation soon became so large that the house would
not contain them. I then said to brother Mann, "You must

396 History of Marlborough.

enlarge your house." He said, " I will have another house
enclosed by the time you come here again." And so it was.
We had now two houses, and they were both filled. At the next
meeting, however, we had to take the open air for our temple,
though the weather was very cold. To accommodate the
preacher as well as they could, they fixed up a blanket to keep
off the cold north-west wind, and under these circumstances I
preached to the people, while they sat on the ground. * * *
In 1803 our conference was held at a place called Duck Creek,
in the state of Delaware. At this place the Quakers gave us
the use of their meeting-house to hold our conference in, and
we had preaching in ours every day ; and as it was judged that
at the conference held in that place the time before, there were
a hundred souls converted, this brought together a great con-
course of people. They brought their tents, and pitched them
near the town, and carried on their meetings all night. At this
conference I was appointed a third time to Flanders circuit,
and travelled there three months on^my third year, at the ex-
piration of which I was appointed to take charge of the Albany
district. This was no small trial to me; but I tried to bear
the cross as well as I could. ♦ ♦ * j j^q^ wished to have
my next appointment on Xewburgh circuit, and I sent my re-
quest to Bishop Asbury at the conference accordingly. He did
not see fit, however, to 'grant it, but chose that for me which
was better than if my own request had been granted. He
a])pointo(l me to Brooklyn. * * * in the year 1815 I was
elected a (leleirntc to the (lenoral Conference, which took place
in 181 (;, at Baltimore. Bishop Asbury died a little before the
sittin<r of this roiif'erenec. Our friends in Baltimore had heard
that the l)ishop, in a former will, had bequeathed his body to
his Baltimore friends, he havintr formed the first Methodist
society in that ])la('e. They therefore petitioned the General
Conf<T('n('e for permission to have his body taken up, and
brouorht to their city. The bishop had been buried in a private
buryinn: <rround, about seventy miles from Baltimore — the
friends in Baltimore* wished him to be buried under the pulpit
in the Kutaw church. Their request was granted, and they
brou<rht him to the city while the conference was in session;
and althou^rh it was not ])ublished in any of the churches, yet
I think there was the irreatest concourse of peo])le I ever wit-
nessed. It was said by brother Bond, who was with him when
he died, and also conveyed his body to the city, that the corpse
when taken up was btit very little ehan<red, although it had
been twenty days in the irrave. lie was ])ut into a lead coffin;

Methodism in the Town of Marlborough. 397

80 we (lid not see the corpse. Bishop M'Kendree officiated at
the place. Brother Black, one of the delegates from Note
Scotia to our conference, walked with Bishop M'Kendree, and
all the preachers of the General Conference walked two and
two to the church.

The first meetings that were held in the town from
1786 up to 1812 were held at the houses of the class
leaders and at the bouses of the other members; and
the services were mostly conducted by the circuit
preachers appointed for that purpose and by the class
leaders and the exhorters. The classes about this
town organized themselves into a church and on No-
vember 16, 1812, the Milton M. E. Society was incor-
porated by a certificate executed upon that day. The
election was presided over by Richard Burdge and
Ananias Ketcham, inspectors; Thomas Woolsey,
Uriah CoflBn, Richard I. Woolsey, Henry Woolsey, and
Jacob Dayton were elected trustees. The instrument
was witnessed by William Bolton and Nathaniel
Chittenden; sworn to before justice David Staples
and the record attested by Christopher Tappen, clerk.

The same year the trustees commenced the erection
of the present Methodist church at Milton. Money
was very scarce in those times and people were poor,
but they completed the church at a cost of $1907.92.
The amount of the subscription up to the time of the
dedication of the church had been but $1200, leaving
a balance due the trustees of $707.92. This debt was
carried along for several years, and was principally
paid by the trustees themselves. The church re-
mained substantially the same until about the year
1855, when some improvements were made.

In 1904 and 1905 the church was enlarged and re-
modeled, refurnished, etc., at an expense of $7,000, and
at the present time no finer, or more convenient church
of its size is to be found in the county. This church
has the distinction of being the first Methodist church

398 History of Maklborough.

built in the county. This society obtained a second
certificate of incorporation, which was executed March
18, 1845, the trustees chosen at that time being James
A. Disbrow, Isaac L. Craft, James Blockledge, Jacob
H. Gillis, and Remos Woolsey.

The earliest preachers in connection with the New-
burgh circuit, which included what is now this town,
who resided here and who preached in the circuit, I
find are as follows. The list is not complete up to 1817
but I give such names as I find up to that time :

1797, Thomas Woolsey; 1800-1806 inclusive, Elijah
Woolsey; 1819 to 1822 inclusive, Eben Smith; 1827 to
1830 inclusive, 1835 to 1,838 inclusive, Phineas Bice,
who, I think was the Presiding Elder; 1817, Stephen
Jacobs, Heman Bangs and Earl Bancroft; 1818, Her-
man Bangs and Elijah Woolsey; 1819, Peter P. San-
ford and Josiah Brower; 1820, Arnold Schofield and
Josiah Brower; 1821, Arnold Schofield and Smith
Arnold; 1822, Jesse Hunt and John C. Green; 1823,
Jesse Hunt and Nicholas White; 1824, Nicholas
White; 1825, Bradley Silleck; 1826, Bradley Silleck;
1827, 1828, Humphrey Humphreys; 1829, Eben Smith;
J. D. Marshall; 1830, Valentine Buck; 1831, B. Grif-
fin, L. Fisher; 1832, H. Wing, William Miller; 1833,
H. Wing, D. Webster, E. Washburn; 1834, E. Wash-

burn, ]\IoFarland, I). Webster ; 1835, J. W, Lefever,

Jacob Shaw, W. M. Ferguson; 1836, C. Stillwell,
Jacob Shaw; 1837, Valentine Buck, E. Crawford;
1838, John C. Green, Elijah Crawford; 1839, John
C. Green, Eben Smith. Tp to this time these preach-
ers had quite \'dvge circuits. They not only held ser-
\dces at Milton and Marlborough, but in many of the
surrounding churches. In fact each one had charge
of several churches or meetings. After 1840 and up
to 1858 the preachers then- had charge of the Milton,
Marlborougli, and Lattintown churclies. 1840 and
1841, Edward Oldrin; 1842, F. W. Smith; 1843 and

Methodism in the Town of Maelbobough. 399

1844, Theron Osbon; 1845, David Webster; 1846 and
1847, Matthew Vendeusan; 1848 ad 1849, Edward
Oldrin; 1850 and 1851, Nathan Bice; 1852 and 1853,
Lorin Clark; 1854 and 1855, James H. Hauxhurst;
1856 and 1857, T. B. Smith. From this time the Mil-
ton and Marlborough churches have had separate
resident pastors; 1858 and 1859, D. W. C. Van Gaas-
beck; 1860, J. A. Edmonds; 1861 and 1862, J. W.
Smith; 1863, Aaron Hunt; 1864 and 1865, E. S. Osbon;
1866 and 1867, J. Croft; 1868 and 1869, D. Phillips;
1870-1872, Peter C. Oakley; 1873 and 1874, Horace
Wood; 1875, F. D. Abrams; 1876 and 1877, Charles
Palmer; 1878, E. H. Koys; 1879, J. L. G. McKown,
(died here May 2, 1879; H. Jackson supplied) ; 1880-
1882, C. C. Miller; 1883-1885, C. F. Wixon; 1886 and
1887, Charles H. Snedeker; 1888-1892, E. S. Bishop;
1893 and 1894, M. B. Snyder; 1895, J. C. Hoyt; 1896-
1899, I. H. Lent; 1900-1902, F. H. Deming; 1903-1905,
O. A. Shahan; 1906 and 1907, R. N. Birdsall; 1908,
Abram Woodward.

Peter C. Oakley, born August 20, 1800, died June
15, 1889, and buried in the Methodist churchyard,
resided here many years before his death; he was a
supernumerary, and rendered good and efficient ser-
vice to the church. Eben Smith died May 18, 1841;
for forty years a minister of Christ ; he is also buried
in the graveyard.

The present number of church members is 120.
Present trustees: Thomas F. Sears, Griggs Rhodes,
Isaac Conklin, Frank C. Wood, James R. Clark;
Stewards: William H. Lyons, Ensign Lyons, Charles
W. Fisher, William Purdy, Frank C. Wood, John
Wood, James R. Clark, Susan M. Rutter, Jane Oakley,
Mrs. Ruth Coutant, Mrs. Melissa Purdy.

My old friend, Nicholas Hallock, tells me that he
remembers in 1834, when Lorenzo Dow, the great ora-
tor, spoke in the Methodist church. Mr. Hallock was

400 History of Marlborough.

a mere child at the time, and remembers going with
a relative to the church. The relative corrected him
at the time, which fastened it in his memory. As he
remembers it, there was a gallery on the north and
south sides of the church, and they were in the gal-
lery overlooking Dow, who was then an old man with
a long flowing white beard reaching ahnost to his
waist. He spoke earnestly and made many gestures.
A great crowd of people were present. At night he
held a meeting at or near what was then called Dog
street. He gave out at this meeting that there would
be services at the Baj)tist church, Lattintown, that
night at midnight ; and it was said great crowds were
there to meet him. It is also told of him that he
l)reaclied from a stumj), and when he closed the meet-
ing, he gave notice that preaching would be there at
the same place one year from that night, at which tim^
he was on hand and preached. The circuit preacher
whose narrative is previously given, was afterward
in the Middletown, Connecticut, circuit; he says;

At North Guilford there was one thing transpired which
was wrv (^xtraonlinarv. it was at a time when Lorenzo Dow
was [)reachiiiir. Ih' ol»serve(l that tliere was a young lady in
the congregation wlio was very inattentive to the word, and
was also laughing, lie said to lier. ** Young woman, 1 will
tell your fortune when 1 get through this head of my dis-
course;'- and when he iiad got tlirough, he said. '*Xow, young
lady. 1 will tell ynu youi* Torturu'.'' She then hraced liorself
uj). and. with all the holdness imaginahle. laughed the preacher
in the face. He then said. ''Young lady, you have no time
to laugh : you had hetter hp preparing your grave-elothes, for
you will n<'ed ihem in less than two weeks.'' * * * so it
turiie(] out, that in ten days from that lime the young lady was
hroughr a corpse into tliat house, which was matter of great
astonishment to all ilic congregation. This same woman was
said to lie a very healthy pers)n. and this uuule it appear the
uiore a<toni<liin«i lo the peoj)le. r recollect having l>een with
Loreuzo once when he had heen telling soiue of the people tlieir
foi'tunes. As we lodgi^d together tliat night, 1 asked him how
it wa< that he c^uld tell the peo])le wliat was to come to pass.

MARLRORorGH M. E. ClirRCK.

Marlborough Methodist Church. 401

and tell it with such confidence. He said, that things came
to his mind with such light and power, that if he did not
speak of them he felt guilty.

There is nothing supernatural about the death of
this poor girl. It is very doubtful, indeed, if Dow
could tell future events, or had any presentiment of
the death of this girl. He was noted for being a bold,
reckless speaker, and said many things in his dis-
courses that might better have been unsaid. It is very
probable that tbis girl was scared to death. The
words of the preacher were so direct and earnest and
said in the presence of all her neighbors and friends,
that evidently they produced a shock, and was such a
great terror to her mind, that in fear and trembling,
and sleepless nights and horrid dreams, which she
could not suppress, she was hurried to her grave.
It was a wicked, dangerous thing to say to anyone,
especially to so young a person; and such a tiling
would not be allowed at this day.

Marlborough Methodist Church.

As has been seen, Luff "Smith had a class in 1786
near Marlborough, and from that time up to 1830
services were held at houses, and sometimes at the
Presbyterian church, and at the schoolhouse, at irreg-
ular times. Whenever a circuit preacher came
through this country he would hold services at such
places as were prepared for him, but they were irreg-
ular gatherings, most of the Methodists about here
attending at the Milton church. In 1830 they com-
pleted the old frame church on Main street, and used
it until 1867, when it was sold to the Catholic people,
and the Methodists the same year occupied the new
church on Grand street ; the new church together with
the lot cost $16,000. The church was incorporated

402 History of Mablbobough.

October 28, 1830, under the statute relating to the
incorporation of religious societies. James H. Long-
bottom and Barnabus M. Mapes presided at the elec-
tion of trustees, and Samuel Beebe, James H. Long-
bottom, Josiah Lockwood, Barnabus M. Mapes, and
Charles Merritt were duly elected as such trustees.
The church was named The Methodist Episcopal
Church of Marlborough and the certificate was
acknowledged before A. D. Soper, first judge of
Ulster county. After the dedication of the church
a deep religious interest followed and many were
added to the church, among whom was Henry Terbush,
and Z. N. Lewis, both of whom became preachers and
joined the conference. Up to 1858 the same preachers
are named as those who served at Milton and other
nearby places. At a quarterly conference held at
Milton in 1840 it was resolved to divide into three
parts, and Milton, Marlborough and Lattintown were
embraced in one circuit. These ministers have al-
ready been given up to 1858. Since that time, the
following preachers have had charge of the church:
In 1858, Elijah Shurter; 1859, Elbert Osborn; 1860
and 1861, L. W. Wadswortli, during whose adminis-
tration the parsonage was built; 1862, A. P. Lyon;
1863 and 1864, D. Gibson; 1865-1867, N. B. Tompsin.
During his administration the present church was
built. He came faithful to the call of his conference
to the work at Marlborough. He found two churches
and congregations, one at Marlborough and one at
Lattintown. He became ambitious to build a new
church and unite the congregations; the two old
churches were sold and about $2,000 was realized.
It was a great undertaking, but by zeal, perseverance
and i)rayer, he succeeded. The site for the church
was selected with much care and was of the best that
could be obtained, and the present fine structure will
stand as a monimient in the hearts and memory of

Methodist Episcopal Church at Lattintown. 403

generations yet to come. The present church was
dedicated June 6, 1867. The dedication sermon was
preached by Bishop Janes, and an evening sermon
by Randolph Foster, afterward a bishop. A great
revival occurred during Tompsin's pastorate. In
1868 and 1869, G. H. Gregory found an indebtedness
of $6,000 and he entered earnestly in the work of
extinguishing it. In 1870 and 1871, W. Ostrander;
1872-1874, V. N. Traver; 1875, F. Botone; 1876, J. P.
Hermans; 1877-1879, A. M. Osborn; 1880, W. F.
Brush; 1881-1883, 1). D. Gillespie; 1884-1886, S. P.
Galloway; 1887 and 1888, S. F. White; 1889 and 1890,
J. W. Dodge; 1891 and 1892, J. Ackerman; 1893, J. M.
Cornish; 1894 and 1895, G. C. H. Adams; 1896, R. S.
Crawford; 1897-1901, George E. Barber; 1901,
William N. Sarles; 1902 and 1903, Arthur Thompson;
1904, Elmer E. Count; 1905 and 1906, William Moser;
1907 and 1908 Edwin Hunt.

The present membership is three hundred. The
present trustees are : Seymour Fowler, C. R. Gordon,
Charles Warren, Eugene Lawson, David Mosher, A.
H. Palmer, E. B. Dexter, W. S. Wright, and R. A.
Weed. The present stewards are: W. R. Greiner, H.
C. Cooley, C. E. Westervelt, C. A. Hartshorn, N. L.
Wygant, R. A. Clack, G. G. Fowler, S. Haviland, John
Lawson, Jr.

Methodist Episcopal Church at Lattintown.

There were two classes organized in 1786 — ** Lattin-
town class, Lattintown; Jacob Dayton class, near
Lattintown." This shows that there were Method-
ists there at an early period, but only occasional meet-
ings were held at the houses of the class leaders and
others and at the schoolhouses, whenever preachers
visited that part of the country; and afterward, some
years before the church was built, they held services

404 History of Marlborough.

at the house of John Shorter, now the Odell house,
and also at the Baptist meeting house. They formed
a legal organization by a certificate bearing date
March 3, 1848. Isaac R. Fowler and H. S. Shorter
presided at the meeting for organization, and William
Mackey, Thomas S. Warren, Benjamin Harcourt,
David Fowler, John D. Crook, Isaac R. Fowler, and
H. S. Shorter were chosen trustees. In May, 1854,
John Shorter conveyed to the trustees the land upon
which the church was built. About 1870 the church
was taken down and removed to Clintondale. It never
had any separate preacher, but was one of the three
churches in the town which was supplied by the same
preacher. Afterward the Marlborough church took
charge of it.

There was a circumstance connected with this
church that made quite a sensation. During the
Civil War the patriotic people about here kept the
national flag flying from the belfry of the church,
night and day. One night some persons clandes-
tinely entered the church, tore down the flag and
carried it off. It raused a great disturbance, as the
older people will remember, and steps were taken to
find out and punish the participants. The guilty
parties were found out, and, at the earnest solicita-
tion of their friends, the matter was allowed to drop.

The bell of the church was taken with the church
to Clintondale and afterward purchased by the late
James H. Crook and presented by him to the Milton
Methodist church. It was their first bell.

CHAPTER XV.

The Baptist Church Society.

For several years prior to 1782 the pastor of the
Baptist church at the old village of Fislikill, situated
some miles back from the river, performed mission-
ary labors at different i)laces in Dutchess and Ulster
counties. In 1782 he succeeded in organizing a branch
of the society in the precinct of New Marlborough,
then recently a part of the precinct of Newburgh.
At a regular meeting of this ])ranch church, held on
the 24th day of May, 1785, at the house of Reuben
Drake, (Elder Philips presiding), a petition was pre-
sented by Nathan Ellet and William Purdy on behalf
of themselves and others that the society be consti-
tuted a separate church, and that Jonathan Atherton
be ordained pastor. The application was granted and
the ordination as well as the services constituting the
church were held on the 27th day of May. The mem-
orandum further states that ** Elder Drake preached
the ordination sermon, and gave the charge to the
pastor and the church. Elder Philips gave Brother
Atherton the hand and said in the presence of the
whole congregation that he owned him as an elder,
and so Elder Philips went to prayer; when done they
sang a psalm, went out and left us to ourselves." The
organization thus formed was called *' The Baptist
Church of Pleasant Valley." It will be seen that this
was the Plattekill part of the precinct of New Marl-
borough. In 1789 a branch was established at Lattin-
town and one at New Paltz.

After 1789 meetings were held at Lattintown at
at the schoolhouse and at the houses of Nehemiali L.
Smith, Noah AVoolsey, Mathew Benedict and others.
Up to 1807, when steps were taken to organize a

[40.5]

406 History of Marlborough.

church and build a church edifice. The oldest record
I find is as follows :

Record of the Trustees of the Meeting-House Belonging to-
the Baptist Church of Latintown, in Marlborough

I^ten Town, January 25th, 1807.

Church met according to appointment and elected Nehemiah
L. Smith, Noah Woolsey, and Mathew Benedoct Trustees of
said Church, to manage the affairs of the meeting-house in
Latentown.

The society was incorporated by a certificate bear-
ing date January 26, 1807. The paper was signed by
the officers who presided at the meeting, Matthew
Benedict and Richmond Burwell. The trustees chosen
were Nehemiah L. Smith, Noah Woolsey, and Mat-
thew Benedict. The proceedings were. verified before
Judge Jonathan Hasbrouck, and the record attested
by George Tappen, deputy clerk. Noah Woolsey re-
mained a trustee continuously until his death in 1832.
The ancient record book of the church remains in a
good state of preservation, and contains a record of
all the principal matters relating to the church from
its organization.

In January, 1808, Thomas AVygant and Elizabeth
his wife, for the sum of £20, sold and conveyed to the
trustees of the church one-half acre of land on which
the meeting-house stands, also the graveyard.

The form and shape of the church has never been
changed. The following is mainly from a sketch,,
which was conij)iIed mostly from the church book:

At a meeting of the church held in the month of
May, 1812, Deacon Purser, who was present, made the
church a present of this book, it being the one in use
at the pi^esent time for keeping the records of the
church.

From the records it appears that the Pleasant
Valley church, situate nine miles southwest of Lattin-
town, embraced members living on both sides of the

The Baptist Church Society. 407

Marlborough mountains. On the 6th of May, 1812,
a meeting was appointed in Lattintown for the pur-
pose of constituting into a separate church those
members of the Pleasant Valley church residing on
the easterly side of the Marllmrough mountain.
Elder Lebbeus Lathrop, being chosen to preside, stated
the object of the meeting and the importance attached
to it. After the case had been presented. Articles of
Faith were read in the hearing of those present desir-
ing to be constituted into a separate church. They
individually signified their assent and agreement
thereto and were formally constituted into a sepa-
rate church, adopting the name of the Baptist Church
of Christ in Lattintown. The right hand of fellow-
ship was given by Elder Lathrop to twenty-four mem-
bers present; five were subsequently added, making
a total membership of twenty-nine. A letter was
immediately prepared and sent to the Warwick Asso-
ciation, asking admission, which request being
granted, they became a member of that body.

On the 23d of May the church extended an invita-
tion to Elder Hall to become their pastor, and a re-
quest to that effect was sent to the Pleasant Valley
church, of which Elder Hall was pastor. In June
following word was received from the Pleasant Valley
church stating that their request was granted, and
they might expect Elder Hall. In July following the
Pleasant Valley church sent Brethren Jones and
Edwards to the Lattintown church to inform them
that they had revoked their decision respecting Elder
Hall, stating that they could not spare him, even for
half the time. The church then appointed a conunittee
consisting of the clerk and four members to arrange
supplies for the pulpit; also, to open correspondence
with ministering brethren with a view to settling a
pastor. Their house of worship had been completed
two years before their organization as a separate

408 History of Marlborough.

church, and in June, 1810, the Warwick Association
held its annual meeting at Lattintown, when, the
record states, an abundant provision was made for
all the delegates who attended.

In September, 1812, Aaron Perkins, a young man
desirous of serving his Master by preaching the
gospel, visited the church. After hearing him preach,
and becoming acquainted with him, the church invited
him to settle with them. He accepted the invitation
and in November, 1812, commenced his labors among
them at an annual salary of $200, with a positive
understanding that if either party wished to rescind
the contract, that six months' notice should be given
to the other party.

In June, 1813, Elder Perkins was ordained. The
church was united under his guidance ; he was ardent
and faithful, the congregation large and attentive,
and Lattintown enjoyed years of happiness, useful-
ness and prosperity. Old people used to speak of
the time when Elder Perkins preached in Lattintown,
when the meeting-house with its capacious gallery
])rove(l too small to aoeoniinodate the congregation, and
those who arrived late drove uj) to the church and
remained in their wagons at the windows and door.
Elder Perkins remained with them as their pastor
twelve years, during which time he baptized 160 mem-
bers. In 1820 an extensive revival took place, when
the records show M as being baptized. The largest
inenihershi]) during Elder Perkins' past^rat? was
128. In the year 1821 Elder Perkins' salary was
raised to $250 per annum, as a reward for his sei-vices
and a token of the res]ie('t and confidence of the
church. In Xoveml)er, 1824, he received a call from
the Bc^rwick Bai)tist duirch in the city of New York,
which he felt it his duty to acce])t. After giving the
Lattintown church the sti])ulated six months' notice of
his intentions, and remaining the ensuing six months

The Baptist Church Society. 409

to fulfill his contract with the church, he resigned his
charge and took leave of them. After Elder Perkins
left the church was supplied in part by Daniel Hill,
who had been licensed by the church to preach. Dur-
ing the fall of 1826, Elder Draper had been introduced
to them, and after having preached to tlie church with
satisfaction, was called to preach for them half the
time, for which service they agreed to pay him $75
per annum, and move his family gratis from the West.
His term of service commenced on the 1st of May,
1827. A resolution was adopted by the church that
each member shall pay twenty-five cents per quarter
for the support of the gospel among us. Brother
Conklin was appointed receiver to collect and pay
over the same to Elder Draper. On the 19th of Janu-
ary, 1827, the church passed a resolution that it was
improper to take public collections on the Lord's
day.

During the history of the church thus far the cove-
nant and business meetings were regularly attended
on the third Saturday of each month in the afternoon,
when the necessary business of the church was at-
tended to, after which there was a free conference
among the members present respecting their progress
in the divine life. The meetings invariably commenced
and closed by singing and prayer.

The records state that in April, 1827, the church
met to inquire into the reason why our Association
neglects and even discards the old practice of ordain-
ing deacons, and they by resolution bound themselves
to practice as the Association may direct. The church
enjoyed good peace and some good degree of pros-
perity under the ministry of Elder Draper. Some
were added each year to the church, of such as felt
constrained to come out from the world and be a
separate people.

In September, 1831, Elder Draper requested a letter

410 History of Marlborough.

of commendation, which was granted and the church
was left without a pastor. Again the church, as usual
on such occasions, appointed a committee to wait on
Elder Perkins and obtain his views, and get him to
recommend a supply, with a view to settling another
pastor. Until July following the church was sup-
plied by Brethren Bishop and Duxbury, when the
church received a letter from Elder Archibald Mc-
Clay of Kingston, recommending Brother Hadow,
recently from Scotland, to preach for them. After a
month's trial, he was invited to settle as their pastor.
In September, 1832, a council was called to assemble
at the meeting-house on the 10th of October to ordain
him; also at the same time and place to ordain their
deacons. The council consisted of Elder McClay of
Mulberry street church, New York, Elder Perkins,
and Brethren Roper and Briggs of Poughkeepsie,
Elder Barlow of Poughkeepsie, and Davis from Ire-
land. After his ordination he continued as their
pastor until January 19, 1833, when the church in-
formed him that in the succeeding spring they should
make an effort to obtain Elder Perkins as their pastor,
and that he might seek some other field of labor.
Brother Iladow left the church in May and in the
meantime Elder P-orkins had been written to and in-
vited to again become their pastor, which he de-
clined, and again they were left destitute.

In June following, John Alison — who had been a
prominent member of the Presbyterian church at
Marlborough, and also a student for the ministry —
api^lied for baptism and admission to the Lattintown
church. He was received and also obtained a license
from the church to preach. After satisfying the
church respecting his call to the ministry and liis
ability to preach, a council was called to ordain him.
The council consisted of Brother Barlow of Kingi:'4;on,
Brothers Warren and Ballard of Carmel, Brother

The Baptist Church Society. 411

Burns of Fishkill, Brothers Covert, Cosman, Mitchell,
Maxim, and Rand of Lattintown. On the 24th of Sep-
tember, 1833, after a long and satisfactory examina-
tion respecting his call to the ministry and doctrinal
views, he was ordained. During the next few months
he preached for the church with great acceptance. In
the spring of 1834 Brother Alison resigned, after
which a letter was sent to Elder Perkins, inviting
him to settle with them again as their pastor. Elder
Perkins writes in reply' that he must decline, and also
that the church owes him $50.16 for services rendered
ten years since; a collection was taken and the debt
■discharged. On the 20th of December, 1834, the
Newburgh church, situated ten miles south of Lattin-
town, was constituted. The Lattintown church being
in a country place, and its members scattered about
the country, many of them residing nearer Newburgh
than Lattintown, several such, and among them some
of the officers and more prominent members, took
letters and joined the Newburgh church, which greatly
reduced the Lattintown church in means, strength and
numbers. In the spring of 1835 Elder Powell di-
rected to them Elder Jeremy H. Dwyer, and after
hearing him preach, in June, 1835, the church extended
him a call to become their pastor,, which he accepted.
During this year several more members took letters
to join the Newburgh and Pleasant Valley churches,
which still further reduced the Lattintown church.
In the month of August it was resolved to hold a pro-
tracted meeting and Elder Powell was invited to come
and assist Brother Dwyer in conducting the meeting.
A committee consisting of Brothers D. Cosman and
N. Merritt was appointed to wait on the innkeeper,
to request him to desist from selling liquor during
the continuance of the meeting. He cheerfully com-
plied with the request and on the 20th of August, the
meeting commenced. It was a busy season of the year

412 History of Marlborough.

for farmers, the attendance was small, and the pros-
pect gloomy and disheartening. The church humbled
themselves in the sight of God, and after earnestly
beseeching Grod to vouchsafe his blessing, they
solemly ordained their deacons, and concluded, not-
withstanding the discouraging circumstances, to pro-
ceed with their meeting — to labor and pray earn-
estly — and leave the result with God. A glorious
liarvest of souls was the result, in which surrounding
churches also largely participated. On the 2d of Sep-
tember, 1835, thirty-three willing converts repaired
to the Hudson and there, in the presence of many
hundreds, perhaps thousands of spectators, they were
buried by baptism in the placid waters. Soon after
the close of the protracted meeting Elder Dwyer
tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the
church, and again Elder Perkins was appealed to
to furnish them with a pastor. In February, 1836,
Brother Samuel Barrett was directed to them. The
church gave him a call, which he accepted. He was
young, ardent, intelligent and pious, and under his
watchful care the church steadily grew in grace and
strength. They were united, useful and happy. Near
the close of his ministry with the church, a large
nimiber of members took letters and mov-ed west,
where they formed a new church which eventually
became a flourishing society. In April, 1839, Brother
Barrett preached his farewell sermon and went to
Port Jervis. After Brother Barrett left, Brother
Davis preached for them until 1841. The church at
this time was in a low state, very few attending the
house of worshii^ In 1844, Brother David Morris
was invited to ])rea(4i for them half the time. He
divided his time between them and the Hyde Park
church. In 184(1, Brother 8. Barrett was again in-
vited to i)reach for them. He accepted the call, and
again l)ecanie their pastor. The records state that he

The Baptist Church Society. 413

preached on the 5th of April, 1846, to a crowded house,
and all were happy to hear him again speaking forth
the words of life from the sacred desk at Lattintown.
The two intervening years the church steadily grew
and prospered. In April, 1848, Brother Barrett re-
signed, to take charge of the church at Middletown,
Orange county, X. Y., where he spent his remaining
days. In May following Brother J. Q. Adams com-
menced laboring with them, while at the same time
prosecuting his studies in order to prepare himself
more fully for the gospel ministry. After he left, in
February, 1849, a letter was sent to Rev. J. I. Grimly,
who came and preached for them, and in March was
engaged as their pastor. On the 15th of August a
council was called consisting of X. R^ed of Franklin-
dale, J. Warren of Fishkill, Scott of Xewburgh, Bene-
dict of Rosendale, Adams of X^ew Jersey, Brothers
Gerow and Mitchell of Xewburgh, and Deacon Staples
of Lattintown, to sit in council and aid in ordain-
ing Brother Grimly. After his ordination he preached
acceptably and profitably to the church until Sep-
tember, 1850, when he resigned and went to Union-
viile. During the thirteen years up to August, 1863,
the church became very much reduced by deaths and
removals. Brother Cole preached part of this time,
and occasionally other pastors supplied the pulpit.
In 1863 a building committee was appointed consist-
ing of D. W. Woolsey, Deacon G. B. Morgan and David
Cosman, who raised by subscription a sufficient
amount to repair the church and put it in good order.
Joseph I. Grimly was installed as pastor of the
church and did good service for several years, but for
the last ten years or more there has been but occa-
sional preaching in the church.

The old church building is as strong and substan-
tial as ever, and with little repairing it could be made
serviceable. It is hoped that some society will or-

414 History of Marlborough.

ganize a church there, as so large and so populous a
community as now reside about Lattintown corners
should have some place to worship near at home.
The traditions of the past should incite the community
to stand by the old church. It could be used for a
hall or lecture-room on all public occasions. Around
the old church cluster many sacred memories ; the an-
cestors of the present generations worshiped there,
and are buried in the churchyard. Their names are
the representatives names in their day in the town
and the names of their children and grandchildren
who reside all about in the community.

Catholics and Catholic Churches.

About the year 1850 many Irish Catholics began to
arrive in the town, and there was no regular place of
worship for them. They were from parishes in Ire-
land where places of worship in their faith were
plenty, and where it was the custom for all good
Catholics to regularly attend church, thus they felt a
great loss upon their arrival in a land among strang-
ers without the blessings of their mother church. The
nearest church was close to Wappingers Falls, at a
place called ''The Hollow," and the church was
known by the name of '' The Hollow Church." There
was at the time a horse-boat at Milton which afforded
ready means of crossing the river, and the people for
miles about used this means of getting to church, and
they also used the ferry to go to Poughkeepsie — some
attending both churches, and a few in the lower part
of the town went to Newburgh. Their dead were in-
terred chiefly at the Poughkeepsie cemetery. This
continued until about 18G5, when both Milton and
Marlborough became missions — Milton of the Rosen-

Catholics and Catholic Churches. 415

dale church, and Marlborough of the Port Ewen
church.

Milton was first supplied by Father 0 'Toole and
then by Father Patrick Brady, both from the Rosen-
dale church. They celebrated mass every two or three
weeks, services being held in the old village hall and
in Marlborough at different places until 1867, when the
Eev. Michael Phelen, pastor at Port Ewen, purchased
the old Methodist meeting-house at Marlborough. He
oflBciated there most of the time until Father Mee
came to Milton. The first pastor either church had
was in 1874, when the Eev. James Francis Mee was
appointed pastor of the Milton parish by the then
Archbishop of New York, Most Reverend John Mc-
Closkey (afterward Cardinal). He was the first resi-
dent pastor of Milton. There was no Catholic church
then, but a house for a parochial residence had al-
ready been secured by the parishoners. Upon his
arrival. Father Mee immediately took up the work of
securing funds to build a church, and with such suc-
cess that during the early part of 1876 he completed
the pi-esent church, and afterward made some im-
provements and additions to it. It was dedicated by
Archbishop McCloskey the following year, on the
occasion of his administering the Sacrament of Con-
firmation there. It was a great day with the people
here, and many Protestants were present at the ser-
vice. Father Mee oflBciated at the Milton parish,
Marlborough mission and Ireland Corners mission.
He repaired and put on an addition at the Marl-
borough church; and the building at Ireland Corners,
which had been a barn, he remodeled into a church.

About 1882 he purchased the extensive grounds for
the Catholic cemetery at Lattintown, which was duly
consecrated. It has been a source of great benefit to
both churches and saved great trouble and expense,
as interments had been made previously at the ceme-

416 History of Marlborough.

ter\^ back of Poughkeepsie. The land is all that could
be desired and is in general use by both churches, and
contains numerous costly monuments. Until the year
1886, Father Mee ministered faithfully to the three
churches ; in that year he was transferred by the late
Archbishop Corrigan to Kye, Westchester county,
where he erected the present church. After three
years, upon his request, he was transferred to his
present pastorate at St. Mary s church. Rosebank,
vStaten Island.

The truth is no praise or flattery. When Father
Mee came here the parsonage was in debt, there was
no monej^ to build a church at Milton and no money
to repair Marlborough church. He went zealously to
work to secure funds, and his people responded to his
endeavors and gave liberally of their means. In this
work he was generously assisted by many who were
not members of his church. He was so earnest, un-
selfish and unobtrusive, that everyone felt kindly
toward him and helped him. His twelve years of
pastorate resulted in great prosperity to both
churelies. Money came freely and large numbers
joined tlie churches. The parsonage was paid for,
the Milton churcli built and paid for, the Marlborough
church enlarged and improved, and the cemetery paid
for. There wore no debts when he left, which was a
soui'ce of great satisfaction to him, as he often said
he wished that all debts might be cleared before he
would be transferred to another parish. Debts were
))aid before they were due, many of the comforts of
life being relinquished to accomplish that end. Self-
denial, earnestness, and zeal were shown in the cause.
What can be said more? He came to the churches in
their poverty and departed in their prosperity.

An eminent prelate has said, ** The jnoneer who did
the burden of the work and had the greatest slavery
with fewest people and little means was Father Mee."

Catholics and Catholic Churches. 417

It may interest the numerous friends of Father Mee
to know of the great work carried on by him at Rose-
bank. By the church report of December 31, 1907, it
is shown that the receipts were $12,696, expenditures
$11,560, showing a balance on hand, January 1, 1908,
of $1,136. The church, rectory, schools, etc., are in-
sured for $60,000. The congregation assists in the
support of a seminary, supports its own schools, has
a cemetery, and helps various causes. The priest has
helped materially to accomplish this and is worthy
of it.

Ireland Corners was made a parish and Father
Hoey, its pastor, built a church at New Paltz. He
then came to Milton and finished the church at Rose-
ton which had been commenced. He remained at St.
James' church, Milton, from April, 1888, to August,
1894. He had the St. Mary's church, Marlborough,
and the Roseton church in charge. His assistants
were the Revs. T. J. Mackey, J. P. Donohue, M. J.
Mulhall, J. P. Lennon and W. J. Donohue.

The next pastor was Rev. William P. Kenney, who
served from October, 1894, to February, 1896, with
Rev. Thomas B. Kelly as assistant. Rev. Edward
J. Kenney was pastor from May 4, 1896, to January,
1900, his assistant being Rev. Edward P. Murphy.
In 1900 he became pastor of St. Mary's church with
the mission at Roseton and is such at the present
time. Rev. James A. Dooley has been resident pastor
at St. James' church and the mission at Highland
from 1900 to the present time.

The church of St. Mary's, Marlborough, was legally
incorporated January 3, 1900, with Rev. E. J. A.
Kenney as pastor, he being the present pastor. The
incorporators as a l>oard of trustees were Most Rev.
Michael A. Corrigan, Archbishop; JRight Rev. Bishop
John M. Farley, Vicar General ; Rev. E. J. A. Kenney,

418 History of Marlborough.

pastor; and Thomas O'Connor and James N. Wyms
as lay trustees. There have been changes since. The
Vicar General on the death of Archbishop Corrigan
taking the first place as Archbishop John M. Farley,
and his place as Vicar Greneral is filled by Right Rev.
Joseph F. Mooney. The Archbishop is president
of the board, the Vicar General, vice-president, and
the pastor secretary and treasurer. The membership
of the Marlborough church is 350. Marlborough
church has the mission of Our Lady of Mercy at Rose-
ton with a membership of 150. Although the church
at Marlborough began its legal existence as a church
corporation in the year 1900, it was a regularly or-
ganized church body for a long time — as far back
as the establishment of the Milton parish. It had its
regular board of trustees, but the form of legal incor-
poration was not used. The church at Roseton was
legally incorporated at the time, of its formation ^n
the year 1888. The church of St. Augustine, High-
land, was formed from Milton parish, and was legally
incorporated Se})tember 21, 1899.

The Rev. E. J. A. Kenney, while pastor at Milton,
built the Highland church. In January, 1900, the larg^
and excellent parsonage and grounds, through the in-
strumentality of Father Ivenney, was purchased for
the benefit of St. Mary's church, since which time
numerous and costly improvements have been add^d
to the parsonage; it is a pride to the village, and
almost an equal to any ])arsonage and grounds in the
county. The membership of the Milton church is
about 400. It is hardly necessary to speak of the good
work being done l)y the present pastors of these
clmrches. It speaks for itself and is known of all
men. They have done several years of good and
faithful work in the town, and it is hoi)ed that they
niav continue here for manv vears.

The Episcopal Church. 419

The Episcopal Church.

Christ church, Marlborough, was tlie third Epis-
copal church organized in the county.

In 1836 the village of Marlborough contained be-
tween 400 and 500 inhabitants, most all of whom were
descendants of the English families who had moved
there from Westchester county and Long Island ; and
many of them were members of the Presbyterian,
Methodist and Baptist churches. The Episcopalians
up to that time were so few that they made no at-
tempt to organize a church. The Rev. Robert Shaw,
reetor of St. Andrew's church, Orange county, at the
request of Gilbert 0. Fowler of Newburgh, visited
Marlborough, and remaining several days made the
acquaintance of numerous people and informed him-
self of their condition. Several families living in
the neighborhood of Middlehope, members of St.
George's church, Xewburgh, became interested, and
offered to contribute to sustain a mission church at
Marlborough, and services were held in the school
house of Sunday, the 12th day of February, 1837.
Edward Armstrong, John Buckley, Gabriel Merritt,
Leonard S. Carpenter and others attended this ser-
vice. It was then decided to organize a church in
the village; permission was obtaind to occupy the
Methodist meeting-house and public notice was given
that there would be services on Sunday mornings the
19tli and 26th of February at that place, according
to the forms of the Protestant Episcopal church, and
all were in\nted to attend to assist in organizing a
church. At the time appointed Mr. Shaw found a
large congregation, almost all of whom had never
visited an Episcopal church. The sermon was suit-
able to the occasion and very interesting. The male
members of the congregation met in the village at
Miles J. Fletcher's house and elected Edward Arm-
strong and Miles J. Fletcher Wardens, and Thomas

420 History of Marlborough.

Fyfe, Dennis H. Doyle, Leonard S. Carpenter, David
E. Fowler, Andrew Oddy, Joseph Hepworth, Richard
R. Fowler, and William Cushion Vestrymen, and they
chose the Rev. Robert Shaw rector of the parish —
the church to be known as Christ Church, in the vil-
lage of Marlborough. The church was duly admitted
into church fellowship September 26, 1837, and Bishop
Onderdonk visited the parish the following spring.
During the summer, services were held in the school-
house at Hampton; in the fall and winter, in the
Methodist meeting-house. Dennis H. Doyle donated
an acre of ground in the south part of the village, on
which a wooden building 24 feet front, 48 feet deep,
with tower and belfry in the western end, was built.
It had a seating capacity of about 150, and cost with
the organ and bell $2,500. The church was con-
secrated by Bishop Onderdonk September 10, 1839.
At the close of the year Rev. Mr. Shaw resigned and
went to Fishkill. The services were continued by the
Rev. George B. Andrews and William Walsh, and
the following summer Rev. George W. Fash was
chosen rector. He entered on his duties in July,
1840; he organized a Sunday school and gave his
entire time to the duties of the parish. Rev. Mr.
Fash resigned in July, 1843. Services were con-
tinued by the neighboring clergj'^ until the spring of
1844, wlien Rev. Samuel Hawksley became the rector.
He was born in England, and came to this country
when a child. Friends afterward sent him to Trin-
ity College, Hartford, from which he graduated in
1839. Ho then entered a theological seminary. His
sight becoming affected, he became a tutor to the
son of IMrs. Armstrong, and also a lay reader in the
church. In 1845 he was ordained deacon in Christ
Church, Hartford, and then came to Marlborough.
After two years of incessant labor, holding services
in different places, and by his kind and sjTnpathizing

The Episcopal Church. 421

disposition, he gained the confidence and esteem of
all, and gathered together a fair-sized congregation.
On May 2, 1847, he was promoted to priest's orders
at St. George's Church, Newburgh, and became rector
of the parish. His missionary labors were extended
to Milton, Lloyd, Stone Ridge and Ellenville, gener-
ally journeying on foot from place to place. In 1850
he organized the church at Milton; in 1853, the church
at Ellenville. He also had charge of the Stone Ridge
church, preaching at each one a Sunday of each month,
and providing lay readers on the other Sundays. His
incessant labors impaired his health to such an extent
that he was unable to continue his duties. He tried
relaxation and rest, but his zeal in the cause became
so great that he resumed his duties before he was
able. He died on Sunday morning, September 2,
1855. The monument marking his grave reads:

Kev. Samuel Hawksley, Presbyter,

Rector of Christ church, Marlborough,

departed this life Sept. 2d, 1855, aged 41 years.

" Even so saith the spirit, for they rest from their labors.'^

The older people of the town well remember him,
not only as traveling on foot Sunday after Sunday
from one charge to another^ but as passing from house
to house, calling upon people of all denominations,
making a pleasant and friendly call with all, saying
kind words, giving friendly instruction and advice, .
and leaving pleasant memories and remembrance in
the homes of all. I think all will remember him as
a zealous worker in the cause, and a true, consistent
and faithful minister. I well remember his pleasant
calls at my father's house, and how all the family
liked him.

Samuel M. Akerly officiated as lay reader. Rev.
James C. Richmond acted as pastor for a few months;
later the services were resumed by Mr. Akerly, who
was frequently assisted by Rev. Gteorge B. Andrews.

422 BLiSTORY OF Marlborough.

On Christmas day, 1857, the Rev. William Walsh,
of Newburgh, officiated and administered Holy Com-
munion to a large nmnber. The day being very cold
and windy, larger fires than usual were made and were
carefully secured at the close of the service. About
6 o'clock on Sunday morning, the 27th, flames were
discovered bursting out of the windows and roof.
Before assistance could be obtained the church was
totally destroyed. It was insured for $1,800.

The present structure was erected on the same site,
being completed in 1858. It is of gothic architecture,
built of brick with brown stone trimmings and slate
roof. It is twenty-nine feet front by fifty-two feet
deep, with a chancel of eighteen feet, and was conse-
crated by Bishop Horatio Potter. The entire cost of
the church was about $7,000 and is now free from debt.
Samuel M. Akerly was admitted to deacon's orders,
and in 1861, to priest's orders, and unanimously
chosen rector of the parish. In December 1861, Mrs.
Hester Doyle gave a lot of half an acre adjoining the
church, on which a parsonage was built, 28x40 feet,
two stories high; it cost about $3,000.

On the 1st of June, 1870, John Buckley, the senior
warden, died in the 85th year of his age. He had
taken a wanii interest in the church from its organi-
zation, coutrilniting liberally toward erecting the
present church and parsonage and served as warden
and vestryman for over thirty years.

At a vestry meeting held in May, 1875, Mr. Akerly
sent in his resignation. His services in the parish
coninieuced even before the death of Rev. Hawksley,
for whom he frequently read the sersdce, and from
that time to his resignation, he had faithfully served
the church as lay reader, deacon and priest, for nine-
teen years, leaving the church free from all pecuniary
obligations. The resignation was accepted with a

The Episcopal Church. 423

vote of thanks for his faithful ministration. He was
followed by Rev. Georgia Waters of Kingston. A
vestry meeting held the 14th of October, 1876, unani-
mously elected the Kev. John W. Buckmaster, of
Elizabethtown, N. J., rector of the parish. He entered
on his duties in November, 1876, and served continu-
ously about 16 years. The oflScers at that time were
James Carpenter and Edward Jackson, wardens;
C. M. Purdy, Daniel Barns, W. H. DuBois, John Buck-
ley, William H. Armstrong, Marcus D. Kelly, Joseph
A. Hepworth, J. S. Knapp, vestrjinen. On the 15th
of September, 1892, Rev. Mr. Buckmaster resigned his
rectorship. A man of dignity, decision of character,
g^entlemanly deportment, and zealous in his calling,
when he retired he left many friends behind him ; and
many regrets were expressed not only by his church
people, but by the entire community, upon his de-
parture.

After an interim of some eight or nine months the
Rev. Hugh P. Hobson was chosen and called to the
rectorship, serving the parish five and one-half years,
and resigning January 1, 1899, to take charge of St.
Luke's Church, Matteawan. His successor, the Rev.
Charles A. Tibbals, was elected early the same year
and entered on his rectorship February 1st. He re-
mained a few years and was succeeded by Rev. Harold
Morse in November, 1903, who was succeeded in
December, 1906 by the present incumbent. Rev. Harvey
Trickett. The work of last few incumbents is still
fresh in the memory of the parish and need not be
specially characterized here.

During the rectorship of the Rev. Mr. Akerly the
new church was built, also the commodious and hand-
some rectory, and both paid for. Nineteen years did
the Rev. Mr. Akerly minister to this parish and Mil-
ton, endearing himself not only to his own parish-
ioners, but to the entire community by his good will

424 History op Marlborough.

and kindness to all the people. He continued to
render many services to the parish after his retire-
ment and was always a friend and helper while he
lived. His death about eight years ago was felt as
a real loss to the parish of his love, as well as a per-
sonal grief to his many friends. An appropriate
memorial tablet and a beautiful lecturn were placed
in the church by his widow and daughters.

The present warden is George S. Clark; vestry-
men, C. M. Purdy, D. Maitland Armstrong, Joseph
Alexander, James Haberle, Robert Jackson, F. E.
McCarthy, Chester A. Gaede, C. E. Lawrence.

Membership by baptism 138; number of comuni-
cants 78.

All Saints Church, Milton.

This church was organized in 1850 by Eev. Samuel
Hawksley of Christ Church, Marlborough. Eev. Dr.
Brown, of Newburgh, officiated at the laying of the
corner stone May 30, 1854; and Bishop Horatio Pot-
ter held the consecration service in October, 1859. It
has always been in the care of the rector at Marl-
borough. The first wardens were William H. Gredney
and Lee P^nsign; the vestr>Tnen, Jacob Handley,
David Sands, Jr., James T. Knapp, Jacob Rowley, Jr.,
Edgar I). Gillis, Smith Wood, Jr., L. Harrison Smith
and Kiehard Gee.

The present officers are: C. A. Valentine and Chas.
W. Weston, wardens; Jas. K. P^rancis, John Y. Red-
ding, Frank Silverman, Frederick H. Smith, Freder-
ick W. Vail, George S. Clark, H. C. Weston, Isaac
Crook, vestrymen.

Mem])ership by liaptisni 73, communicants 44.

The rectors of this church since organization have
been sii))i)lied from the Marll)orough church, or more
properly the same rectors have taken charge of both

The Milton Society of Friends. 425

churches and ministered to the people of both neigh-
borhoods with the same zeal and earnestness. The
names of Hawksley, Akerly, Buckmaster, Hobson,
Tibbals, Morse and the present rector are quite as
familiar at Milton as at Marlborough. Both churches
have done good work ; they have been earnest and con-
sistent in their doctrines. They have had a steady in-
crease in membership, and their commimicants have
always been among the most intelligent and progres-
sive in the town.

The Milton Society of Friends.

On December 31, 1760, Edward Hallock, a Friend's
minister from Long Island, with his family, landed
his sloop a short distance south of Milton at a rock
known as Forefather's rock, and marked E. H. One
of his daughters had previously married John Young
and was living in the stone house still standing near
the house of the late Jesse Lester. The Hallock
family moved into the same house, and he immedi-
ately began to hold meetings. These meetings are
alleged to have been the first services, but they were
not, as there were other Quakers here before that
time and they certainly never went without some ser-
vice. Edward Hallock afterward located a little fur-
ther north on the Bond Patent and built a mill. He
died in 1809 at the age of 93.

The meetings above spoken of were the first Quaker
meetings held in Ulster county. The Friends resid-
ing at New Marlborough (Milton), were members of
the Nine Partners' monthly and quarterly meetings.
Afterward the Cornwall monthly meeting, which in-
cluded the meeting here, was set off. In the year 1789,
the Cornwall monthly meeting authorized William
Thorn, Jacob Wright, Edward Hallock and Alexan-
der Young, as trustees, to purchase from Daniel

426 History of Marlborough.

Knowlton seven acres of land one mile south of
Milton and on the west side of the main road oppo-
site to the house where Edward Hallock had held
his first meetings. This was the first purchase of land
for church purposes by the Friends in Ulster county.
A small church was built on this tract, the ruins of
which were plainly to be seen a few years since.
After tliis building ceased to be a church (1804), it
was used for many years as a dwelling-house, and,
I think, some of the time as a store. There was a
blacksmith's shop near it, and the old Powell, Quimby,
and Lewis docks. A store, a tavern and limekilns
were east of it at the river. There was quite a con-
troversy at the time among the Friends as to where
the next church should be built. John Wood and the
other Friends residing at and near Lattintown in-
sisted that the church be built nearer the latter place ;
and a small field of land on the east part of what is
now the C. M. Woolsey farm was either bought or
contracted for, and is called the meeting-house lot to
this day, but the church was built as stated below.

The Cornwall monthly meeting was held by adjourn-
ment at Marlborough (Milton) May 24, 1804, at which
extracts from the minutes of the Nine Partners'
quarterly meeting were received, allowing the Corn-
wall monthly meeting to establish or set off a new
monthly meeting to be known as the Marlborough
monthly meeting; the first meeting '* to be held at the
meeting-house at Marlborough (Milton), 6 mo. 27th
day, 1804, and thereafter at ' The Valley ' (Plattekill)
and Marlborough (Milton) alternately on the day pre-
\nous to the monthly meeting to be held at Cornwall.''

August 20, 1804, Joshua Sutton conveyed to James
Hallock, John Wood and Samuel Adams, trustees ap-
pointed at the monthly meeting held at Cornwall, one
and one-half acres of land situated about one-tliird of
a mile southerly from the present village of Milton,

The Milton Society of Fbiends. 427

on the easterly side of the posl^road, upon which a
meeting-house was erected and occupied until 1828, at
which time the larger part of the Friends became fol-
lowers of Hicks, adopted his ordinances and doc-
trines; and the regulars or old school of Friends
found themselves virtually turned out of house and
home. A new and strange doctrine began to be
preached in their church which they could not tol-
erate, and they renounced all fellowship with the fol-
lowers of Hicks. They then held meetings for the
next two years at the house of Foster Hallock, grand-
father of Greorge Hallock, and where George now re-
sides.

In 1830 the Friends bought a lot of land of Foster
Hallock, and built a new meeting-house, which, though
it had been repaired and modified, did good service
for fifty-seven years. It had become so much the
worse for wear that in 1886 it was thought best to
build a new church, and also to change the site nearer
the village. A lot of land was purchased of James H.
Barrett's estate, and a new meeting-house built, which
looks very different from those erected years ago. It
was opened May 22, 1887, with appropriate dedicatory
services.

Among the earlier ministers, besides Edward Hal-
lock, were his brother, Samuel Hallock; David Sands,
who married Clementine, a daughter of Edward Hal-
lock, in 1772; Samuel Nottingham, Samuel Adams,
Ann Adams, Nicholas Hallock, James Hallock, and in
more recent years, Hannah F. Fry. Stephen Taber
was a minister for more than forty years. During the
past few years several ministers from other places
have resided here for a short time, their services add-
ing much to the interest and welfare of the meeting.
Among these are George Wood, Jesse McPherson and
S. Adelbert Wood, Edward Wood, Mary S. Knowles,
Harry R. Keats, Caleb J. Jenkins, Thomas E. Wil-

428 History of Mablborough.

liams, Emilie U. Burgess and Martha H. Bell, the
present minister. This last mentioned lady is a lineal
descendant from the old preacher, Samuel Hallock.
The present trustees are Fred Taber, Foster H.
Clarke and Charles R. Taber. The present member-
ship is seventy-five.

Hannah Fry, "Aunt Hannah" as she was called,
officiated for many years here, and also assisted *at
the other meetings. She had a pleasing address, was
a fluent speaker, and gave her whole life to the cause.
In all cases of sickness or other affliction she was ever
ready to give consolation and comfort; many a kind
word has she said, and many a kind act has she done.
She was known far and near and many years will pass
ere her name will be forgotten. Nothing that can be
said here can add to her worth. Her character, dis-
interested life, and her virtues are too fresh in the
memory of all, to require any rehearsal.

Stephen Taber died in 1897 at a ripe old age, after
a ministry of more than forty years. Almost every
man, woman and child about southern Ulster county,
and in parts of Orange and Dutchess counties, knew
Stephen Talker. Born in Plattekill, he spent most of
his life here; as a farmer working hard throughout
the week, and on Sundays and other church days
preaching the Gospel. During his long pastorate he
served without compensation; the old doctrine of the
church was against paying the minister. Persons re-
ceiving i)ay in church work were called hirelings by
the Quakers. Just after the civil war, Mr. Taber was
appointed by the Quarterly or Yearly Meeting to
preach in the south, and he spent several winters in
Virginia, North Carolina and other places. He had
some quite remarkable adventures. A history of his
life and events of his ministry would be most interest-
ing, l)ut 1 understand that no record of it has been
left. He was a {)lain, blunt man with a great many

The Milton Society of Friends. 429

original ideas. He preached from the things he saw
and knew in his every-day life ; the things which were
near to nature, as he thought of them and saw them
in the fields he cultivated. No eloquence as taught in
schools, no rhetorical perfections, yet he sent many
pointed truths home to the hearts of his listeners.
His memor}' and work are fresh in the minds of all —
I need say no more.

In closing this brief review of the Friends' Society
it might be said that in tliis neighborhood from the
earliest settlements the Friends have exercised an in-
fluence for good. Their precepts and examples have
been worthy of emulation. They have been an in-
dustrious and worthy people, and have stood by and
faithfully kept up the traditions of their church.
Their order has always been opposed to war, and dur-
ing the Revolution they did not always receive the
right hand of fellowship from their neighbors who
were struggling in the cause of liberty ; but their con-
sistency and devotion to their religion won respect at
last, and they were ready to contribute their share to
the needs of the army. During the Civil War several
Quakers from Milton served in the army and gave
their young lives in the cause. For years before the
Civil War the Quakers had been opi)osed to slavery,
and it was claimed that there were stations among
them, where the slave escaping from bondage could
find a safe refuge and be helped on .his journey to
freedom.

CHAPTER XVI.

Marlborough.

When this name was first used in connection with
the precinct or neighborhood cannot now be definitely
determined. The first record I find of the name is in
the old church records of the Marlborough Presby-
terian church, ^nd is as follows:

A register of the proceedings of Stephen Case and John
Woolsey, first Trustees of the Marlborough Society, and their
successors begun the ^rst day of January 1764.

When the precinct was organized in 1772, it natur-
ally took the name of New Marlborough.

The first settler as we have shown was Dennis
Relyea ; he built a cabin on the Kill and lived and died
there. In 1764 a survey was made; Main street was
laid out and village lots of one acre each were sur-
veyed and numbered along Main street ; several water
lots were also surveyed, numbered, etc., and a map
made of the same.

Lewis DuBois about this time and several years
thereafter was the principal personage; liis name ap-
pears in most all of the public proceedings. He built
docks, mills, etc., and was tli« leader in all public im-
provements of the time. Dr. Abijali Perkins was a
prominent personage at that time, also Benjamin Car-
I)enter and Stephen Case. Charles Millard became
^arly identified with the interests of the place — in
1790 or before — as in 1799 he was well established
as appears by the following advertisement in the New-
burgh Mirror, one of the first papers:

Six thousand boards and planks for sale by the subscriber
at his mill on Jew's Creek for cash, or any kind of country
produce. All those who are indebted to the subscriber for
boards are requested to call and settle their accounts by the

[431]

432 History of ^Iarlborough.

lotli day of Maroli next or they will Ikj prosecirted without
iliscriniination.

charlp:s mtllard-

Marll)on)H«rli Fel). 20. ITiH).

X. B. A store to let witli four rooms on the floor and tlie
})rivila;i:e of a dock. KiKjuire as alcove.

In an advertismneiit of sak^ published in the " Po-
litical Index," a Xewburgh paper, in 1809, liis prop-
erty is described as follows:

Within lialf a mile of the ^Leetin^-IIouse," containing about
twfnty-three aeres of good land, with a handsome grove of
timlier, and a young orchard of the l)est ingrafted fruit, and a
variety of other fruit trees. The situation is very pleasant.
There is on the j.>reinises a good dwelling house, a barn with
ulher outhouses, also a never-failing run or rill of water within
.a few feet of the kittrhen and a good well. Also a grist mill
and a saw mill, so construct(»d as to take the logs out of the
water without any expense of land carriage. It will cut eight
or ten hundred logs iji a year. The buildings are all well fin-
ished. There is also a convc^nient place on the premises for a
fulijjig and j)laster mill.

This was on what is now the Buckley property, and
tin* mills were alon^i: Jt'w's cn^ek which ran through
the i)r()p^'rty. AVitli his sons. Walter and others, Mr.
Millar<l extendiMl his business across the river into
Dutchess county and in dilTerent jdaces. The trade
j^jrew extensively. TIk* lumber was drawn in the win-
ter by teams over the ice and snow for long distances,
and in the sunnner it was shij^ped by sloops, mostly to
Xcw York and along I^ong Island sound and tlie Jer-
sey slioit\ Tli(» timber was obtained principally by
rafts from tlie up))cr Iludson. l)ut a consideralde part
of.it came from the country al)()ut the mills. He after-
ward mov(Ml to New lianilntrgh where most of his
desc(Midants liave since resided. His son Walter sue-
cc(mI(m1 him and connnence^l freighting; he built the
l)ar.u"c Lexington for tliat i)nri)ose. Uri Mills w^as a
l)artner. In 1S44 they jnirchased the Marlborough

Marlborough. 433

dock of the DuBois estate, and a freighting business
was established with that at New Hamburgh. The
steamboat ** Splendid " was purchased and ran from
Marlborough and New Hamburgh on Mondays and
Thursdays. They commenced the lumber business at
Marlborough in 1851. In 1854 Walter Millard retired
from the freighting business, but continued the lum-
ber business at Marlborough and New Hamburgh.
John P. Millard and H. H. Holden succeeded to the
freighting and steamboat business, and in 1857 the
propeller *' Wyoming " was put on the line. Samuel
N. Millard took the place of Holden. The firm became
J. P. Millard & Bro. They continued the freight and
lumber business. In 1863 the firm became W. Millard
& Son, but in 1880 Walter died and the business was
managed by the estate until 1884, when the firm of
Walter Millard's Sons was. formed. It will be ob-
served that the Millards had been identified with this
business for much more than a hundred years. They
enjoyed a large trade which gradually increased from
its commencement. They had the respect and con-
fidence of all their business associates and patrons for
their honesty and fair dealings in every branch of th&
trade.

This firm afterward became the Millard Lumber
Co., and in 1903 the Marlborough business was sold
out to the Marlborough Manufacturing & Supply Co.,
but the enterprise at New Hamburgh continues as the
Marlborough Lumber Co.

John Buckley in 1815 purchased the carding and
spinning mill. He commenced carding and spinning
wool ; his business increased. In 1822 James and John
Thome became partners. The firm was dissolved
in 1830, but Mr. Buckley continued the business until
1855, when he converted his factory into a cotton mill,
which he continued until 1861, when he retired from
business. As I understand it, Buckley purchased this

434 History op Marlborough.

property from Charles Millard, where Millard had
previously done business.

An Elegy.

On the death of Capt. Annanias Valentine, Thomas
Pinkney, Isaac Elliot, Jeremiah Cropsey and Leonard
Merritt, all respectable citizens of the town of Marl-
borough, who were unfortunately drowned on the flats
in front of the town in attempting to go on shore on
Friday morning, December 12, 1800, in a violent storm
of wind and rain.

This poem received considerable local celebrity at
the time:

Come all ye good people, of every degree,
And listen with attention one moment to me,
For a sorrowful story I mean to relate,
Of a mournful disaster that happened of late.

Oh, Marlborough! tremble at this awful stroke.
Consider the voice of Jehovah, that spoke
To teach us we're mortals, exposed to death
And subject each moment to yield up our breath.

Oh, reader! these coffins exhibit to view

A striking example that's mournfully true

To show thee tliat death will be thy certain doom,

That shortly the body must enter the tomb.

On Friday, the twelfth of December, so cold.
In tlie year eighteen Imndred, as I have been told,
Tlie wind blowing high and the rain beating down,
A vessel arrived at Marlborough town.

The anchor being cast and their sails stowed away
All hands for the shore prepared straight away.
Down into the boats soon all did repair,
And unto the shore were preparing to steer.

But, mark their sad fortune, mournful indeed!
Yet no man can hinder what God has decreed.
For the councils of heaven, on that fatal day,
Bv death in an instant called a number awav.

An Elegy. 435

A number of men in their health and their prime
Called out of the world in an instant of time.
For their boats turning over plunged all in the deep,
And five out of seven in death fell asleep.

A vessel at anchor was lying near by,

The men in the cabin heard their piercing cry:

To grant them relief they hasten with speed,

And two of their number from the water are freed.

These sorrowful tidings were carried straightway
To their friends and relations without more delay.
But, Oh! their lamenting no tongue can express,
Nor point out their sorrow, great grief and distress.

Three wives widowed, left in sorrow to mourn
The loss of their husbands, no more to return ;
Besides a great number of orphans, we hear.
Lamenting the fate of their parents so dear.

Also a young damsel left mourning alone
For the untimely death of her lover that's gone:
For the day of their nuptials appointed had been
In the bonds of sweet wedlock these lovers to join.

Yet, alas! their lamentings are all in vain.
Their husbands are drowned, they can't them regain.
Their friends and relations came now too late.
The council of heaven had sealed their fate.

Their bodies being found were all conveyed home
And the Sabbath day following prepared for the tomb
Their bodies in their coffins were laid side by side
In Mariborough meeting house alley so wide.

A numerous concourse of people straightway
Attended with sorrow on that mournful day.
To see the remains of the neighbors so dear.
And join their relations in a friendly tear.

A sermon was preached on the occasion also,
While the people attended with a solemn awe.
To see such a number l)y death snatched away,
Who all lay ])efore them ad lifeless as clay.

436 History of Marlborough.

The 8ermon being ended the corpses were conveyed.
And in the cold caverns of earth they were laid.
Where now we must leave them to molder to dust
Until the resurrection of the just and unjust.

To the widows and mourners o'erwhelmed with grief :
May you all trust in God, who will grant you relief.
He'll ease all your sorrows and soothe "all your pain.
And finally take you to glory to reign.

Come all that are living and know you must die,
T pray you take warning by this tragedy,
That when death shall call you and close up your eyes.
Your souls may be happy with Christ in the skies.

Regular mail sen^ice was established in 1824 when
the first postmaster was appointed, and the following
have served as such at Marlborough:

Daniel G. Russell, July 13, 1824.

Miles J. Fletcher, April 14, 1826.

Eobert B. Mapes, August 12, 1841.

Miles J. Fletcher, June 7, 1843.

James S. Knapp, April 10, 1856.

Charles D. Jackson, April 8, 1861.

Dallas DuBois, August 20, 1866.

John 11. Baxter, August 4, 1869.

John C. Arerritt, April 1, 1875.

Martin V. B. ^Forgan, August 5, 1885.

H. Scott Corwin (not commissioned), February 28, 1889.

Chnrlos 11. Kniffin, May 3, 1889.

William S. Wright, August 3, 1893.

Charles H. Kniffin, Februar}' 15, 1899.

Charles T. Purdy, February 26, 1903.

James A. Johnston, Apriri9, 1904.

There are four churches, several factories and mills,
and a iiuml)er of stores at Marlborough. It also has
a national bank, electric lights, and soon expects to be
connected with Newburgh by trolley. The country
surrounding the village commands a beautiful view
of the river and neighboring country, and it is render-
ing desirable sites for residences. No more beautiful

Milton. 437

or convenient place to locate can be found in a day's
journey. It has a large graded school, water works,
a flourishing weekly paper, and lias the advantages
of an incorporated village. The West Shore rail-
road furnishes numerous trains daily, and the facili-
ties for river travel cannot be surpassed. The in-
crease in population has been rapid during the past
few years.

Milton.

Milton was so named some time after the war of
the Revolution. The name is found in an old record
of the earlier Methodist Society. In '' October, 1788,
Rev. Ezekiel Cooper held the first Methodist meeting
in the county at the house of John Woolsey near
>Iilton."

Milton had good water power; and saw and grist
mills were soon built. There has been a steady
growth of population. It was verj^ flourishing from
1812 to 1850. A turnpike was built about 1808, and
a large tract of country to the west had its outlet
here.

David Sands carried on a large ship yard. There
was a pin factory, soap factory, and two hat factories
at one time, and a paper called the '* National Pio-
neer " was printed here in 1830, edited by Daniel S.
Tuthill, or, as he was generally called, Selah Tuthill,
a son of Selah Tuthill, member of Congress. Both are
buried at Marlborough.

The ''Pioneer" was issued every Wednesday, at
^'$2 per annum, payable quarterly, or $2.50 at the
end of the year." This price was for village sub-
scribers and those who received their paper through
the post rider. There were four pages of six columns
each.

From the advertising columns of the '* Pioneer"

438 History of Marlborough.

more is to be learned about Milton than from the read-
ing matter. Advertisements appear from David
Brower, tailor, in Milton village; Anson St. John,
manufacturer of cabinetware and fancy chairs, also
painter; C. S. Roe, general storekeeper, agent for
threshing machines, real estate agent, dealer in rye,
oats and corn, and owner of a tow boat; Mrs. M. B.
Taylor, milliner, of Marlborough; Charles Field, hat
manufacturer; Longbottom & Co., announcing the re-
tirement of James Kinworthy; and many others of
more or less interest. From one of these we learn
that the proprietor of the paper, D. S. Tuthill, also
kept a store at New Paltz Landing (Highland). Here
he sold goods at ** reduced prices," just as the modern
merchants do. Daniel S. Tuthill, or Selah Tuthill, as
he was commonly called, was a man of considerable
ability and business enterprise.

From the files of the ^^ Pioneer " we learn that Cor-
nelius Polhemus kept a public house in Marlborough
in 1830, as witness the following advertisement:

FOH SALE. — The house and lot on which the subscriber
now lives, pituaio in the village of Marlborough: it has been
occupied as a public house for many years, and affords as great
advantages for the business as any other location in the vicinity.
Tbe buildings are in good repair and conveniently arranged;
there is a variety of fruit trees on the premises, all of which
are of tbe best quality. Tbe above property will be sold at a
great l)argain, and terms of payment made accommodating to
tbe purchaser. Ap])ly to the subscriber on the premises.

CoRXELius Polhemus.

Marlborougb, April 7th, 1830.

Cornwall S. Eot? was one of tlie most prominent men
in ]\liIton in 1830, if his advertisements in the '' Pio-
neer " prove anything;. In one copy of the paper he
had no less than sixteen advertisements of various
kinds, ile kept a general store, where were sold dry-
goods, groceries, crockery, liardware, lumber, tar.

Milton. 439

plaster, salt, fish, pork etc. He bought grain and flax-
seed at '* highest cash prices" and purchased patent
rights for agricultural machinery in order to have
the exclusive sale in his section. He also speculated
in land. In one place he advertises that the ladies of
Ulster county can be supplied with Navarino hats,
either in the flat or made up in the neatest manner at
short notice. In another place behold:

The Tow boat Atalanta, Capt. C. S. Eoe, now performs her
passage with all regular speed; and to meet the economical
views of all, passengers are taken at the low rate of Four
Shillings, who find themselves ; — Six shillings and* found. She
arrives both ways before daylight. C. S. Roe.

Milton, April 7, 1830.

CABINET AND CHAIR MANUFACTORY

Anson St. John, respectfully informs his friends and cus-
tomers that he continues the above business at his new stand
in the village of Milton, where he keeps constantly on hand a
general assortment of Cabinet Ware, consisting of Tables, Bed-
steads, Stands, Secretaries, Bureaus, and Sideboards, of every
description, which he will sell at reduced prices, and on reason-
able credit. He has also a general assortment of Fancy Chairs,
consisting of Fancy Bamboo, and Cain Seat Windsor and Com-
mon Rush Bottom Chairs. Painting of ever}' description, done
with neatness and at the shortest notice.

Dec. 23, 1829.

TAILORING
David Brower

Respectfully announces to the public that he continues to
carry on the tailoring business, in all its various branches and
fashions in Milton village, where he will be happy to attend to
his customers. From his long experience, and employing none
but superior hands in his business, he can assure the public
that his work will be done in style equal to that of any person
of his profession either in Newburgh or Po'keepsie, therefore
hopes to meet and receive a share of public patronage. Cutting
and Basting done according to the order of his customers.

Milton, Feb. lOth^ 1830.

440 History of Marlborough.

NOTICE

The Subscriber has discontinued his business at the New
Paltz Landing, for the purpose of closing his concerns. All
Persons indebted to him are respectfully informed that his
Books are now arranged for settlement, and he wishes them
to call on or before the 15th day of June next, and settle the
same, as all notes, bonds and accounts, due and unsettled at that
time, will be placed in the hands of proper officers for collection.
Persons having claims against the Subscriber will please present
them for liquidation.

JOHN BENSON",

May 26th, 1830. New-Paltz.

HAT MANUFACTUREK,
Charles Field,

Returns his grateful acknowledgments to his friends and the
public, for the liberal patronage he has received from them,
and solicits a continuance of the like favors. Being desirous
of their further patronage, wishes to inform them that he lias
opened a Hat Store, in the City of New York, at No. 36J
Bowery, which will enable him to have his hats finished in the
city, according to the latest fashions, and furnished to his cus-
tomers, at reduced prices.

The business in future will be conducted by his son William
A. Field, at his old ej^tablishment, in the village of Milton, a
few doors south of Jacob P. Townsend's store. All persons
havinor unsettled aeeounts with him. are requested to pay im-
me#liate attention to the same. The ])ooks of accounts are left
with William A. P'ield, who is fully authorized to collect and
settle the same.

Milton, 4th mo. (Apr.) 14, 1830.

NEW GOODS.
CoRxwKLL S. Roe
Would respectfully inform his friends, and the public, that
he has just received at his store, in addition to his former
stock, an extensive assortment of Dry Goods, Groceries, Crock-
ery, Hard and Hollow Ware, Etc. Etc. Also, Nails, Lumber,

Milton. 441

Coarse and Fine Salt, Tar, Plaster, Fish, Pork all of which
will be sold at reduced prices, and upon favorable terms. The
highest price in cash will be paid for all kinds of grain.
Dec. 23rd, 1829.

TOW-BOAT ATALANTA
Captain Corn well S. Roe,

Urged by a sense of duty by his numerous friends announces
the uninterrupted prosecution of his Towing Business, and as-
sures the public that there is no difficulty now, even remote in
appearance; he makes this notice for the express purpose to
settle the agitation of the public in relation to the steam boat
accident, some time since, by running against a sloop. Also
in relation to a mercantile misfortune with which he is in no
way connected, he regrets the folly that some have now, as past,
circulated any idle tale, to impede the regularity of his busi-
ness. Wanted Rye, Oats and Corn — at fair prices — Cash on
delivery. C. S. Roe.

Milton, May 19th, 1830.

STEAM BOAT NOTICE.

The Hudson River Steam Boat Line is now plying between
New- York, and Albany, leaving New- York at 5 o'clock, P. M.
every day, (except Sunday) when they leave Albany at 10
o'clock A. M.

The Steam Boats arrive at Milton from New- York every
night between eleven and twelve o'clock. From Albany, they
arrive at Milton between three and four o'clock every afternoon.
The boats will land and receive passengers at the Steam Boat
Landing, Milton. Peter Quimby.

Milton, May 3rd, 1830.

NOTICE.

The copartnership existing under the firm of James H. Long-
bottom & Co. was desolved by mutual consent, on the 15th day
of December last. James Kinworthy retires from the concern.
The business will be continued as usual by James H.
Longbottom.

Feb. 6th, 1830.

442 Hjstoby of Marlborough.

TAILORING.

Mr. Charles H. Taylor announces to the public that he has
commenced the Tailoring Business in all its various branches
and fashions, in Marlborough Village, over the store of
Barnabas M. Mapes, where he will be happy to attend on his
customers. He can assure the public that his work will be
done in first New York Style, equal to that of any person of
his profession, therefore hopes to merit and receive a share of
public patronage.

Marlborough, June 29, 1830.

N. B. Cutting done in fashionable style and at short notice,
and on reasonable terms; all kinds of country produce taken
in payment.

MILLINERY.

Mrs. M. B. Taylor respectfully informs the public, that she
has recently established the business of Millinery and Dress
Making in Marlborough Village, nearly opposite the store of
Mr. Fletcher, where she will be happy to accommodate cus-
tomers in the above branch, upon the most moderate terms.

Marlborough, June 29, 1830.

List of letters remaining in tlie Post Office, at Milton X. Y,
Oviohvr 1st, 1830.

l?(>l)ort Brown Cornwell S. Roe

William Brown John Sheffield

David Brower Benjamin Sands

Mow Jonos Tlobhs Albert Stewart

Louisa B. Mecch James Stewart

Ucnrv Perkins Elisyabeth Woolsey

Ann ^laria Ransome John W'orall

A. D. Soper, P. M.

TIIRESHIXG MACHINE.

The subscriber, having purchased the interest of the
Patentees, for this country, in two new invented Threshing
Machines, offers the same for sale, at ^Filton Landing. The
machines will either be furnished, or rights sold to farmers
empowering them to construct tlie same. Town rights will be
disposed of to mechanics, or others upon reasonable terms.

Milton. 443

Certificates of the most respected fanners in the county, con-
firming the great advantages of these machines are in the pos-
session of tlie &ub8cril)er at his store, where the machines may
be seen at any time.

Cornwell S. Roe.
Milton, Dec. 23, 1829.

SALT AND TAR.

Sack salt of the very best quality and quantity, constantly
for sale at the lowest prices. Also, Tar by the barrel.

C. S. Roe, Milton, April 7, 1830.

Cornwall S. Roe was a prominent man in Milton
for a nmnber of years. His parentage was unknown,
as he was picked up from the water at Cornwall, when
a babe, his father and mother being drowned by the
capsizing of a boat. The little boy was bundled up
in a blanket and floated. He went west and died
there some years after.

The ferry called Lattimer's ferry ran across the
river to Tlieophilus Anthony's point; it was some-
times called Anthony's ferry. It was running during
the Revolution and up to the time the Powells were
in business; it ran from their dock and for several
years after they went to Newburgh. Jacob Powell
kept a store and tavern and had limekilns; lie ran a
line of sloops to New York city. Farmers took their
produce there for shipment and bought their goods.
The Powells were very successful and quite likely
made their first money there. The same business was
carried on there for several years after they left.

At or near Samuel Sturgeon's corner, wli«re the
road from the Post road runs down to this dock,
there was a blacksmith's shop, a meeting house and
several old houses, two of which are now standing
and they both are said to be the oldest in the town.

There were several limekilns about the docks; the
stone was brought over in scows from Barnegat and

444 Hjstoby of Marlborough.

burned on this side. The Barnegat lime at this time
had a wide reputation, being considered a standard
article. There were a large number of kilns and
many men were employed at Barnegat. Sloops were
daily loaded, and the lime was shipped long distances.
There was quite a village there at the time.

About the year 1850, a brickyard was started at
Milton. In 1862 the Rev. E. W. Clark and wife opened
a day and boarding school ; it was very successful for
several years, young ladies attending from most all of
the states in the Union. Mr. Clark's health failing,
they moved west, and Mrs. Scofield Brown became the
owner. The academy buildings were soon after
burned.

In 1871, the Milton Savings Bank was organized:
Leonard S. Carpenter, president; Jesse Lyons, first
\'ice-president ; Wm. H. Gedney, second vice-presi-
dent ; Ethan Parrott, secretary. No business was ever
transacted.

In 1844, Somner Coleman started a wheelbarrow
factory at the old Smith dock; he then moved to the
Milton dock, and was afterward burned out. He then
established himself at what is now the plush factory.
In 1854, John Xewnian took charge of the business
for him, and in 1861, he purchased the plant, and
afterward took John H. Newman and Somner F. Cole-
man into partnership. In 1870 the factory was
burned but was afterward rebuilt. John Newman
died in March 1884, and Jolm H. Newman continued
the business until his death in September, 1885.

H. H. Bell's Sons then became the owners; they
converted it into a woolen and plush factory, enlarged
tlie buildings, made it a stock company, and carried
on a large business for many years until 1904, when
the firm went into bankrui)tcy. The business is now
carried on by a new firm, and great hopes are enter-
tained of its future success. Its nearness to the docks

Milton. 445

and depot and its many advantages speak well for
great success under proper management.

The first town meeting held at Milton was in 1840
at the house of Robert S. Lockwood.

A mail was established from New York to Albany
in 1772; the route being up on one side of the river
and down on the other. It passed through here and
delivered mail once a week at certain places along the
route, where the people would congregate when the
mail was expected. The first regular mail service was
established in 1822 and postmaster appointed, and
the following have served as such at Milton:

Abraham D. Soper, August 20, 1822.
William Soper, April 2, 1836.
Nancy Soper, January 19, 1849.
Calvin F. Bulkeley, December 4, 1849.
David Sands, Jr./july 20, 1853.
Peter M. Carpenter, May 26, 1854.
Theodore Quick, April 8, 1861.
Ethan Parrott, January 12, 1866.
Boswell H. Stone, February 15, 1869.
Jacob Rowley, November 12, 1869.
Ethan Parrott, November 22, 1869.
Edward W. Carhart, February 23, 1882.
Edward W. Pitcher, March 25, 1884.
Frederick H. Smith, June 12, 1886.
William H. Townsend, Jr., May 24, 1889.
Frederick H. Smith, August 23, 1893.
C. Meech Woolsey, August 28, 1897.
Frederick W. AVoolsey, August 8, 1902.

There are five churches, several factories and mills,
and stores at Milton. It has always been a favorite
landing for steamboats, and has enjoyed greater bene-
fits and conveniences from them than any of the ad-
joining villages. Population, 800. Electric lights
have recently been installed, and it is expected that a
bank will be instituted the coming year. Dr. A. J.
Palmer, one of the great men of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, resides here.

446 History of Marlborough.

Lattintown.

Lattintown, the oldest neighborhood or hamlet, ap-
pears to. have been called Latting Town in former
times. It is so called in the early records of the war
of independence and prior to that time.

The first town meeting, 1772, was held at the house
of Henry Deyo, and the next, 1773, at the house of
Richard Carpenter at '* Latting Town." From that
time up to and including 1779 the meetings were held
at Silas Purdy's; that was the Henrys E. Gaede place.
Purdy kept a tavern and had a mill ; he also kept the
stocks, in whicli persons were put to be punished,
and a pound where stray cattle were kept. He was
an officer in the war and one of the Conamittee of
Safety and Defense. He was a prominent man in
his day. His place was a part of the Lattintown
valley.

In 1780 and for the next fifty-eight years, up to
and including 1838, meetings were held at Lattintown,
excei)t in the year 1801, when the town meeting was
held at Nathaniel Harcourt's, which was the place
afterward owned by Wni. Holmes on the Post road,
and was a tavern. It had l)een recently torn down by
J. A. II-ei)wortli, the ))resent owner. This was the first
year after Plattekill had become a separate town.

And a^ain in 1841, 1849, 1852, the meetings were
held at Lattintown; for twenty years they were held
at David ^Merritt's house; seven years at John Halt's;
ten years at Thomas AVarren's.

Lattintown was a great place for horse racing on
town meeting days. The militia had their training,
and eoiii-ts were held, and much of the town husiness
transacted here in those times. It was the center of
population for many years. The smoothness of the
country and fertility of the lands, which were well
Avatered, invited the early settlers. Large tracts of
land were cleared and well cultivated, while the more

Lattintown. 447

stony and rugged lands between that and the river
were mostly forests. At one time more business was
done there than in either Milton or Marlborough at
the same time. At Lattintown there was a school,
church, stores, wagon and blacksmith shops, a tannery
and distillery, also two taverns, an undertaker, shoe-
maker, harnessmaker, tailor and mechanics in early
times. The following description of David Merritf's
property is taken from an advertisement in the
** Political Index,'' published in Newburgh in 1809:

For Sak^, a farm situate in the village of Lattintown, town
of Marlborough, and county of Ulster, containing about 180
acres of land. Said farm is under the best improvement, ex-
cepting 80 acres of excellent wood land. There is on the same
a dwelling house neatly finished, containing four rooms and a
kitchen on the first floor, and one above ^0 feet square. Also
about 300 bearing apple trees, a cider mill and house, and two
barns, one 30x4:^, the other 30x40, and other outhouses. The
situation is excellent for a public house, being the place where
town meetings and the elections have hitherto been held. For
further particulars enquire of the gtibscriber-on the premises.

David Merritt.

December 18, 1809.

A Scotchman named McElrath was one of the
earlier storekeei)ers. He kept quite an extensive
variety of groceries and other goods for those times
and also sold liquor by the measure. He had had
quit:* a matrimonial adventure, which caused much
gossip.

The Fourth of July was always^ a gala day. They
raced horses and had a good time generally. The
whole country turned out. They had a cannon which
had seen service in the war, which they kept firing all
day.

Thei>e were many large orchards about there then,
the apples from which were made into cider and
whiskey, and was very common and cheap and used by
every one. Charles Brown had a distillery on what

448 History of Mablbobough.

is now the Edward DuBois place. There was also one
at what was the Asbury Wygant place.

The Carpenter family were among the first settlers.
Joseph Carpenter, son of Benjamin, was born at Mus-
keta Cove, September 15, 1705, and the marriage
record of St. George's church of Hempstead shows
that he was married on May 20, 1728, to Sarah Lat-
ting, who was a daughter of Richard and Mary
(Wright) Latting of Lattingtown (near Musketa
Cove). By inheritance and purchase he had a large
landed interest at ** Red Springs " and *' Oak Neck,'*
which property he sold in 1753, and in company with
his brother-in-law, John Latting, his son-in-law, John
Caverly, and Benjamin Stanton, purchased through
Lewis Morris and others and Euphemia Morris of
Busks, England, a very large tract of land in Ulster
^j CQpnty, near Newburgh, which they settled naming it
*' Lattingtown " after their Long Island home. He
died there in 1766, and his widow died in 1790. On
the farm of Joseph Carpenter now Odell's, in a part
set off for a burial spot, there is to be seen the follow-
ing memorial stone:

eTOSEPH CARPENTER

The first settler of this place and the planter of this orchard

Died July 1st, 1766

Aged 61 Years, 3 Mo. and 6 Days

He had eight children; one, Latting, born about
1732. His daughter, May, born 1751, married
Nathaniel Harcourt of Marlborough. This name on
Long Island was spelled Harcutt, Harcourt and
Harker. The following is the memorandum of the
title to the lands :

Henry I^ane of the City of New York, merchant, to Joseph
Carpenter, Banjamin Stanton, John Caverly, John Latting, all
of Oyster Bay, L. I. Consideration 500 Lbs. January 1753 ;
descri])ed in the Deed as all that certain lot or parcel of land

Lattintown. 449

.being a part of a certain tract of land granted by his late
Majesty, Lord King George the. First, by Letters patent under
the seal of the Province of New York, bearing date 10th day
of February, the first year of his reign unto Lewis Morris, Esq.
And Augustus Graham and others, 1723.

No number of acres are given but from the survey,
it would appear as several hundred.

Euphemia Morris of Boice, County of Bucks, Great Britton
by Attorney to Joseph Carpenter of Ulster County; deed dated
Dec. 1753. Consideration 600 lbs. No. of acres 677; lands in
Ulster County, west side of the Hudson River; part of the
Morris and Graham Patent as above mentioned.

Also:

Samuel Kniffin to Joseph Carpenter. Deed dated 1759.
No. of acres 390. Consideration 122 lbs. 10 s.

These lands were a large part of the Lattint'*^"^
valley, were bounded on the west by the foot of the
mountain as stated, and these men appear to be the
second purchasers or owners after the Patentees, and
Josei^h Carpenter and the others named were cer-»
tainly among the first settlers. A few people had
settled along the valley before this, but it does not
appear that they had any valid title to the lands.
Cari>enter and his friends came here in 1753, as under
the first deed they are spoken of as residing at Oyster
Bay, and in the second deed as residing in the county
of Ulster, and it appears that Joseph Carpenter
owned most of the land; his friends are mentioned
only in the first deed. He certainly was a great land
owner and owned the best land in the town, or as
I should say of the precinct of Highlands as there
was no Marlborough or Newburgh precinct or town
then. He was the largest landholder the town ever
had outside of the Patentees and I have no doubt but
that the name * * Latting Town ' ' came from these set-

450 History of Marlborough.

tiers, and was so named from the place they had
moved from.

These lands, it seems, were a part of the Morris
and Graham Patent, which patent was hounded west
hy tlie mountains, south by lands of Zachariah Hoff-
man, the Griggs and Graham Patent (afterward of
Lewis DuBois), east by the patent of George Harri-
son or lands granted to Cadwallader Golden, known
as Golden 's Ridge.

The lands were comparatively free from stone and
easily cleared, and were of surpassing fertility;
enormous crops of all kinds of grain were raised for
years upon the same grounds, and the valley was
known far and wide for its great productiveness, its
fat cattle and good horses. It became rapidly settled ;
many neighbors and relatives of the Garpenter, Cav-
erly and Latting families settled here, and the large
tract of the Garpenter lands was soon divided up into
farms. The people became wealthy for farmers in
those times; in fact the wealth and property of the
town was for years centered here, and it was the
social aij(l business center as well as the center of
l)opulation. The peoi)le congregated here during the
Kevolution to hear the news of the war. The Free-
masons held their lodge here. While the surround-
ing country was mostly forests, Lattintown was
flourishing. Before the settlement by the white peo-
ple, a small tribe of Indians raised their corn and
beans here on the flats; and the hillocks where they
planted year after year were plainly discernable to
the early settlers. In old papers and documents, I
find these lands spoken of as *' Latting Town Plains "
and the '' Plains at Latting Town." In Revolution-
ary times, the Counuittee of Safetv often met here.

Societies and Institutions. 451

Societies and Institutions,
advance lodge of odd fellows.

This society was organized or instituted in Janu-
ary — , 1882, with the following oflBeers : James Shaw,
N. G.; L. McMullen, V. G.; C. W. Frost, R. S.; Clar-
ence Bingham, P. S., John Rusk, T. The present
officers are John Kramer, N. G.; George DuBois,
V. G.; A. B. Cascles, Secretary. Tliis is one of tlie.
strongest lodges of the county. The members are a
fine intelligent class of men, and the society exerts a
wide influence, and does much good in the community.
The membership is 132.

GUIDING STAR LODGE NO. 199, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

This society was organized in 1883. There were
thirty-two charter members; and the following offi-
cers were chosen; Judson Dayton, C. C. ; John W.
Badner, V. C. ; Enoch Baxter, K. R. and S. The present
officers are Jesse R. Masten, C. C. ; Charles Comugh-
ton, V. C. ; George A. Young, K. R. and S. The pres-
ent membership is seventy-nine.

KETCHAM POST, NO. 495, G. A. R,

In June, 1884, Ketcham Post was organized, as the
result of the efforts of C. M. Woolsey, J. C. Merritt,
Rev. S. P. Gallaway, C. W. Frost, P. V. L. Purdy,
George A. Donalson, R. H. Rose and others. The
Post was named after the brothers Edward H. and
John T. Ketcham of Milton, who gave their lives for
their country, one on the line of battle at Gettysburg,
the other at Libby prison.

Members of Pratt Post of Kingston and LeFevre
Post, of Highland, assisted in the organization of

452 History of Mablborough.

Ketcham Post, and the occasion was made a gala day
by the people of Marlborough. At least one thou-
sand people assembled about and near the flagpole
at the center of the village to hear the speeches. A
subscription of $100 was raised to feed the visitors.
The first oflBcers were C. M. Woolsey, Com. ; John C.
Merritt, S. V. Com.; Henry Scott, J. V. Com.; C. W.
Frost, Adj.; A. B. Hasten, Qr. Mr.; P. V. L. Purdy,
OflF. Day; R. H. Rose, Chaplain; R. Donaldson, Sur-
geon; John Valentine, OflF. Guard; R. F. Coutant,
Sergt. Maj.; R. Osterhoudt, Qr. Sergt. The other
charter members were B. F. Bailey, Phineas H.
Smith, George W. Davey, S. Hoppenstead, John
Hunter, Thomas' Elliott, Thomas Lewis, William
York, Nathaniel Horton, David Johnson, John
Masten. The charter was granted July 1, 1884. The
post has been in a flourishing condition ever sinc« its
organization, and is generally represented at either
State or national annual encampments. Many of its
charter members have died, and other veterans have
been added. Its officers for 1908 are: C. M. Woolsey,
Com. ; H. B. Crowell, S. V. Com. ; Lyman Beam, J. V.
Com.; E. R. Martin, Qr. Mr.; J. C. Merritt, OflF. Day,
and Adjutant; H. B. Scott, Chaplain; Jacob Berean,
Surgeon; David Smith, OflF. Guard. Peter V. L.
Purdy, C. W. Frost, William Tloganaugh and H. B.
Crowell have been commanders. The Decoration Day
services are always quite an event in the community.

VILLAGE OF MARLBOROUGH.

The \Tllage was incorporated in July, 1906, with
F. S. Snyder as president; C. H. Hartshorn and D.
Moslier, trustees. The present officers are F. S.
Snyder, president; C. H. Hartshorn, J. C. Wygant,
John Kix^amer, and E. B. Dexter, trustees. The popu-
lation is about 800.

Societies and Institutions. 453

fibst national bank of marlborough.

This bank was organized in August, 1907, with a
capital of $25,000. It insures deposits against loss.
The present directors are J. Foster Wygant, presi-
dent; Dr. A. H. Palmer, vice-president; C. W. Davis,
cashier; J. A. Hep worth, C. R. Gordon, Dr. David
Mosher, Franklin Clark, C. G. Mackey, C. A. Dunn,
George A. Badner and W. J. Burrows.

MARLBOROUGH HOSE COMPANY NO. 1.

This society was incorporated in March, 1897. The
officers for 1908 are; Frank Horton, president; W. P.
McConnell, first vice-president; Theo. Covert, second
vice-president; Bert Clark, recording secretary; Geo.
Suiter, financial secretary; E. B. Dexter, treasurer,
M. V. B. Morgan, Jr., foreman ; M. McMuUen, Jr. first
assistant foreman; Wm. Brown, second assistant
assistant foreman.

MILTON FIRE ENGINE ASSOCIATION.

This society was organized May 24, 1904. The offi-
cers for 1908 are: John B. Ball, president; James
Butler, first vice-president; E. F. Patten, second vice-
president; Fred Miller, secretary; C. J. Miller, treas-
urer ; Dr. J. Freston, C. J. Miller, and Edward Young,
trustees; Phillip A. Lyon, foreman; Garry Hornbeck,
first assistant foreman; Edward Ennest, second as-
sistant foreman.

MILTON-ON-THE-HUI)SON GRANGE.

The Grange was organized January, 1900. The
first officers were: Fred W. Vail, master; Thomas F.
Sears, overseer; C. M. Woolsey, lecturer; J. B. Clark,

454 History of Marlborough.

steward; Fred Taber, assistant steward; George S.
Clark, chaplain; William Bloomer, treasurer; Chas.
S. Lyons, secretary; A. B. Clark, gate keeper; Mrs.
J. R. Clarke, lady assistant steward. The present
oflBcers for 1908 are: E. R. Martin, master; William A.
Shorter, overseer ; Nicholas Hallock, lecturer ; Charles
Kniffin, steward; Frank C. Wood, assistant steward;
Fred Taber, chaplain; Thomas F. Sears, treasurer;
George S. Clark, secretary; Ensign Lyons, gate
keeper; Mrs. Fannie N. Lyons, lady assistant steward;
Mrs. F. C. Wood, Ceres; Mrs. J. R. Clark, Pomona;
Mrs. Charles Kniffin, Flora. Present membership,
seventv-five.

^ ' MARLBOROUGH GRANGE NO. 904.

The Marlborough Grange was instituted March,
1901, with the following officers: Daniel Lockwood,
master; Cornelius Bloomer, overseer; James Car-
penter, lecturer; Samuel Wygant, steward; Henry
Coutant, assistant steward; Mrs. A. B. Eckerson,
lady assistant steward; A. B. Eckerson, chaplain; Fred
Baker, treasurer; Crawford Harcourt, seci-etary, Wm.
S. Purdy, gate keeper. The officers for 1908 are : C.
H. Baildon, master; Benj. Harcourt, overseer; Geo.
H. Trickett, lecturer; Charles Bloomer, steward;
Chester Gaede, assistant steward; Mrs. Ed. Reynolds,
lady assistant steward; K. A. Clack, chaplain; Joseph
Bloomer, treasurer; F. E. McCarthy, secretary; Edgar
Sleight, gate keejver; E. W. Barnes, commercial secre-
tary; Miss ]\Iae Lawson, Ceres; Mrs. J. E. Sleight,
Pomona; Miss Lola Baildon, Flora. The present
memhershi)) is ninety-four.

These two Granges, though only instituted a few
years, show a large membership. They are composed
of the best and most progressive farmers in the town.
They buy necessary supplies in large quantities at

Societies and Institutions. 455

wholesale prices and for cash. They have organized
a Grange insurance for farm j^roperty in the counties
of Ulster and Orange ; and now more than $4,000,000
of property is insured. Fires are few and the in-
surance premium light. Fred W. Vail of this place
has been the president of such company since its or-
ganization; Henry 0. Cooley has been its treasurer,
and David Merritt, of the town of Lloyd, secretary.
The Grange organization has been a source of great
benefit to the farming community; it has effected
much good, and exerted a wide influence.

FREE MASONRY.

After the War of the Revolution, there was a
flourishing Free Mason lodge at Lattintown, in the
house where Odell now lives. The upper room in the
house, where the meetings were held, is now sub-
stantially as when the lodge was there. There were
many members from this and surrounding towns, and
it flourished for many years. Afterward the lodge
was changed in 1804 to the tavern kept by Nathaniel
Harcourt, in the old house on the post road near
Lyon's corner, recently torn down by A. J. Hepworth.
I believe this lodge continued until about 1840, since
which time there has been no lodge of this order in
the town. This last lodge was called United Lodge,
No. 108, of Marlborough, and was chartered April 3,
1804. Benjamin F. Patten, Miles J. Fletcher and
others served as masters of this lodge.

SARAH HULL HALLOCK F^IEE LIBRARY.

Sarah Hull Hal lock by her will left an endowment
fund to maintain a free library at Milton. She died
•in 1884, and during the same year Dorcus Hull,

456 History of Mablborough.

George S. Clarke, Margaret B. Ball, C. S. Northrip
and Winslow M. Bell were appointed trustees; in
1885 a set of by-laws were adopted. In December,
1886, the library was duly incorporated under **An
act for incorporation of library societies, passed in
1875, and acts amendatory thereof," as the Sarah
Hull Hal lock Library Association of Milton. The
articles of incorporation provided as follows:

1. The Corporate name of such society shall be " The Sarah
H. Hallock Library Assn. of Milton/'

2. The business and object of such society shall be the ac-
cumulation and maintenance of a library of books, pamphlets,
periodicals, etc., for the use of the people of the village of
Milton in the town of Marlboro, county of Ulster, and state
of New York.

3. The trustees of said society shall be five in number and
the names of the trustees for the first year are as follows:
Ethan Parrot, Townsend Sherman, George Clark, Sarah Walter
Hallock and Dorcus Hull.

4. The library of said society and its place of business shall
be located in the village of Milton aforesaid. Dated, Milton,
December 24, 1886.

The present trustees are C. S. Northrip, Geo. S.
Clarke, Issae S. Crook, Mrs. Cxeo. S. Clarke, Mrs. K.
W. Hallock. The library has been at the Woolsey
buildini^: since 1SJ)(). It has ui>ward of 3,000 volumes
of standard works, and it is bein^ added to yearly by
])urehase of editions of new works, together with
those whieli are donated by friends. Besides the in-
come from the endowment, money has been obtained
by sul)scrii)tion and in various ways, so that there
are always ami)le funds on hand to carry on the
library successfully. The l)ooks are all catalogued,
etc., according to the modern system, and all books
called for are (luickly obtained. The library is
()l)ened at stated times for the delivery of books, and
some of the ladies of the village are always in at-
tendance, and gratuitously render their services. It
is patronized by the entire community.

Societies and Institutions. 457

the present business interests and enterprises.

Franklin Clark, Elmer Wygant and the Marl-
borough Manufacturing & Supply Co., are largely en-
gaged in the manufacture of fruit and berry cups and
packages; and the Marlborough Manufacturing &
Supply Co. are dealers in all kinds of lumber and sup-
plies for building purposes, etc.

Charles A. Hartshorn, John C. Merritt, E. B.
Dexter, Elbert Warren, Charles Warren, George A.
Badner, Dun & Edwards, E. J. Cumskey and Charles
Kniffin are merchants and have general stores.

Geo. A. Young and Baxter Bros, are millers and
dealers in flour, feed, grain, etc.; William Y. Velie,
extensive florist; C. R. Gorden, druggist; T. M.
Hughes and Marlborough Plumbing Co., heaters,
plumbers and dealers in hardware; Stephen D. War-
ren and John l>ecker, blacksmiths, etc.; Jas. Mc-
Gowen, Moses McMullen, Mathew Morgan, hotel
keepers; also William Smith and P^mmit Warren,
dealers in meats, fish, etc. ; and last, but not least, we
have the Marlborough ** Record," a weekly news-
paper.

The above industries and enterprises are all located
in the village of Marlborough, while those that follow
are in Milton.

L. Mackey and ]\Iilton Manufacturing & Supply
Co., manufacturers of cups, fruit and l>erry packages,
and the supply company deals in lumber and coal;
R. J. Dickey, druggist; Charles P. Thorn, cooper;
J. J. Kaley, Isaac Crook, William F. Spratt., mer-
chants and general stoi'ekeepers ; William A. Goeh-
ringer, plumber, hardware, tinsmith and confections;
C. J. Miller, barber, cigars, tobacco, etc., and general
assortment of all kinds of men's clothing; A. J. Booth,
H. B. Crowell, blacksmiths, wagons and hardware;
H. H. Hallock, manufacturer of cider and wines;
Robert W. Hallock, miller and dealer in all kinds of

458 History of Marlborough.

flour, feed and grain. He is occupying the same
premises occupied by his father and grandfather for
over a hundred years. He commenced the present
business at the age of twenty-one. He has an exten-
sive business, which is inci'^asing; Charles DeGraff,
Edward Thiel and Isaac Ferguson, hotel keepers;
Philip Lyon and William H. Donaldson, florists; E.
F. Patten, Theodore Rhodes and J. J. Kaley, butchers
and meat supplies.

THE MILTON MILLS.

The Milton Mills is a New York State corj^oration ;
Mr. E. H. Dick is president and treasurer. The
goods produced are astrakhans, glove linings, eider-
downs, and a general line of goods made in knitting
mills of this character. Some five hundred styles are
made, so it is quite impossible to mention them all.
A very fine line of linen mesh is made here. The mill
runs by steam, and has its own electric light plant.
It is conveniently situated within a short distance of
tlic (l(»i)ot and steamboat landings. The mill expects
to increase the ])nsiness to a great extent during the
comiiii;- year, and will add much to the ])rosi>erity of
tlie ])lace.

The pro])erty was formerly owned by the Henry H.
HclPs Sons Co.

THE MILTON FOUNDRY.

This foundry was carried on by John Ball, de-
ceased, foi- ui)war(ls of fifty years with great success.
It is now owned and incori)orated under the name of
the Milton Foundry and ^lachine Co. It is connected
with a lar^'c firm or comi)any in Xew York city, and
is doing an extensive business. The property for-
nierlv l)elon.i»:ed to the John Ball estate, and John B.

The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 459

Ball n-egotiated the sale and, through his instru-
mentality, has added a new industry to the place.

Felic Pantuseo lias a general store; sells foreign
goods and merchandise; runs an extensive bakery
which supplies the country for miles around witli
bread. The business is very successful.

The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town.

We have seen that most of the earlier settlers and
families came her-e from Long Island and Westchester
•county. They were people who had previously settled
at such places or their descendants; they were mostly
English or descendants of those Holland families who
had gone over to England during the reign of King
Henry VII and VIII, owing to the troubles in their
own country and the inducements offered them to
settle in England, and had lived in England some
time before they came to America. They came up here
mostly in sloops or brought their goods, cattle, etc.,
by land to and across the river here; and a rude scow
and sail ferry, with oars, was early established for
that purpose. A few families would come together,
and their relatives and neighbors would soon follow,
so that by 1750 many had located here and were clear-
ing up the lands and making permanent improve-
ments. At the commencement of the Revolution we
see by the number of men who signed the Articles of
Association, there must have been quite a population
and a thriving farming community. The dwellings
up to this time were mostly of stone or logs, but after
the year 1800 most of the houses built were frame
structures. The ])Opulation increased (juite ra])idly.
The families were large and the chihlren generally
settled in the same neighborhood. The tide of foreign
emigration did not set in until about 1850; some had

460 History of Marlborough.

com€ here before, but since then foreign emigration
has been rapid — mostly from Ireland, though quite
a number of Germans have settled here, and some
other nationalities. They have been mostly an agri-
cultural class, having been small farmers in their own
country. They were good people — honest, thrifty
and industrious; they accumulated property, bought
farms, raised large families, and became respected
members of the community. Many of our best and
most enterprising citizens have descended from these
emigrants. The Irish people have erected and sup-
ported two large and flourishing Catholic churches
with parsonages and separate priests, and a large
cemetery. Most of the emigration is now from Italy ;
many families arrive each year and purchase the
smaller and cheai)er farms. They are a frugal and
industrious people, and manufacture large quantities
of wine and i)urchase a great amount of the grapes
raised here, doing an extensive business in this di-
rection.

The water courses of the town are confined to a
few siiiail streams enii>tying into the Hudson. In
former times wlien the country was new the water was
held back in the foi>ests and swamps and had a niueli
larger flow, and rarely went dry in times of drought,
and alTorded power the year round for many mills
and factories; they also contained trout in earlier
times. Some are now stocktnl with trout.

The surface is broken and hilly, rising from the
banks of the riv(»r to the Marlborough mountains, or
as tliey are called in (iraham's Patent, '' the Blue
^Mountains," a rocky ridge along the west bounds
with an v'levation of about 1,000 feet above tidewater.
The soil irenerally is a dark, rich loam or clay, and
admirably ada])te(l to <::eneral agriculture and graz-
ing, which was the chief occni)ation of the earlier in-
ha])itants. Rut fifty or sixty years ago the soil and

The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 461

climate were found to be favorable to the raising of
all kinds of fruit, and the high prices tlien prevailing
induced many to abandon agriculture and make a
speciality of fruit raising. The first of the small
fruit raised, to any extent, was the Antwerp rasp-
berry, claimed to liav« been brought over from Hol-
land. For several years this berry was raised with
great success; it was the staple crop of fruit. It
grew in abundance and brought fancy prices. Many
people date the commencement of their prosperity
from this berry. It was a rich berry dark red in
color and of a peculiar fragrance. It bore for sev-
eral weeks and was the best and richest raspberry
ever raised about hei^, though we now have a dozen
varieties, but it ran its course in about twenty years,
when it almost ceased to grow. No careful cultivation
or fertilizing could coax it back to its former pro-
duction— in fact it simply went out of existence and
now is unknown. The lands are given up to a large
extent to the raising of fruit, which grows in abund-
ance and is profitable when properly managed. There
are many large vineyards, and strawberries, rasp-
berries, blackberries and currants show abundant
yields. Large quantities of the best quality of peaches
are raised. There are many apple and pear orchards ;
in fact, no better fruit is raised.

The farms have been divided into small tracts of a
few acres and upwards upon which families live and
prosper. The soil stands dry weather well. With
proper cultivation, fertilizing and attention the yield
of all the fruits are large. People wishing to com-
mence the cultivation of fruit would do well to first
visit this town and see for themselves the conditions
and success of fruit raising here. The advantage of
railroad connection to all sections of the countiy, and
the cheap and easy transportation by the river, make

462 History of Marlborough.

it an ideal place from which to ship whatever may be-
raised.

The West Shore railroad has been of great benefit;
most of the trains stop at both Milton and Marl-
borough; it furnishes refrigerator cars and ships
fruit wherever desired. The great hotels of New
York city, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal and other
cities are furnished with peaches and other fruit di-
rect from here. The gross receipts of some of our
fruit growers are from $10,000 to $20,000 a year.
Large sums are paid out for fertilizers and for work-
ing and shipping the crop; and anyone can obtain
ready employment at good wages. There are 1,000
persons who come here annually to help during the
picking season. More acreage of fruit is set out
every year and fruit raising here is becoming a
regular science. Though none of our people grow
rich, as riches are spoken of and accumulated in other
avocations, yet they are wealthy and prosperous for
tillers of the soil. Their children attend high schools
and colleges, many keej) town and city places and
spend their winttu's in f]urope or in the South. Over
a million dollars' worth of fruit is ship])ed or sold
from here every year. Lands are now celling readily
and advancing in i)rice.

Graded schools and churches are numerous. Both
ends of the town have rural free delivery. A state
road extending the entire length of the town is alx)ut
to be built. Both villages are lighted with electric
lights. Telei)hones and telegraphs are numerous.
We have the best of banking facilities — one bank in
this town, one in an adjoining town, and many af
Ponghkeepsie and Xewburgh, between which places
then^ is almost constant comnninieation. We are but
a few miles from either. There are also several
fraternal societies.

The People, Lands and Conditions of the Town. 463

The town has for long been noted as a summer re-
sort, many families and prominent people spending
their summers here. The climate and scenery are
unsurpassed. All boarding houses do well and there
is an opening for a larger and more modern class of
houses. Beautiful sites for such buildings are to be
found all along the banks of the Hudson commanding
extensive views of the river and surrounding country,
and can be obtained reasonably. There is a river
front of seven miles.

The increase in population has been remarkable.
The population in 1865 was 2,733; in 1900 it was
3,978, showing a larger percentage of increase than
the city of Kingston or any of the towns, except
Rosendale. and this while most of the towns have
stood stiU or lost in population.

INDEX.

/•6 T ; « •^ '

Acker, William, 347.
Adams, Ann, 427.

Nathaniel, 263.

Samuel, 426, 427.
Advance Lodge of Odd Fellows,

451.
Akerly, Rev. Samuel M., 421, 422,

423.
Albertson, Richard, 35, 245.
Allegiance, Oath of, 100, 210.
Ancestors. Our, 86-89.
Ancient Customs and Habits, 285-
297.

Manuscripts of the Weather,
297-302.
Andros, Gov. Edmond, 259.
Antwerp, Raspberry, 283, 284,

461.
Articles of Association :

Signers of, 96-99.

Objectors, 99.
Assembly, Act of:

Appointing Com'rs of High-
ways, 22, 24.

Dividing Precinct, 24.

Forming Precincts, 22.
Assembly, Colonial, Act of :

Annuling patent, 19.
Assessors' Oath, 210.
Assessment Roll (1815), 242.
Atherton, Jonathan, 405.
Ayres, Andrew, 117, 118.

Bailey, Nathaniel, 359.

Ballad, 241.

Baptist Church Society, 405-414.

Notes from the Church Book,
406-413.

Pastors, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411,
412, 413.
Barbarie, John, 27, 35.

Patent of, 27, 33. 34, 33, 245.
261.

Mrs. Elizabeth, 35.
Barges, 252.
Barnegat, 443. 444-
Barrett, Absalom, 36, 256.

Samuel A., 56. 80, 234.

Samuel. 412, 413.
Beebe, Samuel, 402.
Belfield, John. ^S.
Benedict. Matthew, 405, 406.

Bennitt, John, 35.

Benson, John, 440.

Birdsall, George, 243. r/ t- ?

Bolton, William, 397.

Bond, Susanna, 38, 39, 85.

Conveyances of, ^7, 38.

Capt. William, 27, 38, 39, 81,
83, 85.

Patent of, 27, 28, 30-31- 3^
^'^f 34. 3S, 242, 243, 245.

Capt. John, 348.
Brickyards. 263, 271, 444.
Brower, David, 439.
Brown, Charles, 233.
Brush, Abner, 35, 245, 256. fS^ aw 3c»t
Brush's Dock, 36, 254, 256.
Bruyn, Cornelius, 43.
Buckley, John, 247, 248, 433.
Burdge. Richard, 397.
Burial Grounds (Family), 55, 290,
291.

Places (Ancient), 34, 54, 302-
310.

Inscriptions, 303-309.
Burwell, Richmond, 406.
Business Interests and Enter-
prises, 457, 458.

Campbell, William. 47.
Carpenter, Benjamin, 91, 93, 96^
100, 448.

Joseph, 49, so, 448, 449.

Latting, 50, 448.

Richard, 91, 446.

Samuel, 24.

Wright, 91.
Case, Stephen, 43, loi, 114, 210.
Catholic Churches and Catholics,
414-418.

St. James', 417.

St. Mary's, 417.
Caverly. John. 49.

Latting. 218.

Phillip, 256
Chittenden, Nathaniel, 212, 397.
Churchill, John, 16, 17.
Clark, Rev. E. W., ^^72, 444.
Clearwater, Judge. 11.
Clinton, Dr. Charles, 100, 260.

Gov. George, 35, 104, no.
Letters to N. Y. Conven-
tion, 125, 126.

C«^l. Jame*?, 100, 104, no.

[405]

466

Index.

Coffin, Uriah, 397.
Golden, Capt. Alexander, 22, 47,
48, 216.
Cadwallader, ^7^ 48, 50, 141,
216, 450.
Transfer of land, 217.
Cadwallader, Jr., 141, 216.

Petition of, 140.
Thomas, 35.
Colden's Ridge, 216-218, 450.
Coleman, David, 85.

Somner, 444.
Committee of New York, 94.

Pledge of, 95.
Committee of Safety, In, 128.

Certificates of, 102, 143.
Committee of Safety and Obser-
vation, 91.
Congress, Continental, 107.
Proceedings of, 107.
Provincial, 96, 100.
Conventions at New Paltz, 94, 100.

Provincial, 100.
Cook, Erastus, 317.
Cooper, Ezekiel, 376, y;7, 437.

John, 376.
Couwenhoven, Lieut., 51.
Cropsey, Henry, 48.

Jeremiah, 308, 434.

Dans, Kammer, y;, 51, 53.
Dayton, Jacob, 91, 135. 138, 397-

Bond of, 136.

Will of, 137.

Thomas R., 347
Decker. Cornelius, 83.

Jacob, Jr., 83.

Samuel, 48.
De Lacet. 52.

Devine. Samuel and others. Peti-
tion of, 129.
DeWitt. Charles, 94, 100.
Deyo, Henry, 24, 446.
Docks, 249, 250. 251, 254. 255, 256,

257-
Doctors. 280, 281, 282, 283.
Dongan, Gov., 18, 52.

His Purchase from the In-
dians, 19.
Dow, Lorenzo, 399. 400. 40 ^
Drake. Reuben, 405.

Uriah, Bond of, 139.
DuBois, Mrs. Ann. 100.
Cornelius, 46.
Geartry, 42

Conveyance of, 42.
Henry, 91.
John. 46, 212.

Du B oi s — ( Continued) .

Major Lewis, 23, 24, 42. 43,
44, 91, 94, 100, 107, 108,
215, 247. 256, 259, 431.
Will of. 45.
Court Martial, 122.

Proceedings of, 123,
Lewis, Jr., 264.

Advertisements, 264.
Nathaniel, 43, 46, 347, 348-
Nathaniel H., 44.
Rachel, 233.

Wilhelmus, 45, 215, 230.
Duffie, Archibald, 47.
Dumond, Egbert, 100.

E.
Ecker, Wolvert, 91, 93, loi, 248.
Edwards, Samuel, 102.
Election. (First) :

After Marlborough became a

Town, i6t.
(Special), To Raise Money,
344, 345.
Elecry, An (Poem), 434~436.
Eley, William, 40.
Ellet, Nathan, 405.
Elliot, Isaac, 3oiB, 434.
Ellison, Capt. Thomas, 22, 348.
Ely, Andrew, 359.

Dr. Benjamin, 221, 228, 233,

260, 261.
Map of, 218-224.
Episcopal Church, Marlborough,
419-424.
Organization in Marlborough.
419.
First Officers, 419, 420.
Pastors, 420. 421. 422. 423.
Present Officers. 424.
Episcopal Church, Milton, 424-

425-
Organization, 424.

First Officers, 424.
Present Officers, 424.
Everett, Robert, 291.
Evans, Caot. John, 19. 25. 261.
Petition of, 20-21.

Facts and Incidents, 263-268.
Ferries, 253, 254, 255. 256, 443-

.'\dvcrtisemcnt of, 254.
Field. Charles, 440.
Fletcher. Gov., 19.
Foster, Elnathan :

Bond of, 128.

Petition of, 142.

Ltdex.

467

Fowler, Samuel, 23, 34.

Sarah, 12.
Free Masonry, 455.
Freer, Samuel, 266.
Friends' Society, Milton, 425~429-

Ministers, 427, 428.

Trustees, Present, 428.
Fry, Hannah F., 427, 428.

Gardner, Capt. Daniel, yj-
Gardiner, Silas:

Petition of, 130.
Gomez, Daniel, 47.

David, 47.

Jacob, 40.

Lewis, 47, 49, 85, 86.

Mordecai, 47.
Graham, Augustine, 31, 41,81, 85.

Augustus, 32.

Daniel, 33.

James, 41.
Graveyards. See Burial, etc.
Griffin, Jacob, 38.
Griggs. Alexander, z^, 41, 83, 85.

& Graham:

Patent of, 31, Z3^ 41, 44.
45. 47. 450.

Hait, John, 446.

Thaddeus, 233.
Hallock, Edward, 34, 39. 40, 246.
247. 425. 427.

Foster, 248, 427.

James, 242, 426, 427.

Jesse, 38. 39.

Nathaniel, 34.

Nicholas, 427.

Ponds, 247, 270, 271.

Samuel, 34. 35. 36, 254, 427.

Sarah, 36, z?-

Sarah Hull, 456.
Handley, Jacob, 36.
Harcourt. Benjamin, 278.

Nathaniel, loi, 233, 348, 446,
448.

Richard. 40. 348.
Hardenburgh, Col. Johannes, 94,

100.
Harris, Thomas, 83.
Harrison, Francis, ^2.

Patent of, 32.

George, 32. 50, 262.

Patent of. z^, 218. 262.
Hasbrouck, Capt. Jonathan, 2^^,
406.

Zacharias, 233.

Hawkins, Col., 237.

Hawksley, Rev. Samuel. 420, 421,

424.
Highlands, Precinct of, 22, 23.

Tax Roll of, 83.

Residents and Freeholders, 84.
Hill, Isaac, 36, 256.
Hoffman, Ida, 42, 43.

Zachariah, 22, 41, 42, 85, 86,
450.
Hombeck. Jacob, 100.
Houses, Ancient, 245, 246.
Hudson. Henry, 257.

Notes from his Journal, 258.

River, 22. 257.
Humphrey, John, Jr.. 22.
Hunter, James, 38, 39.

Indians, 51-56.

Trails, 53, 54.

Forts, 54.

Tribes, 54.

Burying Ground. 54, 55.
Invasion of Canada, The, 104-107.

Jansen, Pieter. 83, 85.

Jay, John, 278.

Jef row's Hook. 220. 259-261.

Justices of the Peace, 276, 277,

279.
Commission of Appointment,
277, 278.

Kelsey, Nathaniel, 91, 348.
Kennedy, Archibald, 32, 40, 47.

Patent of, 32.
Kenney, Rev. E. J. A., 417. 4i8.
Ketcham, Annanias, 397.

Lieut. Edward, 317, 319, 320,
336, 343.
Letters to his Mother,
321-328.
John. 319. 320. 336, 347.

Funeral Sermon, ^2)^

341.
Letters to his Mother,
326, ^27, Z^^liZ. 334,
335.
Post, 451, 452.
Kill. Old Man's. 20. fk), 81.
Kniffin, Euphina, 49.

Samuel. 50.
Knights of Pythias. 451.
Knowlton, Daniel. 230, 426,
Thomas, yj, 40.

H'^bf.'^' 35

468

Index.

Land Grants, 27-51.
Lane, Henry, 49.
Lattingtown, 24, 403, 404, 446-450.
Latting, John, 49, 448.

Sarah, 448.
Lfiwson, Oliver, 347.
Lawyers, 279, 280.
LeFevre, Isaac, 46.
Lester, Allen, 243, 359. 7. ^, /^^p-j)

Daniel, 349. xiui xHs^n-if
Levies. See Regiment, loi.
Lewis, Elijah, 40, 91, 246, 256.

Micajah, 102.

Valentine. 349.

Zadoc, 348.

Z. N., 402.
Library, Free, S. H. Hallock, 455,

456.
Lockwood, Eli T., 278.

Henry, 91.

Isaac, 124.

Joseph, 212 .

Josiah, 36, 402.
Bond of, 139.
Lon^bottom, James H., 402, 441.
Low, Isaac, 91.

Mackey, Jurian, 37, 38, 39.
Manitonomah (Poem), 56-80.
Mann, Nehemiah H., 334, 335,

347-
Mapcs, Robert D., 347.
Barnabus M., 402.
Marks of Cattle, 201-203.
Marlborough :

Boundaries of Town, 25.
Description of, 243, 244.
Duke of, 16, 17.
Maid of, The (Poem). 268,

26c).
Organization of Town. 22.
Marlbrirough, Neu% Precinct of,
24, 222.
Population of (1790), 82.
Committee of, 91.
Power of, 92.
Election of Oft'icers in, 102,

103.
Population of Town. 244, 463.
Society. 43.
MarlbornuirJi^ Town of. iS-27.
Field Book and Map of Par-
tition. 45, 46.
How the Town Derived Its

Xamc. 16-18.
In the Civil War. 346. 347.
In the Revolution, 9i-i4'8.

Marlborough Village, 215, 431-
437.
Business Enterprises, 457.
First National Bank, 453.
Grange No. 904, 454.
Hose Co. No. i, 453.
Incorporation of, 452.
Postmasters of, 436.
Martin, William, 107, 348.
McKJnney, Arthur, 127.
Petition of, 131.
Petition for Release of, 132.
Mee, Rev. James Francis, 415, 416,

417.
Members of Assembly, etc., 270.
Merritt, Caleb, 24.
Charles, 402.
David, 446, 447.
George, 47, 48.

Conveyance of, 48, 49.
Josiah, 229, 233.
Humphrey :

Bond of, 127.
Leonard, 308, 434.
Methodism, 375-397.

Newburgh Circuit, 377, 398.
Qasses of, 377, 378.
Preachers, 398.
Organization, 375.
Methodist Episcopal Society, Mil-
ton, 397.
Methodist Church, Marlborough,
401-403.
Ministers, 402, 403.
Stewards, Present, 403.
Trustees (1830), 402.
Present, 403.
Methodist Church, Milton, 397-

399-
Ministers, 399.
Stewards, 399.
Trustees (First). 397.

(1845). 398.
Present. 399.
Methodist Church, Lattintown,
403. 404.
Trustees (1848), 404.
Middagh, Jacob:

Petition of, 127.
Militia. loi. See Regiment.
Millard, Charles, 233, 247. 257,359,

431.
Advertisements of, 431, 432.
Walter. 432, 433-
Milton. 437-446.
Academy. 444.
Business Enterprises, 457.
Fire Engine Association. 453.
Foundry, 458.
(-on-Hudson) Grange, 453.

Index.

469

> 5.' - •
0 3^?.^.

Milton — (Continued).

Land Grants (Dock Prop-
erty), 36.

Mills, 458.

Postmasters of, 445.

Savings Bank, 444.
Mills and Factories, Ancient,

247-249.
Montgomery, Gen., 105, 106.
Moodney Creek, 19, 22.
Morey, Joseph, 24, 91, 94, 100, 348.
Morres, Cornel:

Patent of, 37.
Morris, Euphemia, 448.
Gouvemeur :
'* \ ^^ Resolution on Motion of,

^'' 144.

Lewis, 448.
Patent of, 31, 49.
and Graham Patent, 450.
Murderer's Kill, 19, 22, 52.

N.
National Pioneer, 437.

Advertisements of, 438-443.
Negro Children, Registry of, 214.
Negroes. See Slaves.
Newburgh Circuit. See Metho-
dism.
Precinct, 23, 24, 40, 100.
Newman, John, 444.

John H., 444.
New Marlborough. See Marl-
borough.
New Netherlands:

Description of the Natives, 53.
New Paltz Patent, 220, 260, 261.
New Windsor, 22, 23.
Nicholson, John, 100.
Nicoll's Landing. Sec Docks, 35,

36.
Nottingham, Samuel, 427.

Stephen, 218, 219, 221, 222,

348.
Oath of Office. 211.

Oakley, Peter C. 399.
Officers. Town (1818), 171.

(1840), 175. 176.
Ostram, James I, 212, 358.
Ostrander, David, 348.
Our Country's Quarrel (Poem),

238-240.
Overseers of Highway and Men,

List of (1800), 168-171.
Overseers of Highway and Men,

List of (1818) 171-175.
Overseers of Highway and Men,

List of (1840), 176-181.

Patents, 27-50.
Path Master.s, 161-165.
Pauling, Levi, 38, 94» 104-
People, Lands and Conditions of

Town, 459-463.
Perkins, Aaron, 408, 409, 410, 411,
412.

Abijah, 91, 94, 96, 99-
Pinkney, Thomas, 308, 434.
Plattekill, Town of, etc., 19, 22,
24, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223.

Formation of, 25.

Separation from Marlbor-
ough, 165, 166.
Point, Blue, 22, 220.
Polhemus, Cornelius, 438.
Political Index (Newspaper), 432,

447.
Poll List (1834), 310-315.
Ponds, 271, 272, ^73.
Potter, Nathaniel. 91, 118, 291, 348.
Powell, Jacob, 250, 2^6, 443.

Thomas, 250, 256.
Pratt. George W., 3^7-
Precinct Meetings, 149-159.
Presbyterian (Thurch, Milton,
37^-374-

Elders, 373, 374-

Ministers, 372, 373.

Trustees (First), 371.
Presbyterian Society and Church,

351-357.
Deed for Lot, 354.
Elders, 359, 363.
Ministers. 358-363.
New organization, 357-363.
Records, 353-357. 364-37 J.
Baptism of Children of

Members. 371.
Baptisms, Marriages, etc..
364-371.
Subscriptions, 353, 355.
Purdy, Francis, 47.
(Tonveyance of, 48.
Isaac. 348.

Silas, 91, 94, 248, 446.
William J., 317, 343, 347, 405-

Quassaick, 18, 23, 54.
Quick, Jurey(Jury, Jurian, etc.),
41, 42, 43. 44, 85, 86, 348.
Thomas, 42, 348.
Quimby, James. 233.

Levi, 34. 132, 133. 134.

Oath of Allegiance. 133.
Petitions of, 132, 133.
Recognizance of, 134.
Moses, 50.

470

Index.

Quimby — (Continued).

Nathaniel, Petition of, 133.
Peter, 252, 441.

Records for Care of the Poor,

205-209.
Records of Strayed Stock, 204,
205.
Presbyterian Society. Se«
Presbyterian, etc.
Regiment, Cantine's, 108.

Fifth (Lewis DuBois), 108,
109.
Prisoners of, no.
Fourth, loi.
Roswell Hopkin's, 108.
Southern, Minute Men, loi.
Third (Ulster), 104.

Officers of Fourth and
Tenth Co., 105.
Thomas, 108.

Twentieth, of Militia, 317.
One Hundred and Twentieth,

3^7. 341.
One Hundred and Fifty-sixth,

317, 343-
Relyea, Dennis (Old Dennis, Den-

nie, etc.), 20, 81, 83, 85, 261.
Revolution, Marlborough in the,
91-148.
See Marlborough.
Associated Exempts, 102.
Day of Rejoicing, 145.
Levies, loi.

Order or Proclamation, 147.
Rhodes, Joseph, laS.
Roads, Ancient. 219, 220.

Descriptions of, 18.^-199.
Robert, J. J. A., 228, 231, 232, 233.
Roe, C. S., 252, 438, 439. 440, 441,

443-
Rose. Lieut.. 126.

Cashiered for Insubordina-
tion, 116.
Petition of, 127.

SafiPord, Horatio Gate. 243.
Sales of Land. 266. 267.
Sands. Benjamin. 36. 37, 256.

David, j6, 427. 437.

Dock. See Docks, 36, :^7, 249.
School Commissioners, 211, 212.
Schoonmaker, E.ijbert. 80.
Schuyler. Gen.. 105.
Sears, Sherburne. 36.
Seven Patentees. 33.

Sharpe, Col. George H., 317, 341,

342.
Shawangunk Mountains, 19.
Sherman, James, 36.
Sherwood, Joseph, 229.
Simson, Solomon, 34.
Slavery and Slaves, 224-234.

Bills of Sale, 228, 229.

Manumission of Slaves, 230-
232.

Registry of Births, 230, 232.

233.
Slavery, To (Poeni)^ 234. 235.
Sloop " Sally." See Vessels,

139. 249, 251.
Smith, Anning, 34, 36. 104, 247,

249, 348.

Eben, 398, 399.

Eliphalet, 243.

Graveyard. See Burial, etc,
35, 55. 303-305.

John M., 34.

John, 91.

Leonard. 34, loi, 247, 303, 359.
Petition of, 138.

Leonard, Jr., 34.

Lewis, 34.

Ludlam, 348.

LuflF, 34, 401.

Nehemiah L., 46, 405, 406.

Richard, 212.
Societies and Institutions, 451-459.
Soper, William, 36, 46, 212, 256.

Abrani D., 27S, 348. 402.
Stanton, Benjamin, 49, 448.
Staples, David, 212, 349, 397.
Steamboat Notice. See Vessels.

252.
Stilwell, Samuel, 349.
Stratton, John, 102.
St. John, Rbenezer, 117.

Anson, 439.
Supervisors. 273, 274.
Sutton, Joshua, 426.

Taber, Stephen, 427, 428.
Tappen. Christian, 232.

Christopher, ico, 397.

George, 406.

John, 265.
Tavern Keepers (i795. 179^), 211.
Tavlor, Charles H., 442.

' Mrs. M. B., 442.
Terboss (Terbush), Henry, 91, 94,

loi. 402.
Thorn, William, 425.
Thorne, James. 247, 433.

John, 247, 433.

Index.

471

Tories, 143, 144.

Tow-Boat "Atlanta" (Notice),

252. See Vessels.
Town Clerks, 275.

Mattery, Ancient, 211-214.

Meetings, 159-161, 165-167.
Townsend, Benjamin, 2^3, 242,
278.

Samuel, 117.

Petition of, 119.
Transportation, 249-253.
Tuttle, Selah, 437.

Ulster Plebeian (Newspaper),
Extracts from, 265.

Valentine, Annanias, 308, 434.

Van DeWater, Joseph. See Slav-
ery, 228.

Vaughns Expedition up the River,
113-116.

Vessels, 249-253.

Warren, Thomas, 446.

Wallkill, Precinct of. 23.

War, Civil. See Marlborough,

317-319.

Enlistments, 346, 347.

Mexican, 237.

of 181 2, 237.
Washington's Headquarters. 23.
Webster, Daniel, 86.
Wentworth, Hugh. 35. 261.
Westbrook, Gen. Frederick, 237.
West Shore Railroad, 462.
Weynant (Wygant), William, 3:

38,39.
Wickham, William. 50.

Transfer of Land. 217.

Wiggins, Elizabeth, Petition of,

120.
Wood, Capt. Jacob, 112, 249, 256.

Exempts in his Company, no,
III.
Wood's Vindication, 113.

John, 46, 249, 348, 426.
Woolsey, C. M., 347, 348.

Daniel, 108.

David \V., 348, 413.

Elijah, 379.
Experiences of, 379-397.

Henry, 108, 397.

John, 43, 55.9i»94» 108, 378.

John, Jr., 108.

Josiah, 108.

Noah, 108, 231, 405, 406.

Richard, 12, 24.
Conveyance of, 40.

Richard L, 397.

Thomas, 50, 379, 397. .4 5^ t- !Bf^ a^

William, 108, 348.

Commission of, 103, 104.

William B., 50, 217, 218.
Wright, Jacob, 425.
Wygant, Jane, 39, 223.

John, 233.

John W.. 46, 349.

Jurcy. 39. 223.

Michael, 39, 348.

Nick, 91.

Nathaniel, 102.

Thomas, 406.

W^illiam, 40.

Young, Alexander, 34, 425.
Edward. 283, 284.
John, 34. 41. 245, 348, 425.
William C, 263.

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